If you’re hoping for a history lesson on the writing of this book or the life of the author, forget it. If you’re interested in an in depth or literary review, get lost.

From your great aunt to your nephew has heard the name of the mock Knight Don Quixote of La Mancha. This book is lauded. And as much as I would like to go over how much I appreciated this work centuries after it was written, I don’t think I have the patience or the chivalric principle to any justice. Having finished the book I can only say that it the ending makes me sad. But, despite my initial disposition, the hours since putting the book down I have already reconciled and determined the author was, to no doubt, wise in his choice of ending.

I’m sure there is infinite media on whether or not you can conclude Don Quixote was, or was not, a mad man. Haven’t read ’em. Don’t know. However, as I read I found myself believing that the ingenious gentleman was not ever mad. Neither the dutiful squire. I think the simple conclusion is that it is not mad to try and make the world a better place. To choose your ideal and pursue it in everything you do.

That’s all touchy feely and good. But I go a step further declare this as mandatory reading. If you have not read this book, move it to the top of your list. It will be in my top three books of all time for the remainder of my days. But I warn you.

– If you find the length of the story intimidating, you shouldn’t be reading this as this an 18+ blog.
– If you, even for a chapter, do not find something so funny as to laugh audibly or so sad as to bring tears to your eyes, then you are an unfeeling lizard. Incapable of deriving pleasure from simple goods or too underdeveloped in your thinking to appreciate the works of art before you.
– If you find that any of themes or situations are too tropey, or the literary devices detracting, I am afraid that you are lacking in humor and subtlety.
– If you are not inspired to commit to your own life and beliefs by the unraveling of the tale, then you may be already dead. Like a stone, incapable of ever changing.
– If you get the end of the book and find that your life and outlook have not been changed forever, unfortunately your soul is out of reach.