JM

**__The Picture of Dorian Gray:__** "Oscar Wilde's only novel //The Picture of Dorian Gray// (1891) is a classic instance of the aestheticism of the late 19th century's English literature. The maxim of aestheticism "art for art's sake" is reflected in the opening of the novel, which specifies art's aim to "reveal the art and conceal the artist." For greater emphasis, Wilde defines the artist as free of ethical sympathies and morbidity. Even books are seen as only "well written" or "badly written" and not as moral or amoral. Following this prelude on art and beauty, Wilde weaves a plot that explores the issue to its core.

The plot of //The Picture of Dorian Gray//, if seen apart from the wit and epigrams of Lord Henry is serious and, at times, even somber. Dorian Gray is a young and handsome man whose well-off friend Lord Henry takes him to an art-loving painter, Basil Hallward. The painter makes a picture of Dorian Gray, a fascinating piece that makes Dorian wish to stop aging. His wish is fulfilled and the picture starts aging instead of young Dorian. The consequence is disaster. Oscar Wilde has created an amusing tale that does not end very happily but ends beautifully with our easy-going Lord Henry still chirping."

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Awards: The Observer's 100 Greatest Novels of All Time (2003), 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (2006/2008 Edition), Guardian 1000 (Family and self).

The relatability on the main character's internal conflict resonated with me. As one of the first pieces of real literature I read on my own time, it opened my eyes to how much interpretation and analysis I could derive from a piece of work. The timeless aphorism, "Be careful what you wish for." is ever-present in the actions of Dorian Gray and the traits of minor characters that help appreciate what I am given each day. **__Pride and Prejudice:__** "The book's plot deals with the five Bennet sisters, whose fanatically prosaic mother obsesses over marrying off as quickly and as advantageously as possible. Most of the action centers on the two eldest Bennet girls: dutiful Jane and practical, quick-witted Elizabeth. For the better part of the book, these sisters are occupied chiefly in damage control against the various disastrous almost-engagements they and their sisters find themselves in, as well as in pining after their various objects of affection: the dashing yet befuddled Charles Bingley for Jane, and the grave, calculating Mr. Darcy (So dark! So cold! So rational!) for Elizabeth, whose viewpoint is probably--based on her wit and levelheadedness compared to her sisters--the closest to Austen's.
 * This book is one of my "Important Books" because**

It's Elizabeth and Darcy that really drive the plot through a combination of their seeming compatibility and their total inability to get together, thanks to their mutual low opinions of one another--or at least the belief on the part of each that the other has a low opinion of them."

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The individual character of each Bennet sister is able to portray a variety of conflict. The romantic aspect draws you in and as you read you relate different characters and compare them to people you know, or even yourself. __**Tuesdays with Morrie:**__ "Sometimes existentialism is best translated by someone who doesn’t even realize they are talking about existential ideas. //Tuesdays with Morrie// seems to be just such a book. The book, written by Mitch Albom, chronicles the lessons he learned from his teacher, Morrie Schwartz. Morrie plays the role of the teacher while Mitch is the one eager, now resistant student. After losing contact for many years, Mitch re-connects with his old sociology professor when finding out that Morrie was dying. Morrie, who become one of the most famous dying men of all time, became famous through his interviews with Ted Koppel on ABC News. It was watching the first of the three interviews with Morrie that Mitch learned Morrie was dying. Morrie was very pleased his once eager student returned and encouraged Mitch to fly in for weekly meeting with Morrie which continued until Morrie’s death. The story unfolds through Mitch’s recollection of the weekly Tuesday meetings, each of which have a different topic. Each lesson is more vivid with Morrie’s impending death. Morrie was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. With ALS, there is a gradual deterioration of muscle that, by the time the Tuesdays meetings begin, was occurring at a rapid pace. With each lesson, death was more present. Mitch’s own struggle with facing death issues makes //Tuesdays with Morrie// a very practical lesson in the denial of death. Throughout the book, he often makes comments to Morrie which encourage him to not talk about death or repress that Morrie is dying. Morrie returns encouraging Albon to consider the value of death and the value of facing reality. The existential themes emerge through Morrie’s wisdom and facing of his impending death along with Mitch’s resistance to death and emotion. Morrie appears determined to help Mitch embrace his emotions, evidenced by making him cry, and face the existential realities he’s been denying. Morrie accomplishes this with great success."
 * This book is one of my "Important Books" because**

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Awards: New York Times Non-Fiction Bestsellers of 2000.

This book made me think of //my// Morrie. It reminded to appreciate all of the educators and intelligent people who guide me through day to day life. It also taught me lessons in life, on dealing with grief and despair, and gave me a greater sense of optimism.
 * This book is one of my "Important Books" because**

Nuch, I agree with you this book made me take a step back and appreciate all that I have. I am still looking for my Morrie. You would think that a book about a man dying would be depressing but this book was inspiring and I also found a greater sense of optimism. Thanks for picking a great book!! Love,

Maddie **checked by DLJ 10/08 10 pts for MM**
= checked by Mrs. J 9/28/12 45/45 points =