Best Ever Reads
October 18th 2006 04:35
During the past week I’ve been gleefully thumbing through 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (if you haven’t seen this book yet, get a hold of it) and I have come across some great old friends.
Two of the most notable would be John Irving’s A Prayer For Owen Meany and The Day Of The Triffids by John Wyndam. Although completely different novels, these would be two of my favourites read over the last 25 (maybe 30) years.
Triffids was published way back in 1951 and at the time was the first of its kind, predicting global biowarfare and mass destruction. I was only about 19 when I read this book and I remember being breathless on many occasions throughout. Wyndam was a master at creating tension and suspense. Bill Masen, a biologist who is one of just a few remaining with sight when the triffids attack, carries the reader through some horrific situations that literally have you on the edge of your seat (however cliché that sounds). It is a cleverly crafted adventure story that unfolds at a hectic pace. It made an impression on me that has stayed for many, many years.
And what can I say about Owen Meany? I read this about 20 years ago and I still consider it one of the best books ever. Irving is the author of The World According To Garp and Cider House Rules, two of his better known titles. But Meany is special. It delivers everything a well prepared novel should. Entertainment, character depth, well constructed plot and conclusion, and it is thought provoking. John Wheelwright narrates his early life and his friendship with Owen Meany, a strange little boy who captivates you from the very start. You laugh, you cry – you try to predict where this is all heading by reading around the corners, but Irving is also a master craftsman, specifically on character building (and he is in no hurry) so you are destined to read on and let things unfold as they should. I love to collect 2nd hand copies of my old favourites and found this one last year in a small shop tucked away down the far south coast of NSW. I will get around to reading it again one day.
I’m not compelled to read all the books listed in 1001 Books … but there are some interesting, worthwhile inclusions and many that you really must read before you die. I would urge any serious reader of fiction to peruse this list. It’s one of the better ones.
abcshop.com
Two of the most notable would be John Irving’s A Prayer For Owen Meany and The Day Of The Triffids by John Wyndam. Although completely different novels, these would be two of my favourites read over the last 25 (maybe 30) years.
scifi.com
Triffids was published way back in 1951 and at the time was the first of its kind, predicting global biowarfare and mass destruction. I was only about 19 when I read this book and I remember being breathless on many occasions throughout. Wyndam was a master at creating tension and suspense. Bill Masen, a biologist who is one of just a few remaining with sight when the triffids attack, carries the reader through some horrific situations that literally have you on the edge of your seat (however cliché that sounds). It is a cleverly crafted adventure story that unfolds at a hectic pace. It made an impression on me that has stayed for many, many years.
wikipedia
And what can I say about Owen Meany? I read this about 20 years ago and I still consider it one of the best books ever. Irving is the author of The World According To Garp and Cider House Rules, two of his better known titles. But Meany is special. It delivers everything a well prepared novel should. Entertainment, character depth, well constructed plot and conclusion, and it is thought provoking. John Wheelwright narrates his early life and his friendship with Owen Meany, a strange little boy who captivates you from the very start. You laugh, you cry – you try to predict where this is all heading by reading around the corners, but Irving is also a master craftsman, specifically on character building (and he is in no hurry) so you are destined to read on and let things unfold as they should. I love to collect 2nd hand copies of my old favourites and found this one last year in a small shop tucked away down the far south coast of NSW. I will get around to reading it again one day.
I’m not compelled to read all the books listed in 1001 Books … but there are some interesting, worthwhile inclusions and many that you really must read before you die. I would urge any serious reader of fiction to peruse this list. It’s one of the better ones.
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