1. A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz: This is nonfiction but it is written by a MAN who became interested in Jane Austen while studying Literature at Yale. He writes about each of Austen's novels and about what he learned from them and what we can learn. It's a fascinating read!
2. On Writing by Stephen King. This is also nonfiction but I think a must for anyone who wants to be a writer or who likes writing. He has some great anecdotes and tips about the writing process.
3. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. This is Austen parodying the Gothic Romance and it's both hilarious and romantic and incredibly witty! I wasn't sure I'd like it, but I devoured the novel over Christmas break.
I have to say I'm personally torn between 2 and 3. I think 3 will win out though as I can't stand King. The man is a misogynistic pompous ass. I cannot believe he has the slightest idea of how to write anything I'd actually enjoy, and therefore could not possibly direct ME in any of my works in progress... >.>
ReplyDeleteoooooooh, I'm torn between Northanger and On Writing - I love Stephen King's actual writing, although I no longer read him after Tommyknockers scared me so badly I didn't sleep for several days :( well, that one and Sun Dog *twitch*. Ah, maybe I'll just stick with Northanger Abbey.....
ReplyDeleteI've never read King and don't care to--but I thought some of the tips in that book were helpful. But to each their own O_o
ReplyDeleteNorthanger is awesome though. :D
Well to clarify, I've never read any of his fiction....(sorry someone is tired and shouldn't be trying to engage in real discussions :P)
ReplyDeleteI do not deny his ability to use words. Don't get me wrong. I just deny my personal ability to ENJOY any of his wordsmithing. Many women truly love his work and I don't blame them one bit. I've read several of his and only enjoyed one. And even that was only tolerable rather than fun. If his women were not all cookie cutter molds of helpless wenches from pirate era stories, and perhaps if he wasn't so crude in his use of language (is "fuck" really necessary in every other sentence??) I'd likely enjoy his stories. He has a very creative mind and a great ability to twist a plot faster than I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue (7 seconds is my record, FYI). The man has talent. But his method and mine are just not compatible.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably sounding harsh because I'm that grrl that doesn't mince words or sugar coat things. You will always know where you stand with me. And so will Mr. King. :)
I tried Northanger Abbey once before and failed. I think I shall try it again :)
ReplyDeleteI think Austen will win this little contest. I'm going with her book as well. :) :) :)
ReplyDelete:D heck yeah for Austen!
ReplyDeleteLove Northanger and would love to read it again...HOWEVER, I just got A Jane Austen Education so I'll be reading that. :)
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