Comments on Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once - page 3
Comments Showing 101-150 of 1,023 (1023 new)
Hedwig wrote: "Okay, to the People Who Believe "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" should not be on here...Just because a book has become commercialized doesn't mean that the author set out to do this when writing th..."
I cannot deny the popularity of the Harry Potter books but only time will tell if they have lasting value. Popularity is a shaky platform on which to build a reputation; longevity is a more reliable indicator of merit. I would not touch a Harry Potter book for any pay but that is simply because I have too many other books to read ahead of Rowling's. One more note about popularity; remember that most dictators start out being very popular, but once their true colors become known, people tend to have regrets.
this is such a great list! XD and forget all haters, although i dont like some of these books, i dont complain to the people that do like them.
John wrote: "The Name of the Rose including Postscript to the Name of the Rose"Loved it, a great and interesting read
Hedwig wrote: "Okay, to the People Who Believe "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" should not be on here...Just because a book has become commercialized doesn't mean that the author set out to do this when writing th..."
Harry Potter series has done more to interest kids in reading than any other recently written fiction. It holds their interest through the whole seven books. Not bad for adults who just want a fun read either.
Like it or leave it, but one cannot deny the success Meyer's has received from The Twilight Series. To remain at the top of the New York Times Best seller's List has to be given some credit. From no name to household name practically overnight is saying something for the author! Whether you bought the book or borrowed the book, read the book or passed on the book it is your opinion. You know what they say about opinions...
What silly nonsense! Plenty of classics made me want to commit suicide! The writers were so mentally ill when they wrote their books it came across big time - think The Bell Jar for one. Why DO WE IDEALIZE ALL THESE SUICIDES???????
BTW, my friends here, please be very careful ..."
BTW, my friends here, please be very careful ..."
Maybe some should not be reading certain books, I don't know, but THE BELL JAR was based on reality! I read it and thought it beautifully written, and realized that, sadly, there are people who suffer like this. It's part of life. As for me, I am always "very careful," whatever that means. 8^)
The color of water by James McBride is one of the most exiting books that I have read. Together with Dan Brown's The DaVinci code and Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "El general no tiene quien le escriba" it is one of my favorite reads. It is about life lived at its fullest and how to overcome obstacles and still come afloat as a winner.
Angryy0uth wrote: "41: Erg. Why does every one always feel the need to share how much they hate Twilight in these types of lists? All these books are so popular that there are tons of people who like and dont like th..."I agree with you. There is always an audience for every type of entertainment and reading is one of them. My teenage daughter loved these books and I understand her. I am 49, therefore, I read other things.
m wrote: "Mary wrote: "Animal Farm and Atlas Shrugged are absolutely books you must read AT THIS TIME in the USA before it is too late to change our path"I've been saying this about Atlas Shrugged to a lot..."
I second that.
wow!! such an amazing listand i think i still long way to go :D
James wrote: "m wrote: "Mary wrote: "Animal Farm and Atlas Shrugged are absolutely books you must read AT THIS TIME in the USA before it is too late to change our path"
I've been saying this about Atlas Shrugge..."
My friend Ann would say the same if she were still on goodreads but she left. Too many liberals I guess...sigh. I had major problems with Listopia last night. (malfunctions, etc) Did anyone else?
I've been saying this about Atlas Shrugge..."
My friend Ann would say the same if she were still on goodreads but she left. Too many liberals I guess...sigh. I had major problems with Listopia last night. (malfunctions, etc) Did anyone else?
This is actually the first list I actually like a lot! There's plenty of books (some I've heard about, others not) that seem worth a read. This gave me plenty of material for my to-do list :D
m wrote: "Mary wrote: "Animal Farm and Atlas Shrugged are absolutely books you must read AT THIS TIME in the USA before it is too late to change our path"I've been saying this about Atlas Shrugged to a lot..."
Of course you can use it as a play list because the tea baggers have used it as a play book. I do not agree with the intent or direction of Ayn Rand and didn't when I read it the first time 20 years ago.
This is a great list and it would take me hours to check the books and add comments or questions.
Debbie wrote: "i dnot think you can get a copy of uncle toms cabin any more"You can get many out of print (expired copyright) books at Project Gutenberg. Here is the link for Uncle Tom's Cabin. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/203
Robbie wrote: "I am absolutely delighted by this great list of books. A thousand thanks. I have read quite a few of these myself. Right now I'm into an Indian philosophy phase!Try these Epic Indian philosophica..."
My friend had to read Ramayana for a history class and she said she loved it. It's more of a story than history book if anyone was wondering.
Melynna wrote: "Faera wrote: "I skimmed through this list and there are some very horribly written books on it. Like Twilight and the Bible for instance."No matter your personal opinion about those books, there ..."
While it may behoove us to enlighten ourselves, because ignorance is such a shame, at the same time, I think books like Twilight and the Bible can influence people in the wrong way, especially at a young age. How many young teens have read Twilight? And how many think the romance beautiful? And how many will be influenced into getting married at a young age because of the books? It's hard for certain people especially young and very influential people to take what they read at face value and understand it's a work of fiction. This is also my issue with the Bible. While it is a good read and it's definitely important to be informed, how many people take what the Bible says and try and apply it to real life? How is that good or applicable? A lot of the stories are good and teach you to be a moral person, but then there are the stories that have blacks and jews as slaves. Does that teach readers to be racist and ignorant? It shouldnt if it's just a story, but there are a lot of people that still hold on to ancient rituals, ideas, and ways of thinking and that can be dangerous sometimes.
I guess my point is, reading is amazing and it can open up a new world of ideas and enchantment, but dont let it take away your own personal thoughts. We all need to think more for ourselves and stop letting what other people say or write dictate how we act or think.
Twilight has no business here...it does not impact thinking at all...It should be deleted from this list.
Other than Twilight, these are some amazing books on here. I was glad to see the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on here. 42!
Eat, Pray, Love? that book was horrible! the rest of the list is very good.. that is the one rotten apple!
why is twilight before harry potter?
the list is good. but twilight, really?I mean I read it. while i was reading it, it was a good story, addictive, but when i finished it, i realize it wasnt that good. so I dont think it belongs in this list. I do agree with harry potter and the others.
Debbie wrote: "i dnot think you can get a copy of uncle toms cabin any more"Amazon has it as a free download for the Kindle (which can also be viewed with the Kindle for PC, Kindle for iPhone, or Kindle for smart phone app(s)).
Twilight? Harry Potter? You've got to be kidding.They're cultural phenomena alright, but all these books (the originals and the sequels) are very poorly written.
At least Harry Potter is interesting and creative. But a girl who's in love with a shining vampire? Oh, come on, that sucks.
'Truly Madly Deeply' by Faraaz Kazi is a marvelous work.
Faera wrote: "I skimmed through this list and there are some very horribly written books on it. Like Twilight and the Bible for instance."I agree. There are also books on this list that I've loved, but I don't think they're books that "everyone should read at least once". There are also just a lot of books that make me want to ask, "really?"
Maybe it would have been better to call this something like, "10 Books that everyone should read at least once". It's obvious that a lot of people are just putting anything they enjoyed on here, instead of the most important things they've ever read, or that they think are really essential for everyone to read. At least once. ;-)
I didn't dislike Twiligh, but I don't think it's a must, or even part of any list that goes for educating or building a reading base.
It's a pass book. A bit of nice enjoyable junk to kill some hours and get some people into reaiding. No need to throw stones at it, no need to glorify it either
It's a pass book. A bit of nice enjoyable junk to kill some hours and get some people into reaiding. No need to throw stones at it, no need to glorify it either
I'm amazed at how many of these books I've read (not Twilight, thank you) and how many I have thought to read but not gotten around to. Good list.
James wrote: "I just can't agree with #34....Sue me, twilight fans."
Agreed.
Definitely the Harry Potter series and The Outsider!!
See the tv show My So-Called Life, episode 1 - interesting evolution of a character through her insights on Anne Frank.
Debbie wrote: "i dnot think you can get a copy of uncle toms cabin any more"I got one a few months ago, from barns and noble.
Marc wrote: "Hedwig wrote: "Okay, to the People Who Believe "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" should not be on here...Just because a book has become commercialized doesn't mean that the author set out to do thi..."
I assure you that at least Harry Potter has lasting value. I've read this series as a teenager, being inspired by my classmates, neighbours, family friends etc. 90 percent of them, continuing reading while growing up, classics and from a variety of genres, still consider The Harry Potter series their favourite. Mine too, i don't exaggerate saying that this is never going to change.
By the way, Twilight does not compete with Harry Potter. Read them, look at their average rating, sales etc.
Debbie wrote: "i dnot think you can get a copy of uncle toms cabin any more"I found one at my library. Try searching there.
Melynna wrote: "Faera wrote: "I skimmed through this list and there are some very horribly written books on it. Like Twilight and the Bible for instance."No matter your personal opinion about those books, there ..."
You've made an excellent point!
Judy, South Africa
Of course you can still buy "Uncle Tom's Cabin"! I can tell you were not an English major ...Am I the only person on the planet who's never read a word of a "Potter" or "Twilight" novel? They are textbook examples of the dumbing-down of our culture and pandering to the lowest-common-denominator intellect. Jus say no to crappy writing!
Just because a book has become commercialized doesn't mean that the author set out to do this when writing the book, and does not stop it from being a good piece of literature. While I agree Twilight is mediocre in its writing, it has a good story plot and if you give it a chance can be an incredible work of fiction. It also has many references to other classic works and is one of the reasons I decided to read "Jane Austen" and "Wuthering Heights". As for "Harry Potter" I don't know any one who has read the books and hated them. The series is a fantastic, and extraordinary work of fantasy that everyone should have the joy of reading. It has also become a huge part of POP culture... There are now 400 million books in print worldwide and in 65 languages. It is also referenced in many other works as well. In the "Da Vinci Code" it speaks of the "ultimate best selling book of all time," referring to the Bible but the character to whom he is speaking replies "Don't tell me Harry Potter is actually about the Holy Grail."! And it's true Harry Potter is almost always on the top of the best sellers list, only being knocked down by TWILIGHT. There are whole online and real-world societies revolving around these books! So for those of you who have no intention of reading these books, you should! They have become a national phenomenon so even if you don't enjoy them you'll have learned a little bit more about pop-culture!