Comments on Best Books Ever - page 34

Maxine wrote: "Kaitlin wrote: "Dave wrote: "Kaitlin wrote: "I just want to point out, the term "best" is relative. For instance I am an avid book reader, and I have read the classics like Cather in the Rye and 19..."

My sentiments exactly. I don't think the Twilight books should be excluded from being defined as 'good books' (although that may change if I ever read any of them), but they shouldn't be at the top of such a list in my opinion. Maybe the day will come that as a society, we view such books as Twilight as the highest form of literary art, but I don't believe that day has dawned yet and I pray it won't during my lifetime.

To everyone who was displeased with finding Twilight at the top: take solace in the fact that canons aren't put together democraticly.

In English, please?

y is every twilight book on this list????!!!!

Best Books Ever and Twilight? I actually wanted to wote, but when I saw this... I don't want to have anything to do with this list...

twilight serisinin en iyi kitaplar arasında ne işi var? illa fantastik kitaplardan birisi olacaksa yüzüklerin efendisi'ne ne dersiniz?

Lists (favorite foods, vacations, movies, etc.) always draw attention. They are a very common journalistic device. There is no mathematical formula or World Series of books (novels?). The comments are as entertaining as the list itself. Only a smattering of the 100 are considered literature. Otherwise its a subjective popularity contest which is slanted to the female reader, the younger reader, the best seller reader, the genre reader, the reader who reads for entertainment, and the reader with an agenda. If you want a "quality" list go to Modern Library. Otherwise don't put too much into this.

Yeah it is! Twilight? Come on people...you picked Twilight over Shakespeare, Locke, Austen, Dostoevsky, Steinbeck, Hemmingway, etc. We have thousands of years worth of literature and the only things that are making this list are teeny-bopper bullshit from the last 15 years.

I have to agree with those who pointed out that this list is relative. For some people, the best book ever (in their opinion) would be a form of popular literature that came in the last decade or so. For others, they see the best literature ever as a classic.

It is ridiculous to expect that a teenager will automatically see genius in a book that they probably won't read until they are older.

I don't like old books… >.<

Just my opinion but any "Best Books of ALL TIME" list that starts with Twilight and Harry Potter causes me to question the validity of the list. Maybe the most popular, as of right now, but not the best books ever. Any list that includes the "best of all time" should have books that have stood the test of time.

I really like the idea of this list. It's a great help with what book I should read next. What I don't like is that democracy isn't ringing the truth for me. Twilight is first? No, I shouldn't mention that. I'm not as mad at it being Twilight as I am with so many of the 'top books' only being there via their popularity with the type of people who only read 'bestsellers'. I also think that the list should be smaller and by genre or category, requiring that if you vote, you have to have read all the books. I feel bad skipping over so many that look so good just because I haven't read them yet (granted, they're in my to-read list).

Richard wrote: "Only in the USA would "the most popular" be confused for "the best". How many people have read Philip Roth's "Portnoy's Complaint" about masturbation? Compare that to how many people have read Thor..."

I've read Walden, and it honestly isn't one of my 'top books' but I did like it. I agree with your comment, I just want to say that. Popular doesn't always mean best, but best is a matter of opinion either way. (Example: in my opinion I think that some of Neil Gaiman's and Philip Pullman's books should be higher on the list).

Well, I am actually quite surprised that the Bible isn't in the top 100! It has changed the lives of millions (if not billions) of people, and millions more have died because of their faith in it! The Bible has also had more copies sold and printed than any other book in the world!
I'm also rather disgusted that Twilight made #1. I found Twilight an enjoyable, light read and nothing more. It was certainly not great literature!
And, lastly, I don't think that this list should have existed in the first place. It was a rather pointless exercise, don't you think?

I am sincerely surprised at the number of people who say 'best' is subjective. In other areas, very few of us would argue that all opinions carry equal weigh, that no one thing is, objectively, better than another. I, for one, will always accept Einstein's theory of Relativity as better than any I could think up. If I am sick, I go to a doctor rather than self-medicate because I assume he has more medical knowledge than I have. If my pet is sick, I take it to a vet. So why is literature the one place where people feel all opinions are equal - that Stephanie Meyers is a better writer than Shakespeare because her books are more accessible and, besides, people just like them better so, therefore, Twilight is ipso facto the best. I think there is value in a real Best Books Ever list. I would hope that, after reading Twilight, people would, then, read something that's considered truly great (I would guess that Ms Meyers probably feels the same way) and, even if they don't like it, they would see the difference between best and popular. Popular literature entertains and, if that's all you want, good for you, there's nothing wrong with that but don't make it out to be more than what it is: great literature,on the other hand, challenges your view of the world, makes you think, changes you in amazing ways, and, like any growth spurt, it can be painful. Pictures of fluffy kittens are more popular and much easier to look at than, say, LeGuernica by Picasso but I hope we all can agree that one of these is, objectively,a better work of art than the other. *Hint: it is not the fluffy kittens.

nicola wrote: "proof that the truth is not democratic =/

seriously, jane austen? errughhh."

Out of all the crap on the list you choose to complain about Jane Austen?

Okay, I am an avid reader and I loved the Twilight series, I believe they should be on this list somewhere because of the impact they made on the world, because no one can deny that they made a huge impact, whether good or bad. But they should NOT be in the top 10 for crying out loud!

We all have our view of what is the best and the worst, I believe that the Harry Potter series should be high up on this list, that made a massive impact on the world and for all the right reasons, Tolkien should be high up and so should all the 'classics'.


This list needs to seriously be reviewed and examined.

Maxine wrote: "I am sincerely surprised at the number of people who say 'best' is subjective. In other areas, very few of us would argue that all opinions carry equal weigh, that no one thing is, objectively, bet..."

Not everyone is going to enjoy Shakespeare, though, and some people would even say that he isn't a good writer at all. In fact, for every group of fans you find of classic authors, you will probably find another group of people who can't stand those authors.

Since this list is ordered by number of votes, it is possible that some of the people who have voted for any of the books from contemporary popular literature may have voted for classical works, as well.

I can't believe I had to add The Little Prince. How is that not on here?

OK I concede - Twilight is the height of great literature and Shakespeare is a hack.

*Sighs and walks away*

Wow. You're so melodramatic.

They need more Harry Potter and Percy Jackson!! More young adult classics!!

Josef wrote: "Todd wrote: "Best and worst list are certainly not meant to be definitive. Best and worst are so subjective. They are merely meant to elicit conversation and thought which they obviously have don..."
Amen(:

I think its funny that the twilight saga is on the worst books and best books list. and they are on 1,2,4,5 on both.

Wow, you people have WAY different opinions about the placement of the Book of Mormon. I personally think it should be first, but that's just me.

Max wrote: "nicola wrote: "proof that the truth is not democratic =/

seriously, jane austen? errughhh."

Out of all the crap on the list you choose to complain about Jane Austen?"
haha that's funny and nicola, did you have to read it for school, by any chance???

The wrinkle in time???? seriously i cant really say what i want to say right now but...

Paige wrote: "Wow, you people have WAY different opinions about the placement of the Book of Mormon. I personally think it should be first, but that's just me."
It used to be, and it was the best thing ever. Then, they REMOVED it, and we had to restart votes all over again. Sigh. Some people.

I know! Tell me about it!!

Paige wrote: "Wow, you people have WAY different opinions about the placement of the Book of Mormon. I personally think it should be first, but that's just me."

Sadly enough, it's not just you :) Religion (and any religion at that) makes people blind for what is right in front of them. Still, no one has the right to tell other people what to believe. Therefore, I think religious books/works etc should have no place on this site :)

Kaiti wrote: "Jazmine wrote: "Twilight is the best book I've read in my entire life! It is awemazing! I love the whole saga and Edward Cullen!"

You need to see a doctor. Quick."

could not agree more

jibar wrote: "Paige wrote: "Wow, you people have WAY different opinions about the placement of the Book of Mormon. I personally think it should be first, but that's just me."

Sadly enough, it's not just you :) ..."As you said belief is a personal thing that shouldn't be forced, but I believe religion is simply hope for something more than your life being 80 years. Atheism may be sensible, bit it's so depressing. As puddleglum says in narnia, I'll believe in Aslan even if there is no Aslan to believe in... But I know there is ( a god, I mean.) religion makes me happy, so I believe it does deserve a place on this list.

Without "A Confederacy of Dunces," this list is an absolute sham.

Jazmine wrote: "Twilight is the best book I've read in my entire life! It is awemazing! I love the whole saga and Edward Cullen!"

sorry, about my other comment. It was mean...

I am a real big fan of the "Maximum Ride" series.
Go James Patterson.
The funny thing is is that im only 11.

Adriana wrote: "Kaiti wrote: "Jazmine wrote: "Twilight is the best book I've read in my entire life! It is awemazing! I love the whole saga and Edward Cullen!"

You need to see a doctor. Quick."

could not agree more"

Janosch wrote: "This cant be true. Must be a dream. Im sorry but "twilight" does not deserve this place!!!!"

Oh my! I tried to read Twilight and couldn't get past the first page. It is a terrible book. I can't believe it is on the best list.

I believe those who love the Twilight series are probably young girls, who will more than likely, learn to appreciate better written literature when they have a few more years under their belts. My favorite book would be Les Miserable. I love the classics! Nothing makes me feel better than reading a great book by Dumas, or the Bronte sisters, or Austen. I hope the people that love the Twilight books will consider reading a few of the classics.

This list has no order, whatsoever (or at least none that I can find...). It's hard to find some of the books.

Toria wrote: "The twilight books are some of the best books written in my opinion! But just because I said that doesn't mean there aren't other books out there that may be better....thought I seriously doubt it...."

Read Les Miserables!

Mallory wrote: "I like Twilight. I think it was an enjoyable book. But I don't thing it should be on the Best Books List. It's just a popular pop culter book. I don't feel that it should be put on the same list as..."

Truer words have seldom been typed.

Heather wrote: "Charmaine wrote: "Maybe all those that have really read the Book of Mormon voted for it. It is a pretty amazing book when you actually read it. "

The only way to find out if it is good or not is..."

Amen.

Tracy wrote: "I need a book that will sweep me off my feet. A book that will keep me interested throught out. Any suggestion(s)?"

Les miserables will sweep you off your feet. Keep you interested? Probably not the unabridged version.

Cool. I knew Hunger Games would have to be on there. Hunger Games rocks! DOWN WITH THE CAPITAL!

Andrew wrote: "jibar wrote: "Paige wrote: "Wow, you people have WAY different opinions about the placement of the Book of Mormon. I personally think it should be first, but that's just me."

Sadly enough, it's no..."

I know, but everyone is entitled to their own opinions so I can understand why people don't think the same about this "issue".

Kabrianna wrote: "I am a real big fan of the "Maximum Ride" series.
Go James Patterson.
The funny thing is is that im only 11."
It's an okay kind of a series but I really don't understand why Fang left.I officially hate him.

Monet wrote: "Cool. I knew Hunger Games would have to be on there. Hunger Games rocks! DOWN WITH THE CAPITAL!"

Okay, that series, in my opinion, was terrible. I didn't like Katniss or the guy she ends up with in the end. What kind of a name is Peeta? It's like Pita Bread! (He IS a baker... ;))

In no way is Twilight better than Harry Potter!

Paige wrote: "Monet wrote: "Cool. I knew Hunger Games would have to be on there. Hunger Games rocks! DOWN WITH THE CAPITAL!"

Okay, that series, in my opinion, was terrible. I didn't like Katniss or the guy she ..."

i disagree. i liked the whole series, but my only qualm/problem with it, is that at the end of Mockingjay, it gets all vague, and detached. i'm just glad that she didn't end up mentally ill, and all alone.

Maxine wrote: "OK I concede - Twilight is the height of great literature and Shakespeare is a hack.

*Sighs and walks away*"

you need to see a doctor, quick!! I bite my thumb at you maam

what kind of book you are reading the only book i knew there is the twilight saga

what kind of book you are reading the only book i knew there is the twilight saga