The First Storytellers - Joseph Campbell

The Magic Mountain is a novel by Thomas Mann, published in 1924. It follows the story of Hans Castorp, a young man from a Hamburg merchant family, who visits his tubercular cousin Joachim at a sanatorium in Davos, Switzerland. Initially planning to stay for three weeks, Castorp ends up staying for seven years, immersing himself in the unique world of the sanatorium. The novel delves into themes of time, illness, and the intellectual and philosophical debates of the pre-World War I era. It is a parable of Europe before the Great War and a prophecy of the future, highlighting the decline of European civilization and the rise of irrational and destructive forces. The narrative is characterized by Mann's ironic and omniscient storytelling, exploring the human condition through Castorp's experiences and the diverse characters he encounters at the sanatorium.

Ulysses is a groundbreaking and complex modernist novel that chronicles the experiences of three Dubliners over a single day. The novel is loosely based on Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', with Leopold Bloom paralleling Odysseus, Stephen Dedalus paralleling Telemachus, and Molly Bloom paralleling Penelope. It explores themes such as antisemitism, human sexuality, British rule in Ireland, Catholicism, and Irish nationalism. The novel is known for its innovative use of language and narrative techniques, including stream-of-consciousness and multiple literary styles. It captures the essence of early 20th-century Dublin, providing a detailed snapshot of the city's social, political, and cultural landscape.

This book is a poignant tale of a Lakota life, a history of a Native nation, and an enduring spiritual testament. It recounts Black Elk's youth, his visions, and the struggles of the Sioux people during the late 19th century, including the battles and massacres that drove them into smaller areas of land. The book also details Black Elk's experiences with the Ghost Dance and his time with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. It is a powerful and inspirational message that conveys the unity of humanity and Earth, as seen through the eyes of Black Elk and transcribed by John G. Neihardt.