On The Same Page discussion

Just in the nick of time The Stranger complete!!!

The story begins with the death of the protagonist's mother and follows him through a series of relationships that ultimately draw him into a scheme in which he kills another man. The story continues through the trial and its conclusion. The entire story is supposed to point out the futility of life.

I cannot say I enjoyed this book. I can say that it fulfilled its purpose. Many times, while reading it I contemplated the abstracts of futility and meaninglessness. Possibly it suffered from translation, but it didn't really hit in any category (plot, character, place, writing style) for me.

3 existential and boring but mercifully short stars.

“I may not have been sure about what really did interest me, but I was absolutely sure about what didn't.”
― Albert Camus, The Stranger

“Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday; I can't be sure.”
― Albert Camus, The Stranger

“I looked up at the mass of signs and stars in the night sky and laid myself open for the first time to the benign indifference of the world.”
― Albert Camus, The Stranger

This concludes the 3rd and final list of 2024, just in time for the new year. So the burning question. Were the books the "Everyone Needs to Read" really books that everyone needs to read? I'm going to have to say yes. I loved some of them and I really did not like others (I'm looking at you Human Bondage) but I have to admit that every single one of them were not only well written but also beautiful examples of books that convey a message. Even the books I did not like set a tone or inspired emotion. Some of the books that I was more ambivalent about as far as story was concerned, I appreciated for the cleverness of writing style i.e. 100 Years and Fear and Loathing. The books I loved such as Cutting for Stone were wonderful in every way. All of them were thought provoking and complicated and left a lasting impression on me. What more could you want from a book than that?

Michelle wrote: "It is Alondra. I do think the book deserved 2 stars but if I were rating my relief in finishing it would be 5 stars."

Yep, sounds familiar...

BTW; Congratulations!! You did grreeaattt!! 💪🏽

BTW, BTW; I just removed The Stranger off my TBR. I read The Plague, and just don't have the energy for anymore Albert Camus. I refuse. Thanks for reminding me.

Thanks Alondra. And I don't think even Camus would blame you for not reading more Camus. I mean what would be the point?😁

Michelle wrote: "Thanks Alondra. And I don't think even Camus would blame you for not reading more Camus. I mean what would be the point?😁"

Ha!! I see what you did there! 😂😂

Congrats on completing your list, Michelle. Now on to 2025!

Thanks Bill! I’ll be turning the page now. On to the next challenge.