Classical Literature 101

For those of you who don't know, I am in the midst of trying to read some good old classical literature (For my complete reading list, click "Books To Read" in the header). So far I have waded my way through One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Great Gatsby, and am in the middle of Great Expectations.

So far I have realized one thing...classic literature makes absolutely no sense. All three of these "great" novels are all over the place. I can follow the stories. There's a bit of a language barrier at first, but once I get into the gist of it, I can follow along without a problem. And I understand that they are meant to symbolize other things, but it all seems very random and chaotic. 

I really like Cuckoo's Nest though and the Great Gatsby was sort of awful to me. I'm excited to be plugging away because reading old books makes me feel smart and works my brain in a way that normal books just don't. Plus I love the feel of a musty old book from the 80's or earlier. It's completely fantastic. Even when I think the book is stupid because it has weird subplots or something, it is still stimulating me intellectually for whatever reason. 

Today I bought a super old copy of Crime & Punishment, and mildly less old copies of Siddhartha and The Picture of Dorian Gray at Half Price Books with Val (I've never been there before and I loved it!). Plus she let me borrow a bunch of books, so I am excited to start reading!! If I have any fully formed thoughts about these things, I may or may not share depending on how good I feel.

If you're wondering, I'm having a super awesome week. I just feel good and even though I have a ton to do and this month is going to be crazy, I'm excited. I'm also super psyched about how many people are reading this  blog because I mostly just was writing it for me. I feel a little pressure to be smart or something now because you all responded to my last blog, but hey I'm not doing this for you, I'm doing it so I can not do my homework. 

Also, I'm super stoked because I will be heading to Chicago/Indiana in two weeks from tomorrow and it's my first solo trip anywhere ever! And I will be getting to check out my top 2 schools (UChicago and Wheaton), so I'm just all around going nuts getting ready for this trip. And I have decided that I really love microeconomics, which is great since economics is my major. (Don't ask me why, everyone does, I don't know). 

I'm rambling. I'm aware. Good night, my dears.