Classic book

[ahar]

I need to suggest a book for my book club and wondered if anyone has any ideas on a classic I could suggest?

[saxy_jag]

Since we're coming up to Christmas, what about one of Dickens' Christmas books? 'A Christmas Carol' is the obvious choice, but think about 'The Chimes' or 'The Cricket on the Hearth' (in fact, there are some cheap editions around that include all three)

Or what about 'Peter Pan'? I know where there's a great talk being given about it too.

[Clanad]

Problem is, usually, that the definition Classic will put most readers to sleep or will not generate enough interest, especially for the new or occasional reader, needed for them to complete it. Classics are usually thought of, at least in Western Society as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, or, heaven forbid, The Odyssey... better, I think, to choose something a little more contemporary that will hold the interest and cause the discussion you are probably seeking. However, if a true Classic is your undeterable goal, then I could suggest Madame Bovary, by
GustaveFlaubert, sure to cause rest and relaxation among at least 90% of the readers... Best of Luck, though!

[Clanad]

Recognizing the somewhat cynical tone of my offering, I could suggest, Joseph Hellers, Catch-22 as appropriate for our day considering the ongoing war on which noone can agree.
It's a broad comedy about a WWII bombardier based in Italy and his efforts to avoid bombing missions. It was made into an excellent movie, by the way, ca. 1960's, I think...

[ahar]

thank you for your answer but our book group has been together for some time and i'm not concerned about generating interest in order to keep people in it. we have been reading contemporary books since we began which is my reason for suggesting a classic, and as a group we agreed to read one if we could agree on which one it would be. therefore I am looking to fellow ABers to suggest a classic which would provide good topics for discussion. thank you for your suggestions

[Buenchico]

'Classics' don't have to be 'heavy' or 'inaccessible'. Jerome K Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat" is a masterpiece of comic writing, which is just as accessible and funny today as when it was written. Worth a try, perhaps?

[Buenchico]

For a different 'modern classic', why not try some Laurie Lee? 'Cider with Rosie' is a wonderful book.

Chris

[Ray The Grey]

gulliver's travels - there's more to it as an adult and plenty to discuss - man's inhumanity, science gone mad, etc

north & south for something with very modern resonances - industrialisation, unions, public health...

the best 'classic' book we've read was william's a streetcar named desire, it's got everything - racism, class system, death, depression, madness, paedophilia, suicide, alcoholism, domestic violence, rape, mysogyny, and much much more - very compact, short (quick to read), simply written and incredibly powerful

[Ric.ror]

I would chose Great Expectations or French lieutenant woman - they can always see the film if they dont want to read it - same with Dangerous Liasons

[Ric.ror]

Oh another classic - Trainspotting

[mosesg]

I have always liked 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

[ahar]

thanks people, i suggested streetcar named desire and they all agreed so we'll be reading it in january!

[gizmo1]

If you want something which will generate discussion - Wuthering Heights is crammed with symbolism and is really gripping too. Anything by Jane Austen is fab for talking about character, though I think Pride and Prejudice is the juiciest! George Eliot is my personal Favourite. Her books are generally quite long but almost because of that, you really fall in love with her world. 'Middlemarch' is the masterpiece, Adam Bede is racy and Silas Marner is unput-downable. Yikes! Just realised all these are by women. Okay - Graham Greene is great, especially for politics, love and religion. 'The Quiet American' - would be quite topical. It looks at the way war is reported. 'The End of the Affair' is extraordinary. I won't spoil it by talking about it. You'll finish it in a day but it will haunt you forever.