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"Describe one underappreciated book EVERYONE should read."
I seriously dislike the fact that "everyone" is in all caps there. I don't know that there is one specific book (excluding what I believe to be scripture) that literally every person should read (and if there is, I don't claim to know which it is). Aside from that, to be honest, I don't really read a lot of underappreciated books. I read mostly classics, and if not classics, then usually it's bestsellers and award winners and highly-recommended books. So...yeah. All very appreciated.
So be aware that these are what I consider to be underappreciated classics...and not necessarily everyone should read them...but they're good ones to consider, if you haven't read them yet. (Okay, excessive disclaimer over.)
First is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I definitely wasn't expecting this one to be much good, and it blew me away. Don't trust the horrid black-and-white film--the original book is completely different!
Second is Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. This is possibly the funniest Austen novel I've read, and yet it seems to be even more obscure than Mansfield Park. Probably because the romance isn't quite as dreamy as Lizzy and Darcy.
Third is (forgive me) Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Say what you will about this book, I will stand by it as an American classic. Oddly, it seems to be considered something of a sub-par classic, which I just don't understand. Because it's sympathetic toward white Southerners? Because it depicts racism? (Quick, sweep Tom Sawyer under the rug...) Anyway, I really loved this book. Even better than the movie.
What underappreciated books do you think everyone should read?
I really like Northanger Abbey, I'm glad I read Gone with the Wind, but try as I might, I just don't care for Frankenstein. I don't like any of the characters, that's all.
ReplyDeleteTrue, none of the characters are likeable. I'm glad you gave it a chance anyway--I almost didn't.
DeleteI've read all three and I would say you made great choices. Along with you, I don't think there are books that EVERYONE should read, but there is a lot to be said for some classic novels. All three of these books have the distinction of being able to be read at various life stages and provide a whole different experience. GWTW at 16 was a dreamy love story; at 30 it was about gritty perseverance; at 55 it was about a silly female who threw away love with both hands in favor of a ghostly ideal.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I agree. I hope I have a similar experience with each of these books as I get older.
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