The Stranger

I found it interesting to see the types of books that Charlie was reading because  they always show a connection to how he is feeling bout his life. He seems to read books that he can connect with based on the events going on in his life. A prime example of this is during his "pothead" phase. During this time charlie was reading a book called The Stranger. I looked into the book a little bit to see how Charlie could have been connecting. This book focuses on the idea of absurdism, or the idea that the world is meaningless or irrational. Charlie was interested on this view because he was beginning to feel that there was less meaning in the world, trying to escape through marijuana, and giving up on trying to be successful in anything.

Later, when the school year  was coming to an end, Charlies teacher recommends that Charlie  reads The Fountainheads. This book tells the story about three boys who live in New York with the dream of being great architects. Two of the boys have amazing work and barely get recognized while the other boy becomes extremely successful. Bill giving this book to Charlie is a great way to wrap up the school year and the book as a whole. It was Bill's way of telling him that he has plenty of potential, even if other people do not see it yet. It is a way of trying to defeat Charlies insecurities.

Even just from the book covers you an tell the difference between how dark, hopeless and confusing the first book is while the ending book loos inspirational and strong.