I think a person's bookshelf can indicate a fair amount about them as an individual (for example, if somebody's bookshelf is entirely empty, or simply nonexistent, that person likely does not enjoy reading). Some of the books I currently have on my bookshelf includes: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, The Lord of The Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, and The Five Dialogues by Plato. Because this alone may not be enough to infer a significant amount about my character, I will offer a self-interpretation on what the presence of these particular books may indicate. Les Miserables, a piece of historical fiction set during the French Revolution, centers on the character a Jean Valjean. Though he is initially portrayed as an outlaw, Jean Valjean is brought to redemption after a great act of compassion is shown towards him. After this experience, Valjean devotes his life to serving the poor and the helpless. Set in a fictitious world, The Lord of The Rings trilogy is a fantasy that tells the story of Frodo Baggins, a young person entrusted with the task of destroying an evil magical ring. As Frodo ventures to complete this task, he is joined by a number of altruistic companions. These books have a place on my bookshelf because I greatly admire the righteous and pure ideals portrayed through the books’ characters. My interest in altruistic literary themes extends not only to fiction, but also to philosophical works. Boethius wrote the Consolation of Philosophy while he was faced with his own upcoming execution. Similarly, Plato’s The Five Dialogues centers on the last few conversations that transpired between Plato and his mentor Socrates as Socrates himself faced execution. In their last few days alive, Socrates and Boethius each ponder what it means for a person to truly do what is right. Each of these four books essentially serves as a reminder to what is most important in life. And they are present on my bookshelf because I think it is most important to remember what is most important in life.