‘Ello,

So it’s been a while since I wrote my spring reading list post and had grand plans to finish all mentioned books by the end of spring and review them. Here I am to tell you all that has absolutely not happened. I mean, oops I guess? But I do have some reasons for not delving into the reading list as planned.

The thing is I’ve always wanted to wade my way through all the ‘classics’ as other reviews always make them out to be the best books of all time. The problem with that is I don’t feel the same way anymore. After getting three quarters of the way through The Great Gatsby I came to the realisation that I didn’t really have a clue what was happening in it. I’ve had so many people tell me how amazing a book it is and I just didn’t get it.

For whatever reason, I couldn’t connect with the characters or the story line. Maybe the fact it’s set in the 20’s made the connection difficult to build. I zoned out and gave up reading it. I have never stopped reading a book until I’ve finished, it doesn’t feel right. But I couldn’t even force myself to continue reading it. I even found reading the SparkNotes take on The Great Gatsby more interesting than the book itself.

In a way, I’m a bit irritated because I really wanted to love the book but I just don’t. It always makes me feel a bit dumb when I say I don’t enjoy reading (some of) the classics because I feel like there’s a certain expectation from people that you have to adore them. Well, I’m gunna go ahead and destroy that stereotype… If it’s classed as one. I don’t understand all the language used in them and sometimes I lose track of where the stories gone. And that’s that, I suppose.

I’m not giving up on the classics because I don’t dislike them all – in fact, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of my favourite books of all time. I loved every second of reading that book. So I’ll definitely try and read the others I’ve bought.

Another reason I haven’t finished the books is due to a busy work schedule. No matter how much I might want to read sometimes my eyes are just too tired for it. I don’t really know what else to say on this point to be honest.This was a little short post to give you a glimpse into how my mind functions… in some way? Honestly, I don’t even know myself but we’ve gathered I have a love/hate relationship with the classics either way.

I’d love to know what your takes are on the classics. Are there any you’ve read and loved and would recommend?

 

Until next time,

Luce xo

13 thoughts on “My Spring Reading List: An Update

  1. I’m so glad you feel this way because I do too! I really really wanted to like the great gatsby but I juts couldn’t enjoy it either. Saying that I do love some Jane Austen!
    Soph – https://sophhearts.com x

    1. I tried so hard to like it that I actually think it made me hate it more. I’m so glad people feel the same way, almost thought I was the only one! Oo I’ll have check some of her novels out sometime. Thanks for reading,
      Luce xo

  2. I know exactly how you feel lovely! I wanted to read at least 1 book a week but by the time I’m home from work and I’ve eaten and done my blog work I read a few pages and I’m falling asleep so I’m lucky to get through one every 3 weeks! Also I’m completely with you on the classics they’re so hard to follow (the ones I’ve tried to read) and I never understand half the language! I’d love to read them but I just don’t think they’re for me unfortunately

    Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
    xx

    1. It genuinely feels like such an impossible task. The classics are so hit and miss that I’m left wondering what all the hype was about when I read some of them. I’m starting to think they’re not really for me either. Thanks for reading,
      Luce xo

  3. I know how you feel. I have never read that book. I’m not sure if I would like it or not. ? Interested to read more reviews

    1. Yeah, the classics can be difficult to get to grips with. I’d definitely recommend To Kill A Mockingbird though. Even if you don’t enjoy it, at least you gave it a go! Thank you, more will be going up soon.

      Thanks for reading,
      Luce x

  4. I’ve never read The Great Gatsby, but there are often other things (books, TV, films) where I feel this way. People go on about them so much and when you get to them, it’s hard to understand where the appeal is! Hopefully you have more luck with some of the other classics! 🙂

  5. Thank you for the recommendations – I’m always looking for new books to pick up! I’ve been wanting to read The Great Gatsby for while now, but after reading your post I think I’ll just stick to the movie!

    Nati x | http://www.curatedbynati.com | @curatedbynati

    1. As I say, it may still be worth giving it a go if you feel you’ll enjoy it. After all, I’m just one negative reviewer haha. No worries, I wouldn’t pass on the opportunity to recommend To Kill A Mockingbird. A truly amazing novel. Thanks for reading, Luce x

    1. I feel that the book gets easier to read the older you get as the language and societal matters it deals with could be confusing for younger readers. It’s worth another try, even if you still don’t enjoy it at least you didn’t give up on it straight away!

      Thank you, and thanks for reading.
      Luce x

  6. I’ve been loving reading more lately, but I agree in terms of classics. I recently read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen for the first time and actually really enjoyed it. However, I read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and just didn’t seem to enjoy it half as much as everyone else seemed to. I need to read To Kill A Mockingbird! Definitely have a love/hate relationship with classics too!

    Evie x | https://eviejayne.co.uk

    1. Me too, and I’m glad I have too! I’d love to read Pride and Prejudice. That may be my next read! That’s exactly the way I was the The Great Gatsby, just couldn’t get my head around it or understand the intense love for it others have. You do, it’s amazing. Phew, so long as I’m not alone with these feelings haha.

      Thanks for reading,
      Luce x

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