(no subject)
Since I have this free time and a shiny new library card, I decided to spend some time reading those classic books I've heard about but have yet to read. So far:
- Tess of the D'Urbervilles: This is such a painful novel to read. Partially because it's written in older English and I needed to warm up to the style/colloquial terms. But mostly because the book is all about how Tess gets raped by life over and over. At one point, I had to put the book aside because, damn, it was too heavy. Not bad, but soooo painful.
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: I liked this one. Also a painful book at times. But you at least have the feeling that everything will turn out all right in the end. Same time period as the Jungle, but with less angst and no disgusting slaughterhouses. It has some moments of anguish (I have to sympathize with the main character's pain in that her mother loved her brother better. Not that my mom does. But I know the feeling from other sources). Anywho, all in all, I liked it.
- Lord of the Flies: Prior to reading the book, I had really only seen the Simpsons parody. Maybe I would have liked the book better had I not seen it? I just couldn't really empathize with any of the characters. Piggy was too whiny. Ralph was totally aloof and ineffectual. Jack was insane. All the other boys were useless. I think that I like the plot of the story. But in implementation, I'm left feeling let down. Huh.
I think Journey to the Center of the Earth is next. I used to love watching the movie at my dad's house (note to self: watch it when I'm in CA). Which could be a good or bad thing. We'll see! Coming soon: All Quiet on the Western Front, Brave New World, Pride and Prejudice, and whatever else I get on my next trip to my local library!
- Tess of the D'Urbervilles: This is such a painful novel to read. Partially because it's written in older English and I needed to warm up to the style/colloquial terms. But mostly because the book is all about how Tess gets raped by life over and over. At one point, I had to put the book aside because, damn, it was too heavy. Not bad, but soooo painful.
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: I liked this one. Also a painful book at times. But you at least have the feeling that everything will turn out all right in the end. Same time period as the Jungle, but with less angst and no disgusting slaughterhouses. It has some moments of anguish (I have to sympathize with the main character's pain in that her mother loved her brother better. Not that my mom does. But I know the feeling from other sources). Anywho, all in all, I liked it.
- Lord of the Flies: Prior to reading the book, I had really only seen the Simpsons parody. Maybe I would have liked the book better had I not seen it? I just couldn't really empathize with any of the characters. Piggy was too whiny. Ralph was totally aloof and ineffectual. Jack was insane. All the other boys were useless. I think that I like the plot of the story. But in implementation, I'm left feeling let down. Huh.
I think Journey to the Center of the Earth is next. I used to love watching the movie at my dad's house (note to self: watch it when I'm in CA). Which could be a good or bad thing. We'll see! Coming soon: All Quiet on the Western Front, Brave New World, Pride and Prejudice, and whatever else I get on my next trip to my local library!