Comments on: Do You Read The Classics?

By: LS

LS — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:49:58 +0000

There are classics that I like, but mostly I read random stuff that looks interesting at the time. I have been trying over the past two years to read more classics, but somehow the random titles find their way onto my coffee table instead.

By: Will Irvin

Will Irvin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:07:43 +0000

I also don’t buy books very often, except for certain non-fiction books, and other reference-type books that I know I will use repeatedly, but even those I generally check out from the library first, to see if it’s worth buying. I do this first to try and do my part for the “green reading” movement, and secondly, it has helped me on my path to simplicity (which goes hand-in-hand with the green movement).

@ Will Irvin … I love the idea of checking a book out of the library first to make sure it’s worthy of being purchased. Great tip!

By: Will Irvin

Will Irvin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:04:28 +0000

I have somewhat interesting, but probably not all that unique, reading habits. To start with, I have my favorite authors and genres, such as Dean Koontz in suspense/supernatural, and David Baldacci, James Grippando, and Robert Ludlum/Eric Van Lustbader in thrillers. The thing about my reading habits that is unique is that every time I check out books from the library, I pick out at least one book from an author I’ve never heard of. I’ve run across some real gems this way, such as Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips. I also try to read at least one non-fiction book each time I check out books, either on the writing trade, marketing, or one of my hobbies (there are a few).

But, I don’t really read the classics much anymore. I read many of them in high school and college, and though a few of them are still among my favorite books, I rarely read a book more than once. And, some of them, I’ve still not read, such as Moby Dick, despite several attempts at it. It’s just insufferably un-readable to me.

By: Alina Popescu

Alina Popescu — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:41:18 +0000

The only place where I don’t save is bookstores. I try to buy 3-4 books every month and luckily for me, a lot of people choose books when there’s an occasion. I know it’s not very green of me, but I love books, the first word I ever read was the title of a book I mix the classics, with books that caught my eye (older or newer), with what my friends recommend and with what my virtual friends recommend on their blogs.

@ Alina … I used to also really love owning books so I can definitely understand where this comes from. Over the years I started getting rid of them (too much trouble to move!) and now I just have a small collection that I keep but I can totally understand.

By: Lori Tiron-Pandit

Lori Tiron-Pandit — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:53:40 +0000

I have made a point of reading the classics. I think it is important to have a strong literary culture, but then it also might be just snobbery, I don’t know. Reading the bestselling authors, I don’t know how much it can help. You can make an idea about what sells, but then, writing just for the market doesn’t make high quality writing, in my mind. Still, books that win awards and are recognized as literary achievements, can be of use, as well as obscure books that appeal to the public and are publicized by word of mouth.

I do still try to have solid and congruent lists of books I want to read, because I really hate to waste my time. There are just so many great books out there.

Very interesting post. Lots to think about.

@ Lori … Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I do think it’s good to have a literary background as you’ve said … I did read a lot of famous books for awhile but have since moved on to other things. You’re definitely right that there are a lot of great books out there!