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?
On first glance, I though this was an easy question and one that I have a stock response for:
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. When the new translation was released a couple of years ago, I ran right out and bought it in hardcover...just couldn't wait for the paperback. I was finally going to tackle this monster! As I sat down to read, I discovered the book was very awkward and cumbersome and would require months to complete. (Time to think about a Kindle, again!)
Returning to the question, I began to think "best book" by what standards? Here's where I decided on personal enjoyment. I may not love War and Peace. In fact, books that have war as the backdrop rarely make it to my 'best of' lists.So, the best book I haven't read may be The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone was one of my favorites of 2005 and this sounds just as good. It even fits into the challenges I've signed up for. It's time to move it to the top of the tbr pile!
What is the best book you've never read?
I was thinking the same thing JoAnn, by what standard? So I chose a book that I'm dying to read, is sitting on my bookshelf and literary worthy. I like your choice of The Woman in White, that's a book that I would love to read at some point as well.
ReplyDeleteI read it just to be able to say I did, and I was really, really surprised at how much I liked War & Peace.
ReplyDeleteLezlie
Darlene,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why The Woman in White has been on my shelf for so long, but this is the year to read it! I'll be over to visit you soon so I can see what you chose.
Lezlie,
I still want to read W&P. I just had a very hard time getting comfortable while holding it. Glad to hear you liked it!
JoAnn ~ Yeah, even the paperback I read was heavy, so I totally get it. This is definitely one that make a person long for an eReader!
ReplyDeleteLezlie
I've finally just admitted to myself that I'm probably never going to read War and Peace. Yes, books with war as the background don't usually make it to my TBR list - especially such long, long books. But I've got The Moonstone on my list for this year, and I'm really looking forward to that one.
ReplyDelete'The Woman in White' is one book I'd like to read one day.
ReplyDeleteI hope to read War and Peace one day, too. Hope you enjoy it when you do! :)
ReplyDeleteJoy,
ReplyDeleteYou're in for a treat with The Moonstone! Let me know when you get to it.
Zetor,
There seems to be a lot of talk about The Woman in White right now - I'm not sure why. I am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks, Claire. I'll get to it eventually.
ReplyDeleteHey JoAnn, I have the exact same issue with W&P - I like reading in bed which is impossible with that massive thing. So yeah, maybe I'll use W&P as an excuse to finallt get a Kindle...
ReplyDeleteR. -
ReplyDeleteI like to read in bed, too, and with W&P it was just impossible.
I'm getting closer to a Kindle...
I have no interest in War and Peace (maybe in my next life). I've been drawn to Wilkie Collins over the last couple of years and bought Moonstone at a used bookstore, but still haven't read it. I noticed last week that Woman in White has been re-released. Maybe I should go for it...
ReplyDeleteNoBS,
ReplyDeleteHmmm...maybe it's the re-release that has everyone talking about The Woman in White lately. I think you should go for it!
I have the same copy of War and Peace. I asked my son for it for Christmas, and I stumbled through all but the last 400 pages. I love Russian literature, but this one is a bit tricky. In many ways, though, it reminded me of Gone With The Wind. Isn't that weird? All the soldiers, and displaced aristocracy, I guess...
ReplyDeleteI loved The Woman In White, too, although its been decades since I read it.
I'd have to say some of my all time favorites are The Robber Bride, The Secret History and Possession. All of them are rather dark, but somehow, they hold a special place in my heart. Great post!!!
Bellezza,
ReplyDeleteI didn't get close to page 400...it was just too heavy!
I loved both The Robber Bride and The Secret History, and Possession is one of the books I thought about before answering with The Woman in White.
Have a great trip!
I bought it too. I was smitten by the beautiful cover and thought, ah, now I'll read it. Tom read a few pages and quit. I never began. I gave it to the library book sale. I'm not big on Russia or war so why oh why did I think I would like it. :<)
ReplyDeleteI've meant to say that I love the blog header picture and it is especially beautiful with the dark blue background. It makes my eyes feel good.
I guess I'd better add The Moonstone to my list!! W&P is on many lists.
ReplyDeleteNan,
ReplyDeleteWar and Peace sure was on a lot of lists this week. I guess it's a book people feel they 'should' read!
Thanks for the comment on the header. I'm not much of a photographer, but I am happy with that shot and the way it looks against the background. I suppose I'll have to change it when the ice is gone...
BethF,
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like The Moonstone -it's quite a page-turner! Thanks for stopping by.
W&P is hard to get into at first. There are a lot of names and a lot of storylines but once you get over that hump it's not too bad. It will take time though to read it.
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteI will get to W&P...but it'll have to be a paperback (or Kindle!). It seems like it should be a winter read, so maybe next year. Thanks for stopping by!