Influential Works
Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder: Guide through philosophy through letters between a young woman and her mysterious teacher.
The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Boton: Consoling without being superficial. There’s an image in the book of a flower with its roots exposed. The roots dig through dark, scary places so the beauty of the flower can exist. That’s the underlying theme: ideas to make sense of pain and struggles.
Maus by Art Spiegelman: Eerily familial and familiar.
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith: Powerful example of what it feels like when you completely lose yourself, an often under appreciated danger.
A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov: Window into the Russian soul should one want to go there.
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne: First novel I read in one day in elementary school. I fondly remember being completely engrossed.
Deptford Trilogy by Robertson Davies: Example of the best writing.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin: Unique love story, also taught me to not dismiss sci-fi.
Guernica by Picasso: For its amazing ability to subtly engage the gut.
Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver: Role of power.
The Wire: A television show where you see the pages turn with each scene.
Herzog by Saul Bellow: Inspiring style of writing.
