My Book List

First, a novel by Henry David Thoreau about his personal experience in the wilderness. Thoreau opposes urbanization with his actions. Walden is two and a half hundred pages describing the natural life next to Walden Pond. I'm somewhat partial to this book because Elder L. Tom Perry referenced Thoreau's experience in one of his conference talks. Thoreau also rights a short essay now entitled "Civil Disobedience" which gives ideas not far removed from current anti-war sentiments, however Thoreau is quite charged on the matter.

Next on my list is Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill. I think this draws me particularly because I know so little about utilitarianism. My interest in this book parallels that of The Communist Manifesto. I'm sure some English professor will lose his wings when I say this, but I haven't ever heard of John Stuart Mill before investigating this book. I think it will be worth my time as was The Communist Manifesto.

I do recognize the name Frederick Douglass which is part of the reason I am raising to my list Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. I have long enjoyed learning about the 19th century pre- and post-civil war. The perspective of a slave would be most enlightening.

The final spot on my list is filled by Ralph Waldo Emerson "American Scholar" and "Nature". I have had a book of selections from Emerson and I found these two selections are on the Honors reading list. I already have the book so why not spend the time reading critically acclaimed work.

I must now admit that all the titles above are found on the BYU Honors Great Works List. Who can blame me for killing two birds with one stone?