Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

After a nuclear World War III has destroyed most of the globe, the few remaining survivors in southern Australia await the radioactive cloud that is heading their way and bringing certain death to everyone in its path. Among them is an American submarine captain struggling to resist the knowledge that his wife and children in the United States must be dead. Then a faint Morse code signal is picked up, transmitting from somewhere near Seattle, and Captain Towers must lead his submarine crew on a bleak tour of the ruined world in a desperate search for signs of life. On the Beach is a remarkably convincing portrait of how ordinary people might face the most unimaginable nightmare.

I'm in for this one.

I'm way behind. I'll start this soon.

Great novel -- I've read it twice. Also, the two film versions are very good, but especially the first one from 1959 starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire (in a non-dancing, serious role), and Anthony Perkins. (You might need an extra bottle of wine to stave off the depression).

This is very depressing in a very compelling way.

I'm planning to read this in December so I'll come back to you.

I've started this and reading one chapter a day. I read it in high school a long time ago, during the Cold War, and I still remember some of it. It sticks in your mind.

I really like these types of books. Why? I have no idea. This one started out slow for me but has picked up quickly. I think books in a military setting sometimes start off slow for me because things are very dry and impersonal in a military setting. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. But, again, this one picked up quickly. I like it.

Have you read Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, Chad?

Rosemarie wrote: "Have you read Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, Chad?"

I have and I loved it, Rosemarie. Great book. I get that same feel on this one. On the Beach just starts a bit later in the horrific process. So far I feel that Alas, Babylon had stronger, better characters but I’m only at the start of this one. An endlessly intriguing and horrifying subject. Very interesting to think about.

Chad wrote: "I really like these types of books. Why? I have no idea. This one started out slow for me but has picked up quickly. I think books in a military setting sometimes start off slow for me because things are very dry and impersonal in a military setting. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. But, again, this one picked up quickly. I like it."
It's kind of slow because it's really just people's daily lives with no major events but it is a really good book.
I finished and it's definitely a book that will stay with me. Technically it's not science fiction but I really enjoyed it.

I read the book in 2016 and it was my first book by Shute. I really like his writing style. I gave it 5 stars and kept the book. I don’t usually keep books unless I think I will reread it or pass it on to someone. I remember thinking that the people seemed so calm and I wondered if that’s really how people would act. I should probably reread it sometime soon!

Some would, just trying to live their regular lives up to the end but the book didn't cover how many people would be just going crazy. It only had people who were drinking a lot.

I've just finished the book. Shute's matter-of-fact writing style really works well with such a grim topic.
It's an impressive book.

If this is the only Shute book you've read, you'll be pleasantly surprised that his other books are not so grim.

I'm okay with grim. :)

Book Nerd wrote: "I'm okay with grim. :)"

Read Thomas Hardy's books if you like grim. But they are also really really good! He's my favourite British author.
Actually, his earlier books are on the lighter side. His last novel, Jude the Obscure is my favourite.

Chad wrote: "Rosemarie wrote: "Have you read Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, Chad?"

I have and I loved it, Rosemarie. Great book. I get that same feel on this one. On the Beach just sta..."

You made me curious about this book Alas, Babylon. Yesterday I found it for 93 cents for Kindle and I bought it. So far I'm really enjoying it!

Rosemarie wrote: "His last novel, Jude the Obscure is my favourite."


One of my favorite novels, period.

Daniela wrote: "Chad wrote: "Rosemarie wrote: "Have you read Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, Chad?"

I have and I loved it, Rosemarie. Great book. I get that same feel on this one. On the B..."

That’s great, Daniela! I really did like that one very much from front to back. I hope you have a similar experience.

This one gets better and better for me as it goes on. I can’t imagine handling this situation any better than the main players do. I mean, I think that I would overturn the wife’s idea of building a garden that will not produce anything until after we are dead, but I understand keeping a sense of normalcy.

The end of this one really got me. I mean, we all know where it’s headed but, like the characters in the novel, I kind of ignored it. It’s a wonderful book.

The author did a good job setting the right tone in this book.

Yeah, it was definitely a memorable ending.

Started this one late and finished it in the nick of time. I loved it.

The references to visiting England as "going home" reminded me of my grandparents - they were of the last generation in New Zealand to think of the UK as "home", despite being born here. (among the working class anyway - the upper classes might have held on to it a bit longer).

Glad you liked it.

I gave it 2/5 ⭐. I read it in July and remember the story but not the reason for the stars. I do like dystopian books 😆.