There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry--
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll--
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul--

-Emily Dickinson


November, 2010. This is when I had an epiphany that I knew nothing about literature. What exactly prompted this revelation, I don't remember. But what I did after that was print off "BBC's Top 100 Books" list in order to expand my horizons. (Although I'm aware that there are plenty of books omitted from the list, as well as new books constantly being published, this is intended simply to help me be acquainted with literature.) I challenged myself to read all of the books on the list. One year later, I've realized it will take much longer than expected. With only 7 of the 100 books read, this task seems daunting and unrealistic. While some may think it's somewhat masochistic, some may think it's an admirable goal. I guess it depends on the book I'm reading. Frequently I'll read a book that is not on this long list. I used to apologize for it, but I'm assuming hardly anyone reads it anyways.

I started by critiquing the books and authors, but the purpose for writing has changed over the years. The purpose of this blog isn't necessarily to write reviews for the benefit of high school procrastinators or for eagerly researching book-readers or for really anyone besides me. It's a documentation of my own progress as a learner and a reader, as well as being wonderfully cathartic. Books elicit an emotional response, which allows me to explore my own beliefs about life and spirituality.

As of Sunday, June 21st, 2015, I have read twenty-six books on the list. This is hopefully subject to change, and will be updated regularly...or more accurately, as regularly as I finish a book, which isn't always regular.


Saturday, December 10, 2011

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen


Read First in January/February 2011.

This review if going to be a little thin since I read the book about a year ago, and I'm unwilling to reread it.

Like most men reading Jane Austen, I was a little uninterested in it at first. Like most women reading Jane Austen, I ended up enjoying it. I felt that it was a little slow and the fact that it lacked a specific plot line kind of disappointed me. I felt that it was a little bit predictable, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. In the end, I really appreciated the character arc of both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I always rooted for Mr. Darcy and detested Mr. Bingley's sisters.

For the most part, though, I'm just glad I read it so I can woo the ladies. And if a lady doesn't read enough to appreciate my accomplishment, then they probably won't be my kind of lady.
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