Like many of you Aliza and I are getting ready for some time at the beach this summer. When discussing that time away the talk inevitably turns to what I’ll be reading. So I thought I’d let you all in on what this year will look like.
This year, one of the works I’ll be returning to is a favorite of mine, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. I would be of the understanding that fine literature shouldn’t be left for just the ladies to enjoy.
I will make the disclaimer that I find the books of this genre (Jane Austen, et al) far more engaging and delightful than the numerous films they have spawned, but reading them makes clear why they are still popular after so many years. Jo (the protagonist in “Little Women”) was someone I readily identified with during my teen years and I still find her sense of perspective and grit to be inspiring today.
While the guys on staff kid me about my reading preferences and say the only thing they would read remotely related to this genre would be “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” you can count me firmly in the classics camp.
Having read Matthew’s reading plan, I’m sure you have observations you’d like to share. Perhaps an observation (pro or con) about his present choices or further reading suggestions. I’m sure Matthew would appreciate hearing from you! Please send any and all observations to Matthew@kingsway.cc. Thanks for caring for our friend!
if matthew wants perspective and grit i suggest - Blood and Thunder, Blackhawk Down, and Stephen Ambrose’s books on WWII!!!
I realize this may be too late to save Matthew from reading Little Women at the beach, but I still had to comment. That’s okay, Matthew, I’ve read about all of Jane Austen’s books (My favorite being Northanger Abbey), as well as Blackhawk Down and Blood and Thunder. I would suggest Anna Karenina (Tolstoy), it being probably my top favorite classic novel. There’s also Tom Jones (Henry Fielding) for a look at the consequences of sin, deception and redemption.