Posts
Everyone says it and its true: "So many books, so little time." It's really very true.
I do not consider myself very well read in the grand scheme of things. I'm hoping to make up for that over the next year or so, particularly in the area of classics.
Meanwhile, were I (or you!) to hand a list of books to a beginner reader and strongly encourage the reader to attend to these books before all others, I think I would list the following among the Must Reads:
1. The Bible. In its entirety. That's a given. But I'll mention it just the same.
2. Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Because you just really must if you want to please your inner child.
3. Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo. Because a life without this book is tragic. I'm convinced.
Actually, I think if these were the only three books that I were ever allowed to possess and were given to re-read for the rest of my life, I would be content. Of course, I'm glad that this is not the case, but still. Hopefully you catch my point.
So if you had to select a book list for someone, what would be on it? Which books would you say are not to be avoided no matter what?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
I'm so glad you liked Les Mis! I will have to re-read it so we can talk about it.
I will ponder the Books Before You Die list and see if I can add to yours...
!
I can't believe I've never completely read the bible completely through. And Les Mis intimidates me with its size. But I totally agree with the fact that everyone should read Anne of Green Gables. Such a joy.
Wow, that's an interesting list, Carrie. Definitely looking forward to Les Mis. The musical is awesome, have you seen.heard it? If so, how do they compare?
You know, I hate to admit this, but somehow I missed Anne of Green Gables as a child. I read all the Little House books multiple times, though.
Les Mis is on my short list of books to get to soon. I've heard it recommended so many times.
I have read the Bible through twice now. I try to do it every year but don't always succeed.
Wonderful top 3 choices! I thought The Count of Monte Cristo was fabulous. Maybe I would also add David Copperfield or A Tale of Two Cities.
Only one of yours would make it to my list--the Bible, of course.
Besides that, I would choose Crime and Punishment, Peace Like a River, and Jayber Crow, for sure. A Tale of Two Cities would have to be on the list, as well. How many can we choose? :-)
Of course, the book list would be different for a beginning reader, vs. a list of books to read "before you die." For instance, I wouldn't necessarily recommend C & P to a beginning reader! But I sure wouldn't want to miss it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Crime & Punishment but I'm afraid that doesn't make it onto my list. (But it was a FASCINATING read!)
And, as many of you are aware, Dickens and I are not friends and so I must admit that nothing of his will ever make it onto such a list. That being said, I have mentally committed to getting through A Tale of Two Cities early next year. I'm also GOING to read A Christmas Carol this December so that I can say I have done it. If you wish my opinion on Dickens to change - you may start praying to that end right now. HA!
love your blog, your reviews, and your quotes (stole some for my blog), and love your top 3, except I would try to trade the Green Gables girl for a subscription to Sports Illustrated...
Post a Comment