Comments on Best Page-Turners with Redeeming Social Value - page 1
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I don't know. I think this totally misses the point of the "beach read". That is, something you can read without having to strain your brain (and while having what my husband calls "boat drinks" OR while watching your kids play in the surf). That said, there are fantastic beach reads out there that are well written, but still offer that fun easy escape that I, at least, look for in a beach read.
I just read "Summer Rental" by Mary Kay Andrews. It was well written, suspenseful and had themes of love, friendship and personal growth. Just because it was fun to read doesn't mean it has no value.
Question...who put Life of Pi on here? that book bored me to death.
Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????
the life of PI is awesome...and has a message..but why are the twilight books included..and the bible
Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"Amen! The Twilight books may be an entertaining read for some, but I can't find their "Redeeming Social Value".
Hayley wrote: "Question...who put Life of Pi on here? that book bored me to death."
I just finished reading The Help. It was a page turner, for sure! This is now at the top of my favorites list.
I found the Life of Pi to be really good! The ending completely blew me away and kept me thinking about the "real version" of his journey for a while after I was done... A story of unconventional circumstances and perseverance makes for a good read.
I wouldnt call this beach reads but they are good page turners.
The only thought the twilight series will provoke is thoughts of suicide
'Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????'^^ My thoughts exactly. :\
Redeeming? Why would a page-turner need to be redeemed?
What's with this Tiger Saga? I've never heard of them and all of a sudden they are popping up on every single list!
WHere's Animal Farm? We learned more from that than about the rise and fall of comunism.
I don't see the connection between the title of the list and half of its contents.. in particular, what in the world is the twilight saga doing in this list??
Jasper Fforde's "Shades of Grey". Well, anything by Jasper Fforde, though you have to be a big reader to be in on some of the jokes.
Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"That's exactly what I was wondering!Nevermind, stopped reading list when I found the Anita Blake books on here... social value?
I've heard Victorian novels called a lot of things before but never page-turners.
I love science fiction, but I enjoy the mix of scifi with romance and dabs of paranormal. I am biased, but I love Shifter Evolutions, books 1-6. When I'm bored with tv, I'll read them again and again. amiblackwelder.blogspot.com
Ami wrote: "I love science fiction, but I enjoy the mix of scifi with romance and dabs of paranormal. I am biased, but I love Shifter Evolutions, books 1-6. When I'm bored with tv, I'll read them again and aga..."And yes they have a lot of social commentary:)
Daenerys wrote: "I don't see the connection between the title of the list and half of its contents.. in particular, what in the world is the twilight saga doing in this list??"Exactly, most people don't have a clue about social value or commentary within books.
My books tend to be nothing like the mainstream reads. While the genres are typical PRN, my style and content is very different.
amiblackwelder.blogspot.com
G.w. wrote: "I've heard Victorian novels called a lot of things before but never page-turners."LOL-the state of modern reading....
I'm puzzled at how a lot of the books on here have "redeeming social value." Also, it sort of bothers me how a book with themes such as social justice can be classified as a "beach read".
My feeling is that any book should be well written,be it a beach read,non-fiction,a mystery,a biography,a novel or just any book.I find myself getting tired of poorly written books no matter who wrote them.G.W. Try Phillippa Gregory for a good victorian novelist.She may not be a page turner but she is historically correct and a good writer.YES I totally agree about the Twilight saga redeeming features???where???
Thanks for the recommendation, Lucy. The truth is I have no problem with victorian novels. In fact, I've read plenty of them. I've just never heard them referred to as "page-turners," which to my mind does not necessarily denote a "well written book" but simply a book whose plot moves quickly. I don't believe the designation "page turner" is always tantamount to "well written."
G.W.,you are absolutely right.Some page turners are horribly written,you seem to keep on reading them simply because they are page turners.I guess I like P.G. because she is historically correct and an interesting read.
I think it is absolutely horrible that twillight books have managed to make it onto this list. where is the redeeming social value? besides that, i think its a perfect "to read" list.
Erin wrote: "I think it is absolutely horrible that twillight books have managed to make it onto this list. where is the redeeming social value? besides that, i think its a perfect "to read" list."I totally agree and was looking for a button which would allow me to vote against a book.
I have never read a Twilight book,but I know many young people have and if it gets them turned on toreading books..Hallelujah! With all of the media and
electronics..if anything can bring them back to books..don't knock it.
However, I agree with most of you that although I have
read a majority of these books, I definitely would not
call them beach reads.
To TERRY I'm with you as far as getting kids turned onto reading. Some religious groups were against the Harry Potter series. My view is that if it gets kids reading more GREAT!! Lucy
Maureen wrote: "the life of PI is awesome...and has a message..but why are the twilight books included..and the bible"
Have you read the Bible?
Yes, Maureen,I have a print out of how to read the Bible in one year and have done so x2. I have no idea why the Twilight series was included, I for one, didn't include it. Lucy @11:35 on 9-17-11
Yes, Maureen, I have read the Bible too. Definitelynot a beach read. But lots of wisdom, social value,
and love.
Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"I know, right! If anything, it has detrimental value. It presents a terrible role model for young girls.
To Lisa from Lucy Absolutely right it does. @12:40 p.m. on 9-24-11
What, biting people's necks is detrimental? At least it's not "The Hunger Games." However, for a totally uplifting page turner with a thoughtful undertone, read "The Ballad of Young Tam Lin." Love, romance, the Queen of Elfland, and neo-pagan morality. Can't put it down.
I'll put this one on my tbr list Thanks!! LUCY @ 7:45p.m. on12-20-11.FOR karl
Because it doesn't have enough sex or sexual symbolism (think about the whole neck biting thing in Twilight - penetration without the penis.)
Reply to Brian, I don't know it certainly got lots of people to read.
Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value? Perhaps could argue it teaches teens the value of self-restraint and delayed gratification. These characteristics aren't en vogue today with kids...so for its y.a. age category...I feel it has value here.
Seems a lot of posters/voters ignored the "redeeming social value" element, but, in that context, I have to question Gone With the Wind. It's totally an apologist manifesto in favor of slavery. Redeeming social value???
On the surface, just a romantic fantasy, but lots of deep insight into what our purpose is on Earth, and what we owe to each other and the living world. Great writing.
To Kill A Mockingbird shouldn't be on this list. It has redeeming social value, but it isn't a page-turner (chase scenes, fights, dragons, etc).
Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"Absolutely not. They teach horrible ideas about women and sex.
Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"I was just about to say that! It has absolutely no redeeming social value because the only message it sends young teen girls is the importance of having a boyfriend.
I don't think Dr Seuss books really qualify as page turners. I would think that this list should consist mostly of novels.
The Shadow of the Wind