Thursday, August 9, 2007

Thursday 13 #4--13 Classics I've Read


Thirteen Things about Marina


Back to a book-related theme! I do try to read the occasional classic because they're good for me, and they help me appreciate my "modern" reading. Here's 13 of what (I'm sure) is a bigger number, but I don't have my reading lists from past years handy.

1. A Midsummer Night's Dream--I try to read this every year, but sometimes life gets in my way.

2. Silas Marner--Steve Martin made a movie about this book.

3. Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man--I'd read a few classics via email, and this one seemed to be the right length. As good a reason as any, right?

4. Jane Eyre--my book group, "Questioning the Canon" picked this for their first selection last year, and it was a reread for me.

5. Great Expectations--read this one during my freshman year of high school.

6. Lord of the Rings (trilogy)--started these on CD just before the first (recent) movie came out.

7. A Separate Peace--I had a hard time with this one, but I think I still made some good mental connections in spite of myself.

8. A Canticle for Leibowitz--another "Canon" book group pick. This one triggered one of our better discussions.

9. To Kill a Mockingbird--I think I've read this one at least 3 times, and it gets better every time.

10. The Bell Jar--I read this one over the summer sometime in high school, can't remember which year, but it was before our new library was built. I miss that built-in wood shelving... wonder if it's still in there (the building--a Carnegie--is now a museum).

11. Catcher in the Rye--assigned during Junior year in high school. I remember thinking that Holden was a big drama llama.

12. Cyrano de Bergerac--assigned during senior year of high school. This was the first year that our school had Honors English, and our class did a sound recording of this play. Since I had zero confidence in my voice (I've a not-so-lovely speech impediment), I volunteered to do the casting. Go me! I still love behind-the scenes involvement.

13. My Antonia--yet another "Canon" group read. I was supposed to lead the discussion on this one, but couldn't find anyone to replace my original childcare plans. I was hoping to make a point about farming and what role it plays in today's society, but I missed out. This month, we are reading Grapes of Wrath, and I think it will be interesting to discuss the contrasts between these two books.

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8 comments:

pussreboots said...

Holden is a "big drama llama" but that's part of the book's charm. Great list. Happy TT.

MsSnarkyPants said...

I absolutely adore Midsummer Night's Dream. I think my favorite Shakespeare play is Much Ado About Nothing though. Great TT!

Malcolm said...

Thanks for sharing some of your favorite books. It reminds me of how laxed I often get in regards to reading books.

Susan Bischoff said...

#6, I loved the CD's. #8 was so interesting and I should go read it again. Love #9.

Rebecca said...

Wow, I've actually read some of those!! I'm now impressed with myself. :-)

Anonymous said...

I've read the bell jar...a LONG time ago. But the rest are new to me. I have seen the movie for midsummer night's dream though, but that doesn't count! :) Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Ha! I hardly ever talk to anyone else who has read 'Canticle for Leibowitz'! I was so happy to see it here!

Great list & great books make for a great T13! :)

Thanks for stopping by mine!

Andi said...

A bit late, but still... :P
Nice list of books... I read some of them but not all. A (late) happy TT!

Andi