Jennifer’s Comments (group member since Oct 28, 2011)

Jennifer’s comments from the Should have read classics group.

Yes I have heard of that experiment. Humans have a hard time saying no to someone they view in a position of authority. Look at the savagery of war. People in positions of power are telling others to attack or kill and it is very hard for one to question or refuse to participate. Could you imagine a soldier questioning Hitler's orders?

It looks like I'm one of the few in the group that did not like this book. I felt no draw to read this book until the last few chapters when battle lines were drawn and the thirst for blood was on. My heart sank when Simon died. Especially due to the savagery of his death. I just did not find the first 3/4 of the book interesting. I did not crave to read it and it felt more like a chore. I am glad I read the book since it is so well known and thought of. It is not revolutionary to think that boys (or humans in general) become savages without civilization. It probably was revolutionary to write about it when this book first came out but I guess I have been lucky to have the opportunity to read about savages my whole life if I choose.

Brooke wrote: "I agree with April and Suzanne about how disturbing it was. I was particularly struck with how quickly it degenerated from order to chaos without "adult" and "society" rules and how much the boys..."

I love your insight into relating this book to our own blood lust in society and totally see the connection!

Wally Lamb
Homer
Vladimir Nabokov

Hi my name is Jennifer. I have always loved to read and in my teenage years was infatuated with Stephen King. I'm currently reading Lolita and some of my favorite books include She's come undone, I know this much is true and God don't like ugly. People who know me say I tend to read depressing books. There may be some truth to that but I also love Jane Green. I joined this group because I want to be well read in the classics and enjoy hearing others thoughts and discussions.

I am currently reading Lolita. I have mixed thoughts on this book. At times it is hard to read. The way it is written I have to remind myself he is after a child. Is this book based on a true story/family. I thought I read somewhere that the actual Humbert sent his diary to Nabokov and that is how the book began. I would love to have a discussion on this book and hear others thoughts.

This sounds so exciting! Will a new contest be started this year?