Hannah Bomze's Favorite Books

This is a common story of tragic poverty and crazy parents... but I think it's the way Walls tells it with such non-judgmental innocence that I like.

The characters were so wonderfully absurd in the first half of this book... but then take a dark turn. It was this shift that really made the book interesting for me. I found myself marking page after page of insightful quotes and philosophies, which all in all teach the reader about the value of youth and beauty. And, it was Lord Henry that I loved the most, not Dorian, because it felt like every time he came into a scene the story suddenly became a play. In the novel, Dorian becomes obsessed with a book that changes his entire life and I can see how this one might do the same for someone else.

Notes From the Underground is short, hilarious, and classic. While people are often intimidated by it, the book can be read on two levels. The first is that it's just an enjoyable and quirky book. The second as a scathing reaction to the enlightenment and everything that proceeded it. If you are even slightly versed in history or literature, that will enhance the reading experience. The first time I read this book, I made the mistake of sitting in the library. I had to leave as my attempts to snicker and laugh silently failed. This is a wonderful and strange tale of a man who can't cope with the society he lives in.

On the Road is a classic. Jack takes us all around this country, and though the book is a standard of find yourself/travel writing, you''ll recognize the experience. This book is likely the most successful book by a "Beat" writer, though there is a whole literature by these authors. This book has traveled through countless suitcases, and more recently, backpacks, of those who seek themselves on the road. It's not romantic, not always easy, but if you want to get that ol' travelin' jones, On the Road is the one to beat.

The Soloist is a wonderful book, and, as always, infinitely superior to the movie that followed. A well-written tale of true talent that won't be buried beneath the devastating effects of mental illness; and of friendship and understanding. A beautiful memoir that doesn't gloss over ugliness or create a false sense of happily-ever-after.

The Sun Also Rises is one of my favorite books. I read it when I was a teenager and I cannot forget the characters; Jake Barnes will be in my head forever. The language is simple — perhaps overly simple — but very powerful. The characters are well drawn and the relationships are interesting. It will not take you long to read this book, but you will think about it for a long time... maybe forever.

This book took me along for the ride of heartache of falling down and hitting rock bottom and then getting back up again. However, it did it slowly, deliciously and in full color — with all the views and smells of the Italy, India and Indonesia. I loved the way the writer showed me how the smallest thing meant the most to her. By the time I closed the book, I found I had felt her pain, worked with her through her recovery and enjoyed every single meal with her. Instead of this book being a travel journal of cold and mostly useless information, I found it was something where I wanted to get back traveling. What a way to travel without leaving your house!