Comments on: Best Novel Ever

By: Tim Kindberg

Tim Kindberg — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:51:38 +0000

Hi Adam,
Thanks for inviting me to check out your blog. I think making a list of top 100 books is a personal thing, I haven’t even read 100 books. For instance when I read Odd Thomas the ending made me so sad, so of course I love that book, but its not on that list. Its all subjective. I suppose the list could be created from a standpoint of literary achievements like best use of symoblisms etc. But that just makes me think that a lot of my favorite songs are not written to be very technical, they are just straight to the point and they touch your heart.

By: Nikki Glenn

Nikki Glenn — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:22:21 +0000

Hey Adam,

I was reading that novel list, and I had to say that I HATE Catch22! I had to read it in high school (along with a lot of those other novels), it made absolutely no sense, but again, people love it. Also, glad to know that I didn’t miss anything by not getting in on all the “DaVinci Code” rage. Great job on the blogging, it’s enjoyable to read. And say hi to Mikah for me!

Nikki

By: Nari

Nari — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:10:25 +0000

This list seems to be equal parts Bestseller and wonderfully written material. I always wonder what is the process of creating a list like this, what criteria did all these books meet? That they are constantly for at bookstores and libraries? Required reading in High School? Challenged or banned materials? These lists always seem to be lose-lose, because there is no complete list, nor is there any list that will please everyone.

By: jw

jw — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:21:16 +0000

what?!?!? No Danny Dunn and the Homework Machine?!? But seriously, i wonder if the fact that the poll was done by the London Telegraph has anything to do with the choices? I also would think that something by Hemmingway would make the list…but i DID love To Kill a Mockingbird. Who doesn’t love Atticus Finch??

By: Timmy

Timmy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:20:19 +0000

The DaVinci Code but no Les Miserables? The DaVinci Code and no Tale of Two cities? The DaVinci Code and no Mutiny on the Bounty? the DaVinci Code?

By: puppy_lover2

puppy_lover2 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:40:11 +0000

I am so excited that two of my favorite books are on here! (My Sister’s Keeper and Gone with the Wind) I am slightly depressed that I have only read 12 of these books though I guess I better get busy reading “the greats”. I have to agree w/ Kelly though that Tuesdays with Morrie should for sure be on that list!

By: Abby Wilson

Abby Wilson — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:27:37 +0000

I also liked Catcher in the Rye, but does that admission make me more likely to attempt to assassinate someone? I agree about Da Vinci Code. Ridiculous, especially at #5!

I would add Brave New World by Aldous Huxley & 1984 by Orwell, which I grant you are similar but also very different, and also The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.

By: Traci

Traci — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:21:00 +0000

I think the problem with these kinds of lists is that it’s doubtful anyone would find the list (as a whole) to match their opinions. I’m totally with you on Catcher in the Rye. I have no idea why that book is so beloved. And, even though I really enjoyed Da Vinci Code (I had read Angels and Demons first and was invested in the characters, but I still think I’d have liked the story), I don’t think it is deserving of a list like this.

While some would disagree about the greatness of the Harry Potter books, I don’t think there is a good argument as to not including them on a list like this, simply for the impact they’ve had.

By: Kelly Simmons

Kelly Simmons — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:03:36 +0000

hmmmm If The Da Vinci Code is there, why not Tuesdays with Morrie, or Love Story or the complete works of Jacquelyn Susann?????

Life of Pi is one of my faves and is certainly worthy of the list.

Kelly
bykellysimmons.com

By: caite

caite — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:08:08 +0000

I loved Catcher in the Ry!. Of course, I was about 15 years old at the time, which might have had something to do with it.
To my mind, there is way too much recent, popular fiction on this list. Fiction that I doubt will stand the test of time. Just because you ‘loved’ a book youread last week does not make it the greatest of all time.

One of my all time favorite books is also missing..Cather’s Death Comes for the Archbishop…as is anything by Cather. DaVinci, Potter, or Cather? No contest.