Desert Island Thought Experiment

[Schism]

Let's say you have someone who experienced a good amount of things in life, read plenty of non-fiction stuffs, yet never read ANY fiction in his/her entire existence. They find themselves stranded on a desert island later but with only ONE book. What book would you choose for them? It has to be the ultimate, most objective expression of literature. Failing the latter, just pick a book for them so that they have hope of one day writing thoughtful literature themselves one day (scrawled on a cave wall using shards of coconut).

 

[Rzero]

While I wouldn't call it the ultimate, most objective expression of literature, if I had to pick a desert island book for a stranger, not knowing their taste, I would take a gamble on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. And I would choose this book over other personal favorites and more revered or popular reads for several reasons. For one, you don't want something depressing and bleak for your first, last and only book ever. You're already stuck on the island, for God's sake. You might as well read something fun, and Hitchhiker's Guide is definitely that. It's arguably the funniest book ever written, subject to personal taste, of course. And as gloriously absurd as it is, it's also a solid adventure story, so it's far from boring. It also stands up on repeat reads, which would be important for your one and only book forever. And if it's not cheating, I would preferably find them a copy of The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide, which includes all five novels and a short story in one 800+-page book, thus expanding their library significantly.

 

[Schism]

I hear good things about Hitchhiker's, though only watched the movie once--and drunk as well.

My island book would be lord of the flies. Just to be cheeky.

 

[JLT]

I hear good things about Hitchhiker's, though only watched the movie once--and drunk as well.

The movie was a disappointment to me... the only really good casting was Alan Rickman as Marvin. But the radio and television series were really the gold standard. The lower production values of the latter were really part of its charm.

I think my choice would be Little Big Man. I re-read it on a regular basis and never found it tiring.

 

[Schism]

Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul might be ok if I was pressed to choose a Douglas Adams book.

 

[CatrionaGrace]

I'd do some research to find the longest, most varied one-volume collection of short stories, novellas, plays, and poetry in the English language.

Douglas Adams reading his own work is vastly entertaining. I listened to his recording of Hitchhiker's Guide while driving to Arkansas and back and nearly laughed myself off the road a couple of times. I barely made it through the movie. Boh-ring.

 

[DLC]

IDK. SAS survival manual I guess. You didnt say it had to be fiction.

 

[Stuart Dren]

I choose "Just pick a book for them."

Maybe the Christian Bible (old testament, seems the most metal? I've never read 'em) or The Divine Comedy.

 

[Naomasa298]

Basically, Desert Island Discs, huh?