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222 RESPONSES TO "30 BOOKS EVERYONE SHOULD READ BEFORE THEIR 30TH BIRTHDAY"
bipolar2
Irrelevant -- as all such lists. There's no canonic literature -- what holds the center is conformity.
A canon is always "elitist.” Some overlapping combination of linguistic conformity, ethnic conformity, political conformity, religious conformity, economic conformity.
Name your variables, construct your own canon. Or, list readings you regard as core and deduce how conformist you are. What should a “brazen careerist” have read by age 22? -- 30 is way too old!
Assuming that education at an elitist prep-school and elitist college or university was beyond your mental or fiscal means, then you must read the works expected by prep-school grads and up to the sophomore level in elite places. Do I need to name the places? I think not.
However, there’s much more. And this must be done by age 30. Your cultural level needs to be enhanced, not your preparation for a career. For example, if you know nothing about fine art, classical music, ballet to mention non-verbal aspects of (narrowly Western) cultural appreciation, you will remain a careerist, a low level careerist.
Of course, chance will have a greater role than you ever imagined. But then as the commonplace goes, “Chance favors the prepared mind.”
Hmmm...Well, I agree to a certain extent - but on the other hand, can one truly understand many of these works to their fullest extent without also understanding the many underlying religious references included in these works?
August 13, 2008 4:34 pm
Rachel
Almost all of these books are DWM Lit! What gives?
How about adding a few Wymin and minority selections please??? I suggest the following:
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
2. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
3. Jane Eyre by Emily Bronte
4. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
5. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
7. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
8. Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
9. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
10. Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
11. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
12. Typical American by Gish Jen
13. No-No Boy by John Okada
14. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
15. Anthem by Ayn Rand
I could furnish a full 30 and then some, but will stop here for the sake of brevity. I do think the books listed in the article are essentially worth reading, (as I have read most of them myself), but I think they offer a very narrow and limited perspective of the world... If you wish to expand your horizons and break free of the traditional patriarchal paradigm however, PLEASE consider reading the books on MY list. And, if you need MORE suggestions, feel free to drop me an email.
September 10, 2008 11:11 pm
Nestor
Great list, what I liked is the authors mix (Europe, Latam, US, Asia).
I will add the "Book of 5 rings" (Miyamoto Musashi - Japanese) to learn about strategy, honor and principles.
I really liked the list because has books that will help people to have a holistic view of life.
August 17, 2008 3:45 pm
Julian
What will happen to me? I have only read a few and I will be 40 this September.
I can check off several of these already but thank you for adding the two novels that Aldous Huxley wrote.
He is one of my favorites. Recently started reading with my husband Chrome Yellow.
September 8, 2008 2:49 pm
Torvald
Thanks for the list! Who doesn't love a good list? And who doesn't love to criticise a good list? Five things you got wrong: 1. Tolkien - totally overrated as literature, mediocre at best. Weak character drawing and simplistic plot/conflict. Noteworthy only for founding fantasy as genre. 2. Márquez - Obviously to be included, but nobody reading your description would ever want to read it. It's brimming with plot! And it's almost certainly the greatest work of literature after WWII. 3. Lose the high-brow Platon/Darwin/Paine - modern introductions are far better. 4. Hemingway is dead. 5. Why haven't you read Kafka during the course of your life?
August 24, 2008 11:19 am
Jeff
Atlas Shrugged (And read it twice!)
Roger: The Bible is not the flip side to The Origin of the Species. Arbitrary assertions do not constitute as evidence against a scientific claim. The latter is based on evidence found in reality, and can only be opposed by evidence found in reality that seems to conflict with it. The former denies the need for evidence.
Did you read each of these? That is quite impressive! I've read a few of them. My fiance read Honeymoon with My Brother awhile ago and loved it. Thanks for the list!
Yep, I've read them all. Some many years ago, and some just recently. Also, thanks for the insightful additions... a few of them have been on my 'to-read' list for awhile. I better get to that library. ;-)
August 12, 2008 2:46 am
A Passerby
Interesting, that of your top 32 books of all time, only one is authored by a woman.
P.S. I'm not accusing you of sexism, but rather pointing out yet another instance of white mens' literature being prized to the exclusion of other perspectives.
August 12, 2008 6:50 am
Anne
What a culturally biassed chauvinist bigot list.
August 12, 2008 8:01 am
tydydgrll
So, I guess if you read any of those books after the age of 30 it just has no effect on you, because of course, after the age of 30 you should just lie down and die?
August 12, 2008 8:01 am
McCabe
i think this list could easily be improved
what about "if this is a man" by Primo Levi one of the best books ever written? (in my opinion)
August 12, 2008 8:30 am
Antonis Kalantzis
I would like to add OSHO's - The Hidden Harmony
August 12, 2008 10:38 am
Jhena
The Origin of Species is by no means a "must-read" for anyone. It was interesting, but that's about it. Nice list, and thank you for sharing it. People have to understand that it's your opinion, and you're not saying "You MUST do this!"
August 12, 2008 11:25 am
Zach
Thank you for making me feel well read. And thank you for adding Bulgakov at the end of the list.
Not to get too modern or stream-of-consciousness on you but i think "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by David Eggers should be on that list too. He has some of the best rhetoric of any current author, and this narrative is delightful to read.
August 12, 2008 11:54 am
Shark Blank
I feel kind of good, I've read already read a few, some not for school, and I'm only 19.
August 12, 2008 12:02 pm
Ellesa
A book to challenge your religeous beliefs would be 'Mr God this is Anna' by Fynn. it both embraces and rejects all views of the church and is well worth reading. (also my favourite book)
Oh no! I will be 30 next month and I have only read a few of these! I have to get started. Thanks for the list.
August 12, 2008 12:55 pm
Sandi
To A Passerby:
I doubt he's trying to say that white mens’ literature is prized over the perspectives of others, namely women. Notice how different races/cultures are represented. I think this list just proves a well renowned point that most women authors only write drivel. :P
Thanks for the additions. ;-) As for the comments about only having one woman author... in retrospect, I agree. But believe it or not, my wife helped me create this list. Neither one of us realized it until the very end. These books just so happen to be some of our favorites (most are classics). Feel free to add more to the list.
August 12, 2008 1:34 pm
RP
Why before you're 30?
August 12, 2008 4:08 pm
Kelly
Great list... of the books I haven't yet read, most of these have been on my "must read" list for years, while others (War and Peace!) may never actually make the list due to length and intimidation factor.
Two others I have read, which I would definitely add, are The Alchemist, by Paolo Coelho, and Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn. Both absolutely changed the way I see the world!
August 12, 2008 5:13 pm
Arron
Thank you for not putting the bible or any "holy" books on the list. You are my hero :)
August 12, 2008 6:31 pm
standard oil
should have made it the 20th birthday, then you would only have to think of 20 books
Thomas Paine actually hated democracy believing they led to loss of property rights.
Also, I second Atlas Shrugged.
August 13, 2008 12:37 am
junebug
personally I find these lists annoying. What if some of the books are not in an area of interest. Just because some schmuck calls himself educated and read a lot of classics doesn't mean that people have to read them... and before their 30th birthday? please
Junebug,
I'm with you. Every week there's a new top 1000 or top 100 or top 10 books that I must read to be complete. Based on whose say so? Have the fun of reading is discovering authors that no one else has heard of that rock your world.
I've read 18 of them. Not bad considering this is a random list. The problem is that there are not only so many classics, but so many lists of classics that any great list would include well over 100 books. I average over 30 novels a year and will never be able to read all the ones I want.
August 13, 2008 1:23 am
Lou
You should add The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing. It's, arguably, the best book ever written.
August 13, 2008 1:28 am
Charles
So after all that reading...what have you people done to change anything for the better for the sake of wisdom and intellectual what have you's?
So many negative comments....a shame really. Grow up people. No one is telling you this is the end all be all of things to do, no commie orders here, just an honest opinion that one person wanted to share.
I happen to love lists like these because they provide insight into another person's thoughts and feelings, which if viewed in perspective can be fascinating. Geez, people get over yourselves and see it for waht it is, a comment on what great literature meant to one person.
As for "bipolar2" I may not be as young as some gen-y'ers but for commenting that we are too old, know that you are just cementing the stereotype that all in the Gen-Y generation are self-centered and hopeless. Nice job. Stick to the facebook message boards for the totally lame and self-involved why don't you?
August 13, 2008 2:23 am
Alex. A
The comments complaining about 'the list' forcing them to read books are pretty hilarious. 'The list' is not law, don't feel obliged to follow/rebel against/overthrow it.
It's a fairly good list of reccomended reading, I've scribbled a few names down for next time I'm at the book store.
August 13, 2008 2:48 am
RavenMek
did you read "le petit prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery?
I am surprised you left out major religious texts. No mention of even the Scriptures or the Quran? Both works have played a major influence on Western society and would seem worthwhile.
To those who have defended this list as being just a list of suggestions, thank you. That's all it is folks. I'm not saying you have to read these, or that you have fallen short if you're 35 and haven't read them all. These happen to be 32 books I've read over the last several years that have given me a better understanding of the world we inhabit and the people I share it with.
With that said, thanks for all the wonderful additions. I jotted down a bunch of them... and I intend to get over to the library and pick one up this week. ;-)
August 13, 2008 7:53 pm
martin
Think you may have missed The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert tressell
August 13, 2008 8:36 pm
D.
Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man" ought not to be there: it's not a work of philosophy, it's just a rabble rousing pamphlet. If I remember rightly, it's in two parts: the first part just says "lets get rid of the king, yeah!" and the second part says "no more taxes, Y E A H !!!". You can't lose with a rhetoric like that.
August 13, 2008 9:02 pm
D.
How about Franz Kafka's "Trial" (I declare an interest).
August 13, 2008 9:03 pm
Evan
You forgot the Bible. It's uncool. It's not fun. Unfortunately it's fact. Every other book was written for entertainment purposes. The Bible. Inspired by God. It may seem random to you. The truth is out there (the Bible).
222 RESPONSES TO "30 BOOKS EVERYONE SHOULD READ BEFORE THEIR 30TH BIRTHDAY"
Irrelevant -- as all such lists. There's no canonic literature -- what holds the center is conformity.
A canon is always "elitist.” Some overlapping combination of linguistic conformity, ethnic conformity, political conformity, religious conformity, economic conformity.
Name your variables, construct your own canon. Or, list readings you regard as core and deduce how conformist you are. What should a “brazen careerist” have read by age 22? -- 30 is way too old!
Assuming that education at an elitist prep-school and elitist college or university was beyond your mental or fiscal means, then you must read the works expected by prep-school grads and up to the sophomore level in elite places. Do I need to name the places? I think not.
However, there’s much more. And this must be done by age 30. Your cultural level needs to be enhanced, not your preparation for a career. For example, if you know nothing about fine art, classical music, ballet to mention non-verbal aspects of (narrowly Western) cultural appreciation, you will remain a careerist, a low level careerist.
Of course, chance will have a greater role than you ever imagined. But then as the commonplace goes, “Chance favors the prepared mind.”
bipolar2
Hmmm...Well, I agree to a certain extent - but on the other hand, can one truly understand many of these works to their fullest extent without also understanding the many underlying religious references included in these works?
Almost all of these books are DWM Lit! What gives?
How about adding a few Wymin and minority selections please??? I suggest the following:
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
2. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
3. Jane Eyre by Emily Bronte
4. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
5. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
7. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
8. Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
9. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
10. Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
11. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
12. Typical American by Gish Jen
13. No-No Boy by John Okada
14. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
15. Anthem by Ayn Rand
I could furnish a full 30 and then some, but will stop here for the sake of brevity. I do think the books listed in the article are essentially worth reading, (as I have read most of them myself), but I think they offer a very narrow and limited perspective of the world... If you wish to expand your horizons and break free of the traditional patriarchal paradigm however, PLEASE consider reading the books on MY list. And, if you need MORE suggestions, feel free to drop me an email.
Great list, what I liked is the authors mix (Europe, Latam, US, Asia).
I will add the "Book of 5 rings" (Miyamoto Musashi - Japanese) to learn about strategy, honor and principles.
I really liked the list because has books that will help people to have a holistic view of life.
What will happen to me? I have only read a few and I will be 40 this September.
I can check off several of these already but thank you for adding the two novels that Aldous Huxley wrote.
He is one of my favorites. Recently started reading with my husband Chrome Yellow.
Thanks for the list! Who doesn't love a good list? And who doesn't love to criticise a good list? Five things you got wrong: 1. Tolkien - totally overrated as literature, mediocre at best. Weak character drawing and simplistic plot/conflict. Noteworthy only for founding fantasy as genre. 2. Márquez - Obviously to be included, but nobody reading your description would ever want to read it. It's brimming with plot! And it's almost certainly the greatest work of literature after WWII. 3. Lose the high-brow Platon/Darwin/Paine - modern introductions are far better. 4. Hemingway is dead. 5. Why haven't you read Kafka during the course of your life?
Atlas Shrugged (And read it twice!)
Roger: The Bible is not the flip side to The Origin of the Species. Arbitrary assertions do not constitute as evidence against a scientific claim. The latter is based on evidence found in reality, and can only be opposed by evidence found in reality that seems to conflict with it. The former denies the need for evidence.
Did you read each of these? That is quite impressive! I've read a few of them. My fiance read Honeymoon with My Brother awhile ago and loved it. Thanks for the list!
I'd like to add two that I really enjoyed:
"Animal Farm" - George Orwell
"Beyond Good and Evil" - Nietzsche
Oh, and if you are into marketing or PR at all, read "The Mouse that Roared" by Henry A. Giroux
All great reads.
I'd throw "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand on the list as well.
Great list!
I'd add Stranger in a Strange Land by Heinlein to your list.
Sophie's Choice - William Styron
Devastating...
I wanted to add The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. Wonderful list!
Yep, I've read them all. Some many years ago, and some just recently. Also, thanks for the insightful additions... a few of them have been on my 'to-read' list for awhile. I better get to that library. ;-)
Interesting, that of your top 32 books of all time, only one is authored by a woman.
P.S. I'm not accusing you of sexism, but rather pointing out yet another instance of white mens' literature being prized to the exclusion of other perspectives.
What a culturally biassed chauvinist bigot list.
So, I guess if you read any of those books after the age of 30 it just has no effect on you, because of course, after the age of 30 you should just lie down and die?
i think this list could easily be improved
what about "if this is a man" by Primo Levi one of the best books ever written? (in my opinion)
I would like to add OSHO's - The Hidden Harmony
The Origin of Species is by no means a "must-read" for anyone. It was interesting, but that's about it. Nice list, and thank you for sharing it. People have to understand that it's your opinion, and you're not saying "You MUST do this!"
Thank you for making me feel well read. And thank you for adding Bulgakov at the end of the list.
Not to get too modern or stream-of-consciousness on you but i think "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by David Eggers should be on that list too. He has some of the best rhetoric of any current author, and this narrative is delightful to read.
I feel kind of good, I've read already read a few, some not for school, and I'm only 19.
A book to challenge your religeous beliefs would be 'Mr God this is Anna' by Fynn. it both embraces and rejects all views of the church and is well worth reading. (also my favourite book)
Oh no! I will be 30 next month and I have only read a few of these! I have to get started. Thanks for the list.
To A Passerby:
I doubt he's trying to say that white mens’ literature is prized over the perspectives of others, namely women. Notice how different races/cultures are represented. I think this list just proves a well renowned point that most women authors only write drivel. :P
Thanks for the additions. ;-) As for the comments about only having one woman author... in retrospect, I agree. But believe it or not, my wife helped me create this list. Neither one of us realized it until the very end. These books just so happen to be some of our favorites (most are classics). Feel free to add more to the list.
Why before you're 30?
Great list... of the books I haven't yet read, most of these have been on my "must read" list for years, while others (War and Peace!) may never actually make the list due to length and intimidation factor.
Two others I have read, which I would definitely add, are The Alchemist, by Paolo Coelho, and Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn. Both absolutely changed the way I see the world!
Thank you for not putting the bible or any "holy" books on the list. You are my hero :)
should have made it the 20th birthday, then you would only have to think of 20 books
To add a female to the list. Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale is classic and a must read.
Thomas Paine actually hated democracy believing they led to loss of property rights.
Also, I second Atlas Shrugged.
personally I find these lists annoying. What if some of the books are not in an area of interest. Just because some schmuck calls himself educated and read a lot of classics doesn't mean that people have to read them... and before their 30th birthday? please
Junebug,
I'm with you. Every week there's a new top 1000 or top 100 or top 10 books that I must read to be complete. Based on whose say so? Have the fun of reading is discovering authors that no one else has heard of that rock your world.
I've read 18 of them. Not bad considering this is a random list. The problem is that there are not only so many classics, but so many lists of classics that any great list would include well over 100 books. I average over 30 novels a year and will never be able to read all the ones I want.
You should add The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing. It's, arguably, the best book ever written.
So after all that reading...what have you people done to change anything for the better for the sake of wisdom and intellectual what have you's?
So many negative comments....a shame really. Grow up people. No one is telling you this is the end all be all of things to do, no commie orders here, just an honest opinion that one person wanted to share.
I happen to love lists like these because they provide insight into another person's thoughts and feelings, which if viewed in perspective can be fascinating. Geez, people get over yourselves and see it for waht it is, a comment on what great literature meant to one person.
As for "bipolar2" I may not be as young as some gen-y'ers but for commenting that we are too old, know that you are just cementing the stereotype that all in the Gen-Y generation are self-centered and hopeless. Nice job. Stick to the facebook message boards for the totally lame and self-involved why don't you?
The comments complaining about 'the list' forcing them to read books are pretty hilarious. 'The list' is not law, don't feel obliged to follow/rebel against/overthrow it.
It's a fairly good list of reccomended reading, I've scribbled a few names down for next time I'm at the book store.
did you read "le petit prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery?
Hmmm......what about the Bible.
If you're into the inner workings of someone's mind based on their book choices, I recommend two articles.
One on CEOs' personal libraries
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/21/business/21libraries.html
The second on judging a potential mate on their reading material.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/books/review/Donadio-t.html?fta=y
I am surprised you left out major religious texts. No mention of even the Scriptures or the Quran? Both works have played a major influence on Western society and would seem worthwhile.
David,
To include one religious text, you'd probably have to include them all because you wouldn't want to appear to be pushing one ahead of others.
To those who have defended this list as being just a list of suggestions, thank you. That's all it is folks. I'm not saying you have to read these, or that you have fallen short if you're 35 and haven't read them all. These happen to be 32 books I've read over the last several years that have given me a better understanding of the world we inhabit and the people I share it with.
With that said, thanks for all the wonderful additions. I jotted down a bunch of them... and I intend to get over to the library and pick one up this week. ;-)
Think you may have missed The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert tressell
Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man" ought not to be there: it's not a work of philosophy, it's just a rabble rousing pamphlet. If I remember rightly, it's in two parts: the first part just says "lets get rid of the king, yeah!" and the second part says "no more taxes, Y E A H !!!". You can't lose with a rhetoric like that.
How about Franz Kafka's "Trial" (I declare an interest).
You forgot the Bible. It's uncool. It's not fun. Unfortunately it's fact. Every other book was written for entertainment purposes. The Bible. Inspired by God. It may seem random to you. The truth is out there (the Bible).
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?