Imagine you are magically deposited on a desert island all by yourself with no way to be rescued. What five books should you have in your backpack to help you through the experience. Here are my choices:
How to Survive on a Deserted Island by Tim O'Shei
Synopsis: A practical guide that provides essential survival techniques and strategies for living in a remote, tropical environment.
Reason: Directly useful for practical survival, teaching skills like finding food, making shelter and first aid.
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Synopsis: This classic novel tells the story of a man who is shipwrecked on a deserted island and must use his wits and resources to survive.
Reason: It's thematically appropriate for a desert island setting and offers insight into human resilience and resourcefulness in isolation.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
Synopsis: A collection of plays and sonnets by Shakespeare, encompassing tragedies, comedies and historical plays.
Reason: Offers a wide range of human experiences and emotions, and its depth and variety make it suitable for multiple readings.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Synopsis: This book explores the history of the human species from the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa to the present.
Reason: Provides a broad, thought-provoking overview of human history, offering insights and perspectives that can be pondered over time.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
Synopsis: This novel tells the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo, blending magical realism with historical events.
Reason: Offers a rich, imaginative escape and a deep exploration of time, memory and family, which could be particularly resonant in isolation.
Each of these books brings a unique value to a desert island scenario, from practical knowledge and survival inspiration to profound literary escapism and intellectual stimulation.
What five books would you want with you?
I just posted this on my FB page - you make the perfect selections for five books you would take with you on a deserted island. I would not change even one. Jerome and I have been crushed with work and I've also had to get over being ill, but I cheered up when I saw this perfect food-for-thought substack. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am heading out west for a family week together (a long time coming.)