I love a good list. And a good book. So when I see a list of books I should apparently read before I die, I have to take a glance. Often just to count of how many I’ve read, and feel a sense of achievement. When I’ve read one on my bucket list poster, I love scratching off of the little square, for that same buzz of productivity.
And yet, often people read these books despite actually hating the experience. Presently, I’m reading Les Miserables, and while I don’t hate it, I’m not personally enjoying the experience. The overly descriptive scenes of settings typical of Hugo’s style, pages and pages spent describing a character of little relevance to the grand scheme of things. At this moment, I’m reading it because I’m in too deep. But I’m not enjoying it.
I didn’t get into my love of reading by the classics route. Instead, it began when I was around 14, with teen fiction. A few vampires, werewolves and a tremendously unrealistic romance, and I was happy. Books such as Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater and Nightworld by L G Smith. None of these turn up on the 100 Books You have to Read Before You Die. And yet, I loved them. Most importantly, I’ve probably had more enjoyment out of them, too, than a number of the books on these lists.
I know why so many books are considered with this level of importance. Books such as To Kill a Mockingbird for social issues, War and Peace for there literary influence and educational quality. They’re regular contenders, and for good reason. But I’m a sucker for sappy romances and the cold yet handsome anti hero.
So, read what you like. If you’re like me, and like to tick off the next book you must read, then by all means, its good to have that guide. Sometimes, they even help introduce some new blood into your typical reading trends. But make sure to deviate from that every once in a while with what made you love reading in the first place. If that’s classics then great, but sometimes a melodramatic drama between a gutsy heroine and a troubled supernatural young fellow is what you need. With ice cream, for extra indulgence.
Paint a Mental Picture 