Comments | paracl8: I'm such a bibliophile!

paracl8

I'm such a bibliophile!

Jan 25, 2006 20:22

Swiped from seph_ski:

Here are the current top 50 books from www.whatshouldireadnext.com. Bold the books you have read. Italicise the books you might read. Cross out the books you probably won't read. Pass it on.

The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy - Douglas Adams
The Great Gatsby - F. ( Read more... )

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Re: Books and books reynai January 26 2006, 09:39:59 UTC

As Joz pointed out, Neil Gaiman is a wonderful author, as is Terry Pratchett. Although, there might be other books by him that you might enjoy more than American Gods. While Good Omens is good fun dealing with parodying the end of the world, complete with the four motorcyclists of the apocalypse, and rains of fish.

Ender's Game is ones of the best books I've ever read, IMO. Some people don't care for it, or don't think the same way...but well, that's my opinion. The other books he's written you can take or leave, depending on how you enjoy his writing, as the books later in this series, and some of his other series do tend to get a bit weird.

As for the Harry Potter, I'm afraid I can't be too sympathetic regarding your concerns with them, when you haven't at least read one of them, to be able to see for yourself. My biggest problem with people who've criticized the series and the author, is with those who haven't even bothered to read the books; they literally don't know what they're talking about. Harry Potter is this decade's D&D, I feel. But I'll get off my soapbox now.

Re: Books and books paracl8 January 26 2006, 10:02:47 UTC

Thanks for the feedback. I will most certainly make Ender's Game the book of choice if and when I get to sample Mr. O. S. Card's work. As for the Potter broohaha, I agree with you about those who criticize without reading; but please note that I'm not on a campaign against the books, and I may one day yet read one or all of them. I only have so much time (so many books, so little time); and in this particular case, I have allowed my decision as to how I use that time to be influenced by others whose opinions I deeply trust in these matters. So... I salute you with my sword, and I drop my defenses. Skewer me if you must; but I, too, must leave it at that.

Re: Books and books reynai January 26 2006, 14:42:00 UTC

Naw, I'm not much for skewering. I apologize if I may have come off a bit strong, it's a bit of a sensitive point for me.

Intrigued.... felicity_chan January 26 2006, 15:29:27 UTC

Card wrote an interesting book call Songamster which I read when I was younger, I should revisit that as it was based around a musical prodigy in a sci-fi setting. I enjoyed the first few books of his Alvin the Maker series, a re-working of American history, but that's as far as my experience with him goes.

As for Harry Potter, you've got to do what you're comfortable with. I can't say anything about the spiritual realm of the books as I'm not well-versed in that. Just out of curiosity, what worries you spiritually about them?

I hadn't read them until recently because I just wasn't interested. But after Ericka and Jamie took me to see the 4th movie, I was curious. What I found, on a non-spiritual basis, is that Rowling is a terrible writer (technique and that sort of stuff). In fact, I had tried to read the first book a while back and put it down because the writing was so dreadful.

But she can tell a good story. What I was most impressed with was her grasp of human nature, especially the whole boy-girl thing, which would have been helpful when I was younger.

All in all, I think they're all right. I read the ones I could find at the library (#1, 2, 5, 6 I think....) but haven't been moved to read the rest nor do I see myself re-reading any, although I'll be curious to read the last one just to see what happens. They were a nice one time "fun" read for me.

But keep in mind....this is the girl who thinks EC comics (pre-comics code, thank you) are still some of the best storytelling and has read her reprints to shreds. :)

Re: Intrigued.... paracl8 January 26 2006, 16:29:11 UTC

Well, I'm obviously hesitant to say since I have not read them and dread being labeled an ignorant fundamentalist Christian or something, but from what I understand (besides Rowlings' questionable writing abilities, which you have already pointed out) is that there are many several references to actual Wiccan and wizardry type spells and the like in the books. I am not one to poo-poo the reality of the supernatural; and just as I have great faith and awe in an omnipotent and almighty and just and gracious and good and loving God, I also believe that there are powers that would seek rather to steal, kill and destroy us. These are the powers, if not glorified by Rowlings, to which people (especially children, the target audience) are exposed in these books; and I'm just not in favor of that. Rowlings is NOT Tolkien or Lewis reincarnate, and I would much rather steep myself in their worlds than in hers. Just a momentary preference, possibly, but it's where I am currently. Loves, please don't castigate me for this: Joz asked, I answered.

Re: Intrigued.... felicity_chan January 27 2006, 01:57:30 UTC

First off, if anybody tries to castigate you for anything said here, you send them to me!

Thank you for answering honestly. Trust me, I've known some major IFCs and they were pretty....in your face. No, you're not that kind of Christian. You respect me and my viewpoints.

Really, if it's not something you're interested in for any reason, it's your choice whether or not to read it for whatever reasons.

In regards to the magical aspect, I'm not familier enough with Wiccan spells to say if actual ones made it into the books or not. When it comes to magic, I have an open viewpoint and feel that, like many things in life, there's good magic as well as bad and it's up to folks to figure out what's what and make their choices. *laughs* Of course, I tend to worry about other things like cloning and genetics research. Those are my issues that I don't like to see glorified.

But that's my opinion and I always like to hear other's thoughts and beliefs because I never know when I may learn a new perspective. Plus, I'm not going to put you down for what you believe because then....how can I expect tolerance and respect back? If that makes sense? And, really, it's our differences that make the world what it is and keep it interesting.

Again, thank you for being brave, thoughtful, and honest. I liked your response.

:)

Re: Intrigued.... paracl8 January 27 2006, 06:48:34 UTC

Thank you, I try, and you're welcome!

Re: Intrigued.... felicity_chan January 27 2006, 12:22:17 UTC

You're welcome, you succeed, and happy Friday! :)

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