More posting about book lists (eg: laziness)

[alphafem67]

I am so lazy about posting lately, that I stole this from someone's blog who I don't even know that was linked to someone's blog, who I do know, at least:

I saw a link on AOL the other day that said '10 books to read before you die'. I'm not sure what I would put on mine, but seriously, 2 Dan Brown books?? 2? They are interesting reads, but really,

Comments

[anonymous]

These are the books everyone should read before they die?!?!?!? Absolutely, unequivocally not. Remember, the time you spend reading Harry Potter 2-7 is time you'll never get get back. And The Stand!?!??! While it's a pretty good book, it can never escape the fact that it's a complete indulgence, Stephen King writing because he can. He has better works - works that are better because they've been somewhat edited. And you're completely right about Dan Brown's books - if he's a must read, so is Dave Barry.

In fact the only book on the list that I think everyone should read before they die is the Lord of the Rings series. To that I would add (in no particular order):
John Irving's Cider House Rules
Robert McCamman's Boy's Life;
Trina Paulus, Hope For the Flowers
Richard Bach, Jonathon Livingston Seagull
Everything Shel Silverstein ever wrote
Robert Heinlein's Time Enough for Love
Trevanian's The Summer of Katya
Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

I really want to include Peter F Hamilton's Night's Dawn Series, but it's like The Stand, a little pretentious and very, very long.

Now, as to books that are enjoyable to read... I can't see the forest for the trees. That list could go on and on and on.

[alphafem67]

Hey Craig, welcome to my humble blog...have you read S. King's Gunslinger series (is that the right name?)..I've heard they are his masterpieces. I acknowledge his genius but I can't read all his stuff. The Stand looks a bit overwhelming, but I have heard good things about it.

I agree with Shel Silverstein being on a list like that, and I would gladly hand over my time to JK Rowling any day. Uh, depending on what she does next, naturally. :)
I was pleasantly surprised when I read the Haddon book but I guess I wouldn't put it on my "everyone must read this" list. Kind of a modern day 'Flowers for Algernon'.

[anonymous]

Yes, I've read the Gunslinger series (it's the Dark Tower Series, the Gunslinger was the title of the first book). It's pretty good - but really, really long. The fifth and seventh books are each about the same length as The Stand is. However, the worst thing about them isn't the length, it's the time it took him to finish them. The first was published in 1982 and the seventh in 2004. For those of us reading them as they came out that was a long, long 22 years. Now, however, they're done and you could read them all in one, long, indulgent sitting. I was very worried about how he would end it - how do you do justice to such an epic tale? But when I did finish it, I walked around the house saying "that was perfect, there is no better way for him to have ended it..."
I have to admit to a little prejudice when it comes to the Haddon book - having one of those unique thinkers in our house. I was very impressed with how well we were able to get into the characters' head and understand him. I think that level of understanding of others, particularly others that are so far outside the box, is what I would like everyone to take away from the book.

[alphafem67]

I can see why you would really like the Haddon book. It was incredibly innovative and thought provoking, the way he saw into that boy's mind. Has Kristin read it?

I don't know how Stephen King does it, seriously, cranking out enormous novels like that about once or twice a year. I'll have to start the Gunslinger books, I suppose.

[anonymous]

Harry Potter isn't on my must read list because it is great literature - it's on my list because of the world it took me to. A world I was happy to be held captive in every single second I was reading. Books I'd read again and again, just to get back to that world.

I've actually read a lot of books on the top 100 "must read" list you (Chris) posted while ago.... but many of them I haven't retained much, if any, memory of them. So for me, their value was diminished.

One that has stuck with me was A Handmaids Tale. It was extremely thought provoking and a bit disturbing... it stands out for me, though I can't recall if it is one I really liked (would read again) or was just glad I read... or wished I hadn't. LOL... Where, oh where has my memory gone???

I don't like Stephan Kin's stuff. Just not into "creepy" no matter how well written.

Shel Silverstein - yes, a genious.

Michelle - I had totally forgotten about the Witch of Blackbird Pond. I liked that so well I spent hours drawing images from it.... but i don't remember the plot!
Rebecca was another one (that I think is on the 100 books to read list) that i read as a teen and loved.

I've just started "The Book Thief" and will return and report.... either here or on my own blog :)

Allison