4 Stars for Alice in Wonderland

 Lewis Carrol's book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is about growing up and finding meaning in the trivial and larger scope of what we do as adults. The line from the king, "If there's no meaning in it," said the King, "that saves a world of trouble, you know, as we didn't need to try and find any." Alice realizes soon after this statement that without meaning, truth and logic are irrelevant. Soon after she awakes to reality rather than the fantasy of Wonderland. I reread this story because I felt I missed some epiphany that the rest of society seemed to get with phrases like: "Off with your head", and "Down the rabbit hole." After this second read, I am still am at a loss for the Zen of Alice in Wonderland, but I did find her journey into adulthood a bit more fascinating and philosophical. For example, "What does happen to the flame of a candle?" Do you go out all together. This is is a child's first grabble at morality, but also one that often stumps all of humanity. I also found it interesting that time ran backwards and you could run as fast as you can but you only stay in one place and you run twice as fast to get anywhere else. This brings in explorative ideas of parallel universes as explored by researchers and of course, Phillip K. Dick. Madness is another question in this story as The Mad Hatter points out by not knowing the answer to his own riddle and asking if he is mad. It is a curious story that could be analyzed to death, but in the end we all grow up but hopefully we all get our moments to run backwards to chase a rabbit in a world where we can drink something and hold onto the magic of the imagination of our childhood. Alice in Wonderland is a classic and a story to help us hold onto our dreams. 

5 Stars for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde complex look at youth corrupted by its own debauchery. Influence, and youth itself only add to the fallen angel - Dorian Gray. Gray seems to be at the center of the ideas of two men in the book that act as absolute foils. One, Basil believes in love, beauty and the reputation. Lord Henry, well he could be considered the devil, he certainly plays the part and his wit and obscene ideas unfortunately kept me intrigued throughout the book. I dare say, he was my favorite character. Despite, Henry's ideas he seemed to balance his own actions between dark and light keeping his own reputation intact. It is unfortunate Gray did not follow. No spoilers, but I loved the ending of this story. I had cooked up an entirely different one before this one came into play. I also loved the supernatural element in this. This book pleasantly surprised me. I am wild about Wilde and will have to read more.