I’m not going to say I sound like a genius all the time. I don’t know anything about technology, modern science, or theology. I can weigh in on politics and philosophy, but only because those only require offering an opinion, and I’m sure you all know by now I have plenty of those. However, as an English teacher, I am required to be well-read, and this has been my saving grace in many a conversation of the scholarly sort. True, it’s not every day that you find yourself in a room with learned types, but when the topic over dinner is peppered with literary allusions, having a basic knowledge of the following five books will allow you to add something rather than hide behind your wine glass.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller – Another satire set in the throes of World War II but made popular by the Vietnam War, Catch-22 is more of a written vaudeville act than any “classic” has a right to be. The take-away from this novel: “Catch-22” is in fact the subversive notion that crazy soldiers are not required to fight; however, you have to be crazy in order to go into combat. But if you are sane enough to realize that combat is crazy, you are sane enough to fight.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – One of the most epic tales of injustice in literature, To Kill a Mockingbird is the tale of the wrongful accusation of a black man of rape in 1930’s Deep South. Though told through the eyes of an innocent 8-year-old girl, the characters of Boo Radley and Atticus Finch are full and dynamic. (Write those two down; there will be a quiz later.)

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck – The story of odd couple Tom Joad, a paroled murderer, and Jim Casy, a former preacher, The Grapes of Wrath describes the lives of migrant workers escaping the desolate Dust Bowl of the Midwest for the fields of California. Don’t phone this one in and rent the movie – this is a great example of filmmakers taking liberty with screenplays and altering the message of a book entirely.

1984 by George Orwell – A conspiracy theorist’s first (and best) friend, 1984 is a tale of absolute governmental control over society, behavior, even thoughts. A perfect companion to Orwell’s prior satire, Animal Farm, this should be in every educated (or seemingly educated) person’s repertoire. Read it. Big Brother is watching.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – Once again in the spotlight after its author’s passing, The Catcher in the Rye has become synonymous with teenage angst and a yearning for rebellion. Although (or perhaps because) it is often banned for its use of sexuality, profanity, and abject vulgarity, it has become a classic due to the ability of readers to relate so intimately with the story’s protagonist. Once again, I’m sorry, kids – Salinger never gave permission for this book to be made into a film. Start reading!

What do you think all “educated” people should have read? Let me know below!

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