25 Books to Read Before You're 25 (give or take 5 years...)

No I will not tell you 25 weird and embarrassing things about myself, for that you'll have to take me out for a beer.

On the other hand, someone Tweeted this page: http://dailyuw.com/2006/12/7/25-books-to-read-before-age-25/ and I was surprised at the number of GOOD books that made the list. However, I did see some changes that could be made, so here is my own, personal take on such an idea:

These are in no particular order!

1) Dune by Fank Hebert - Easily one of the best science fiction novels of all time. But ignore the rest of the series, they're garbage.

2) The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay - One of the first books I ever read where I found myself staying up later and later each night so I could keep reading.

3) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I just re-read this sucker a few weeks ago and I still couldn't put it down.

4) Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad - Short, simple, and mesmerizing. A classic detective type story of a brilliant man who goes "native," told form the perspective of the one sent to get him.

5) Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand - Although the list suggested the Fountainhead, I found Atlas Shrugged to be much more captivating. And less DRY.

6) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Seems a lot of classics made this list, I enjoyed the book, it's nice a short, and you can totally see how much Hemingway had an impact on the writers of that time.

7) The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway - Another great Modernist classic, but I should also give mention to reading For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. All are from a similar vein.

8) Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - Absolutely fantastic. I read this book based on a recommendation form my girlfriend, and it's definitely in my top 25. READ IT.

9) The Catcher in Rye by J.D.Salinger - I read this novel when I was a teenager and it just seemed weird. I re-read it a few years later when I was in my 20's and suddenly I understood what all the fuss was about.

10) 1984 by George Orwell - I was forced to read this book in grade 8. Scared the crap out of me. But it's much better than Animal Farm, in my opinion.

11) The Crucible by Arther Miller - I'm not much for reading plays, they're much better live. But there is a special place in my heart for the Crucible. Also very scary.

12) The Stand by Steven King - I'm not much a horror fan, and King was always a horrible writer, but some of his ideas are just awesome. I'll repeat that for the critics: IT'S HIS IDEAS THAT ARE SCARY (and his writing.)

13) The Handmaid's Tale or Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood - I'm not big on Atwood, talented though she is, these two books however will keep you up at night.

14) Boris by Japp Ter Haar - This is a children's book, mind the pictures, about a boy and his best friend Nadia. Set during the bombing of Leningrad in World War II. You will cry, so be prepared.

15) The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann - Second on the list of children's book, this story is told form the perspective of a bunch of animals trying to reach a sanctuary. Anyone interested in the environment should start here.

16) The Wars by Timothy Findley - I can't say enough about his entire body of work, you should probably go out and buy all of his books and you will not be disappointed. But as a Canadian, start with the Wars.

17) Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - Most of Follett's stuff is "easy to read airplane drivel," but Pillars remains one of those fiction greats which is passed on and on. Try not to get too attached to the characters, I dare you!

18) The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum - Forget the movies, the book is ten times better.

19) Exodus by Leon Uris - Not exactly light reading, and I refuse to get into a political debate about who's right or who's wrong. But this book was an eye opener. Also check out Redemption, well worth a read.

20) The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - Another children's book, but who can say enough about Shel? This story about life, love and our own mortality will stay with you forever.

21) This Other Eden by Ben Elton - Dark reading my friends, satire to the end! But Elton is a genius. Also read High Society and Dead Famous.

22) Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King - Think you have opinions about natives in Canada? Read this and get back to me.

23) Barometer Rising by Hugh Maclennan - The true Canadian author, and it's about an explosion near Halifax! But if you're from Quebec you'd better read Two Solitudes...

24) Shogun by James Clavell - When I was a kid I wanted to be a Ninja, took karate lesson and everything. This is a tough read but it was worth it to learn that Ninja's are not nearly as cool as the Samurai.

25) SERIES - I saved my last choice for some great series to read: Harry Potter anyone? Also check out the Hannibal Lecter series by Thomas Harris, C.S. Lewis' 7 Narnia books, Richard Pullman's Dark Materials and of course: The Lord of the Rings.

Questions? Comments? Additions?