Classics Without All the Class discussion

For those of you who have read it already...
Our metaphorical grading system divides your review into amazing books that you would prefer to keep in your home on a bookshelf, okay books that you would have for the library, and not-so-pleasing picks that would be in your donation box. If you don't like it, don't use it, but you should post your opinion anyway.

Bookshelf. I really enjoyed this book. I know a lot of people find the first half of the book dull, but I found it to be my favorite part of the book. I did not drag for me at all. I found the writing poetic and rich. I actually found some of the hospital scenes in the second half of the book a little tedious, but maybe because I work in a hospital. As a whole, I loved the book.

I would definitely keep this book on my bookshelf if I owned it. I listened to the audiobook and loved Jill Tanner's narration. I'd also be hard-pressed to part with the audiobook if I owned it.

Donation box.......I found part 1 to be gruelling. Part 2 was better as was part 3. Only to have part 4 be almost incomprehensible. I can't wait for some discussion on this book, since I feel like I didn't understand the last part of the book at all. Hopefully others can shed some light on it for me.

I love reading this thread and others but since I cant always open goodreads during the day, it would be great if the name of the book is included when we say where the book will go. In this case part 1 - 4 could be Atonement or Sound and the Fury .... especially with the descriptive word "incomprehensible". :-) Just a thought. I did open Goodreads and saw that it is Atonement that will go to donations.

To clarify...the email topic lists the thread name but not the book name....at least in gmail.

For me, "Atonement" would stay on my bookshelf. I enjoyed it, and would re-read it in the future.

Beth wrote: "To clarify...the email topic lists the thread name but not the book name....at least in gmail."

To be honest, I have no idea what you are talking about. I have most notifications turned off for goodreads. My updates are bare-bones, because if I don't have time to check it, I don't have time to delete it from my email account. I am guessing that you only get the responses out of context, but I have no idea how things are displayed for you. The notifications I get usually have the thread included, but there could be other settings... I don't know.

Bookshelf, I too struggled with the first part of the book until I started to see the different points of view rising and intertwining. From there Atonement takes off like a rocket.

Jennifer wrote: "For me, "Atonement" would stay on my bookshelf. I enjoyed it, and would re-read it in the future."

Thanks Jennifer! (o: Beth

Shanea wrote: "Beth wrote: "To clarify...the email topic lists the thread name but not the book name....at least in gmail."

To be honest, I have no idea what you are talking about. I have most notifications tu..."

Beth wrote: "I love reading this thread and others but since I cant always open goodreads during the day, it would be great if the name of the book is included when we say where the book will go. In this case ..."

As someone who used to to have to organize these threads I will also point out that there is a character limit on the titles of threads. So it's pretty impossible to fill out Atonement- bookshelf, library bag or donation box. So it's super hard to get all the info in for people. :)

Not complaining at all. Just pointing out that mentioning the name of a book is helpful. I wasn't even thinking about the thread name, just posts within a thread.

Karena wrote: "Shanea wrote: "Beth wrote: "To clarify...the email topic lists the thread name but not the book name....at least in gmail."

To be honest, I have no idea what you are talking about. I have most n..."
It can get ridiculous. You should have seen me trying to get anything after than "Tess of the' in any title. After the third attempt I just started using twitter to count the characters.

Beth wrote: "Not complaining at all. Just pointing out that mentioning the name of a book is helpful. I wasn't even thinking about the thread name, just posts within a thread."

I see what you mean, I think. I don't think I have the same settings as you thought, so the layout might be slightly different.

"Atonement" is a keeper. Bookshelf for me.

Bookshelf, I love writing (have read too much bad books lately, so this really shines) but not maybe so soon reread because I find story quited difficult to like. I mean, I kind of keep shouting in my head "don't lie".

Atonement should go on my bookshelf, however must admit that I bought the paperback version years ago and did end up donating it. (Had to do one of those painful book downsizings because the bookshelves were overflowing. I did keep all my "classic" hardbound editions though.) Atonement is not a predictable story where the reader often figures out the ending in advance and I appreciated that aspect of a book within a book, or story within a story, that caught me off guard.

actually some point when Briony got letter from publisher I was wondering if story is true at all. She uses those tips they gave her and the ending.. Well, I guess nobody is objective, and she was very big part of what happening, so at least it was what she thinks I guess.

donation box for me. I am just not into the book. I really can't stand the character of Briony.

Stunning book, I'd keep the thing, though, on occassion, if the book's good enough, I'll send it along to inspire other people.

I have been afraid to attempt this one again, after trying last year to do so. I found it so awful that I abandoned it after 30 pages, which is highly unusual for me. Enough people really like it that I want to give it a try again someday, but it just doesn't make me excited to read. Then again, many people liked A Confederacy of Dunces and I thoroughly hated it, so maybe I should abandon it altogether after all... :/