And Your Homework Is...

I truly believe that reading makes you a better person. Especially novels but reading anything from newspapers to magazines is great. Below I listed a few books that I think everyone should read.

Bitch by Elizabeth Wurtzel
Ms. Wurtzel is my literary best friend. Saying that her books really speak to me is a cliché, but its true. I have read everything she wrote I could get my hands on including articles she wrote when she was attending Harvard and later when she was working for the New Yorker. Bitch is the most original book on feminism that has come along in a long time. She is indeed the Courney Love of letters. Her voice and views are, fresh, relevant, and a little insane. Her decision to pose topless on its cover reflects the risks she took in writing this book. Love her or hate her she embraces both and includes her reviewed praise and criticism in the first few pages.
The Art of Civilized Conversation by Margaret Shepherd
This is a great reference to have for anybody making that tricky transition into adulthood. Obviously there is a right and wrong way to partake in sophisticated verbal discourse and when you read this you will realize how many mistakes you are making without even knowing it. This will give you the confidence to talk to people who would otherwise intimidate you. It offers witty and charming ways to deal with awkward situations and that knowledge is priceless.


A Severed Head by Iris Murdoch
So far my favorite novel of hers. Her writing is beautifully nuanced and the characters are carefully crafted. She is a gifted writer and she is one of the select influential authors who set the bar for contemporary fiction. You will be thinking about her stories long after you finish them.

BTW- Joy Division, also not appriciated at work.