Discussion of book clubbing a few posts ago included these suggestions for November titles:
...Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"? Or if we want something lighter or more seasonal, Bradbury's "Halloween Tree"? I'd read Huxley's "Brave New World"
...The Razor's Edge by Summerset Maugham or The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Chabon. I think Heart of Darkness would mean a book club attendance of 3. Of Human Bondage by Maugham would be great too. Or anything by John Irving
...1984, Animal Farm or Fahrenheit 451
I like the idea of reading a classic because most of them are probably new to me. I don't know how I managed through High School without the obligatory reading that few high schoolers appreciate, but I think I'd appreciate it now.
So... please suggest what you want to read (i.e. vote) in the comments. Give a pitch about your choice, assuming we don't know much about it.
9 comments:
Okay--I'm pitching. I changed my mind about the books I suggested earlier. I'm suggesting either R.L. Stevenson's Kidnapped, just because I think everyone should read it, it's exciting, and I need to read the sequel, H.R. Haggard's King Solomon's Mines, because I haven't read it and I want to. I'm into the adventure classics today, and need to post my preference before it changes tomorrow.
Oh my heavens, Sam! I just finished reading the book you proposed last month. Where am I going to post my rant regarding 'repressive sexual beliefs/practices of the catholic/puritian/victorian value system'?
Ok, but I am ready to read another book now. My vote is for The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. This really shouldn't come as any suprise as I liked the movie "Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow" just because of the title. :-) Any yes, I do judge a book by it's cover. (sticking tongue out)
hmmmm... so much to choose from. has anyone read Adverbs? it's by Daniel Handler. a bit raw. i just started it yesterday and couldn't put it down. exactly my kind of book, which may not be everyone's kind of book. the writing is absolutely magical, fluid, witty, modern, sarcastic and FUNNY. I heard michael chabon talk about it so i picked it up. it's a bit raw though, not sure what your sensitivities are. As for this month's pick... well, i've read kidnapped and don't feel like discussing a classic that i've written 5 english papers about already (sorry sam.. you're right though, everyone should read it). feel like something modern. and sorry Santorio but Twighlight was enough LSD authorship for me. My vote is either Kavalier and Clay or Adverbs (since I'm reading it now anyway). and for anyone questions Kav & Clay, trust me. it's not a comic book. it won the pulitzer prize and is very applicable to things each of us are going through as well. and it's fun. and i'll re-read it. but i'm a good sport so whatever you guys choose i'll read anyway.
Because I didn't read the last book, I'm in no position to make demands :-), but I vote for a classic; any of those 3 L mentioned would be fine by me.
Hey, John, how about Fountain Head? I've not read that one yet.
Ok I admit that I jumped the gun this month. I've already started reading Kav & Clay. But if another book is selected I'll add it to the reading list.
I'm an impatient sort and I was out of books to read. :-)
Loyalist - don't feel bad. Regardless, you'll LOVE it. Scot, as for Fountainhead... well, of course it's AMAZING but i don't want anyone to feel like i'm trying to indoctrinate them! and it is a mammoth read, mabye too much to ask for. Sorry L. i'll shut up now. :-)
Well, there doesn't appear to be a front runner so far. I'm actually pretty excited about most of the suggestions. Should I do a blog poll or does everyone want to give a final vote right here?
- Kidnapped
- Adventures of Kav & Clay
- Backslider
- Fountain Head
I remember being interested in Backslider when my wife was reading it. She's also told me about Fountain Head (apparently she's much better read than I am!) and how formative it was for her. But I think my vote goes with Adventures of Kav & Clay. I'm a sucker for Pulitzer Prize winners and John makes a good case. And, of course, Loyalist already bought it, so... ;-)
i think the blog poll was fun. let's do it.
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