Long Live The Classics!

Finding time to share Literary Classics is never out of style, 6 must-read titles from Michael S. Bentley

As a mostly Indie author myself, self-promotion is an important part of the job. Until the time comes that I hire an agent or find myself represented by a reputable publishing house, I'm the one who does the marketing & promoting for all things Michael Bentley.

“I am writing this in the mood of the recording angel. I am living in eternity, and temporal things have become tedious and stupid symbols. My words are veils of my truth. But I experience quite definite delight in this diary.”

I also find it important to acknowledge that there's a wide audience out there, and I'm not afraid to share it, which is why I constantly share the works of new and up & coming writers and authors. It's not always feasible to buy everyone's book, but showing some them support can be as simple as suggesting them to your fellow social media followers. What I'm getting at is this; as much as I enjoy sharing and supporting new Artist, I equally enjoy and advocate staying true to your favorites, especially the classics! There's always several books that a fall back on that bring me nourishment, and I'm looking forward to sharing a few of them with you.

Making The Cut

There's not enough time to mention all of my favorites, and not all of them are technically 'Classics', but if you're an avid reader who enjoys multiple genre's then I highly recommend adding at least a few of them to your personal library - feel free to leave some comments about the list, and the titles that should have made the cut:

#6) Roadwork, by Stephen King

- One of my favorite cheap thrills, and one of Stephen Kings most entertaining. It created quite a stir around the time of it's first release, but is rarely mentioned in the pantheon of King's extensive library. It follows the last days of a man whose home, and life, are slowly on the brink of ruin. The eminent development of a large highway scheduled to displace him and his neighbors from their homes is the most recent in a series of events that leads to his breakdown. The result? Let's just say he doesn't take things well, you might even say he goes out with a bang.

#5) Titus Andronicus, by William Shakespeare

- Admittedly I'm still a bit of a novice when it comes to Shakespeare, in spite of the fact that I own all of his works. But to date, Titus Andronicus is my favorite. There is a depth of emotion in the story, and if read in todays current political climate it takes on an entirely different meaning. There are levels of deceit within, and it was even adapted to the screen with a modern twist on the setting of ancient Rome, with the title character being played by none other than Anthony Hopkins, an actor who lends his own wealth of emotion to an already powerful tale.

#4) Dracula, by Bram Stoker

- There's very little that can be written about this absolute classic that hasn't been typed before, which speaks for itself in a way. It is the inspiration for TONS of books and films that reach all the way into the modern times, and was also followed by a sequel which was written by none other than Bram's son. Atmospheric, detailed, poetic, dark, gothic, romantic - what else can you ask for out of book, much less a vampire book? Dracula isn't all flare and no bite though, which is one of it's finer points as well. There's some gruesome imagery that also lends to it's impact, and the structure of journal entries is a nice change from your usual read. I'd be lying if I didn't find inspiration from this for my latest vampire novel, Hell Itself.

#3) Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson

- Wild, hilarious, unapologetic and massively influential - Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas is every bit as entertaining as what you've undoubtedly heard about it! I've never been one of those readers who can run through an entire book in one sitting, but this is an exception. From the opening, you know you're on a wild ride, and you simply don't want to get off of it! Much like Diary of a Drug Fiend (mentioned later in this countdown), it has a way of taking the reader and inducing in them whatever strange mood Hunter Thompson was experiencing at the moment. Written by one of the most influential and highly imitated authors of all time, this one is a must for your collection.

#2) Shantaram, by Gregory D. Roberts

- I can't say enough about this book, other than get ready. It's one of those that seems to find it's way into your life at the right time, waiting with answers to questions you never knew you had. Gregory Roberts weaves a tale that is filled with his own personal experiences and their is no denying the power of Shantaram once you become enmeshed. I have a confession to make before I continue to praise it further; I still haven't finished it. How can I recommend a book I haven't even finished you might ask. How is my assessment even worthwhile? Well first of all, shame on you for such a harsh indictment, and secondly there is another quality about Shantaram I haven't mentioned - it's one of those rare books that you may not be ready for. I came into at a time when I needed to read and explore what it had to offer, but I wasn't ready for the ending, and I'm still not sure I am. Then again . . .

#1) Diary of a Drug Fiend, by Aleister Crowley

- Following the exploits of a former war pilot and set in the early 1900's, Diary of a Drug Fiend follows the main character as he falls in love with an enigmatic stranger and the two of them soon embark on a wild drug induced ride through Europe. It was written during the height of the authors own experimentation with drugs, and despite Aleister Crowley's reputation it easily holds it's own against any number of other more popular or mainstream classics. It is undoubtedly one of Crowley's best, if not the best book he ever wrote and at times it is pure poetry. I'm not sure I've ever read a book that could make me feel the frenzied and often eratic momentum it keeps.