I have to give my vote to this one as well. One of the most intricate and ornate books I've read - it can be read from beginning to end in one sitting and be enjoyed, or one can read it slowly and closely and find a web of linked details and little secrets. Everything mentioned in the story gives sly information about the nature of Kinbote's insanity. Nabokov rules.
I just finished this book. "Them: Adventures With Extremists" by Jon Ronson. A candid look at all types of fringe weirdos, told with a dry British sense of humor. I couldn't put it down. A highly entertaining read. Them
And I would suggest you keep a dictionary on hand. Despite being Russian, Nabokov knows more English words than any ten of us combined.
Chuck Palahniuk When you're suggesting books, an authors name is most helpful when we go to the book store to find the book.
Angels & Demons -- a precurser to life of the main character in The DaVinci Code but in no means a prequel. And I would very highly recommend TDVC. The Killer Angels -- civil war novel, mainly centering around the Generals Lee, Longstreet and Chamberlain at Gettysburg. The Rape of Nanking -- a desolate novel on the horrors inflicted to the Chinese from the Japanese during WWII. Lolita -- Nabokov is amazing. The Bell Jar -- if you ever want to understand your chick. Either this or Shopgirl .
Definitely. Reading Nabokov (particularly Pale Fire and Lolita) isn't easy at all. The stories are relatively simple but the narration is rather complex, and the supernatural way that V.N. seems to unify every passing detail into a sensible whole adds to that complexity. It's not always easy reading, but it is rewarding. If you're feeling really gutsy, have a stab at "Gravity's Rainbow" by Thomas Pynchon. I didn't quite get it until the second time I read it, but the first time still had enough weirdness to keep me entertained.
Oh, and I forgot - If you want to read a book that will totally transform the way you view society, try "The True Believer" by Eric Hoffer. It's a study of mass movements and fanaticism - it's not as dry as it sounds, and it's incredibly insightful. In my opinion, this book should be required reading in first-year college English classes. Seriously, you'll look at the world (and people) quite differently.
Don't worry about it too much. Just read the book and enjoy it. Oh, while King may have a penchant for cliffhangers at least this time we don't have to wait five+ years for the next one to come out (ala books three and four). Just have to wait five more months...
Since the movie is out, Cold Mountain is a good one to read. The movie is pretty close to its book compared to other crap like The Count of Monte Cristo hackjob. Also the Ben Franklin and John Adams bios were pretty interesting. My nephew keeps telling me to read some Pokemon book. I'll see if I can find out the title and pass it on. Apparently Bulbasaur is wicked cool.
