So it’s almost hibernation time. That means you should grab a book, some warm whiskey and tea, and curl up by the fire (or the heater). But going into the library or Barnes and Noble to pick out a great book out of thousands? IMPOSSIBLE….unless you subscribe to Cufflinks’ Favorite Girl: ehm…yours truly.

Reading Book and Eyeglass Cufflinks

But before I list off some good reads, be aware that I am biased. I don’t particularly think all of these books are the best specimens of literature in the world, but a must-read-to-be-in-the-cultural know, kind of thing. A mix of classical and contemporary novels, philosophy books, etc.

Top Ten Books for Now

1. Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert: Don’t stop reading the list now. I put this first because it’s style and form are nearly perfect, if that’s ever possible in literature. Norton has a great translation from the french, so be careful which version you chose. Story of an unhappy young woman who marries a country doctor, and finds herself fantasizing about everything else life has to offer: riches, temptation, glamor…sex. Flaubert worked his @$$ off on this one for years…and of course it was first banned for obscenity, lala. Read it.

2. The Trial, by Kranz Kafka: a relatively short narrative on the life of K. who gets caught in the whirlwinds of a deranged bureacratic system, showing the absurdity and ridiculous natures of our own modern power structures.

3. On The Road, by Jack Kerouac: a cult classic, originally written on a long scroll in a breathless, speedy style, the main character travels around the country with his wacky and adventurous friend Dean.

4. The Symposium, by Plato: a discourse on the nature of love. Basically a bunch of philosophers sitting around getting drunk talking about how “love” originated. Pretty interesting stuff.

5. Middlesex/Virgin Suicides,by Jeffrey Eugenides: Obviously these are two different books, but his work is just so amazing that you should read both. A contemporary writer who luckily is still with us and working on another novel, the prosody of these novels is…exceptional, lyrical, and awe-inspiring.

6. Tropic of Capricorn, by Henry Miller: Yes, that brute of a writer. He holds nothing back, a connoisseur of the world, a sex crazed, maniac of a man…banging on his Parisian typewriter in the early 20th century. Lice, roaches, sex houses, and abundance of women all included.

Fountain Pen Cufflinks

7.Still Life with Woodpecker, by Tom Robbins. A modern, adult fairy tale. One of the funniest books I’ve ever encountered.

8. Hidden Messages in Water,by Dr. Masaru Emoto: A scientific study of water molecules with a spiritual spin…Emoto photographs water molecules from around the world, which are subjected to certain kinds of music, energy, etc. Eye opening account of the importance  and power of water.

Ancient Vine in Water Cufflinks

9. Bhagavad Gita,by Unknown. A traditional Hindu text, originally written in ancient Sanskrit, follows an exchange between Krishna and solider Arjuna. Insightful and beautiful. (circa 3000 BCE…wow)

10. Beyond Good and Evil/Birth of Tragedy, by Nietzsche. Either book will do, or both if you can. His work is dense, hard to get through, but worth it in the end. You’ll find yourself referring to him or others using his ideas as a reference point throughout your life.

Men can easily get a bad rep for not wearing a Halloween costume. it can show a lack of planning, confidence, and make one seem rather…dull. Don’t be in the “Dull Club” this year. If you haven’t planned something for tonight/tomorrow/or Monday, try any of these quick, humorous choices:
 

1. God’s Gift to Women
*Dress yourself in all black, take old wrapping paper and tape it around you, put a giant tag on your head that says “To: Women, From: GOD”

God's Gift to Women: Ladies Man, Homer Simpson Cufflinks

2. CD Burner
*String together numerous old CDs, put them around your neck, and carry a big lighter.

CD Cufflinks

3. Quarter Back
*Photocopy a picture of a quarter and tape it to your back

Hand Painted USA Quarter Coin Cufflinks

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4. One Night Stand
*Cut a hole, for your head, inside a large old box. Attach book, tissue box (or simply used tissues), and lamp/candle.

5. Paper Shredder
*Carry around a bulk of paper. If someone asks you want to are, start frantically tearing up the paper into shreds.

Shredded Money Cufflinks

6. Nudist on Strike
*Wear regular clothes. Attach a large sign to your chest that says “Nudist on Strike!”

7. Cereal “Serial” Killer
* Wear clothes that are kind of rugged and torn. Carry a bloody knife and have blood on your clothes. Attach labels or actual little cereal boxes all over your outfit.

Silver Grimm Reaper Cufflinks