Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die discussion
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Which LIST book did you just start?

Mary Barton by Gaskell is great, though North and South is my favourite.
Just started The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson. Just wonder what other books he could have written if he hadn't been killed in action in 1918.

A huge favorite of mine 20 or so years ago. When you finish the book (assuming you like it) be sure to rent the movie. It is outstanding also.
Gerry

I've been itching to read this since I saw the League or Extraordinary Gentlemen (movie) He was the only character I did not already know
Very excited

I've been itching to read this since I saw the League or Extraordinary Gentlemen (movie) He was the only character I did not already know
Very excited"
It took me a while to get into The Picture of Dorian Gray, but once I did, I was gripped! I found it really interesting & I hope you do too!


I have "Dictionary of the Khazars" but have put off reading it because I'm not sure how to read it. How are you reading it? What are you finding enjoyable about it?
GerryC"
I am reading it traditionally, cover to cover. Some of the entries and esp. the extended pieces that are short stories are enjoyable in sort of a new age fantasy sort of way. He has quick bits of humor expressed in the odd placement of a word or two throughout. I am not sure if I will recommend it overall, however.

I'm intrigued by Dictionary of Khazars. Which version are you reading, male or female?"
I am reading the female version. It is interesting and funny in parts. It is like a fantasy. I read the Serbian author had the Khazars represent the Yugoslavian people. It is on the borderline as to whether I would recommend it or not but I am liking it.




Reading from the Best Books is having a Steibeck Summer. East of Eden in June, Tortilla Flat and Sweet Thursday in July, and Grapes of Wrath in August.


I'll be really anxious to read what you think of this book as you go along. I hope you will post updates.
GerryC






This was my first Ishiguro novel and I've been hooked ever since. I know what you mean about the dreamlike feeling. It begins with what seems like an...ordinary school with ordinary kids. Only later does the surprise set in. Then to realize that the narrator has no idea what it all means? I read the book a couple years ago, your post makes me want to re-read it again. Thanks!

In a good or bad way? (Just curious, after Great Expectations & Hard times I never know what Dickens novel to read next...)


Thanks Tom! I tried Oliver Twist but couldn't get into it--I'd just gone off a Jane Austen kick so maybe that was a bit jarring, too. My husband loves Bleak House so perhaps that'll be my next one.

I was born in another medway town in Kent,and I lived in Canterbury, so I find myself smiling when place names crop up that I know.

I'm also reading Dashiell Hammett's "The Glass Key",
also good.
Sorry to say I abandoned "Invisible Man" by Ellison. I just couldn't get into it right after reading "The Things They Carried" and "Native Son". I'll get back to it before long though because I really want to read it.



Our Mutual Friend is darker than Great Expectations...? Wow, remind me to read that one after a good dose of comedy.
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I really like Prentice's 1st person narration, but find myself getting annoyed when Banks switches to the family's 3rd person narrative.