Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion
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Dream Of The Red Chamber is one of the 4 great classics of Chinese literature, so that one's understandableH.Rider Haggard was v.popular in his day, but 83 million sounds highly unlikely to me - indeed the sources are described as "unreliable" in the wiki article
I've read Rider Haggard the same way I did Beau Geste, or Thirty-Nine Steps - I just wanted to get a piece of cultural jigsaw and move on. Boys' own adventure, nothing more.
looking down that wiki list, one I'd never heard of before that has gone straight onto my "to read" list is How the Steel Was Tempered
Darren wrote: "H.Rider Haggard was v.popular in his day, but 83 million sounds highly unlikely to me - indeed the sources are described as "unreliable" in the wiki article .."Seems a bit unlikely to me too, but I notice half the top 10 is based on the same source and it's only marked as unreliable next to She. If that source is unreliable, that ruins the entire list (or at least the top 10 part).
Dream of the Red Chamber is the only one from the > 100 mil list I haven't read yet. I really need to give some of the Chinese classics a try someday.
Darren, that one is highfalutin and heavy on Communist propaganda. I read it at the age of about 15 and even then was struck with the degree of pathos. Don't expect an artistic piece.
Nente wrote: "Darren, that one is highfalutin and heavy on Communist propaganda. I read it at the age of about 15 and even then was struck with the degree of pathos. Don't expect an artistic piece."Thanks Nente :o)
I'm hoping it will be interesting to read in its historical context, i.e. as an example of something that was "approved" by the Stalinist regime
on Amazon, there seem to be a lot of Chinese versions extant, so I'm guessing it fit with their ideology for a while too...
I read it years ago. Apparently Jung & Freud used Ayesha (SHE) as an archetype. Several movies were made based on it.
And i'm back... that was an effort, really. I just hit a wall with my reading and finally after a few weeks i felt like i could force myself back in and then i got stomach flu :( .However the body and brain are finally working properly again, i'm 7 books behind schedule for the year but at least i'm back in the saddle :) .
Understandable. The flu is for sleeping not reading, maybe Netflixing.To everyone currently obsessed with the Handmaids Tale again
1) I salute you.
2) Here's a cool list of books to read next
https://www.rifflebooks.com/list/230410
Mod
Wreade1872 wrote: "And i'm back... that was an effort, really. I just hit a wall with my reading and finally after a few weeks i felt like i could force myself back in and then i got stomach flu :( .However the bod..."
Ugh reading slumps are the worst, glad you've found your mojo and that you're well again now. It's nice to see you back :)
Lena, interesting list -- thanks for so many great new suggestions. I'd definitely also include Gibbon's Decline and Fall by Sheri Tepper
I started The White Plague a few years ago... now where did that book run off to?
Lynnette wrote: "I read it years ago. Apparently Jung & Freud used Ayesha (SHE) as an archetype. Several movies were made based on it."I've read 'She' gave it 3 stars not great, but i then read the sequel 'Ayesha' aka 'the Return of She' and gave it 5 stars, really enjoyed it ut maybe i was just in the right mood.
Someone said 'She' is misogynistic, i'm not sure about that but in the sequel it seems rather the opposite, i mean you have these two very powerful women fighting over the pretty guy who doesn't really do anything interesting in the story. So its a very common sort of plot outline but with a gender reversal.
Also 'She' is everywhere.... you might have noticed the gold lady in the latest 'Guardians of the Galaxy' movie was called Ayesha, in the comics she's often referred to as HER, and is based on 'She'.
Also i'm pretty sure an egyptian vampire queen that appears briefly in the book 'Conan the Conqueror' called Akivasha, is based on Ayesha.
As is 'Akasha' the vampire queen from the Anne Rice novels.
Also if anyone is a fan of the Arrow, Flash and Legends of Tomorrow tv shows , the character 'Vandel Savage' is male version of She with Hawk Girl and Hawk Man being gender swapped versions of the Kallicrates and Amenartas characters also from She.
Weather's here again. We didn't have a single day with over +25 Celsium yet, this summer in Moscow (though a couple in spring, go figure). Raining every other day. Did I move into Saint Petersburg and not notice?
Apparently, and it really makes sense if you look at it hard enough, global warming means an increase only in average temperature of our atmosphere; as climate zones shift and mix there are bound to be some areas where the temperatures actually go down. I just wish I didn't live in one.
Is any interested in a copy of Katherine by Anya Seton?I'm willing to mail gratis it to anyone in the continental US.
If you're interested, send me pm with you mailing addy.
Wreade1872 wrote: "Someone said 'She' is misogynistic, i'm not sure about that but in the sequel it seems rather the opposite...Also 'She' is everywhere.... you ."
Wow, I would never have read She as misogynistic. Unless, I guess, they're criticizing the character for being motivated by love of a man?
It really does turn up everywhere -- in Rumpole of the Bailey, Horace Rumpole refers to his wife as "She Who Must be Obeyed" :)
Michele wrote: " Wow, I would never have read She as misogynistic. Unless, I guess, they're criticizing the character for being motivated by love of a man?..."Not for She's personality. For the way some of the men react to her.
Like proposing killing off women every few decades to keep them in their place, etc.
I just recalled another interesting thing about H.Rider Haggard (your interest may vary :) ).So his two most famous characters are Ayesha from 'She' (which has a prequel and sequel) and Allan Quartermain from 'King Solomon's Mines' and about a dozen other books.
Well he also wrote She and Allan (1921) which as the name suggests is a crossover with both characters.
Which i think might be one of the first ever cross-over books. I mean some might say it's not a true crossover because both characters are from the same author but i'm counting it :) .
So can anyone think of any earlier crossovers?
Hm. I think Edgar Rice Burroughs did a crossover or two, mixing Tarzan with one of his other series, but since I can't remember what book that is, I can't say if it was published before or after She and Allan. It would have been within 5-10 years of Haggard's though.
Melanti wrote: "Hm. I think Edgar Rice Burroughs did a crossover or two, mixing Tarzan with one of his other series, but since I can't remember what book that is, I can't say if it was published before or after Sh..."Yes i believe your thinking about Tarzan at the Earth's Core, 1930.
Saw a quote the other day ( maybe you saw it too) thought it worth sharing "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. " Benjamin Franklin
He was sooo full of wisdom. Anyone read anything he wrote?
I love Ben, too. I am reading his autobiography on my Kindle, but haven't been able to read much lately.
What is the name of that book about BF?
I'm trying to claw my way back into reading classics. For whatever reason I completely lost interest over the last month and a half and have been devouring new titles instead. Maybe the weather? Anyway, I also stopped posting in this group since I wasn't reading anything à propos, but I'll be starting The Old Man and the Sea this week to get in on the discussion and then definitely Midnight's Children, which is part of my bingo!
I was waiting to see if anyone wanted to read Midnight Children. Great!!! I have three books ahead of it and then I'll get started.
I definitely ended up dipping out on the Madame Bovary buddy read I had planned (I feel super bad) but as Rushdie is coming to the library I work at to speak in October, I want to at least read one thing by him, especially since I do so much reader's advisory at work (and prepared the booklet on him, natch). I have a couple of books ahead, too, so that works out well!
I skipped out on Madame Bovary also. I'm hoping for October if not then next year. I will post in the buddy read section also but how does the 20th sound for Midnight's Children start date?
That sounds excellent! I'll make sure I'm ready to go by then. :) I'm feeling a lot more myself (and so it feels less necessary to go easy on my reading choices).
I do love books. There aren't many genres I don't like. I love reading and writing stories and when I can, I will read.Unfortunately, having a rather busy life, actually sitting down and reading is something that is difficult and not quite as regular as I would like but I DO still do it.
However, because my job is an hours journey away, I get 2 hours each day where I can plug myself in to an audiobook.
I also have the chance to plug in while working sometimes or while out running.
Thus being the case, I have been able to go through many books that, If left to actual reading, I wouldn't have the chance to do.
What are your opinions of "Audiobooks"?
Personally, and obviously, I think they are great as you are hearing every work of a book and in a way, you are reading with your ears.
What're your thoughts?
Brian wrote: "I do love books. There aren't many genres I don't like. I love reading and writing stories and when I can, I will read.Unfortunately, having a rather busy life, actually sitting down and reading i..."
Audiobooks are not for me. I read books. With my eyes. And, as a footnote, I only read real books. No ebooks for me either. 😊
Brian, I too have an hour commute and while I don't regularly listen, I do occasionally and enjoy it. I think the right person reading is key. My son and granddaughter live 4 hours from me and when I travel there alone, I like to have an audiobook for the trip.
Brian wrote: "What are your opinions of "Audiobooks"? "I love audiobooks. During the active hours of my day, most of the reading I do is listening via audiobook while I am doing other mundane, mindless tasks. I agree with MKay that a good narrator is critical to making an audiobook enjoyable. I have several go-to favorite narrators now that I will choose over others. I also think it takes a bit of listening practice to get the hang of comprehending the material in an audio-only format.
Visual reading I do mostly in bed before I go to sleep. (I have issues with insomnia, so this ends up being a significant amount.) In bed, I love reading on my Kindle paperwhite because it is easy to hold, and I can turn the back light down to just enough that I can see it, but there isn't enough light to disturb my husband's sleep. Any other visual reading I do is usually on my phone via the Kindle app, if I have unexpected downtime somewhere.
I love physical books, but the truth is I rarely read them anymore. I still buy hardcover copies of my special favorites just to have. I will say that if I am going to read a book of poetry, I do prefer a paper book for that. I'm not sure why that is!
I think it's interesting though that my two teenagers both strongly prefer paperbacks. They both have Kindles and access to audiobook apps. They will occasionally read a book on Kindle if the price or availability is much better than the physical version, but they would both choose a paperback (NOT a hardcover!) first anyday.
I love the idea of "reading with your ears," Brian. I loved having stories read to me as a child--would still love it probably.But I read paper books as much as possible. I love the smell and feel of them, but my real reason is practical. Audiobooks for fiction don't work well for me. I have to read some parts of a book slower, and also have to go back and re-read, or go back and check something from a previous chapter, or my mind wanders and I have to start a section over.
I do listen to non-fiction, while driving or at the gym or whatever. I can miss sections and go on, and then go back later and listen again without messing up the read for me.
I'm an audiobook user, I listen while doing chores, such as washing dishes, or gardening, to make the time pass quicker. I can't concentrate while driving and get too fidgety if I just sit and listen, but I try to always have one audiobook on the go. My favourites have been big Victorian classics, as long as they've got good narrators. Currently I'm listening to The Count of Monte Cristo, which I probably wouldn't attempt on paper.
Listening while driving is hit-or-miss for me. It somewhat depends on the complexity of the book and how much attention I have to spare. If I'm in fast moving traffic, I probably don't have a ton of attention to spare for listening to a book.I go through phases. Some months I'll listen every day. Other months I'll hardly listen at all. I'm sure a great deal of that is dependent on the book and narrator.
I'll read pretty much any style.I like physical books when I'm home. Kindle is great for travel or everyday convenience. I have the Kindle app on my phone so I am never without a book even without having to carry one with me all the time anymore.
I don't listen to audiobooks in the car for fear I will get too into the story and not pay enough attention to my drive.
However there are a few tasks I do at work that are time consuming, but not difficult (paperwork sorting type stuff). I listen to audiobooks while doing them, so depending on the day I can listen for anywhere from 1 to 3 hours a day.
I enjoy them usually. However, as others said, a bad narrator can ruin it. I had to give up on the audiobook for a book in a series I love because the narrator was terrible.
Some books don't lend themselves to them as well as others.
I'm currently listening to Retribution Falls and enjoying it.
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I learned about audio books from goodreads members but never thought about I would try one. Again, curiosity got the better of me and I have now listened to about seven different books. I am still experimenting with audio, I'm not sure I can drive or work while I listen, time will tell. My best experience with audio books is to read along with them. Hs proven especially helpful with Shakespeare. I have now read four with the help of audio, two I enjoyed and two I just got through even with audio help. I'm not a fan of Shakespeare's style and will never put myself through the process of reading him without audio help.
I've come full circle from just books printed on paper, to ebooks, and audio books. I now have an appreciation for all types of reading. They all require an investment of time so I by all means I agree that they are all valid ways of reading.
I also love my ereader but when it comes to audio..I hate them!Or so I thought..you just need to find good enough narrators,thats all.I listened to Jane Eyre recently,by an lady (who is an actress by the way)Thandie Newton..and she made Jane Eyre come alive and I loved it!!!!And she does all the voices as well.
Thanks for all your replies!I agree, definitely needs a good narrator when listening to an audiobook.
I download them from the library and so far have been very lucky with the narration and I am also a user of Audible. I have only come across one really bad narrator and got my money back from the book.
With Audio, I listen whenever I can and have gone trough loads of books! In bed, I like to go through the Morse collection or read a decent horror.
For me, it is either audio or a book. I tried the e-books and kindle but just cannot seem to get on with them.
I find holding a book far better and it just feels and looks better for me. E-books/kindles just feel a tad uncomfortable but I honestly don't know why. perhaps I need to use a different device?
Walking around a boot fair looking for books is fun for me but I think at the moment, I have plenty to be going through!
I used to work in a book printers... was like heaven for me lol
Brian wrote: "Thanks for all your replies!I agree, definitely needs a good narrator when listening to an audiobook.
I download them from the library and so far have been very lucky with the narration and I am a..."
It was a great question and discussion! 😊
Now that I have a longer drive to work I have been experimenting with audiobooks, but I've found that I can only do books I already know. I can't concentrate well enough to do one I'm not familiar with. Partly it's because I have to focus on driving and partly because (at least in the mornings) I'm often thinking about the workday to come -- meetings, to-do lists, etc. So I've done Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, and The Count of Monte Cristo about three times each lol
Michele wrote: "Now that I have a longer drive to work I have been experimenting with audiobooks, but I've found that I can only do books I already know. I can't concentrate well enough to do one I'm not familiar ..."I listened to The Count of Monte Cristo on audio and it was awesome!
Hey guys! I'm trying to finish my Bingo Challenge. I only have a few more squares to go, and I have already decided what to read for some, but I have NO idea what to read for "Asian Classic", "South American Classic", or "Classic Non-fiction". The problem is, my library has a seriously limited stock of English books, and I don't feel like buying something just to finish the challenge. Does anyone have any recommendations for those squares? That would be awesome!
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Asian Classic
The Good Earth, 1932 Pulitzer
The Quiet American
The Painted Veil
South American Classic
The Power and the Glory, border line, I think this takes place in southern Mexico
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Classic Non-fiction
Ten Days in a Mad-House
Hiroshima-(Asian Classic?)
Schindler's List
The Diary of a Young Girl
Hopefully you haven't already read these and one may appeal, good luck.
Bob wrote: "Andrea here are a few ideasAsian Classic
The Good Earth, 1932 Pulitzer
The Quiet American
The Painted Veil
South American Classic
[book:The Power and the Glor..."
Thank you so much! I'll go check if my library has any of those :)
I thought Shindler's List was fiction? Based on a true story but fictionalized?
Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)
Books mentioned in this topic
They Were Sisters (other topics)The Wind in the Willows (other topics)
The Wind In The Willows (other topics)
The Consequence of Anna (other topics)
The Consequence of Anna (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Kate Birkin (other topics)Robert Coover (other topics)
Ray Bradbury (other topics)
Kate Birkin (other topics)
Kate Birkin (other topics)
More...
Anyway, I thought the list was interesting.
Don Quixote 1612 ~ 500 million
A Tale of Two Cities 1859 ~ 200 million
Le Petit Prince 1943 ~ 140 million
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 1997 ~ 107 million
The Hobbit 1937 ~ 100 million
And Then There Were None 1939 ~ 100 million
The Dream of the Red Chamber 1754 ~ 100 million
Alice in Wonderland 1865 ~ 100 million
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 1950 ~ 85 million
She 1887 ~ 83 million
If you are interested in the entire list and resources for this, check out this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
How many do you own? I own 7 of the 10. "
The link you posted is really interesting, listing all those best-selling books! Of the books you listed in your post, I own 7 of 10. However, I've only read 5 of the 10. Don Quixote and Alice in Wonderland are owned but still on my TBR shelf. I've never read The Little Prince, and I hadn't heard of The Dream of the Red Chamber or She before now.