Each month Abington Library will feature a favorite book from a faculty, staff member, or student. They will give a brief synopsis of their chosen book. Here is the February 2015 entry.
Kayla Dean is a Student Development Specialist at the Learning Center on the ASU-Beebe campus.
Lord of the Flies
by William Golding
It’s difficult to choose a favorite book out of Abington Library’s many titles; however, if I had to choose I’d probably select William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. My relationship with this classic piece of literature began in my ninth grade English class. We were assigned to read this work during the fall semester. I remember this specifically because I spent my first Halloween indoors in full-costume reading this book. I missed our annual Halloween party simply because this book demanded to be devoured. Since, I have reread the book a few times, and while I don’t own it, it is my favorite book to check out of the library. I’ve actually referenced it in my first novel, Muted, and my upcoming novel Ferocity.
Lord of the Flies is a delightfully horrific tale about an island of schoolboys whose plane crash-landed. After surviving the crash, survival becomes their main objective. Two leaders emerge: Ralph, who believes order and control will ensure their survival, and Jack, who takes a more laissez-faire approach to leadership and has no problem rallying support from several of the boys. With the island’s leadership teams battling for power, the boys are completely unaware of the danger that lurks within themselves.
It truly is a wonderful work that speaks volumes about the human condition and the breakdown of social structures. I recommend this book to any who have not read it.
