McCaffery 20th Century Greatest Hits Reading Group discussion

I am reading right now a few books at the same time. Two of them are quite huge, so I am taking my time with them. One is more enjoyable than the other:

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
This is a genuinely great book - I am wondering how it compares to Rushdie's Midnight Children, which is on the McCaffery list.

11/22/63 by Stephen King
I will finish the book, but I am finding it overly long and the lack of suspense is trying my patience. This is my first novel from King, and I am not blown over to say the least - midly amused maybe.

A few shorter books on the go too:

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Really enjoyable and a quick read - very imaginative and great characters. Again I wonder how it would compare with the granddaddy of the genre - 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson, which is also on McCaffery's list.

The Alchemist by Paula Coelho
The least said about that book the better. I became very angry reading it - because of the preachy trashy 'philosophy' I was having to swalllow while reading it. I have not been able to finish it. Will do so I can write my 'distate' of the book. Lol.

Your turn. :D

I'm currently reading 'The Trial' by Franz Kafka. I had read 'The Metamorphosis' by him before and had absolutely loved it.His stories are also so intriguing and layered in symbolism, that it makes the reading process all the more interesting.

poorvi wrote: "I'm currently reading 'The Trial' by Franz Kafka. I had read 'The Metamorphosis' by him before and had absolutely loved it.His stories are also so intriguing and layered in symbolism, that it makes..."

I have been putting off reading Kafka for some time now - don't ask me why. I think when I was younger, 'The Metamorphosis' did not appeal to me, as I was slightly disgusted/scared by the idea of a man transforming into an insect. I am not very keen on insects, a bit of a phobia with me. Now I am a bit older, the whole idea is much more palatable - I might have a go at it, or maybe 'The Trial'. :)
However, I don't have any problem with people transforming into rhinoceros. 'Rhinoceros' by Ionesco is one of my favourite plays ever! :P

I also noticed that 'The Metamorphosis' was published in 1915, so in theory, it could have been picked as one of the 100 books on McCaffery's list, but wasn't. It is regarded as a seminal work - interesting it was left out.

poorvi wrote: "I'm currently reading 'The Trial' by Franz Kafka. I had read 'The Metamorphosis' by him before and had absolutely loved it.His stories are also so intriguing and layered in symbolism, that it makes..."

Hi Poorvi,
You definitely remind me that I need to pay more attention to Kafka. His works has been on my TBR pile for such a long time. I suspect that his short stories are the best gateway to him. Do you agree?

poorvi wrote: "I'm currently reading 'The Trial' by Franz Kafka. I had read 'The Metamorphosis' by him before and had absolutely loved it.His stories are also so intriguing and layered in symbolism, that it makes..."

I read "The Trial" a year or two ago. It wasn't a book I loved, but found it interesting. I will surely read it again in the future as I feel I didn't really reach the depths of the novel - it is a one that makes you think, that's for sure!

As for me, I'm currently reading - House of leaves, yeah ... big one :)

Hi Haaze,
Definitely starting with his collection of short stories would be a good introduction to his work.As some have pointed out, his works are slightly unconventional and takes some getting used to, but personally that's exactly why I find them so captivating.

poorvi wrote: "Hi Haaze,
Definitely starting with his collection of short stories would be a good introduction to his work.As some have pointed out, his works are slightly unconventional and takes some getting us..."

Poorvi,
Definitely captivating. I have read sections of his works and they feel very dreamlike (bad dreams) as one wanders from encounter to encounter. I came across a thick biography about Kafka a few weeks ago, but didn't have the heart/time to pick it up! Sometimes I feel the need to learn more about the authors I read. Does that happen to you as well?

I'm reading for the moment 'Babbitt' by Sinclair Lewis. Although it was written in the twenties it's a very actual book. You could say Lewis handles the subject of 'burn-out'- avant-la-lettre. It's very interesting to see the same problems that you see in society momentarily also were known then.

Annelies,
It seems like history repeats itself, but we are too far away in time and space to sense it.

I am reading a megadose of The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope. I recently finished Dr. Thorne by the same author and had a great time. I love the way he writes (descriptions, characterizations) as it feels as I'm having a great meal of words. Besides, I am a sucker for Victorian literature... ; -)

I have never read something by Trollope but I think I also would like the novels. I would like to read the whole collection so it's on the to-read list for when I will once have a lot of time...

Bag of Bones by Stephen King

Annelies wrote: "I have never read something by Trollope but I think I also would like the novels. I would like to read the whole collection so it's on the to-read list for when I will once have a lot of time..."

He wrote lots and lots of novels...so you would be busy for a long time! :)

Holly wrote: "Bag of Bones by Stephen King"

Amazingly, I have never read King's books. What would be a good starter book in his realm (if I had to read one)? Lots to choose from...

Haaze wrote: "Holly wrote: "Bag of Bones by Stephen King"

Amazingly, I have never read King's books. What would be a good starter book in his realm (if I had to read one)? Lots to choose from..."

I would not recommend 11/22/63 - listening to it on Audible right now and the pace of it is so slow it is driving me crazy!!!
So any other. :D

Ha ha! It does sound interesting. Besides, lots of awards AND a TV series to boot... Wow!

I also didn't like 11/22/63 very much. Indeed much too slow and too much repetitions of what we've read earlier in the book. I liked Mr. Mercedes but I have to admit I haven't much experience with Stephen King 's books. The 'shining' must be good but scary...

Annelies wrote: "I also didn't like 11/22/63 very much. Indeed much too slow and too much repetitions of what we've read earlier in the book. I liked Mr. Mercedes but I have to admit I haven't much experience with ..."

Yes I agree! I think that if I was going to read another King's book, I would go for what people think are his best ones: 'It' or 'The Shining' - but like you, I am not a big fan of horror. :)

Laure, I totally agree with you. Horror is not my thing. I liked Babbitt; finished it yesterday. Now I'm reading 'Little man, what now?' By Hans Fallada. I have a bit of mixed feelings about the book. The story is good but the language is sometimes a bit naive.

Annelies wrote: "Laure, I totally agree with you. Horror is not my thing. I liked Babbitt; finished it yesterday. Now I'm reading 'Little man, what now?' By Hans Fallada. I have a bit of mixed feelings about the bo..."

Babbitt is definitely on my tbr. Maybe will fit it some time next year!

I have just started a detective story - I don't read too many of those, but I needed a bit of a change of scene.
The Girl In The Ice by Robert Bryndza
The good thing is that it is reading very fast - already 24% or so my Kindle tells me. :)

... and I am about to start 'Pale Fire' too tonight. *drum rolls*
I 'm waiting to go home, have a glass of wine and then I'll start. :D

Manda wrote: "Laure wrote: "Annelies wrote: "I also didn't like 11/22/63 very much. Indeed much too slow and too much repetitions of what we've read earlier in the book. I liked Mr. Mercedes but I have to admit ..."

I fancy 'It' as my next book from him - scary clowns are so now! :P

I like detective stories also now and then. I like particularly the books by Susan Hill, Peter Robinson, Ann Cleeves and Stephen Booth. Yes, I have a love for detective stories set in Great Britain. I like their atmosphere. And now and then a scandinavian one.

Annelies wrote: "I like detective stories also now and then. I like particularly the books by Susan Hill, Peter Robinson, Ann Cleeves and Stephen Booth. Yes, I have a love for detective stories set in Great Britain..."

I'm going to remember these names. I often find it hard to pick one!

So, general update about what I have been reading (instead of Pale Fire ;P).

I finished The Girl In The Ice and thought it was very generic. I am not sure I will continue with the series. I might try some of Annelies' recommendations next in that genre.

I also read the second instalment in the Jim Butcher's Dresden series: Fool Moon - our cool wizzard is still very entertaining and I will go on to book 3 very soon, especially that I have been told that things get even more interesting later on in the series.

On the subject of light and entertaining reads, I have started #5 of YA series 'Throne of Glass' - easily the most entertaining series I have read all year Empire of Storms
What would life be like without adventure and romance? :D

Just finished tonight The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. If you have not read this book, I do recommend it. It reads very quickly and contains some exquisite prose. Some of the chapters/stories are very creepy (and very well done). Just a brilliant book. :)

Tomorrow 'Pale Fire' then ... :D

I'm listening Ignite Me on audiobook

Manda wrote: "Just startedWar and Peace. What as great read! Historically fascinating, wry and easy to get into. Tolstoy was a genius!

On audiobook im listening to The Owl Killers, a r..."

Are you reading that (W&P) independently or in a group, Manda?(Notes that Manda will now be gone in the Tolstoy realm for the next two months). Btw, I really enjoyed that novel and one day I hope to (as joyfully) traverse his AK. WP will be a reread one day.

"Less books and more commonsense--that's my motto."

BEND SINISTER
Valdi Nobo

Manda wrote: "Haaze wrote: "Manda wrote: "Just startedWar and Peace. What as great read! Historically fascinating, wry and easy to get into. Tolstoy was a genius!

On audiobook im listening to [book:T..."
Hi Manda, hope your well. When I saw you were reading W&P I looked up, to refresh my memory, the Battle of Borodino which is the central historical feature of the novel. As it turned out I spent most of the day re-familiarizing myself with this famous, famous battle.
Hope you enjoy every page, it's a really fine book.
- )

I need to reread it one fine day, but it is low priority compared to other works. Tolstoy's world is a joy to get immersed in! :)

Finally being able to fit in some reading in these busy days before Christmas - I've been doing quite a bit of light reading because of the tiredness, can't concentrate too much right now.

I've enjoyed listening to Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson. I am sure to get more books on audible from him. Great series.

I am also three quarters through Villette by Charlotte Brontee, which is a fascinating read- much different from her other novel.

I have not gone on with Pale Fire and A Suitable Boy both books being too dense for me right now.
But I 'm sure to make up the ground during the holidays and catch up with you lot! :P