Posted on 09/18/2008 6:41:41 PM PDT by PotatoHeadMick
Recommended lists of ‘essential’ reading are the most pernicious ‘to do’ lists of all. Lists of physical achievements or magical holiday destinations or wonderful restaurants or fabulous hotels make you feel like your life has been wasted; a list of great books you should have read makes you feel like your brain has been wasted. Most people embarking on a journey into a new book will feel they have to hack through a hundred pages of dense undergrowth before their conscience will allow them to give it up as a lost cause. But how many people feel secure enough in their own judgment even to do that? How many times have we all ploughed on to the end to find there’s actually no treasure after all? A book, even a useless one, can take several days out of your life so it’s a big investment. The best way to fight the massed ranks of recommended books is with an offensively glib and, if possible, ill-informed reason for not bothering with them.
(Excerpt) Read more at entertainment.timesonline.co.uk ...
Your reply gives away your age, Beaver
Reportedly RJ left extensive notes for the final book (books?) in the series.
Great book. Unfortunately, it appears that it is fiction, not fact.
The DaVinci Hoax, er, Code.
A People's History of the United State. Had to read this guilt-ridden tripe in my American History class back in the day.
I really don't care about the comedy of manners and annoying women who gossip constantly. Reading Austen is like reading a highbrow knitting circle.
Ugh! “Lord of the Flies” Another depressing book. I'd never inflict that upon my kids. I'm not familiar with the other two.
I think I'd agree with you with “Animal Farm” and “Brave New World”, but I think 1984 is rather intense to force someone to read it. The torture and betrayal scenes in particular I would not want to force my kids to read.
Awesome. Good to know. Thank you.
You be welcome.
I’m still reading the darn things, but he has been in desperate need of a strict editor for the last five or so in the series.
And he wrote in one big, long sentence which is another reason I don't care for his work.
Thank you so much for mentioning our book, dear Kevmo!
I found 1984 a bore. Orwell was overrated.
The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz
It has just been reissued. About a Polish officer and others who walk from Siberia to freedom India during WWII.
An amazing story!!!!! Glad to see it's being reissused.
Great book. Unfortunately, it appears that it is fiction, not fact.
What do you mean?
I understand that it has been pretty well established via documents that the author could not have actually done what he says he did.
Still a great story, just not a true one.
KAC, I have not seen you in ages
I’m around, but not nearly as much as I used to be. Been busy writing, for a change. But I do check the site four or 5 times a day. So I don’t post as much....
Glad to see you, too!
I had searched for you awhile back and saw a big gap in your postings. But glad to hear all is well.
No so far about it. With Jordan being dead and all, there isn't likely going to be another WOT book after Sanderson finishes Jordan's unfinished conclusion.
Yep, I am alive and well...took a break from the hecticness for awhile and just stopped posting, but never went away...and I’m coming out of the shadows a bit more than I used to.
we’ve missed you! ;^)
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