Huldra Forsvant (Theodor Kittelsen)

Huldra Forsvant (Theodor Kittelsen)
Huldra Forsvant (Theodor Kittelsen)

Friday, September 18, 2009

My Top 5- Novels

1. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)

2. Catcher In The Rye (J.D. Salinger)

3. The Sound And The Fury (William Faulkner)

4. An American Childhood (Annie Dillard)

5. Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

11 comments:

Ruth said...

To kill a mockingbird is my favourite novel too. brilliant.

I am planning to watch the movie tonight - having a friend over who couldn't remember if she'd seen it - so needed to remedy that!

I like the movie adaptation of it, but the novel is definitely better.

onlinesoph said...

Out of that list, I've only read To Kill A Mockingbird. Great book.

Ben McLaughlin said...

Hi Ruth- yeah it is awesome. Amazing too that it was the only novel she ever wrote! The movie is probably my all time fav movie as well, it's great. I really love the opening credits, they are so beautiful and evocative of childhood. Enjoy it tonight!

Hi Soph- Yeah, it's one that evrybody ought to read, I reckon. If you ever get the chance, I heartily recommend An American Childhood by Annie Dillard, it is absolutely beautiful.

RodeoClown said...

To Kill a Mockingbird was great.

I've got Catcher in the Rye (my uncle gave it to me - I think he wanted me to assassinate someone). I didn't think it was anything special.

My top 5 novels probably include some Star Wars and Terry Pratchett.

Ben McLaughlin said...

'Catcher..' seems kinda divisive. You either love it or dislike it.

Joanna said...

Seems like you have a fondness for the American lit! Have you tried Cormac McCarthy or Marilynne Robinson?

Amy said...

I don't know how anyone can stand Catcher in the Rye. He was just so... whiny...

Ben McLaughlin said...

Joanna- I've read No Country For Old Men, and have All The Pretty Horses waiting to be read. I like Cormac McCarthy. I haven't heard of Marilynne Robinson though.

Amy- I'm whiny too, so I could relate.

Ruth said...

Yeah, I have to admit, I'm not a 'Holden' fan. I studied the novel at uni - I did a lot of American lit and plays, and Catcher was one of my least favourite, but also one that most people liked and related to.

I haven't read An American Childhood, but I will look for it next time I'm at the library. Thanks Ben - always up for book suggestions.

Rodeo - Star wars books - I am shaking my head in dismay! ;-)

Stuart Heath said...

There's at least a family resemblance to all of these, Ben. Have you tried any Steinbeck? He's my favourite American novelist of the first half of the C20, and shares some stylistic features with these guys. You should also check out some Truman Capote if you haven't.

Then if you're wanting to change continents but not mood too much, it's all about D. H. Lawrence and Thomas Hardy.

Ben McLaughlin said...

I like Steinbeck a lot. My fav's would be Cannery Row and Grapes of Wrath. The latter was unlucky not to make the 5.
I have a collection of Thomas Hardy my Grandad left me. Been meaning to get around to reading it.