TNT Mini-Mag Entertainment | December 16' | Page 4

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violence , ambition , greed , and , most notably , “ The American Way .” This book , through a wonderfully crafted cyclone of sociopathic , obsessive , stream-ofconsciousness narration , provides disturbing insights into the inhumanity , pettiness , vice , waste , excess , and overabundant selfinterest inherent in modern America ' s capitalistic ideals that , for at least a century , have been heralded by Americans as " number one ." The mirror Ellis holds to American society reflects a blemished , infected image of America ' s surface values and , through the ugliness , provides any member of the modern first world an opportunity to examine their values and to personally evaluate the ugliness in their sense of nationalism . The book is amazing because , if one can stomach it , analyze it thematically , then apply it to themselves and / or their society , they will inevitably find cracks in their most deeply-held understandings regarding the inherent " good " within their national ideals and / or their individually-held senses of self . This book is like a thermometer-- it helps gauge the extent of a sickness .
“ Franny and Zooey ” by J . D Salinger . This story / novella is beautifully written and , through its narrative , helps readers understand the struggleladen progressions people may take while coming to grips with notions of spirituality and moralistic behavior . It also illuminates dilemmas and personal anxieties that can arise during the interplay between intellect , knowledge , wisdom , experience , family ties , and societal pressure that often occur as one " comes of age " and develops into a selfactualized person , for lack of a better term . In classic Salinger fashion , this story is so moving because it can help anyone grow through its many insights into growth itself . by George Orwell . In an extremely practical and well-written fashion , this modern classic is essential reading , in my opinion , because , without being overly dramatic , paranoid , or conspiratorial , it highlights the threats posed to humanity by both government and technology and , furthermore , by their combined influence . This book is also very relevant in terms of elucidating underlying evils and possible pitfalls perpetually occurring in the ever-expanding whirlpool of politics , war , racism , propaganda , government restriction of personal liberties , technological control , and economic progress contemporary societies find themselves struggling with as modernity continues . This book is essential as it is an easily recognized cautionary tale regarding ideals of " progress " and the actions of the state . Furthermore , as we slide deeper into Trump ’ s America , the messages and warnings contained in are more relevant than ever . This book will be vital to all intellectuals until the state outlaws it …
Thanks for checking out my list . I ' m happy to address questions or comments ; I hope it ' s interesting and / or helpful . I get some will think it sucks . There ' s a lot of books , so , essentially , I picked five that I feel were pivotal in shaping my understanding of myself and the world as I have grown into who I am . Anyone at any stage of life can benefit from these books . Happy reading , people !

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