The Bookish Ashley

Dylan McKay, the intense, introspective, and rebellious character from Beverly Hills, 90210, is known for his love of classic literature, his philosophical outlook on life, and his complex emotions. Dylan’s reading list would reflect his interest in exploring existential themes, the darker side of human nature, and stories of personal struggle. Whether he’s diving into deep philosophical works or losing himself in tragic love stories, here are the books that Dylan McKay would likely have on his shelf.

1. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

Why Dylan Would Read It: Dylan, a classic literary rebel, would see himself in Holden Caulfield’s cynicism and distrust of the adult world. He’d appreciate the novel’s themes of alienation, identity, and the search for meaning, all of which resonate with his own inner struggles.

Synopsis: The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence in New York City. The novel explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the painful transition from youth to adulthood.

2. “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac

Why Dylan Would Read It: As someone who values freedom and self-discovery, Dylan would be drawn to Jack Kerouac’s quintessential novel of the Beat Generation. The novel’s themes of adventure, rebellion, and the search for personal meaning would speak to Dylan’s own desire to break free from societal constraints.

Synopsis: On the Road is the story of Sal Paradise and his travels across America with his free-spirited friend Dean Moriarty. The novel captures the spirit of adventure, jazz, and the open road, reflecting themes of freedom, friendship, and the quest for authenticity.

3. “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway

Why Dylan Would Read It: Dylan would be captivated by Hemingway’s exploration of the “lost generation” and the themes of disillusionment and existential crisis in the aftermath of World War I. The novel’s melancholic tone and portrayal of broken love would resonate with Dylan’s brooding nature.

Synopsis: Set in post-World War I Europe, The Sun Also Rises follows a group of expatriates as they navigate love, loss, and the emptiness of their lives. The novel explores themes of masculinity, impotence, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that feels devoid of it.

4. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Why Dylan Would Read It: Dylan, who often grapples with the excess and emptiness of wealth, would find a kindred spirit in Jay Gatsby’s yearning for a lost love and a better past. The novel’s critique of the American Dream and the pursuit of unattainable desires would resonate with Dylan’s own experiences.

Synopsis: The Great Gatsby is the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws extravagant parties in hopes of rekindling a lost romance with Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores themes of idealism, wealth, and the illusion of the American Dream in the Jazz Age.

5. “The Stranger” by Albert Camus

Why Dylan Would Read It: Dylan would be fascinated by Camus’ existential exploration of the absurd and the meaninglessness of life. As someone who questions the world around him and grapples with his own identity, Dylan would connect with the protagonist’s detachment and philosophical reflections.

Synopsis: In The Stranger, Meursault, a detached and emotionally indifferent man, commits an irrational murder and faces the absurdity of life as he awaits his execution. The novel delves into themes of existentialism, the human condition, and the idea that life is inherently without meaning.

6. “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare

Why Dylan Would Read It: Dylan, with his introspective and tragic tendencies, would be drawn to the complexities of Hamlet. He’d relate to Hamlet’s internal conflict, his brooding nature, and his existential questioning of life, death, and the moral dilemmas he faces.

Synopsis: Hamlet is the story of a Danish prince grappling with the murder of his father by his uncle, who has since taken the throne and married Hamlet’s mother. The play delves into themes of revenge, madness, and existential contemplation as Hamlet struggles with the morality of his actions.

7. “On Love” by Alain de Botton

Why Dylan Would Read It: Dylan’s tumultuous love life and deep emotional intensity would lead him to appreciate Alain de Botton’s philosophical exploration of love. The book’s dissection of the highs and lows of romantic relationships would resonate with Dylan’s own experiences in love and heartbreak.

Synopsis: On Love is a philosophical reflection on the nature of romantic relationships, tracing the emotional arc of falling in and out of love. De Botton explores themes of passion, desire, jealousy, and the inevitable disillusionment that comes with idealizing love.

8. “Catcher” by Peter Hedges

Why Dylan Would Read It: Dylan would be drawn to the novel’s exploration of family dysfunction, personal growth, and the search for identity in the face of loss. The protagonist’s emotional journey would resonate with Dylan’s own complicated relationship with his family and his desire for self-discovery.

Synopsis: Catcher tells the story of Howie, a college student returning home to care for his younger brother after the death of their father. As he navigates the responsibilities of adulthood and the complexities of grief, Howie searches for meaning and reconciliation with his past.

Conclusion

Dylan McKay’s reading list would be filled with intense, philosophical, and deeply emotional works that reflect his inner turmoil, his questioning of life’s meaning, and his complex relationships. From existential novels to tragic love stories, Dylan would gravitate toward books that mirror his own brooding nature and his search for truth and authenticity in a world filled with contradictions. Whether he’s lost in the pages of classic literature or pondering life’s biggest questions, Dylan’s bookshelf would be a reflection of his soul-searching journey.