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30-day Challenge! - Day 17: Books you want to read but are afraid to?
I recommend 11/22/63 for sure- one of my all-time favorites!! I love Stephen King very much, and this one is my favorite of his, and its not scary! It's more supernatural than horror, and i loved this one so much. give it a chance! ;-)I'm afraid of the Game of Thrones books, mostly because they are SO long. and i'm afraid they wont live up to the hype that I've heard
I agree "11/22/63" is not scary. There is one part of the story that is a bit gruesome though.George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" (Game of Thrones)books are fantastic. They are long. They are a form of "gritty" fiction in that they gray the lines between good and evil that really draws you into the story. Martin also has a way of really shaking things up with plot twists. I just hope he finishes out the last two books to bring the series to a conclusion!
Alissa wrote: "I recommend 11/22/63 for sure- one of my all-time favorites!! I love Stephen King very much, and this one is my favorite of his, and its not scary! It's more supernatural than horror, and i loved this one so much. give it a chance! ;-)..."I will. I want to. I think I will. Well, I probably will. :p
heh
Kyle wrote: "I agree "11/22/63" is not scary. There is one part of the story that is a bit gruesome though...."
Tense/suspenseful, and gruesome? Or just gruesome? Really really horrible? Or you can make it through, if you've got at least some 'al dente' macaroni in your spine ;-)
I'm afraid to tackle Finnegans Wake. Stephen King's The Shining is so good! It is a bit spooky though.
I'm afraid to read works by Charles Dickens. I don't know much about the man himself, but a long time ago I heard that he was paid by the number of words for his work. By now, I realize that this claim may be nonsense. I have not looked into the truth of this to date.
I'm afraid to read Russian classics, since I've feel like a bonehead the few times I've tried. They always make me feel a bit dumb.
Andrea IS Catsos Person wrote: "I'm afraid to read works by Charles Dickens. I don't know much about the man himself, but a long time ago I heard that he was paid by the number of words for his work. By now, I realize that this c..."He wasn't paid by the word, as far as I know, but he was paid by installment. It was pretty common practice back then to publish a book piecemeal rather than as a whole novel.
Which leads to Dickens having all these cliff-hangerish ends of chapters - just to make sure you go out of your way to buy the next installment!
It's not a classic by any means, but I'm afraid to read Tad Williams' Shadowmarch series. I was a huge fan of his back in my late teens/early 20's, but my tastes have changed so much since then I have absolutely no idea if I'd like him now. And that's a 4,000 page series, so that's a LOT of reading if it ends up being not bad enough to quit but not good enough to really enjoy.
Kristi wrote: "I'm afraid to read Russian classics, since I've feel like a bonehead the few times I've tried. They always make me feel a bit dumb."I felt the same (abandoned War & Peace, back in college). But, I wrestled my way through Doctor Zhivago this winter, in this group, and it was such a rewarding experience! Suddenly ... I get the appeal of Russian literature, and want more :D.
I'm trying War & Peace again right now (Quarterly read in this group, just started a few weeks ago). And, I joined that Russian Literature group, AND your group, Reading the Chunksters, so I'm looking forward to trying more, soon. *thumbs up to Russian literature!*. :)
MK wrote: "Kristi wrote: "I'm afraid to read Russian classics, since I've feel like a bonehead the few times I've tried. They always make me feel a bit dumb."I felt the same (abandoned War & Peace, back in ..."
I want to read it, maybe I just need to do it with a group. Then I would have the confidence to get going and not be worried about missing the Russian nuances, you know?
MK wrote: "If you'd like to give it a try, join us in the War & Peace folder. We've only just begun."I don't know if I could handle War and Peace and Don Quixote (so far) at the same time. I may wait until a smaller Russian Classic comes up, but thanks for the invite.
Kristi wrote: "MK wrote: "If you'd like to give it a try, join us in the War & Peace folder. We've only just begun."I don't know if I could handle War and Peace and Don Quixote (so far) at the same time. I may ..."
ahh, good point!
Basically anything from Dostoyevski and the whole Russian crew. I want to, but I don't want to. But apart from them, I'm afraid to read a lot of books which is annoying because at the same time I want to read everything (that I find interesting).They made me read Notes from Underground last year for an assignment but I didn't understand it and therefore I don't know if I loved it or hated it, which is a very bad sign. I don't know how to explain this but I kind of felt (or still feel?) embarrassed because It feels like this book ruined my confidence to read anything I want. Since that book I'm always thinking "Am I going to be able to understand it? Will it be too hard for me?" And sometimes, more than before this read, the answer to my questions is yes.
Kristi wrote: "I'm afraid to read Russian classics, since I've feel like a bonehead the few times I've tried. They always make me feel a bit dumb."I think a big part of it is mental in that you feel intimidated so that feeling manifests as you read the novels you are intimidated by. My suggestion would be to start with short stories so you can become more familiar with the author and the style before you tackle a lengthy and philosophical novel. I would find a collection of short stories by various Russian authors. There are many such books available you just need to pick one that appeals to you. I feel this will help you figure out which authors you prefer and will make you more at ease with tacking the novels you find intimidating.
Mbondare wrote: "Kristi wrote: "I'm afraid to read Russian classics, since I've feel like a bonehead the few times I've tried. They always make me feel a bit dumb."I think a big part of it is mental in that you f..."
Thanks for the suggestion! Maybe Kim and I can team up and pick a collection and read together? Kim, you wanna try it out??
Kristi wrote: "Mbondare wrote: "Kristi wrote: "I'm afraid to read Russian classics, since I've feel like a bonehead the few times I've tried. They always make me feel a bit dumb."I think a big part of it is men..."
If you wouldn't mind I would love to join you. Best Russian Short Stories Thomas Seltzer sounds like a promising collection.
Kristi wrote: "Mbondare wrote: "Kristi wrote: "I'm afraid to read Russian classics, since I've feel like a bonehead the few times I've tried. They always make me feel a bit dumb."I think a big part of it is men..."
Yes, of course! I love short stories.
Mbondare wrote: "If you wouldn't mind I would love to join you. Best Russian Short Stories Thomas Seltzer sounds like a promising collection."That does look promising! Kim, do you like this one?? When do we want to start?? This will be fun with 3 of us to discuss...I wonder if anyone else would want to join us?
I've read "The Shining" and it's extremely good!! And scary too... When I read it there were a couple of times in which I had to stop and go to bed instead because I was starting to feel paranoid, but I would totally recommend it!
Alba wrote: "I've read "The Shining" and it's extremely good!! And scary too... When I read it there were a couple of times in which I had to stop and go to bed instead because I was starting to feel paranoid,..."omgosh .... might be TOO scary for me :p. heh
Thx, Alba! Also, hello and welcome :-))
So want to read Ulysses by James Joyce, but also really scared I wont have the stamina to keep it up - I like my paragraphs ;-)
Kristi wrote: "Mbondare wrote: "If you wouldn't mind I would love to join you. Best Russian Short Stories Thomas Seltzer sounds like a promising collection."That does look promising! Kim, do you like this one?..."
I checked it out and it looks great. Also, I found it for free for my eReader at Project Gutenberg, so that was really nice (I was kind of worried I wouldn't find it!). I'm finishing up on a book for school this weekend, so I'm available to start right away. :)
Mod
haha!I am afeared that Steven King can create words that can kill you :p
Kirsten wrote: "House of Leaves"I promise all the crazy typography makes perfect sense when you're actually reading it.
Kim wrote: "Kristi wrote: "Mbondare wrote: "If you wouldn't mind I would love to join you. Best Russian Short Stories Thomas Seltzer sounds like a promising collection."That does look promising! Kim, do you..."
Oh yay! I love it when I can find a free version. What sounds like a good start date?
Kristi wrote: "...That does look promising! Kim, do you like this one?..."
If it's not too presumptuous of me, I'd like to invite you three to set up a thread in our Chatting section for your buddy read. Might be fun to watch you guys read, and maybe some others will join you.
I made an 'example' thread, to try to explain what I meant:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Of course, you'd have to make your own thread, with the book you're reading, and not that book *grin*.
If you don't want to, that's fine! If you do want to, have at it! :)
MK wrote: "Kristi wrote: "...That does look promising! Kim, do you like this one?..."
If it's not too presumptuous of me, I'd like to invite you three to set up a thread in our Chatting section for your bu..."
Oh, thanks! I've got it all set up here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
We'll chat over there from now on, and thanks again for giving is a thread!!
Awesome! (You can take/make as many threads as you want *grin* ... there appears to be an unlimited supply from Goodreads heh)Happy Reading!! How fun you guys are gonna conquer a reading fear together.
MK wrote: "Kristi wrote: "...That does look promising! Kim, do you like this one?..."
If it's not too presumptuous of me, I'd like to invite you three to set up a thread in our Chatting section for your bu..."
I think that sounds like a great idea. I am new here so am not familiar with the process of setting up a thread. How would we go about doing this (if everyone else is on board)?
Thanks!
Mbondare wrote: "I think that sounds like a great idea. I am new here so am not familiar with the process of setting up a thread. How would we go about doing this (if everyone else is on board)?Thanks! "
Kristi has set up a cozy spot for your read:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Enjoy :))
For me that would be the Iliad. I'm afraid I would just not be able to finish an then just embarrass myself in front if my mumbo jumbo reader friends.
MK wrote: "Day 17: Books you want to read but are afraid to?-mine would be Stephen King. Any of them. All of them. I *really* want to read them, and I'm terrified to read any of them :p.
Specifically, I ha..."
I am afraid of Stephen King books too. I started Salem's Lot when I was working at a summer camp during college. What a mistake, not a good time to have the last cabin at the end of the camp. Could not finish it and actually had to hide the book because I was so afraid! I did read 11/22/63 and agree with everyone else, not really scary. Also, On Writing is a great Stephen King book if you are interested in doing some writing yourself.
Vicky wrote: "I am afraid of Stephen King books too. I started Salem's Lot when I was working at a summer camp during college. What a mistake, not a good time to have the last cabin at the end of the camp. Could not finish it and actually had to hide the book because I was so afraid! I did read 11/22/63 and agree with everyone else, not really scary. Also, On Writing is a great Stephen King book if you are interested in doing some writing yourself. "ha! No, that sounds like it might have been the very least ideal place you could think of to read that book, Vicky :D
I'm not a writer, no. But, appreciate the comments on 11/22/63! I think I'm going to work up the courage to face that one ... maybe before the next November comes :).
Vicky wrote: "I am afraid of Stephen King books too. I started Salem's Lot when ..."ps - Hello, and welcome to our group, also! :)
I am scared to read
and the rest of the series since it is so long and I have enough trouble keeping track of everyone and everything in the tv show.
I have always wanted to read Dr Zhivago. Now after reading the someone here kept a file with a large number of index cards to keep the characters strait, I'm afraid to read this book.
Afraid to from a daunting point of view Ulysses and because of the subject content Johnny Got His Gun
Andrea (Catsos Person) wrote: "I have always wanted to read Dr Zhivago. Now after reading the someone here kept a file with a large number of index cards to keep the characters strait, I'm afraid to read this book."Andrea, that was me :p. Watch a movie first, then you'll be familiar with most of the major characters! It's a GREAT book. But, yea, it took me a loooonnnggg time to read it.
Day 17 Entry:I would have to saw the horror genre.
Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice
Anything by Stephen King
I'm trying to conquer the Rory Gilmore challenge, and one of her books is Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levine.
Maybe one day I can conquer my fear of horror novels. I have tired to start watching more horror films. Baby steps.
I have pretty much the same "fears" as everyone else, the longish classics. Though I just started Anna Karenina yesterday, only 95 % to go... But this is the first time I have even tried it and it doesn't actually sound so scary because I think I might like it and I have no other "connections" to it. And Gone with the Wind was almost the same length, too. War and Peace is a book that doesn't sound so interesting to me, so I don't really want to read it.So my problems are mainly with Finnish classics. Even though Under the North Star is only a little over 1,000 pages as a single paperback, as three hardcovers it's almost 1,600 pages long and the special editions have 200 pages more. And after I have finished with that, I should read The Unknown Soldier. It's only about 500 pages but it's realistic war fiction that I am not that keen to read (and I already know the story from the movie(s)). And of course Under the North Star deals with the Civil War and POW camps and other not-so-nice things. But those are the books every Finn should read... I was just thinking that maybe I'll try to read them next year, one book per three months, maybe, so I could read something else between them.
And because that's not enough, I have all of Waltari's historical fiction to read and some of them are duologies. Most of them sound very interesting (because I like history) but after seeing just a few copies (many about 800 pages) occupying the whole shelf at the library... Well they look scary. :-/ I know they are not known as "difficult" books, some are more like adventures.
I don't really care for horror and I never wanted to read King, so that's not a problem to me. But Purge is the most hyped book in Finland in recent years, so that's another one I "should" read. But I know there is (sexual) violence in it...
For the longest time I was scared to read Stephen King's Cujo, but I got over it and read the book. It was actually very good, and not nearly as scary as The Shining!
War and Peace by Tolstoy (my husband has just finished it and is raving about it! I'm afraid I'd never get to the end!)Also pretty much anything by James Joyce.
Tytti wrote: "So my problems are mainly with Finnish classics." Same here. Most of those books are really big and thick ones, but at the same time I have this voice in my head, that says :you need to read those in some point of your life, cause you are a FINNISH and Those are our classics! But I'm not that into wars and stuff like that, so it will be a struggle.
But I did read The Unknown Soldier last year and it wasn't as boring as you would think of. Under the North Star is very long and it will take ages for me to finish it some day.
I am actually interested in history and wars so that's not really a problem for me. My problem with The Unknown Soldier is that I have seen both movies, the first one many times (before it was even shown every year), and the modern play, too. Rokka even came to ask me to dance with them on stage... So I know much of the dialogue already. But I know it's not a sanitized version of the war, and after reading so much non-fiction and watching documentaries... Well it's probably not a pleasant read and there probably isn't that much new to me, either. I don't really think any of them will be boring. Even though I have the paperpack with all three volumes of Under the North Star, I am thinking of borrowing the books from the library. Might feel less daunting to read, say, one of them per month? (I actually checked the book situation in our library in June. All first volumes seemed to be checked out, there were some second ones on shelves and I guess most third volumes. I'm guessing there were many people reading the trilogy this summer...) I have been recommended of both Sinuhe and North Star many times as well. I think one said that his great-grandfather had been in the prison camp mentioned in the book..?
And I should have read Sinuhe (and the rest of the Waltari's historical novels) when I was younger, when I was reading more and faster. I like his writing style, too, I have found it to be very good and humorous, so I am pretty sure I am going to enjoy them. Thinking of reading The Secret of the Kingdom around Easter. Just not sure what year...
But I guess when I take the plunge, I won't be disappointed, just like with Anna Karenina. In a way it's always good to know I have those books to look forward to. But I don't want start them at a time I won't be able to enjoy them properly.
Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)
Books mentioned in this topic
Swann’s Way (other topics)In Search of Lost Time: The Complete Masterpiece (other topics)
Lonesome Dove (other topics)
Ulysses (other topics)
Infinite Jest (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Fyodor Dostoevsky (other topics)Leo Tolstoy (other topics)
Stephen King (other topics)
Thomas Seltzer (other topics)
-mine would be Stephen King. Any of them. All of them. I *really* want to read them, and I'm terrified to read any of them :p.
Specifically, I have these three in mind, and on my tbr here at Goodreads:
• The Shining
• 11/22/63
• Under the Dome
The last two, I'm not even certain they are scary, but they are shelved by many here at Goodreads as 'horror' (although, not the top shelf choice). If I ever get brave enough, one of those two will be first :).
Who wants to play!