Longest, Worst and Best

[Gwen]

The longest book I've tried to read was War and Peace. Although I love Tolstoy's writing and historical fiction, I've never finished War and Peace. I can't keep the characters straight, and I fall asleep before it gets interesting. Many people claim it is a masterpiece, and I can't confirm or deny it!

The worst book I've ever read was The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. I was required to read it for a young adult literature library science class. Although, I disagree theologically with Pullman's premise, ("Christianity is a mistake, a powerful and seductive mistake, but a mistake all the same.") that is not what I base my critique on---I did not find the book to be the least bit interesting. I was not invested in Pullman's characters.

For me choosing one best book is impossible. I have a list of best books and could probably narrow it down to a few. Lewis, Tolstoy and Paul (from the Bible) are my favorite authors. But if I were stranded on a deserted island the book that I would want would be the Bible because it contains a little bit of everything. But if I could only recommend one book, not the Bible, it would probably be The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis because I shamefully admit that I identify with many of the characters in the allegoric tale who want off the bus because they feel the journey is too treacherous to travel any farther.

[Kim]

I agree absolutely about Pullman's characters!