Earlier this year, I came across one of those lists on Facebook. You know, the ones that have you check off movies, books or other things you have seen, read or done. This list was the supposed top 100 books in literature. Of course, the list was arbitrary, just one person’s opinion of the top 100 classic books. I went through the list and was a bit surprised to discover I had only read 37 of the 100. So, I determined to work on increasing that number this year. I copied the list and began checking out the books four at a time from the library. What I discovered rather quickly was that I simply did not like some of the books. They were either boring to me or the material was offensive. I wasn’t enjoying reading them. I will not say which books I didn’t like as that isn’t the point. I kept at it a few weeks and finally abandoned the effort.
I felt a bit frustrated about not liking some of these ‘classics.’ I consider myself to be a well-read person. I read constantly and always have. I even write, having authored articles and a book. So why didn’t I like these great works of literature? The simple truth is that each of us have our likes and dislikes, regardless of what others think. When it comes to reading, watching movies, TV shows or any form of entertainment, it comes down to personal preference. That said, it is a conscience choice to try books, films, theatre and other things of different genres. I would not expect everyone to like Shakespeare (I only marginally do), but should give it a try. Too often we are quick to narrow our preferences and close the door to everything else. This happens in both directions. We should always strive to challenge ourselves with what are considered the higher forms of the arts, but likewise should understand that everyday entertainment can be enjoyable and even educational.
Mark Twain’s writings were considered rather crude and not at all classic in his time. Today, we recognize his genius as a writer who was making complex commentaries on society through the voices of everyday people. I think, if we looked around today we would find plenty of examples of current writers, directors and producers doing the same thing. Just as the ‘classic’ lists are limiting, so are the box office and New York Times best seller lists. Thousands of books and films are made each year by creative people for the purpose off telling incredible stories instead of making a profit. These are the ones we should seek out. After all, the classics we are told we should read were written by authors who, in their time were considered ‘popular,’ not classic.
So, it doesn’t really matter what books are in your top 100. What matters is avoiding the tragedy of not having a list of favorite books at all.
2 Responses
You know Mark I find that at least among the people I work with, that very few of them have any desire to actually make the time to read. Unfortunately, they probably don’t know what they are missing. In this present world of instant communication, 20 second sound bytes, and 6 word headlines, it would seem that most people are content with getting a digital belch of information and that’s it. To make the time for truly engaging in a classic or a mystery novel, to read an editorial, or whatever choice of literature one might choose just doesn’t fit our busy lives.
Reading does so much to expand our world and open our minds to new ideas as well as to build our vocabulary and improve our use of language. Frankly, in most social and private situations it is not difficult to sort out those persons who are well read from those who are not. Sadly, public schools are not teaching cursive writing anymore. I can’t help but wonder, not if but when, will technology eliminate the need for knowing how to read at all.
Mike, well said. I think the main issue is that we are losing our ability to think reflectively. Thinking has become a reaction to the immediate instead of a critical process by which we observe, evaluate and finally conclude. The middle step has become lost in a world of shouting headlines and titillating entertainment.