This post is sixth in a series analyzing my own connection with the “top 100 books the UK can’t live without” (pdf). In previous posts (Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, and Part Five), I discussed books 51-100. In this post, I will examine books 41-50.
50. Atonement by Ian McEwan.
I haven’t heard of this one.
49. Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
I really love this book. It’s disturbing. I read it in high school, but not for class. Simon was my favorite character, but I felt so much pity for Piggy. A few years ago, the Discovery Channel ran this series on great books on their partner network TLC. One of the books profiled was Lord of the Flies. A former student of Golding’s was interviewed for the program. It was one of those tony all-boys academies. Golding’s former pupil said that every once in a while, Golding would ask the boys to write an essay, and he would be scribbling away at his own desk. Years later, the man realized that his teacher was writing Lord of the Flies… while looking out at a classroom full of well-mannered, upper-crust boys. I never forgot that — how close are we to Lord of the Flies, really?
48. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
I loved this book, also. I am kind of a fan of dystopian novels. I found this novel to be frightening. I really hope I get a chance to teach it some day. I reviewed the novel here after I read it.
47. Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy.
I haven’t read this one, but I have often been confused by the title. Why “madding”? And why do so many people say “maddening” instead, just as the World Book Day folks did in that pdf file I linked?
46. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.
Never read it, and frankly, not interested.
45. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.
Never heard of it.
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney by John Irving.
On my to-read list.
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Very high on my to-read list.
42. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
Really? Britons voted this a book they couldn’t live without? I’m scratching my head over that. I mean, when I think of the amazing books this piece of crap beat out. Hamlet? Lolita? Possession? I just can’t believe this book is even on the list.
41. Animal Farm by George Orwell.
Still need to read this one, but again, it’s on my list.
[tags]World Book Day, literature, reading[/tags]
I'm surprised by The Da Vinci Code, too, especially given where the list originated! I guess you have to account for the masses, and the masses have read this book, and from everyone who I've talked to about it, they seemed to love it. I haven't read it, out of principal, so I suppose I can't say whether it should be on there or not. I really enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables books when I was younger, and still have them. I'm glad to read that you have so many books on your "to read list" – my list grows each time I go the book store or get online to read YOUR blog! Ha. I love books…
Hi, Dana.
I'm glad that my posting on World Book Day led to such comprehensive postings on your own site. You have read SO much than me. But one book I have read that you haven't I strongly recommend. It is "Atonement" by Ian McEwan – I've reviewed it here. It's coming out as a film soon and it's always best to read a book before seeing the movie version.
Well, I'll have to check it out, then. You have never steered me wrong before. I have a few more posts to make on World Book Day, and I'm working on getting America's favorite books compiled for a future blog post, too.