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The book that won Hemingway a Nobel prize in literature, "The Old Man And The Sea" tells the story of a down on his luck fisherman in Cuba. After going a month without a catch, Santiago, the story's protagonist, hooks the largest fish of his life, only to have fate cruelly step in. The novella is  a simple masterpiece and justifiably listed as one of the 20th century's greatest works. I've often said I am more a fan of Hemingway's method of writing than his actual works, but this book hits all the right notes. Even when re-reading the story, I find myself wishing victory for Santiago, although I know it isn't his fate. The Old Man And The Sea has been adapted for film at least a couple of times. As a fan of animation, I recommend a short and beautiful version of the book, found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5ih1IRIRxI&list=WL&index=8&t=16s

The American man has been taught that while it is better to avoid a fight; that honor cannot always be de fended with reason. He should never admit fear. He should always strive to put the blade in his adversary’s chest, not his back. An American man should know how to load and fire a gun. He should know how to ride a horse, bet on a horse, bet on the stock market, and bet on the cards. A good man should know a woman’s body and know how to please her. His woman, in turn, should never speak anything but well of him in public. An American man should have been raised in the church, rejected the church and eventually found virtue in the church.The American man should be educated. He should work. He should honor his debts and live within his means. He should be able to recite poetry and have bits of true philosophy at his fingertips. He should be able to play an instrument and know how to help a rose grow. An American man should know how to dress and speak his language well. He should be