JACK KEROUAC, "ON THE ROAD"
It's funny that almost everybody who likes to read or read literature has heard of Jack Kerouac. Almost everybody knows that he was one of the main writers of the so-called beatnik generation. Almost everyone knows that the novel "On the Road" is considered an undeniable classic of American prose of the XX century. But only a small part of them really read this work. The book "On the Road" should be read not only because it is a classic, but because it is really strong prose, which is interesting to read. The novel about the journey of Sal's friends and Dean set the tone for progressive fiction for 50 years to come. This is a real stream of thoughts and emotions, which never allows the reader to doubt what the author says. Isn't this one of the main criteria for a strong book? "On the road" is written in a lively and natural (don't confuse with colloquial) language, so if you have the opportunity to read the novel in the original, then you are lucky twice as lucky. Whoever says what, the subtleties of translation and styling somehow affect the text.
ELENA FERRANTE, "MY GENIUS FRIEND"
This is the first book by Ferrante from the popular cycle "Neapolitan Stories". "My genius friend" - the story of two friends from the poor neighborhood of Naples, true friendship, the vicissitudes of fate and the hardships of life. Additional attractiveness to this (and any other) novel by Ferrante gives personality and image of the writer. A few facts for the seed. Firstly, about Ferrante practically nothing is known - it is still unclear whether the real name of Elena Ferrante or it is a pseudonym? The writer herself does not refute but does not confirm this theory. Journalists come up with different versions one after the other and carry out whole investigations to find out who is hiding behind this name. There is even a version that it is not one but two people - a married couple of Sandro Ferrie and Sandra Ozzola, who are at the head of the publishing house Edizioni e/o (it publishes all the novels of Ferrante). Secondly, even though she is anonymous, Elena Ferrante always manages to be heard. Her books come out in huge circulations all over the world, are included in the lists of prestigious international awards, they are used to make films and TV series. Well, a couple of years ago, the weekly Time included a woman in the list of 100 most influential people in the world.
SEBASTIAN HAFFNER, "NECTO HITLER. CRIME POLICY"
Haffner managed to analyze the phenomenon of one of the main villains of the last century, without falling into nerdiness. Interestingly and informatively the historian argues about the only voluntary choice that faces a man capable of horrible deeds. Through the book, Haffner carries the idea that time does not give birth to a criminal. He also denies the claim that "in Hitler's place there could be a completely different person". In no case should we forget about the guilt of a particular person. It is interesting that "Crime Policy" - a kind of analytical commentary on another work by Haffner, the book "History of a German", which the historian wrote back in 1939, while in exile. However, it was not published until forty years later.
LION OF DANILKIN, "LENIN. PANTOCRATOR OF SOLAR DUST"
Vladimir Ilyich's figure is already densely covered with myths, bikes, and legends. Which, in fact, is not surprising. Our people always had a decline in exaggerations and dogmas concerning the outstanding compatriots. Either the folklore past makes itself felt, or a strong national literary gene.
Pantocrator of solar dust" is a real biography, which, as the author admitted, did not let him go for a long time. Danilkin said that he could not stop and constantly supplemented the text, stumbling upon new facts from the life of the leader. And it is felt. As well as the fact that he wrote this book to help the reader look at Vladimir Ilyich objectively, without prejudice. In "Pantocrator of solar dust" Lenin reveals not only as a strong and unscrupulous person but also as a charismatic and charming man. It will be useful to read at least for general erudition.
MICHAEL BAR ZOHAR, "SHIMON PERES. BIOGRAPHY"
Two years ago, one of the most interesting politicians of our time, the ninth President of Israel, Shimon Peres, passed away. To read his biography today is to experience with him all his ups and downs during his 70-year career. Even though Perez was elected president when he was 84 years old. Peres strengthened the international status of Israel, strengthened the security of his country and did so much for it that it became a national hero in the eyes of the population. The author of the biography, Israeli writer Michael Bar-Zohar, was able to reveal in detail the identity of the Israeli leader and tell the story of life of an outstanding politician, which is closely connected with the history of Israel itself.
IVAN TURGENEV, "FIRST LOVE"
Sensual and dramatic "First Love" is primarily attracted by the fact that, like other stories of the writer, it is largely autobiographical. It is believed that the source of inspiration and impetus for its writing was the French singer Pauline Viardot, with whom Turgenev met in 1844. Love is an amazing feeling. It is unlike anything else, it gives a man a palette of emotions - from desperate grief to exalting joy. Not every writer managed to transfer it to paper and describe it alive, naturally and reliably. Turgenev succeeded. Perhaps because this love remained undivided.