MobileRead Forums - MobileRead April 2015 Book Club Nominations

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Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell (Post 3069621)

It has occurred to me that I don't see a definition of the term "Classic" in the OP. I don't see offhand where we first discussed this issue. Can someone please provide me with a link to the original discussion?

As I recall, there was some debate about whether a book needed to have a certain age on it before it would be considered a classic.

I'll let others consider that. But I would like to add another element.

It seems to me that for a book to be considered a classic, a great many readers must be aware of both 1) its existence, and 2) its good reputation.

Looking at the list of nominations (thus far) in post #2, I see four books I've never heard of before. I am not passing judgment on their merits, but I'm doubtful that English language books I've never heard of can fairly be considered Classics with a capital C.

the problem is that there are some that would define a classic as an old book. There can be books that are a lot more recently written that are classics. Take The Colour of Magic. It is a classic in the fantasy genre. Discworld is a classic series.

There are two nominated books that I have never heard of and one I would not call a classic. The rest, I would call classics. But just because I've never heard of two books before does not make them inappropriate.

Although the first Discworld novel was written in the early 80s, making it seem too young to be a classic, I think it fits. The longevity and continued popularity of the series through some 40 novels speaks in its favour and the fact that the series made Pratchett the best selling author in the UK for a decade with multiple books featured in Top 100s etc.. etc..

Popularity in itself doesn't make books Classics, but I get a sense that the whimsical Discworld books are going to be for fantasy what Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is to Science Fiction.

I may never read any of them - although I do own The Colour of Magic so you never know - but I'm willing to think of them as standing the test of time.

I wouldn't say the same about Good Omens though. That choice seemed incongruous to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell (Post 3069621)

I don't consider the Pratchetts or Clavell to be classics; the rest clearly are. But I figure it's up to the group to decide. Reasonable people can disagree and all that. And with that in mind, I think it's distasteful for people to attack other choices; it would be better just to make a persuasive case in favor of a nomination and let it go at that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by issybird (Post 3069801)

Bravo. I agree 100%. Let the poll decide.

I am pulling for For Whom the Bell Tolls. I am not much for re-reading and the bookclub has already done a Steinbeck selection, but Cannery Row is a great read. It is also short to give people a chance to digest other things and bask in Steinbeck's characters and descriptions of setting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes (Post 3069824)

I'll give you credit for that and will follow you anywhere....i.e. I'm going for the Hemingway....

To move things along, I'll third The Importance of Being Earnest, Manhattan Transfer, and Under the Volcano.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synamon (Post 3069899)

To move things along, I'll third The Importance of Being Earnest, Manhattan Transfer, and Under the Volcano.

Whooooooosh!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synamon (Post 3069899)

To move things along, I'll third The Importance of Being Earnest, Manhattan Transfer, and Under the Volcano.

And I'll third Oliver Twist for the last slot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jemc (Post 3069905)

And I'll third Oliver Twist.

♫ ba da bing ba da boom ♫

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc (Post 3069907)

♫ ba da bing ba da boom ♫

:D:D.

Now we just need one more nod for The Colour of Magic and the voting can begin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jemc (Post 3069905)

And I'll third Oliver Twist for the last slot.

And that makes 10! The nominations are now closed and I'll be back soon with the poll.

The poll is posted. Let the games begin.

I just did the poll on my wife's Mac, so let me know if there are any errors.