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What books do you consider must reads? (beehaw.org)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by Alice@beehaw.org to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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So basically I was unschooled, and the amount of books I've read in my life is embarrassingly low. It was never emforced like in a school, and with my family's religious hangups, I never tried getting into new things because I never knew what would be deemed "offensive".

But I'm always interested when I hear people talk about both storycraft and also literary criticism, so I want to take an earnest stab at getting into books.

No real criteria, I don't know what I like so I can't tell you what I'm looking for, other than it needs to be in English or have an English translation. Just wanna know what y'all think would make good or important reading.

ETA holy shit thanks for all the suggestions! Definitely gonna make a list

ETA if I reply extremely late it's because it took me this long to get a library card in my new locale.

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[–] Drusas@fedia.io 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I've heard that about The Dispossessed. I tried to listen to it on audiobook and the narration was terrible, so I just couldn't get far into it. I need to pick up a physical or digital copy.

Oh, and Malazan is great. That one took me two tries to really get into as well, mostly because I initially had trouble keeping track of so many characters.

[–] NaevaTheRat@vegantheoryclub.org 1 points 2 months ago

100% read it. I think most things aren't "must reads" even my favourite stories, but some have such unique ideas or skillful execution that if you enjoy literature you owe it to yourself to read them.

There's obviously a very large list, I suggested some I didn't think would be represented here. The dispossessed is a short read and uncomplex in its construction and pros so it's easy to squeeze in a chapter here and there or before bed.

Idk if you will agree it's a must read, that's obviously quite subjective, but I highly doubt you'll find the time you spent with it unsatisfying.