Phillip Redux: Unemployed/Undeterred

The first project I’ve decided to give myself this summer is to take the TIME magazine list of the 100 Best Novels of the 20th Century and see just how many entries I can read between now and Labor Day. I’ve always cited “not having enough time” as an excuse for never reading books for pleasure, but now seems to be the perfect opportunity to quit procrastinating and catch up. 

Now, I know Top “whatever” lists are completely subjective. For each praised inclusion, there are a hundred gripes about all the exclusions. I’m just using this list as a guide, and if I come across others with interesting titles I’ll cheat. So, with public library card in hand, I’m fully prepared (and excited) to set out on the literary adventure of a lifetime.

First up: On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Some background information:

My favorite novel of all-time is The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I’m fully aware that many of us had this book forced down our throats in high school, and thus have an instinctive aversion to it - I fortunately did not. Therefore, picking up Catcher as a adult, with fresh eyes, allowed me to fully appreciate the work for all its worth - especially the way Salinger captures the pain and confusion of the loss of childhood innocence so brilliantly.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a close second favorite for me. Ironically, this is one book I was forced to read in high school - and as a snotty little 15 year old I couldn’t stand it. I decided to give Gatsby a second chance last year and I was completely blown away by Fitzgerald’s eloquence and mastery in storytelling.

Here is a link to the TIME list:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1951793,00.html

Any suggestions??