Reader’s Delight: Controversial and Thought Provoking Books
Almost every reader with good taste loves to read thought provoking, outrageously written books from time to time. The following books are excellent examples of controversial fiction and non-fiction literature.
Fanny Hill
Also known as Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, this novel brought much controversy when it was first published in 1748. As you know, people during those times were not as blunt about the topic of sex as people today. Fanny Hill, written by John Cleland, became the first modern “erotic novel” in English. Although a work of fiction, it became one of the primary references for sexual liberation (whatever that means). I’ve read part of the novel and I can say that it really has some provocative themes and straightwforward, “illicit” storytelling. Without doubt, the very nature of this novel has surely offended the uptight moralists of the 18th century.
Libra
This novel was written by famous Pulitzer Prize winning author, Don De Lillo. Libra was one of his lesser acclaimed works. If you take a peek at the plot and synopsis of the story, you’ll see why. This thick 400 to 500 page novel sheds light on the life of Lee Harvey Oswald, the supposed murderer of the late President John F. Kennedy. It is controversial because Don De Lillo presented his own version of how the assassination happened, who are the people behind it, and the factors that led to the President’s death. He mixed true historical facts and characters with fictional conversations. The result is a thought provoking novel which can baffle even the toughest literary critics, historians, and crime investigators alike.
Hite Report
The author, Shere Hite, is a German sex educator, feminist, and psychologist. The Hite Report is a non-fictional book which contains her findings about female sexuality based on surveys from real women. She also built upon the foundation of sex studies by Alfred Kinsey and Masters and Johnson. The facts presented in the book are astounding. It shed a new light on how majority of women express themselves sexually. Of course, the author and her work was strongly attacked, repressed and opposed by various critics. This later led her to renounce her American citizenship and return to her German roots.
Chariots Of The Gods: Unsolved Mysteries Of the Past
This non fiction work, written by Erich von Däniken, is one of the most controversial and thought provoking books ever published in the past century. It is based on the major premise that all ancient civilizations were not built by humans alone, but aliens and extra terrestrial beings actually visited earth and passed on some vital pieces of technology to humanity. According to the book, these aliens were welcomed as “gods” and became the object of worship by ancient religions (some of which still thrive to this day). The author even gave some scientific findings and logical arguments that can make even the most “religious” person stop and think. I didn’t say that I agree with the arguments of this book, but at least they are worth reading.
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So very true my good friend;very well written and also informative article. Who knows one day soon you may write a review for a book of mine once released in the near future. Lol Just teasing you my friend always like your articles.
A couple here I have not heard of, thanks. A good review.
Some interesting choices, my friend.
Great article and wonderful books that you reviewed. Look forward to reading your next article.
Good reading you bring us.Thank you.
nice books,cool picks
You’re really book worm with great recommendations.
I think i want to read Fanny Hill lol! They sound very interesting!! good info!
Thanks for the reviews. I will have to check these out.
I do not know these books but your reviews are interesting. I bet they are not available in Book Sales (kidding) Have a nice day Verniel.
Of course mamilee, hinde talaga available sa common bookstores yan..hehehe..mga kontrobersiyal na libro yan eh..yung iba collector’s item na..hehe.
May copies ko niyan dito sa bahay, siguro pag binenta ko sa mga bookworm sa UP, willing nila bilhin yan ng P2,000 each. hahaha…funny but true.
Good day!
some good choices, im interested to Fanny Hill, but i dont have time to read books since im so internet addicted… i always love to buy romance/novel books every weekend and i just stuck them on the shelves
I loved Fannie Hill and Chariots of the Gods. They were both outstanding. Libra was a little less but I liked it. too.
I came across ” The Chariot of the God” enjoyed it much.
Fanny Hill will have to be my next read!