The Caine Mutiny

Sometimes people assume that Pulitzer Prize winning novels are dense or dull. To Kill a Mockingbird should shatter that myth for most people, but if that doesn't do the trick, then the remaining misinformed souls should try Herman Wouk's The Caine Mutiny.

This book tells the story of a happy-go-lucky, unambitious, immature youth who joins the navy during WWII for less than heroic reasons. His first assignment is run sloppily, absolute mayhem. The second captain who takes charge runs it effectively and perfectly--until the crew begins to doubt his sanity, then become positive he is insane.

Hence, the "mutiny," which the crew argues was permissible under naval law in order to preserve their lives.

This book is many genres wrapped in one. It is a coming-of-age tale, a war story, a romance (complicated girlfriend in the mix!) and even a psychological mystery. Readers have to decide for themselves if the captain is insane or not. My sister and I disagree. That's part of what makes it interesting: it is not cut-and-dried. It is not vague, but it is ambiguous. Is the captain eccentric or insane? Where's the line between the two?

Read it and find out for yourself!