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Need Advice on Books

Posted: 30 Jul 2007, 13:58
by Dori
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:
  • :arrow: 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?
    :arrow: 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?
    :arrow: 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.
    :arrow: 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? :wink:

Posted: 12 Aug 2007, 09:03
by Stewart
Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov

Posted: 13 Aug 2007, 13:01
by Dori
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.

Posted: 13 Aug 2007, 15:22
by tngwstlnd
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.

Posted: 13 Aug 2007, 16:56
by Dori
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.