Quote:
Originally Posted by gmw
I like these lists. Whether I agree with the choices or not, they're always interesting things to peruse. With this one I am particularly interested in the fact that "American read" does not mean American book or subject. Given America's sometimes reputation for self-obsession this is a good and reassuring thing to see. (America is not the only country to be, at times, self-obsessed - I'm not trying to start that sort of argument here.)
As for the list including so many popular choices ... I was almost more surprised to see so many classics on there. Not that I doubt that some Americans read classics, but the thing often overlooked is that popular choices are books that lots of people choose to read! There is little point in being a stylistic and "literary" masterpiece if few people bother to pick it up. (If an author has a message that they want people to see they'd better made sure to package it in a form people will see.) So I really like the fact that so many classics appear on this list alongside so many more modern and popular choices; I think it says a lot about what people are actually choosing to read. The variety this represents is - I think - a really good thing. (Even if I really don't like some of the books on the list  ) |
I was pretty surprised to see a PBS sponsored list include Atlas Shrugged and Hunt for Red October. I think it's a pretty strong list for one that wants a broad range of novels read by apparently a pretty broad range of readers.