[don't count] The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, 1 star

[NancyJ]

Why is The Lottery a famous story? Was it just the shock value? It's awful.

Amy /Nicole - I gave this book less than an hour so I'm not claiming it for credit.

I was pretty sure I read this book decades ago, but I couldn't remember The Lottery, the most famous story, so I picked it up again. (Now I know I did read it before.) Last night, after reading a few stories that I didn't care for, I skipped to the Lottery which was at the end of the audible version. It's awful. I knew where it was going right from the start, and I had to endure 28 minutes of clunky dialogue and boring prose to see if maybe there would be something more to it. Uck.

Decades later, a YA author used part of the idea for the beginning of her very popular series, and she did it so much better. (view spoiler)[ The Hunger games, when the whole town fathers to draw the names. She ends it differently, she gave it a broader context, a valuable prize, and real human emotion. Jackson's story had none of that. (hide spoiler)]

[Jason]

One of my favorite stories of all time.

[NancyJ]

Thanks Jason. I figured many people must have loved it, even though I didn't. Did you like her other stories?

[Jason]

I'm sorry you didn't like it. it's one I read in school and has stuck with me ever since. I reread it every few years.

I have not read much by Shirley Jackson but another of my favorites is One Ordinary Day, with Peanuts.

I also liked We Have Always Lived in the Castle

[Robin P]

I think it’s an example of something that was original at the time, but now we have seen so many imitations that it no longer surprises us.

[Jason]

Being young the first time I read it, the surprise factor really helped. But the message of the story has always stuck with me. Following traditions for the sake of the tradition. Not know why you are doing something is dangerous. That's the way we've always done it is not an acceptable answer. Following the crows without asking why makes you just as responsible. Change is not necessarily bad and questioning never is.

[Robin P]

Also blaming the victims, separating oneself from them.

[NancyJ]

Jason wrote: "Being young the first time I read it, the surprise factor really helped. But the message of the story has always stuck with me. Following traditions for the sake of the tradition. Not know why you ..."

Thanks Jason, that's a great take-away from the story.