Now this is a book list I can get excited about

Jun 21

Now this is a book list I can get excited about

By Ann Kingman Uncategorized Add comments

A few weeks ago, in podcast episode 6, we talked about how most people don’t feel particularly well-read when faced with a list of “classics,” even if they had read many of the titles on the list. This week, Entertainment Weekly has chosen to make me feel better by presenting us with a list of what they consider to be “New Classics” — the 100 best books published from 1983-2008. I still haven’t read most of the books on the list, but for some reason, I don’t feel a sense of guilt or shame about it. Instead, I see it as an opportunity — many of these books have been on my to-read list for a long time and seeing them presented here together makes me want to dive in.

Many will argue about the list — books that should have been included, titles that aren’t worthy. And others will no doubt focus on the fact that Entertainment Weekly is hardly a venue for serious literary criticism. But I am going on the record here to tell you that I love this list!

It’s not that I’ve read more of these books (I’ve actually read more of the titles on the classics list).

It’s not that some of my favorites are here (The Road, Handmaid’s Tale, Angela’s Ashes).

the road handmaid's tale angela's ashes

No, it’s because I think this list can make reading exciting for people who love to read, and for those who want to read more but don’t. The inclusion of The Da Vinci Code and Harry Potter makes other books on the list, like Love in the Time of Cholera or The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle more approachable. There are some very interesting choices, like William Gibson’s Neuromancer, Sandman by Neil Gaiman, and George Saunders’ Pastoralia. The list has literary award winners galore, but the inclusion of graphic novels and children’s books (including the fantastic Holes), as well as the book that I consider to be one of the best airplane books ever, shows that books don’t have to be serious and traditional to become classics. And classics don’t have to mean “stuffy.”

davinci code love in the time of cholera windupbirdchronicle holes persepolis neuromancer sandman pastoralia

So take a look at the list, and let me know what you think. Does the inclusion of some make you want to read others? You can comment here, or join the discussion over on the Books on the Nightstand group at Good Reads.

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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

The Road by Cormac MccArthy, Vintage Trade paperback, $14.95, ISBN 9780307387899

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Vintage trade paperback, $14.95, ISBN 9780385490818

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt, Simon & Schuster trade paperback, $14.95, ISBN 9780684842677

The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, Vintage Mass Market paperback, $7.99, ISBN 9781400079179

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Vintage Trade paperback, $14.95, ISBN 9780307389732

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami, Vintage Trade paperback, $15.95, ISBN 9780679775430

Neuromancer by William Gibson, Ace mass market paperback, $7.99, ISBN 9780441569595

Sandman by Neil Gaiman, Vertigo trade paperback, $19.99, ISBN 9781563890116

Pastoralia by George Saunders, Penguin trade paperback, $14.00, ISBN 9781573228725

Holes by Louis Sachar, Yearling paperback, $6.99, ISBN 9780440414803

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

http://wordlily.wordpress.com Word Lily

Hm, interesting. I’m not sure if I feel it’s an approachable list or not; I haven’t read very many of them yet. A good thought, though, surely.
http://wordlily.wordpress.com Word Lily

Hm, interesting. I’m not sure if I feel it’s an approachable list or not; I haven’t read very many of them yet. A good thought, though, surely.
http://webstertwelb.blogspot.com Webster12

Great list! I’ve actually read a couple. I have to admit that Angela’s Ashes is one of my favorite books. I do have the Handmaid’s Tale but I have not read it yet. I’m looking forward on reading that book.
http://webstertwelb.blogspot.com Webster12

Great list! I’ve actually read a couple. I have to admit that Angela’s Ashes is one of my favorite books. I do have the Handmaid’s Tale but I have not read it yet. I’m looking forward on reading that book.
http://mrstreme.livejournal.com Jill

Hi, Ann! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You have a lovely blog – and I plan to return here quite often.

I think you make some excellent points in your post. I actually am a fan of EW and look at their book reviews. Many may consider that “low brow” but books need to be approachable, as you mention.

Take care!
Jill
http://mrstreme.livejournal.com Jill

Hi, Ann! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You have a lovely blog – and I plan to return here quite often.

I think you make some excellent points in your post. I actually am a fan of EW and look at their book reviews. Many may consider that “low brow” but books need to be approachable, as you mention.

Take care!
Jill
http://postillion-thoughtsonbooks.blogspot.com/ Postillion

Hey, Ann,

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and adding your insight on the “editorial” function of bookstores. I absolutely agree that this is a function that is so important to readers and yet one that is forgotten by many readers who don’t understand the difference between a good independent bookstore and a chain store. While chain stores often serve a function in providing a general store in areas where there might not be any (and I am guilty of using Amazon when I can’t find a more obscure book, although I try to keep my Amazon use down due to the environmental impact of additional shipping), I don’t think they push their readers to read smarter books.

I’d love to chat with you but not on public…would you shoot me an email?

thanks,
Postillion
http://postillion-thoughtsonbooks.blogspot.com/ Postillion

Hey, Ann,

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and adding your insight on the “editorial” function of bookstores. I absolutely agree that this is a function that is so important to readers and yet one that is forgotten by many readers who don’t understand the difference between a good independent bookstore and a chain store. While chain stores often serve a function in providing a general store in areas where there might not be any (and I am guilty of using Amazon when I can’t find a more obscure book, although I try to keep my Amazon use down due to the environmental impact of additional shipping), I don’t think they push their readers to read smarter books.

I’d love to chat with you but not on public…would you shoot me an email?

thanks,
Postillion
http://www.bookroomreviews.wordpress.com tracy

Hi, I published my list yesterday, I thought it was a great idea for E.T. also to encourage reading some great books:)
http://www.bookroomreviews.wordpress.com tracy

Hi, I published my list yesterday, I thought it was a great idea for E.T. also to encourage reading some great books:)
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com ann

Hi everyone,
I hope you don’t mind me grouping my replies into one message — it was a busy weekend.

Lily: I think any list that features the DaVinci Code (read by many people who have only read one book as an adult, I think) says it’s not an “academic” or “highbrow” list. I’m always surprised at how many of my friends and family are intimidated by books and bookstores.

Webster12: Handmaid’s Tale is not for everyone, but if you like disturbing yet thoughtful books, I think you will like it.

Jill: Thanks for your nice words about our site. I love EW, though I don’t subscribe any more. I should probably think about resubscribing since I almost always learn about one new book, album, or video that I end up loving.

Postillion: Thanks for coming by, and for your thoughtful post on your own blog. Email on the way. To everyone: Postillion’s post on independent bookstores is a must read. Click on the “homepage” link at the end of her comment.

Tracy: I enjoyed your highlight of what you’ve read and not yet read from the list on your blog. Everyone: if you have a blog and want to post your own list, see Tracy’s blog for a great way to do it. Her site is linked from the ‘homepage’ link after her comment.

Whew, I think that wraps it up for now. Thanks everyone for stopping by and commenting — it’s wonderful to know that people are reading!

Ann
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com ann

Hi everyone,
I hope you don’t mind me grouping my replies into one message — it was a busy weekend.

Lily: I think any list that features the DaVinci Code (read by many people who have only read one book as an adult, I think) says it’s not an “academic” or “highbrow” list. I’m always surprised at how many of my friends and family are intimidated by books and bookstores.

Webster12: Handmaid’s Tale is not for everyone, but if you like disturbing yet thoughtful books, I think you will like it.

Jill: Thanks for your nice words about our site. I love EW, though I don’t subscribe any more. I should probably think about resubscribing since I almost always learn about one new book, album, or video that I end up loving.

Postillion: Thanks for coming by, and for your thoughtful post on your own blog. Email on the way. To everyone: Postillion’s post on independent bookstores is a must read. Click on the “homepage” link at the end of her comment.

Tracy: I enjoyed your highlight of what you’ve read and not yet read from the list on your blog. Everyone: if you have a blog and want to post your own list, see Tracy’s blog for a great way to do it. Her site is linked from the ‘homepage’ link after her comment.

Whew, I think that wraps it up for now. Thanks everyone for stopping by and commenting — it’s wonderful to know that people are reading!

Ann
http://bookworm.typepad.com/blog/2008/06/entertainment-weekly-100-best Laura

It’s fun to find a list of “good reads” that makes you want to buy or borrow books! Could be the inspiration for a summer reading list (even though there are too many titles to read in one season). Of the ones I’ve read, I’d highly recommend Bel Canto, Black Water, Into Thin Air, and Possession (one of my all time favorites).
http://bookworm.typepad.com/blog/2008/06/entertainment-weekly-100-best Laura

It’s fun to find a list of “good reads” that makes you want to buy or borrow books! Could be the inspiration for a summer reading list (even though there are too many titles to read in one season). Of the ones I’ve read, I’d highly recommend Bel Canto, Black Water, Into Thin Air, and Possession (one of my all time favorites).
http://www.shelleygreenberg.com Shelley Greenberg

Hi Ann,

Thanks for sharing this list. I think it’s decent to use as a general guide, but not the be all, end all of modern books to read.

I was seriously shocked and bummed to see ‘Case Histories’ by Kate Atkinson. I know it was a popular book, but I found the writing forced and the plot transparent.

Thrilled to see the following, which I highly recommend:
-The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro
-His Dark Materials trilogy, Phillip Pullman
-The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver
-Bel Canto, Ann Patchett

Good stuff!! Definitely think they missed a few though.
http://www.shelleygreenberg.com Shelley Greenberg

Hi Ann,

Thanks for sharing this list. I think it’s decent to use as a general guide, but not the be all, end all of modern books to read.

I was seriously shocked and bummed to see ‘Case Histories’ by Kate Atkinson. I know it was a popular book, but I found the writing forced and the plot transparent.

Thrilled to see the following, which I highly recommend:
-The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro
-His Dark Materials trilogy, Phillip Pullman
-The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver
-Bel Canto, Ann Patchett

Good stuff!! Definitely think they missed a few though.
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com ann

Thanks, Shelley! I think we all have a few titles on this list that make us scratch our head. But I’m more curious about what you would have included.

Me: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell.
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com ann

Thanks, Shelley! I think we all have a few titles on this list that make us scratch our head. But I’m more curious about what you would have included.

Me: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell.
JT

Great list. I’ve read some and see tons more to add to the “to be read” pile!

JT
JT

Great list. I’ve read some and see tons more to add to the “to be read” pile!

JT