The Picture of Dorian Gray, the only novel published by Oscar Wilde, is the second work of Wilde's that I have read this year. As with most of these books, this author and title was recommended by a friend of mine and, again, failed to disappoint.
The plot follows a young, dashing fellow (Dorian Gray) and his relationship with artist Basil Hallward and socialite Lord Henry Wotton. Basil becomes infatuated with Gray as a art subject for his youth and beauty and credits Dorian for inspiring Basil's greatest work of art, a portrait of Gray. Lord Henry introduces Dorian to a hedonistic worldview promoting beauty and the enjoyment of life, saying that it should be enjoyed while available as it is fleeting.
The portrait of Gray shows the young man's incredible beauty and causes himself to become in love with himself and his looks, and he makes the remark how he wish the picture would age rather his true self. As he adopts Lord Henry's life perspective, his innocence and virtue decays through a number of horrific acts. His wish for the painting so happens to come true and serves as a constant reminder his depravity.
Not since Crime and Punishment have I read a book or author that speaks so clearly and accurately of human nature. Thanks to Wilde's clever and witty writing, the book is filled with familiar quotes and one-liners about love, women, art, and the human race. The layout of the story, the themes, natures of the characters, and writing style make it a classic in every way imaginable. Hope you enjoy!
This will most likely be the last post of 2010 and it is unclear if I'll continue into the new year. Thanks so much to those who have read this periodically. Remember Mark Twain: "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over those who don't"!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris
You simply must read this guy... I enjoyed Squirrel Meets Chipmunk so much and have recently come across several articles, interviews, and podcasts he is involved in that I picked this up, upon the recommendation of a friend. I think his pointed writing and humorous writing is as good as it gets. This book is a compilation of short stories and essays recounting his childhood and family and experiences living in New York and Paris.. I read this on a couple of flights and spent most of my time covering my mouth to avoid stares from the guy next to me. If you read this and don't like it, please don't tell me because I'd like to think I don't know anyone who wouldn't choke on their coffee reading this.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Sedaris, Nicholson, Godin
Welcome back! It has been a while and, although I haven't written in a while, I have continued reading. I am fortunate enough to have some really well-read, intelligent friends who suggested a couple of great reads.
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk - David Sedaris
This immediately became one of my favorite books that I have read this year. Sedaris is a mastermind storyteller and in this book he takes ordinary life situations and tells them with animals as the main characters in several short stories. The writing is amazingly clever and approachable and, at times, hilariously crude. The author purposefully chooses certain animals that we have existing associations and pre-conceived notions of, which drives home the point of his stories all the more. Definitely check out this book!
The Elephant Keeper - Christopher Nicholson
I didn't love this book when I started it, while I was reading it, or even when I finished it, but a couple weeks after finishing, I like it the more I think about it. The story follows the relationship of a boy who looks after and takes care of two elephants in England set in the 18th century. Even when on the last page of the book, I wasn't sure what the point of the past 300 pages had been although the story is legitimately enjoyable to read. By the end of the book, the author does a impressive job of making you question everything you read, assumed, and believed about the story and implants a lot of doubt about the entire book - which I really like. It reminded me a lot of Life of Pi, although I think Yann Martel did a better job of storytelling and getting a similar point across.
Linchpins by Seth Godin
In a previous blog, I mentioned how I don't like self-help, motivational books that much, but I've had good luck with the past couple I have read so maybe my opinion is changing. This book talks about the importance of being irreplaceable in a job, organization, etc, changing your approach on how and where you look for a job, and re-inventing the idea of employment. I wish I had read this book a year ago coming out of graduate school, but believe the timing right now couldn't be better as I make the transition to Washington, DC and, hopefully, Denver within the next year. Several "sound bites" and catch phrases from the book are memorable and practical in any job you are in now and helping you transition to where you would really like to be. It is one of the better motivational books I have read and has certainly changed my thinking on my career. Thanks Fief!
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk - David Sedaris
This immediately became one of my favorite books that I have read this year. Sedaris is a mastermind storyteller and in this book he takes ordinary life situations and tells them with animals as the main characters in several short stories. The writing is amazingly clever and approachable and, at times, hilariously crude. The author purposefully chooses certain animals that we have existing associations and pre-conceived notions of, which drives home the point of his stories all the more. Definitely check out this book!
The Elephant Keeper - Christopher Nicholson
I didn't love this book when I started it, while I was reading it, or even when I finished it, but a couple weeks after finishing, I like it the more I think about it. The story follows the relationship of a boy who looks after and takes care of two elephants in England set in the 18th century. Even when on the last page of the book, I wasn't sure what the point of the past 300 pages had been although the story is legitimately enjoyable to read. By the end of the book, the author does a impressive job of making you question everything you read, assumed, and believed about the story and implants a lot of doubt about the entire book - which I really like. It reminded me a lot of Life of Pi, although I think Yann Martel did a better job of storytelling and getting a similar point across.
Linchpins by Seth Godin
In a previous blog, I mentioned how I don't like self-help, motivational books that much, but I've had good luck with the past couple I have read so maybe my opinion is changing. This book talks about the importance of being irreplaceable in a job, organization, etc, changing your approach on how and where you look for a job, and re-inventing the idea of employment. I wish I had read this book a year ago coming out of graduate school, but believe the timing right now couldn't be better as I make the transition to Washington, DC and, hopefully, Denver within the next year. Several "sound bites" and catch phrases from the book are memorable and practical in any job you are in now and helping you transition to where you would really like to be. It is one of the better motivational books I have read and has certainly changed my thinking on my career. Thanks Fief!
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