Awhile ago I downloaded several books including things like War & Peace, Sense & Sensibilities, Ulysses etc.

Some of them are quite thick, and I am wondering if I mostly did so to seem intelligent or smart on some subconscious level.

Have any of you gotten enjoyment or insight from any of these kinds of books? or is it just society and schooling that are telling me these are "good."?

  • WalterBongjammin [they/them,comrade/them]
    ·
    4 years ago

    It took me a long time to realise this, but no. Not unless you enjoy reading them, of course. Just read things that you're interested in, as well as some leftwing theory and histories because that'll help you understand the world better. If you're anything like me, forcing yourself to read the classics (if you don't enjoy them) will just put you off of spending time reading, which sucks because it can be really fun

      • WalterBongjammin [they/them,comrade/them]
        ·
        4 years ago

        In terms of fiction, I recently finished Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan series, which is incredible and I'd definitely recommend (the opening few chapters are maybe a little slow, but it's really worth sticking with because it gets so so good. The characters are really well drawn and relatable, but also there's a tonne of interesting socio-political stuff). China Miéville's books are really fun. Le Guin is great. Cory Doctorow's books are really cool (lol, I'm realising that half of these authors are leftists). Before the Ferrante, I read Han Kang's 'The Vegetarian', which was interesting and also pretty short and easy.

        What kinds of things do you like to read?

        • REallyN [she/her,they/them]
          ·
          4 years ago

          Like two years ago I was in a cabin for a trip with my family and read The Pillars of the Earth nonstop, but I never finished it because I am a social media addict. I've also been reading some of The Witcher books after playing the games and like them, but again I never finished because of above. I was going to check out Le Guin after someone here linked one of her short stories.

          • Abraxiel
            ·
            4 years ago

            How far did you get in The Pillars of the Earth? I really liked that one and thought that the payoff was pretty good, having gone through so many characters.

            • REallyN [she/her,they/them]
              ·
              4 years ago

              Um...it was shortly after the guy became head of the Monastery and the Bishop died.