Literary Canons

Feb 17 2023

The books that shaped me.

The idea of one great literary canon is far too exclusive. But it’s interesting to think about personal canons. Book recommendations often focus on what someone thinks you should read, which is useful enough in itself. But I’m curious about what I, or anyone, would name as their personal canon. What books were the most essential in becoming who I am? What books are essential for understanding who I am? I think these have been the most formative in my life: