Jack

Sadly I haven’t been reading Dracula lately due to my load of uni books I have to read instead. But afterwards… it’s pretty up in the air. I have a lot of books ready for me, I just need to narrow down which one I will read next. I’ve been considering Albert Camus’ The Myth of Sisyphus (which I’ve started), or Camus/Kafka/Plath’s journals and diaries. I’ve also considered starting American Psycho (Ellis), Black Chalk (Yates), or The Lying Game (Ware) sometime soon.

Or, tomorrow, I want to go try to find a copy of Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice. I started reading this book when I found a copy of it in a study room in South Korea. Obviously I had to leave it there since it wasn’t mine, but I really enjoyed what I read so far.

Thank you for your question:) What are you reading at the moment?

Oh my, did you come to the right place. You may have already read Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, but I recommend it anyway. I also recommend The Fall or even The Stranger by Albert Camus. There is a short story titled “Bartleby the Scrivner” by Herman Melville and this one is also really good and depressing. Perhaps Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Or even the play Our Town by Thornton Wilder. The short story titled “Story of an Hour” is an interesting and sad little piece by Kate Chopin. Or, one of my favorites, the play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller.

Let me know what you think and if you need anymore. Also, feel better soon ahahah, my dms are always open

This really is me. (They bully me)

Hi there. You seem very sweet and genuine. Thank you for reaching out to me.

I have read Kafka’s Metamorphosis, yes. Well, you’re pretty spot on so far—the book is very strange. But in a way, it is meant to be peculiar. I believe that the original language of the book is German. Hence, I have also read a translation.

I would like to say one thing first: even as a literature major, I don’t enjoy every classic I read. There is nothing wrong with not liking or finding a classic confusing or uninteresting. It’s best to have explanations to back up your views, but it’s not harmful overall. If anything, (as R. W. Emerson would say), it’s good to differ from the crowd and establish your own thoughts.

I would love to help you, but first I have two questions:

1. Do you want me to make a post explaining how I read and analyze literature? (It may take me a while to put the post together, but I will do it if you’d like me to.)

2. What are your thoughts on the book so far? I do not want to put ideas into your head—I want to hear your thoughts. I don’t think that most books have only one meaning or interpretation. The fluidity of meaning in literature is beautiful. If two people read the same book and have two vastly different takeaways, then that just means that the message is broad and widely applicable.

So please, if you’d like, tell me what you think the book is about so far. Then, I will offer my interpretation. :) Dms or another anon post is fine with me! Or you can comment too, if you feel comfortable.