With everyone stuck indoors I thought why not throw down some of the books, movies, shows, and jams I have been enjoying as of late. Since beach closures are growing exponentially, maybe faster then the spread of the actually virus surfers everywhere are going to need something to fill that one to four hours a day they would normally be chasing surf. I have been reading lots of social media posts of people looking for good books so lets start there.
I will give you five for now. Keep in mind I am a slave to the classics with a favorite in British Literature from 17-1900.
Jude the Obscure – Thomas Hardy 1895 roughly 500 pages edition dependent
Hardy’s book were way ahead of his time and all are full of pushing the acceptable social conduct of that era. Full of sexual angst and content in a decadent way you can’t miss a good Hardy novel. He always challenges religion and government as well. Jude the Obsure is actually his final fiction novel because it was so heavily criticized in his day it led him to give up fiction. That being said scholars today consider it to be maybe his master piece. Isn’t that how it always goes with genius. Basic plot follows a peasant dreamer through his life of misadventures and poor life choices ultimately leading to his downfall.
A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens 1859 roughly 450 pages
Dickens is with out a doubt one of my favorite authors. If you think times are shitty right now just think how much they sucked living in France post revolution. Love, lust, honor, blood shed and unrequited romance make this novel a winner. It is also one of my personal favorites. A must read for everyone.
Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare 1604 5 acts
Considering he had just lived through quite the plague why not enjoy a Shakespeare comedy set about a corrupt government official ruling poorly at the hand of his own selfish vanity. Sex, pirates and plot twists all make this a fun filled read. If you really feel eager why not act it out with some friends over face time. You may not survive this Corona plague but Shakespeare’s words will. At the very least you won’t die an illiterate.
1984 – George Orwell 1949 roughly 340 pages
Keep giving up those rights because you are scared and George Orwell’s dystopian future will become a reality. 1984 is an ugly truth about human nature and the corruption of power. Throw in a little romance, sexual content and some good old fashion torture and you got a decent read. Better read this now while you still can before we start burning books of it’s nature.
Sea Wolf – Jack London 1904 roughly 330 pages
An intellectual gets impressed into being a sailor after being picked up a float from a boating accident in San Francisco. The schooner is a gnarly seal hide trapping boat with a schizophrenic captain ready lose it at any moment. Its a sadistic fish out of water story that sort of works out in the end.
Surfing Ruined My Life 
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