An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge – Ambrose Bierce

Rating: 3/5

Lost References:

WARNING: MORE THAN USUAL SPOILERS

Locke looks through this book, possibly for loose papers. Also, the majority of the book is part flashback, part flash-sideways. I don’t know if it’s significant that Locke’s the one looking through it because the book’s main character is killed by hanging while Locke himself supposedly dies by hanging (and he would have for real if Ben hadn’t stepped in and strangled him instead).

Thoughts:

Really, everything that there is to say about the book, I said above. It has its plot but little else. No depth. I was a little sad when the character turned out to be dying, but at the same time, I expected it.

Everything That Rises Must Converge – Flannery O’Connor

Rating: 3/5

Lost References:

Jacob is reading this book as Anthony Cooper pushes Locke out a window.

Thoughts:

This collection of short stories (named for one of the stories within) recycles a few recurring themes. Primarily, O’Connor deals with family issues, racism (especially in the Deep South), and ungratefulness. She also fixates on religion, a very specific kind that turns up in other works of hers, such as The Violent Bear it Away. This brand of religion is not one that most people would be familiar with – it’s basically crazy people with occasional violent deeds throwing stock religious phrases into conversations and yelling a lot. None of her characters are particularly appealing, but some are insightful cross-sections of major human flaws, usually the main protagonists. It makes sense for Lost, though. Obviously, everyone in the show has family issues, including Jacob. Lost also has frequent references to many religions, including various forms of Christianity.