Thirty books {to be read before 30}
I haven’t read nearly enough books considered to be either classic literature or socially revolutionary. There are so many. A few months ago, I enacted a plan to address this issue. Naturally, the plan involves a list, a few rules (as well as loop-holes), and a self-imposed deadline. Today, I’m sharing the 30 books I want to read before I’m 30.
It started out simply by asking friends and family for recommendations. Then, I spent some time researching classic literature and reviewing other must-read lists like Time’s 100 Books to Read Before You Die. It seems that nearly every news source with an Arts & Culture section has their own required reading recommendations so there was no shortage of ideas. I drafted my list, in pencil, key for those moments when you’re 11 pages into a book that you cannot bear to read (Iliad, I’m looking at you.) I keep the list with me, in my planner/agenda so I can add recommendations to the back of the page or plan my next library request.
Right now, I’m reading One Hundred Years of Solitude with Lolita on deck. 
What book do you think everyone should read? Post it in the comments below or email me.
So Pretty is as Pretty Does. 
I think I read 9 of these…but I’ll be honest and say that some I’m not definitive about. Great list!
There are a few titles that I’m not too sure of myself, but I won’t know until I start reading them! Any recommendations for substitute books should I have an Iliad repeat? 🙂 I’m reading 100 years of solitude now and so far so good. Thanks for commenting!
Trying to think of old “English class” books…I like the Odyssey, but if you weren’t a fan of the Iliad, Odyssey may be similar…I enjoyed Flowers for Algernon, as well. I’m sure there are more. I’ll let you know when I think of some!
I’ll add Flowers of Algernon to the list, it sounds like a good read. And, I may try the Odyssey, but it probably won’t be anytime soon 🙂 Thanks again for the suggestions!
Great list! I had a similar ‘omg there are so many amazing books i haven’t yet read!’ experience just over a year ago after seeing that Time’s list. So, (having joined Goodreads) I set out on my literary journey and here I am now, about 15 titles on and 1 very happy lady! I already have a list for next year and will publish it, as well as the ‘already read’ on my blog at some point before the end of the year. Good luck and enjoy your journey!
PS. Jane Eyre which I read 2 months ago became my favourite book. I also recommend Catch-22 by Joseph Heller- I warn you though that you will either love it or hate it. 🙂