Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Get out of jail free card 2

When I decided to read through the 1,001 Books list, I immediately realised that there were some books I simply couldn't face reading so I gave myself a little "cheat" - the get out of jail free cards.  I am allowing myself to choose not to read up to 50 of the 1,001 Books but, instead, to replace them with books that are in other editions of the book, but not the 2008 edition from which I have taken the list.

I used my first on Buddenbrooks a couple of months ago and really didn’t think I would be playing my second so soon afterwards.  The next book should have been Lives of Girls and Women by Alice Munro.  I’m sure it’s a very good book.  I really am.  But this is the product description on Amazon:

The story of Del Jordan growing up in gossipy and insular Jubilee begins with a frog-catching expedition and ends with a shattered love affair. Between, lies the rich and unforgettable texture of female experience.”

And, I’m sorry but my heart sank into my shoes when I read it.  Call me closed-minded if you will but I’m pretty sure I would not enjoy this at all.  So, with apologies to Alice Munro, I’m going to skip it and, in its place, will be reading Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carre, much more to my taste.

9 comments:

Alex (The Sleepless Reader) said...

You coward! It would be so much fun to read about your experiences with the “unforgettable texture of female experience”. :D

Falaise said...

That's me - a cowardy, cowardly custard!

Pam said...

What a great idea! I need to borrow one of your cards for my Modern Library blog because I have become stalled out with "A Clockwork Orange". I just can't face reading it, and I know there's so much more good reading once I'm past it!!!

Falaise said...

Pam - feel free to help yourself!

Selene said...

Great idea, there are several books on the list that are looming far too large, and tediously, for my liking. I might be stealing this one! :D

Hannah said...

How can you honestly resist any book that starts with frog chasing? Although I suspect you're more turned off by the shattered experiences at the end, this promised beginning has me shuddering. Blech. I think we need to send a new publicist.

Falaise said...

Selene - I decided that I was far more likely to stick with the project if I gave myself a little wiggle room.

Lifetime Reader - I could probably cope with the frog catching but I think whoever wrote that sumamry for Amazon is in the wrong job!

Em said...

Poor Alice! The Canadian queen of the short story!
But, after what I've just read about you not liking coming of age narratives, it might be a wise choice...

Falaise said...

I suspect so! There is another Alice Munro book on the list and I will really try that one.