Friday, June 27, 2008

Jen's Perspective

Yes, I am adding my 2 cents worth from the beach. I am a maniac, I know. I think I also need to qualify the rules of our 100 books project, which will no doubt stretch itself past 100 books. I propose that we also include the caveat that if we hate, loathe, despise the book and/or begin to have suicidal thoughts upon reading the first 80 pages that we are allowed to stop and go on to the next book. I had an English professor who always said to give it 80 pages. I have no idea why, but I suppose if you can't find an interesting plot or redeeming quality within the first 80 pages, then it might be hopeless. I should have followed this advice with Vanity Fair, but alas, it was a school assignment. To this day I regret that I lost about 15 hours of my life that I can never regain.

Your thoughts?

6 comments:

Babsy said...

Any rules about watching the movie instead of reading the book?

Jen said...

Yes, I think that is strictly prohibited. My mom, however, would probably disagree, but this isn't a project that she is spearheading.

Jana said...

I agree with the 80 pages. Nancy Pearl has a similar rule but it involves your age and a couple of other factors so I think 80 will be easier.

As far as movies go...
I am going to leave it up to the individual, although I do own a T-shirt that says, "Movies: Ruining The Book Since 1920."

Tiff said...

I agree with the 80 pages rule. I read the first 30 pages of "Eragon" and put it down. Pop stays at my place while I'm on vacation, and HE reads it. Short story long... he said it was awesome, so I finish AND "The Eldest" and have been anxiously awaiting the 3rd book.
Anyhoo... I haven't look at your list yet, but I'm working on a Dan Brown novel now.

mimi said...

In addition to reading books, you two need to be writing one on "sibling revery". I could write the forward in which I would disclaim and responsibility for the contents....just a thought

Jana said...

Sparkles,
Perhaps you need your own blog. I think I would rather write about BatMan :)
Jan