Newsweek had a list of “50 Books of our Time” on June 27th, 2009. Some of them I’ve heard of, some of the authors I’ve never heard of… so when Amy proposed the question on Twitter: “Are these books of our time?” the tweets started flying and that resulted in a challenge: Newsweek, You’re On.
People claimed the books so quickly, that by the time I checked out the list, none of the books left interested me. So when they were all claimed, Amy asked if people wanted to double-up on the books. I decided to read Kim by Rudyard Kipling.
So now I’m wondering, what makes it a book of our time? According to the Newsweek article: “What we do need… is to know which books—new or old, fiction or nonfiction—open a window on the times we live in, whether they deal directly with the issues of today or simply help us see ourselves in new and surprising ways.” However, I still don’t know what that means… so I hope Amy has some sort of criteria/questions regarding these books… (hint hint nudge nudge).
July 8, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I love Kim!
July 9, 2009 at 11:08 am
Kim is a classic, but books of our time? Hmmm… Nora Roberts? JK Rowling?
Love the new header, by the way.
July 9, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I am glad you are joining in, Monica! When I posted about this project, I encouraged people to join in even if they weren’t able to do so “officially”.
As to the criteria – I think it’s left open for interpretation. It certainly would be easier to think about though in such broad terms with more specific questions, though. LOL
July 14, 2009 at 6:05 pm
the list looked a bit painful for summer reading…lol
July 16, 2009 at 4:51 am
I’m reading Persepolis for this.
July 16, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I don’t know who comes up with these lists, but they often lead a lot to be desired.
BTW to Kathy: I LOVED the movie Persepolis!