The Next Best Book Club discussion
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Newsweek meta-list: Top 100 of all times
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it's meta - so they kinda had to put it, since other lists did (the ones they took titles from). at least it's down at 41st place. We have mormons on 3d (!!!) here on "the best books ever"
As much love as I have for book lists, I am so tired of seeing the same authors/books each time; though there were a few here that I don't see mentioned very often. I am a little teed off they combine the Odyssey and Iliad for number 8, but that's just a side issue.
I agree with you El, pretty much same names over and over again. I guess it could be usefull to search in local lists (like french or spanish) - should be gems in there.
Interesting list, although they are definitely siding with the classics. I've read 29 of the books on there, and several are on my TBR.
I'm curious as to why the Bible is a problem to have on the list, without getting into a major religious discussion. If nothing else, it is alluded to in so many other works of literature that one has to read at least some of it to fully get the references.
I'm an atheist, but I agree with Jessica. It would be silly to leave a book as influential as the Bible off the list.Y'know what's interesting? Of the top 20, I see only two that aren't at least a little controversial. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they didn't like To the Lighthouse or Things Fall Apart. All the rest of them, I've heard plenty of people say they hated. Most of them have been debated on the Thread of Dire Judgment.
I guess the great works inspire strong feelings?
I actually hate Things Fall Apart, well not hate but was disappointed with it. I expected more.But I do agree with your point that great works inspire strong feelings. I think its cause usually great works have very strong feelings in them.
Well, shoot. Virgina Woolf, you're our only hope.
Alex, I understand that was the original line from Star Wars. But it was officially decided that "Help us, Virginia Woolf, you're our only hope" didn't roll off the tongue quite right. And honestly she didn't sport the hooded cloak as well as Obi Wan.
El wrote: "As much love as I have for book lists, I am so tired of seeing the same authors/books each time; though there were a few here that I don't see mentioned very often. I am a little teed off they com..."I agree, but I guess we have to consider the sources - not just US, but The Telegraph & The Guardian are going to show rather antiquated results. Plus, the sources aren't consistent.
If you want to read the tried and true then these would be the ol' books to read, but if you want interesting, different and highly regarded look at other lists. I frequent book club lists from here and also, the UK & Europe where I find several of the same books/authors as here, but also several fresh ideas for reads.
El, you're just saying that 'cause you've never seen Woolf in the cloak. Ir's actually pretty hot. You'd be surprised at how much leg she can show. That minx.
Alex wrote: "I'm an atheist, but I agree with Jessica. It would be silly to leave a book as influential as the Bible off the list.Y'know what's interesting? Of the top 20, I see only two that aren't at leas..."
To me that makes sense, because controversy draws attention and more readers who are curious as to what all the fuss is about. I have heard people say they don't like To the Lighthouse because the writing style drove them crazy (granted, this was in high school, but I managed to get through it then).
Alex, I didn't like To the Lighthouse...I'm not a Virginia Wolf fan at all, I did try but I don't like her writing style.
The Next Best Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Things Fall Apart (other topics)To the Lighthouse (other topics)
As i understand they put together top 10's from all other lists and made a chart. I fished out about 30 books from here I never read.