starrylizard (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
starrylizard) wrote2009-08-10 07:18 pm
starrylizard) wrote2009-08-10 07:18 pm
*coughs* So, the classics!
There's something that I've been bemoaning lately. Apparently, back in high school and even in college (that's yr 11 and 12 here in Canberra), they didn't teach the same stuff in English as everyone else. Why yes, looking back through my English notes, I have waxed lyrical about The EarthSea Trilogy, learnt all about puberty via Judy Blume and even (wait for it!) written an essay about Aliens comparing the Director's cut to the screen version and discussing the subtle ways in which the movie pointed out the inhumanity of the android character found therein.
While all of these things were reasonably entertaining, I now find I have never studied Shakespeare, never picked up a Dickens or even a Jane Austen. (I did manage to get one term worth of Greek Tragedies, which was pretty darn fun!) So, now I'm thinking that perhaps I should try to fill this little void in my education.
I haven't a clue where to start though. So, please suggestions, my wonderful learned flisties! Tell me which Penguin Classic I should pick off the bookstore shelf.
I want something with a reasonably happy ending. Something not too bogged down with slow bits. You know, just for a starting point. I don't want to be put off right away.
I loved Hornblower on TV. Are the books good to read? The BBC adaptations of Jane Austen are awesome and right now I'm watching Our Mutual Friend, which appears to be very twisty-turny and fun! Don't laugh too hard, but I didn't know that was a Dickens book until it popped up in the opening titles. *doh* Oh yes!
So (*rubs hands*), please be giving insightful knowledge over now? :)
While all of these things were reasonably entertaining, I now find I have never studied Shakespeare, never picked up a Dickens or even a Jane Austen. (I did manage to get one term worth of Greek Tragedies, which was pretty darn fun!) So, now I'm thinking that perhaps I should try to fill this little void in my education.
I haven't a clue where to start though. So, please suggestions, my wonderful learned flisties! Tell me which Penguin Classic I should pick off the bookstore shelf.
I want something with a reasonably happy ending. Something not too bogged down with slow bits. You know, just for a starting point. I don't want to be put off right away.
I loved Hornblower on TV. Are the books good to read? The BBC adaptations of Jane Austen are awesome and right now I'm watching Our Mutual Friend, which appears to be very twisty-turny and fun! Don't laugh too hard, but I didn't know that was a Dickens book until it popped up in the opening titles. *doh* Oh yes!
So (*rubs hands*), please be giving insightful knowledge over now? :)
no subject
Well it's the 7th novel that CS Forester wrote, but 2nd chronologically, if that makes sense? The events of that novel are in Mutiny/Retribution and the beginning of Loyalty.
And yes hehe history is my pet like, and many of my biomed friends are really surprised when I borrow biographies and such for "light reading" =)
no subject
I've made myself a list and I plant to go searching this weekend. I'm hoping the second-hand book store has some of them, as I've got credit there. :)
I think it's fabulous! People have such interesting hobbies. It often leaves me feeling very uninteresting.