Great books

[glittertigger]

In the past month I've finally made time for some of the books which have been on my "to read" list for years. It was well worth it; I've already found three books, from different genres, which contain beautiful prose, compelling narratives (I sat up late into the night because I couldn't bear to put them down) and thought-provoking writing which doesn't shy away from difficult questions. In case you are curious they are,

Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card
The Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
Stalingrad - Anthony Beevor

I also read the sequels to Ender's Game but rather regretted it, as the series seems to get worse as it goes along. I'd be interested in suggestions for other books you think I'd like. Don't assume I read anything worthwhile at school, as I went to left wing comprehensives in the days before the national curriculum and we mostly read trendy 1960s rubbish! We didn't do any Shakespeare; we read Arthur Miller plays instead as they were more "relevant". We missed out all pre-20th century poetry and got landed with bollocks like Philip Larkin. And yes, I am still cross...

Comments

[abi]

Yes yes yes. It is one of my favourite books EVER. I haven't read it for a few months, must dust off my copy. NB do NOT attempt to read the sequel (Three Men on the Bummel), but instead accept the advice of the disappointed few who have already done so.

[hatmandu.livejournal.com]

advice of the disappointed few - indeed, advice I have already yielded to!

[htfb.livejournal.com]

You've missed the sound advice about overhauling bicycles, then, unless someone who's read TMOTB has shared it with you. There are good bits.