I fully think Bridget Jones deserves to be on this list. As a teen, the story of Bridget Jones was revolutionary for me. It was the first time I ever saw a love story with a woman who wasn't "skinny"; arguable Bridget Jones began the conversation about body positivity. Also it's a story with a female protagonist who pushed against the grain at the time - she's outspoken and brash and she constantly makes mistakes and she's just unapologetically herself. And Mr Darcy loves her not spite of these things, but because of them. I think it's a milestone novel.
What a wonderful video, thanks for making it, Eric. I like that Bridget Jones' Diary is on this list. In a way, it also demonstrates inclusiveness because it isn't a serious book written exclusively for literary folks. Since it was so widely read, you could argue that it had more influence on the culture than many of the other books that could be considered serious literature. Bridget is a little over ten years older than me, but the '90s and early '00s was a revolutionary time for women in the western world (which explains the popularity of Eat, Pray, Love, as well). As crazy as it sounds, in the '90s it was still considered subversive to be a single woman without a family (especially if you came from a certain background: middle class, white, educated). It was especially subversive to be self-serving, as Bridget mostly is. Many women like her were raised to believe that their entire self-worth is determined by who they serve. Bridget is trying to navigate a world where those restraints have technically been lifted, but the social expectation still exists. She's told that to be happy, she must conform to a certain view of femininity, but she struggles to buy into it. She eats, she smokes, she's messy and awkward. Her need to serve herself clashes with her desire to fit in. For women at the time, the big question had evolved from: Do I choose family or career? To: Is it ok to choose my own happiness? As millions of women pondered that question, Bridget Jones (and Elizbeth Gilbert) said yes, it is ok. Not only is it not completely morally bankrupt to choose your own happiness, but that it doesn't mean you're destined to end up old, miserable, and alone. It can actually work out really well, not just for you, but for others, too. We Were the Mulvaney's is such a great book! I would have put that one on the list, too.
Found this list super interesting and I love when you do these videos. Bridget Jones' Diary is hugely influential for me as a young woman and deserves its spot on the list. Just started Homegoing by Yaa Gyaasi this evening so was fun to see that on there. Lots on this list which I intend to read.
Thank you and yes, it's been so great hearing some people's support for Bridget Jones. Hope you enjoy the rest of Homegoing - it's such an amazing epic journey!
I wish that some Booktubers will try to read for example: Arab literature, African literature, Persian, Indian, Turkish. It's not fair that we ignore some languages. I think we live in a post colonialist world, so we should read others books from other languages.
Wished “Sophie’s Choice “ by William Styron was on the list. This book and the narrator Stingo have stayed with me for many years. I just finished watching the Netflix series “ Ivan the Terrible “ and it made me think about the book and the lasting effects on those who had to think daily about survival.
Thank you for doing such a thorough overview of this list! I have so many thoughts about the books that were chosen. I feel like a need to read (or re-read) about 95 of these!
I have a small pile of books that are my comfort rereads (for when I’m feeling lost and confused) and Cold Comfort Farm is always on the top. Seriously delightful -well written, well edited, clever and sweet.
Thank you for this video. I very much enjoy your opinions and your lovely smiley face only adds to my enjoyment. Interesting choices on these lists. Some were baffling though. Perhaps I’m too old to appreciate some of them.
Great video, I've found this list super interesting and love how they split it into categories. I actually do think that Bridget Jones & Twilight belong on there, even though they are not as masterfully written as some of the other works on the list, they really did influence literature and popular culture at the time they were published. Both books spoke to their audiences, especially to female readers, and they had a huge impact on their respective genres.
There does seem to be quite a few more recent novels. I wonder how consciously they tried to work towards a balance of novels across three centuries (or not)
So happy to see Khaled Hosseini, Kamila Shamsie and Mohsin Hamid. It feels important when the authors from the developing countries make it on such big lists - goes on to show that we all can make an impact.
@@EricKarlAnderson So what about literary merit? Does one sacrifice that to get a minority in? More super-woke rubbish, Hosseini and Hamid are really quite poor writers. Shamsie is okay - nothing special. There are far better Indian writers to champion: Vikram Seth, Arundhati Roy, Naipaul, etc.
Who doesn’t love a list? Great to see some of the books I loved so much from childhood on there, Ballet Shoes, Forever, which was really what we’d call a young adult book now and was a departure for Judy Blume at the time, Adrian Mole etc. American War is a really good book but not entirely sure why it’s on there although the heroine is wonderful. There are definitely some interesting choices for certain authors and it’s kind of nice not to go for the assumed or most famous titles, as a Rushdie fan, I’m not entirely sure why they went for The Moors Last Sigh but I’m hopefully rereading it next year so maybe it will become clear. Thanks for highlighting this Eric and hopefully we’ll get the BBC series over here eventually.
I like that they've grouped them thematically. It makes for some interesting juxtapositions. I'll have to see if the BBC series is available here somewhere.
Thanks for bringing this list to my attention. Lists are interesting, even when one doesn't agree with all the entries. Tim Winton is one of my favourite authors, so I'll encourage you to read "Cloud Street".
@@EricKarlAnderson I saw in another video that you loved Breath. There's a movie adaptation, it's got beautiful cinematography and it's pretty close to the book. Check it out if you haven't already.
@@bianquita1 Yes! I've been meaning to watch that. It's on NowTV in the UK so I keep eyeing it up no my list of films to watch. Glad you think it's worth watching!
I think things like Bridget Jones changed our world as it, if not launched, certainly popularised the ‘chick lit’ phenomenon and got young women into reading. Jilly Cooper is a romance novelist, but was a phenomenon and created the ‘bonkbuster’ genre in the 70s and 80s. Much Ike Twilight and The Hunger Games created and shaped YA romance and YA dystopian genres ...
whoa. Eric, The Quiet American is really great. maybe my favorite final line of any book I've read. it's very short and has a lot of brilliant lines to pass on. "suffering is not increased by numbers. one body can contain all the suffering the world can feel." -Graham Greene, The Quiet American
Forever by Judy Blume is definitely not a kids book! One of the first (I think) sex positive books before young adult was young adult so that might be why picked it. Really good discussion!
That's a fun list, as uneven as literature itself lol. I think beyond literary chops per se, books like Bridget Jones or The Big Sleep shaped our world in their influence, whether creating genres or starting trends like noir detective stories, chick lit, etc. In that sense, I'm very comfortable, even happy, to see them on this list.
Also, with Roald Dahl, it would be between The Witches or Matilda. They are masterful children’s books teaching about family, love, horror and empowerment of children. In an Anglo centric list of novels that changed our society one or other would have to be there.
What a great video! It's so fun to talk about book lists! I agree that some of those choices seem strange...and others are perfect! They chose a lot of lesser-known works from well-known authors, as you mentioned. Thank you for giving so much for your commentary on the books. I haven't read most of them. Most of the ones that I read and loved were the ones but you aren't a fan of! Haha! It's funny how that happens. I tend to really like authors that convey a strong setting, especially a speculative setting. Game of Thrones wasn't my favorite, though. I think The Chronicles of Narnia is great if you can get in touch with the wonder of childhood, but it probably won't do any more for you than Harry Potter did! I think they provide very similar reading experiences. Remains of the Day is so good ❤ Ever since watching your " my favorite writers" video, I've wanted to read something by Joyce Carol Oates. Would you recommend "We Were The Nuvaneys" for an Oates virgin?
Thanks so much! I know I really ought to get around to reading Remains of the Day. Yes, We Were the Mulvanneys would be a great novel by Oates to start with or her novel The Gravedigger's Daughter. Both fantastic novels!
I love Bridgit Jones Diary and a lot of people have stood up for this novel much more articulately than me - but I think it's clever, insightful of human nature, and a hilarious read...and I've read a lot of books on this list but not every book needs to be 'literary' to be good
The dark materials is wonderful. I think it gets better once you get to The Subtle knife. The Road is an amazing book. Very dark..no real joy but sort of wonderful nonetheless. What a treat that you still have Remains of the Day to read.I wish I could read that again for the first time. How clever to put The Shipping News in the family and friendships list. I am one of the rare beasts that don’t much like Jane Austin. What a brilliant list. I agree with many, a few I don’t but mostly I think it is a really clever list and so many I haven’t read and look forward to reading. Hehehehe about your copy of Rebecca....Off to stroke some books
An interesting list of books, most of which I have to admit I have never read or even wanted to read. Some great names on the list though. It was great to see Zadie Smith - White Teeth on the list. Definitely a modern classic. Zadie writes so brilliantly and so poetically. I love her style of writing and this book was so new and fresh when it came out and it highlighted Zadie as a top author. It probably is her best book to date, although I have to say I did prefer On Beauty. Something about that book really resonated with me. Toni Morrison - Beloved just had to be on the list. She was such a beautiful writer and her books are all really lovely to read. A great talent who will be sadly missed. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of those authors who could write about anything and it would be amazing, brilliant and wonderful. Her writing is powerful, striking and humbling. She is I feel one of the best writers around today. I adore her books. Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi is one of the best books I have ever read. It is such a fantastic book. It is very emotive and such a clever concept. I could not put this book down when I was reading it. It was so absorbing. I was disappointed that this book didn't get the acknowledgement it deserved. It kind of melted into the background. I never heard of it winning any prizes or being noted as a book of the year. Such a shame as it was a really great book. I cannot wait until July 2020 for the release of Yaa's new book. She is such a talented writer. I just hope the new book lives up to all of my expectations. Delighted to see Jeanette Winterson and James Baldwin on the list. Jeanette is such a clever and unusual writer. Her books are powerful yet quirky. The Stone Gods had me in floods of tears and was one of the best books I have ever read. It really made a strong impact on me in so many ways. It was such an interesting book and a really weird but amazing concept. James Baldwin had the knack of turning real life and real people into wonderful stories and books. I love how his books feel so real and raw. If Beale Street Could Talk is my favourite by James Baldwin. Dune - Frank Herbert is an epic book that takes a bit of reading but is worth it in the end. I personally loved this book and the story. I am not a Harry Potter fan and have only read one of the Harry Potter books and that was more to see what all the fuss was about than anything. I am in the minority I am aware of that. It just didn't spark my interest all that much. I know the books got a lot of children and adults into reading, which was a good thing and I appreciate why the Harry Potter books are on the list. I have however read The Twilight Saga - Stephenie Meyer. I just i was more into Vampires than magic. I did like this series of books. They weren't of a high quality as far as writing goes but they were enjoyable and again they sparked a reading frenzy with young adults, which can only be a good thing. There are several authors on the list that I like a lot but I have not read the books on the list themselves. Pat Barker is a really great author for example but I have not read Regeneration. The one book on the list I do want to read and keep debating buying a copy of is I Capture the Castle - Dodie Smith. I feel I should read this book and it is one everyone speaks about when talking about classic books but I have never gotten around to reading it as yet. Overall an interesting list of books and one that definitely sparks debate and questions.
Though by the English speaking world, they mean the western world but countries like India fall into this category too as in India, English is taught in many schools from the kindergarten level. I have studied English right from my childhood.
BBC is boxing a little cleverer than the Guardian. But it is still mainly defined by Ideology over Literary Merit. Though using categories helps in that regard.
Oh my goodness you are fast to the punch mr I watchEd a article on this last night one the one show😅 looking sharp though 🙌 I’m glad to see days without end on there as well 🥳 I thought had done quiet well to get a range of representation on the list. I actually DNF’d white teeth I didn’t connect with the writing but you’re making me wonder if I need to give it another go? I know it’s received a lot of praise but at the time I got a bit bored 😳 I’m reading 10mins 38sec at the mo and really enjoying it but I’ve not read the 40 rules either☺️ I read the chronicles of Narnia as and adult and loved it (about 4 years ago?) so you might find it fun and nostalgic? I grew up with the HP series so I have a huge soft spot for it 🥰 it’s interesting that you were just that bit older and missed out on the joy. I would definitely recommend. The cover is amazing Of Rebecca (embossed!) definitely deserves to be read and is a fab read. I also have a copy of talented mr T but haven’t read it yet either 😳 but might make it priority now 😅 I’ve recent read Orlando and the Waves and I preferred the Waves which I know you were a fan of I think it’s one of my top reads of the year for me. I’ve just started Zami though I am enjoying as well. This was really lovely to watch you’ve packed so much in well done🙌
Ha, they kindly sent me the list in advance over the weekend so I've had a couple days to think about it. They didn't sponsor me to do this - I just think it's fun to discuss and think about lists of books like this. :) I mean, I read White Teeth when it first came out so it's been a long time. I wonder how it stands up now. It'd definitely be a fun project to reread the Narnia books as an adult. Embossed! That's the word! Thank you! Yay the 🌊🌊🌊
Strumpet City was made into a series on RTE. I loved Unless. Gilead is best listened to via audio.Golden Child was almost mythical. Do you want to do a read along of Rebecca? I’ve never read any Graham Green novels. He’s my friend Ana’s favourite author. If you complied a list of your favourite 100 novels, what would it look like?
Oh interesting! I'll have to look up more about Strumpet City. And that's a good idea for rereading Gilead. A readalong of Rebecca at some point would be great! Gosh, that's a tough question. I guess a list of my 100 favs would be much more personal and many of the books would signify how they impacted me at a very particular moment of my life.
Twilight may be tosh, but it sort of deserves its place as a novel that shaped our world, taking the YA market by storm and driving everything black for several years (although it wasn't the first of the vampire sagas, it was the real breakthrough one).
Paula A it’s there because it was a cultural zeitgeist, created, or at least refined the ‘chick lit’ genre. It spoke about body shape, and the character didn’t lose weight, she smoked and was selfish. It made a lot of young women into readers. In terms of shaping the world, the quality isn’t necessarily there, but shaping society? Huge. Made it okay to be a singleton......
Shocked - shocked - SHOCKED to learn you don’t rate Jane Austen! Whaat? ! Like you, I’m very stimulated by lists & it’s hugely enjoyable to dissect & discuss: but this list is seriously off the wall! I’ve noticed some negative reactions on twitter already - mostly in respect to the framing of the list: people are perceiving a lack of diversity which perhaps is not what the judges intended or in fact what they’ve delivered. There must be something about Mutual Friend because I recall my Eng Lit department set that as one of only two Dickens novels chosen for the undergrad course. Although I’ve definitely read and studied it (& got the Eng Lit degree) I cannot remember a single thing about it. Hated Dickens until I read Bleak House just a few years ago. So glad Orlando and Nights at the Circus made it - I live around the corner from Carter’s old house & have yet to pay my respects to her plaque. Will do now! Is there a single book from the 18th century on the list? How can they claim it represents the last 300 years?
I know I know! I was talking about this with someone yesterday and I wonder if I tried reading Austen too young but would appreciate her books now. I thought about making a video going on a pilgrammage to see the Carter plaque but I worry it might be getting too cold film outside. :)
OMG! This video is everything! It's true that we all love a good list, but this one is very well put together and I've loved the categories they chose for each month. However, I don't understand why they didn't select any book by Julian Barnes and Ian McEwan, two of the best-known contemporary English writers that I know.
For Love, sex and romance I would have chosen "On Chesil Beach" , and for coming of age I would have chosen "The Sense of an Ending".
I agree about The Sense of an Ending. When I reread it a few years ago I was blown away how profound it is. And shamefully, I've not read On Chesil Beach - I know it's meant to be one of his best.
I find that these lists are often just quite dull... But I quite like this one as it includes stuff like Twilight (they belong!!😁) but also attempts to be diverse (haven't examined it enough to know how true this is). Forever definitely shaped me! And I like that Bridget Jones's Diary is on there - it's not my favourite by any means, but I think it was pretty influential and talked about. A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of the worst books i've ever read... Great to hear your thoughts as always! Sian. X
I forgot to add that I was half expecting Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James to be on this list as it was such a big seller and a book everyone had to read. It was such a huge success and had everyone talking about it for months. The quality of the writing wasn't exceptional but it was an easy read. Don't get me wrong I didn't actually want it to be on the list and I am pleased that it isn't on the list.
Game of Thrones books are well written and entertaining. I am not sure they are “worth” the time I spent on them, however. GILEAD, on the other hand, will grow on you if you approach the characters without expectation. I can tell you, as a midwesterner and former Methodist, the author has uncanny accuracy in her depiction of the characters’ voices. They are a dying breed, and the Greatest Generation.
5 books recommend 1 the way of kings. Brandon sanderson, 2 the grapes of wrath.john steinbeck, 3 henry miller, tropic of cancer. 4 a brief history of seven killings. Marlon james. 5 the shining. Stephen king.
I would agree that Golden Child probably doesn’t belong on a list with a title like this, but it’s a novel I loved that moved me greatly. If being on this list brings it to the attention of more people, I’m happy for that. I just listened to a politics podcast that had Omar el Akkad as a guest and it made me very curious about American War. I haven’t bought it yet, but I probably will. Such a weird list.
I would recommend listening to Juliet Stevenson reading Jane Austen; the author read her books to her family as she was writing them so hearing them aloud brings them alive - but you do have to be careful about the reader. Also I would suggest paying attention to her secondary characters who are almost all flawed (generous interpretation) or downright monstrous. I love her complete lack of sentimentality; she flays some characters, exposing hypocrisy and selfishness. If you decide to start with "P & P", then Jo Baker's "Longbourn" is a great companion read; many of the Austen spin-offs are ... not so good. "Persuasion" is my favourite; "Emma": I detest the character but love the novel. Faye Weldon's short "Letters to Alice on First Reading Jan Austen" ( once you are through the extended metaphor of the first chapter) gives an interesting over view and can be read in a couple of hours.
I recommend A House for Mr Biswas. I read it this past summer. Yes Naipaul was a horrible guy. I'm surprised A Separate Peace isn't on there. American War has been on my list. I met the author here in France and got his autograph. Hated Habibi. It's a graphic novel. I personally preferred Blankets by Craig Thompson. Frankly I hate these lists because they always leave people out. What impacts you doesn't necessarily impact you and ice versa. Where was Maya Angelou and June Jordan? The group of people who chose this list isn't diverse enough to make this list.
I'm at page 160 of gilead, same edition as yours! I just bought home and lila. I don't like fantasy at all. I tried "lord of the rings" and the first book of pullman's trilogy but i gave up. I love james baldwin and steinbeck!no books by murakami? I prefer murakami rather than ishiguro. I agree with you, regarding jean rhys. Harry Potter is another series of books that i can ' t read. I quite enjoyed the first one but the second one bored me. And so the third. Then i stopped reading the series. The same thing with the Twilight saga. Awesome Elena ferrante's saga. Great video!
I LOVED Lila - which makes it strange Gilead left me so cold so I think it definitely requires a reread and I haven't read Home yet. Ah, glad I didn't bother reading beyond book 1 of the Harry Potter series then. :)
If you get time, read the His Dark Materials trilogy - it's such a wonderful and fantastical story! Especially as 2/3 of the related Book of Dust trilogy are also now out.
I was wondering if It is not an exageration to say that books have shappen the world, or part of the world. What about using the word "influenced" or as you did "impacted".Sorry, I feel soo picky about this commentary, but I could not resist.The cover of" Rebecca"shows an embroidered monogram, in relief and this kind of work belongs to the bigger category of " white embroidery", very used in past times to adorn fabric pieces for the household like towells, bed sheets and also underware.Thank you for the wonderful video, for taking the time to present the liste and complete it with your precious reading experience.Have a nice week !
I agree, it's interesting they chose the word "shaped" and I question too how much this is true. Certainly, a book's inflence can never be quantified in a definite way. "Influenced" probably would be more accurate since it feels like books will only subtly change people's ideas over time or maybe expand their empathy in ways which aren't directly obvious. But I think the way certain stories or language or ideas from certain novels work their way into public and political dialogue can show how they really do have a big impact - both on popular culture and the values of society. Thanks so much for explaining the cover design for Rebecca in much better terms than I could! Hope you have a fab week too!
You haven't read A Thousand Splendid Suns? You don't disappoint me often, but this time you have :P. You've got to read it!!!! It's amazing. All time #1 for me. So powerful
I think you might rename your topic to..... "100 Novels that Shaped our World from the perspective of a Gay Male from the USA". Put yourself into historical context....
I fully think Bridget Jones deserves to be on this list. As a teen, the story of Bridget Jones was revolutionary for me. It was the first time I ever saw a love story with a woman who wasn't "skinny"; arguable Bridget Jones began the conversation about body positivity. Also it's a story with a female protagonist who pushed against the grain at the time - she's outspoken and brash and she constantly makes mistakes and she's just unapologetically herself. And Mr Darcy loves her not spite of these things, but because of them. I think it's a milestone novel.
That's great. I haven't read it so I really shouldn't be so judgemental. Thank you so much!
What a wonderful video, thanks for making it, Eric.
I like that Bridget Jones' Diary is on this list. In a way, it also demonstrates inclusiveness because it isn't a serious book written exclusively for literary folks. Since it was so widely read, you could argue that it had more influence on the culture than many of the other books that could be considered serious literature.
Bridget is a little over ten years older than me, but the '90s and early '00s was a revolutionary time for women in the western world (which explains the popularity of Eat, Pray, Love, as well). As crazy as it sounds, in the '90s it was still considered subversive to be a single woman without a family (especially if you came from a certain background: middle class, white, educated). It was especially subversive to be self-serving, as Bridget mostly is. Many women like her were raised to believe that their entire self-worth is determined by who they serve. Bridget is trying to navigate a world where those restraints have technically been lifted, but the social expectation still exists. She's told that to be happy, she must conform to a certain view of femininity, but she struggles to buy into it. She eats, she smokes, she's messy and awkward. Her need to serve herself clashes with her desire to fit in.
For women at the time, the big question had evolved from: Do I choose family or career? To: Is it ok to choose my own happiness? As millions of women pondered that question, Bridget Jones (and Elizbeth Gilbert) said yes, it is ok. Not only is it not completely morally bankrupt to choose your own happiness, but that it doesn't mean you're destined to end up old, miserable, and alone. It can actually work out really well, not just for you, but for others, too.
We Were the Mulvaney's is such a great book! I would have put that one on the list, too.
Yes, that's a very good points and thanks so much for reminding what an impact it had! Hope you're well Amy!🤗
Found this list super interesting and I love when you do these videos. Bridget Jones' Diary is hugely influential for me as a young woman and deserves its spot on the list. Just started Homegoing by Yaa Gyaasi this evening so was fun to see that on there. Lots on this list which I intend to read.
Thank you and yes, it's been so great hearing some people's support for Bridget Jones. Hope you enjoy the rest of Homegoing - it's such an amazing epic journey!
I wish that some Booktubers will try to read for example: Arab literature, African literature, Persian, Indian, Turkish.
It's not fair that we ignore some languages. I think we live in a post colonialist world, so we should read others books from other languages.
Exactly!!
Thank you for taking the time to go through them, and discussing it. I love hearing people's opinions on lists
I'm glad you enjoyed it! 📚
Wished “Sophie’s Choice “ by William Styron was on the list. This book and the narrator Stingo have stayed with me for many years. I just finished watching the Netflix series “ Ivan the Terrible “ and it made me think about the book and the lasting effects on those who had to think daily about survival.
Another good list to add books to my TBR. I've only read 16 of these so far.
Thank you for doing such a thorough overview of this list! I have so many thoughts about the books that were chosen. I feel like a need to read (or re-read) about 95 of these!
I have a small pile of books that are my comfort rereads (for when I’m feeling lost and confused) and Cold Comfort Farm is always on the top. Seriously delightful -well written, well edited, clever and sweet.
That's great! I look forward to reading it at some point.
Thank you for this video. I very much enjoy your opinions and your lovely smiley face only adds to my enjoyment. Interesting choices on these lists. Some were baffling though. Perhaps I’m too old to appreciate some of them.
Great video, I've found this list super interesting and love how they split it into categories. I actually do think that Bridget Jones & Twilight belong on there, even though they are not as masterfully written as some of the other works on the list, they really did influence literature and popular culture at the time they were published. Both books spoke to their audiences, especially to female readers, and they had a huge impact on their respective genres.
Yes, very good points!
The list seems to skew toward modern works. I think they have overlooked many older novels.
There does seem to be quite a few more recent novels. I wonder how consciously they tried to work towards a balance of novels across three centuries (or not)
So happy to see Khaled Hosseini, Kamila Shamsie and Mohsin Hamid. It feels important when the authors from the developing countries make it on such big lists - goes on to show that we all can make an impact.
Absolutely! And it shows too how some of the novels listed do make a dialogue with the larger world outside the English-speaking West.
@@EricKarlAnderson So what about literary merit? Does one sacrifice that to get a minority in? More super-woke rubbish, Hosseini and Hamid are really quite poor writers. Shamsie is okay - nothing special. There are far better Indian writers to champion: Vikram Seth, Arundhati Roy, Naipaul, etc.
I have the Bartleby t-shirt too!! This list seems to ignore the first two hundred of the three hundred years.
Who doesn’t love a list? Great to see some of the books I loved so much from childhood on there, Ballet Shoes, Forever, which was really what we’d call a young adult book now and was a departure for Judy Blume at the time, Adrian Mole etc. American War is a really good book but not entirely sure why it’s on there although the heroine is wonderful. There are definitely some interesting choices for certain authors and it’s kind of nice not to go for the assumed or most famous titles, as a Rushdie fan, I’m not entirely sure why they went for The Moors Last Sigh but I’m hopefully rereading it next year so maybe it will become clear. Thanks for highlighting this Eric and hopefully we’ll get the BBC series over here eventually.
I like that they've grouped them thematically. It makes for some interesting juxtapositions. I'll have to see if the BBC series is available here somewhere.
Thanks for bringing this list to my attention. Lists are interesting, even when one doesn't agree with all the entries. Tim Winton is one of my favourite authors, so I'll encourage you to read "Cloud Street".
Thanks! I need to pick up a copy.
@@EricKarlAnderson I saw in another video that you loved Breath. There's a movie adaptation, it's got beautiful cinematography and it's pretty close to the book. Check it out if you haven't already.
@@bianquita1 Yes! I've been meaning to watch that. It's on NowTV in the UK so I keep eyeing it up no my list of films to watch. Glad you think it's worth watching!
Australian fiction in general is really great! Unfortunately it gets overlooked in comparison to other English-speaking countries
I think things like Bridget Jones changed our world as it, if not launched, certainly popularised the ‘chick lit’ phenomenon and got young women into reading. Jilly Cooper is a romance novelist, but was a phenomenon and created the ‘bonkbuster’ genre in the 70s and 80s. Much
Ike Twilight and The Hunger Games created and shaped YA romance and YA dystopian genres ...
whoa. Eric, The Quiet American is really great. maybe my favorite final line of any book I've read. it's very short and has a lot of brilliant lines to pass on. "suffering is not increased by numbers. one body can contain all the suffering the world can feel." -Graham Greene, The Quiet American
Forever by Judy Blume is definitely not a kids book! One of the first (I think) sex positive books before young adult was young adult so that might be why picked it. Really good discussion!
Eric, thanks for all you do. Your biggest fan, Hugs Maggs
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I read Rebecca only last month and loved it :)) I have the same edition, it's so pretty. Eric, you need to read Remains of the Day! It's SOOO GOOD :)
Ahhh... I know I need to get to them both! One day I will. 😀
A thousand splendid sons is a beautiful book.
That's a fun list, as uneven as literature itself lol. I think beyond literary chops per se, books like Bridget Jones or The Big Sleep shaped our world in their influence, whether creating genres or starting trends like noir detective stories, chick lit, etc. In that sense, I'm very comfortable, even happy, to see them on this list.
If you ever want to read Ursula K. Leguin with me, let me know 😊
👍
Also, with Roald Dahl, it would be between The Witches or Matilda. They are masterful children’s books teaching about family, love, horror and empowerment of children. In an Anglo centric list of novels that changed our society one or other would have to be there.
Habibi and Blankets by Craig Thompson are worth the read - amazing graphic novels
Oh interesting! I didn't realise Habibi is a graphic novel. Cool!
I saw a very beautiful edition in Foyles & was sorely tempted - will get round to it someday!
What a great video! It's so fun to talk about book lists! I agree that some of those choices seem strange...and others are perfect! They chose a lot of lesser-known works from well-known authors, as you mentioned.
Thank you for giving so much for your commentary on the books. I haven't read most of them. Most of the ones that I read and loved were the ones but you aren't a fan of! Haha! It's funny how that happens. I tend to really like authors that convey a strong setting, especially a speculative setting. Game of Thrones wasn't my favorite, though. I think The Chronicles of Narnia is great if you can get in touch with the wonder of childhood, but it probably won't do any more for you than Harry Potter did! I think they provide very similar reading experiences.
Remains of the Day is so good ❤
Ever since watching your " my favorite writers" video, I've wanted to read something by Joyce Carol Oates. Would you recommend "We Were The Nuvaneys" for an Oates virgin?
Thanks so much! I know I really ought to get around to reading Remains of the Day.
Yes, We Were the Mulvanneys would be a great novel by Oates to start with or her novel The Gravedigger's Daughter. Both fantastic novels!
@@EricKarlAnderson Awesome, thank you so much!
I love Bridgit Jones Diary and a lot of people have stood up for this novel much more articulately than me - but I think it's clever, insightful of human nature, and a hilarious read...and I've read a lot of books on this list but not every book needs to be 'literary' to be good
Really surprised of not seeing A Separate Peace in this list
The dark materials is wonderful. I think it gets better once you get to The Subtle knife. The Road is an amazing book. Very dark..no real joy but sort of wonderful nonetheless. What a treat that you still have Remains of the Day to read.I wish I could read that again for the first time. How clever to put The Shipping News in the family and friendships list. I am one of the rare beasts that don’t much like Jane Austin. What a brilliant list. I agree with many, a few I don’t but mostly I think it is a really clever list and so many I haven’t read and look forward to reading. Hehehehe about your copy of Rebecca....Off to stroke some books
I'm SO glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about Austen! :)
An interesting list of books, most of which I have to admit I have never read or even wanted to read. Some great names on the list though. It was great to see Zadie Smith - White Teeth on the list. Definitely a modern classic. Zadie writes so brilliantly and so poetically. I love her style of writing and this book was so new and fresh when it came out and it highlighted Zadie as a top author. It probably is her best book to date, although I have to say I did prefer On Beauty. Something about that book really resonated with me. Toni Morrison - Beloved just had to be on the list. She was such a beautiful writer and her books are all really lovely to read. A great talent who will be sadly missed. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of those authors who could write about anything and it would be amazing, brilliant and wonderful. Her writing is powerful, striking and humbling. She is I feel one of the best writers around today. I adore her books. Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi is one of the best books I have ever read. It is such a fantastic book. It is very emotive and such a clever concept. I could not put this book down when I was reading it. It was so absorbing. I was disappointed that this book didn't get the acknowledgement it deserved. It kind of melted into the background. I never heard of it winning any prizes or being noted as a book of the year. Such a shame as it was a really great book. I cannot wait until July 2020 for the release of Yaa's new book. She is such a talented writer. I just hope the new book lives up to all of my expectations. Delighted to see Jeanette Winterson and James Baldwin on the list. Jeanette is such a clever and unusual writer. Her books are powerful yet quirky. The Stone Gods had me in floods of tears and was one of the best books I have ever read. It really made a strong impact on me in so many ways. It was such an interesting book and a really weird but amazing concept. James Baldwin had the knack of turning real life and real people into wonderful stories and books. I love how his books feel so real and raw. If Beale Street Could Talk is my favourite by James Baldwin. Dune - Frank Herbert is an epic book that takes a bit of reading but is worth it in the end. I personally loved this book and the story. I am not a Harry Potter fan and have only read one of the Harry Potter books and that was more to see what all the fuss was about than anything. I am in the minority I am aware of that. It just didn't spark my interest all that much. I know the books got a lot of children and adults into reading, which was a good thing and I appreciate why the Harry Potter books are on the list. I have however read The Twilight Saga - Stephenie Meyer. I just i was more into Vampires than magic. I did like this series of books. They weren't of a high quality as far as writing goes but they were enjoyable and again they sparked a reading frenzy with young adults, which can only be a good thing. There are several authors on the list that I like a lot but I have not read the books on the list themselves. Pat Barker is a really great author for example but I have not read Regeneration. The one book on the list I do want to read and keep debating buying a copy of is I Capture the Castle - Dodie Smith. I feel I should read this book and it is one everyone speaks about when talking about classic books but I have never gotten around to reading it as yet. Overall an interesting list of books and one that definitely sparks debate and questions.
Though by the English speaking world, they mean the western world but countries like India fall into this category too as in India, English is taught in many schools from the kindergarten level. I have studied English right from my childhood.
BBC is boxing a little cleverer than the Guardian. But it is still mainly defined by Ideology over Literary Merit. Though using categories helps in that regard.
Oh my goodness you are fast to the punch mr I watchEd a article on this last night one the one show😅 looking sharp though 🙌 I’m glad to see days without end on there as well 🥳 I thought had done quiet well to get a range of representation on the list. I actually DNF’d white teeth I didn’t connect with the writing but you’re making me wonder if I need to give it another go? I know it’s received a lot of praise but at the time I got a bit bored 😳 I’m reading 10mins 38sec at the mo and really enjoying it but I’ve not read the 40 rules either☺️ I read the chronicles of Narnia as and adult and loved it (about 4 years ago?) so you might find it fun and nostalgic? I grew up with the HP series so I have a huge soft spot for it 🥰 it’s interesting that you were just that bit older and missed out on the joy. I would definitely recommend. The cover is amazing Of Rebecca (embossed!) definitely deserves to be read and is a fab read. I also have a copy of talented mr T but haven’t read it yet either 😳 but might make it priority now 😅 I’ve recent read Orlando and the Waves and I preferred the Waves which I know you were a fan of I think it’s one of my top reads of the year for me. I’ve just started Zami though I am enjoying as well. This was really lovely to watch you’ve packed so much in well done🙌
Ha, they kindly sent me the list in advance over the weekend so I've had a couple days to think about it. They didn't sponsor me to do this - I just think it's fun to discuss and think about lists of books like this. :)
I mean, I read White Teeth when it first came out so it's been a long time. I wonder how it stands up now.
It'd definitely be a fun project to reread the Narnia books as an adult.
Embossed! That's the word! Thank you!
Yay the 🌊🌊🌊
No one does coming of age like Stephen King. And he has largely impacted pop culture of 45 years.
Strumpet City was made into a series on RTE. I loved Unless. Gilead is best listened to via audio.Golden Child was almost mythical. Do you want to do a read along of Rebecca? I’ve never read any Graham Green novels. He’s my friend Ana’s favourite author.
If you complied a list of your favourite 100 novels, what would it look like?
Oh interesting! I'll have to look up more about Strumpet City.
And that's a good idea for rereading Gilead.
A readalong of Rebecca at some point would be great!
Gosh, that's a tough question. I guess a list of my 100 favs would be much more personal and many of the books would signify how they impacted me at a very particular moment of my life.
i have things i like to watch like bbc and weta pbs then there are popoular books that i could deal with online .
Twilight may be tosh, but it sort of deserves its place as a novel that shaped our world, taking the YA market by storm and driving everything black for several years (although it wasn't the first of the vampire sagas, it was the real breakthrough one).
There should be more books from 1800’s and the 1700’s.
Strumpet city is fantastic. It's about Dublin city and it's residents during the 1913 lockout when people went on strike for civil rights
Surprised to see Roots not on there but perhaps because it is more memoir then novel?
I question Bridget Jones's Diary too. I'm sorry but what? Why is that there?!
Paula A it’s there because it was a cultural zeitgeist, created, or at least refined the ‘chick lit’ genre. It spoke about body shape, and the character didn’t lose weight, she smoked and was selfish. It made a lot of young women into readers. In terms of shaping the world, the quality isn’t necessarily there, but shaping society? Huge. Made it okay to be a singleton......
@@Jamescross1981 fair enough
Shocked - shocked - SHOCKED to learn you don’t rate Jane Austen! Whaat? ! Like you, I’m very stimulated by lists & it’s hugely enjoyable to dissect & discuss: but this list is seriously off the wall! I’ve noticed some negative reactions on twitter already - mostly in respect to the framing of the list: people are perceiving a lack of diversity which perhaps is not what the judges intended or in fact what they’ve delivered.
There must be something about Mutual Friend because I recall my Eng Lit department set that as one of only two Dickens novels chosen for the undergrad course. Although I’ve definitely read and studied it (& got the Eng Lit degree) I cannot remember a single thing about it. Hated Dickens until I read Bleak House just a few years ago.
So glad Orlando and Nights at the Circus made it - I live around the corner from Carter’s old house & have yet to pay my respects to her plaque. Will do now!
Is there a single book from the 18th century on the list? How can they claim it represents the last 300 years?
I know I know! I was talking about this with someone yesterday and I wonder if I tried reading Austen too young but would appreciate her books now.
I thought about making a video going on a pilgrammage to see the Carter plaque but I worry it might be getting too cold film outside. :)
OMG! This video is everything! It's true that we all love a good list, but this one is very well put together and I've loved the categories they chose for each month. However, I don't understand why they didn't select any book by Julian Barnes and Ian McEwan, two of the best-known contemporary English writers that I know.
For Love, sex and romance I would have chosen "On Chesil Beach"
, and for coming of age I would have chosen "The Sense of an Ending".
I agree about The Sense of an Ending. When I reread it a few years ago I was blown away how profound it is. And shamefully, I've not read On Chesil Beach - I know it's meant to be one of his best.
I find that these lists are often just quite dull... But I quite like this one as it includes stuff like Twilight (they belong!!😁) but also attempts to be diverse (haven't examined it enough to know how true this is). Forever definitely shaped me! And I like that Bridget Jones's Diary is on there - it's not my favourite by any means, but I think it was pretty influential and talked about. A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of the worst books i've ever read... Great to hear your thoughts as always!
Sian. X
Yeah, it is good they've created such a mixture and it does feel quite diverse.
I forgot to add that I was half expecting Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James to be on this list as it was such a big seller and a book everyone had to read. It was such a huge success and had everyone talking about it for months. The quality of the writing wasn't exceptional but it was an easy read. Don't get me wrong I didn't actually want it to be on the list and I am pleased that it isn't on the list.
Well, since it was directly influenced by Twilight and Twilight is on the list, I can see why 50 shades is not there.
Game of Thrones books are well written and entertaining. I am not sure they are “worth” the time I spent on them, however. GILEAD, on the other hand, will grow on you if you approach the characters without expectation. I can tell you, as a midwesterner and former Methodist, the author has uncanny accuracy in her depiction of the characters’ voices. They are a dying breed, and the Greatest Generation.
5 books recommend 1 the way of kings. Brandon sanderson, 2 the grapes of wrath.john steinbeck, 3 henry miller, tropic of cancer. 4 a brief history of seven killings. Marlon james. 5 the shining. Stephen king.
I would agree that Golden Child probably doesn’t belong on a list with a title like this, but it’s a novel I loved that moved me greatly. If being on this list brings it to the attention of more people, I’m happy for that.
I just listened to a politics podcast that had Omar el Akkad as a guest and it made me very curious about American War. I haven’t bought it yet, but I probably will.
Such a weird list.
Yeah, that's a good point. I really enjoyed Golden Child too and it's good that it is bringing more visibility to it.
I would recommend listening to Juliet Stevenson reading Jane Austen; the author read her books to her family as she was writing them so hearing them aloud brings them alive - but you do have to be careful about the reader. Also I would suggest paying attention to her secondary characters who are almost all flawed (generous interpretation) or downright monstrous. I love her complete lack of sentimentality; she flays some characters, exposing hypocrisy and selfishness. If you decide to start with "P & P", then Jo Baker's "Longbourn" is a great companion read; many of the Austen spin-offs are ... not so good. "Persuasion" is my favourite; "Emma": I detest the character but love the novel. Faye Weldon's short "Letters to Alice on First Reading Jan Austen" ( once you are through the extended metaphor of the first chapter) gives an interesting over view and can be read in a couple of hours.
Thanks so much for the suggestions! You definitely make me want to give Austen another try.
I recommend A House for Mr Biswas. I read it this past summer. Yes Naipaul was a horrible guy. I'm surprised A Separate Peace isn't on there. American War has been on my list. I met the author here in France and got his autograph. Hated Habibi. It's a graphic novel. I personally preferred Blankets by Craig Thompson. Frankly I hate these lists because they always leave people out. What impacts you doesn't necessarily impact you and ice versa. Where was Maya Angelou and June Jordan? The group of people who chose this list isn't diverse enough to make this list.
I'm at page 160 of gilead, same edition as yours! I just bought home and lila. I don't like fantasy at all. I tried "lord of the rings" and the first book of pullman's trilogy but i gave up. I love james baldwin and steinbeck!no books by murakami? I prefer murakami rather than ishiguro. I agree with you, regarding jean rhys. Harry Potter is another series of books that i can ' t read. I quite enjoyed the first one but the second one bored me. And so the third. Then i stopped reading the series. The same thing with the Twilight saga. Awesome Elena ferrante's saga. Great video!
I LOVED Lila - which makes it strange Gilead left me so cold so I think it definitely requires a reread and I haven't read Home yet.
Ah, glad I didn't bother reading beyond book 1 of the Harry Potter series then. :)
If you get time, read the His Dark Materials trilogy - it's such a wonderful and fantastical story! Especially as 2/3 of the related Book of Dust trilogy are also now out.
I definitely should catch up on them all before the final part of the Book of Dust trilogy comes out!
I was wondering if It is not an exageration to say that books have shappen the world, or part of the world. What about using the word "influenced" or as you did "impacted".Sorry, I feel soo picky about this commentary, but I could not resist.The cover of" Rebecca"shows an embroidered monogram, in relief and this kind of work belongs to the bigger category of " white embroidery", very used in past times to adorn fabric pieces for the household like towells, bed sheets and also underware.Thank you for the wonderful video, for taking the time to present the liste and complete it with your precious reading experience.Have a nice week !
I agree, it's interesting they chose the word "shaped" and I question too how much this is true. Certainly, a book's inflence can never be quantified in a definite way. "Influenced" probably would be more accurate since it feels like books will only subtly change people's ideas over time or maybe expand their empathy in ways which aren't directly obvious. But I think the way certain stories or language or ideas from certain novels work their way into public and political dialogue can show how they really do have a big impact - both on popular culture and the values of society.
Thanks so much for explaining the cover design for Rebecca in much better terms than I could!
Hope you have a fab week too!
If its the English world only, then it cant be worth all that much.
Game of thrones seems like a long read but it goes quickly.
Good to know. Thanks!
You haven't read A Thousand Splendid Suns? You don't disappoint me often, but this time you have :P. You've got to read it!!!! It's amazing. All time #1 for me. So powerful
Stephenie Meyer Twilight Saga is on the list? GTFO! She cannot even write her own name.
If our world is shaped by the Twilight Saga, wtf????
I think you might rename your topic to..... "100 Novels that Shaped our World from the perspective of a Gay Male from the USA". Put yourself into historical context....