100 Years of Solitude

One Hundred Years of Solitude was assigned to me as required reading in my English class in sophomore year of high school. My peers and I all failed a test that required us to distinguish between the different members of the Buendía family by name alone. Our bewilderment over Márquez's writing style and use of magical realism built a sense of camaraderie. 

Since high school, I read the text several times over. Márquez's writing has grown on me over the years. I love the technique of tying factual-sounding historical accounts with over-the-top magic. The story of revolution and organized rebellion in a fictionalized Colombia is especially compelling. For me, fiction storytelling is a unique way to process trauma, oppression, and a shared cultural consciousness. Though I do not intend to write my own fiction, Márquez and other authors inspire my approach to documentary.