So, I think I tend to be a bit obsessive. See a list, must complete list at all costs kind of obsessive. Sometimes that's good. But I can sort of drive myself crazy with lists too! Years ago I became familiar with the book, The Well-Educated Mind by Susan Wise Bauer(2003 W. W. Norton & Company, Inc)(go to www.welltrainedmind.com for more info). For those not familiar with this book it explains how to read, I mean really read, books. Not just reading a book like you would go to a movie - for entertainment. But taking the act of reading to a new level - becoming a participant in the process of digesting literature. Learning from the books, taking something from the book and giving it meaning within your life.
The book lists four basic genres of literature, one being novels. And there is - A LIST. A list of novels the author is recommending be read. Well, if I have a list I will follow. I will check off the items, be done, and move onto the next list.
The first novel on the list is Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes written in 1605. This book was fantastic! I am not talking about the abridged modern day version. I am talking the umpteen hundred pages, unabridged, translated by Tobias Smollett in 1755 version. Whew! Totally worth it. To this day, it amazes me how Cervantes, writing over 400 years ago, can make me ROFLOL! The scene in the garrett of the inn and the "lady" comes up to acquaint herself with the other patron....Hilarious!
So, let's move onto book number two - The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Oh my. I found this book to be painful. I started this book in 2008. Put it down and didn't want to pick it back up. Except remember the list? My obsessiveness said the list needed to be done. It was begun(yes, one book in and I am that committed) and it must be finished. Pilgrim's Progress, Pilgrim's Progress. Ughh. So many other books, yes, let's read those. But oh, then there's Pilgrim's Progress.
So in September 2012 I went at it again. This time determined to finish if it killed me! And guess what? It didn't kill me and you won't believe when I finished - Christmas Day 2012!!! What a totally cool gift to give ones' self. First, I got rid of all guilt associated with having not finished this book. WooHoo!! But, more importantly, the book itself is a gift. I felt closer to God when I was reading this book. The language was a double edged sword. At times it was a hindrance to my understanding(so I would pull out a kids's version and a modern day English version). But, throughout the book I also loved the richness of the language. All the effort that went into this book was so worth it. I am amazed at the pictures Bunyan created in my mind. And these pictures seem to have woven their way into the fabric of our culture.
I did wonder why Christiana was the benefactor of a guide, children, and friends during her pilgrimage. Is it because women were thought of to be weaker by Bunyan(and society at the time)? Is it because a women is supposed to be led by a man? Is it a reflection of the social nature of women? Christian had to walk his road alone - is that because Bunyan felt alone in his Christian walk?
I do like how in Part II there was a place for the Pilgrims to live before death came to call. For Christian, it seemed as though his pilgrimage led to an obvious death. I didn't really like that. So, how the end was handled in Part II, was a lot better.
Has anyone else read this book? Would you like to comment on it?
As for me, onto the next book. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. Of course, I do have a tone of other books and magazines to read. But eventually, I will get back to the list!
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