I've put myself on a rotation of fiction, non-fiction and classics this summer and its kept reading interesting and exciting whether it be at the beach, on a plane or in bed before lights out. The third part of my first rotation is To Kill A Mockingbird, which I probably haven't read in 18 years.I am thoroughly enjoying it this time 'round and re-reading Lee's classic makes me wish I remember the discussions/assignments from back in Middle School.
What classics have y'all read/re-read recently that you've enjoyed? Which ones have been disappointments?
Image Credit: Mass Market Paperback
Kinda crazy how in-sync our reading styles are. After finishing an incredibly hilarious "Pretty is the New Plaid" by Jen Lancaster (everybody needs a good laughable read) I picked up Persuasian by Jane Austen. I got so wrapped up in my book that I competely forgot to order more from my favorite bookseller (half.com), which left me stranded without a book for a few days until my new crop of reading material arrived. In the meantime, as I can't go a day without reading, I've once again picked up Pride and Prejudice (another famous Austen). Everytime I read this book (and at this point I have no idea how many times that is) I get completely lost in a world of fabulous balls, strategic socializing, and the the formality of conversation. There's a reason it's a classic!
ReplyDelete"To Kill A Mocking Bird" - one of the most beautiful pieces of Southern fiction. More wonderful to note is that the character Dill is based on of Harper Lee's greatest companions and one of the South's most riveting writers, Truman Capote. For some light (yet dark) summer reading I strongly recommend "The Complete Stories of Truman Capote." His stories have a somewhat morose bent, but he revels in the mystical essence of the south and is able to capture the feelings of summer on paper. It is he who refers to dusk as "the hour of the firefly" - could that description be any more tantalizing and any more accurate?
ReplyDeleteWhat flaw is there in my character that doesn't allow me to read Pat Conroy without wanting to slit my wrists? I've tried all summer and I just can't do it.
ReplyDeleteFaulkner of course. But obvious southern allusions aside, I really enjoyed re-reading Ayn Rand's Anthem this summer. Great book for conservatives or libertarians. By the way, if you're looking for a little blog tune-up or perhaps a logo or header, I'm a graphic designer at Front Porch Studio - the most hospitable firm in the south. Email me if you'd like, jessica@thelovelist.net
ReplyDeleteJust finished the Flannery O'Connor bio and re read some of her short stories. Started Confederacy of Dunces last night.
ReplyDeleteStarted Confederacy of Dunces? What are you new?
ReplyDeleteAll Quiet On the Western Front is one of my favorites. To Kill a Mockingbird is great, has some of my favorite quotes in it...
ReplyDeleteObsessed with Bringing home the Birkin.. such a great easy read. Yet you litterally feel like you are in Europe exerienceing the food, wine, sights and ahh yes all the Hermes stores as well! Certainly not a classic but simply delicious and will make an attractive addition to the bookcase!
ReplyDeleteI just finished Wuthering Heights for my JL Book Club. It was a good read, although I was glad to finally finish it.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure it is a classic, but I love to re-read All the King's Men. It has been a favorite since high school.
ReplyDeleteReread Tender is the Night and found the prose (usually beautiful) stilted and the characters shallow. What happened to Fitzgerald? Also reread both The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged back-to-back in May/June, and keep getting more and more disgusted by Ayn Rand and the so-called philosophy of Objectivism, though, no doubt, Howard Roark is one compelling character.
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading King Solomon's Mines, it is a fun "classic if you have not read it.
ReplyDeleteSo much reading, so much reading! As soon as I'm done with this book I may tackle "South of Broad" a new book from Pat Conroy about Charleston.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy y'all summer reading.
I revisited "The Sun Also Rises", which I always enjoy. A few years ago, I read "Catch 22", which I loved in college. Now it seems stuffy.
ReplyDeleteI need to reread one of my favs, The Prince of Tides. I totally get lost in that book and hate to leave...XXOO
ReplyDeleteDickie my boy...pick up this week's New Yorker and read the Malcolm Gladwell article on Southern racial attitudes...To Kill a Mockingbird is a key plank in the article.
ReplyDeleteToad...I'm RE-reading Confederacy.