Summer Readings 2020
Back in middle school and high school, I remember summer readings as part of the summer activities. These are usually a list of books that the language arts' teachers hand out. Then, the teachers would have students take custom exams based on what they read. I recall my friends and I would not be bothered with them until August each year.
The pandemic has limited the number of activities my family and I could do during the summer. This also meant we needed to find other outlets to preoccupy ourselves. After many years of hearing and reading about people referring to this book, I've decided to read it.
It will be a long quest, but I'll tackle it a page at a time. The first time I came across references to Ayn Rand's works was back in university. No, it wasn't a philosophy course or an English class. It was actually when I bought the Bioshock series off of Steam. Go figure, Valve's Steam was my content discovery venue. At the very least, I hope I'll have a better idea whenever people start bringing her in the picture.
Anyways, I have lighter readings in the lineup should Atlas Shrugged become too cumbersome. These are not meant to be substitutes, but a change of pace for switching back and forth between the books.
You could tell by this point that I enjoy the Konosuba series. It's one of those works that I went and got the source material after the anime and manga. In today's internet age, it's easy to read everything online. For me, there's still a certain charm to holding physical books.
Whether it's a brick of philosophy or comedic light novel, I'm not too picky. This year has compelled me to move in directions I may not have otherwise. That sounds like an attempt to find silver lining. But in truth, my family and I have made out better than most people in these trying times. That, I should be grateful for.
Great choice @enforcer48! Many, many years ago, I read this book twice, as it provides such a powerful counter narrative to most of what gets "put out there" these days. If you enjoy books that really make you think, you will find it worth your while to "press through" and finish it.
Awhile back, some enterprising soul (can't remember their name, as was too many years ago) tried to make this book into a movie series. The first one was made and I thought it was excellent. There were never any more, given the controversy (as I recall) stirred up by the first one ...
Good luck!
Do you remember how long it took you to finish it?
No, I really don't. I just know I read it cover to cover, without stopping. I have never been a fast reader. I get really immersed into a story and have excellent comprehension afterwards, but speed? Not so much ... 😉
We shall see if the same happens to me.
Keep meaning to tackle that book as well and always get distracted elsewhere. Do let us know what you think of it please, as I'm sure by the time you're done I still won't have found the time. Maybe you will be the impetus I need to finally get a copy and do so. It must be a great book as I remember hearing of it decades ago and randomly someone will mention it again over the years.
I'll definitely post about some thoughts when I feel confident about it.
I just don't enjoy reading. I wish I did. It isn't something that really occupies my time though. I start a lot of books and never end up finishing them. I think if I read faster it might make a difference, but I tend to read slowly, so it is very much a chore to complete a whole book.
But you do read people's blog though.
What's the difference?
Sometimes that feels like a lot of work too :)
Hahaha, I remember my freshman year at college, my roommate recommended it to me, saying: "This book will send you off in a really messed up direction!"
After reading it, I must say it's not that bad. (Though I have come across more skilled writers, that's for sure.) But regarding the controversy and public outcry, I guess it says more about the outcriers than the book. As for Rand's philosophy... I can only say it always depends on a number of factors, many of which she keeps ignoring. Though given her own background, I can certainly see the reasons behind them.
To come back to my roommate's books, there is another 1,500 page tomb he offered me, whose protagonist (one of them) is the same as a minor main character from Atlas Shrugged. Whether intentional or not, I did see the uncanny similarity. The book I'm talking about is The Illuminatus! Trilogy by Robert A. Wilson and Robert Shea. In my opinion, way more entertaining that Atlas Shrugged, and an ideal Summer reading.
source
So many books. So little time!