Time is not my friend. Sigh. I want it to be, but it just isn’t. I never seem to have enough of it, always seem to be battling against it. My chronic time-shortage means I don’t get to spend as much time doing any of the things I like as, well, I would like. This is an on-going struggle for me, particular when it comes to reading. I love to read – love it, love it, love it. But it’s not as easy to find the time to dedicate to it as it used to be – there are simply too many competing demands on my time and attention. Still, I do what I can to make time – even if it’s scattered in little bits gathered together greedily over the course of the day.
So what, you may ask, is a girl with a chronic time-shortage doing extolling the virtues of really long books on this lovely Book Review Tuesday? Well I will tell you – it’s about value. If you have a time shortage, you have to maximize the time you have, right? Well, the best way to do that is to pick the best possible book to read – the most enjoyable, most entertaining, best bang for your buck book. And that’s what this list offers. Teehee, I only included five though, since each one is easily the length of two regular books… How thoughtful, eh?
It may take you a month to finish one, but I promise it’ll be time well spent!
The Passage (Justin Cronin) Sure, everyone has a book about vampires these days. But no one but Cronin has managed to weave them into a tale of governmental genetic manipulation, a world-decimating virus spun out of control, and a redemption story that hinges on the actions of a six-year old girl.
The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexander Dumas) This is my favorite Dumas novel. It is the tale of Edmond Dantes, a man wronged in so many ways that they nearly defy description. His carefully plotted revenge spans years, geography, and nearly unbelievable adventures that are artfully crafted and highly entertaining.
Lady of Hay (Barbara Erskine) Past lives, mystery, violence – this is a fantastic journey through time that is full of twists, turns, and surprises right up until the bitter end. It is the tale of a modern woman caught up in an investigation of hypnosis and past life regression that takes a decidedly personal – and perilous – turn.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (Susanna Clarke) This is the first time I have ever seen a magical take on the Napoleonic Wars. In a truly original take on the concept of magicians, witches, and elves, Clarke spins a fanciful story of war, wizards, and women that is sure to entertain.
Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand) I know, I know – Ayn Rand is every dark trenchcoat wearing college misanthrope’s heroine, but she’s also a fantastic writer who really makes you think – often in ways you don’t want to, but that’s the beauty of her storytelling. Who is John Galt, anyway? Well, read the damn book and find out! 😉
4 comments to Top 5 Really Long Books (>750 pgs) That Are Worth Your Time
Funny you should have Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell just a day or so after I did the review. I’m a little ashamed to admit that’s the only one on this list I’ve read (although I have a friend who constantly hounds me on Monte Cristo). The Passage sounds interesting. I haven’t read a vampire book since Anne Rice.
I’m sure there are tons that people could add. One that comes to mind for me of course is The Stand by Stephen King.
I thought so too, actually, Paul! Monte Cristo is FABULOUS – I really enjoy Dumas’ writing style (the 5 books that comprise the extended 3 Musketeers series are also great) – lots of action and adventure and more than a little drama/back-stabbing (sometimes literally). And The Passage was very cool – I read a lot of supernatural/fantasy stuff (that whole vacation-from-reality thing we’ve discussed!), and also really enjoy the old school spy/political thriller stuff (think early Nelson deMille, ala Charm School), and this one combined the best of both worlds – along with a healthy dose of post-apocalyptic world-ness (which I also like)… I have only read The Stand once – I did thoroughly enjoy it though (as is usually the case with me & Mr. King – we have a one-way admiration society going way back), and would happily add it to the list – as long as I can also add Needful Things (even though it’s not quite enough pages, weighing in at only 731, it’s one of my favorites and I think underrated among his books)!
Agreed. I really enjoyed Needful Things (and I won’t tell anyone if you put it on the list… although I don’t remember it being that long. A pretty quick read). I loved the concept. A childhood innocence to getting what you want mixed with the adult reality that we don’t always know what’s best for ourselves.
How long was Insomnia? Did you ever read that one? I liked it, too. When it came out, I remember that it felt like a pretty considerable change of pace for him, but that I enjoyed it.
I did not read Insomnia – will have to look for it now though! And that is exactly what I like about Needful Things – the whole “be careful what you wish for…you just might get it” thing…
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(Justin Cronin) Sure, everyone has a book about vampires these days. But no one but Cronin has managed to weave them into a tale of governmental genetic manipulation, a world-decimating virus spun out of control, and a redemption story that hinges on the actions of a six-year old girl.
(Alexander Dumas) This is my favorite Dumas novel. It is the tale of Edmond Dantes, a man wronged in so many ways that they nearly defy description. His carefully plotted revenge spans years, geography, and nearly unbelievable adventures that are artfully crafted and highly entertaining.
(Barbara Erskine) Past lives, mystery, violence – this is a fantastic journey through time that is full of twists, turns, and surprises right up until the bitter end. It is the tale of a modern woman caught up in an investigation of hypnosis and past life regression that takes a decidedly personal – and perilous – turn.
(Susanna Clarke) This is the first time I have ever seen a magical take on the Napoleonic Wars. In a truly original take on the concept of magicians, witches, and elves, Clarke spins a fanciful story of war, wizards, and women that is sure to entertain.
(Ayn Rand) I know, I know – Ayn Rand is every dark trenchcoat wearing college misanthrope’s heroine, but she’s also a fantastic writer who really makes you think – often in ways you don’t want to, but that’s the beauty of her storytelling. Who is John Galt, anyway? Well, read the damn book and find out! 😉
Funny you should have Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell just a day or so after I did the review. I’m a little ashamed to admit that’s the only one on this list I’ve read (although I have a friend who constantly hounds me on Monte Cristo). The Passage sounds interesting. I haven’t read a vampire book since Anne Rice.
I’m sure there are tons that people could add. One that comes to mind for me of course is The Stand by Stephen King.
Paul D. Dail
http://www.pauldail.com- A horror writer’s not necessarily horrific blog
I thought so too, actually, Paul! Monte Cristo is FABULOUS – I really enjoy Dumas’ writing style (the 5 books that comprise the extended 3 Musketeers series are also great) – lots of action and adventure and more than a little drama/back-stabbing (sometimes literally). And The Passage was very cool – I read a lot of supernatural/fantasy stuff (that whole vacation-from-reality thing we’ve discussed!), and also really enjoy the old school spy/political thriller stuff (think early Nelson deMille, ala Charm School), and this one combined the best of both worlds – along with a healthy dose of post-apocalyptic world-ness (which I also like)… I have only read The Stand once – I did thoroughly enjoy it though (as is usually the case with me & Mr. King – we have a one-way admiration society going way back), and would happily add it to the list – as long as I can also add Needful Things (even though it’s not quite enough pages, weighing in at only 731, it’s one of my favorites and I think underrated among his books)!
Agreed. I really enjoyed Needful Things (and I won’t tell anyone if you put it on the list… although I don’t remember it being that long. A pretty quick read). I loved the concept. A childhood innocence to getting what you want mixed with the adult reality that we don’t always know what’s best for ourselves.
How long was Insomnia? Did you ever read that one? I liked it, too. When it came out, I remember that it felt like a pretty considerable change of pace for him, but that I enjoyed it.
Paul D. Dail
http://www.pauldail.com- A horror writer’s not necessarily horrific blog
I did not read Insomnia – will have to look for it now though! And that is exactly what I like about Needful Things – the whole “be careful what you wish for…you just might get it” thing…