Top 10

Chuck Klosterman recommends the writing of Matthew Osgood!

For a number of years now, I’ve been the one of my friends who will recommend books, articles, poems, or short stories to others. I base this on subjective interest levels, frequency of how much said person reads, and intelligence (that sounds awful, but a strictly academic book, Shakespeare the Thinker, for instance, wouldn’t be recommended to my 17-year old cousin, and so on). I’ve decided to make a list of books, in my opinion, that are essential reads. Of course, there needs to be some universal appeal, alas there won’t be any appearances by good old Billy Shakespeare, but I hope I’ve served you correctly.

The goal here is to go beyond the “classics” and delve deeper into some great, but less critically acclaimed novels. These are in no particular order:

1. Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer. The tragic story of 22-year old Chris McCandless, a young man from an affluent family who, after graduating college, abandoned his car, gave his life savings to charity, and ventured off into a soul-seeking journey that ultimately led to his death. Krakauer does a remarkable job reporting, but remains remarkably objective – despite obvious feelings – in helping the reader form an opinion on whether McCandless was a Thoreau-ian idealist or a narcissistic fool.
2. Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer. The second appearance by Krakauer on this list. This is the tale of the cursed Mt. Everest attempt in 1996, the deadliest season in the history of summit attempts. Again, remarkable reporting and storytelling of a heartbreaking tale. This is an intense read.
3. The Selected Poem of – James Wright. A new favorite for me. I've fallen in love with his descriptions of nature and how simple beauty can be the most important thing we fail to realize is there.
4. Delights and Shadows – Ted Kooser. Another book of poetry. Kooser, a Midwest poet, meditates on the simplicity and beauty of the life around him. A Happy Birthday, Sure Signs.
5. The Last Shot – Darcy Frey. I read this one in college. Definitely the best basketball book I’ve ever read. Frey chronicles the lives of Lincoln High School basketball players, including current NBA superstar Stephon Marbury, who was a 9^th grader at the time.
6. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Hunter S. Thompson. If you think the movie is funny, read the book. This was the first book I’ve ever read that made me laugh on every page. There’s not a dull line written in the book.
7. Slouching Towards Nirvana – Joan Didion. This is a collection of non-fiction essays. Didion is one of the generations greatest writers. Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream is the standout piece here.
8. Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs – Chuck Klosterman. A must-read for pop culture fans. He writes on numerous topics with both humor and insight, including Saved by the Bell, the Lakers-Celtics rivalry, and how much he hates the band Coldplay.
9. The Trouble With Poetry – Billy Collins. Made me a lifelong fan with the poem "Monday"
   
10. I am Charlotte Simmons – Tom Wolfe. I debated putting this on here, but I just enjoyed this book so much. This is the story of a brilliant, virginal young woman who embarks into a world of sex, drugs, and deception: college. Wolfe is another great writer in our time. I guess the $6 million advance on his next book should tell us as much.