The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.
B.B. King
I don't know about you but the longer I stay at university, the dumber I feel and it's given me great insight into the fact that I can't know everything because there's so much to know. And this is the great testament to the saying 'lifelong learning'.
However, having said that, what I have learned, I'm keen to put to the test. I've decided that over the summer, apart from taking a beginner's Italian course, I'm going to re-read all those literature greats that I just didn't 'get' the first time around - as well as those that I thought I got, just to see if I did, if fact, get them.
So, here's my summer re-reading list:
Mrs Dalloway - I started reading this many, many, many years ago and when I say 'started', I mean just that. It's very rare that I don't actually finish reading anything, no matter how bad. I just didn't understand the first thing about Modernism or stream of consciousness. Now I am aware of those literary techniuqes, but that doesn't mean I'll enjoy it!
All seven of Jane Austen's novels...yeah, right! Maybe just Pride and Prejudice - I've always been a huge fan and always will but I've only re-read Emma - gasp, horror! I identified myself in class yesterday as being a 'huge fan' and was then asked to quote the first line of Pride and Prejudice...really? Apparently MOST Jane Austen fans are familiar with the first line and its irony...embarrassing! But I have been to her house in Chawton, if that accounts for anything?
Madame Bovary - I first read this about five years ago and remember wishing I'd read it in my teens. I want to re-read it to see if those feelings are warranted.
My brilliant career - I read this when I first entered my foray into university and I loved, loved, loved it. It's Australian for one thing and I've since become a 'fan' of Miles Franklin.
Bossypants - Okay, it's not a classic but I've never actually read this one and after reading the others, I might be looking for something hilariously funny.
So that little list should keep me busy over the summer. There will be no book reviews, by the way, but I will let you know if my opinions about them have changed due to my higher learning!
Good idea!!I am loving having time to read lots and lots now. Enjoy!!! x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah, you too! xx
DeleteThis post made me smile! And...made me realize that we are what we read! You are listing all the sophisticated classics while I sit here reading books like The Myth of Mental Illness, Voluntary Madness (which was AWESOME, BTW), and Mad in America. I have never read any of those books so I would love to hear which ones my sophisticated, Classy Australian friend likes! I may just become inclined to pick one up! =)
ReplyDelete~Sincerely, Your Mad and Crazy American Friend.
My Dear Mad and Crazy American Friend,
DeleteFirst of all I don't think you're crazy at all - I think you're incredibly intelligent, funny and honest (just to name a few)and you have those unique qualities I yearn for and so seek out in potential friends!
Secondly, I'm not really all that classy - although I do happen to love 18th/19th century literature, I'm a bit of a sloth,I swear like a trooper when I get behind the wheel and love a good belch after a glass of ginger beer! (Notice how I don't even mention 'Farting'?!!) Maybe I'm 'K'lassy? Either way, we make very good friends :)
Sincerely, Your Klassy Aussie friend. xxx