Actually I saw the reading lists that 강승규 had written a few days ago, and I found it quite interesting.. Meanwhile I was nominated to take part in this relay by 윤주현 tag. I’m writing it in English, since it’s easier way to introduce the english books which I’ve read.. and just as usual writing practice of me as well. Awright then, let’s see... 10명을 태그하라고 하는데 난 친구가 별로 없는 관계로 그냥 남기화 한명만 하겠습니더..ㅋ 수업시간에 괜히 말해가지고 애들이 영어로쓰고 설명해달라해서 어쩔수없이 영어로씀 . .지송 1. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf : When I came to read this novel in the literary class in college, and I found it very tough to read and fully comprehend every single sentence at first. It’s partially because the author was very well known for using a stream of consciousness on her writing style, which included lots of subtle connotations between the lines and defied logical structure, so does human heart. She was very insightful because she was aware of how exactly the flow of human consciousness works. It remained impressive in my mind quite for such a long time. I vaguely remember the family’s conversation in a dining room at the end of the part one. They all wanted to go to see the lighthouse(the ideal) but the weather problem kept them from setting off. Personally, the female protagonist’s endeavor, persuasion and dedication for her family members’ peace, were especially touching. 2. On love by Alan De Botton : I’d say that this is by far the deepest essay in regard of the theme of love, and to be honest, I’ve been falling in love with the writer. I’ve read it several times already both english version and translated korean one. There were so innumerable sentences that I love that it’s impossible to describe them all. Being in love is a miracle as it is, but not always a beautiful thing. It comes too sophisticated to simplify and sometimes too painful to endure. People seem to say too easily that they are in love, even not knowing what love is, nor how to love. This book taught me to keep love with a bit more mature mind. One of my favorite quotes is like..“Do you love me stripped of everything that might be lost, for only the things that I will have FOREVER? This is the real test.” 3. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion : This incredibly witty novel is what I’m reading lately by recommendation of Bill Gates. What’s so surprising is that the male character is very, very similar to one person whom I’ve had feeling for. He is a highly intellectual geneticist, but has reduced abilities to socialize and empathize with people. He met a girl who was totally incompatible with his ‘wife project’ at first, but while helping Rosie’s ‘biological father-finding project’, they got close and drawn to each other. The first half of the book is very unique and interesting, but the last half is not likely to keep its original intention though. 4. Strait is the Gate by Andre Gide : French novelist Andre Gide won the Nobel Prize in literature by this. And I totally agree with its decision. I would like to say it “The Sublime”. People living in contemporary era and unfamiliar with Puritan’s perspectives in history might think that it’s very strange, because it focused on sublime, but repressed human desire, based on the moral philosophy of Protestantism. But, nevertheless, I’d recommend it. You can see how beautifully the words can be written if you get to know this book. 5. To Have or to Be by Erich Fromm : I guess it’s very popular and most people have seen it. It constantly contrasts the having mode with the being mode on different subjects and let you decide which one you’ll focus on in sustaining a life. I’ve a bit regretted after finishing the book that my view in terms of acquiring knowledge and utilizing it might have been much different if I had read it earlier. I’ve been trying to keep the being mode in every possible aspect of my life. 6. The Will to Power by Friedrich Nietzsche : I insist that Nietzsche was one of the most brilliant people in the world. I don’t follow every notion he proposed, because something is quite radical. But the idea of positive nihilism has influenced lots of decisions that I have made, and will make. 7. The Rainbow by William Wordsworth : It’s a collection of Wordsworth’s poems edited by Korean. It’s my favorite poetry because I feel so sentimental and optimistic whenever I appreciate it. I can recite a few phrases which I like the most..; Thanks to the human heart by which we live, thanks to its tenderness, its joys and fears.. to me the meanest flowers that blows can give thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.. 8. In Praise of Idleness by Bertrand Russell : It’s a short essay contemplating about the idleness. It said that although the world is being more convenient to live than ever, why should some people keep struggling to work, while others enjoy their idleness. Also, it explained the origin of work inequality in western history. It’s cleverly critical and even sarcastic, but very readable. 9. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne : His writing was difficult to read but it’s still so.. unforgettable. He showed the accomplishment of ego in female through this novel. Hester Prynne, the protagonist, was very strong and independent woman, and never abandon her BEING, her belief and her daughter no matter how miserable the circumstances surrounding her were. Hawthorne’s depth of the soul is what I do really look up to. Everyone must try to penetrate his soul while alive. 10. Walden by Henry David Thoreau : It’s about how the author spent a couple of years in a wood and what he realized. The prelude almost tells us everything. ‘I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.’
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 07:16:54 +0000
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