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Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
Progress Posts 2016
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8: A classic book with less than 200 pages
Last night I started reading Northanger Abbey (Jane Austen). The discussion can be found here in the A-Z files. My edition is 168 pages. I switched categories for it once I started, originally I meant to read this as something written more than 100 years ago. I have lots of tbr books that fit that category, but "less than 200" was blank on my list.
I've been on mission to read classics for several years. You can read about that on my profile.
I think it is important to read classics because it gives us a sense of the past, how people lived, how we've changed as a society, and it expands one's vocabulary. I
Too long-winded?
MJ wrote: "I liked reading *some* of them, but not analyzing them ad nauseum and "looking beyond the words" for the allegory, hidden meaning… you probably get my drift. I also didn't have the attention span for the language."I totally agree with you, analyzing books like crazy in school can and certainly will ruin the whole experience for most of the people.
One of my teacher was pushing us to read a lot of classics in our free time, she made a list and the students who read the most got advantages at the end of the year. Since I was a bit of a revolted teen, I rejected her system and read none (except Les Misérables and I almost died doing it... joking), and today I'm actually glad I did it. Now I can enjoy them with my adult way of seeing and appreciating things and I'm looking forward to discovering more of those classics. I should however read more french classics, but with this group, I'm more drown towards anglo-saxon authors.
- What are you reading this week?The Little Prince
- How long is the book?
98 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?
Usually not so much.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think everyone must read some of the most popular classics, but it's important to read books in which you enjoy. Most classics seem boring to me...
- What are you reading this week?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- How long is the book?
My edition is 156 pages of perfection.
- Do you enjoy classics?
I tend to shy away from them, unfortunately. Though this year I am making a concious effort to read at least 1 classic a month.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it is important to read what you love. Whether that is classics, YA, non-fiction, graphic...read what makes you happy. Afterall, every classic started out as a simple novel in a different category.
I am reading Things Fall Apart
My edition is 148 pages.
I like to read classics sometimes. I definitely think this is a good book and I would recommend it.
I think if you are interested in language and expression, as well as in understanding history and culture, then reading classics may be important. But I think a person could still live a good life and not read classics.
The Little PrinceI read this in English in junior high (after it was mentioned in another book, One Child by Torey Hayden) and then in French for a school assignment in high school. Pretty sure I can't read the French version now, but looking forward to a re-read (in English), as I haven't picked this one up in a long time!
What are you reading this week? The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum - hi Chealsea!How long is the book? 156 pages
Do you enjoy classics? Yes, I do. I tend to prefer them to a lot of modern literature, as there is generally a reason why they are classics. That said, I have read some absolute stinkers as well (I'm looking at you, The Scarlet Letter).
Do you think it's important to read classics? It's important for me, but I think it's up to the individual to decide what's important for them. Reading is such an intensely personal thing, and there's no such thing as good or bad taste in books, there's just taste. That said, I am on a mission to read a number of children's classics to my little spider - which is why I've chosen this one for this week.
- What are you reading this week?Fahrenheit 451
- How long is the book?
The copy I have right now is 165
- Do you enjoy classics?
Not generally. I find them rather dull though there is the odd diamond in the rough.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it's important to at least try. They're referenced so often in so many other books and in so many different forms of media that you risk not knowing what people are talking about and the true meaning of it.
Chelle's Progress Post:- What are you reading this week?
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James- How long is the book?
121 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?
I'm half and half. I either love or hate them.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I had to read A LOT in high school. I'm glad I did. Classics are classics for a reason. Some really stay with you. I think it is important them. I am enjoying them more now. AND there is no test, so I don't have to finish the ones I do not like.
I saw the opera version of Turn of the Screw last year and absolutely loved it! I didn't put two and two together until a few days ago and realised that it was from the book (duh!). Now I really want to read it too!
Jody wrote: "I saw the opera version of Turn of the Screw last year and absolutely loved it! I didn't put two and two together until a few days ago and realised that it was from the book (duh!). Now I really wa..."Oh, I bet that was great!
It was amazing! The set design was incredible, it rotated for different settings, was really kind of minimalist but so effective. The music itself was very 20th Century-esque (reminded me a bit of Schoenberg, not particularly melodic, but perfect for the story).
What are you reading this week?Death of a Salesman
How long is the book?
117 Pages
Do you enjoy classics?
I love classics. If I've been reading a lot of current stuff I can have troubles getting into the older pieces.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
Of course! There are a lot of books out there, and the newer ones are nice and shiny, and offer grand new adventures, but if we ignore the classics they fade away and die :(
- What are you reading this week? I am reading The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.- How long is the book? It is 44 pages long.
- Do you enjoy classics? Sometime yes, sometimes no. Sometimes I do not have the necessary experience to understand much of what is happening in the book. It could be language or references, etc. Sometimes the writing style of the time is just too difficult.
- Do you think it's important to read classics? Yes, I do. Much of the better prose that hase been written is from classics. There is much to learn about our past and our present from reading them.
- What are you reading this week?I just finished The Alchemist
- How long is the book?
i read the French version, 188 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?
I usually enjoy classics, but not this one =)
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it is important, to understant how the idea changed with time and better understand the "umakind".
usually classics are also very well written and they allow us to travel in the past =)
- What are you reading this week?I'm reading The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
- How long is the book?
182 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?
Sometimes... this is the second Shirley Jackson book I have read, and I definitely enjoy reading her so far.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
Yes... as much as a disliked some I was forced to read in college and high school, there are a few gems that are considered classics.
-What are you reading this week?Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse-
- How long is the book?
160 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?
It depends on the author! I prefer modern classics.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it is important to read classics to get a sense of different cultures and ideas throughout the years. Not every classic is for everyone so choose ones that are intriguing and meaningful to you rather than ones that you feel like you should read.
- What are you reading this week?I read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
- How long is the book?
144 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?
Not particularly. With some exceptions, I absolutely love Little Women!
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it all depends on the type of reader you are. If you don't enjoy classics then I don't think it's important for you to read them!
What are you reading this week? The Awakening by Kate Chopin - How long is the book? 195 pages. Whew! This was on my TBR list so I'm glad it fit this category.
- Do you enjoy classics? Yes.
- Do you think it's important to read classics? Absolutely. They're classics for a reason. Because they are well-written (hopefully) and because they strike a chord with the era in which they are written and have a message that resonates for later generations.
* What are you reading this week?A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
* How long is the book?
192 pages...luckily, as this book is confronting and unpleasant for the most part.
* Do you enjoy classics?
I love classics, particularly from the 1800s.
* Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it's important to read, whatever genre you pick! I understand that not everyone enjoys classics, but I also think there's something for everyone among the treasure trove of classic literature. If you enjoy a particular genre, sometimes exploring that genre back to its original roots in classic literature, will increase your understanding and enjoyment when reading more current novels
- What are you reading this week?
"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury which I Have been looking forward to for some time.
- How long is the book?
227 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
I am trying to read at least 3 a year at the moment, as I was never really interested in them, always felt like assigned school reading. But I am really enjoying them now, although every
now and then I wonder why some are classics.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
Yes, it's enlightening to see the way we think now is not that different to 100 or 200 years ago, and sometimes how different our ideals are. I'm very glad to be reading more and more of them.
What are you reading this week?The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
How long is the book?
178 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
Generally yes, but it depends on the classic. Not all classics are similar - you can have a classic romance, classic horror, classic children's book. And all authors obviously write differently. Some are to my taste, some aren't - just like all books.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it's important to be open to trying a classic. People who just say they hate classics and never read them are potentially missing out. They might hate Moby Dick, but might really enjoy the suspense of Dracula or the wit of Pride and Prejudice. Or vice versa.
For this week I read A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. I had never read this, nor seen the movie. A wee bit disturbing.- How long is the book?
This book was 192 pages.
- Do you enjoy classics?
I usually do, but I don't like picking them apart to find whatever obscure meaning the author may have been trying to convey. Sometimes I think it is just a story :)
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I do. They are classics for a reason. :)
- What are you reading this week? The Little Prince (thanks to Tina mentioning it above)- How long is the book? 64 pages
- Do you enjoy classics? Not this week, I tried 3 other books and could not get into them. I think it was the use of language; for some reason I found it tedious. I spent 30 min reading the first pages of Heart of Darkness and not fully paying attention and having to re-read to figure out what the heck was going and what was going on seemed to be very dull.
- Do you think it's important to read classics? I tend to think reading what you like is important so if you like classics great, if you don't fine. I personally like to try different things and if I stumble on to a great classic, wonderful but not going to force myself to read something I don't enjoy.
- What are you reading this week?1984 - George Orwell
- How long is the book?
The version I got hold of is 326 pages.. so um I kind of broke the 200 page rule, but it's a relatively short book compared to a lot I usually read anyway
- Do you enjoy classics?
To be honest I haven't read very many because a lot of the writing styles and language put me off. Most of what I read was forced upon me by school and very much less enjoyable
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
To some extent it probably is. It's definitely great to see where whole genres of stories have come from
Mod
- What are you reading this week?
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James.."-Do you enjoy classics?
Yes, not all but lots of books that are not so good fall aside as they get older. I have a friend who is obsessed with books from this publisher who publishes books by forgotten women authors, and there are reasons many of them were forgotten! I took a cultural history of the US class and we read best sellers from different times (like Charlotte Temple) that were not considered classics, and there is a reason for that!
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think if you want a variety of reading, yes. And some are really good stories! But to write them off completely sees short sided- like all other groups, they form a wide array of styles and subjects so to say "you hate" just means you've not read the right one! My IRL book group is a classics only and there have been some books I've hated but have discovered some absolutely great ones too.
I also like how classics let you see what people at different times thought. Might not be important to daily life but would be if you wanted to understand history.
I'm reading The Stranger by Albert Camus.My edition is 123 pages.
I didn't used to enjoy classics, but I joined a goodreads challenge to read more of them and found that I actually enjoy a lot of them. I also got lost in high school literature class when they would analyze EVERYTHING. So just to read them now for fun, I gained a new appreciation for the classics.
I read two classic The Great Divorce by CS Lewis 103 pages
Cannery Row by Steinbeck 149 pages
I read a few classic a year I like to see what make it a classic
I think it's important to read classic because them help explain past times in a way that history books can't.
Judi wrote: "I read two classic The Great Divorce by CS Lewis 103 pages
Cannery Row by Steinbeck 149 pages
I read a few classic a year I like to see what make it a classic
I think it's important to read cl..."
Cannery Row is one of my favorite Steinbeck novels! Good pick!
What are you reading this week?The Illustrated Man
How long is the book?
187 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
My parents are avid readers and had many books in the house. They purchases a set of classics for children and put them on a shelf low enough for my sister and I to reach. I spent many enjoyable hours reading books not realizing that they were classics, like Black Beauty, Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates. After being forced to read classics like Wuthering Heights and disseminating them I began to hate classics. I still did not realize that those books from my childhood were classics. Now years later, I am starting to read classic literature with enjoyment again, mainly because of last years popsugar challenge.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
It is important to read what you enjoy, if that is classics so be it. Books are amazing vehicles to other worlds and thoughts no matter when they were written or by who. It bothers me greatly to see children who are forced to read books that do not or will not interest them. As adults they may never experience the joy of a good book, or know what they are missing.
What are you reading this week?Breakfast at Tiffany's: A Short Novel and Three Stories
How long is the book?
161 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
I am not really sure. Up until now I haven't really given them a shot. I plan to read a few of them this year for the challenge.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
Every person has their own likes and and dislikes so I don't feel that it's right to force people to read something they don't like. Although I do think that we should at least experience the classic, maybe in a genre you already like. Trying something new is never a bad thing.
- What are you reading this week?I am reading Cannery Row by John Steinbeck.
- How long is the book?
My copy is 114 pages.
- Do you enjoy classics?
I enjoy some classics. I do enjoy Steinbeck which is why I picked what I did for this week.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I do. I don't think people should be forced to read specific ones, but they should always be given a try.
- What are you reading this week?Of Mice and Men
- How long is the book?
103pgs
- Do you enjoy classics?
That would depend on the classic. I like many. Others not so much. I'm sort of determined to read Wuthering Heights this year. We'll see.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
Yes! They are part of the common language and culture of the community.
What are you reading this week?The Time Machine. This is a book I've been meaning to read for a very long time, but never got around to.
How long is the book?
My copy from the library is 108 pages, or 118 if you include the Appendix.
Do you enjoy classics?
In general, yes. I started "reading" classics when I was a kid because of the TV show Wishbone which introduced very, very condensed versions of classics. I read the Wishbone Classics versions of the books, and was always interested in reading the full versions. It helped that my best friend was also a big reader, and even more into classics than I am.
I think like with any other book, I like some but not others. So far, I've actually enjoyed most of the classics that I've read but sometimes I find the language/style really tough to get through. Oliver Twist, for example. I liked the story in general but I didn't like how dragged out parts of it were and how Oliver pretty much disappeared from the story for a good third or so of the book.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it's important to read a variety of books in general, including classics. Even if that just means reading the classics in your genre of choice. Books are classics for a reason and those stories tend to have a pretty enduring effect. So many classic stories are redone or influence more recent books and movies. Also, I think it's great to get the experience of reading and even grappling with more difficult language, ideas or styles of writing and just to branch out. I don't necessarily think every person should read every classic, because it all comes down to personal preference but I definitely think it's important to at least try.
What are you reading this week?
Raggedy Andy Stories- How long is the book?96 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?yes
- Do you think it's important to read classics?yes because it show how the people saw the world years ago doing the time the book was writing,
What are you reading this week?I read The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Novel for Serious People by Charles Osborne, adapted from the play of Oscar Wilde
How long is the book?
159 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
I do, in moderation. I typically struggle through the first half (except this one), and then find my bearing and the real meat in the second half; so it takes me longer to read.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
For me, yes. For others I wouldn't push it. I am an historical fiction fan - so I have always felt it was important for me to read something actually written in the periods of which I am reading.
- What are you reading this week?Of Mice and Men
- How long is the book?
103 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?
I mostly do! Jane Eyre greatly helped me losing my fear of classics being boring and I have quite a few planned this year.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I totally understand that some people aren't interested in reading classics, but I think that if you're curious and want to extend your general culture, it is important to read classics.
What are you reading this week?
by John SteinbeckHow long is the book? 89 pages.
Do you enjoy classics? Just like any other genre of books, I like some and dislike others. I am trying to read more classics as I didn't really read very many growing up
Do you think it's important to read classics? Yes for sure. It helps to learn and understand the past and other cultures
- What are you reading this week?The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- How long is the book?
98 pages
- Do enjoy classics?
Yes, and I should read more of them.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I do. I think it broadens a reader's world view.
- What are you reading this week?The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- How long is the book?
159 pages (published in 1959 by Scribners)
- Do you enjoy classics?
Yes... I started young, about 8 years old, reading books like Rebecca and Great Expectations
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
Yes. Writing styles have changed over the years. I have enjoyed reading many of these styles.
Since Week 6 took me a while to read through I am reading week 7 and 8 at the same time.Progress Post:
- What are you reading this week?
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar wide
- How long is the book?
224 (including an intro)
- Do you enjoy classics?
I do, I try and read through all the standard classics
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I do, I think it's good to have an idea of where literature has been in order to truly appreciate it.
What are you reading this week?Of Mice and Men
How long is the book?
121 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
I normally feel intimidated by them, and so there are a number of classics I've actively avoided! However, I absolutely loved To Kill a Mockingbird, and I'm really enjoying Of Mice and Men. Plus you can't argue with a good book that's less than 200 pages.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it's important to try the classics, supposedly they're classics for a reason, though I'd be curious to know how a book becomes a "classic" and at what point, given that a lot of the classics are much older books. Like any genre, some are good, some are bad, I don't think if you like one you'll automatically like all of them and vice versa! It's a shame when people think that because someone doesn't like this genre that therefore they're less cultured or have less sophisticated taste - life's too short to be ploughing through books you hate just because someone else deemed them to be a classic!
What are you reading this week?The Time Machine
How long is the book?
99 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
It just depends on the book. I don't read as many as I should and hope to rectify that in the future.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
Yes I do. I think it shows how writing styles and society has changed over time.
- What are you reading this week?Around the World in Eighty Days
- How long is the book?
My french Kindle ebook is 173p long.
- Do you enjoy classics?
Children classics yes, adult ones not really, but there are exceptions.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I don't think it really matters if you read just for entertainment. However, it seems important to have old books still available, to discover what were the topics at this time, how society was depicted and how some genres began.
What are you reading this week?Northanger Abbey
How Long is this book?
Kindle Edition has 182 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
This is my first one!
Do you think it's important to read classics?
I think it is important so, you have a knowledge of what the world was like when these authors were alive.
What are you reading this week?Around the World in Eighty Days
How long is the book?
154 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
Yes, but I don't read them as much as I should/want
Do you think it is important to read classics?
I think it is important to read -- what we read matters less than reading itself. At this stage in my life, I feel a strong draw to the classics, but when I was a teenager, I felt repelled from reading because I was forced to read the classics. I think we need to come to the classics out of a choice, out of a desire to what is there, rather than because someone, somewhere, has decided they are must reads.
- What are you reading this week?A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
- How long is the book?
104 pages
- Do you enjoy classics?
Although I often enjoy the storylines, I often find it difficult to read them until the end.
- Do you think it's important to read classics?
I do, because they form the basis of our culture and today's literature. But sometimes I prefer to take the cheating option and read a summary of the story... (shamed face)
What are you reading this week?Night
How long is the book?
115 pages
Do you enjoy classics?
Sometimes. A lot depends on the author and whether or not it's school-assigned reading.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
Of course! But for certain classics that I know I don't want to read, I don't have a problem with just reading the summary.
What are you reading this week?The Importance of Being Earnest
How long is the book?
The edition I am reading is 74 pages.
Do you enjoy classics?
Yes. I like to read things that have stood the test of time. I also enjoy how it seems like "back in the day" people were so much more well-spoken.
Do you think it's important to read classics?
Yes, for so many reasons. We can see how people are different than the used to be and the same as they have always been.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
A Christmas Carol (other topics)Of Mice and Men (other topics)
Sula (other topics)
The Importance of Being Earnest (other topics)
Of Mice and Men (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Charles Dickens (other topics)Jane Austen (other topics)
Henry James (other topics)
F. Scott Fitzgerald (other topics)
Arthur Miller (other topics)
More...
For those reading in order: February 19- February 25, 2016.
Suggestions for this week: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
To discuss the book, don't forget to add it in the A-Z folders or join the existing discussion.
Progress Post:
- What are you reading this week?
- How long is the book?
- Do you enjoy classics?
- Do you think it's important to read classics?