Well, not sure if everyone’s seen the advert with the two little worms on it, but oh yes, there’s another book poll going on. It’s for British Isles people only (Yay! At last a poll I can take part in because it’s not just for the stinkin’ UK… ;)) and I’m interested in seeing what everyone else is nominating or would nominate if they were geographically advantaged. Here’s the BBC Big Read Nominations website, and to get you started, here’s my very own nomination:
Title: Perdido Street Station
Author: China Mieville
**Why you should read this book **(255 characters – with spaces, argh!):
It’s everything fantasy should be and isn’t: intelligent, lyrical, gritty, and unpredictable. The concepts are sweeping, the characters are real people (unlike many ‘perfect’ fantasy heroes), and it ties everything together with a strong, compelling plot.
So: argue with me, agree with me, give me your own nominations (see if you can keep within the word limit about your favourite book!). I want to know!
[sub]Obligatory covering-my-arse note: I realise that there have been previous ‘What’s your favourite book?’ threads, but as this one is new, and since everything new is good, please don’t roast my little newbie carcass over hot flames for starting it. Plus, the BBC have given me an excuse for rehashing the whole thing, right?[/sub]
Waits breathlessly for thread to sink like a stone
Do you mean it’s *not * just for UK people, Shill?
I voted for Jane Eyre. Yes, I’m a romantic sap. But the story has everything – romance, horror, violence, adventure, religion, windfalls, big fires, melodrama, satire, feminism, gothicism, vampires and thunderstorms. Not only that, but it’s beautifully exciting, wonderfully compelling and with a great central character.
Sorry if I was confusing there. I meant yes, non-British Isles people could (and should!) contribute to the thread, even if they can’t contribute to the actual BBC poll. I could go into all the complicated reasons why I’m British but not part of the UK, but there’s a time and place for that and it’s probably not Cafe Society.
NoClueBoy, not sure if I’ve heard of those, what’re they about? bifar, shamefully (as I’m an EngLit student) I haven’t read Jane Eyre, but your description of it sounds most compelling, I’ll have to find a copy to read!
The Curious George series of books are for young children. Written in the 60s (I believe) and far more enjoyable than the See Dick Be A Dick type of books. I still get a kick out them when reading them to my neices and nephews.
For my real vote:
The Sparrow
Mary Doria Russell
Excellent character developement and interaction. A Surprisingly complex yet entertaining story. Shocking bits of surrealism keep you on edge, wondering what’s going to happen next. Plus, I like Jesuit SF stories.
I know, it’s difficult, isn’t it? Right after I submitted Perdido Street Station I remembered Uhura’s Song, Good Omens and The Ship Who Sang (and that’s just from two of the genres I like). I think it’s interesting, though, that Perdido Street Station was the first one I latched on to. Which book do you think of first when the question ‘what is your favourite book?’ arises?