Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die discussion
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Which LIST book did you just finish?
I just finished The Mayor of Casterbridge. My review here: http://www.gloriannescott.com/the-may...I also wrote about the list itself, and this group: http://www.gloriannescott.com/1001-bo...
Everything That Rises Must Converge - Flannery O'Connor
The Bell JarI have to give this 4*, based more on Plath's talent than my "enjoyment" of the book. The story drew me in and made me part of it, even when I didn't want to be there. I'd like to read some of Plath's poetry now.
Judith wrote: "Don Quixote - Cervantes
Don Quixote
So glad I read this one, finally!"
How did you find it,Judith?Interesting & Entusiastic,no??
Don Quixote
So glad I read this one, finally!"
How did you find it,Judith?Interesting & Entusiastic,no??
Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World"- Rated it just two stars. Never been a science fiction fan...but expected this to be different since it is so recommended. Well, I'm still not a fan. An "anti-Utopian" world as Huxley apparently referred to his concept, ok...but, to me, all the characters were one-dimensional with the exception of Linda and the "Savage"...and even those characters disappoint. As for all the symbolism...its laid on SOoooo thick and usually not even in a humorous way. Although, substituting "Ford" for "Lord" throughout was a nice touch. I felt there was never a good explanation as to how or why matters got to be in the state they were...and no explanation as to how they stayed that way. I know I'm in the minority, but I just didn't care for this one...and had to force myself through it.
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Luís wrote: "Judith wrote: "Don Quixote - CervantesDon Quixote
So glad I read this one, finally!"
How did you find it,Judith?Interesting & Entusiastic,no??"
I certainly found it interesting. As one of the first books considered to be a novel,I focused on the techniques Cervantes used and how they developed from Part 1 to Part 2. I was also very interested in the multiple layers and references around the mystery of the truth or fiction of Quixote as well as how his character changed from start to finish. I found the story more sad than funny; but, no matter, the events in the novel are not what make it the masterpiece that it is!
Judith wrote: "Luís wrote: "Judith wrote: "Don Quixote - Cervantes
Don Quixote
So glad I read this one, finally!"
How did you find it,Judith?Interesting & Entusiastic,no??"
I certainly found it interesting. ..."
A tremendous story of love, giving rise will mess that was going on in his head, with his stubbornness to find his beloved Dulcinea, who made a point to find.
The case of incidents which saw involved was a matter of seconds to become a police case, in the absence of help from their friends involved
Don Quixote
So glad I read this one, finally!"
How did you find it,Judith?Interesting & Entusiastic,no??"
I certainly found it interesting. ..."
A tremendous story of love, giving rise will mess that was going on in his head, with his stubbornness to find his beloved Dulcinea, who made a point to find.
The case of incidents which saw involved was a matter of seconds to become a police case, in the absence of help from their friends involved
Just finished Dracula. It started off strong, but ended in such a disappointing way.
Just finished Cloud Atlas. What an extraordinary achievement to tie all those seemingly disparate threads together.
Impressions of Africa, french surrealism at it's best. Roussel must have been on something when he wrote this.
I was amazed by the honesty of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and the way she remembers and puts into words all of the impressions of her senses as a young person. There are also several sections where the style changes impressively to help convey certain sensations. The overall message of freedom is the best part though.
Finished The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga yesterday - a quick read (for me at least) and one that really draws you into another world.
This week I finished listening to the audio book of The Once and Future King and reading The Passion. I'm not a big fan of medieval stories or characters, so found The Once and Future King most interesting when it referenced the 20th century. The Passion, however, had a surprisingly heavy message for such a quick read, and will keep me thinking for a long time.
The Book of Evidence - BanvilleQuite a surprisingly good read considering the subject matter. Banville always writes beautifully though...on any subject.
Wide Sargasso Sea - Jean Rhys. A lovely little quick read.
Bonfire of the Vanities - really enjoyed it!
Finished Sister Carrie, which I found quite dull, on the whole, and The Crying of Lot 49 which was hellishly odd, but had a sense of humour, and reminded me of Douglas Adams.
Just finished Nicholas Nickleby. Less than thrilled with it. Review here: http://www.gloriannescott.com/nichola...
Finished Watchmen last night. Really enjoyed it, too. Not something I would've ever picked up on my own.
I just finished The Hobbit. I wish I would have read it in junior high; I think I would have loved it then. Now, meh.
The Midwich Cuckoos-very odd and definitely not what I expected. I also finished Lucky Jim-needed a fun book right about now.
Lisa wrote: "Barchester Towers--NOT impressed. Not gonna lie, I STRUGGLED to get through this one, UGH...."That one isn't on the list. The list book is The Last Chronicle of Barset. I did like the entire series.
Just completed The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. Loved it!
Justine -de SadeBlithedale Romance -Hawthorne
and
Marble Faun -Hawthorne
Just finished Windup Bird Chroncles Really good !
Of course I left with more questions than answers
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Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die
Books mentioned in this topic
Troubles (other topics)This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen (other topics)
Sister Carrie (other topics)
Life of a Good-for-nothing (other topics)
The Singapore Grip (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jorge Luis Borges (other topics)Juan Carlos Onetti (other topics)
Flann O'Brien (other topics)
Clarice Lispector (other topics)
Vladimir Nabokov (other topics)
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my review"
Uh oh doesn't sound so promising. I read a couple chapters and then started a new book. I had trouble with Well's Time Machine too so I was hoping this one would be less snooze worthy.