Dupin

I've just been to dig out Anthony Burgess' Ninety-Nine Novels: The Best in English since 1939 because this thread reminded me of something he says in his introduction when attempting to define what a novel is. With regard to it's actual, physical appearance, he describes the novel as:

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Well? Do they? I intend to find out as well. At some point. For years I've even held off watching Blade Runner because of my intention to read the book first. And to think I might absolutely hate both book and film, ha!

(Of course, we all know that it was the artwork that convinced me to buy the book in the first place!) Yes, I too have been putting off reading Women in Love for a while now. In truth, I didn't care much for The Rainbow, which is a prequel of sorts, and so I guess my reluctance stems from there. However, it's persistent presence on lists of greatest novels makes it impossible to ignore so I've resolved to do the deed before much longer. I saw Ken Russell, who made the 1969 film version, being interviewed the other night (with regard to his bizarre appearance in the Celebrity Big Brother house) and he alluded to how sexuality

Having compared our respective lists, Madcow, I see we only have one book in common. That being Women in Love. I'm sure we can swap notes on that when the time comes though. However, I've already determined that I won't be able to read my copy on a bus, coach or train trip (as I'd like to do) because of the artwork. There are (ahem) breasts on the front cover and I don't relish the thought of funny looks from my fellow commuters. I know, it sounds like I'm overreacting, but they're a pretty prudish bunch around here

I know and I feel greedy! Wanna split it?

Firstly, yes (Dogmatix) I am mad! And putting Henry Miller on my list only serves to convince me of just what a hopeless mental case I am! Polka Dot Rock (may I call you Polka?), I have been itching to read McTeague since the day I purchased it from a charity shop in 2005. I'd never knowingly heard of Frank Norris at the time but the picture on the cover convinced me to purchase it because it was a still from legendary film director Erich Von Stroheim's silent classic Greed, made in 1924, and based on McTeague. I'd seen the film several years before and was really knocked-out by it. Apparently, Von Stroheim went to phenomenal lengths to capture the mood and feel of Norris' novel, arriving at a final cut which lasted 9 hours! It was later shortened to a more modest 5 before finally arriving at a 2 and a half hour cut, carried out by a man who hadn't even read the script, much less the original novel. And yet, sources tell me that for an adapted screenplay it's remarkably faithful to it's original. I think you've just made me convince myself that I should start reading it imminently. As for Don Quixote, it is such a legendary piece of literature I find it difficult (iconoclastic though I am) to pluck up the courage to actually read it. The mere sight of it leaves me daunted - and (alas) my copy doesn't even have

(the other 40) Reflections in a Golden Eye

2007 READING LIST (Here are 40 because of character restrictions) God Knows

Right then! I

I discovered this site (about four days ago) via a bunch of keywords punched into Google! If I'm not mistaken the words were 'book' and 'forum' (strangely enough) and the link was about three pages in. I recall looking several years back for exactly this kind of site but back then I unwisely searched via the word 'reading' which promptly took me to a forum about all things concerning the place in Berkshire. And yes, that is true! I soon realised my mistake and declined to register

...and Liz, the only book I'd make any attempt to prevent you reading is The Aunt's Story by Patrick White. Words cannot express how excrutiating this book was. Not even the words of White himself could do justice to my irritation, ha!

Thank you Sugar. I intend to start a thread introducing members to Bill at some point. He could be the next big thing!

I realise that barely 2 hours have passed since the start of the New Year and one ought really to be thinking about the present and the future rather than the past. However, as a newcomer to these parts, I can