Siddhartha

by Hermann Hesse

This novella describes Siddhartha's journey towards finding enlightenment in the world. The reader follows Siddhartha through the phases of his life that range from self-denial to riches.

We see his highs and lows, but ultimately, he finds what he longed for at a young age. He starts his journey with the life of no possessions, but then refuses to become a monk to live on his own and to discover life on his own. He falls into the same decadence that he once despised, but pulls himself out of that life to try to gain knowledge from nature. In the end, Siddhartha is at peace with his life.

This story can be used to help the reader find a certain magical answer to the question that so many people ask. Many talk about feeling unsatisfied with their lives, but through the title character, Hesse has shown the world his belief.

In this tale that is meant to reflect the founder of Buddhism, the reader finds out that peace in himself can be obtained, but it is hard to find if you are searching for it. The most important lesson that this book taught me was to stop seeking what I long for, but to let myself stumble upon it.

Verdict: Read

Nineteen Eighty-Four

by George Orwell

This dystopic novel tells the story of Winston Smith as he lives his depressing life in an oppressive society. Written over sixty years ago in post-war Europe, this served, and still serves, as a warning for what might happen if a country gets too much power.

Throughout this novel, we follow our main character as he becomes more rebellious against the totalitarian government and then through his demise back into conformity. Even at the end when he is finally destroyed, he is a lovable character that all readers put hope into.

As a tale that takes place in the future, it is amazingly plausible because of the society's slight similarities to our world today. This novel is bone chilling if we think that this might be our future.

Orwell's captivating style prevails in this book. His magical way of weaving politics with fiction, the imaginable with the horrific. Orwell continues to expose the reader to what they would rather not hear, but it makes the story more captivating and able to effect the reader more.

This novel will always help keep governments in check with their citizens, no matter how much time passes after the title year. Big Brother might be watching us, but we are definitely on the lookout for him as well.

Verdict: Read

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal

by Eric Schlosser

This book does what the title suggests; it tells the reader the horrifying backside of what goes into a normal meal at McDonalds and other fast food places.

It starts out humble enough just like all the giants of the industry did, but it quickly turns nasty, seeking out blood. The first part talks about how the big companies got their starts and then grew into what we now know them. The book then begins to delve into what we actually eat when we order our favorite combo number. It is reminiscent of Upton Sinclair when Schlosser talks about the meat packing and flavor making process, both of which will make your stomach curl.

This book, even though it may be full of statistics and facts, was really hard to put down. I believe that if this book got the right publicity, the fast food giants would be biting their nails because of the awful picture that is painted with words in this book. This is the poke that Americans need to cut our addiction to the grease filled food served through windows for our convenience.

The author's call to action in the epilogue should be what we all strive to follow. He asks us to boycott the fast food industry so our disgust can be known to them. He is optimistic towards the unlikely downfall of these corrupt restaurants, which instills some hope into the reader. One thing is for sure, my eyes are open to the behind-the-scenes actions of what goes into my number nine at McDonalds, and I do not like this newly acquired information.

Verdict: Read