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I put it off for a long time. But I finally checked it out two weeks ago. Holy mackerel, an amazing bit of writing. Yet, when I mentioned in conversation that I was reading Lolita, the people I was spoke with cringed.
I asked if they had read it, to which they replied, "Of course not." Mind you, these are educated people. I certainly do not advocate statutory rape, but have you ever wondered if reading a book about something implied your approval of it? I mean, I think "Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas," is one funny book, but I don't believe in drug use. "Helter Skelter" certainly didn't make me want to kill people. So why such visceral reactions over what is, without question, a masterpiece, by people who have never read it?
This is the precise problem I have with my book club. God forbid a book *might* have the F word in it, it's out of consideration. Or if it is "depressing".
It was a BIG DEAL when we read The Kite Runner. Enough of us wanted to, so we actually had it "unofficially" during an "off" month.
I definately want to read Lolita! And I know I will get that reaction as well!
I had it as required reading in college...good book, and actually still own my copy a good 15 years later. Interesting...I think I'll see what reactions I get when I mention I'm re-reading it....
Lolita is a great work of literature. Nabokov is always an author I've wanted to find more time for. The only other of his works that I've read is Invitation to a Beheading. Also a very good book, but not quite on the level of Lolita.
Lolita is a great work of literature. Nabokov is always an author I've wanted to find more time for. The only other of his works that I've read is Invitation to a Beheading. Also a very good book, but not quite on the level of Lolita.
I was so stunned by Lolita that I've moved immediately into Pale Fire. I'll let you know how I like it.
I was so stunned by Lolita that I've moved immediately into Pale Fire. I'll let you know how I like it.
Many thanks. After I read your post, it just occurred to me that Pale Fire is one of the many unopened books on my shelf calling out to be read, so a little encouragement just my cause me to set it aside in my "to read" pile
I also have The Luzhin Defense, which is begging to be opened as well.
So many books, so little time...especially when I'm trying to finish writing one of my own. [emoticon needed for banging head against wall in frustration].
Many thanks. After I read your post, it just occurred to me that Pale Fire is one of the many unopened books on my shelf calling out to be read, so a little encouragement just my cause me to set it aside in my "to read" pile
I also have The Luzhin Defense, which is begging to be opened as well.
So many books, so little time...especially when I'm trying to finish writing one of my own. [emoticon needed for banging head against wall in frustration].
Yep. Working on my third. Why on earth I'm on a message board is beyond me. However, I would offer that reading great books is as vital to a writer as good nutrition is to an athlete.
Yep. Working on my third. Why on earth I'm on a message board is beyond me. However, I would offer that reading great books is as vital to a writer as good nutrition is to an athlete.
Definitely agree - both about reading great books and questioning my presence on this message board! I'm still wrapping up my first, so you're a few steps ahead of me. I'm getting decent response, but securing a publisher is going to be a challenge, especially in this economy. Ah well, as someone who edits and translates most of the day, I'm still paid to work with language, sometimes in fascinating ways, so things aren't that bad...
Nabokov is certainly a great writer to absorb and inspire you. Right now I'm trying to go through everything J.M. Coetzee has written. Another brilliant master...
Definitely agree - both about reading great books and questioning my presence on this message board! I'm still wrapping up my first, so you're a few steps ahead of me. I'm getting decent response, but securing a publisher is going to be a challenge, especially in this economy. Ah well, as someone who edits and translates most of the day, I'm still paid to work with language, sometimes in fascinating ways, so things aren't that bad...
Nabokov is certainly a great writer to absorb and inspire you. Right now I'm trying to go through everything J.M. Coetzee has written. Another brilliant master...
Here's something to try. Go to a writer's conference where you actually get to pitch agents. It's really great.
Lolita was a great book. I've read it several times. I love the way Nabakov plays with the English language, and the book is a true tragedy, in a way. Ann Rice did a rip off (under a psuedonym, IIRC) called Melinda that was nowhere near as good.
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