I completely agree the "classics" have a particularly narrow world view. I appreciate the prose and use of language of these books, and the impact they have had on culture. I do not look for diversity of either background or perspective in these books, perhaps with the exception of Elizabeth Gaskell who writes about the urban poor (see Mary Barton as an example). I'm hoping that modern literature, which I have not read much of will add different voices.
I think this demonstrates how any reading plan cannot possibly be too personal.
Well, I have no plan at all, just read. Some books are worth a second reading but not many. Now I have Slaughterhouse 5 for the third reading. Mr. Vonnegut is a favorite and it was miraculously the next in the stack. I like his humor, sarcasm, wit and writing style. When my world and the world in general feel out of control and order, his writing feels just right.
BTW, I love the painting at the head of this piece! Happy reading.
No plan worked for many years for me, more of a "what do I fancy reading next" but I have so many unread books on the shelves and a tendency to gravitate towards the old familiars I needed more structure.
Thank you for mentioning Slaughterhouse 5, while it is a book I had heard of, I had very little idea of what it was about. It has now been added to the list, but once I have read Anthony Beevers history of WW2 so I can understand some of the references. Definately not my usual fare but it sounds like it is a powerful read and a book that will leave a lasting impression. Not that I need to be sold on an anti-war stance, visiting the WW2 cemetaries in Normandy was quite sufficient.
I think this is a excellent idea. However, it’s important to me that I include in my plan a diversity of authors from different cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientation and gender identity. The “classics” as they defined by western culture, do not do this.
I completely agree the "classics" have a particularly narrow world view. I appreciate the prose and use of language of these books, and the impact they have had on culture. I do not look for diversity of either background or perspective in these books, perhaps with the exception of Elizabeth Gaskell who writes about the urban poor (see Mary Barton as an example). I'm hoping that modern literature, which I have not read much of will add different voices.
I think this demonstrates how any reading plan cannot possibly be too personal.
Well, I have no plan at all, just read. Some books are worth a second reading but not many. Now I have Slaughterhouse 5 for the third reading. Mr. Vonnegut is a favorite and it was miraculously the next in the stack. I like his humor, sarcasm, wit and writing style. When my world and the world in general feel out of control and order, his writing feels just right.
BTW, I love the painting at the head of this piece! Happy reading.
JRF
No plan worked for many years for me, more of a "what do I fancy reading next" but I have so many unread books on the shelves and a tendency to gravitate towards the old familiars I needed more structure.
Thank you for mentioning Slaughterhouse 5, while it is a book I had heard of, I had very little idea of what it was about. It has now been added to the list, but once I have read Anthony Beevers history of WW2 so I can understand some of the references. Definately not my usual fare but it sounds like it is a powerful read and a book that will leave a lasting impression. Not that I need to be sold on an anti-war stance, visiting the WW2 cemetaries in Normandy was quite sufficient.
I think this is a excellent idea. However, it’s important to me that I include in my plan a diversity of authors from different cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientation and gender identity. The “classics” as they defined by western culture, do not do this.