I've just read the stuff that was assigned in high school or college...Old Man and the Sea, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Sun Also Rises, plus Islands in the Stream, which wasn't assigned, but which I read for fun at age 20.
I'm 58 now, and reread Islands in the Stream a couple years ago...enjoyed it as much as I had as a youth. OTOH, I don't have the heart to reread those other titles.
Islands in the Stream was always my favorite Hemingway story because it covers things that have been a part of my own life, namely fishing, drinking and working in Bimini and the Bahamas. I have to say that Papa catches the feeling of that better than anyone else I've ever read. I can't think of anyone else who comes close even.
I decided to read Across the River and Into the Trees this year...that one wasn't great - self absorbed, too.
But I do think that Hemingway was one of the all time great writers. And characters.
His earlier work was better than the later stuff. Across the River and Into the Trees is almost a parody of his earlier novels.
And I, of course, agree. Thanks for the ping to the interesting read.
Like him or hate him, you can't say that Hemingway didn't lead a great big life.
Don't forget the Nick Adams stories (as well as other short stories) and one of the best memoirs ever written: "A Moveable Feast." All Hail Hem.