Danielle The Book Huntress ’s Comments (group member since Jan 22, 2011)

Danielle The Book Huntress ’s comments from the Classics for Beginners group.

That's a good list of rules, Yasiru.

I think I've read my share of depressing books. I avoid them now, if I can.

I like White Fang more because it's from the viewpoint of the dog/wolf hybrid. Love that book, so maybe I'm biased.

Thanks, Jonathan. :)

Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "I loved The Call of the Wild. Not sure why I never read anything else by Jack London. Maybe I should and see if I still like that style of writing."

Oh, definitely read White Fang. I think it's much better.

My two cents:
I am a scientist, and I was trained in the scientific method, and I am an analytical person. However, I'm not the most critical reader, so I don't adhere to strict literary standards when I personally define a classic. If some readers find that helpful, nothing wrong with that. As a person who has read voraciously since I was four, I believe that you get a feel for good quality writing when you see it, even if you don't have a college education or a high school education for that matter. Yes, you may not be able to spout technical terminology, but I believe that a seasoned reader can say for themselves what was good and what was bad about every book they read. I didn't enjoy every book I had to read in school, but going through the process of reading and analyzing a book, both internally and with a trained instructor does help to improve each reader's critical eye.

One of the things I like about this group is we don't have to have one set in stone definition for classic. I admit that I do reject literary elitism every chance I get. I don't think that reading a prize winning book says any more about a person than one who reads fun books that they enjoy. I'm just happy that they are reading. Eventually, every reader gets tired of the same old same, and they want to try something different, but that's because they want to, not because someone has told them their reading choices are inferior.

I view a list of classic literature as a starting point and a guideline for a reader who wants to dive in. I don't think every person is required to read each and every book to be considered an erudite reader.

Hi Nipuna, Melissa and Stephanie.

Welcome, Aditya and Martyna.

Welcome, Amy. Little Women is one of my favorites.

Welcome, Janice.

Welcome, Elizabeth.

Let us know if you're still having trouble posting.

Welcome, Gaylinn.

When you post, do you click the reply button or use the blank text box at the bottom of the screen?

I think the easiest thing is to just use the text box at the bottom.

Janine, I think that's a good list. I like that you don't expect all classics to meet all the criteria you listed.

Your website is really nice, Janine!

I loved Crime and Punishment. It took me a while to get involved, but when I did, I couldn't read have read it faster.

I'll definitely have to participate in part or in full. Love Sherlock Holmes.

Welcome, Yasiru.

Welcome, Inga. Your English seems fine to me.

Welcome, Kerrie!