tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post7158409996086833724..comments2024-01-08T00:51:30.080-05:00Comments on Write Now: Classic StyleKaren Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-66893865568278296342013-02-07T11:03:01.532-05:002013-02-07T11:03:01.532-05:00Tyrean,
Yes, I agree, it is relative! And like you...Tyrean,<br />Yes, I agree, it is relative! And like you, I was selective for my kids too. We did read a few that were so boring, though, but it was a good exercise, I suppose, since I wasn't familiar with them beforehand. lol<br />Thanks for chiming in,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-47576296026564514062013-02-07T09:55:39.273-05:002013-02-07T09:55:39.273-05:00I Love that quote by Twain. I'm going to have ...I Love that quote by Twain. I'm going to have to keep it somewhere close. <br />I think that a true classic should answer yes to all your questions.<br />A book that answers all of those questions for me is: To Kill a Mockingbird. It's a beloved classic for me. <br /><br />However, there are those that I feel fit the Twain quote all to well, like: As I Lay Dying by Faulkner, and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Thankfully, for one of those books I had a great teacher who made the reading tolerable and I could see some of the better point in the writing. However, I don't ever want to read either of those books again and won't subject my kids to them.<br /><br />Classic, to me, is a relative term.Tyrean Martinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15356604721537744361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-52374913791116398902013-02-02T22:44:05.636-05:002013-02-02T22:44:05.636-05:00Robyn,
Correction - that's for *sure! Too late...Robyn,<br />Correction - that's for *sure! Too late in the evening to be commenting...<br />Karen :)Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-80844593933046176072013-02-02T22:42:36.922-05:002013-02-02T22:42:36.922-05:00Robyn,
Twain was something, wasn't he? Wonder ...Robyn,<br />Twain was something, wasn't he? Wonder if he thought - or knew, his books would make the grade in that respect. Interesting thought. He was a character, that's for sre!<br /><br />Susan,<br />Well yes, I confess that the same thought has crossed my mind over the years. :) Older and wiser, for sure, but not always sold on all the "classics", I'm thinking. Beauty, in this respect, is definitely in the eye of the beholder!<br /><br />Blessings,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-50574095498988027662013-02-02T22:38:44.009-05:002013-02-02T22:38:44.009-05:00IMHO, a classic is a book you're forced to rea...IMHO, a classic is a book you're forced to read in school that bores you to tears! Of course, as you get older and wiser, you may appreciate the fine storytelling/writing - maybe. :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-36718999137088324822013-02-02T16:59:32.032-05:002013-02-02T16:59:32.032-05:00Hahahaha. I love Twain quotes. They're so spot...Hahahaha. I love Twain quotes. They're so spot-on! Although there are some classics that I will always re-visit. David Copperfield, To Kill a Mockingbird to name two. And nearly EVERYTHING Twain wrote. Hahaha. I'd love the chance to tell him his books are classics. *wink*<br /><br />I heart you amigo. P.S. Yes. Chocolate. :-)Robyn Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356555082768185840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-90999954533573583282013-02-01T17:01:32.366-05:002013-02-01T17:01:32.366-05:00Dorothy,
I didn't realize that you grew up in ...Dorothy,<br />I didn't realize that you grew up in a non English speaking home. I must have missed that somehow! :) I can see where that list would be a treasure! Someday perhaps you'll share it with us on your blog? That would be a treasure! :) <br /><br />Annie,<br />And you are right, love how you said by "someone who loves it". I remember rereading books as a child, like Island of the Blue Dolphins and Baby Island. Loved them! As for a giveaway, I'd love to! Want to interview you too. :)<br /><br />Clara,<br />Believe it or not I was just thinking of you the other day! It occurred to me that I hadn't been over to see you at your blog in a while. Ah, you named some good classics! Thanks for chiming in.<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-90179619439674694322013-02-01T12:52:45.366-05:002013-02-01T12:52:45.366-05:00Hi Karen,
I actually have a keen appreciation for...Hi Karen,<br /><br />I actually have a keen appreciation for the classics-most read during my high school years, making a lasting impression... How Green Was My Valley. Wuthering Heights, The Good Earth and David Copperfield to name a few. I Wonder As I Wander by Langston Hughes and works by Elizabeth Barret Browning and Gwendolyn Brooks endeared me to poetry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-90029579538552989352013-02-01T08:57:44.618-05:002013-02-01T08:57:44.618-05:00I think of a classic as one that can be enjoyed th...I think of a classic as one that can be enjoyed through the ages by generations but also can be read and reread by someone who loves it.<br /><br />BTW - I have a March Love Inspired out and tons of copies if you want one for a give away.DearHelenHartmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01191525904664350294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-86537501242950905992013-01-31T23:32:45.554-05:002013-01-31T23:32:45.554-05:00I think there's some truth to that Mark Twain ...I think there's some truth to that Mark Twain quote. <br />As I grew up in a non English speaking home, I had a teacher who made me a list off all the 'classics' she thought I should read after high school. <br />She included nursery rhymes and fairytales. She made 'classics' a treasure for me...and I carried that list in my purse for years!! <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend, dear Karen. <br />Blessings<br />Dotti :)Dorothyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13622521834128746217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-9062915639643728172013-01-31T14:50:35.353-05:002013-01-31T14:50:35.353-05:00Jennifer,
I think he might! Haven't tried The ...Jennifer,<br />I think he might! Haven't tried The Scarlet Letter yet, but based on the comments here, I may skip it! lol :)<br /><br />Theresa,<br />I agree. And agree about TKAM too, now there's a good classic! :)<br /><br />Cecelia,<br />I am sure you were very young, right? :) I am not sure about the number of years - that's a good question! I should look into that.<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-10220535218729278022013-01-31T12:56:06.515-05:002013-01-31T12:56:06.515-05:00I may be telling my age here but I remember when T...I may be telling my age here but I remember when <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i> was a new book. Is there a certain number of years that define a classic? quietspirithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-76482235923080589622013-01-31T11:34:37.482-05:002013-01-31T11:34:37.482-05:00Ha! I think there are some classics people don'...Ha! I think there are some classics people don't read, but others are pretty readable. To Kill a Mockinbird will always be read, I think.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-72274739029629428882013-01-30T12:01:23.192-05:002013-01-30T12:01:23.192-05:00Ha! Yes, Twain might have had a point. Some classi...Ha! Yes, Twain might have had a point. Some classics I've loved, but I tried to read The Scarlet Letter too and was unsuccessful. :)Jennifer Shirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970585847385511795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-10567033513090163352013-01-30T09:55:12.915-05:002013-01-30T09:55:12.915-05:00Nutschell,
I know, it's great, isn't it? I...Nutschell,<br />I know, it's great, isn't it? I hear you, I plodded through some too. Some make my thumbs up list, others do not. :)<br /><br />Lisa,<br />You know, I am glad to hear others say this too. I like some, but others not at all, and couldn't understand the hype, or the "need" to have my kids read them. :)<br /><br />Joylene,<br />I am sure Twain was, and I can't help to wonder what prompted his comment. TKAM is one of my faves too! :)<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />Karen<br /><br /><br />Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-63304975921998582332013-01-29T16:13:43.086-05:002013-01-29T16:13:43.086-05:00Sounds like Twain was addressing the people of his...Sounds like Twain was addressing the people of his generation, not so much the classics. As for classics, there are so many, but two of my favourites: War and Peace, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Joylene Nowell Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04497637513532136615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-70640011535522414232013-01-29T14:50:11.727-05:002013-01-29T14:50:11.727-05:00I'm not a lover of the traditional classics, I...I'm not a lover of the traditional classics, I'm afraid. I attempted a few months ago to read F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night" and confess to being bored to tears. I pushed to half-way and put it down. Just. Couldn't. Read. Another. Word. It was sheer torture. LOL Lisa Ricard Clarohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05048410207952052295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-40338638853074139102013-01-29T14:39:16.934-05:002013-01-29T14:39:16.934-05:00i love that quote from Mark Twain. He's right ...i love that quote from Mark Twain. He's right though.And I'm thinking of The Odyssey. :D<br />Nutschell<br />www.thewritingnut.comnutschellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967710710805174781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-18126548529032191342013-01-29T14:27:47.115-05:002013-01-29T14:27:47.115-05:00Melanie,
What a blessing, to have the encouragemen...Melanie,<br />What a blessing, to have the encouragement from your father! Some things we always carry with us, don't we? :)<br /><br />Susan,<br />I think you've made a great point about the sophistication and common problems. It is interesting to note favorites in this way. Thanks for your two cents! :)<br /><br />Cecelia,<br />I know, there are some I never made it through either. Some drew me, others did not, and some seemed just plain dry and boring! To each his own, right? :)<br /><br />Kenda,<br />I think too, that a classic means different things to different people. :) I know there are some I've read in the last few years that I'd consider a good model for writing good fiction, and in that respect, a new classic.<br /><br />Hilary,<br />You know, I've done that - read a summary first. I think it helps, and helps see if you think you'll want to proceed to read it! Looking forward to having Diane here too. :)<br /><br />Lydia,<br />Me too. So I guess we're fans of some classics? LOL :) I am glad to hear so many aren't completely sold on the whole bunch, but have their preferences.<br /><br />Happy writing,<br />Karen<br /><br />Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-70947307247478546202013-01-29T13:27:47.469-05:002013-01-29T13:27:47.469-05:00I would say I'm a fan of classics, but not all...I would say I'm a fan of classics, but not all of them are ones I'd want to read over and over again. Some are, it depends!Lydia Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00484415427764822386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-2269652721532780972013-01-29T04:31:01.035-05:002013-01-29T04:31:01.035-05:00Hi Karen .. I've read so few classics and it&#...Hi Karen .. I've read so few classics and it's something I'd like to remedy .. even if I cheat along the way - and read synopsis' first and then just scan the book ... everyone's so promoting Jane Austen at the moment - perhaps I should start there.<br /><br />However I'm looking forward to seeing Diane here and reading about her new book on the 18th of next month ..<br /><br />Cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-66167681886079805322013-01-28T22:48:30.841-05:002013-01-28T22:48:30.841-05:00I like your question, Karen, because I've neve...I like your question, Karen, because I've never been sure what constitutes a "classic." I always guessed it meant a book read again each new generation. I go on spurts sometimes and pull a classic off the shelf to reacquaint myself with it--latest one was Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Little Princess. An endearing little book :-)Kenda Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12972218446945404475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-25879618947017958922013-01-28T17:02:11.415-05:002013-01-28T17:02:11.415-05:00When I was in college I had to read a lot of the &...When I was in college I had to read a lot of the "Great Books," I found them hard to understand. I have tried to read "The Scarlet Letter" a few years ago. I had to put it down.quietspirithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-20984489441781383532013-01-28T15:52:00.368-05:002013-01-28T15:52:00.368-05:00Nancy - Big Wind in the Willow fan here! There'...Nancy - Big Wind in the Willow fan here! There's a certain sophistication about the classics that I love and I think may writers can appreciate the ideas in classic literature and even imitate them. The common problems in every generation are dealt with in the classics. Think of war and how it's dealt with in Hugo's Les Miserables and Mitchell's Gone With the Wind. If archaic language is the problem there are many versions of the classics that give the story to us in a more acceptable form. My two cents. =0)SUSAN SAYShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04376796286166221514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855485928545677951.post-11185083705958890592013-01-28T15:47:44.791-05:002013-01-28T15:47:44.791-05:00Oh, I love classics. Growing up, my dad always tol...Oh, I love classics. Growing up, my dad always told me to read classics, and now that I'm older, I hear his voice in my head. :) I'm drawn to books that have stood the test of time. I do enjoy other books though. :)Melanie N. Brasherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16911818530874840829noreply@blogger.com