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Forty works of fiction - 2012

  • 01-05-2012 7:40pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭


    My intake of fictional books is pretty low. If I read a book it's likely to be something to do with history, sport or some sort of autobiography.

    However after recently observing one of those 'top 100 books you should read' lists and realising that I have read a shockingly low amount of those mentioned, I have decided to reacquaint myself with fiction. Hence, this log.

    The books here will probably be fairly famous works but I'll pick up anything that tickle my fancy. I've decided to target forty books as it's a pretty ambitious target for this stage of the year. I have read four fiction novels thus far which I will log below.

    Here we go...

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



«13

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    The_Stand_cover.jpg

    I heard good things about this book and had been eager to read it. It's a story about a plague that wipes out much of the earth's population but there's much more to it than that.

    I liked the way King introduced the characters and how he shifted the narrative throughout. I feel he could have done more in the latter stages of the story with the characters. Some characters felt like they had loose ends to their stories. It didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story though.

    It is a big read but worth the effort.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    Rye_catcher.jpg

    This is a book that seems to divide readers. It's about a few troublesome days in the life of the teenage protagonist Holden Caulfield. The story is written in the first-person perspective and from what I gather, some readers seem to dislike Holden.

    Personally I found him likeable enough and the novel gave me a few laugh out loud moments. I would recommend the book. It's a short read so check it out.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    Catch22.jpg

    This is another acclaimed novel that appears to divide readers. Frequently characters such as the main protagonist Yossarian find themselves in difficult situations that they cannot get out of. The story shifts perspective frequently and introduces a lot of characters. It is satirical, absurd, farcical and at times serious and moving. I can understand why some readers dislike it and I believe when the novel was first published it met with a bit of a mixed reaction from critics.

    My own experience was that I found it tough to get through for the first 100 pages or so (it's around 500+ pages). Having stuck with it though I'm glad I did as there are some side-spllittingly funny moments and the novel does seem to carry a lot of truth and a powerful message underneath the surface.

    My recommendation is to have patience in the early going and stick with it as you may find it rewarding as I did.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    CanneryRow.jpg

    This is probably not one of Steinbeck's best known works.

    Quaint and charming would be the words that spring to mind when I think of this book. It is essentially character-driven rather than plot-driven. The descriptive powers of Steinbeck are superb. He really captures the setting of the beach and coastal area tremendously well. You could almost smell the sea air on some pages.

    I don't normally read books again that I've read already but I could see myself picking up this one again in the future. Presumably Steinbeck felt similarly as he wrote a sequel to this a good few years later called 'Sweet Thursday' which I must check out.

    Anyways, pick up Cannery Row when you have a lazy day to spare. It's a short read and it's one of those reads that stays with you after you finish it.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    Drood_serial_cover.jpg

    This was the last novel written by Charles Dickens and remains unfinished due to Dickens's death.

    Interestingly, as it's sort of a murder mystery, and since there is no definite conclusion to the story, all sorts of wild theories have sprung up to explain the plot.

    It's tough to judge this since there's maybe half or perhaps two-thirds of the story missing. I did enjoy the read which was atmospheric and had vivid characters. The lack of a conclusion didn't bother me but it might bother some, so be aware before picking this up that the outcome will be open to your own interpretation.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



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  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    SweetThursday.jpg

    This is the sequel to Cannery Row. I enjoyed this very much. This story sits with you like a fine, warm meal.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 669 ✭✭✭the west wing


    I really liked Cannery Row and never realised that there was a sequel so I'm definitely interested in reading this. Thanks!


  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Cannery Row. There are plenty of old faces and I found I liked the new ones too. :cool:

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 669 ✭✭✭the west wing


    I see also that you read "The Catcher in the Rye". I love Salinger but I think this is one of his weaker works. You should read "Nine Stories" and get a greater sense of his work. I find the Glass family an intriguing set of characters.


  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    Richard_Adams_WatershipDown.jpg

    Wow, what a book! Just wonderful.

    This is considered a classic of children's literature but it is just as accessible for adult readers. It's a story about a group of plucky rabbits who must leave their endangered home and who find themselves in all sorts of scrapes.

    I must say having heard great things about this book I was slightly underwhelmed by the first section (there are four sections in all). Maybe I let my expectations get the better of me. I needn't have worried as pretty soon I was gripped by the story and the highly endearing characters. I'm not ashamed to say I had tears in my eyes at a few moments and the final pages are some of the most beautiful I've read.

    Spinge-tingling, heart-warming and highly recommended!

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



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  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    OfMiceAndMen.jpg

    Certainly leaves a very different impression to the other Steinbeck books I've read, and I don't mean that in a negative way. There is a different tone here but it is a story that resonates powerfully.

    The dialogue is excellent and I found it enthralling. I can see why it is so highly regarded. It is a short read and I'd recommend it.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-Moby-Dick_FE_title_page.jpg

    What a struggle. And I don't mean with Ahab and the whale ; I mean trying to finish the novel.

    This is certainly a classic, iconic tale and I think the concept behind the story is wonderful: obsessive captain tries to hunt down the elusive, near-mythical white whale that once took his leg.

    The problem, sadly, lies in the fact that the novel is way too long-winded and at times detracts from the story altogether which, for myself and I imagine many others, was what was most interesting and compelling. By all means give me chapters exploring the character's motivations and the turmoil on the ship; don't give me whole chapters devoted to the anatomy of the whale, a chapter exploring the tale of Jonah in the Bible, the mechanics of various parts of the ship etc. It was very frustrating to me to have to deal with all these various tangents.

    Aside from that obvious issue, I also found that the dialogue was tiresome. It's like Shakespeare meets Blackbeard at points. Many characters seem quite wooden and one-dimensional too. The red indian, the 'negro savage', Ahab the greedy, doubloon-peddling capitalist and so on. I get that there are themes exploring the America of the time at work here but they could have been explored with a bit more attention and care in my opinion.

    I'm sure the novel will have its fans and many will point to the themes at the heart of the novel as being of great significance. They may be, but the novel is very unsatisfying at several points.

    The novel however is not without merit. The actual chase of the whale is compelling. If the novel had centred on this more and cut out a lof of the technical aspects I would have rated it a lot higher. It feels like the novel finishes very strongly. There is a chapter called 'The Symphony' near the end which I found particularly touching. The climax to the story is also interesting.

    I would say the actual iconic aspect - the idea of the white whale roaming the seas and the desperate hunt to catch him - I suspect this is what has helped the story endure in the public mindset most of all. To use an apt metaphor, the idea itself is the hook ; the bait.

    I wouldn't recommend the novel though unless one has a desire to experience Melville's actual take on the story.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-Frannyzoey.jpg

    I've reached a quarter of the way to my target of forty books, and I took on board the recommendation to check out more of Salinger's work.

    This book comprises the short story 'Franny' written by Salinger for The New Yorker in 1955 ; as well as 'Zooey', which appeared in the same publication in 1957. Franny is the youngest member of the quite large Glass family, and Zooey is the second youngest.

    I liked this book which was not a very long read. It's essentially about the emotional issues going on in the lives of both siblings. There are quite a few strong themes under the surface to do with religion and society. The story is dialogue-driven and after my difficulties getting through Moby Dick, I found this a very refreshing read.

    If I'm honest there were points in the story, particularly near the final pages, that I didn't quite understand, in the sense of themes at play that maybe were lost on me. I don't mean this in a negative sense though. Some pages were challenging, but in a good way, requiring me to perhaps reflect on certain points a bit more.

    I understand that Salinger wrote quite a lot on the Glass family and I hope to sample some more. With that being the case, unsurprisingly, I am going to recommend Franny and Zooey.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    BraveNewWorld_FirstEdition.jpg

    Brave New World is considered by many as one of the most important books of the twentieth century. It depicts a future dystopian society (or utopian depending on your P.O.V.) in which babies are no longer 'born' in civilisation but produced ; there is no monogamy and so everyone belongs to everybody else ; and the ultimate goal in life is happiness, so people take 'soma' drugs to achieve bliss when they are feeling down.

    I found this to be an interesting book. Many of the themes touched upon one can identify with today, which is impressive since the book is around eighty years old. I wouldn't say it's without its flaws though. The characters feel a bit thin. I liked Lenina and felt she was notable, but the novel seemed more about the issues and theme than about the characters at the heart of it.

    The book is primarily about the message and the message hits home ; so, for its foresight and significance to twentieth century literature, I would recommend giving Brave New World a read.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    TalesFromWatershipDown.jpg

    This is the sequel to Watership Down which I read some weeks back and absolutely loved.

    This follow-up is split into three sections with the first two dealing with tales from the rabbit's folklore, whilst the final section deals with the aftermath of what happened to the rabbits in the first book.

    I have read that fans were not very receptive to this story when it was first published as they expected more from a direct sequel. Personally speaking I enjoyed the read and the chance to reconnect with the old characters, as well as discover some new ones. There is not the raw emotion and drama of the first book, but what it shares with its predecessor is the sense of warmth and charm.

    The first book is a classic, and this wouldn't fall into the same category, but I wasn't expecting it to be and so I found it a fun read. It's a must read for fans of the first book.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    UlyssesCover.jpg

    I'd be lying if I said it was my plan to finish this novel on Bloomsday but it was frankly so blooming long - and at times tough to read - that it sort of conveniently panned out this way.

    So what to say about this acclaimed work? Well, I have to say I did enjoy it and feel glad that I finished it. I must confess that there were many times I completely zoned out of what was going on and seemed to be viewing pages rather than actually reading and digesting them. I guess this is normal and why a lot of people give up on it.

    I wasn't expecting the final chapter on Molly to be so entertaining. I guffawed loudly at many moments of this chapter and it's one of my favourites, along with the one where Bloom meets Gerty, and the penultimate one where Bloom and Dedalus depart.

    I can see why it is described as groundbreaking as it's not quite like anything I've read before. I would recommend it, but it is I think something one has to commit to and be in the right frame of mind for, and at times reading this I probably was not, which made it a struggle. If ready for the challenge, I think it does enrich the mind.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-11-22-63.jpg


    A book about a teacher who travels back in time to save the life of John F. Kennedy and who finds himself involved in the past in all sorts of ways.

    I found this a page-turner but it's flawed. I liked the first section and the conclusion the best but there are a fair few boring parts in the middle. I didn't care for the main character's preparation work for his main mission which I think could have been shortened quite a bit.

    There are real people involved here like Oswald and it's no doubt tough for writers to involve such people in fiction. Even so, I found it quite hard to accept King's fictionalised account of the domestic life of the Oswald family. I know a suspension of belief is required for the reader here but at times it felt like Oswald was built up as a rather cliched, cartoonish villain and the protagonist seemed to despise the guy a whole lot, even before meeting him. The dialogue also seemed a bit cliched and TV-esque. For example there's a bit where the protagonist - a teacher in his 30s - says something like: 'I'm coming for you Oswald, you f*ck.' Again, this was before he met Oswald. I found it hard to suspend belief at times as the dialogue could be a bit cheesy and overly dramatic like the above.

    It's not all negative however. On the plus side I found the involvement in the past enjoyable and you aren't bogged down with time travel mechanics. I also found the ending to be impressive.

    If I could go back in time and stop myself reading this, would I? No. I don't think so. Therefore I'd say give it a look if you think you might like this sort of thing. It's not perfect but it's quite fun.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    220px-Tom_Sawyer_1876_frontispiece.jpg


    I was given this novel recently having never read it before. I thought it was wonderful and feel it's a book that can be enjoyed by all ages. I'm told the sequel which centres on Huck is even more highly regarded so I hope to check that out too some time.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-Huckleberry_Finn_book.JPG


    Well, I didn't waste much time picking this up. This novel, unlike Tom Sawyer, is written in a first-person perspective with Huck as the narrator.

    I thought this book was marvellous and found I enjoyed it more than Tom Sawyer.

    Many feel the story declines a bit near the end and I would have to agree, but it's still a very enjoyable read.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-The-road.jpg


    I thought this was a very atmospheric book and quite unlike others novels I've read. It felt to me a bit like being inside Edvard Munch's The Scream.

    I felt it started off fairly pedestrian (forgive the pun) but felt it soon picked up and some of the images from the story resonate strongly.

    Impressive work and worth a look if you like post-apocalpytic stories.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



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  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    150px-TheLongValley.jpg


    I've become a fan of Steinbeck the past few months and this book is a collection of short stories that Steinbeck wrote at various points in the 1930s.

    Out of the 12 stories here, the ones that stood out for me the most were The Chrysanthemums, a story about a frustrated housewife, and The Red Pony, tales about a young boy living with his mother, father and their helper on a farm.

    I liked this book which did at times being back memories of his other works. An easy, enjoyable read.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-Dubliners_title_page.jpg


    Honestly I was a little underwhelmed by this book. Some of the stories didn't really resonate with me.

    I will say that I thought The Dead was outstanding. The stories which I liked the most were An Encounter, The Boarding House, A Little Cloud and Ivy Day in the Committee Room but I think The Dead is head and shoulders above the rest. That was the one that left the biggest impression on me.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    The_Mirror_Crack%27d_From_Side_to_Side_First_Edition_Cover_1962.jpg


    This book was my first introduction to Agatha Christie. I enjoyed it and found it an easy read. It's one of the Miss Marple stories although the character didn't feature in it as much as I thought she would.

    Alas I didn't figure it all out until just before the end but I felt it all came together satisfactorily.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-Gatsby_1925_jacket.gif


    I had heard this referred to as one of the greatest novels ever written so I suppose I had high hopes before reading it. I was left a bit disappointed. I can't think of why it's so highly praised.

    On the plus side, it is clearly a well written book and Fitzgerald at times does use the language beautifully. Unfortunately, I found most of the characters, with one or two exceptions, very unlikeable. I guess it could be argued that is the point, but I did not find the story all that interesting and I can't help but feel the coldness of the characters was a big factor.

    Upon finishing it I felt a bit like a visitor to Gatsby's home. A wonderfully constructed thing but what it contains on the inside feels ultimately rather hollow.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-World_War_Z_book_cover.jpg


    I gave up on this which is a rare thing for me to do. I liked the concept, and the early parts were promising, but I just found this really boring. Way more political elements than I had anticipated and the globetrotting aspect didn't work for me.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 7,462 ✭✭✭Queen-Mise


    I really enjoyed some of the books you have read there also. The Steinbeck books are so readable - Cannery Row is one of my favourite books. And I love the two Mark Twain books you read - have fond memories of them from childhood.

    I cheated when I read Ulysses, I listened to the audio at the same time, it really helped. I loved the chapter with Bloom on the beach with Gerty, it was beautifully written. And the final chapter with Molly is genius - 'you'd vomit up a nicer face'.

    Some of the other american pop culture books are good - I really liked Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas and Jack Keruoac's On the Road.
    I also suggest reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel & Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell - they have been my favourite books in the past ten years.


  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    Cheers. I'll look out for the books you recommended. Reading A Portrait of the Artist... by Joyce at the moment. So far so good.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



  • Registered Users Posts: 7,462 ✭✭✭Queen-Mise


    Cheers. I'll look out for the books you recommended. Reading A Portrait of the Artist... by Joyce at the moment. So far so good.

    Have you gotten to 'hell' yet?


  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    Queen-Mise wrote: »
    Have you gotten to 'hell' yet?

    I think so, yeah. A lot of great imagery.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



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  • Registered Users Posts: 45,535 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    200px-A_Portrait_of_the_Artist_as_a_Young_Man.jpg


    I thought this was a wonderful read. I particularly enjoyed learning about Stephen in his early years. Some of the scenes that Joyce evokes are very striking and the writing is beautiful at times. I also found it very informative as there are references to aspects of Irish life and history I wasn't aware of.

    It's probably not everyone's cup of tea but for those that have read other works by Joyce and liked them, I think this one should prove just as enjoyable.

    'It is better to walk alone in the right direction than follow the herd walking in the wrong direction.'



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