askim's readings thus far.. ( a to g )

So far, I've made a fair amount of progress. I will try to say a few comments here about each book, but as I'm not reading them currently it may not be super in depth (as I hope to get with future books).

A : Inferno
Initially, I was indifferent to this selection. It's one of those books I had heard about all my life, but really had no idea what it was about (besides Hell), or even that it was part of a larger whole. However, I was pleasantly surprised, and as I delved deeper into the idea, I became very intrigued. What I enjoyed most about it was seeing the sin transferred into some abstract representation of punishment, and how--most of the time--it made sense. I can't think of an example off the top of my head, but it was very interesting to read. On top of that, I really enjoyed the organization of Hell.. the levels, the landmarks, and the creatures that resided there. Overall, I really enjoyed this reading. Will I read Purgatorio and Paradiso? Right now, I'm not planning on it. But maybe some day.

B : Tarzan of the Apes
My main purpose in reading this was simple: I only knew the story from Disney's point of view. I don't have much to say about this book--it was quick and overall a good read. One of those stories that appeals to the mass for good reason--adventure, unknown worlds, and love! I did, however, Burrough's comments on the ape society satisfying. It was good to see that even at the time of writing there were people in the world that knew humans weren't the only species to have culture, language, and social structure.

C : the Canterbury Tales
This selection I was very excited about. I had always wanted to read this, but never had enough time. What struck me as the highlight of this work (and forgive me if I'm being simple here--I am no scholar), was the different voices of the characters. Yes, each tale is told by someone different. Generally when an author tries to accomplish this task, they do some very basic tonal differences, but nothing too different (granted this is from limited experience, and with one exception: Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer). Not only was it in verse, but the voice of each story was entirely different from the next. As a writer, I found that very impressive. It was like you were right there with the caravan, traveling while you listened to these (mostly) very entertaining stories.

D : Tale of Two Cities
Wow. I loved this. There is something to be said about how they used to do terror before it became acceptable to throw blood and gore everywhere. The scene when they're in the prison looking out onto the courtyard was really terrifying. I also really enjoyed the story of the plot twist with the sister. I can't say much on that, for fear someone that hasn't read it is reading, but.. basically.. this is literature at it's finest. And yes, that's why it's a classic, but I'm just trying to emphasize how much I enjoyed this. I think, so far, it's at the top of my list.

E : Parzival
Disclaimer: I am sure this is a wonderful tale, and that I just wasn't in the mood for it. I'm not sure why I had such a hard time completing this particular story (it was right around the holidays, so that might have been it), but for some reason I had the worst time with this one.
Ahh.. I was looking forward to this selection, but I was very disappointed. I enjoy the whole medieval/knight/damsel-in-distress stories but come on! This novel basically outlined this boy, Parzival, who was the best looking knight in the whole world. He would go from place to place, meeting women, falling in love with said women, fighting for their/their honor, winning their heart, then leaving to go another place. The one thing that kept me intrigued through this was the idea of his quest to find the grail. When he arrived at the castle where he was just supposed to ask the question, I REALLY enjoyed that part. It was so reminiscent of Gawain and the Green Knight (which I would love to read again) but the rest was just.. sorta.. there.

F : the Beautiful and Damned
Having read the Great Gatsby in high school (so long ago..) I was really looking forward to this one, and I wasn't disappointed. No, it's not as good as the Great Gatsby but (and this is from what I understand--I can barely remember the Great Gatsby.. just that I loved it) it's a definite stepping stone in that direction. Regardless, this story was very simple, but it was really profound. There's something to be said for that. The idea that you make your life what you want.. that their own social and economic demise was inevitably set out by themselves.. No, it's not a new theme, but the way Fitzgerald went about it was very elegant.

G : Faust (Part I)
This one took me by surprise. A man who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and happiness. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but something really drew me to this one. I wasn't convinced I would like it enough to read parts one and two, but as soon as I get the time and money, I'm picking up part two. The story of Faust's relationship with Gretchen.. her life being destroyed by him.. and her eventual saving was captivating, and I'm honestly not sure why. However, I can say I am really looking forward to being able to read part two (which probably won't happen for awhile :-/)

Whew! Well.. that's it for now! I am starting Les Miserables, either today or tomorrow.. and will have updates on that as I read through it. :)
Right now, judging from how much I liked Tale of Two Cities, I am really looking forward to Les Mis. The size is sooo daunting, but I think I can get it done in three weeks (60 pages a day!).

I'll be updating! I also have some other random non-classic books I'd like to discuss..