Tryna get ta sunny californy (Top 10 Books)

Member Name: sickboyedd

Product:	Top 10 Books
Date:	14/10/01 (1092 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good read

Disadvantages: Useless if you can't read

My top 10 books list is a highly variable thing, depending on mood, memory ability at the time and even on what I'm listening to as I compile it.

Right now I'm pretty happy, I remembered where I left my watch last night and am listening to Cake, Eels and other slightly 'oddball' bands. So, here's my list, in no particular order:

On The Road - Jack Kerouac

The book is basically an account of Kerouacs vast journeys across America, visiting friends along the way. What makes it special is the mood Kerouac sets, one of joy and curiosity. Kerouac describes his surroundings, his fellow travellers, his feelings, anything that he felt meant something to him. Whilst reading it, it feels like you're with Kerouac, sharing his experiences ( - The book is autobiographical but uses different names to avoid libel), sharing his joy for life. I love this book, it's inspiring and shares with the reader a genuine and heartfelt love of the journey.

One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest - Ken Kesey

After catching glimpses of the film with the mighty Jack Nickelson (spelling!) playing R.P. McMurphy when I was young, I leapt at the chance of reading the book. From the same era as Kerouac, influenced by Kerouac too, Kesey catches onto the mood of the Beat generation with his rugged hero. Narrated through the eyes of an old American Indian, the story follows the progress of McMurphys struggles with the staff of a mental institution. The genius of the book lies in the interaction between characters, all of whom feel real, thanks to excellent characterisation. The fact that the book is better than the absolutely brilliant film (in my opinion) is an indicator of how good it is.

1984 - George Orwell

Describing a futuristic world where the state controls everything and watches everyone, Orwell taps into the fears of many readers of what could be. History becomes irrelevent, patriotism everything as war constantly
rages against an unseen enemy. Within this world lies the main character, whose every actions are described in detail, making you "Big Brother"!.

The Unadulterated Cat - Pratchett and Joliffe

In the past I've had several pet cats and out of all the books which profess to knowledge of cat behaviour, this is the best. Pratchetts genius lies in abstractly humourous explainations of what cats get up to, bringing in chess, Shrodinger and unusual cat names all in the same book. It's a VERY funny book.

Good Omens - Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett

This, in my opinion, is Pratchetts finest book. Containing the wit and fun of Pratchett with the darker, more opaque drama of Gaimen produces a novel greater than the sum of its' parts. Since both authors are superb, it's a tremendous achievement. Based around the Armageddeon scenario often trod by Robert Rankin, the plot revolves around the actions of several characters, including DEATH and the other horsemen (descibed brilliantly!) as well as the other four horsemen (read it to discover who they are).

Generation X - Douglas Copeland

Copeland has a knack of not letting a plot get in the way of his novels. Whilst characters and events occur, the real meat of his work lies in his exploration of the self, he's a Zen author if such a thing existed. This book explores 20 something lives, worries and achievement in the '90's. It's a thought provoking book.

The Aenied - Virgil

An oldie, the Aenied I studied at school in Classical Studies, an offshoot of History. What makes it such a good book is it's retelling of Homers "The Odyssey" incorporating Roman history. The character Aenius starts his role in the book as a coward and becomes a hero. Virgil makes full use of his desciptive powers to weave a tail of tragedy, heroics and love, sprinkling in the supernatural too. It has it all, and providing you can get
used to the translated Roman syntax, it's an enjoyable read

The Great American Novel - Keith Malley

Malley is undoubtadly one of the most morally debased characters there is. His book is basically an autobiography of his life, him taking great relish in the mockery of others. Sometimes verging on offensive, his main strength lies in that he is both interesting and funny.

The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

Societies obsession with success and its favouritism toward men gave Plath some of her inspiration towards this book. The book gives a emotive view of life as a teenage/20s girl, but does so with both subtlety and eloquence.

American Psyco - Brett Easton Ellis

Set in the 80's, the life of Patrick Batemen is described in it's full horrific and shallow detail. Alternating between description of extreme violence and mundane men styling tips, it's unsettling how Ellis makes the 'hero' gradually become more animalistic and yet also more human as he commits his brutal acts. Deplorable as he may be, Bateman exposes the meaninglessness of the money driven society in which he lives.




As I remember more books, I'm sure the list will change accordingly. Until that time, see ya....

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