Classics Without All the Class discussion

I thought it would be nice to have a thread where you can ask if other people have read a book you are thinking about reading, but haven't decided yet due to mixed reviews.

Oh and out of curiousity, have you read anything by John Green? I have heard they are really good from a friend of mine, but my library doesn't have any of his books and I'd like a few more opinions before I go out and buy any.

I've just finished "The Fault in the Stars". And I gave it 2 stars. It was okay. But not as good as i expected it to be. Maybe because it's a bit of a touchy subject to me, maybe because everyone around me praised it so much.

It is a nice read. You start the book and suddenly, before you even know you finished it.

It just didn't got me. Yes, I cried and I laughed and I smiled. But I guess, thats what this kind of books do to you.

Maybe I'll give John Green another try, with a different topic.

And sorry if this didn't help you at all, it's just kind of difficult to explain, without spoiling..

But do be clear, John Green writes nice, it's nice to read, not difficult at all and you always know where you are. But in this case, it was just the topic. A very difficult topic and I don't think he did too well with it. Well, and the characters where "too perfect" in all this mess. Its just, that I experienced it different..

Actually Life of Pi! Good thing I have an excuse next month!

Tessa wrote: "I've just finished "The Fault in the Stars". And I gave it 2 stars. It was okay. But not as good as i expected it to be. Maybe because it's a bit of a touchy subject to me, maybe because everyone a..."

I have felt the same about many books. I feel emotion towards a book but somehow still don't much care for it. Or maybe its the topic I don't care for. Either way, I get what you're saying

I really enjoy the tv show Haven, and I was wondering if anyone has read The Colorado Kid by Stephen King?

Rose wrote: "I really enjoy the tv show Haven, and I was wondering if anyone has read The Colorado Kid by Stephen King?"

Read it, not a favorite though. To me the character devolpment was just so-so

I read The Colorado Kid, and I enjoyed it but it's not the same as the TV series. The series seemed to be taken from the book but the story and major characters are different.

I was wondering about a specific literature book...
Les Misrables.
I do not know a lot of people that have read it. I have never heard a bad thing about it. However it is a long book and that coupled with it being French literature (things lost in translation) is what worries me. I have read long books but sometimes it is different when it comes to literature.

Any thoughts/advice on this?

Thanks!

Jessica wrote: "I was wondering about a specific literature book...
Les Misrables.
I do not know a lot of people that have read it. I have never heard a bad thing about it. However it is a long book and that cou..."

It's one of my favorite books, but it tends to slow down in parts and sometimes it is really hard to connect with the characters, especially in the beginning. When I first read it, it took me forever to get into it, but I like it now. I think a lot of it's problem is the translation, but I wouldn't know since my french isn't the best and I've never attempted reading it in french.

I'm reading the Julie Rose translation of Les Misérables at the moment and I'm absolutely loving it (only 2/3 through though). It's definitely long, Hugo's prone to going off on lengthy tangents (the Battle of Waterloo, the monastic system, Parisian street slang etc.) but the meat of the story is great, I love most of the characters, and actually I quite like some of the 'boring bits'too (though others are a bit in one ear and out the other). There are a lot of throwaway references to French politicians/authors/historical figures, but for the most part I think it's quite easy to read without knowing that much about the historical setting.

I'd definitely check out some information on the available translations before you pick it up though. A lot of older translations may well be abridged versions; either to slim down those author tangents or due to 'moral reasons'. I'm reading it for another book group and someone said that one of the key scenes in the first half was totally missing!

I went with Rose because it's one of the most modern unabridged translations, there are extensive notes at the back in case you want to look up any of the references, and after reading a few interviews with the translator she really seemed in love with the original - but I did only do basic research.

I purchased the Rose translation of Les Misérables but haven't started it yet. I'm currently reading War and Peace and I'm not even going to try to read them at the same time! But I'm excited about tackling Les Mis.

A good translation is the key to any non-native language book. A bad translation can ruin everything.

I read the 800 pg abridged version and I wish I would have read the unabridged. Soon. It was well worth the time. To get used to his style I would recommend reading Hunchback of Notre Dame (one of my very favorites). I appreciate Victor Hugo VERY much. He has an awesome way of telling a story, and does not shy away from honesty.

Jessica wrote: "I was wondering about a specific literature book...
Les Misrables.
I do not know a lot of people that have read it. I have never heard a bad thing about it. However it is a long book and that cou..."

That is funny... I just finished Les Miserables and I got the Everyman Edition of War and Peace which I want to start after I re-read Moby Dick.

Jason wrote: "I purchased the Rose translation of Les Misérables but haven't started it yet. I'm currently reading War and Peace and I'm not even going to try to read them at the same time! But I'm excited abo..."

I count Les Miserables as one of my favorite books though so far I have only read abridged versions. I have the Julie Rose translation on my shelf, waiting for me to pick it up.

Adam wrote: "That is funny... I just finished Les Miserables and I got the Everyman Edition of War and Peace which I want to start after I re-read Moby Dick. "

Oooh. How is Moby Dick? Obviously good if you're rereading it. Is one of those books I really want to read but have heard such mixed things from the few people I know who have read it/part of it.

I am probably going to get stoned for this, but Moby Dick is probably the worst book I have ever read. I generally like most classics, but for this one, I had to force myself to finish reading it. The story did not touch me at all and it bored me to death.

For most of my life I heard nothing about Moby Dick except what a horrid slog it was, read only when required by evil English teachers/professors. But in the last year or so I'm suddenly seeing people extolling its virtues. Real people, not evil academic types. :-) I finally bought a copy but will probably not read it till the summer. I did read Billy Budd last year and thought it was excellent.

PS: I love English teachers and professors. Almost became an English teacher myself.

well since audible sells moby dick audio for $0.95 I might as well check it out. also got wuthering heights, around the world in 80 days and House of Mirth. I'm a sucker for the .95 cent books

Sebastian wrote: "I am probably going to get stoned for this, but Moby Dick is probably the worst book I have ever read. I generally like most classics, but for this one, I had to force myself to finish reading it. ..."

I'm right with you on this one Sebastian! I love classics (my masters was in The Victorian novel so I don't mind a weighty tome!) but MD bored me to tears. I also can't bear DH Lawrence. What a self conscious pile of old tripe! not so great when I actually had to teach Sons and Lovers to an access to higher ed class of serious adults in awe of 'literature' :)

As far as Moby Dick goes, I haven't read it. But I am reading Ahab's Wife and just love it. Big book! speaking of, what about War and Peace? Anyone read it? I've seen an intriguing new edition/translation at the local library. I'm in one book club and read as much as I can on my own. However I'm not a speed reader and tend to linger over passages.

I'm reading War and Peace right now! I'm only 350 pages in but I think it's pretty great. I'm reading the Maude translation from the 1942 Inner Sanctum edition of the book. I HIGHLY recommend it because of the supplemental maps and character lists.

Thinking of starting "The Great Gatsby".. Actually I wanna finish reading it before the movie is out so I can watch it (Which i soo badly want to) and appreciate/criticize it with a renewed zest and vigor..

Anyways... the book is a small one.. a little over 100 pages...
Anyone who's already read??

Swathi wrote: "Thinking of starting "The Great Gatsby".. Actually I wanna finish reading it before the movie is out so I can watch it (Which i soo badly want to) and appreciate/criticize it with a renewed zest an..."

Great Gatsby is much a love it or hate it. Many people like it I found it a huge waste of time, but its short enough so don't let me discourage you from reading it.

Beverley wrote: "Sebastian wrote: "I am probably going to get stoned for this, but Moby Dick is probably the worst book I have ever read. I generally like most classics, but for this one, I had to force myself to f..." I can't agree with you concerning Lawrence, I'm afraid - try 'St. Mawr' or 'The White Peacock'. But be thankful at least you got 'Sons and Lovers' and managed to avoid 'Lady Chatterley's Lover'. Incidentally, I wonder if Connie and Mel have ever turned up as a 'set book' anywhere?

Swathi wrote: "Thinking of starting "The Great Gatsby"...Anyways... the book is a small one.. a little over 100 pages...
Anyone who's already read??
"

Yes, it's quite a quick read, and if you view it as observations on modern obsessions with wealth and celebrity, still very pertinent. (I've reviewed it here, without spoilers: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)

Frederick wrote: But be thankful at least you got 'Sons and Lovers' and managed to avoid 'Lady Chatterley's Lover'. Incidentally, I wonder if Connie and Mel have ever turned up as a 'set book' anywhere?"

"Lady Chatterley's Lover" was by far the worst experience I've ever had in English literature. It was also my first and last read for Lawrence. It simply lacks all the aestheics that people read classics for. I'm not even sure if it should be called a classic. If I were a classic, I'd be sooooooo offended.

I think the heading for this thread is 'Classics without the Class' However,I must agree, though its such a shame that, like yourself, so many judge Lawrence by those two iconic books. 'Sons and Lovers', impossibly pretentious, and 'Lady Chat', the already ailing author's expiation of his fantasies. There are other works however, and I must defend those not just on their merit but because they address a slant upon English society of the time that is largely forgotten.

Frederick wrote: " However,I must agree, though its such a shame that, like yourself, so many judge Lawrence by those two iconic books."

If a reader has a negative encounter with Sons and Lovers and/or Lady Chat, both considered classics and thus (presumably) Lawrence's best works, why would he look for more by that writer? It is a shame, if there are better books of his to be read. But it's understandable.

Travis of NNY wrote: "Swathi wrote: "Thinking of starting "The Great Gatsby".. Actually I wanna finish reading it before the movie is out so I can watch it (Which i soo badly want to) and appreciate/criticize it with a ..."

You know Travis, I had the same outcome when I read Great Gatsby. I could not stand the characters. I am one of those people if I like a character I will be loyal to you forever. But I just didn't get attached to anyone.

Thought about rereading (seeing as my first read of was in high school) but it put such a bad taste in my mouth I am avoiding it.

I know there are some Neil Gaiman readers out there so if youwere to recommend some books to try where should I start. Whats your favorites?

Travis of NNY wrote: "I know there are some Neil Gaiman readers out there so if youwere to recommend some books to try where should I start. Whats your favorites?"

Oh yes please. I sometimes think my 15-year-old would like him too, but whenever I read the synopsis of The Graveyard Book (which seems to be a favorite)it sounds so awful and creepy, like a kid's nightmare.

Margaret wrote: "Frederick wrote: " However,I must agree, though its such a shame that, like yourself, so many judge Lawrence by those two iconic books."

If a reader has a negative encounter with Sons and Lovers a..."

I think that's worth raising my head above the barricades for a considered response: if I had based my opinion of Salman Rushdie upon his 'Moonlight's Children' I might never have picked up 'The Satanic Verses' or 'The Moor's Last Sigh'. Vikram Seth's 'Golden Gate' should not deter the reader from moving on to 'An Equal Music'. 'Pickwick Papers'(which I find difficult) is not everybody's taste as an introduction to Dickens, but then, should you discover 'Dombey and Son'.....

I seem to read a lot of extreme reactions to certain books and I am sometimes guilty of it myself, but it should surely be possible to gain something positive from every work, even when the overall impression is bad. An encounter with a book? I don't know. Surely to read is to broaden, isn't it? And that implies depth.

Travis of NNY wrote: "I know there are some Neil Gaiman readers out there so if youwere to recommend some books to try where should I start. Whats your favorites?"

I have only read one American Gods and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think Neverwhere is next after I go through the stack I have on my end table.

Frederick wrote: "I think that's worth raising my head above the barricades for a considered response: if I had based my opinion of Salman Rushdie upon his 'Moonlight's Children'..."

Oh I agree with you that it can be worth checking out more of an author's work than his best known, or most notorious, or most popular book(s). But I can see why people, with a limited amount of reading time but long lists of books to read, might decide to pass on more Rushdie or Dickens or Lawrence if they'd read and disliked a book that is considered one of the author's great works.

Of course that is one of the good things about a venue like this: discussing books with people unlike ourselves, from different backgrounds and with different reading tastes. Talk about broadening! Because of this conversation, I might someday pick up another of D H Lawrence's books. I wouldn't have thought to before.

Margaret wrote: "Frederick wrote: "I think that's worth raising my head above the barricades for a considered response: if I had based my opinion of Salman Rushdie upon his 'Moonlight's Children'..."

Oh I agree wi..."

Hmmm. Might be a subject for a separate thread - Lesser-known books by the author.....

Frederick wrote: Hmmm. Might be a subject for a separate thread - Lesser-known books by the author.....

That sounds like a good idea. You could start it off with your recommendations for D H Lawrence. :-)

Currently reading Lolita.. and what shall I say.. am simply BLOWN AWAY by Vladimir's way of expressing the innermost feelings in the most exquisite way.. No movie can truly do justice to this book! Noone can express emotions the way vladimir's character Humbert does!

Not to mention his fantastic Vocabulary..

Lolita is truly a masterpiece.. something beyond "Just a story about a perverted pedophile"

Easily one of the best books to be ever written!

Margaret wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "I know there are some Neil Gaiman readers out there so if youwere to recommend some books to try where should I start. Whats your favorites?"

Oh yes please. I sometimes think..."

American Gods is the one I read. It was amazing. I also read Coraline . It is a children's book but very entertaining.

I got American Gods the othrr day kindle was tricky one version was $10 but the tenth anniversary edition was $4 kinda a no brainer

I'm reading "The Lord Of The Flies" at this moment and it sounds good for me so far =)

Laura wrote: "Has anyone read The Things They Carried? I recently read The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers. In addition to being one of the most singularly moving reading experiences I've ever had, it's gotten me i..."

I absolutely loved All Quiet on the Western Front. It is amazing and moves pretty fast. Also, I read an excerpt of The Things They Carried, which was fantastic. I want to read the entire book really bad. They are very different types of books, but both fiction and definitely worth reading. :)

I am interested in Flannery O'Connor. I have no idea why I haven't read her stuff sooner. I like the creepy things in life.

Anyone read anything by her that liked it? If so, where would you suggest someone begin? Favorite?

Laura wrote: "Has anyone read The Things They Carried? I recently read The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers. In addition to being one of the most singularly moving reading experiences I've ever had, it's gotten me i..."

Laura,
A friend of mine highly recommended Fall of Giants by Ken Follett. It also has a sequel Winter of the World.

Jessica wrote: "I am interested in Flannery O'Connor. I have no idea why I haven't read her stuff sooner. I like the creepy things in life.

Anyone read anything by her that liked it? If so, where would you sugges..."

I absolutely love Flannery O'Connor! This collection of short works by her: Everything That Rises Must Converge is great. I loved the short story, Parker's Back. It is so funny and sad and weird and disturbing - like all of these stories. :) I highly recommend it.

Swathi wrote: "Thinking of starting "The Great Gatsby".. Actually I wanna finish reading it before the movie is out so I can watch it (Which i soo badly want to) and appreciate/criticize it with a renewed zest an..."

It is one of my most favorite books. :)

Thank you for the suggestions Angie. I will be adding then to my shelf tomorrow. I am excited to read her stuff.

I discovered, randomly, a book called Carmilla the other day. Early gothic fun from what I have gathered. Anyone on here read it? Thoughts, chastisements?

Jessica wrote: "I discovered, randomly, a book called Carmilla the other day. Early gothic fun from what I have gathered. Anyone on here read it? Thoughts, chastisements?"

I've read Carmilla years ago and I liked so much. Joseph Sheridan LeFanu wrote several gothic and mystery novels that i found very interesting, like the adventures of dr. Hesselius, one of the first investigators of the occult (or the first).

Andrew wrote: "Jessica wrote: "I discovered, randomly, a book called Carmilla the other day. Early gothic fun from what I have gathered. Anyone on here read it? Thoughts, chastisements?"

I've read Carmilla years..."

I will have to research some of his other pieces to add to my to-read shelf. I am very intrigued by him. THe Adventures of Dr. Hesselius sounds interesting. Thank you for the info. :)