Hello. My name is Sara K., and I am a book snob. If it is not a classic, then I do not want to read it. I am finally admitting my problem after years of failed interventions from family and friends who propose adding non-classics to my reading list. It's a modern classic, they say. It's just like Jane Austen, they say. It's gripping and you won't be able to put it down, they say. I politely smile and nod and tell them I'll keep that book in mind, while secretly I'm lamenting all the great classics that have made it onto Wishbone but not into my hands. Not that I use a talking dog as my standard for knowing the best books to read, but I think there's a reason he never resorted to modern literature. It's just not as good. I think I've given it a fair chance, but in my opinion Harry is no Frodo. Sue Grafton doesn't compare with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and I've yet to find anyone who can rival Austen's subtle wit and understated passions.
Yes, I admit that I'm a book snob. It's a crime to be so unfair and it's a punishment to miss the pop culture afforded by Peretti, Grisham, and Rowling. I'm sure that even Rory Gilmore would recommend a more diversified reading list, but it's just too hard for me to change my ways. It's a disease I have to live with, and I hope that in time my well-meaning family and friends will learn to accept my errant snobbery, or at least accept my apologies for being so proud and prejudiced.
the first step to recovery is always admitting your problem...only 11 steps to go, ha! if it makes you feel any better, i consider myself a restaurant snob...don't like going to cafeterias or certain buffet-type restaurants (if you can even call them that!!)
ReplyDeleteRight on sister. There is such a quality and depth to the language, emotions, and ideas in classics. I've heard Jane Eyre is good. You should give that one a try. :)
ReplyDeleteIf truly timeless classics are what you’re in to, check out Robert Jordan or George RR Martin. Legendary writers plucked from the pages of history to give our short span of lives meaning. Our great grandchildren will regard our existence with awe and say we walked with giants of the literary arts.
ReplyDeleteBryan has a point---who knows what modern literature will be regarded as one of the great classics in 100 years?? Although I really doubt Robert Jordan or Mr. Martin will make the cut, I DO think that there are MANY modern books that read a lot like classics (just in a more modern language---but the classics were also written in the modern language of their day!). You don't have to read "pop" literature to read modern literature. Sue Grafton and John Grisham would NOT be on any of my recommended reading lists!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Sara. This post prompts so much in my little literary mind, but mostly it makes me want to write a piece of modern fiction about a snobby girl who only reads classics and then discovers that her life (which I can't detail now) is being turned into a modern novel. It will grace the NYTimes bestseller list complete with a cheesy cover and obnoxious subtitle. It will embrace the themes of tolerance and acceptance all with the Lorelai-esque banter the protagonist loves so much. It will explore her coming to terms with the appeal of modern lit (she's obviously attracted to a story about herself as we all would be) versus her loyalty to the classics. I won't spoil the ending, but it will most certainly involve her promenading the French countryside with a copy of Dickens in her hand saying something like "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done..."
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right, Rory does have a pretty diversified list. Come on, friend, I'll help you overcome this. One book at a time.
http://ohbuoyancy.net/rorysbookclub.html