Summer Reading List

[J-P]

Hello everyone! I'm putting together a list of books for me to read this summer. I'm a college student, so while I'll have a summer job I'll also have a great deal of free time.

The books I have so far are:

Foundation (Isaac Asimov)
Hunchback of Notre Dame (Victor Hugo)
Two Boys Kissing (David Levithan)


Any thoughts about what I've posted, or ideas for me to read? I'm trying to take some advice that I've been given lately to broaden my reading, so anything goes.

[qimissung]

A book I'm planning on reading this summer is Slow Days, Fast Company by Eve Babitz. It's about LA in the '60's and I think it's kind of considered a minor classic. Regardless, its quite good.

[Vota]

Considering I have no idea what you have read, I'll throw out my first recommendation for reading The Iliad. I would recommend the Robert Fagles translation for it's quick flowing and forceful style of translation.

I would probably recommend this work first to anyone if they asked me where to start or where to branch out to.

Imho, The Iliad is an amazing work because of the sheer power and presence it possesses. Revenge, honor, heroism, duty, love, death, and sacrifice; it's all there. I knew I was reading an epic poem, and I absolutely love it's amazing similes, but if that had been all it had to offer I would perhaps not hold it in such high regard. The fact that I found myself totally engrossed in the story speaks volumes for the work, beyond just it's technical and historic merits. The defense of Ajax and others against Hector's assault near the beach was amazing. I felt like I was standing side by side with them. If I could only have 10 books, The Iliad would be one of them.