Books Communicators, Not Just Journalists, Should Read, Absolutely

The Old Man and the Sea by Earnest Hemingway


On the College Media Advisers list of books journalists should read, this book falls under the category, "Anything by Earnest Hemingway."

A short tale of bad luck, good luck and love, this story is too long to be a short story, but too short to be a true novel, yet it is perfectly told. Young and not so young journalists will see the importance of good storytelling, tight writing and clear direction when they read this novella.

Critics and literature professors have picked this story apart, much like the sharks pick the meat off the Old Man's monstrously large catch. One theory is that the story of the Old Man and his wondrous catch is about Jesus Christ, a parable of sorts written by Hemingway. An interpretation easy to see as Hemingway alludes to crucifiction in the tale as the old man's hands become torn and bloody as if hammered with nails.

Another theory is that in the story, Hemingway is the fish, being torn apart by critics, who were literally picking apart every piece of writing he produced.

There may be other theories as well, but Hemingway himself said the story was about an old Cuban fisherman and the giant fish he caught then lost to scavengers as he was adrift at sea.

No matter what the true intent, The Old Man and the Sea is a wonderful story, in and of itself. This little book sealed Hemingway's fame as a master storyteller and writer. I would agree even though I have never been a real Hemingway fan.

The Old Man and the Sea is a must-read book for aspiring communicators, not just journalists. It shows how clarity of thought, focus, tight writing and superb storytelling can be accomplished with limited adornment. And how a story, well told, stands the test of time. The Old Man and the Sea is as fresh today as it was the day Hemingway finished it.

Next up, a veer from the CMA list as I review Michael Lewis' Moneyball on Friday.