Hi, I fell into a deep rabbit hole of looking at all of your arts and noticed that so many books that you have read and took inspiration from sound so interesting! I haven't read most of them and would love to start, but I do not know where to begin,, Do you have any favorites that you would definitely suggest reading??
Hey!
My advice for people who want to read good books but are unsure where to start: start with the classics. Find a big list of classics and read the ones that sound interesting (not all of them will). From then on you will discover which type of literature moves you the most, and branch out further into that niche.
I discovered that I really like eastern european literature, more specifically psychological fiction. So here are things that moved me, and likely, have moved my art.
HUMANITY AS ENDLESSLY MULTI-FACETED
Crime and Punishment, and The Brothers Karamazov are 10000% worthy of the titles of best novels of all time. I haven't heard of anyone who read TBK and didn't consider one of the best books ever. However, they're huge and if you want a smaller dose of the same effect, here are some books:
-The House of the Dead - Dostoievsky - The narrator is fascinated with a mysterious man and learns much more about him once he finds his abandoned notes, in which he recalls his experience in a siberian labor camp. Did you know it's semi-autobiographical and Dostoievsky himself was impriosoned for years?
-A Country Doctor's Notebook - Bulgakov - Imagine being in your 20s and after gratuation your job is being the main doctor in a rural hospital? It all seemed so simple in class, but now someone is actively bleeding out in front of you and you're the one in charge.
Also likely semi-autobiographical (Bulgakov did work as a doctor)
-Ward Nº6 - Chekhov (yeah the gun one) - A chief doctor of a rundown rural hospital finds himself fascinated by one of the patients of the mental ward, who is not as insane as people assume he is. More I won't say to avoid runing the experience.
SOMETHING UNREAL IS HAPPENING
The Portrait - Gogol - An art student finds a mysterious and magnetic painting. Who is it? Who painted it? Why is the painting guiding him towards wealth?
Master and Margarita - Bulgakov - The literal devil and his entourage visit soviet Moscow. The book was only fully published decades after the death of the author. One of the best novels of all time . If you love the vibes of my religious art, this one is for you.
HUMANITY IS CHAOTIC AND ENDLESSLY FUN
The Village Stepanchikovo - Dostoievsky - The literary form of that meme that goes ''wow these people are weird thank god im the only normal here''. A strong contender that Dostoievsky is not bleakness and misery, it is awareness of chaos and the discovery of humor in any mad situation
I WANT MY HEART TORN OUT
Every book by Svetlana Alexievitch - The most memorable quote out of all five, to me, is ''I feel sorry for everyone who reads this book, and anyone who doesn't'' A collection of accounts from survivors of war and disaster that showcases everything of humanity. This collection will burn your soul to the ground but from those ashes something beautiful will grow, if you read it attentively.
In order: The Unwomanly Face of War, Last Witnesses, Zinky Boys, Voices of Chernobyl, Second-hand Time
A Faint Heart - Dostoievsky - A young man's friend seems to have it all; youth, a stable job, a beautiful bride. Yet something is amiss. He begins to act uneasy, torn, guilty. What could possibly be haunting his best friend?
I am prepared to stand in court and to write a full essay to prove to everyone that this indeed is a queer story.
Morphine - Bulgakov - A young doctor receives a letter from one a friend/collegue ''I'm gravely ill. I don't want anyone's help but yours''. What ensues is a description of one's spiral down into addiction.
Often included in A Country Doctor's Notebook because many argue it belongs to the collection. Many disagree due to sharp change in tone, but I feel like it belongs as an extra and well worthy the attention. Did you know Bulgakov also suffered thro morphone addiction?
Here are some starters. It's a pleasure to talk about books. I love reading (and writing) and I genuinely believe that if you read many good stories you yourself will become a better storyteller and your art will connect with people more emotionally. I hope at least some of these works caught your attention.
Thank you!