Librarian's To-read list.

[maware]

I'm sure you've probably seen this before, since the article is about a year old, but just in case: The Guardian reported on a list of books to read before you die as compiled by English librarians. I thought some of the choices were quite interesting.

Comments

[tartancravat]

I love that His Dark Materials is on there. That makes me exceedingly happy. Life of Pi, though, seems going a little far. It's a pretty good book, but not that good.

And if the Bible's going to be on there, I think assorted other religious texts should be too.

[deadache139]

His Dark Materials? Are you kidding me? I think they sucked.

[maware]

Really!? What on earth didn't you like about them?

[deadache139]

What could have been an interesting plot was bogged down by slow, monotonous writing, and I have no patience with books that have little children falling passionately in love with each other.

[starlit__]

I could have gone through my life quite happily without reading any Mark Haddon. and don't even get me started on the overrated hack that is Paulo Coelho.

I agree with the Bible, mostly because it's referenced in countless pieces of literature, and it's useful to understand the references. I'm surprised there are no other works of religion or classic philosophy though.

[desolateangel83]

I have read...
-The Bible
-1984
-The Curious Incident...
-The Wind in the Willows
-The Time Traveler's Wife
-The Prophet
-A Clockwork Orange

If I may add some more recommendations...
-"White Teeth" by Zadie Smith
-The Tao Te Ching
-"On the Road" by Jack Keroauc
-"The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss
-"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
-"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak
-"Finnegans Wake"...just kidding!