Top 5 Books I still haven't finished despite my desire to do so
641. The Bible (Any version, but I had a NIV Study Bible growing up)
For obvious reasons this is my number one pick. The Bible is a piece of literature that is alluded to, retold, and dissected over and over again. I hate to think I’ve missed something by only reading, Genesis, Exodus, Job, parts of Psalms, and Revelations and parts of other overused passages. I’ve tried to read this book front to back twice and have failed both times. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be read front to back, but still. Maybe I should get the book on CD!
NIV Bible
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NIV Bible
Price: $3.25
List Price: $5.99 |
Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
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Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
Price: $9.59
List Price: $21.00 |
2. Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph – T.E. Lawrence
This book is the story of Thomas Edward Lawrence, or Lawrence of Arabia. It’s an autobiographical account of his time as a liaison officer with rebel forces during the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Turks. He wrote detailed notes on his time spent with the Arabs. I’ll admit I got interested in the book only after I saw the movie. I was elated to find the book years later, however it is quite long and dense. The writing itself is amazing and he is quite a prolific writer (the book is well over 500 pages). I’ve tried to read this book twice and have only made it a third of the way through.
I highlighted this in the book:
“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible.
See? I really want to finish it!
Speak, Memory
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Vladimir Nabokov: Selected Letters 1940-1977
Price: $15.00
List Price: $39.95 |
3. Speak, Memory – Vladimir Nabokov
Nabokov’s biography. I’ve tried three times to read this book. I’ve been so used to sitting down to read a Fiction novel that when I start to read Nabokov’s biography it strikes me as bland! I hate to say it, but it’s true. Aside from being one of the most important literary contributors to the world of literature, Nabokov was a synesthete (a neurological condition in which the normally separate senses are not separate. For example Nabokov spoke of having “colored vision” meaning the letters that he wrote out to form words took on a specific color or pattern). He also studied butterflies. One day I will finish this book.
4. Mrs. Dalloway – Virginia Woolf
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read my fair share of Virginia Woolf. I’ve read To the Lighthouse, A Room of One’s Own and Orlando. Yet for some reason, more than one person has recommended this book to me on more than one occasion and I still haven’t read it! In line with many of Virginia Woolf’s books, Mrs. Dalloway brings out such ideas as feminism and madness. This is another one of those books that I’ve tried to read twice. The second time I got about halfway through it. I’m hoping third will stick.Mrs. Dalloway
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Mrs. Dalloway
Price: $6.35
List Price: $18.00 |
Wuthering Heights
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Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Price: $15.00
List Price: $15.00 |
5. Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
I’ll admit it; I’m never going to read this book. I just felt like I should put it on my list. I know it’s supposed to be an important book. I was supposed to read it in one of my undergrad classes. We had an essay test on it. I didn’t do too terribly either. I only got halfway through the book and then, I committed the greatest sin and went against what my teacher told me not to do. I watched the movie— only I wasn’t certain that the ending was different so I read the last thirty or so pages to get the gist of it. I almost feel guilty.
That’s it, that’s my list. Hopefully I haven’t offended anyone, but if I did make your own list and see what comes up. You might discover a bit of guilt yourself!
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Top 5 Books I've Read and Reread
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Comments
You wrote, "“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." This is the same quote I put on my syllabi for my English 102 classes! Great choice (and it's a great book)! :)
That's funny--Mrs. Dalloway is the ONLY Virginia Woolf book I ever got through. It's pretty short, so you should be able to cross that one off one of these days. I am another Wuthering Heights fan who has not only finished it but re-read it several times. I really enjoyed your article . . . it has inspired me to pick up some of the unfinished books on my list!
My Mom just emailed me to remind me that she was named after Cathrine, of the Wuthering Heights character, and my Uncle was going to be named Heathcliff. They went with Todd instead! Maybe I should read it...
I read Wuthering Heights in Jr. High School and never forgot it. I also like anything by T.E. Lawrence.
I must read the Nabakov book, because when I read words and view pictures I hear music - my sight and hearing are meshed; if my ears are clogged I cannot see as well and when my eyes are strained I cannot hear as well. When I hear any music, I see colors and sometimes images.
You inspire me to read more, dear Zannr. I pick up books in airports, such as Atonement, The Life of Pi, and some others, and don't get through them. I must dust them off, finish them, and then read into all but one that you've mentioned here. I did read Wuthering Heights, at mdn, loved it, and the movie, made in the 30's (?) was a brilliant light on the essence of the book. If it was to be remade, I'd only hope its cast in b&w, because its such a timely piece. Anyway, I love your writing, oh Kindred Spirited One! :)
I too was surprised you haven't ready Wuthering Heights... because of your mom, if for no other reason. Actually it is one of my all time favorite books. Give it a try again sometime. Also, how about more contemporary books -- have you tried Tuesdays with Morrie? Keep up the reviews --- look forward to more.
Because I love commenting so much, I am going to add another thought. I just had a really good idea for another article you could write: "Top 5 Books I've Read (and Reread)"--those rare books you like so much you pick them up ever couple years or so. I'd enjoy seeing your list!
In response to the reading more contemporary books comment, I do read contemporary books often. This list was just the books that I've tried to read over the years, but despite my desire to finish them, have not. The book I'm reading now is called Out by Natsuo Kirino (A literary mystery).
Rebecca, your idea about Top 5 I've read (and Reread) is a great idea! I'll have to think about that one...
Jeez Louise, just sit down & read! It's not hard. Especially Mrs. Dalloway, it's so short! Get an attention span already!
I'll admit though that I tried reading the Bible straight through as a kid & couldn't do it, and I'm not inclined to try ever again.
Always the curmudgeon, Steve!
I liked this article too. I've read a lot of Virginia Woolf, but many of the books only partially, Mrs. Dalloway being one of the exceptions. she's (Woolf) hard to stick with, stream of consciousness and all.
defintely stick with Wuthering Heights--it's one i'd like to re-read myself.
AND that pillars of wisdom book sounds really interesting. i think i'll put it on my to-read list.
good stuff!
In The Doghouse says:
2 years ago
zannr
It is too bad that you have dismissed Wuthering Heights. It is a fabulous book, and if you change your mind, Jane Eyre by her sister Charlotte is well worth the read also. I would love to finish the complete works of Dickens, and absolutely, one day before I die, I must read the complete story of Les Miserables. I love classic literature. Your number one choice however, is the same as mine.