This is a stack of a few of my all time favourite books. Seriously people, seriously. Everyone should read these titles. At least once. And then again, every five years or so.
1. Tess of the D'urbervilles, Mayor of Casterbridge - Thomas Hardy
What can I say about Thomas Hardy? The surprising thing is that I barely remember how I discovered him. I think I just blindly chose a book from the shelf of the best used book store ever. It turned out to be Tess of the d'Urbervilles and I was hooked from that moment.
(Chris you may have also had something to do with this, I'm not sure?)
Thomas Hardy's books have the best characters, the best descriptions of landscapes and surroundings and always, always end in the most disastrous, wretched, misery that you can ever imagine. He is my all time, all time favourite author and I force him on anyone who will listen.
2. Pride and Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility - Jane Austen
You know those movies that have come out recently about people who just want to curl up on Friday nights with their old worn out Jane Austen novels and read to their heart's content? Well, that is me and has been me for years.
Pride and Prejudice is the best, best, BEST "romance" ever written with the most interesting, complicated characters ever. All of her books are worth reading, but these two are my favourites. I'm re-reading Sense and Sensibility right now and I seriously can't put it down.
(And if you want to watch the movie instead, you have to rent the one with Colin Firth, there is no other Mr. Darcy.)
3. 1984 - George Orwell
This is also a book that I think everyone should read. I remember the first time I read it, I would literally find myself curled up in the fetal position due to the repression the characters in the book suffer under. So good, makes you so incredibly thankful for the life we are lucky enough to live.
4.Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
Give this book a chance! I know a few people who have started it, become totally confused and put it down. Once you understand how it's laid out, it's an incredible read. The mind who came up with this - too much.
5. The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver
I love books that come at you from different characters points of view and this is one of the best I've read. A bit Mosquito Coast-like, but way, way better.
6. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
This book is similar to 1984, the repression is unbelievable, but add to that the disgusting rituals...you'll be hooked and won't be able to put it down. And Atwood's writing always draws me in.
Now that I have lots of time off, I'm planning on re-reading a few of my favourites. Next on my list was Tess, but since it's on loan I'll move on to either The Woodlanders or The Return of the Native. There is one Hardy book I haven't read yet (A Pair of Blue Eyes). I just can't bring myself to do it.
6 comments:
i completely agree with the time traveller's wife (i couldn't put it down) and the handmaid's tale... two i would add to my list... a must to read is "unless" by carol shields, and "saving graces" by.... something gaffney. i just reread it over the weekend. lovely story.
chantoon.
Your list is kinetically connected to mine! I would also toss in She's Come Undone. I so relate to that book on some level. Speaking of best, I still have your Tess of D book. I'm terribly sorry it's taking me a century to get it back to you.
I promise to bring it when I see you this month!
PS: I'm loving how you're doing your blog, with the little photos and everything. Very charming.
We have a few favorite authors in common - Austen and Hardy. You might also enjoy Elizabeth Gaskell. I'm also fond of Anthony Trollope but the trials of country parsons may be an acquired taste. If you haven't visited Russell's Books (for used books) on Fort street, downtown - give it a try (go upstairs!) And Munro's on Government street has got to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, for decor anyway (when you go inside, look up.) They also have a good selection, not just the current airport lounge blockbusters.
"A Pair of Blue Eyes" is a hard go... and then you'll have read all of Hardy's books, so doubly depressing. You have to do it sooner or later, though.
Did you throw your book at the end of "Two in a Tower"? :)
Great choices, pretty much matching my list, if I had one, except for some reason I think "Mansfield Park" is my favorite Austen.
Chantoon - I'll definitely add Gafney to my list. thanks!
IG - I tried She's Come Undone a long time ago, couldn't get into it. I should give it another go.
Ben - Thanks for the recommendation! The only store I know of (by sight) is the one on Johnson - I'm not sure what it's called, and might be more of a comic book store?
Munro's is definitely on my list of must-see locations - soon. Maybe this weekend!
Monkey - I haven't read Two in a Tower yet either - oops...yay!!!
I taped Mansfield Park in the spring, I'm planning to watch it tomorrow with a big pot of tea. Somehow tea always goes along with Austen movies, even though I'm a coffee drinker.
Sadly, I haven't read any of these books. I like the blurbs you gave and I will have to give some of these a go. Best book I have read is The Alchemist...forget the author but he is from Brazil.
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