I read.
I will read everything printed.
I will read and re-read my favorite books.
I am a re-reader.
It is my experience that you either ARE or you are NOT a re-reader. I would rather buy a book than get it from the library because I also choose books carefully and most everything I buy I am going to like and therefore re-read. I have been that way since I was a child and even wore through my first copy of "Charlotte's Web."
I love fiction especially. Not necessarily a love story but something that will be a journey. I love Maeve Binchy's beautiful intricate storylines and stunning descriptions of her homeland, Ireland. (I will go there someday!) Being a lover of snark, I enjoy almost everything by Jennifer Weiner. If you want to see amazing things done with the English Language in an accessible manner, pick up Annie Dillard. And start with my personal favorite, "An American Childhood." And if you want someone to look directly into your soul and then describe them it paper, read Anne Tyler. And then if you want a scientific adventure and hold what could very well be a movie right in your hands, Michael Crichton is for you.
All of this is to show you that while I AM a reader, I am terribly unread when it comes to the classics. I have never picked up Jane Austen...but I did read "The Jane Austen Book Club," does that count? I picked up "Little Women" once and just never actually read it. Although I know part of my motivation is knowing that it doesn't end the way I think it should and that I won't get to see Christian Bale while I am reading the book. The list could continue....
I think this coming year-beginning with our annual trip to Reno in which I get a total of almost 20 driving hours in which to read (yes, Sooz, we are coming!) I will pick up some of these classics. I want to be the well rounded reader I know I can be.
So, Internet, what am I missing??
Monday, November 03, 2008
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Being three classes short of a degree in English, I can talk forever about this topic. Some of my favorites are The Awakening, To Kill A Mockingbird, My Antonia, The Great Gatsby, The Bell Jar. I could keep going...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you've read some of those but if you haven't, you should.
I started reading Little Women a couple months ago. I didn't finish. Maybe it was because I had recently seen the movie (love Mr. Bale!). However, I did enjoy it. So maybe one day, in another year or so, I'll pick it back up and finish.
ReplyDeleteIf you like, or ever read, Christian fiction, then give Ted Dekker a try. My fav of his is Obsessed, but maybe that's just because it was also my first of his that I read. Anyway, he has quite a descriptive way about him while weaving in a spiritual truth into the fiber of the story (but not in a cheesy or predictable way). Most of his books are mystery adventure type, although he did a series of sci-fi too.
I read two classics (overrated). I get lost in words like thither.
ReplyDeleteTwo points if you know the movie line!
I agree with Lori, To Kill A Mocking Bird is a must. I think many are totally over rated, so very much so.
ReplyDeleteI read Mockingbird in school and remember liking it a lot-I will re-read that one for sure. Gatsby is a great book but-and this is possibly the ONLY time this is EVER true-I ADORED the movie more. Robert Redford, Mia Farrow and Sam Watterston-all good.
ReplyDeleteYeah, lots of classics are overrated, ("Catcher in the Rye?" Ugh!) Current ones too.
Hey Susie, Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?
ReplyDeleteWell, as someone who just recommended Jane Eyre for her book club selection and everyone LOVED it, I would like to nominate Jane Eyre. Have you already read it? Also, Little Women is sooo worth it. You will just feel good that you can say you read it.
ReplyDeleteJane Eyre! GREAT book...as well as Wuthering Heights. I read those back in school but I bet I would love them even more as a grown up. Thanks Heather!!
ReplyDeletehey suze and bethany, let's just say there was a man on the elevator who knew exactly what he wanted, and i found myself wishing i was as lucky as he.
ReplyDeletePride and Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird, Gone With the Wind, A Handmaid's Tale
ReplyDeleteI am a re-reader as well and I am also a classics lover. My favorites are different than some of the ones mentioned. Although I do love pride and prejudice. Some of my other favs are Rebecca, Woman in White, Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter and Great Expectations. They're all easy to find on CD so go for it on your trip!! i just read my fist anne tyler Digging to America. It was interesting but not my favorite (not a re-reader)!
ReplyDeleteI am also a re-reader because I'm too picky about what I read. So if I want to read...I have read something again. While I was stuck in San Diego without Scott I got on a Jane Austen kick. LOVED Pride & Prejudice. Book is better than the movie...as always. Gosh if you want to go Classics, Last of the Mohicans is also really good and you can picture Daniel Day Lewis while you read it...nothing wrong with that!!
ReplyDeleteThe Shack, by William P. Young. Have you read it yet? Truly incredible. It will change. your. view. of. EVERYthing.
ReplyDeleteAnd now that I've so fallen in love with Focus on the Family's Narnia cd's, I'm thinking I should "read" other books this way!
You don't know me, but we cross paths at school and at AWANA. I promise to introduce myself soon. :) If you like Christian snark - Kristin Billerbeck. Solid writing - Francine Rivers. Gripping - Jodi Picoult. And because I can't help myself: Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, valuable, but small. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around?
ReplyDeleteAhh goood old, You've Got Mail.
ReplyDelete