Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die discussion

Melanie Bishop has written a blog for Huffington Post Women on 3 Unforgettable Classics That Make Great Summer Beach Reads:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melanie...

Their suggestions?

The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Any suggestions? Any complaints?

Hmmm. Well, I haven't actually read the article to see why she suggests those three reads for "great summer beach reads", and I've only read The Bluest Eye and heard many things about The Yellow Wallpaper. But my first thought is that for a summer beach read, I would rather read something less depressing and more adventurous than those three books seem to me.

Personally,when it comes to summer and classics I like to read not that light reads,I might read some plays (Shakespeare) but I might read Emile Zola's works like I do now and adore!

I haven't read any of the books that the article mentions so I don't really have an opinion on them!

Linda wrote: "Hmmm. Well, I haven't actually read the article to see why she suggests those three reads for "great summer beach reads", and I've only read The Bluest Eye and heard many things about The Yellow W..."

I agree Linda. Melanie Bishop doesn't seem to have the slightest clue what a good 'beach read' entails as far as I'm concerned!

I don't mind reading serious literature but a proper beach read cannot be gloomy or depressing. (Sad bits are allowed)

I haven't read any of those, but what I know about them, they do seem more depressing than I would want at the beach. I would recommend Memoirs of a Geisha, Life of Pi, The Poisonwood Bible or some classic adventures like The Count of Monte Cristo or Treasure Island.

Now all I need is some sand and a fruity drink! :)

Good points all! I would want to read some thing light at the beach. Maybe something funny.

Jennifer W wrote: "I haven't read any of those, but what I know about them, they do seem more depressing than I would want at the beach. I would recommend Memoirs of a Geisha, Life of Pi, [book..."

Definitely Treasure Island... pirates and adventure are perfect for the beach. Love this book.

Excellent choice, Amy!

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I got some good suggestions last stunner when I asked a similar question. Hope it helps!

I'd add The Pursuit of Love for light and funny.

Well if we are talking about personal choices from the list I wouldn't like to take any very large books, not only because they are heavy and awkward to hold (unless on kindle of course) but because I am a fast reader and if I'm spending a day at the beach I like lighter reads that I can fairly much finish in a day. If I'm totally engrossed in the longer read though then I'll take it with me.

My personal preference is for reads such as Wodehouse or Agatha Christie. I actually really like reading Georgette Heyers on a sunny day but seeing as she's not list then The Pursuit of Love would be a nice substitute.

I also like short stories as I can say 'I'll just finish this off and then I'll have a swim to cool off'. I don't mind reading creepy short stories so long as they don't depress me so Poe is great for short bite sized chunks.

All those books mentioned in the article sound like anything BUT beach reads! Treasure is a great choice but I personally, would take something by Patricia Highsmith or something like David Copperfield to the beach.
Patricia might sound a little twisted but it'd make for an awesome company at the beach with all her picturesque settings and descriptions. DC is a light hearted, easy, funny book that'll be perfect with a fruity drink or a margarita in hand!

For some reason I always read dense Russian literature during the summer months; maybe because the idea of reading them during the cold winter months sound far too daunting. Already reread 'Crime and Punishment,' and now I'm working on a reread of 'Brothers Karamazov.' Helps that I'm working on a Dostoyevsky film, but I get some WEIRD looks when I bring these books to the beach. :)