Lets set the stage: A novel set in the near future in the Republic of Gilead. A totalitarian society, where women don't have power. Some women are force to be concubines. Sound interesting? Some say yes, but I say no. I never found The Handmaid's Tale to be interesting. Why am I bringing this up? A couple of days I jumped into a Twitter discussion. The topic: 'Books others liked but I didn't." From the posts I read, I was alone in my dislike for The Handmaid's Tale. I didn't read this book by choice, it was assigned to me. I think it was college, but the more I try to remember I think it was my high school Advanced Placement English class. If it was high school, I'm pretty sure I didn't have a taste for dystopian/science fiction novels at 17. Even now I don't have an appreciation for books like that. A little fantasy here and there isn't bad, but I like my books closer to reality. Is it just me? What does everyone else think? What are some widely-praised books that you didn't like? Hmmmmmm????
Notes: A review of The Recipe Club will be coming later today. A review of Based Upon Availability and a recap of an appearance by Alix Strauss will be posted late Friday. Stay tuned!!
I really didn't like The Road my Cormac McCarthy and everyone else raves about it. There are quite a few books like that for me. I personally did like The Handmaid's Tale, and I normally don't like those types of books. But the good thing about there being so many books is there are some out there for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI hear The Road is rather long!! I was too young too appreciate The Handmaid's Tale, but I don't see myself reading it again.
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ReplyDeleteFunnily enough, I just commented on "The Road" in another blog. I would highly recommend it. It is a bit of a dystopian fantasy, but it's very different from "The Handmaid's Tale," and it resonates far better. Plus it actually is not long, and it's an easy read. Still, I know what you mean about not liking a book when everyone else seems to. I got into a bit of a debate on Goodreads about "The Metamorphosis," a short story by Kafka. Everyone says it's a classic, and maybe it is, but I just don't like it that much. Read what you like, and like what you read, I say.
-Isaac
http://towerofstories.blogspot.com
"Read what you like," Isaac that's good advice for everyone. Going over to take a look at your blog.
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