Hm, interesting. I'm not sure if I feel it's an approachable list or not; I haven't read very many of them yet. A good thought, though, surely.
Great list! I've actually read a couple. I have to admit that Angela's Ashes is one of my favorite books. I do have the Handmaid's Tale but I have not read it yet. I'm looking forward on reading that book.
Hi, Ann! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You have a lovely blog - and I plan to return here quite often.
I think you make some excellent points in your post. I actually am a fan of EW and look at their book reviews. Many may consider that "low brow" but books need to be approachable, as you mention.
Take care!
Jill
Hey, Ann,
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and adding your insight on the "editorial" function of bookstores. I absolutely agree that this is a function that is so important to readers and yet one that is forgotten by many readers who don't understand the difference between a good independent bookstore and a chain store. While chain stores often serve a function in providing a general store in areas where there might not be any (and I am guilty of using Amazon when I can't find a more obscure book, although I try to keep my Amazon use down due to the environmental impact of additional shipping), I don't think they push their readers to read smarter books.
I'd love to chat with you but not on public...would you shoot me an email?
thanks,
Postillion
Hi, I published my list yesterday, I thought it was a great idea for E.T. also to encourage reading some great books
Hi everyone,
I hope you don't mind me grouping my replies into one message -- it was a busy weekend.
Lily: I think any list that features the DaVinci Code (read by many people who have only read one book as an adult, I think) says it's not an "academic" or "highbrow" list. I'm always surprised at how many of my friends and family are intimidated by books and bookstores.
Webster12: Handmaid's Tale is not for everyone, but if you like disturbing yet thoughtful books, I think you will like it.
Jill: Thanks for your nice words about our site. I love EW, though I don't subscribe any more. I should probably think about resubscribing since I almost always learn about one new book, album, or video that I end up loving.
Postillion: Thanks for coming by, and for your thoughtful post on your own blog. Email on the way. To everyone: Postillion's post on independent bookstores is a must read. Click on the "homepage" link at the end of her comment.
Tracy: I enjoyed your highlight of what you've read and not yet read from the list on your blog. Everyone: if you have a blog and want to post your own list, see Tracy's blog for a great way to do it. Her site is linked from the 'homepage' link after her comment.
Whew, I think that wraps it up for now. Thanks everyone for stopping by and commenting -- it's wonderful to know that people are reading!
Ann
It's fun to find a list of "good reads" that makes you want to buy or borrow books! Could be the inspiration for a summer reading list (even though there are too many titles to read in one season). Of the ones I've read, I'd highly recommend Bel Canto, Black Water, Into Thin Air, and Possession (one of my all time favorites).
Hi Ann,
Thanks for sharing this list. I think it's decent to use as a general guide, but not the be all, end all of modern books to read.
I was seriously shocked and bummed to see 'Case Histories' by Kate Atkinson. I know it was a popular book, but I found the writing forced and the plot transparent.
Thrilled to see the following, which I highly recommend:
-The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro
-His Dark Materials trilogy, Phillip Pullman
-The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver
-Bel Canto, Ann Patchett
Good stuff!! Definitely think they missed a few though.
Thanks, Shelley! I think we all have a few titles on this list that make us scratch our head. But I'm more curious about what you would have included.
Me: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell.
Great list. I've read some and see tons more to add to the "to be read" pile!
JT
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