Do you have a "perfect" book?

[amarinth]

@tim-n-va

I think “perfect” is going to be an individual thing, based on life experiences up to the time you read it.

I disagree. “Perfect,” as I understand the OP, is a more objective measure, especially given the contrast to “favorite” which is more subjective. A well written sentence is a well written sentence, no matter what your life experiences are when you stumble upon it. Fully realized and developed characters that you hate are still fully realized and developed. 30 superfluous pages that do nothing for the plot, setting, theme, or characters still need editing even if you really enjoyed reading them and would have gladly read another 30.

Your reaction to the book may change over time (and probably should), as may your ability to recognize or care about a book’s flaws. Whether the flaws exist doesn’t.

[Southern_Yankee]

@amarinth

I disagree. “Perfect,” as I understand the OP, is a more objective measure, especially given the contrast to “favorite” which is more subjective. A well written sentence is a well written sentence, no matter what your life experiences are when you stumble upon it. Fully realized and developed characters that you hate are still fully realized and developed. 30 superfluous pages that do nothing for the plot, setting, theme, or characters still need editing even if you really enjoyed reading them and would have gladly read another 30.

Your reaction to the book may change over time (and probably should), as may your ability to recognize or care about a book’s flaws. Whether the flaws exist doesn’t.

Nailed what I was going for. Thanks!

[gigi]

@InsomniaMama

A book where the lyrical writing really struck me was Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. I don’t often re-read books, but I read that one twice. Might even read it again.

Excellent choice. I am using that criterion too – which ones have I held onto thinking I would actually read them again even with the big pile of unread ones. Besides the classics like Pride and Prejudice, I’d go with Geek Love.

[WordMan]

I loved Bel Canto as well. Patchett can write.

Disgrace is better.

[Patch]

Danny the Champion of the World, by Roald Dahl.

[gigi]

How could I forget! The Phantom Toolbooth, if it can include the drawings as well.

[Dendarii_Dame]

@gigi

How could I forget! The Phantom Toolbooth, if it can include the drawings as well.

My son would vote for this, with or without the drawings.

[Penfeather]

@Knowed_Out

More votes for Good Omens and Confederacy of Dunces. Always entertaining rereads.

I consider Jingo by Terry Pratchett a timeless classic, because the absurdity of two nations fighting over a rock and propagating nonsense as reasons to fight will always be prevalent, no matter how advanced our world becomes.

I like Jingo, but for Pratchett’s finest novel qua novel I’d give the prize to Small Gods for its perfection of structure: it’s put together like a pocket watch.

[Shamozzle]

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. A flawless and singular work of genius.

[yanceylebeef]

@Penfeather

I like Jingo, but for Pratchett’s finest novel qua novel I’d give the prize to Small Gods for its perfection of structure: it’s put together like a pocket watch.

That was going to be my other choice. Small Gods was the second Pterry book I read after Good Omens, and I still find time to re-read it at least once a year.