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







Good luck with Tropic of Cancer!! I tried to read it and kept thinking 'wow, this guys needs an editor, this book is all over the place!' I really had a hard time trying to get into it.

(Still working through Les Mis on my Ipod too.)



I think Never Let Me Go should still be there!


I read it a few years ago and was very impressed. I haven't read any of his other stuff, but i guess i should.

Yeah, I actually just spent a whole bunch of money on some books that got removed, oh well, I can always do a mixture of the three lists. And I actually just finished Middlesex, which I think also got removed and I really enjoyed it. Oh well.

Sex isn't really the thing to talk about in American culture. It's a little bit taboo. Books about sex would be the same.

Sex isn't really the thing to talk about in American culture. It's a little bit taboo. Books about sex would be the same."
So you mean an external justification? I am extremely familiar with the fundamentalist, evangelical views of sex and sexuality with which I was raised in South so I am well aware of the taboo of which you speak. I suppose that is why I jumped to the conclusion that you meant internal justification.





That is one AMAZING book. Life changing, i would say.

That is one AMAZING book. Life changing, i would say."
What would make you call it life changing?
It's not the first book I've read by him, that was Kafka on the Shore. I'm not sure I could call Kafka life changing, but it was one of the books that reminded me why I lovelovelove reading whilst I was recovering from being very ill.

That is one AMAZING book. Life changing, i w..."
Something about that book just sticks to you. I think i get that with a lot of Murakami's books. I read Kafka on the Shore and really liked, very addictive and fun to read, but something about Wind up bird is more powerful somehow. I can't really explain it too well, i just felt like he was putting everything into that book. That he had to write it. So i think you'll really like it, and i'm happy that you've recovered from your illness :)


Don't worry, that book is really beautiful. The depression, madness etc is more subtle and those feelings hang over the words, rather than just push them into your face.


I've just come from the library too with Wilhelmeister's apprenticeship and Voss. Started Wilhelm on the bus home.
Also started Group portrait with a lady, Boll describes the life of a woman as seen through the eyes of her family, friends, aquaintances and enemies. Slow start but getting into it now.


It's an incredible read. Enjoy!


For my next 5 books, I want to pick some big name classics that have been staring at me for years on the shelf. But I have a hard time knowing which one of each to go for...
Kafka's The Trial or The Castle?
James' The Golden Bowl or Wings of a Dove?
Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd or Return of the Native?
Wharton's The Age of Innocence or Ethan Frome?
Dostoevsky Crime and Punishment or The Karamazov Brothers
I'm fed up of these biggies mocking me lol - if anyone has any tips on any of them, let me know - I may just toss them down the stars and see which one lands face up. :/

Was a bit wary of Wilhelm too, but it's a very easy book to read and Goethe is becoming one of my favourite authors from the 1700's.

I loved that book."
I am loving it so far! What a crabby old fart Monsieur Grandet is!

I loved, loved, LOVED Sexing the Cherry. The Dogwoman has to be one of the best female characters I've ever encountered.

For my next 5 books, I want to pick some big name classics that h..."
As far as the Wharton options, Ethan Frome is much shorter than Age of Innocence, and nothing compared to some of those others you listed. Have you already read House of Mirth?


Don't worry, that book is really beautiful..."
You're right about your comments. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would and flew through it in 3 days. If thought it was very well written and felt myself drawn into this girl's world, allowing me to see her perspective and sympathize with her.

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Is this a list book? It looks interesting, but I can't find it on any of my ..."
No, not a list book. If you look at the date of publication, it would be all but impossible for it to be on even the most recent list.