Old Books, New Readers discussion

Hello OBNR community!


The time is now to start choosing our next BOTM.

For the month of September, I would like us to think beyond algorithms and tap into our natural ability to recommend books to others.

Let's pretend a friend, colleague, or even a stranger approaches you and needs guidance through the literary canon. This hypothetical person has pegged you as a "bookish" individual and considers your opinion valuable. They want to read something from the "big" authors; however, they are intimidated by the length of some of these "classic" works. In other words, they want an appetizer, not the main course.

What shorter work, or novella, would you recommend from this canon heavyweight? Has this author written a shorter work that can tap into the complexity of their larger work? Try and steer clear from any generated online lists and dig into your own wealth of knowledge.

Again, for those not familiar with the criteria, these selections should be over 50 years old, have literary merit, and most importantly, have relevance to the theme. Please list your suggestions on the thread below. Once we have six, I will make a poll.

Since we are nearing the end of the month, our deadlines for nominations and polls will be shortened.

Notes From Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky

John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row.

The Shadow-Line by Joseph Conrad

The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy

The Island of Dr. Moreau - H. G. Wells

I adore Anton Chekhov so I will nominate
The Lady With the Little Dog and Other Stories, 1896-1904

The first story will suffice :)

Chronicle of a Death Foretold is sadly a few years short of the 50 year mark, but it's a great one! Came to mind for this prompt.

We have six stories! I'll be making a poll in the evening.

The poll is live!

Click the link below and cast your vote :)

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/6...

Amanda wrote: "Chronicle of a Death Foretold is sadly a few years short of the 50 year mark, but it's a great one! Came to mind for this prompt."

I appreciate you contributing, Amanda. I will put this in my TBR list!