What one literary work must you read before you die?
This is such a hard question! Over at the Blue Bookcase, they've answered it in 2 different ways, which is something I'm going to do too, because it means I can advise not only myself, but you guys as well (don't you just love me advising you? The answer you're looking for is yes.)
So, the book I think everyone should read before they die has to be To Kill A Mockingbird- there just aren't word invented to deal with how much I love this book, or how important it is to me. It just is to do with everything- growing up, dealing with disappointment, dealing with other people's prejudices, and gives you the ultimate role model in life in Atticus Finch. There are so many other amazing books that I also adore and would have everyone read (almost everything by Steinbeck, The Bell Jar, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, all of Jane Austen etc.) but To kill a Mockingbird is possibly the most accessible of these, and possibly the one that has taught me the most. And, I just generally adore it, so you will too (obviously...)
And then there's the book I must read before I die. At this point I kind of want to say Anna Karenina, since I've been reading it for weeks already and haven't even gotten to the midway point yet, even though I already know it's amazing- so hopefully I will finish it before I die! But really. I'm quite tempted also to say The Complete works of Shakespeare, because he is, in my opinion, indispensable to literature, influencing basically everything that has been written after him, but that feels a little bit like cheating because it is just so many different works, rather than just one. The right thing to say next would probably be Ulysses by James Joyce because it's meant to be pretty important, but I just can't face it! I read about 5 pages of Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and I just couldn't deal with it, so I now have a Joyce phobia, and I don't really want the one book that I must read before death to be the thing that kills me!
So, I'm a little stuck. If I died tomorrow, I would be immensely sad that I hadn't finished Anna Karenina, but at the same time I'm not sure if that's the ultimate book for me to read before I die. Maybe you guys can help- what can I absolutely not go through life without reading? I genuinely need your help on this! Note: Anyone recommending James Joyce to me will be hunted down and gagged...
I completely agree that everyone should read To Kill a Mockingbird. Wonderful, amazing book.
ReplyDeleteI'd say Shakespeare is something you absolutely have to read before you shuffle off this mortal coil and if you had to pick just one play one I'd say Hamlet.
Hehe, have totally read Hamlet! It is pretty amazing, but I kind of prefer Macbeth- I fear this may be because I've never actually studied Hamlet though, and therefore don't get it properly... (don't tell anyone! hehe)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you've read it! I figured you probably had. I have to say Hamlet isn't necessarily my favorite, but it's something I think everyone should read. I def think it helps to see it performed
ReplyDeleteYeah, I get that- it is probably like literally the best, just not necessarily the one you're going to love the most emotionally. I really wanted to see the RSCs recent production of Hamlet, but so did everyone else because Hamlet was played by this really popular British TV actor (he was Dr Who, don't know if you've ever seen it...) so I couldn't get tickets- it was really sad!
ReplyDeleteSoulmate, I am very happy that you hate Joyce. It's just good form.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know how I'd answer this question for myself. Most of my favorite authors are long gone. May they rest in peace wherever they are.
I personally want to get into more American Southern writing. I stay away from it because I can't really relate to it. But if more of it is like TKAM, I'm missing out.
For you, I'd recommend The Great Gatsby if you haven't read it. It's one of my faves. Something about the 30's and prohibition and the whole doing the right thing vs. what the heart wants. Or, if you've read that one, perhaps Water for Elephants. It's modern but takes place in the same decade and blew my expectations out of the water. I've read it probably 5 times in 2 years.
Ha ha! I've a Joyce phobia too!...I've decided to give him just one more try though...
ReplyDeleteI've as yet to read To Kill a Mockingbird, and I'm kinda embarrased to say so.:-/ And yes! Shakespeare goes without saying, I think.:)
Oh Jenn, obviously if you don't like Joyce then I don't either! hehe. I have indeed read The Great Gatsby (twice) but I definitely need to read it again- I always find that Fitzgerald doesn't stick in my head like other authors, but maybe I just wasn't ready for him! I'm all grown up now LOL. I think I will probably check out Water for Elephants too :)
ReplyDeleteRisa, don't do it! Joyce is scary and evil! To Kill A Mockingbird is fabulous though, and not even in a hard to read way, just in a completely amazing and symbolic and wonderful way :)
have read both of these, but have also read Joyce, so I'm tough :~).but pleaSE DON'T HUNT me down i chose a book on reading.
ReplyDeleteHehe, I won't hunt you down as long as you don't make me read Joyce- you're safe otherwise!
ReplyDeleteI Read to Kill a Mocking Bird for the first time a few months ago-indeed it is a very much worth reading book-
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Irish Short Story Week-3/14 to 3/20
Excellent choice. One I got my husband to read too.
ReplyDeleteI also must get to Anna Karenina one day.
I've read most of Shakespeare. A firm favourite.
Monica :)
Read whatever you like, Laura! :-)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed "To Kill a Mockingbird" and Tolstoy is my favorite author so anything by him is great! Nice blog. Am now following you.
ReplyDeleteI chose The Odyssey. It seems to cast a long shadow over literary fiction. Yes, TKAM is essential too. I think you should read at least one poem by John Donne.
ReplyDeleteTKAM is essential, I agree. Go with Anna K.--you won't regret it.
ReplyDeleteI got a bit confused since I got here via your link at the Book Blogger hop (which has a different question), but I do agree that 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is one of those must-read books (the movie is also really good, totally classic)
ReplyDeleteHere's my Book Blogger Hop: 3/18-3/21 post!