Only Shallow

Last week The Telegraph published a list of the 50 best cult books. Let leave aside the question of what exactly a ‘cult book’ is, and focus on the important thing here – me. I consider myself fairly well-read, but it turns out I’ve only read six of the fifty books listed.

The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger

I’m not sure how this can be a cult book when it’s shoved down the throats of thousands upon thousands of unsuspecting high school kids every year . It was pressed upon me as an adolescent and I loathed it then as I do now. Holden Caulfield = big whiner. Life is pain, highness, etc. etc.and etc.

Chariots of the Gods – Erik von Daniken

From cover to cover this book is filled with unmitigated nonsense. But for a kid in junior high kid lately enthralled with the original Battlestar Galactica (“There are those who believe that life here began out there…”) it was riveting stuff.

Dune – Frank Herbert

A classic. I’ve re-read it several times.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams

Another must read in the education of young geek.

On The Road – Jack Kerouac

I didn’t get around to reading this until four or five years ago, and I wasn’t terribly impressed. Maybe there’s another book that can account for Kerouac’s reputation?

Fear and Loathing and Las Vegas – Hunter S. Thompson

Printed comfort food. The high point of Thompson’s output.