The Assumption of 100 Classics Challenge
When I took on the challenge of reading 100 classics, the assumption I made was that I would find these books somehow enriching to my existence. Here’s the problem with this assumption. In order for this to occur I must enjoy the reading. It must fill a void that I didn’t know existed before reading the book. While I find the social commentary of War of the Worlds enlightening, especially the more I learn about the author, I find the book dull. I know it is packed with action but for some reason the rhythm of the book has me flummoxed. Yes, I said flummoxed…I enjoy that word. It rolls off the tongue beautifully. However, I digress. The book itself just throws me. I can see the social commentary, and being a fan of Jane Austen I enjoy social commentary, but I find the reading of the book the worst part of this challenge. It just drags on. Those three chapters I read last night took me well over an hour, unheard of with me. I had to re-read passages because my brain had decided to go on a little vacation somewhere in the middle.
Have you ever had a book that you were determined to read but just struggled all the way through it?
I just want to thank all of you who are following me and commenting on here. You’re keeping me reading, even when I would rather have a root canal than continue reading this book!
- Posted in: Book Geek Humor & Reflections
- Tagged: 100 Classic Challenge, Book, book club, book love, book lover, books, classic book, classics, followers, frustration, H.G. Wells, War of the Worlds
Ulysses was that book for me… I tried over and over and tried reading with cliff notes beside me. I never quit books, but that one simply defeated me.
This book is so small too but it is just dragging. I am working on it but I just find no interest in it at all. I think a lot of it has to do with how repulsive I find the author too. I know that he’s one of the greats but he also believed in euthanizing humans, he was an adulterer, and he’s just repulsive to me. I do believe that subconsciously that’s why I despise this book.
I’m working on Atlas Shrugged right now….it is completely contrary to my worldview and the author started a whole movement around it. I find it despicable, but very interesting (and well written) and helps me understand that perspective better.
Do you think you will make it through wotw?
Oh yeah, I’ll make it through it but I certainly won’t enjoy it!
do read Silas Marner by George Eliot. I feel this book adds an extra star in the lists of classics. I would also recommend Wuthering Heights, Sherlock Holmes, Dracula and Agnes Grey! Those books are the works of fine writing! 🙂
There are so many I want to read. Whether I will enjoy them is beyond me.
I’ve recently come to the realisation that I will never read a million books in my lifetime. For some reason that really upset me and therefore I flatly refuse to read any book that fails to hold my interest. It doesn’t matter if it’s been deemed a classic or if I’m considered to be uncivilised. I just won’t do it.
Yes, I am thinking that some of these are really going to be a challenge