Three Fiction Books Everyone Should Read

There are many books that have influenced society. I tried to narrow the list down based on genre. So the three fiction books that everyone should read are as follows:

1. Heart of Darkness - More than just a story of a man entering Africa's heartland, this story is an in depth look at humanity. As Marlow (the main character and protagonist) travels deeper into Africa, the people he meets along the way become more and more corrupt. At the center of this corruption is Kurtz. Its a story of adventure and conflict. The most commonly known reference to this story is the movie Apocalypse Now. Though it is set in a different time and place, the story is almost exactly the same. Some of the names are even the same. The Simpsons also used this story in an episode called "Bart of Darkness" where a new pool and an injury turn Bart into the Kurtz of the story. Loosely based on this story is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's movie, The Rundown. Christopher Walken plays the Kurtz character in this entertaining, though not highly intelligent, movie.

2. Watership Down - This movie is not the most referenced in entertainment, but it is a must-read. There are a couple stories that are almost impossible to explain. I read this book in a hammock one hot summer day and couldn't put it down. A rabbit warren is under threat of destruction and several rabbits see a chance to escape. However, this means that they have to completely relocate. Meeting several different kinds of rabbits and encountering dangers like dogs and cars, the rabbits seek a new home. One problem after another, the book is only half over when they find a new place to settle. Having left the warren with mainly male rabbits (bucks) they must search for does to ensure the survival of the family. Richard Adams is an amazing writer that really makes you sympathize with the plight of the rabbits. Engaging the whole way through, it will keep you on your toes.

3. Animal Farm - An easy, short read, Animal Farm is a satire about a barnyard full of animals whose rule reflects totalitarian governments if the 1940's, particularly this is a comment about Stalin's Russia. An old boar at the beginning of the story comes up with an idea for all the animals to live in peace together. The boar dies shortly thereafter and his goals are left with the pigs. It begins with good intentions, but before too long they run the farmer off the land. The rest is what happens when the animals are left to their own devices. Once again, the Simpsons has done a version of this story in an episode called "E-I-E-I-(annoyed grunt)". The Battle of the Windmill in the book is reflected in this episode.

After reading these books you will start to notice cultural references all over the place. So have fun reading! And remember, "All books are equal, but some books are more equal than others".