Search of the Perfect Book (I)



part of the books on my shelves
Determined to find the “perfect book” (which I know is an horrible and inaccurate phrase), I was surfing through literary reviews and comments on great writers for the past four days. Clicking on entries, looking into promising authors and typing into Amazon search box took nearly all of my time online, which was very, very much, comparing to my usual behavior.
I might have gone a little over the top. I have been exhilarated, or invigorate, to be more exact. The excitement was electrifying and almost dangerous, but I had still decided to let my passion lead the way. After all, a good dose of energy is never a bad thing, is it?

In spite my devotion to Chinese literature for the past decade, I have no knowledge over the culture, the standards, or the participating individuals in English Literature circle. While browsing through bookshelves in a Chinese bookstore, I can always relate what I see with what I already know. I can understand not only the facts, such as the background of the author or his past works, but also what is suggested by the titles and the name of the writers, sometimes even the cover art. I can see through where the book (or author) stands within the literary clique, I know at a rather high certainty what I can find behind the covers. Even when I come across a writer I’ve never heard of, a quick look at the cover and recommendations can help me determine its place, if can’t, at least the first chapter will do.
I have strict standards when it comes to literature. I prefer,or in my own language, I only “acknowledge” a work to be a literature piece,when the writing style the content are both literate and artistic. I refuse commercialism in literature; neither do I appreciate any attempt to attract popularity with sensational plots, light-writing, and jokes. I criticize harshly. But my standards hold, within Chinese literature arena. Because at least for now, serious literature and commercial page-turners, as exquisite cuisine and fast food, seldom collide in Taiwan (and other Chinese-publishing area, if my knowledge serves correctly).

But when it comes to English publication, everything becomes fuzzy and confusing. I have absolutely no idea how it works, and no one is here to tell me.
In the west, publishing literature is a money-making business, which is a horrifying concept I am struggling to contemplate. In theory, I know the only way to understand the English Literature world and develop my own taste is to read extensively, through pieces written by authors of different culture, adopting styles celebrated by different cliques.

But before I set off to this journey, I must find a point to start. Without the sophistication and experience I wish to have, I must find one book to begin with. And It’s extremely important to me that this book is as close to perfect as it can be. Because although it’s not the first English book I ever read, this is my first serious step into this world. (And another not-so-pretentious reason: my time is limited with a zillion exams in school and the college entry exam in July coming down.)
So what am I to do, when I’m so completely bewildered?

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