American Literary Deceptions: Five Books People Lie About Reading
When discussing American literature, it's common to hear people claim they've read certain books—only to find out later that their claims were less than truthful. This article will explore the top five books Americans most commonly lie about reading and why these deceptions persist.
The Holy Bible
The Bible tops the list of books Americans often misrepresent as having read. It is frequently cited as a casual reference, much like saying, "I read the Bible" vs. "I READ the Bible"—a critical, in-depth analysis. Many Christians who claim to have read the Bible might not fully comprehend its message or even believe it as a whole.
Mark: Judging from conversations with many individuals in the GOP who identify as Christian, the Bible is undoubtedly the top pick. However, it's important to note that Christians who truly engage with the text—critically reading it and believing each word—would recognize that a significant number of actions and beliefs often attributed to 'Christians' in the U.S., especially those on the political right, are actually blasphemous.
Shakespearean Masterpieces
Shakespeare's works are another frequent subject of deception. Commonly, individuals might mention having read several of his plays, but in reality, they've only skimmed the surface. The top choices for such deceptions include:
Romeo and Juliet
Macbeth
Hamlet
Julius Caesar
Othello
King Lear
Yet, if we delve into the most frequently read Shakespeare plays, it's probable that students are assigned these works. Therefore, the common deceptions might be:
Romeo and Juliet
Macbeth
Hamlet
Julius Caesar
Othello
King Lear
Eternal Bestsellers
As for non-Shakespearean deceptions, the following are among the most commonly cited:
1984 by George Orwell
Animal Farm by George Orwell
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Books like George Orwell's dystopian masterpiece 1984 and Animal Farm, both powerful criticisms of totalitarianism, are often mentioned as part of a broad literary education or familial discussions. At the same time, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, novels that deal with important themes of adolescence and racial injustice, are frequently cited as required reading in school curricula. This makes them prime candidates for casual mentions of "having read."
The Unread Truth
It is fascinating to note that while these books are often deceptive fronts for casual reading, they hold rich and meaningful messages for those willing to engage with them. One can almost imagine a person claiming to have read the Bible, but failing to comprehend its deeper theological and ethical implications. Similarly, Shakespeare's works can be nuanced, complex, and offer profound insights into human nature and society, which are easily overlooked.
Books like 1984 and Animal Farm, although critical examinations of political and social structures, are often seen as too dense or intense to read. The themes in The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird are important but can be disruptive to societal norms, leading to them being cited more as "read" rather than "genuinely understood."
The Call for Critical Reading
The issue of literary deceptions highlights the importance of fostering a culture of critical and engaged reading. By genuinely engrossing ourselves in these works, we can uncover the subtle yet profound messages they hold. It is crucial to read these texts with an open and inquisitive mind, rather than simply claiming to have read them as a social convention.
Engaging with literature in a meaningful way enriches our understanding of the world and ourselves. It is time to move beyond the facade of superficial reading and embrace the transformative power of literature.