You Too Can Read Trashy TV

By Sally Burnette on September 30, 2012

Ok, I lied. But, you can read (look, you’ve already started!). And there are so many awesome works of literature that have the same (or way better) versions of crap on ID or TLC. And I’m not talking about Shakespeare or other stuff you have to care about and decipher; I mean stuff you can just passively take in (although you shouldn’t!). Here are a few examples, with brief descriptions of reads that will make you look smart while you’re sitting in your bed eating Doritos from a can:

1. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams

Okay, this may be a little literal… (photo from Flickr user Pedliano)

I know this is a play, but you can do it. Basically, there’s this girl who wants to have sex with her husband. But, he’s a drunk bastard, and he may or may not be gay. And his dad is a pissy old man with cancer. And there’s a fat old lady in there somewhere. And “cat” is in the title.

2. Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat

These will make more sense when you read it. (photo by Flickr user ColorfulFoxes)

Growing up in the Caribbean. Teenage angst. Sexual taboos/trauma. Love. Female-dominated family.

3. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

(photo by Flickr user mckaysavage)

I know, I know. You were assigned this in high school and read about five words and stopped. Yes, the language is hard, but once you get used to it, you’re set. It’s hilarious and heart-warming (worst descriptor, but it is) and you just want to be Huck by the end. Or at least be his friend.

4. Mourning Becomes Electra by Eugene O’Neill

O’Neill’s grave (photo by Flickr user Tony Fischer Photography)

Whoa. Three plays. But, don’t get discouraged. Let’s just say murder and incest.

5. “A Carrion” by Charles Baudelaire

(photo by Flickr user stevendepolo)

French author, short poem, best description of a carcass ever.

6. “Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor

(photo by Flickr user Uncle Catherine)

This one’s a short story. Short is right there in the name! Key words: Bible salesman, farm, wooden leg. Wooden leg. Awesome.

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This is just a sampling of many, many amazing things the literary world has to offer that are just the same as what you’re already shoving into your fat head. You get your fix of gross/scandalous, and you get smarter and more cultured at the same time.