February 18, 2009
grace in small things: twenty
Five books I love, with thanks to Sarah, who got me thinking about this.
1. The English Patient, by Michael Ondaatje. Easily the most beautiful novel I have ever read; Ondaatje is a poet, and his novels are infused with mezmerizing language.
2. Persuasion, by Jane Austen. The classic tale of losing love, finding yourself, and getting what you want — written by an author who knew how important proper grammar was.
3. Possession, by A. S. Byatt. A novel about narrative, because I’m a nerd like that.
4. Waiting for Winter, by John O’Hara. Short stories from the 40s and 50s; read them with a vodka tonic at your elbow and some jazz on the stereo.
5. Bleak House, by Charles Dickens. The first detective novel. Yes, really!
Posted by Susan @ 12:24 pm • grace in small things
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February 18th, 2009 at 1:29 pm, Sue @ My Party of 6 Says:
And now I must go to the library! Great post!
February 18th, 2009 at 1:36 pm, Kate Says:
I love Persuasion!I re-read a bunch of Jane Austen books last year and that emerged as my favorite. Thanks for sharing!
February 18th, 2009 at 1:44 pm, ali Says:
seriously? The English Patient is the ONE book i’ve NEVER been able to finish. i’ve tried about six times. i just can’t get through it. and in general, i’m a Michael Ondaatje fan.
February 18th, 2009 at 1:57 pm, Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah Says:
I’ve only read #2 ( I LOVE Austen).
I’m adding the other four to my list to read.
February 18th, 2009 at 3:00 pm, Deborah Tomai Says:
I had to read Bleak House in college, and it took me forever to get into it. Once I got used to the writing and language (and figured out who the many characters were), I really enjoyed it.
February 18th, 2009 at 3:10 pm, Blythe Says:
I adore Possession. Even though no one I recommend it to ever manages to finish it. All that tedious POETRY, you know.
February 18th, 2009 at 7:01 pm, Kim Yamaguchi Says:
I bawled through most of Possession. And I flatly refuse to see the movie.
February 18th, 2009 at 8:54 pm, Mara Says:
I love Persuasion. With all the Austin-mania of the past few years, I can’t figure out why it’s the forgotten one. Everybody goes on about Pride and Prejudice, and Emma…
February 19th, 2009 at 12:32 pm, EllenW Says:
I love Possession as well and admire all the different writing styles contained in one novel. While not as complex as the book, I also did enjoy the movie - Aaron Eckhardt (sp?) looking quite sexy.
February 19th, 2009 at 5:50 pm, Sarah Says:
I hate posts like this because they FORCE me to stop by the library on the way home. Lol, but outside of that, OH MY GOD, I love Bleak House too! Nobody else ever knows what I’m talking about, but WHAT A GREAT BOOK!
I might be new around here, but I can already tell I’m going to like you.
February 19th, 2009 at 9:50 pm, Torry Says:
I read two of these books, Possession and The English Patient, while in college. I think these two books were more interesting with some serious debate, er, discussion to clarify and focus one’s thoughts. Another plus was having an insightful instructor who made even a morning class seem possible. (Wonder how she did that?!)