Consider This Classic

Showing posts with label Consider This Classic. Show all posts

Consider This Classic: Tara Recommends

Aug 7, 2015

Consider This Classic is a monthly feature where bloggers highlight and recommend their favorite classic. They'll tell you when they first read it, why they love it and where to go from there.

Today, Tara from The Librarian Who Doesn't Say Shhh! is recommending a book that isn't just her favorite classic - it's her favorite book ever. I KNOW! I'm ashamed to admit that I've never read this classic. I somehow missed it in high school, even though it's typically assigned reading then. Tara has definitely made me feel like I need to pick it up, and she also wins for one of my favorite blog names. So clever!

1984 by George Orwell

Publication Year: 1949
Originally Published In: United Kingdom
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."

Winston Smith works for the Ministry of truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent - even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101...

Ninteen Eighty-Four is George Orwell's terrifying vision of a totalitarian future in which everything and everyone is slave to a tyrannical regime.

I first read 1984 in ninth grade, and I think it was one of the only books I actually read that year. I fell in love immediately! The novel has always felt like “my” novel because I was born in 1984. I have grown up in the time that Orwell predicted would be bleak and miserable, censored and controlled. Since my original read, I have read the book twice more for class assignments and once on my own. It's not just my favorite classic -- it's my favorite book. Period.

It may not be the original dystopian novel, but 1984 is the book that inspired so many of the dystopian novels in the modern day. And there's a good reason why the story has been so inspirational! The world Orwell crafts is at once terrifying and fascinating. This is a world where every aspect of life is controlled by the State, and the State can convince you of anything. One of my favorite lines (and one of the most popular), demonstrates this perfectly:

"In the end the Party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it."

I am not pessimistic to the point where I believe our society will ever face the level of extreme control that would result in Thought Police, but I do think that 1984 brings up some important questions about government and personal freedom. Reading this book makes me appreciate my comfortable life where I can write what I want, read what I want, and love who I want.

Any modern dystopian novel could be considered similar, but I would like to recommend two other classics that take up similar themes in similarly influential ways: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

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Consider This Classic: Melissa Recommends

Jul 9, 2015

Consider This Classic is a monthly feature where bloggers highlight and recommend their favorite classic. They'll tell you when they first read it, why they love it and where to go from there.

I was excited when Melissa from Writer Grrl Reads wanted to participate in this feature! I've been reading Melissa's blog for a while, and she's always been fun to talk to on Twitter. I love that she reads a mix of adult and young adult, and I particularly enjoy that she often features backlist titles on her blog!

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Publication Year: 1979
Originally Published In: Germany
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

This epic work of the imagination has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide since it was first published more than a decade ago. Its special story within a story is an irresistible invitation for readers to become part of the book itself. And now this modern classic and bibliophile's dream is available in hardcover again.

The story begins with a lonely boy named Bastian and the strange book that draws him into the beautiful but doomed world of Fantastica. Only a human can save this enchanted place - by giving its ruler, the Childlike Empress, a new name. But the journey to her tower leads through lands of dragons, giants, monsters, and magic - and once Bastian begins his quest, he may never return. As he is drawn deeper into Fantastica, he must find the mysteries of his own heart.

In Grade 5, in the midst of being bullied at school. I yearned to find a book like The Neverending Story, where I could literally dive right in and be free of school and its bullies.

See above, but also because it's a book that's just full of a boy's love for reading. It has the most amazing characters and it's full of fantastical adventures. It's also a great male protagonist book, which are, unfortunately, still not as prevalent as they should be.

After The Neverending Story, I went on to read most of Piers Anthony's Xanth series.

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Consider This Classic: Bella Recommends

Jun 4, 2015

Consider This Classic is a monthly feature where bloggers highlight and recommend their favorite classic. They'll tell you when they first read it, why they love it and where to go from there.

I absolutely love Bella from Ciao Bella's recommendation! It's one of my favorite classics, so I was thrilled when I saw she'd chosen it. I was also excited because Bella's submission actually introduced me to her blog, and it's absolutely adorable! So, please read her recommendation and her blog. I have a feeling you'll enjoy both!

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Publication Year: 1960
Originally Published In: United States
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)
The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic.

Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill A Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior - to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos. Now with over 18 million copies in print and translated into ten languages, this regional story by a young Alabama woman claims universal appeal. Harper Lee always considered her book to be a simple love story. Today it is regarded as a masterpiece of American literature.

I first read To Kill a Mockingbird when I was in middle school. Always an avid reader, I asked my mom if she had any classics to recommend I read during my summer vacation. Her first suggestion? Harper Lee's first, and only, novel. I'm so glad she told me to give it a try, as To Kill a Mockingbird is still one of my favorite books today. I'll discuss Atticus Finch, young Scout, and Boo Radley with anyone ANY day, so I was delighted that I was able to revisit the story last year in English class. School is so much more fun when you're writing about a beloved classic!

To Kill a Mockingbird will always hold a dear place in my heart. Harper Lee writes of childhood innocence, racial inequality, and human nature with realism and hints of humor, reaching audiences of all ages. The characters in the Maycomb community are deeply flawed, especially from a modern standpoint, yet they remain beloved figures in literature. Though set in the 1930's and written at the height of the Civil Rights movement, To Kill a Mockingbird has just of big of an impact today as it did when it was first published. That, to me anyways, is a sign of a significant and well-written read.

Because the novel frequently appears in school curriculums, I think it is easy to ignore the beauty of Lee's storytelling. Lee has a distinct and remarkable way with words, but I fear Scout's story can be lost amidst the essays and journals one must write on the book. It's no wonder, then, I push this classic on other people the most, whether they are experiencing the story for the first time or returning to Maycomb for a re-read!

Fortunately for To Kill a Mockingbird fans, there are many books that have similar themes or ideas as the beloved classic.

Three Times Lucky by Shelia Turnage / Turnage's novel is another popular books, albeit for a different reason: it was a Newbury Honor book in 2013. The stories of To Kill a Mockingbird and Three Times Lucky are widely different, but both protagonists remind me of one another. Scout and Mo share a similar voice, and I have no doubt middle grade fans will adore this timeless mystery.

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley / Talley's debut was recently published in 2014, and I have not stopped recommending it since I read it in November! Like To Kill a Mockingbird, the story tackles racism; however, Talley focuses her efforts in the late 1950's. It hurts to read of such dark times in American history, but it's an important topic to discuss.

If you want even more To Kill a Mockingbird "read-alikes," I wrote up a whole post on the subject! Feel free to take a look here. And, of course, one can never discount the film version starring Gregory Peck as Atticus :)

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Consider This Classic: Kailia Recommends

May 14, 2015

Consider This Classic is a monthly feature where bloggers highlight and recommend their favorite classic. They'll tell you when they first read it, why they love it and where to go from there.

Today, I've got Kailia from Life According to a Bibliophile recommending her favorite classic! I've had such great conversations with Kailia on Twitter and enjoy seeing what she's up to on her blog. So, I was delighted when she wanted to participate in this feature! I think I've only read the abridged version of this classic - so clearly I need to remedy that oversight.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Publication Year: 1844-1845
Originally Published In: France
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)
"On what slender threads do life and fortune hang."

Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantès is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration. Dumas' epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment, was a huge popular success when it was first serialised in the 1840s.

I first read this book in the 10th grade for my honors English class and I loved it so much, I ended up reading it within two days. I've loved it since.

When I initially heard about this book, I wasn't impressed but after reading it, my mind was changed completely. This book is filled with so much suspense and mystery that it'll leave you at the edge of your seat. Even when you think you've figured out the mystery, an unexpected twist will throw you off. Yes, this book is huge but believe it or not, everything that happens in this book is necessary for the story line and honestly, once you start reading, you won't want to stop. Even more so, I was impressed with Alexandre Dumas' ability to keep so many different story lines in check. In the beginning, nothing seems to make sense but by the time the story ends, all the mystery is solved and all of the connections have been formed. Really, there's not much more I can say about this book except for the fact that this book is beyond brilliant!

Burn for Burn Trilogy by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian: When I was thinking of what books to recommend, this trilogy was the first one that came to mind. Even though this trilogy has a supernatural twist to it, it's still very similar.

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard: Who doesn't think of this series when they think of revenge? There's just something so creepy and mysterious about the events in this series that makes it all so entertaining.

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Consider This Classic: Kim Recommends

Apr 20, 2015

Consider This Classic is a monthly feature where bloggers highlight and recommend their favorite classic. They'll tell you when they first read it, why they love it and where to go from there!

I was so excited when I saw what Kim from What Kim Read Next was recommending! Like her, I fell in love with the BBC mini-series version of this book long before I actually read it. After being reminded of how much I loved it, I re-watched the show and am planning to re-read the book soon! I love that she's an Austen fan too and have so loved exploring her blog.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Publication Year: 1855
Originally Published In: England
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

When her father leaves the Church in a crisis of conscience, Margaret Hale is uprooted from her comfortable home in Hampshire to move with her family to the north of England. Initially repulsed by the ugliness of her new surroundings in the industrial town of Milton, Margaret becomes aware of the poverty and suffering of the local mill workers and develops a passionate sense of social justice. This is intensified by her tempestuous relationship with the mill-owner and self-made man, John Thornton, as their fierce opposition over his treatment of his employees masks a deeper attraction. In North and South, Elizabeth Gaskell skillfully fuses individual feeling with social concern, and in Margaret Hale creates one of the most original heroines of Victorian literature.

I may have my status as a classic literature lover revoked for saying this, but I originally found out about North & South after watching the 2004 BBC adaptation starring Richard Armitage and Daniela Denby-Ashe a few years ago. After falling in love with the adaptation, I just had to read the book!

Margaret and Thornton are two people very set in their ways and firm in their beliefs, and watching them both come to accept their shortcomings and gain an appreciation for the other's way of life is so lovely to read. Gaskell was also a woman way ahead of her time, and the way she is able to weave social and political commentary throughout the story is masterful.

I've seen North and South described as an industrial Pride and Prejudice, which I think is an apt description. It also reminds me a little of Charlotte Bronte's Shirley.

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Consider This Classic: Zeee Recommends

Mar 10, 2015

Consider This Classic is a monthly feature where bloggers highlight and recommend their favorite classic. They'll tell you when they first read it, why they love it and where to go from there. If you'd like to participate in Consider This Classic, click here to sign up.

Although I haven't read this month's recommendation, I'm excited to feature some science fiction in Consider This Classic! When I saw what Zeee from I Heart Romance recommended, it reminded me that there's a pretty big gap in my classics background when it comes to science fiction. I somehow made it through school without reading any, as far as I can remember. And I loved learning that Zee sleeps with her Nook under her pillow, reads multiple books at one time and loves re-reading. I'm so excited to have her on my blog today!

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Publication Year: 1870
Originally Published In: France
Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Summary (from Barnes & Noble)
When Professor Pierre Aronnax and harpoonist Ned Land join an expedtion to hunt a fierce "whale" that has been sinking ships, little do they expect that they will soon become captives of Captain Nemo, a self-exiled renegade who prowls the sea in his magnificent submarine, the Nautilus, seeking revenge against the civilized world that he feels has betrayed him. Aboard the Nautilus, Aronnax and Land are introduced to an undersea world that is mysterious, marvelous, and exhilirating, and have extraordinary adventures among the flora and fauna of the ocean.

First published in 1870 as one of Jules Verne's "Extraordinary Voyages," Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is revered as a landmark of science fiction and a classic tale of wonder.

I read this book back in 4th grade and was instantly hooked. At that time, I was still reading the Sweet Valley series (yes! THAT one) and I had stumbled upon a copy of this book at a local bookstore.

Despite a lot of controversy about translations of Jules Verne's books, I loved this story so much that I read his two other famous works (A Journey to the Center of the Earth and Around the World in Eighty Days). This book also started my love for Science Fiction even though I do not read a lot of Sci-Fi books these days. I still remember my fascination while reading 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and devoured page after page. I loved reading about submarines and machines written at a time when all these things weren't even thought possible.

I never really thought of books that are similar to this but there are movies based on this book. The 1954 film starring Kirk Douglas is the only one I can remember off the top of my head.

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Consider This Classic: Melliott Recommends

Feb 12, 2015

Today I've got Melliott from the Burbank Public Library (she's got a cool art blog, too!) here sharing her favorite classic. I was thrilled when I read this recommendation because I've never heard of the book - or author - before, but it sounds like something right up my alley! I have an incredible local library, and seeing Melissa's submission reminded me that I need to take more advantage of all the resources available for me there. And I had a lot of fun browsing the Burbank Library's blog and love that they created one specifically for YA!

China Court by Rumer Godden

Publication Year: 1958
Originally Published In: United Kingdom
Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

In this intricately plotted novel of a Cornish country house and the five generations who have peopled it, the story of American-reared Tracy Quin's homecoming is intertwined with the stories of her ancestors. Tracy comes home to visit her grandmother on the day after old Mrs. Quin dies, and becomes involved in the question of what will happen to China Court, the house she loves, which is hopelessly outdated and requires a great deal of repair--repair for which there is no money. The old stories rise one by one as Tracy's unfolds--the story of lonely, brilliant Eliza; of Jared and Lady Patrick's fragile, bitter marriage; of Borowis and John Henry and old Mrs. Quin herself, when she was beautiful young Ripsie and an outsider to the family. As the lives of those who loved China Court are unfolded, the question of what will happen to the house becomes even more pressing, and soon only Tracy and Mrs. Quin's young tenant Peter St. Omer stand in the way of its destruction.

I fell in love with Rumer Godden's books in my 20s, when I discovered them at the library while browsing the shelves. I then started collecting any of her books I could find--difficult, since many were out of print even then, so I searched diligently at library book sales. I own two copies of China Court, one pristine and one a beat-up library discard, just to make sure I never go without!

There is so much to love about Godden's books. This one includes historical fiction, an unabashed romance, and a reclusive spinster book collector who ultimately saves the day for her family several generations later. The narrative wanders from past to present, and gives insight into class consciousness, women's "place," and family dynamics, all set amidst the beautifully evoked English countryside that Godden brings to life along with her characters.

The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge and Thornyhold by Mary Stewart

Both of these books have the same feel for me, because they have intergenerational themes and are similarly paeans to a rural England I would love to inhabit.

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Consider This Classic: Shannan Recommends

Jan 15, 2015

I'm excited to have Shannan from Shannan With An A on my blog today recommending a children's classic that I keep meaning to read. Now, I have even more incentive to finally grab this book off my shelf and lose myself in its magic. I'm also in love with Shannan's blog name because it reminds me of my favorite literary heroine: Anne "with an E" from Green Gables. She started blogging this past October, and I was excited to discover her blog when she submitted her recommendation!

Peter Pan by J.M Barrie

Publication Year: 1911
Originally Published In: United Kingdom
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

One starry night, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell lead the three Darling children over the rooftops of London and away to Neverland--the island where lost boys play, mermaids splash and fairies make mischief. But a villainous-looking gang of pirates lurk in the docks, led by the terrifying Captain James Hook. Magic and excitement are in the air, but if Captain Hook has his way, before long, someone will be walking the plank and swimming with the crocodiles...

I always loved the movies and play around this book, but never really picked it up until sometime after college. I think I was just wandering a Half Price Books when I saw it and realized I'd never even considered reading this classic.

I think part of why I like the book so much is how it brought me back to my childhood, which I think is part of the magic of Peter Pan. It’s all about the adventure of being a kid. Some of the adventures, everyone is familiar with, because of Disney. But there are some that are still only in the book, including how they really escaped from Hook after rescuing Tiger Lily. Everything that Peter and the Darlings, and the Lost Boys do are weighed in light of the adventure it would be, even thinking, if done right, can be made an adventure. Peter even manages to look at one of his few fears, death, as the chance for an adventure. His words are one of my favorite literary quotes, "To die will be an awfully big adventure."

The other reason I love the story is the small quirky details. You get to know how Mr. and Mrs. Darling got together and that Mrs. Darling learned of Peter Pan while “tidying” up the children’s minds one night. Tinkerbell is even more feisty than in the movie or play versions and Hook and Smee a little more goofy. And at the end of it all, you're never quite sure if you just read about a story the children made up or an adventure they really had. There's also the added bonus of hearing the British accent in the writing. But in the end, it's just one of those magical stories that make you feel like a kid again.

I would recommend The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or the Voyage of the Basset. Both are about kids who are lead to a magical world and the adventures within.

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Consider This Classic: Rachel Recommends

Dec 18, 2014

Rachel from Hello, Chelly wanted to know if anyone had talked about a certain classic yet, and I was bursting at the seams when she told me what book she wanted to recommend. It's one of my absolute, all-time favorite books! I'd been wishing and hoping that someone would highlight this book, and I couldn't be happier that it's Rachel. Her blog is one of my favorites - the design is gorgeous, her reviews are thoughtful and her content is so unique. That's a winning combination right there! I'll turn it over to her now, but just know that I heartily second the recommendation for this book.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Publication Year: 1908
Originally Published In: United States
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

Redheaded orphan Anne Shirley longs for a real home, somewhere she can truly belong. When she first arrives at the Green Gables house on Prince Edward Island, it's everything she ever imagined. But to stay, she'll first have to convince Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert to adopt her. And that means controlling her temper (even when Gilbert Blythe calls her "Carrots"), staying out of trouble (and away from hair dye), and not getting too carried away with her daydreams (though she would make the perfect Lady of Shallot floating down the river). Anne might not always get it quite right, but she does keep things interesting...

Through Anne's eyes, the ordinary world becomes magical and every day is an adventure. She inspires the dreamer in all of us, never hesitates to say the things we wish we could get away with, and makes us cherish every kindred spirit we meet. It's no surprise Anne is loved around the world by generations of readers.

This is so sad but I can’t remember exactly when or why I read it. I’m pretty sure it was towards the end of middle school, probably 8th grade. Most of my teachers had little collections of books in their classrooms and I was the only person who regularly borrowed books (because obviously the school library and town library were not enough for me!). Once I read Anne of Green Gables, I slowly but surely began reading the rest of them when I realized there were more. By the time I got through the series, it was probably early high school. Then soon after that I watched the movies featuring Megan Follows and the series (books and film) have been a favorite of mine ever since.

There is so much to love in this book. Anne was the perfect heroine for me at the age that I read it and I saw a lot of myself in her. The love of books, the constant daydreaming, wanting to write. I loved watching Anne grow from a young girl into a beautiful woman and seeing all the decisions and mistakes she made in between. I loved her relationship with Gilbert that started on a memorable teasing note (“Carrots!”) and turned into a one true soulmate type of love. I loved that Anne and her best friend Diana referred to themselves as kindred spirits (my childhood BFF and fellow Anne fan did the same thing for years!). I loved Marilla and Matthew, her adopted “parents”, and just everything about this world. I know I’m starting to talk about the series as a whole and it is amazing but the first book will always be my favorite and holds a very special place in my heart. Just a month ago when I bought my 7th copy of the book (no joke!), I randomly opened it to a scene with Matthew and I immediately teared up. If that’s not proof of its timelessness, I don’t know what is!

Classic: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Contemporary: Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan. I even surprised myself by thinking of this book but I do see some parallels. Mostly both protagonists speak the truth in a way that seems to shock or exasperate the people in their lives. Both have trouble seeing what’s right in front of them. Also, both are amazing books!

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