I was recently very disappointed with Harold Bloom's How to Read and Why, but I still have a desire to deepen my reading and knowledge of literature. Which books do you recommend?
I was recently very disappointed with Harold Bloom's How to Read and Why, but I still have a desire to deepen my reading and knowledge of literature. Which books do you recommend?
You might want to consider focussing on a particular body of literature, or a favourite author?
I am not fond of book lists but they may provide a starting point. Another is the reading test. You go to a library or a book store and ask for a book (from a reading list or not). Read the first paragraphs. If you like them and want to go on, than that´s your book.
PS- I had a look at your profile. As you´ve read Faulkner you might like "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison.
The Austrian Author Musil might interest you too.
Last edited by Danik 2016; 07-14-2016 at 09:43 AM.
"I seemed to have sensed also from an early age that some of my experiences as a reader would change me more as a person than would many an event in the world where I sat and read. "
Gerald Murnane, Tamarisk Row
I found this link doing a search for introductory guides to library analysis: http://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedia....15.07_001.pdf.
Maybe the thread starter could consider beginning there?
You should instead just read as much as you can, literature predominantly. Literary critic is nonsensical, futile and sterile.
I fully agree with you, Empty. But some, fresh out of school, feel lost without a guide. The best is to read until you find something that catches your imagination.