For me, Anna Karenina is far and away a better novel than War and Peace. W&P has many excellent sections but it is way too long. I was bitterly disappointed by it.
W&P, Les Mis and The Count of MC are excellent. I’m not sure I’m up to tackling Infinite Jest yet but the other 2 sound interesting, especially Suitable Boy
Currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo. I just finished the hashish chapter. The book is incredibly accessible. I am guessing that reading Dickens every year opens up other books, other authors.
Just thinking about the second half of 1Q84 makes me so upset. The first half was interesting, especially with the little people and the goat... but come on, the second half was ridiculous and there was no reason to finish it because it had absolutely no pay-off. Murakami got away with a lot of dumb stuff in that book, especially with his female characters.
The Count of Monte Christo is set up to be my February read. I read a “fat, old” book in February because ugh February, you need something to get you through it. I’ve read all the others but the Sethi book which I’ve never heard of. I’ll pick it up now. Thanks !
Dumas does seem to be underrated. In the UK, most people seemed to have heard about him from the various films and cartoons that abounded in the 1970s. As a result, when I ask people if they’ve read him they think he’s a childrens author.
Monte Cristo, the Musketeers books, The Black Tulip etc are all great reads for adults. I suspect children were only ever given abridged versions.
I've owned Les Mis and The Count of Monte Crist for around a decade, and I still haven't read them! It's for no apparent reason either. You're right, I need to!
Middlemarch and Moby-Dick
For me, Anna Karenina is far and away a better novel than War and Peace. W&P has many excellent sections but it is way too long. I was bitterly disappointed by it.
W&P, Les Mis and The Count of MC are excellent. I’m not sure I’m up to tackling Infinite Jest yet but the other 2 sound interesting, especially Suitable Boy
I adore The Count of Monte Cristo and am currently rereading it on audio.
I loved infinite jest & IQ84! I keep putting off Count of Monte Christo.
I’m dusting off my copy and going to start it,as your list inspired me. Thanks.
Currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo. I just finished the hashish chapter. The book is incredibly accessible. I am guessing that reading Dickens every year opens up other books, other authors.
Just thinking about the second half of 1Q84 makes me so upset. The first half was interesting, especially with the little people and the goat... but come on, the second half was ridiculous and there was no reason to finish it because it had absolutely no pay-off. Murakami got away with a lot of dumb stuff in that book, especially with his female characters.
I’m proud to say I’ve read all but Suitable Boy.,reading the
Comments puts it high on my list.
Moby Dick?
I'm a huge fan of large books. I've only read Les Misérables on the list though, so maybe I should put the rest on my to read pile.
The Count of Monte Christo is set up to be my February read. I read a “fat, old” book in February because ugh February, you need something to get you through it. I’ve read all the others but the Sethi book which I’ve never heard of. I’ll pick it up now. Thanks !
The best piece of advice about w&p is that it's a giant soap opera. I took it on that basis and really enjoyed myself.
Dumas does seem to be underrated. In the UK, most people seemed to have heard about him from the various films and cartoons that abounded in the 1970s. As a result, when I ask people if they’ve read him they think he’s a childrens author.
Monte Cristo, the Musketeers books, The Black Tulip etc are all great reads for adults. I suspect children were only ever given abridged versions.
I've owned Les Mis and The Count of Monte Crist for around a decade, and I still haven't read them! It's for no apparent reason either. You're right, I need to!
Infinite Jest is a BEAST on so many levels. Brilliant, of course. But dense.
Elizabeth Gaskell.