I almost stumbled on Raphael as I was exiting Peet's. For a second I thought it was James McAvoy (he had an accent so in my delirious state he might as well have been). I did notice he was reading a copy of Siddhartha. This is his first time reading it - the book was actually a gift from someone. Even though he is less than halfway through the book he's getting into it. He is no stranger to Hermann Hesse. Raphael previously read Hesse's Steppenwolf. (He either read it or wants to read it...sorry, I was a product of insomnia at that moment!)
Raphael admits that he isn't much of a novel reader. "I prefer non-fiction, spiritual books... books that give advice on how to better yourself from within..." He doesn't discount novels though. One of his favourite books happens to be Catcher in the Rye. "Many people favour this book in adolescence but I actually didn't read it until later on in life." Like with many Catch in the Rye fans I ask if he has read Franny and Zooey. I explained that it is one of my personal favourites and I prefer this book over Salinger's other and more well-known classic. I love the brother and sister dymanic in the book and the style is one that sucks you in. Well, it did a number on me, at least. After my mini endorsement Raphael said he would check it out.
When asked what his own book would be about given the opportunity to write one Raphael paused, truly contemplating the question at hand. "I'd probably right about book about finding youself but it won't be a typical non-fiction how-to esque work. I'd actually like to write a novel instead but incorporate my own experiences into the storyline so that I can impart my advice and teachings through that."
Which Hermann Hesse book do you prefer: Siddhartha or Steppenwolf?
Which J.D. Salinger book do you fancy more: Catcher in the Rye or Franny and Zooey?
1 comments:
I'm horrible. I haven't read either one so I'm adding Franny and Zooey to my to-be-read list.
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