Brave New World

One of the best books I have ever read. A vision of the future that is possible, scary and even exciting at times. I admit I was torn between feeling sorry for them and envying them.

At times I was confused by the writer's lack of a central character but I do find what he has done with his characters interesting, even though most of them appear one-dimensional and focussed in their own ways.

Even with its flaws, the story is interesting, the premise is exceptional and the thoughts it provokes are intriguing.

The Catcher in the Rye

A controversial book to say the least, J.D. Salinger's classic read about Holden Caulfield, a cynical teenager who suffers from chronic depression, has inspired famous violent murders like that of John Lennon. I won't go into that, though I should mention that the book does not deserve such bad publicity.

It's an easy read though, and the character is delightful. His thoughts are unique, clever, even if a little naive at times. The story's time frame is relatively small (24 hours of the life of a troubled teenager moving around New York City) and not much happens during that time. If you are interested in thoughts however, this book proves an excellent read.

I wouldn't like to ruin anything for those who haven't read it yet, but I should mention this book features some of the most memorable lines I have ever read.

A must-read and definitely a classic!

Lord of the Flies

I admit I didn't like this book at first. It seemed a bit juvenile and over-simplistic. It did keep my interest though and it kept growing on me. Not in the same way a bad song grows on you, but in a good way. Reading through, I discovered the depth of the characters; the way each one of them unfolded was more than enough to keep me interested. One by one, the pages of this book revealed more and more of what it means to be human. The one-dimensional personalities I thought the author presented at first were mere facades; the same way each of us hides his/hers true personality at first. As for the plot, it was good enough to keep the reader turning the pages. But what's interesting is the way some scenes come close to being surreal as the emotions coming through are more intense than the actual events. The ending is a great way to release all the tension and bring the reader back to reality. A great journey!

Fight Club

Fight Club is a unique book in many respects. What you probably notice first is the writing style. You know you are in for a treat when you start reading this book. Even if you have seen the movie, be sure the book will still manage to impress and thrill you. Although some may find this style tiring and repetitive, in my opinion it serves the purpose of the book and enhances the experience. The story itself is truly original and the way it's presented to the readers is unique in every single way. Overall, I have enjoyed the experience of reading this book and I look forward to watching the movie again. It really makes much more sense now that I have read the book. If you haven't done so already, please do yourself a favour and pick up a copy. You won't regret it.

Nineteen Eighty Four

One could only describe this book as a classic, a must-read, or maybe even a masterpiece. It manages to stay relevant even so many years after it was first published. We must not forget what the world was like when this book was written. We must remember the fear that existed of totalitarian governments/societies. Even if we think we have escaped the possibility of such a government being formed in our free western societies, a deeper look will reveal Big Brother is watching us more than ever. Even if that wasn’t the case, while reading this book we understand how relative our so-called freedom is.

Undoubtedly, this book is very well written and the message delivered comes with a story that is wonderfully set out and interesting to follow. The ending is the only one that would suit such a story and the message in the last few pages is loud and clear.

Our books for the following months

1) Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

2) 1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four -George Orwell

3) The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

4) The Toltec Prophecies of Don Miguel Ruiz - Don Miguel Ruiz

5) Lord of the Flies - William Golding

6) The Stranger - Albert Camus

7) Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury

8) The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

9) Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk

Lolita

Controversial to say the least, Lolita is the story of a man desperately in love with his own (underage) step daughter... While one may think the story ends once he manages to be alone with Lolita, this is definitely not the case. The real drama begins after that. As readers we get to see the lengths he goes to, to protect the object of his affection and to keep her close to him at all times. It was definitely deeper than I expected it to be and I admit I enjoyed reading the details of such a quest for love. An unlikely classic.

The Celestine Prophecy – James Redfield

James Redfield hit the jackpot with this one. Published a few years before the new millennium when most people were afraid of all things to come, when some feared the end of the world was approaching, just in time for everyone to look past their earthly fears, possessions and lives and discover a new world: spirituality. Often dismissed in current years as superstition or fear of death, James Redfield manages to present religion and spirituality in a new light. No more should we be afraid of our spiritual side, no more should we remain unaffected by the universe and the energy of the world around us, but should embrace it as part of our life and through it discover who we are and what our purpose in life is.

New age ideas for a new age audience and everyone who seems to be restless, afraid and lost in this world. Yes, there is a way out and the whole world is heading to that direction; if you choose to believe this book, that is.

The story used by the author to present these ideas is not that interesting and the characters are not very well sketched but that makes little difference as this book is hardly intended to be read as a novel, it’s more of a spirituality trip and the lessons learnt are important (even if you are not that spiritual to start with), you just need to be receptive and open-minded for as long as you are reading this.

Welcome Note

The Readers Guild is a newly-formed book club, created by book enthusiasts who wish to share their passion for reading.

If you want to join, then please do so but remember you should attend meetings and read one book each month (reading is an essential part I’m afraid).

We have not decided on any books or themes yet but your suggestions are welcome.