It’s time for another Book Through Thursday meme and because I didn’t answer last week’s ‘which book to movie’ question (simply because I’ll always prefer a story in its book form) I thought I’d better answer this week’s one which is:
“What’s the worst ‘best’ book you’ve ever read — the one everyone says is so great, but you can’t figure out why?”
I’m going to get straight to the point here, but also be hugely controversial – anything and everything by Shakespeare! I’ve never liked the man (although I’ve never met him 
)) I’ve never ‘got’ the man! and I’ve certainly never engaged with the man!
I know it’s rather narrow-minded to discount everything ever written by ‘the Great Bard’, but that’s simply how I feel. So I’m sorry Shakespearean fans! )
About Rob
Well, now there’s a name I wouldn’t have imagined showing up here… not that you’re wrong but I’m still surprised to see it for some reason.
Good for you!
cjh
Oh my goodness – I adore Shakespeare!!!!!!!!
My worst book is Lord of The Rings!
http://lyndasbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/booking-through-thursday_19.html
I’ve enjoyed the Shakespeare I’ve had to study. But I’ve never felt any desire to read any independently!
Yes, he is not exactly easy to read is he. Maybe if we were born in a different time
You know, I think enjoyment of Will depended on how his works are read. I read most in high school with a fantastic teacher who knew how to ‘read’ the Bard. Made all the difference.
My BTT is up.
I don’t think it’s narrow minded. There have been authors where I’ve read a couple of their books, didn’t like them and never read anything more by them. I figured they just weren’t my cup of tea. It’s been a long time since I’ve read Shakespeare and I think it was only because I had to for a school assignment
I think schools are to blame for people loosing the love of Shakespeare in general, if we werent taught them in such a boring way at a point where your mind is deciding your likes and donts I think people would like it a bit more… well loads of people do! I dont like him myself!
I enjoy seeing his plays performed much more than reading them. I wanted to take a class on him in college so as to get him a little better, but just never had the time — it took me 5 years to finish a 4 year course as it was.
Reading this almost took my breath away!! But then I can understand why some people don’t like the author. I’m not sure if you’ve ever watched anything he’s written performed because it certainly gives you a totally different experience of the work and can often change a persons mind, if it’s done well. I’m a huge Shakespeare fan, probably because I’m a theatre fan and grew up in Stratford ON home the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and now currently work for them. But if you haven’t seen anything live then that may just be the thing to change your mind.
I had a teacher in high school who loved Shakespeare and really inspired us to love it as well. Even though as an adult, I would rather watch a movie inspired by Shakespeare and read the newest Charlaine Harris or Lee Child book.
http://barneysbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/booking-through-thursday_19.html
I pretty much agree with you. Besides Romeo and Juliet (b/c the teenage girl in me still loves this) and maybe a couple of sonnets, I find his work so boring. I wouldn’t read his work for fun, only if it was required for a class. I will say though, I did see a play at the Blackfriar’s Theater in Staunton, VA and I loved it.
For me, Shakespeare is difficult to appreciate. I’m actually glad I read him in school, because on my own I probably would have thrown the book aside in frustration. I agree with Barbara, it’s much better to watch the plays than read the text.
I like his sonnets but I don’t get his plays! Although I did like Hamlet a lot.
I agree with Simon – and extend the thought to poetry. If schools didn’t ram poetry down students’ throats…
My answer this week is rather short…
I like Shakespeare’s plays, although I’ve only ever read two. However, I love the movie adaptations of most of them. I hope to read all his plays in time, and maybe garner a love for them, and a better understanding (because I read those two I mentioned in high school, so long ago). But, I looooove his sonnets, so much! I do understand why you wouldn’t like him, we all have our quirks. I still have to think who mine are..
I have to agree, the only play I have actually made it through was Macbeth, the rest I was forced to use cliff notes.
There sure are a lot of surprising choices here today but people know what they like and what they don’t. Good thing there are a lot of books out there to choose from.
My BTT is here
In which case Rob, have I got the book for you …. keep an eye on my blog next week ……
P.S I nominate Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”.
pearl s. buck’s “the good earth”
I lived in relative fear and distaste of Shakespeare until I got to college! I read “Romeo & Juliet” in high school and then acted out “Julius Caesar” as part of a school project my junior year. Both experiences were painful! But when I was finally forced to confront my trepidation regarding the Bard my junior year of college in an all-Shakespeare course required for my degree, I realized there was actually… a lot more to work with than I thought!
We read his sonnets and then worked our way through the history plays. I really liked “Venus & Adonis,” as much as it shocked me.
I would never sit down and read Shakespeare for “fun,” I would say, but I don’t dislike him as much as I used to. Do I “get” him? Still, probably not. But I’m a little closer to understand now than ever before!
If you are going to attack The Bard then I will have to honestly tell you that reading The Grapes of Wrath in the 10th grade was the most painful experience of my life. I enjoy other Steinbeck, just not that one. Shudder.
My my…I would never expect that out of you. I enjoy reading Shakespeare (out loud) that I can spend all day reading those puny lines.
My pick for this week is Da Vinci Code. It doesn’t have any competitor. The literary blunders and infelicities just confound me.
yes! what a great question!
i am also very surprised at your choice, rob. with a degree in medieval history, i just pegged you for the type that loves all things ancient
me…i gotta say, i love the guy.
i pick “the sound and the fury”.
says:
Thanks to everyone who responded. I half expected a lynch mob with burning torches to descend on RobAround Manor, but thankfully nobody yet. Well aside from the postman and he didn’t really have much of a look of bloodlust (well not today at least
)
@cjh – So you think I’m a bit brave to admit my Shakespearean ‘hatred’?
)
@Lynda – Hehehe Sorry! I knew I’d probably shock a few people
@Jo – So a bit of a forced attachment to him then?
)
@bloeuedd – Or maybe if we were?
)
@Mary – I absolutely agree. A good teacher probably would make learning Shakespeare more of a pleasure than a pain, and aside from a brief time with ‘The Merchant of Venice’, I was never really taught Shakespeare at school. That said, even if I were taught him well. I think I’d still feel somewhat the same
@Yvonne – One man’s meat is another man’s murder they say. Interesting how school seemed to turn you off Shakespeare though.
@Simon – Wise words and I couldn’t agree more. I had a fantastic history teacher at school and now I’m a qualified historian. Shame my English teacher wasn’t quite as engaging.
@Barbara – I agree that being brought to life in a visual sense will always be better for things like Shakespeare. I have tried to watch a couple of Shakespearean plays (on tv and live) but for me still – dull, dull, dull!
)
@thatsthebook – Oh dear it looks like I’ve offended THE Shakespeare fan (are you sure you’re not related?
)). I have to admit that the stage show, and TV play I watched were marginally better than trying to engage with his text, but I still found it to be miles away from what I would consider entertaining. Sorry but keep up the great work! I may not be a fan for if he were to fade into obscurity then it would be a travesty.
@Jess – It’s as Simon says isn’t it? A good teacher is going to make a difference.
@Laza – Thanks for dropping by Laza. I’m glad you concur
)
@Jeane – Thank you for your comment. I think a living ‘guide’ must be essential in the early days of learning Shakespeare.
@Gautami – Great to have you stop by. I guess the sonnets would be more manageable, but alas eve nthe thought of those make me cringe.
@Melanie – Hehehe..poetry – there’s another can of worms for me to open right there. I’m not a big fan of that either, aside from the war poetry of Siegfried Sassoon
@Kaila-Ann – Hehehe..Cliff Notes. Is that commonly known as cheating? Only joking! If it got you through him, and you learnt a little something in the process…
@Kaya – I get so frustrated by the amount of books we do have at our disposal, but I guess having so much choice does have its benefits too i.e. an excuse to sidestep Shakespeare
)
@Lizzy – Great to see you drop by Lizzy. Why do I get the feeling I’m going to be decidedly underwhelmed by your revelation next week?
@Brittney – Eekk…that book’s on my reading list too
@Megan – Wow thank you such a lengthy insight into your Shakespearean experiences. You give me some hope, although if I’m honest – not much
). I’m glad you now find him more bearable though.
@Kristen – OH MY GOD Kristen. You REALLY ARE touching a raw nerve with me now
). But I guess I can’t see how you couldn’t adore Steinbeck , in the same way I can’t understand you love for The Bard. You’re still hurtin’ me deep though 
)
@Matt – Hehehe..so I’ve surprised you then? Cool!
) I’m so glad you get a lot of pleasure out of him though, and I’m not surprised by that. Funny you should mention Dan Brown. I teetered on the edge of adding the Da Vinci Code as well – complete and utter dross, and as a huge fan of Leonardo, I found it offensive too
@Krista – Great to hear from you!! Not spoken for a while! Well remembered on the degree although it’s actually a combined one i.e. Medieval History AND Archaeology, but I won’t hold it against you
). I DO love most things ‘ancient’ (although ancient would be more BC though), but sadly Mr. S. isn’t one of them.
I hope your choice isn’t a bad omen for me. I have Faulkner’s ‘As I lay Dying’ waiting in the wings
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Phewww..that’s a lot of replies to type out but it was so much fun. Thanks everyone. See you next Thursday!
I won’t hold your distaste for the Bard against you. We can’t all have good taste.
I began reading my dad’s copy of the Complete Works when I was 13. Shakespeare is one of the factors that led to my love for and work in theatre.
Don’t know you, but I love you anyways.
I hate his works and how ridiculously overhyped they are >.<
says:
@Mish – Even though I’m not a fan of Mr. S. (as you now know
)) I’m full of admiration for you falling in love with him at 13. You show yourself to be profoundly intelligent
@Runa – I love you too, simply because you share my non-passion
)
If the shoe fits… thank you. Your post reminded me it’s been awhile since I’ve read any Mr. S….hmm…might have to mend that.