Top 3 books you've read....? and the most overated?
Discussion
Best
Use of Weapons - Banks
Hyperion - Dan Simmons (following recommendations from this forum)
Lord of the Rings - Tolkien (won't be popular I'd imagine but read it many times since very young and is a magnificent story arc. There's a few chapters I always skip though)
Special mention for anything Solzhenitsyn but no room!
Worst
Have to agree with Karouac On the Road, truly awful self indulgent rubbish.
Tin Drum - Gunter Grass dirge dirge dirge
Pratchett - Sorry and all that but I tried a few at various friends behest and just couldn't see what the fuss was about. Struggled to finish them.
Use of Weapons - Banks
Hyperion - Dan Simmons (following recommendations from this forum)
Lord of the Rings - Tolkien (won't be popular I'd imagine but read it many times since very young and is a magnificent story arc. There's a few chapters I always skip though)
Special mention for anything Solzhenitsyn but no room!
Worst
Have to agree with Karouac On the Road, truly awful self indulgent rubbish.
Tin Drum - Gunter Grass dirge dirge dirge
Pratchett - Sorry and all that but I tried a few at various friends behest and just couldn't see what the fuss was about. Struggled to finish them.
Books give me chronic neckache so I listen on Audible these days. As such, my choices may be influenced by the performance of the reader.
Best:-
1. The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexander Dumas. Epic tale of wrong doing and most exquisite revenge.
2. Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand. Another epic, railroads, politics and power struggles. Tough going in places (Damn, she could go on a bit) but worth it for the story.
3. Red Notice - Bill Browder. Non-fiction autobiography of a man who irritates the Russian government, pays the consequences and fights back. Jaw-dropping.
(4) Master and Margerita - Mikhail Bulgakov. Misses out due to the dull Biblical sections, but the Russian story is great.
Overrated:-
1. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Too damn confusing.
2. Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari. What was all the fuss about? Interesting for the first quarter then dishwater.
Best:-
1. The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexander Dumas. Epic tale of wrong doing and most exquisite revenge.
2. Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand. Another epic, railroads, politics and power struggles. Tough going in places (Damn, she could go on a bit) but worth it for the story.
3. Red Notice - Bill Browder. Non-fiction autobiography of a man who irritates the Russian government, pays the consequences and fights back. Jaw-dropping.
(4) Master and Margerita - Mikhail Bulgakov. Misses out due to the dull Biblical sections, but the Russian story is great.
Overrated:-
1. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Too damn confusing.
2. Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari. What was all the fuss about? Interesting for the first quarter then dishwater.
Edited by toasty on Sunday 14th April 22:45
Oh, difficult question. Perhaps catch-22, heart of darkness and fear and loathing in las Vegas, with master and margarita jostling for a place. I liked in the road. The big, sprawling novels by James clavell like shogun are meticulously researched and written too
I was recommended a book called perfume...a few days of my life I will never get back
I was recommended a book called perfume...a few days of my life I will never get back
Edited by biggbn on Saturday 27th April 15:35
biggbn said:
Oh, difficult question. Perhaps catch-22, heart of darkness and fear and loathing in las Vegas, with master and margarita jostling for a place. I liked in the road. The big, sprawling novels by James clavell like shogun are meticulously researched and written too
I was recommended a book called perfume...a few days of my life I will never get back
Oh, that reminds me, Perfume was a fantastic book. Definitely in the top 10, if not the top 3. I was recommended a book called perfume...a few days of my life I will never get back
Edited by biggbn on Saturday 27th April 15:35
Blimey, this will be tricky. Although I might simply go for what lists today....
Good
History Of The World in 10 1/2 Chapters - Julian Barnes
The Lord Of The Rings - Tolkien
Arguably - Christopher Hitchens.
Bad
Finnegan’s Wake - Joyce (Ulysses is the “lite” alternative)
Anything by Jane Austen
Anything by Shaun Hutson
Good
History Of The World in 10 1/2 Chapters - Julian Barnes
The Lord Of The Rings - Tolkien
Arguably - Christopher Hitchens.
Bad
Finnegan’s Wake - Joyce (Ulysses is the “lite” alternative)
Anything by Jane Austen
Anything by Shaun Hutson
Can’t believe that I have never posted on this thread... maybe I already have?1
There are so many, list below is today and is really more the authors than the books, although these are probably my (current favourites).
1) Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami
2) A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving
3) Any Human Heart - William Boyd.
Least liked
Lord of the Flies - William Golding. dull, obvious, depressing - inflicted by an unimaginative English department at school that almost put me off a lifetime’s love of reading.
Anything by Dan Brown. I am not usually a snob about authors - nothing wrong with a good holiday read, but really, these are poor.
I’ll keep you safe by Peter Mays. A bit rough as this is front of mind as I have just finished it. I have read some of his other stuff which is ok (Coffin Road is fine), but this is shocking. It feels like a plot devised after a hard night on cheap white wine, phoned in to a 14 year old relative to get the emotional insight, with dialogue written by someone who had been alone since birth. All in all, not great!
There are so many, list below is today and is really more the authors than the books, although these are probably my (current favourites).
1) Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami
2) A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving
3) Any Human Heart - William Boyd.
Least liked
Lord of the Flies - William Golding. dull, obvious, depressing - inflicted by an unimaginative English department at school that almost put me off a lifetime’s love of reading.
Anything by Dan Brown. I am not usually a snob about authors - nothing wrong with a good holiday read, but really, these are poor.
I’ll keep you safe by Peter Mays. A bit rough as this is front of mind as I have just finished it. I have read some of his other stuff which is ok (Coffin Road is fine), but this is shocking. It feels like a plot devised after a hard night on cheap white wine, phoned in to a 14 year old relative to get the emotional insight, with dialogue written by someone who had been alone since birth. All in all, not great!
I've read a number of books that have stayed with me. My top three:
The Hobbit. I didn't like it when it was obligatory at school, but read it to my kids, all of them. It is charming. Silly, but charming. Although an adult novel, it seems so childlike that it pulls me in every time. LotR not so much, but still ok.
The Strange One. Well worth digging out, especially for teenagers. It was attitude changing, as was To Kill a Mockingbird. I read the latter a second time when my younger daughter read it as part of her As or Os. Still just as involving and revealing.
Slaughterhouse 5. I was brought up in the aftermath of war when opinions on carpet bombing were discussed, often critically. It was the last book my father ever bought me. My discussions with him about what he called Aiming Point Cathedral Bombing brought him and my extended family closer. I wish it had been published earlier. A bit like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, although that was by no means an easy read. I had another go at Zen some years later and it became a bit clearer.
Most overrated?
I'm with those who condemn Austin. I think Pride and Prejudice, the series from the mid 90s, was one of the best TV series ever. I read the book after, and all the way through. I found it appalling, even allowing for the change in writing styles over the years. The characters, especially the males, weren't even 2-dimensional. I read Vanity Fair and, although not an easy read, it did at least tell you something. The Brontes = Austin in hills. Jane Ayre should have been called Outrageous Coincidences. It was almost funny.
I've tried War and Peace. I failed every time. Perhaps it's better in the original language. Perhaps that doesn't make it overrated, but that defence doesn't apply to Catch 22. It was an interesting read, but doesn't even approach the hype.
But the winner for me, and by a parsec or two, is the bible. Not uncommon as overrated in this list I've noted. Nicely written, clever language, dreadful content. It, unfortunately, changes lives.
Best underrated authors
Not asked for I know, but I went on a creative writing course with a 'facilitator' who agreed with some very odd women in the class, or rather group, who really slammed Hemingway. The word overrated was used many times and it seemed to be the 'accepted' view of those who knew that they knew best. My short story came bottom of the course's submissions. It was torn apart by some; really quite nasty criticisms. No one got their stories published. That is, apart from me.
However, I found Hemingway's books well written, interesting, involving, exciting, engrossing and they gave a point of view which, though not popular currently, was his. He puts it over well. Farewell to Arms is ridiculed nowadays by many sections of the community but it's his story. I've got his Notes book. Just jottings really, but fascinating. He's not the most likeable of authors, but that's of no matter. It's the books that should be judged.
The Hobbit. I didn't like it when it was obligatory at school, but read it to my kids, all of them. It is charming. Silly, but charming. Although an adult novel, it seems so childlike that it pulls me in every time. LotR not so much, but still ok.
The Strange One. Well worth digging out, especially for teenagers. It was attitude changing, as was To Kill a Mockingbird. I read the latter a second time when my younger daughter read it as part of her As or Os. Still just as involving and revealing.
Slaughterhouse 5. I was brought up in the aftermath of war when opinions on carpet bombing were discussed, often critically. It was the last book my father ever bought me. My discussions with him about what he called Aiming Point Cathedral Bombing brought him and my extended family closer. I wish it had been published earlier. A bit like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, although that was by no means an easy read. I had another go at Zen some years later and it became a bit clearer.
Most overrated?
I'm with those who condemn Austin. I think Pride and Prejudice, the series from the mid 90s, was one of the best TV series ever. I read the book after, and all the way through. I found it appalling, even allowing for the change in writing styles over the years. The characters, especially the males, weren't even 2-dimensional. I read Vanity Fair and, although not an easy read, it did at least tell you something. The Brontes = Austin in hills. Jane Ayre should have been called Outrageous Coincidences. It was almost funny.
I've tried War and Peace. I failed every time. Perhaps it's better in the original language. Perhaps that doesn't make it overrated, but that defence doesn't apply to Catch 22. It was an interesting read, but doesn't even approach the hype.
But the winner for me, and by a parsec or two, is the bible. Not uncommon as overrated in this list I've noted. Nicely written, clever language, dreadful content. It, unfortunately, changes lives.
Best underrated authors
Not asked for I know, but I went on a creative writing course with a 'facilitator' who agreed with some very odd women in the class, or rather group, who really slammed Hemingway. The word overrated was used many times and it seemed to be the 'accepted' view of those who knew that they knew best. My short story came bottom of the course's submissions. It was torn apart by some; really quite nasty criticisms. No one got their stories published. That is, apart from me.
However, I found Hemingway's books well written, interesting, involving, exciting, engrossing and they gave a point of view which, though not popular currently, was his. He puts it over well. Farewell to Arms is ridiculed nowadays by many sections of the community but it's his story. I've got his Notes book. Just jottings really, but fascinating. He's not the most likeable of authors, but that's of no matter. It's the books that should be judged.
Edited by Derek Smith on Thursday 27th June 20:33
For me, best:
Silmarillion, Tolkien
1984 , Orwell
Belgariad series, Eddings (was young when I read this and loved it).
For me worst:
Malazan Book of the Fallen, Erikson
I was hardcore fantasy reader when I picked these up.
Amazing world depth but takes no prisoners in babysitting the reader.
Gave up the series by book four.
Dune by Herbert.
Tore through half the book in a short time. 3rd quarter took about a month. Last part has been sitting on my table for about 6 months.
I do try every so often but sod me its a drag. Its all signposted where its going......maybe I'm wrong...
Silmarillion, Tolkien
1984 , Orwell
Belgariad series, Eddings (was young when I read this and loved it).
For me worst:
Malazan Book of the Fallen, Erikson
I was hardcore fantasy reader when I picked these up.
Amazing world depth but takes no prisoners in babysitting the reader.
Gave up the series by book four.
Dune by Herbert.
Tore through half the book in a short time. 3rd quarter took about a month. Last part has been sitting on my table for about 6 months.
I do try every so often but sod me its a drag. Its all signposted where its going......maybe I'm wrong...
Edited by Jazzer77 on Thursday 27th June 21:43
Jazzer77 said:
Dune by Herbert.
Tore through half the book in a short time. 3rd quarter took about a month. Last part has been sitting on my table for about 6 months.
I do try every so often but sod me its a drag. Its all signposted where its going......maybe I'm wrong...
It can't be that hard to read, I read Dune when I was in my final year of junior school (I may have been a little precocious... ) on my Dad's recommendation. I may have missed some of the subtleties, but I don't remember that much of it now other than still suits and giant sand worms. Tore through half the book in a short time. 3rd quarter took about a month. Last part has been sitting on my table for about 6 months.
I do try every so often but sod me its a drag. Its all signposted where its going......maybe I'm wrong...
Derek Smith said:
However, I found Hemingway's books well written, interesting, involving, exciting, engrossing and they gave a point of view which, though not popular currently, was his. He puts it over well. Farewell to Arms is ridiculed nowadays by many sections of the community but it's his story. I've got his Notes book. Just jottings really, but fascinating. He's not the most likeable of authors, but that's of no matter. It's the books that should be judged.
I really enjoyed For Whom The Bell Tolls and Farewell To Arms when I read them as a teenager, but I've not managed to get through other Hemingway books I've tried to read in recent years.Ps. I once forced myself to read Wuthering Heights and tried and failed to read other Bronte and Jane Austen novels . I really cannot understand the appeal to so many. The Brontes and Jane Austen had almost zero life experience and the books appear to reflect that.
Best books is such a tricky thing, I guess those that have stayed with me over the years are:
1) A the Loch of the Green Corrie by Andrew Greig - being a Sutherland native and having also met Norman McCaig (one of the key subjects of the book) on several occasions it has always resonated with me.
2) Any Human Heart by William Boyd - I think this is a classic modern novel, hugely entertaining.
3) Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy - the first "grown up" book I remember reading. It seemed huge and boring - but it was the first time I remember a book just grabbing me and I had to spend every spare minute reading it.
Worst - or, more accurately, disappointing after such high hopes:
1) On the Road by Jack Kerouac
2) Brighton Rock by Graham Greene
3) America Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
1) A the Loch of the Green Corrie by Andrew Greig - being a Sutherland native and having also met Norman McCaig (one of the key subjects of the book) on several occasions it has always resonated with me.
2) Any Human Heart by William Boyd - I think this is a classic modern novel, hugely entertaining.
3) Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy - the first "grown up" book I remember reading. It seemed huge and boring - but it was the first time I remember a book just grabbing me and I had to spend every spare minute reading it.
Worst - or, more accurately, disappointing after such high hopes:
1) On the Road by Jack Kerouac
2) Brighton Rock by Graham Greene
3) America Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
MC Bodge said:
I really enjoyed For Whom The Bell Tolls and Farewell To Arms when I read them as a teenager, but I've not managed to get through other Hemingway books I've tried to read in recent years.
Ps. I once forced myself to read Wuthering Heights and tried and failed to read other Bronte and Jane Austen novels . I really cannot understand the appeal to so many. The Brontes and Jane Austen had almost zero life experience and the books appear to reflect that.
I read an article where it was suggest that Austen was the first feminist. The logic was that because she complained that it was unfair that inheritances could be entailed away from females, ie her own selfish interests, it made her a flag-waver for the current lot. It was only of interest to a small group of upper-middle class women. There was no concern for the mass of humanity having to work for a living. We were being asked to feel sorry for a couple of sisters that had to do their own washing, although they had help for the really hard work. But all ended nicely as they moved away to a life of luxury at the end.Ps. I once forced myself to read Wuthering Heights and tried and failed to read other Bronte and Jane Austen novels . I really cannot understand the appeal to so many. The Brontes and Jane Austen had almost zero life experience and the books appear to reflect that.
Is that feminism?
I think you've nailed the problem for me, at least, with the A's and the Bs' novels. They are more or less fantasy. Poor little rich girl gets rich again - is that the only dream for women? The men are very badly drawn in the main, almost caricatures. If they'd written it as fantasy, like The Hobbit, then all would be forgiven, but there was nothing to relate to unless you dreamed of the good old days. Emma - I mean to say. Get off your bottom and do some work that doesn't involve a needle and fine thread and I might find something to relate to.
Hemingway's two novels you mention were his best I agree. For Whom the Bell Tolls was one of my early reads, and I read it a number of times. I had an uncle who fought in the international brigade. He sailed boats across to Spain, one being so severely damaged by bombs that he returned in a different one. MPs threatened to remove UK citizenship for those who fought in Spain, you know, against the country that was soon to bomb this country. You can see why I found it fascinating, although very sad.
The Old Man and the Sea was not so engrossing.
The criticism of him has exploded since his love of bullfighting has been emphasised. It's a big negative I agree, but it's got nothing to do with the quality of his writing. The books remain and should not be critcised on the fact that he seems to enjoy being cruel to animals.
His morals were clear. If you feel good afterwards, it is moral. If you feel bad for doing whatever you did, it is immoral. Or, to put it another way; morals are subjective.
towser said:
Best books is such a tricky thing, I guess those that have stayed with me over the years are:
1) A the Loch of the Green Corrie by Andrew Greig - being a Sutherland native and having also met Norman McCaig (one of the key subjects of the book) on several occasions it has always resonated with me.
2) Any Human Heart by William Boyd - I think this is a classic modern novel, hugely entertaining.
3) Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy - the first "grown up" book I remember reading. It seemed huge and boring - but it was the first time I remember a book just grabbing me and I had to spend every spare minute reading it.
Worst - or, more accurately, disappointing after such high hopes:
1) On the Road by Jack Kerouac
2) Brighton Rock by Graham Greene
3) America Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
I loved In Another Light by Andrew Greig and The Return of John McNab was good as well, I will read your recommendation now. Thanks. 1) A the Loch of the Green Corrie by Andrew Greig - being a Sutherland native and having also met Norman McCaig (one of the key subjects of the book) on several occasions it has always resonated with me.
2) Any Human Heart by William Boyd - I think this is a classic modern novel, hugely entertaining.
3) Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy - the first "grown up" book I remember reading. It seemed huge and boring - but it was the first time I remember a book just grabbing me and I had to spend every spare minute reading it.
Worst - or, more accurately, disappointing after such high hopes:
1) On the Road by Jack Kerouac
2) Brighton Rock by Graham Greene
3) America Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
Agree re William Boyd.
It was a long time ago, but pretentious, precocious teenage me lived On The Road. I was in City Lights bookshop earlier this week, on holiday in California - must be time to re-read it; although I may be setting myself up for a fall....
Best books
1) Adrian Newey's autobiography - well worth a read as it gives an insight into him as a person and he is far more rebellious than he looks.
2) Jackie Chan's auto biography - some eye opening parts to it
3) Prof Steven Peters The Chimp Paradox - once i read that i realised that pretty much everyone i know is controlled by their chimp , made a difference.
Worst
1) American Psycho - absolute rubbish
2) Any of the Fire and Ice sage by G R R Martin - see above
3) Small gods by Terry Pratchett - surprisingly as i do like his work but that was hard going and not his usual work for me
1) Adrian Newey's autobiography - well worth a read as it gives an insight into him as a person and he is far more rebellious than he looks.
2) Jackie Chan's auto biography - some eye opening parts to it
3) Prof Steven Peters The Chimp Paradox - once i read that i realised that pretty much everyone i know is controlled by their chimp , made a difference.
Worst
1) American Psycho - absolute rubbish
2) Any of the Fire and Ice sage by G R R Martin - see above
3) Small gods by Terry Pratchett - surprisingly as i do like his work but that was hard going and not his usual work for me
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