And Now, My Top 10 Favourite Books

Last time, I did the five books I was enjoying at that moment in time; now, I bring to you my top ten favourite books of all time (non-fiction and fiction included.):

10. In His Own Write - John Lennon

So, this is a book of nonsense poetry and stories. It's not a technically 'great' book, but it is perfect for a lark and is a great, short read. It's also noteworthy for being the first non-Beatles thing any of the four ever did. John also wrote two more books entitled: A Spaniard in the Works and Skywriting by Word of Mouth. Neither had quite the impact his first book had on me.

9. Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Jules Verne

It may seem a tad distant than my previous choice, y'know? However, I'm quite fond of this story and of the characters. May I also express my love for the original film, as well. The remake/reboot/whatever-the-fuck was just horrible. But, I will say that both the novel and original film are both ranking high in both my literary and film favourites.

8. John - Cynthia Lennon

By Lennon, Journey to the Centre of the Earth is sandwiched in-between two Lennon books! One by him and one about him! In this non-fiction biography by his first wife, Cynthia, John tells about the relationship they had together and in spite of all the negative aspects she brings to the forefront about John's life; she counter-balances it by talking about how much they loved one another, how horrid John's life was and how fame so young ruined both their marriage, and his relationship with his first son Julian.

7. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Hunter S. Thompson

This is a pseudo-fiction, pseudo-non-fiction book by Hunter S. Thompson based upon two real-life trips to Las Vegas that he took with a man by the name of Oscar Zeta Acosta. Of course, because it's technically fiction he embellishes and makes things up; but on the whole, this novel is based on real events, as well as the numerous LSD trips Thompson and Acosta took during their lovely trips.

6. Why We Suck - Denis Leary

Why We Suck: A Feel-Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud and Lazy is the first book by Dr. Denis Leary, who actually received an honorary doctorate from Emerson College. Denis is most well-known for his first comedy special No Cure for Cancer in which many suspect he took a great deal of material from former friend and fellow comedian Bill Hicks; however, I don't agree. He's also well-known for my favourite television programme of all-time Rescue Me. In this book it's partially autobiography, partially essays, partially jokes; well, you get the point.

5. The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

Fuck you, I like this book. I can relate to Holden Caulfield; I am a bitchy adolescent who just wants to find his place in the world. Now, some of you may find it a tad ironic that a list of favourite books includes a book about John Lennon and a book by John Lennon, and a book that inspired Mark David Chapman to shoot-and-kill John Lennon are all on the same list. Well, simply put; J.D Salinger didn't write the book with hopes MDC would kill John. I mean, no shit.

4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey

Now, be aware I love both the novel and the film; and the film I love much, much more. But I still love the fuck out of this novel! I like the idea of a regular guy unneededly put into a mental asylum filled with 'crazy' people and he helps them love who they are and to challenge authority! I'm kind of anti-authority myself, so it makes sense.

3. Napalm and Silly Putty - George Carlin

Last non-fiction book on the list. I love all of Carlin's books, but I feel that this one was really his best. I mean, George is my favourite comedian of all-time; and to have a book of his best material, thoughts and opinions? Genius! Sure, it was his third book; but it's still his best. Not to mention this book inspired me to write Poppycock.

2. A Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess

It was pretty tough putting this book at number two because of the sheer impact it had on me whilst reading it; however, I still stand by my number one choice and feel that, while this novella is terrific and a real statement on society and how we view morality; the final chapter (thankfully omitted from the US version and the film) just ruins everything. A book about a teenager who loves rape, murder and violence suddenly reforms completely and moves on? I don't care if he's older, Alex is a fucking sociopath and you know it! You can't change shit like that! Didn't we establish the Ludovico technique didn't even work on him and he was just playing along? Come on now, Anthony!

1. Lord of the Flies - William Golding

I don't give a shit what anyone says. This is the most poetic, allegorical, statement on society, view of morality, view of innocence and exploration for the inherent evil of humanity is simply the greatest work of fiction because it's very much like a non-fiction book! It is simply the greatest and most well-thought out books of all-time. I mean, the ending marking the end of innocence is fucking beautiful.

I'm Currently Beginning a Novella.

That's right; my second book. However, this time I opted to write a piece of fiction instead of a book of essays and jokes. The book is a psychological thriller, to a certain degree. It's heavily influenced by the book A Clockwork Orange.

Also, yes, I meant the book. As much as I love the film and it's interpretation of Anthony Burgess' original novel; I more-or-less liked the ideas and philosophies of the novella.

By the way, in case you didn't know, a novella is a piece of literature which is too long to be a short story, but too short to be a novel.

The idea behind the story is of a dying old man who is intelligent, well-spoken and charming. After finding out that he will be dead within a few days, he goes into a bar and begins to tell the barkeep a story about a young man who went out and murdered people by the dozens, but was never caught. His story goes on for quite some time and as the book finishes up; the man heavily implies that it was he who committed the murders. But the final line will be quite a shock that you will never see coming. (I know, I know. Twist endings are always shitty; but this one is actually pretty deep and unexpected.)

I plan on it being 100 to 120 pages and it will be published through TheBookPatch. It will be more-or-less a satire and will be played more for laughs and poking fun at things instead of a gritty crime-drama that people may expect.

So, if my posts become a tad fewer and less consistent, please do not worry. I will plan on updating at least once a day; and perhaps more. If I write at least ten pages a day, I'll be over before I know it. Also, one more thing; the narrator will be unreliable, so do not hang on to everything he says as fact/fiction. It plays out in the ending.