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The Prince

This treatise is not very enlightening or influential, or at least it didn’t strike me as that. Reading The Prince with no former knowledge about what it was about, it seriously read like a ‘How-to: Rule a Princedom for Dummies’. The arguments given within this work didn’t strike me as shocking, because when you understand the historical context of Renaissance Italy, cruelty and immorality was very much needed for a state to survive a hostile geopolitical landscape; it would be very unwise for Machiavelli to promote a different ruling scheme than one that ensures the survival of his home state.

Besides the above, there really isn’t much essence in this book. The only other point of interest that Machiavelli presents is the accounts of what Italian politics was like during his time. He speaks of complex political discourse of his past and present, analysing and criticising key political figures.

It is honestly fairly difficult for me to recommend this book due to its non-shallow interpretation. This book in the hands of the unwise can be dangerous and unproductive. Any shallow or self-righteous person may interpret this book very literally and take Machiavelli’s words as gospel. I’m sure you know someone who treats The Prince like their Bible, and you know just how questionable they actually are.

Odyssey

The story of Odyssey details the events that follow Ulysses and his journey back home to Ithica after the siege of Troy, which concluded the ten year-long Trojan war which resulted in Greek victory. He faces many challenges and trials throughout his voyage back home require him to test his cunning and wit, often being faced with lethal danger that threatens the lives of himself and his men. Parallel to his voyage back home, the story also follows his son, Telemachus. Telemachus faces struggles and burdens as he attempts to resolve destructive issues that threaten his estate and his family.

Odyssey is an enjoyable and fun read that explores Ulysses and his trials to make his way back home. However the brute and raw writing may not appeal to everyone, and some may actually find such writing to be unbearable and boring. If you have an appreciation for Ancient Greek literature, you will not be disappointed whatsoever.

Moby-Dick

A very raw and straight-forward read about Ishmael following Captain Ahab on his monomaniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick. It also explores and discusses the sphere of whaling and sailing during the 19th century.

A recommended read if you want a simple read about what it was like to be a whaler. This book definitely isn’t for everyone though, it can be sluggish and slow to read through if you aren’t particularly interested.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The novel explores deep and hard-hitting ideas that feel scary to confront and answer. The Picture of Dorian Gray makes you question your current life ideals, the decisions you make, and the type of character you believe yourself to be. This book connects the most with people who share the same demographic as Dorian Gray - a young male, fresh into adulthood without a clear and concrete set of self-defined beliefs and values; a person who can easily be moulded and persuaded; a person who desires to please society.

This novel is fairly short, however it will stare daggers into your soul for the entire length of it. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a must read for young adults, not for the story, but rather the questions it poses onto the reader and how weirdly the reader can relate to Dorian Gray himself.