1. The Secret Life of Plants: a Fascinating Account of the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Relations Between Plants and Man by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird
Hands down, a must read. A diverse collection of research studies and unintentional discoveries exposing the sentience of plant life. You will never want to mow your lawn again.
2. Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Blurring the lines between truth and magic, this haunting story of a baffling murder and the surrounding society’s reaction will leave you stunned. An addicting read that will keep you thinking for days after you put it down.
3. On Photography by Susan Sontag
A series of short essays on the human urge to capture images. Whether you agree with her or not, Susan Sontag’s arguments will get you thinking seriously about art, reality, and our habits in the age of [almost] excessive photography.
4. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Best described as a philosophical horror story that remains relevant no matter how many times you re-read. In Oscar Wilde’s only novel, each sentence is, in true Wilde fashion, deliberate and witty. A page turner that will have you questioning temptation, age, beauty, and your own ~hUmaN cOndiTioN~*.
5. Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis
A fascinating look into the RHCP front runner’s crazy experiences from struggling with substance abuse to thriving and suffering as a young artist. Nostalgia for 1980’s-1990’s Los Angeles will ensue.
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Poetic and powerful, this autobiographical coming of age story touches on loneliness, racism, ignorance, violence, and the incredible strength of character that can overcome it all. A true American classic - you’ll understand how Maya Angelou became the hero we revere today.
7. Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes
An obvious literary chef d’oeuvre, the adventure of a lonely hidalgo who prefers chivalric fantasy over reality is the ultimate escape for your creative soul. Extra points if you read it in its original español.
