Author: Benton Savage
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The Significance of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
I had heard of Uncle Tom’s Cabin when I was young but only read it a few years ago. Though I don’t read as much now, my interest was piqued by two facts: it was the best-selling novel of the 19th century and second only to the Bible in overall sales. I knew it was… Read more
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On the Road and Beyond: How Jack Kerouac’s Classic Still Inspires Wanderers
I began reading Jack Kerouac’s On the Road the day after my college graduation. Although I knew of the novel, my interest was particularly stirred by actor Nick Nolte’s assertion that On the Road had profoundly influenced his life. While I do not idolize Nolte, such strong endorsement prompted me to take notice. Like many… Read more
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How Hemingway Hooked Me and Ruined My Damn Life
Damn You, Ernest Hemingway Hemingway’s Influence: A Double-Edged Sword I don’t like Ernest Hemingway. I used to love him, but not anymore. And I have good reason. You see, Ernest Hemingway ruined my life. Since I finished reading The Sun Also Rises thirty years ago, I’ve believed I could be a novelist. What Papa made… Read more
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The Fox, the Grapes, and the Truth About Excuses
A hungry fox saw some fine bunches of grapes hanging from a vine that was trained along a high trellis, and he did his best to reach them by jumping as high as he could into the air. But it was all in vain, for they were just out of reach. So he gave up… Read more