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By Emily Bevins
As I reflect on my time in the McConnell’s Center, I struggle with what to write as my last blog post. I have read so much and seen so much and discussed so much. My mind is full of thoughts that could be slapped onto paper, but what good would that do me? Would any attempt to summarize my collegiate experiences succeed? I don't think so. So I’ve chosen to pick the 10 books that have meant the most to me since entering college.
10. No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
This book is last because while worthwhile, it is not for the faint of heart. It is incredibly sad. No Longer Human is a semi-autobiographical account of Japanese author Osamu Dazai. The book is a hauntingly beautiful expose on how the happiest people in life can also be the most damaged. Following the author from his childhood as one of the youngest sons to a wealthy Japanese businessman to his mental breakdown as a failed artist, the book paints the picture of a man tortured by his inability to meet society’s expectations of perfection.
9. The Book of Margery Kempe by Margery Kempe
I hope to be in the nursing home one day and still talking about this book. One of the earliest autobiographies written in English, the Book of Margery Kempe follows Margery as she embraces her identity as a female Medieval mystic. Why does it have such an impact on my everyday life? She has sex dreams about Jesus. If you want to develop your understanding of Christianity or Medieval womanhood (or you want to read some freaky dreams about Jesus), I highly recommend this book.
8. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
I almost didn’t include this novel because I think it needs to be dissected in a group to make any sense, but then I look at the Book of Margery Kempe and I feel like Slaughterhouse-Five’s existence is justified. This book is confusing. The unreliable narrator, an ex-WWII soldier suffering from PTSD, claims to have been abducted by aliens. Told in nonlinear fashion, the reader must come to their own conclusions about what really is going on. It is a beautiful anti-war novel that is perfect for readers who don’t need answers to every question.
7. The Moviegoer by Walker Percy
The Moviegoer is an unforgettable piece of Southern literature. It’s basically a coming of age story for those who have already come of age. The main character is stuck between choosing two jobs he doesn’t want to do to appease his family when all he wants to do is go watch movies. If anyone is struggling to find a greater purpose, I would recommend this book. It is a bit dense (my dad could not get through it), but if you’re up for the challenge and want to find solace in a depressed character that doesn’t make you question why you exist (I’m looking at you, No Longer Human)–this is the book for you.
6. Lolita By Vladimir Nobakov
Lolita is a “special” novel. It follows the story of Humbert Humbert as he grooms, kidnaps, and eventually sexually abuses his stepdaughter Dolores, or Lolita. Despite its subject matter, Lolita is one of the greatest books ever written. Humbert is a master manipulator, manipulating not only Dolores but the reader as well. If you’ve ever wanted to understand why monsters do what they do, I would recommend this book. You’ll find yourself being groomed right along Dolores with each and every page.
5. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
You probably had to read this book for your high school English class, and you instead read the Sparknotes’ summary. It is a disservice to this book and to you to avoid reading Frankenstein. You will never want to usurp God again after reading it, and isn’t that a sign of truly good literature?
4. Any Novel by H.G. Wells
Alright this is a bit of a cop out by not picking one novel to recommend, but I promise it’s for a reason. I would recommend you pick whatever your favorite science fiction trope is and read Wells’s corresponding novel. He invented/made mainstream pretty much every sci-fi trope. What he didn’t invent Isaac Asinov or Frank Herbert did. If you like alien invasions, read The War of the Worlds. If you like time travel, read The Time Machine. If you like scary doctors superimposing animal body parts onto human hosts, then read The Island of Dr. Moreau. And the list goes on.
3. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man and Sea is a timeless classic. Set primarily on a boat while the titular old man fights a fish, it reveals a greater message about how youth slips away from us all. The book needs to be read with some sort of accompanying drink. Whether it's whiskey (like Hemingway would’ve wanted) or a nice, soothing tea–it is a book that needs to be relaxed into. This book will only give you what you put into it, so I suggest if you’re in a pondering nad reflective mood, you pick up this book.
2. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie is the queen of mystery. That’s an undisputed fact. I’ve read a good amount of Christie for a research project, so I say this with some authority: This book is her best work. Set on a deserted island, 10 ten strangers accused of crimes must race against time (and each other) after they start dying in accordance to a strange poem. With an ending that you won’t guess, it is a stellar mystery novel, and it’s accessible to all audiences. Whether you're a fan of classic detective fiction or simply enjoy a good whodunit, this novel is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
I know it’s weird to end a suggested book list with a nonfiction book, but I truly believe that everyone regardless of career path or interests should read this book. Carnegie's book provides practical advice on how to improve your communication skills, both in personal and professional settings. By learning techniques for effective listening, expressing genuine interest in others, and communicating persuasively, readers can enhance their ability to connect with people and build meaningful relationships. I read this book right before McConnell interviews, and while I can’t say that it won me a spot in the program, I am graduating from the program
four years later.
Note: I did not include books that need to be read with a discussion leader, such as Plato’s Republic or Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” I’m not smart enough to understand those on my own, so I can’t recommend them. These are the books that I think have merit to general audiences.
Emily, of Georgetown, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2024 at the University of Louisville. She studies political science, English, and history.