Books You Should Read

While packing up my life into boxes I came across my mini library. Instead of a white picket fence, I dreamt that one day I would have a massive library in my house with a moving ladder like the one in Beauty and the Beast. After years of collecting and putting away, I have realized recently that my future library is taking shape quite rapidly. While doing all this I found some books I have read in the past that you should read too if you’re into reading.

Books can be like music in a way where they fill that certain void. Whether you desire happiness or sadness, books, like music, can bring that out. And although there are more than enough mindless reality tv shows out there, there are some books that are simply entertaining just as much but at least you’re learning something new and you’re not a contributor to the decline in literacy rates.

Russian criminal tattoos. ‘Nuff said. This is what I was talking to about when it came to simply entertaining books. You don’t have to get into it or read it in order. If you’re into Russian criminal tattoo’s watch The Mark of Cain.

As much of a fan as I am of the Beat Generation and Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters, I’m not entirely into Tom Wolfe. It took me about half way until I started enjoying The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test but it was a good read in the end.

Bukowski, Bukowski, Bukowski. There is nothing bad to say here. Although there are some new authors that I enjoy getting lost in, Bukowski remains bar none. If you’re thinking of getting into the mind of this grumpy, brutally honest, and romantically idealistic but challenged old man with the biggest balls I’ve ever seen start with Women.

I have had plenty of arguments with female counterparts who can’t fathom the idea that Bukowski loved women. The conversation then goes into how much of a sexist pig Bukowski was and how he hated women. These are people that are missing the point, and read only the words that are in front of them instead of getting into the author’s rollercoaster of emotions; love over-ruled by the inability to show it, self-torture, and alcoholism.

I loved James Frey even after Oprah booted him out of her book club for being a fraud with A Million Little Pieces and I love him still. From A Million Little Pieces, to My Friend Leonard, Bright Shiny Morning to this wildly entertaining masterpiece, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible won’t disappoint (unless you’re deeply religious, believe in Jesus, and can’t take a joke. Then you definitely won’t like it).

The book focus’ on Jesus as modern day figure living amongst society and told in the point of view of people that meet and/or have relationship’s with him. The book is laid out in Bible format which adds to the exuberant ideals of James Frey. Read it, love it, question it.

Needham was an underrated Canadian columnist for the Globe and Mail during the 60’s. These two books are packed with short stories pertaining to politics, society, and taking jabs at various Canadian cities. If Needham was still around today, maybe we would have had a chance at being recognized for humour. I highly recommend reading these books.