Need Advice on Books

Dori · Post by **Dori** » 30 Jul 2007, 13:58

Hello, everyone.

I've been trying to decide what books to buy next. I have some ideas, but I would like to hear everyone's opinion first. Here are the books I am thinking about buying:

Ulysses, by James Joyce
Reason: I heard this book was a challenging read. I am very curious about this book, and there is just something about it, based on reviews and recommendations, that seems attractive. Has anyone had any experience with Ulysses?
Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov
Reason: I've heard a bit about this book, but not too much. I'm rather curious about Nabokov's ability to write, even more so than the actual book itself. Your opinions?
Faust, by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Reason: I have only heard good things about this book. I've been trying to acquaint myself with german literature, but all I own a few philosophical works produced by Nietzsche and Kant. On another note: has anyone read anything from Hegel? I'm very interested in the Philosophy of History.
Kirstin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid Undset
Reason: I'm a historical fiction nut, so this story set in 13th century (I think) Norway attracted me from the start. I haven't heard much about it, so I was wondering if anyone had even heard of it.

Lastly, I would like to read more Shakespeare. If anyone could recommend any of his works, I would be very much indebted to thank him (or her, of course). Also, if anyone willing to reply could recommend, perhaps, a similar book, I would greatly acknowledge his (or her) assistance. And finally, I would very much appreciate anybody's assistance, if not everyone's, in this decision of mine. After all, such are the benefits of being part of a reading community, right?

Stewart · Post by **Stewart** » 12 Aug 2007, 09:03

Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov

Dori · Post by **Dori** » 13 Aug 2007, 13:01

Thanks for replying to my message. It's been nearly a fortnight since I've posted this topic, so it is reassuring that you post your recommendation, Stewart.

By the way, welcome to the forums, Stewart.

tngwstlnd · Post by **tngwstlnd** » 13 Aug 2007, 15:22

I'll admit I haven't actually read Lolita yet, but the 1962 film (which Nabokov wrote the screenplay for) is one of my favorite films of all time, and I have read Invitation to a Beheading by Nabokov. So that.

And also I'm pretty sure Barnes and Noble has a really cheap, but expensive looking (it's bound in leather and has beautiful gold text on the front cover, if I recall) edition of a bunch of poems, etc. by Shakespeare. It's about $20, definitely worth it.

Dori · Post by **Dori** » 13 Aug 2007, 16:56

tngwstlnd wrote:And also I'm pretty sure Barnes and Noble has a really cheap, but expensive looking (it's bound in leather and has beautiful gold text on the front cover, if I recall) edition of a bunch of poems, etc. by Shakespeare. It's about $20, definitely worth it.

Yes, I've been tempted to buy it the last few times I've gone there. I'll take a better look at it next time a drop by there.