This week Rebecca posted the list of books with the most mentions and asked us if we agree with the choices. Here is the list of books that received more than one vote (I will not post the entire list, but you can view at the link above if you so desire):
| To Kill a Mockingbird | Lee, Harper | 6 |
| Pride and Prejudice | Austen, Jane | 3 |
| The Chronicles of Narnia | Lewis, C.S. | 3 |
| The Time Traveler's Wife | Niffenegger, Audrey | 3 |
| Harry Potter (series) | Rowling, J.K. | 3 |
| The Book Thief | Zusak, Markus | 3 |
| Little Women | Alcott, Louisa May | 2 |
| Hunger Games (series) | Collins, Suzanne | 2 |
| The Shining | King, Stephen | 2 |
| Anne of Green Gables | Montgomery, L.M. | 2 |
| Lord of the Rings | Tolkien, J.R.R. | 2 |
I do not know how many bloggers were tallied to develop this list, but I think it is very comprehensive and I can understand why all the books are mentioned. Of these eleven books, I have read five of them (To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, The Book Thief, Little Women and Anne of Green Gables) and have read at least one in the series of The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games. I have the remaining books on my shelves waiting to be read at some point and time. Do I agree with the list? Based upon my own reading habits and listed results, I would say YES!
Why do I think these novels made the cut? Riveting storyline, believable characters and timeless themes. This powerful trifecta leaves the reader thinking about the subject matter long after the final chapter is read and often nudges the reader to pick up the same book again and again.
Having said that, there are two other books that I would personally add to the list: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. I read each of the novels every year and look forward to them like a visit from a long, lost friend.
How about you? Do you agree with list of "best books" --- are there any listed that you feel do not belong -- are there any that you would suggest that I add to my personal list of favorites?
I can certainly understand you saving yourself the aggravation - I considered it myself, but felt that would be cheating since I asked the question.
ReplyDeleteIronically, if you HAD listed them, your two favourites would have made the short list LOL.
I would say I agree with the top 11 that were chosen. I have yet to read 2 of them.
ReplyDeleteEven though I loved To Kill a Mockingbird, I wonder if it is top because so many people read it for school and analysed it so much. I wonder if it had never been chosen as a book for schools to concentrate on would it have been that popular. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteHello there, I'm Hale and I LOVE books! From this list, I cannot believe that Harry Potter topped Lord of the Rings or The Book Thief! Harry Potter is good I will admit, but it is a idea that has been recycled so many times it is unbelievable and that the fame its getting has been blown way out of proportion :) Hehe my rant is over now lol
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great book list. Little Women is an absolute childhood favorite. My mom owns and original copy of it, too. One author I would like to mention for the list is Francine Rivers. Each and every one of her books is a gem. Once you start reading one of her stories you can't put it down! For example, I just finished "Her Mother’s Hope," which is a historical drama that begins at the turn of the century and follows four generations of women. So far this is her best, and I feel would be worthy of becoming a classic :}.
ReplyDeleteI've only read 5 of those books, and I agree that they're all great!
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that not only had I not read a lot of the picks, of the VERY large number that received only one vote, I had never even heard of them. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think to get a more "objective" list, if that is even possible, you need a much bigger sampling
It's an interesting lost for sure! I am the same as you...I can never create a list of the best books because I always think of one more (or 7) to add! I have read them all except for The Book Thief (tried and couldn't) and The Shining (don't like scary stuff). I can imagine this conversation could go on forevere and each new year new books would be added.
ReplyDeleteI wish The Outsiders was there, and perhaps Emma.
It surprises me to find The Shining on the list. While I found it entertaining, it doesn't strike me as in the league of the others.
ReplyDeleteExcept for the The Shining (I don't read King, so I really don't know), I like all of these books!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely remove "The Shining" and "The Hunger Games." I can't comment on "The Book Thief" as I didn't read it yet though. The rest can stay! : )
ReplyDeletei've read most of those books and would agree with the other bloggers. i'm still working on reading 'the book thief'...it's a thorn in my side and i can't get past page 40, yet every blogger and friend seems to love it. go figure!
ReplyDeletenat @book, line, and sinker