Sean’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2019)

Sean’s comments from the Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die group.

Took a break out of my day to read A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift. I have heard that title my whole life and always assumed it was something akin to The Federalist Papers... not sure why. I never knew what the "proposal" was until now. I was very amused and enjoyed that very short work.....

Jake wrote: "I would love to hear more about the mini-series that is coming in May..."

It looks like it's going to be a Hulu Original. Released May 17.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5056196/

I will be reading all of your posts. But don't look for a new one from me for a while. I have just started Gone with the Wind so I will be GONE awhile.

Jake wrote: "I took loved Catch 22 - read it several times and saw the movie... My favorite scene was when Major Major was made a major because he could not be private major major could he? "

I loved Major Major Major Major. I loved that people were only admitted to his office when he wasn't in.

I also saw that there is a new miniseries coming out in May.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. Quite the journey into ridiculousness. But it really is my kind of humor and I loved every word.

I really enjoyed this book. Once I started, it was a quick read that I kept wanting to get back to .

Like Zahara, I found it interesting how quickly the world gave up. Suicides on the first day? I think it could happen, but I like to think that humans are a little more resilient than that. Did they all know it was permanent blindness right away? None of those people thought maybe to wait a bit to see? Consult a doctor? And the electricity was out on day one also? Does our electrical grid need daily attention? Maybe it did in the 50s?

I had also heard that the Triffids were not front-and-center in the book, so I was expecting that. But I think they were perfectly built into the story. Perhaps the novel was just mistitled? I do think it was more about human interaction and reaction to the situation than the Triffids. But they sure were a fun part of the story and I can see why people want more of them. Especially when we are so accustomed to our horror/sci fi stories being about the "monster."

A great book that I am really grateful for being picked this month. I don't know when I would have ever read it otherwise. It had not been on my radar at all.

Bob wrote: "Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner. A very interesting retelling of the story of King David and his children, masterfully done."

I struggled with this book in college. I will have to revisit it with some maturity on my side.

This weekend, I started Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. Have not stopped laughing yet.

I just started the March read, The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham So far so good.

Booklovinglady wrote: "I've ordered a secondhand (translated) copy yesterday, as I'd been looking at the book every now and again, but it won't be here before the group read ends :-("

we will still be here... :)

Mia wrote: "Worstward Ho by Samuel Beckett."

Me too. Read this yesterday. I had the benefit of an internet interpretation to start the thing out. Once I got the hang of it, I was able to follow for the most part. But it got wearisome.... Weird for the sake of being weird?

I picked up Platero y yo by Juan Ramón Jiménez at the local library after searching my LIST books by page numbers thinking I would have a nice quick read. And I did have a nice quick read. But it was not until I was finished with my nice quick read that I realized I was reading a 19-Chapter version of the book and not the original 138-Chapter version... I am assuming the list makers intended us to read the full version....

I just finished Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford I thought it would take me longer, but three sick days home from work does wonders.

Today to June 30 = 115 days. 705 pages for 115 days = 7 pages a day. Use the extra two weeks to read all the reviews....

Ha!

RJ wrote: "I wish I didn't have to read all of these before I die. I might need extra time."

But you must. It doesn't say "may" or "should.": Sorry you don't have a choice.

Jewel wrote: "... and I'm listening to Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky on audiobook (which is going to take me forever)."

Well worth the commitment.

Benjamin wrote: "Finished Cat's Cradle by Vonnegut."

That was quick. How did you like your opening to the exploration?

Last night I made a commitment. I started Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford. Might be a while before I post on this particular thread again.

Benjamin wrote: "Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. Vonnegut is an author I have left unexplored, so I look forward to whatever lay ahead."

I had not read Vonnegut since high school. I also look forward to re-exploring his works. I remember enjoying them all.

Diane wrote: "Finished Jacob's Room by Virginia Woolf."

I also just finished Virginia Woolf... Mrs. Dalloway