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!
