Dune (required reading)

Dune is an epic science fiction novel that explores many ideas especially when it comes to ideas that involve the power of the mind. I think it's most interesting aspect come from this idea. Paul, the main character undergoes an incredible transformation throughout the novel in which he becomes a god-like being that a mixture of male and female aspects that the novel establishes. 

The powers of the female Bene Geserates of the novels are mainly mental (although some are physical) and the novel establishes them as the superior force of the universe. Paul possesses these powers as well as fighting and survival abilities learned from training he got from mostly male characters... I think that Herbert made these 2 separate worlds so distinctly different intentionally and that makes Paul's journey into becoming the best of both worlds all the more incredible. Paul's unique role not only makes him transform into an incredibly powerful being, it also happens to fulfill a a prophecy from the Fremin (the native people of Arrakis) and it is never really made clear if their prophecies are fact or not, or if it is just all coincidence. I think Frank Herbert keeps all the answers intentionally vague so that the reader struggle with finding the answers in the same way Paul does. Because of this we are able to slip into Paul's shoes and experience his journey along side him... which is pretty cool considering Paul is far from your average person in almost every way imaginable. 

Another interesting aspect of the novel is the planet of Arrakis itself. I have never read a novel where such a fantastical setting feels as alive as Arrakis does. I mean that figuratively as well as literally as the plant seems consumes people with the giant worms that live within it, and even though you can argue that worms are not part of the setting, the way they are described by Herbert makes it clear that they are. The spice that the conflict revolved around is found all over the planet but it is later realized to be a product of the worms and the only way that they can gain true control over the planet is by controlling the worms themselves. Because of all this, I think that Arrakis is probably my favorite fictional setting/non-human character of any novel, ever. 

Starship Troopers - Required Reading

Starship troopers is an interesting book. Like many people of my generation, I had seen the movie before reading (or even knowing of) the book... But I think Robert Heinlein's vision of the future (from a 1950s, post war perspective) is a very interesting and challenging one. I didn't exactly enjoy the book like it do the movie, but it definitely got me thinking more than the movie ever could, so it is not something I regret reading. 

I did some more research into the story behind the book and found that it was thought to be fascist propaganda when it originally came out. I am no expert on governments but I know a little and it never seemed to come across as fascist or even like a piece of propoganda (Unlike the movie, which does feel like propoganda), mainly cause it does not a glamorize  the military or what it is like to join and become part of a military (which is what the book is about). However, it does come across as extremely pro military and even pro-war. I don't agree at all with Heinlein's opinion he seems to take but I also cannot help but respect it for the way it is told. I really think Heinlien wants to make you think about how he views the themes of the book, rather than trying to force it upon you without thinking... and I think for that reason it is about as far from a piece of propoganda that you could get. 

That being said, I didn't exactly enjoy the book that much and I think that is my own fault. Realizing the book was science fiction from the 50's, I was expecting something very pulpy and light... Which I like. There are only a few battle in the books and the bugs are not as prevalent in the story compared to the movie... All these aspects take a back seat to the message behind it all. Still, I can't say the book didn't make me think and for that reason it is far more important and respectable than the movie.

Anansi Boys - Required Reading

Neil Gaiman brings African mythology into a modern setting with this book. There are 2 main aspects of the way he tells the story that really captivated me the most.

The first is the characters themselves... This is the first Neil Gaiman book I have read but I can tell he is a great character writer for both human and superhuman (or divine) characters. Charlies reactions to the events of the book feel so real, whether it is when he firsts finds out about his not-so-human father and brother, to his more relatable reactions, like when he finds out his fiancee is cheating on him... it is all told in a way that allows me to put myself in his shoes and experience these absurd events in his life from a first person perspective. Even Spider feels like a real character. His divine powers feel all the more real when you see him using it for his own selfish means or for the occasional selfless act of helping out Charlie... The intentions and emotions that the characters display feel real, no matter how absurd the events taking place are. 

The second thing I really like about this novel is the way that the Neil Gaiman seems to stay true to the actual myths these characters come from (particularly the background characters, like Anansi). I do not know much about African mythology/ folklore but I am pretty sure I learned quite a bit reading this book. The mythological feeling never gets lost in the contemporary settings and characters on display either, which is impressive. 

I think it is the merging of these 2 aspects in this book that make it so interesting to me... It feels like there are old-world, legendary elements at play (especially in the background) yet it also feels like a story that could take place in modern setting with modern characters not unlike myself. 

Harry Potter (required reading)

One of the things that made the Harry Potter novels guide me through life's complexities as a kid was the fact that I grew up with the characters of the novel. As a 27 year old, I was in 4th grade when the Sorcerer's stone came out. Harry,Ron and Hermione where about my age from the first to the seventh book.

JK Rowling is able to capture the struggles and the feelings that young people go through and the HP novels are so character centric (especially the three main characters) we get mkuch time devoted to the exploration and overcoming of struggles that people that age endure. Even when the setting of the books is so highly fantastical, the very real characters draw us in and when we are able to put ourselves int their positions like that, we are able to to experience the fantastical world in an extremely real way.

Aunt Maria (required reading)

The witch's of aunt Maria come aross as conventional old ladies at first but you quickly learn that they are in complete control of the town that they live in and are using their witchcraft to have it functional exactly the way they want it too. 

In many ways, the idea of the witches being in control is very conventional to the archetype of the classic witch. Their subtle manipulation are staples of stories involving witches.

It doesn't take long for the readers to discover how nasty the witches are, particularly aunt Maria herself. The novel uses this slow reveal most effectively. Taking Aunt maria from unlikable old lady to a force of evil. This is really what makes the character of the witch great and I think Diana Wynne Jones understands that and uses it effectively.

The Hobbit (required reading)

The hobbit very much reflects the classic hero's journey tale. The journey is literal and Bilbo's transformation from a meek hobbit into a brave bugler falls right into line with other classic hero tales. 

There are ways in which the novel deviates however. The stakes of the journey -at the start, at least- essentially boil down to Bilbo getting dragged along a journey which has a goal that seems petty inconsequential to his own life. This seems unconventional to me because from the main antagonist's perspective, it seems like there is a lack of motivation for him to peruse the heroes journey. However, later in the novel, Bilbo find more of a place where he belongs within the driving story and there is a goal for him to accomplish, which is for him to do something he never would have expected and go on an adventure. 

Three Moments of an Explosion (required reading)

Three moments of an explosion is a a series of stories that can be called surreal but are written in ways and in a style that gives the book a very real feeling. Ultimately, while I loved the bizarre and often Disturbing (ensuring it was indeed a horror novel) it was the way they are told and how they unfold that really swept me into the world he created. 

The characters feel very real to me, and that is not only because they are "modern" characters that would fit in perfectly with modern society. But also because when we experience their thoughts and reaction to the bizarre scenarios, they act in a way that is very real. 

It is hard to say which direction the horror genre is going at one time and often, it seems like the horror media of today is going in all different direction. I think the fact that you can't really predict where it is going next, is proof that much of today's horror is attempting to tread into new territory (as evidence by this novel) or combine or flip past conventions on their head (evidence by movies like Cabin in the Woods). To me that is exciting, however I am also a fan of many of the conventional horror tropes of the past, so I hope modern authors, directors, etc keep them around.