The following five novels are considered some of the greatest novels of the 19th and 20th century. With the exception of one, I’ve only read them once when I was 14 or younger. All five novels were mandatory reading for school. Hmm, perhaps that’s why I didn’t like them back then? I believe in second chances, so I will give the following novels another read… some day. ;o)
I want to make it clear that I have incredible respect for all the authors on this list. They're published and beloved and their books continue to top the bestseller lists. My opinion means nothing beside these great authors. If I could write something that could generate so much discussion as these novels do...well, that would be a dream come true!
I want to make it clear that I have incredible respect for all the authors on this list. They're published and beloved and their books continue to top the bestseller lists. My opinion means nothing beside these great authors. If I could write something that could generate so much discussion as these novels do...well, that would be a dream come true!
5 novels I really want to like... but don’t:
Pride and Prejudice (1813) by Jane Austen. This is the novel I most want to like. Everyone seems to love it, and I feel left out! I really enjoyed the 2005 film version, but the book didn’t do anything for me. Partly, I just can’t believe that a couple who were so spiteful and mean to each other could be one of the greatest romantic couples in literature. Yeesh! How sad.
The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I wonder how this novel would’ve been from Gatsby’s POV instead of Nick’s? The narrator is unreliable and the characters are unmemorable. I’ve been told it was Fitzgerald’s intention for the reader to dislike the characters (how someone knows this is beyond me). But characters should have something empathizing about them, right? Perhaps I missed the point, but the story and characters were tiresome.
Johnny Tremain (1943) by Esther Forbes. I read this novel, a 1944 Newbery Award winner, in fifth or sixth grade. I remember thinking the story sounded great, but then it was, well, boring. I'm pretty sure most of my class agreed. I enjoy middle-grade novels, so maybe I’ll appreciate it more now that I’m older.
The Catcher in the Rye (1951) by J.D. Salinger. I have yet to meet anyone who will admit to disliking this book as I do. I know you’re out there! But I can understand why you’d want to keep it a secret. People are scandalized that I don’t like this book. In college, someone once told me he was personally insulted that I didn’t like The Catcher in the Rye. Yeesh. People love this book, and I promise I’ve really really tried liking it, too! I’ve read it three times: at ages 14, 17, and 20. But after each reading, I lamented those hours I’d never have back again. I think part of it is I don’t enjoy the stream of consciousness writing style. I don’t like Holden Caulfield, either. He’s annoying. I wish I could jump in between the pages and tell him to stop being so ridiculous. I thought this at age 14, too, which is younger than the character! Can someone please explain to me why this is considered one of the best books of the 20th century?
Fahrenheit 451 (1953) by Ray Bradbury. This novel is the one I most want to re-read because I can't remember why I didn't like it at the time. I think the novel’s concept is compelling, but I didn’t feel pulled into the story when I first read it for some reason.
I’m actually looking forward to re-reading these five novels. I hope I like them! Perhaps now that I am more than ten years older and choosing to re-read them, they’ll be more appealing. I’ll keep you posted!
“The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.” ~James Bryce
“I suggest that the only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves.” ~E.M. Forster
“When you re-read a classic you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than was there before.” ~Clifton Fadiman
"‘Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are’ is true enough, but I'd know you better if you told me what you re-read.” ~François Mauriac
Share with me!
Do you feel guilty when you don’t like classic novels? What novels, if any, do you want to like but don’t? Do you give a book a second chance years after first reading it?
39 comments:
Interesting topic! I think every classic deserves a second chance and I'm glad you're reconsidering.
There will be writing that speaks to you and writing that never does. I struggle with anything written by William Faulkner, for example. I want to like his writing and I've tried on several occasions. But alas, his voice doesn't speak to me at all.
Best of luck and happy reading!
As an English major, I feel like I should at least be able to respect all literary novels, but I have to admit that the entire post-modern movement is completely lost on me. The person I hate the most is Thomas Pynchon (The Crying of Lot 49, specifically) and I feel a little guilty about that, since a lot of English majors seem to LOVE post-modernism. As a Romantic and Victorian fan, I feel like I'm in the minority.
I also really hate basically everything by Hemingway. Oh, and Wuthering Heights--HATE that book. I think Emily Bronte was like... the least talented of the 3 sisters, and I KNOW I'm like the only person on the planet who feels that way. Oh wait, I also really can't stand Alexander Pope. Which reminds me of essays. I have not read an essay written after the 19th century that I have enjoyed reading. Modern essays? Blech. I'd rather have my wisdom teeth removed again.
As for giving things second chances, sometimes I do. I really REALLY hated The Sound and The Fury when I first read it, but I've since come to adore it... I mean I named my kitten Quentin, so there you go.
Haha, great post! Gives me a lot to think about :)
The classics are really hard to 'get' the first time around.
I didn't like "Pride and Prejudice" either! I read it because that's what all good English majors should do (although I only read it recently...) and I just did not like it. At all. You're not alone. :o)
Ha! I love this. I rarely like classic novels and I'm not an Austin fan. Shh don't tell!!
You know how I feel already about The Great Gatsby!
The one book I really want to like but find it difficult isn't a classic, it is Stephen King's 'The Gunslinger'. I love and own most of Stephen King's vast back catalogue, and cannot work out why The Gunslinger just does nothing for me when all the rest do. Even worse, The Gunslinger is the first of Stephen King's own favoured series The Dark Tower, the set of books he enjoyed writing above all the others, and because I cannot read the first one I just cannot start the rest. I keep thinking I will have to one day grit my teeth and power through!
Great post!
Not sure what make my "don't like" list. Will need to think on that one.
I haven't read any of those books and don't know if I will. I don't always like classics and I don't always like best sellers. It all depends.
Oh gosh, I am so disappointed/frustrated when I don't enjoy classic literature as much as everyone else, because I feel like an outcast, but I have to stay true to my feelings.
I'm with you on Catcher In The Rye and Great Gatsby. I started reading Fahrenheit 451 and couldn't get through it. Haven't read Johnny Tremain, and haven't read P&P (yet... I plan to, because I feel like I should, being a romance writer and all.) But you can't help it if it's not your cup of tea. Hope you enjoy re-reading them, though.
I'm SO glad you said it - I hate 'Catcher in the Rye'!
Other epics I didn't like: 'Jayne Eyre'. And 'The Outsiders'. There. I said it!
I second Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights. How anyone can aspire to being in a 'romance' like the ones depicted in those books is beyond me.
- Sophia.
I love this post and your honesty. It's okay to not love what others do.
It does not diminish you as a reader or a writer to not follow the pack.
In addition to some you and others have listed, I will add the very sad title that I cannot, no matter how many times I try and across all my vast ages, like Winnie the Pooh books.
I know. Shoot me now.
But seriously. Have you ever tried to read them aloud to a child? Their eyes glaze over in seconds at the long, descriptive, passive sentences.
And I love Pooh Bear. I could watch his movies all day long and I don't watch movies.
Just saying...
In THE GUNSLINGER, the main character, Roland {I really wanted to like him for obvious reasons} betrays a young man. I couldn't get past that. I have higher standard than that for characters with my name. Silly reason perhaps, but there it is.
I scandalize people that I have never watched an episode of STEINFELD. Being told it was episode after episode about people doing nothing just didn't appeal to me.
Ah, I see the ring of people gathering around me with rocks. I had to go and open my big mouth. See ya later. I've got to start ducking and dodging, Roland
This is an awesome post!! It's so funny because I don't think I would have liked a few of the books you mentioned if it had not been for the teachers I had at the time. I gave The Scarlet Letter and Great Expectations second chances and was pleased. Sometimes certain books do get overrated, though. And other times, people like certain books because that's what you should do. Props to you for being courageous and honest!
I never could make it through Robinson Crueso...
I do think that anything you didn't like in high school deserves a second chance. You may have felt sophisticated in high school, but no matter how true or not that is, you are now MORE sophisticated, and you will different tastes.
At the same time, I agree that nothing is universal and we're just not going to find all "classics" relevant. CATCHER IN THE RYE is a great example. I liked it okay when I read it (which was not for school) but I came to hate it when we started studying it in school. Why? Because it was presented to us as a "universal" experience of adolescence. "This book is about how every feels as a teenager." Um, it's about a spoiled rich kid who went to private school. This is interesting when you see it as some exotic glimpse into something not at all like you or any of your friends. But it was meaningless as a reflection of my life or that of anyone I knew.
What an interesting post, I don't air my dirty laundry about books I don't like but I respect that you do! It's kind of neat to see your choices, I can see you desperately want to like them!
I haven't read the Jane Austen books but I believe they are hard to get into so I've yet to take the chance though I'd love to try one of these days.
Catcher in the Rye is a shocker for me, I loved this book, almost as much as I loved to Kill a Mockinbird, beauitfully written stories I'll love for a lifetime, however they were the first two I read in my 11th grade english class when I fell in love with the books, the teacher read the books allowed and then at the end we discussed it, and any questions we had she answered. She did the same with shakespeare, I am in love with reading and writing today because of that teacher and I believe that is the reason I love those books as much as I do!
I love Farenheit 451 - I just used the first paragraph as an example of a lead in my class this week. I thought Gatsby was ok when I read it and I've never enjoyed Jayne either. And yes I've felt guilty! :)
I don't feel guilty when dislike a classic. The times, they are a'changing, and all that. =) I do worry constantly though that someday I will read the work of a friend and not like it. That would be the worst.
Famous Friday WINNER!
Stacy- I know what you mean by William Faulkner. I really like Light in August, but I haven't been able to get into any of his others. I'll keep trying, though!
Alexandra- I do respect all literary novels! Sometimes classics are harder to read in our day and age. All this technology is making us dummies, haha!
L.Diane- I agree! That's why I know I should try again...
E.Elle- Thank you!!!
T.Anne- Your secret is safe with me!
Jayne- I haven't read the Dark Tower series. Is that scary? I've read Stephen King's The Eyes of the Dragon (one of my fave novels) and The Green Mile, but no others. I'm too afraid, lol!
Shannon- Thanks for commenting!
Laura- I hope my list doesn't keep you from reading them. Many people love these books, so that's saying something.
Shelley- Thank you! I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like Catcher in the Rye!
Talli- Good for you for admitting it!
Sophia- Exactly!
Cat- I do have the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories, but I haven't read them. I've read the Golden Book versions, which are great!
Roland- Have you read The Eyes of the Dragon? King Roland the Good! Oh, and I've never seen a Seinfeld episode. It's description held no appeal for me either!
Saumya- I bet the right teacher makes a big difference! I think age might, too. We'll see when I (eventually) try to re-read them!
Creepy- I've never read it. I'll have to give it a try and let you know how it goes.
Daring- Yes, I definitely think age makes a difference. I agree with you about The Catcher in the Rye!
Jen- Yikes, I hope I haven't offended anyone! I don't mean to disrespect these books or authors. And I LOVE To Kill a Mockingbird! It's one of my favorite books. I enjoy it more every time I read it.
Jemi- I'm actually looking forward to re-reading Fahrenheit 451 most. The concept is so cool (horrifying- a world without reading!- but still cool).
Rebecca- Ooooh, scary thought! But I think you're right about it having to do with times changing. The books I don't like are generally older ones; I couldn't think of any newer books I disliked.
T.J.- OMG! I'm so shocked! I want to take this time to thank my mother and father and siblings and hubby and of course the blogger who created such a fabulous and fun contest: T.J. Carson!!! Thanks, girl!
I feel the same way about all of the novels you've listed except for PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (loved it :)). I actually wanted to like a lot of the classics but could never do, except for Jane Austen's novels. It always makes me sad.
Laura, I haven't read all of the comments here but my initial reaction to your post is...how could you??!!! Okay okay, I am totally kidding! I actually think you are very brave -- very brave indeed. I admire your honesty. We are all unique individuals. I think your post speaks to the "peer pressure" that exists in the writing world, as in other worlds in which we exist. And I think it's great that you dare to challenge this, and after giving each work a chance, or two or three. There are certainly enough books out there to go around. Thanks for your refreshing viewpoint. Now, I'm heading back to yesterday's post. Some new thoughts came to me today during my workout. :)
Me again - I've tagged you over at my blog today :)
Love the quotes! :)
I have to be in the mood for the classics, but I do enjoy most of them when I do get the urge to read one.
However, I remember trying to read To Kill A Mockingbird in HS and hating it. I haven't revisited it as an adult. Maybe I should. Hmmm.
I thought I was the only who didn't care for Pride and Prejudice! I thought Persuasion was much better. Oh well. Glad to know I'm not the only one!
And another onion peel is removed.Your first reread must be Ray Bradbury. Do you still have your own copy ? When you finish , let me reread it too. LY D
Stopping by from Jemi's blog... :) I'll admit to not liking quite a few classics as well. I never managed to finish Catch-22 and Hemingway eludes me as well. Maybe it is just war stories I can't get through. I have reread several books since high school and enjoyed them much more on the reread when I could focus on the story. I do think that while stories of centuries ago are important, it is true that language and time changing does make it more difficult to appreciate those stories at times. I have to admit that I haven't read most on your list! Good post -- I am definitely a re-reader.
Lol! I tried to get into Pride & Prejudice several years back and couldn't get into it, but will be trying it again. The Catcher in the Rye I couldn't stand until about half way through; then I realized I was talking about the psychology of the character when ever I opened my mouth to complain. As a result of that I realized it was good, solid character study work. [A dear friend of mine HATES it.]
A classic I hate: Catch-22 (totally over rated imo; Heller was clever but a lousy novelist). I can't think of others right now, although I'm sure they're hiding in the recesses of my brain.
The first Sci-Fi I ever read that I liked was "Stranger in a Strange Land (uncut version)". A friend will be foisting her copy of Fahrenheit upon me soon though, since apparently I'm an abomination for not having read it. :P
Fun post and thanks for sharing!
So glad you hate those books too!!!! I cliff noted every single one of them through school. NOTE: I did attempt to read them but was easily distracted, the books did not hold my attention longer than a minute which is a real killer when it comes to reading. It is annoying when people try to peer pressure you into liking a crappy story. Sometimes I feel like they are posers, just because some really old Einsteins liked them means they have to like them, but does not mean that I have to like them. And I don't give out second chances, I don't have the patience. haha. And sorry I have not visited your blog much this week, school has kept me really busy but I'm back now! :) Congrats on winning my Friday contest too. I really loved the Jennifer Aniston one, soooooo good. Ha you should def read one that someone posted for this week; Angelina Jolie's lips...I died laughing, it was soooo good.!
Sandy- I haven't read any other of Austen's novels. I'll give them a try, too!
Roxane- Lol, I don't mean to offend! These novels weren't appealing to me, but I still respect the authors and their writing.
Jemi- Ooo, thanks! *scurries over to check it out*
Karen- To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite novels! Definitely revisit it. Then if you still don't like it, at least you can say you tried!
Alyson- I haven't read Persuasion. I'll try that, too!
Daddy- I don't have my own copy. The one I read for school was yours! I remember it was a brown hardback cover. So either you still have it or you gave it away.
Melody- I haven't read Catch-22. I'm hearing both bad and good things about that novel, so I definitely must read it now! And you're absolutely right about the times changing. Can you imagine the people from a hundred or two hundred years ago reading what we write today?! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Kimberly- Hmm, if I re-read Catcher (I've already read it 3 times and I'm dreading a 4th) I'll think about what you said! I haven't read Catch-22, but now I want to since so many people dislike it. I want to know what all the fuss is about!
T.J.- Well, I don't hate them. I dislike them. It's sad because I really want to like them. But if we liked everything in life, it'd be rather boring! I was young when I read them (with the exception of Catcher *shudders*) so maybe I'll find an appreciation for these classics now that I'm older. And wiser *cough cough* ! Your Famous Friday contest is so fun! I'm glad I have your awesome winner's badge for my blog!
Haha... I've tried liking Jane Austen, but I don't, and my English friends get so huffy.
I haven't really read any of the other ones (except for Johnny Tremain, which I thought was okay) because I felt no need to.
However, I have talked to several people who will admit to me that they do not like Catcher in the Rye. In fact, someone told me something almost word for word what you wrote. Which is kinda' funny.
I left some love over at my blog for you!! Come check it out when you have a chance :)
Hi Laura Marcella, just popped onto your lovely blog. It's fun here!
Sending many sweet Spring sprinkles your way for a wonderful new week!
Saskia
xx
AchingHope- Haha, that's funny! I'm glad I'm not the only one!
Jen- Thank youuu!!! You rock!
Saskia- Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting!
Laura,
Ugh! I know you didn't like catcher in the rye...but....wtf! how can you not like catcher in the rye! Fahrenheit 451! ugh! The Great Effin Gatsby! (It's origional title)Pride a Prejudice...well, i mean, I enjoy it, but I can see why someone wouldnt...actually a good friend of mine, Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) really hated Jane Austin's writing.
Personally, I enjoy a little science fiction in the novels I read. How can you leave science out of your writing? It's as ashame as when the Victorians left out the sex.
Go read some HG Wells! or of course a little Vonnegut, Trout, Sturgeon, or Blanton...
Oh PS. I cant stand Grapes of Wrath.
Jon- I know of those horrible quotes Mark Twain said about Jane Austen! He was brutal. I haven't read The Grapes of Wrath, but it's on my to-read list.
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