It's that time again, 2003 summer reading list!
May 18th, 2002, 05:21 PM
#81
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Martin, "A Confederacy of Dunces" is an absolute classic -- one of my all-time favorite books. It's extremely funny and has an upbeat ending. I'm afraid your comments will deter people from reading it.
And that's the whole point. Every time someone discovers this incredible book -- a Pulitzer winner -- John Kennedy Toole's wit and intelligence lives on. I don't think he was miserable when he wrote the book, he came to dispair when he couldn't get it published.
And that's the whole point. Every time someone discovers this incredible book -- a Pulitzer winner -- John Kennedy Toole's wit and intelligence lives on. I don't think he was miserable when he wrote the book, he came to dispair when he couldn't get it published.
May 18th, 2002, 05:37 PM
#82
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Dunce Lover
Sorry, those were my feelings when I read the book. I saw a desperate man in his main character, Ignatius Reilly, who was headed for the sucide that Toole eventually committed. Maybe I was wrong but that's what I read into it.
I have also noticed that young artist that commit suicide are always granted a greatness that their work may not deserve. Marilyn Monroe comes to mind, a woman of marginal talents, who, had she lived to old age, probably would not be remembered that fondly, other than as a footnote. What about Van Gogh? Do you think he would be the hit today that he is if he hadn't shot himself at such a young age. There is a tremendous embrace of young suicidal artist by the public that belies their talent. Why do you think that is? The same occurs for young politicians who die young ( John Kennedy ) or young revolutionaries who die young ( Che Chevera ). I think their greatness is inflated by those of us left behind who want desparately to give their work and their short lives more meaning. What are your thoughts?
Sorry, those were my feelings when I read the book. I saw a desperate man in his main character, Ignatius Reilly, who was headed for the sucide that Toole eventually committed. Maybe I was wrong but that's what I read into it.
I have also noticed that young artist that commit suicide are always granted a greatness that their work may not deserve. Marilyn Monroe comes to mind, a woman of marginal talents, who, had she lived to old age, probably would not be remembered that fondly, other than as a footnote. What about Van Gogh? Do you think he would be the hit today that he is if he hadn't shot himself at such a young age. There is a tremendous embrace of young suicidal artist by the public that belies their talent. Why do you think that is? The same occurs for young politicians who die young ( John Kennedy ) or young revolutionaries who die young ( Che Chevera ). I think their greatness is inflated by those of us left behind who want desparately to give their work and their short lives more meaning. What are your thoughts?
May 18th, 2002, 05:58 PM
#84
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Martin, Sorry that knowledge about the author's life ruined a great book for you. So many writers and poets have ended their lives prematurely by their own hand or by living careless lives. I guess you can't enjoy the works of Plath, Sexton, Fitzgerald or Hemingway, just to name a few.
About Monroe and Van Gogh. They both died in their late 30s (36 and 37, respectively) and left a considerable portfolio of work. In her 16-year film career, Monroe had made over 30 movies. I have to disagree about her talent; she was absolutely wonderful in many of her films -- sexy and funny. And Van Gogh created about 750 paintings and 1600 drawings. I think they both earned their acclaim.
Am I wrong?
About Monroe and Van Gogh. They both died in their late 30s (36 and 37, respectively) and left a considerable portfolio of work. In her 16-year film career, Monroe had made over 30 movies. I have to disagree about her talent; she was absolutely wonderful in many of her films -- sexy and funny. And Van Gogh created about 750 paintings and 1600 drawings. I think they both earned their acclaim.
Am I wrong?
May 18th, 2002, 06:18 PM
#85
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Monroe I feel is a creation of the modern media. They throw her story our way at least once or twice a year in some fashion. After so many TV movies and cover stories on People Magazine we start to believe she is something greater than she was. At least we believe that way if we want to feel like one of the mainstream. Same for Van Gogh. I have to admit I have a replica of a relatively unknown Van Gogh painting in my house that I liked the first time I saw it. It's called, "Interior of a Restaurant". A small, insignificant painting that I was attracted to after seeing " A Lust for Life" and then reading his history and then finally hearing Don McClean's beautiful song "Vincent". Only then did I want this picture. Now, was that because the picture was so magnificent or was I moved by the tragic and passionate movie, story and song. It's an interesting concept.
May 19th, 2002, 06:28 AM
#87
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A very interesting exchange between Martin and Dunce Lover. Dunce Lover, I agree with you. "Confederacy of Dunces" is one of my all-time favorite books, yet I realize it can't appeal to everyone. No matter what work is in question, someone will always be critical. By the way, did you know that Ignatius Reilly was chosen by Book Magazine as No. 17 of the 100 best characters in fiction since 1900? And the panelists were impressive, lest anyone question that. Ignatius is described as "Hot dog vendor and gassy malcontent." Pretty funny.
May 19th, 2002, 08:20 AM
#90
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the books be William Least Heat Moon....Blue Highways and River Horse....two great books about traveling. Blue Highways, winding his way around America on the backroads of America, avoiding the interstates and big cities. River Horse, traveling by boat from the Atlantic to the PAcific, two great books, might make you proud to be an American reading these
May 19th, 2002, 11:21 AM
#91
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The link for Book Magazine's top 100 characters is as follows:
http://www.bookmagazine.com/issue21/100best.shtml
However, it only lists the top ten. Apparently the entire list is only available in the magazine, not online. I recently subscribed, and this was my first issue. It's an interesting list. I think Ignatius only appeals to people with a certain sense of humor. You either get him or you don't.
But, in order keep to the topic, I'd like to suggest "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen. Definitely my favorite work of fiction in the past five years. I find it so hard to believe that "Empire Falls" won the Pulitzer for fiction over "The Corrections."
http://www.bookmagazine.com/issue21/100best.shtml
However, it only lists the top ten. Apparently the entire list is only available in the magazine, not online. I recently subscribed, and this was my first issue. It's an interesting list. I think Ignatius only appeals to people with a certain sense of humor. You either get him or you don't.
But, in order keep to the topic, I'd like to suggest "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen. Definitely my favorite work of fiction in the past five years. I find it so hard to believe that "Empire Falls" won the Pulitzer for fiction over "The Corrections."
May 24th, 2002, 06:25 AM
#95
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A non-fiction book--Queen Bees and Wannabees. All about the cliques and roles preteen and teen girls assign themselves. Even if you don't have a daughter, it's fascinating reading. Unlike several books I've read on this same topic, it actually gives solutions and insight to what girls today are facing. Sounds heavy but it's not. I read it sitting by the pool last weekend. On the lighter side, Joe Queenan's Red Lobster, White Trash and the Blue Lagoon (already mentioned on this thread) is simply one of the funniest books I've ever read. Am halfway through the Nanny Diaries and I'm not hooked yet. Kind of interesting but not great. Just reread Terry McMillan's 'A Day Late and A Dollar Short.' Ranks right up there with her 'Waiting to Exhale.'
May 25th, 2002, 03:54 AM
#97
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I agree with the Carl Hiassen tip, excellent books. There is another author that is similar in style that I like just as well, he wrote "The Organ Grinders" and "Pest Control". The author is Bill Fitzhugh. Truly hilarious books, and dark like Hiassen. Have fun!
May 30th, 2002, 06:01 AM
#100
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Can't get the best character list through the above site... try this one: http://www.npr.org/programs/totn/features/2002/mar/020319.characters.html
Nanny Diaries was a funny and lite read. For a good beach read, try Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris or to have wonderful vicarious travel experiences, No Hurry to Get Home by Emily Hahn, a womand who wrote for the New Yorker for about 70 years.
What about Bee Season? Or an oldie but a goodie - Carol Shields - the Stone Diaries. Or better yet, a great and funny "historical" called Music and Silence by Rose Tremain. Perfect beach read - entertaining, engrossing, thought-provoking, but light enough to keep an eye on your kids!
Nanny Diaries was a funny and lite read. For a good beach read, try Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris or to have wonderful vicarious travel experiences, No Hurry to Get Home by Emily Hahn, a womand who wrote for the New Yorker for about 70 years.
What about Bee Season? Or an oldie but a goodie - Carol Shields - the Stone Diaries. Or better yet, a great and funny "historical" called Music and Silence by Rose Tremain. Perfect beach read - entertaining, engrossing, thought-provoking, but light enough to keep an eye on your kids!
