Tuesday 15 October 2013

Top Ten Books I was Forced to Read


TOP TEN BOOKS I WAS FORCED TO READ
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I can't say I have ever been forced to read anything, although obviously school required me to read during English Lit classes. Here are 3 I loathed and 7 that I liked or loved.


LOATHED *but might like now*

 

The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Brecht - A play we studied that I strongly disliked
The Canterbury Tales - I understand its historical importance but at 14 I found the language confusing
Beowulf - An epic poem that I couldn't be bothered with at the time 

LIKED *should re-read*



Catch 22 by Joseph Heller - Great atmosphere in this book
Dubliners - Obsessed with all things Irish as a teen
The Tempest - The first Shakespeare play I "got"
Selected Poems of Tennyson - I went to the same school as Tennyson and a lot of the inspiration for his writing came from the area where I live, I related!
Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas - I was amazed by this book


LOVED *influenced my reading*

 

Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy - I found a love of 19th century lit from reading this. Hardy is not a favourite now, however
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood - A great book to read in high school, I also loved her writing style.


 Drop me a comment and your TTT link and I will come and check it out!


12 comments:

  1. Beowulf was something we only mentioned in class but I am super intrigued about it. As for Margaret Atwood, I keep being pressured, I must give in soon :D
    Happy reading!

    My TTT

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  2. Beowulf might be something that I would like now, but back then it gave me a headache and it has made me reluctant to re-visit it - that and all the other books that keep calling my name. Atwood is brilliant - start with The Handmaids Tale, Atwood is the Queen of dystopia, in my opinion. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I've only watched the movie adaptation of Beowulf and I am intrigued to read the book. :D

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    1. Good luck! I've never seen the film, maybe I should give that a go, I didn't actually know it WAS a movie!

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  4. Wow. I haven't read any of these books. That's so bad! I've heard a lot of good things about Atwood's books though.

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    1. If you like dystopia then I think you'd like her work. I always recommend Atwood to YA's who want to get into adult fiction. It's not bad that you haven't read these book though, there are SO MANY BOOKS! Thanks for commenting!

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  5. I tried to read Beowulf once and didn't make it through.I absolutely love Tennyson though! I think he could even be considered my favourite poet! :)

    Thank you for stopping by my blog!

    Liza @ Book Crook Liza

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    1. Tennyson is just dreamy isn't he? I am not a massive poetry fan but his work blows me away. No problem, I love finding new bloggers to follow! Have a great day :)

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  6. I like the story of Beowulf, but I wasn't as interested in reading the long, old-fashioned English book, so I definitely get where you're coming from!

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    1. Yeah, however long old fashioned is kind of up my alley now. Interesting how tastes change over time. Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. I read Beowulf too and I really enjoyed it - though that might be because I associate it with fond memories of class discussions gone awry. I did really love Catch-22 and The Tempest, though, so I'm glad those made it onto your list in a favorable way. Awesome picks! :)

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    1. I definitely think the teacher has to bring these stories alive in the classroom, to make them accessible, maybe mine didn't, I don't know (it was all too long ago!). Thanks for stopping by! :)

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