BTT: Best book you've never read
We’ve all seen the lists, we’ve all thought, “I should really read that someday,” but for all of us, there are still books on “The List” that we haven’t actually gotten around to reading. Even though we know they’re fabulous. Even though we know that we’ll like them. Or that we’ll learn from them. Or just that they’re supposed to be worthy. We just … haven’t gotten around to them yet.
What’s the best book that YOU haven’t read yet?
According to my dad, the best books I haven't read are Mervyn Peake's Gormanghast trilogy. The first thing that came to my mind (okay, second, after Mansfield Park) was James Morrow's The Philosopher's Apprentice. I've had it out of the library a couple of times (and paid to reserve it) but haven't read it yet. I feel a little twinge every time I remember it. Not only have I really liked other stuff by Morrow but I'm a philosophy major! I don't know what's stopping me.
There are heaps of other books I wish I would make the time for: really popular ones like My Sister's Keeper and The Time Traveller's Wife, quite a few classics, a handful by some of my most beloved authors... I'm just so lazy.
This question has been a bit depressing, but motivational too. :-) I'm going to get my hands on The Philosopher's Apprentice tomorrow!
Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. P.J. O'Rourke
18 comments:
Ooh...But, but but how am I supposed to know that it's good unless I've read it? Sure, other people can TELL me that it's good, but then lots of people (including judges at the Sundance film festival) told me that the movie Sideways was good and it was pretty much the worst movie ever.
Anyway, ranting aside, I have heard enough from people whose literary opinions I trust to be reasonably certain that I would love 'The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy' if I ever got around to reading it. Which I will, someday. Hopefully before I get around to watching the movie.
I hope you end up reading and liking Philosopher's Apprentice
I loved both My Sister's Keeper and The Time Traveller's Wife.
Zomfsm! My italics html worked! *ignores fact that I had to do it twice*
/excitement
Brooke: Lol, yeah I had that reaction to start with too. I'm highly skeptical about film festival recommendations and only just getting over my prejudice towards bestselling books. I haven't read any Douglas Adams but I get the impression it's 'up your alley.' I'm happy knowing enough about it to get the jokes hehe.
Congrats on the italics! It's always a worry that you'll screw it up and look like an idiot.
Violetcrush: Thanks!
I loved My Sister's Keeper!
Happy Thursday!
My Sister's Keeper and The Time Traveler's Wife are on my shelf too (along with Memory Keeper's Daughter, Secret Life of Bees)... there are just so many great books written. How does one find the time to read them all?
I have a few on my shelf waiting patiently, one day I will get around to reading them.
I love O'Rourke's quote.
I started The Time Traveller's Wife a few years ago, got bored, got distracted by other things and then just... never picked it up again! I think I donated it to the library a few years back. Now I kind of regret that -- everyone seems to love it! Guess someday I'll break down and get another copy :)
I don't think you will be disappointed with The Time Traveller's Wife. I read that (unexpectedly!) in one sitting because it was so good.
Ooh... I just read Mansfield Park last year. It's my second favorite Austen so far. I loved Mrs. Norris, she reminded me so-so-SO much of a few relatives of mine. The Time Traveller's Wife is on Mt. TBR, but has not surfaced as yet.
I want to read My Sisters Keeper also :)
I have always fancied the Gormenghast books. The Time Travellers Wife is wonderful.
Wow! Someone has a lot of comments! :D
The best book I haven't read? Um...lots of books! I'm not a very big reader, although this year that seems to be changing VERY slightly. Maybe. :)
Time Traveler's Wife is on my list too. Happy BTT!
Your blog loathes me today. Grr...Argh!
Hi Jennifer,
Although I've never read 'The Philosopher's Apprentice' (so I can't pass a personal opinion), I hope you listen to your dad and *do* get around to reading it. Dad's are full of worldy wisdom, and being one I should know *grins*
Good luck in all of your reading endeavours
Rob
Wow, thanks for visiting everybody! It's so nice to wake up and have all these lovely comments to read. :-) Sounds like The Time Traveller's Wife is a must-read.
Mish: Hehehe. Problems with the comment form? I was fiddling with some of the prefs recently.
I've actually never heard of The Philosopher's Apprentice. Just looked it up on Amazon and added it to my wishlist. Looks interesting. Thanks for visiting me on my blog.
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