text:
pics uploaded....it was hard to know where to start!
pics uploaded....it was hard to know where to start!
Right, well its great to be back.
Obviously,the machine below changes things a bit, but remember, Im 20yrs dreaming of one. Before Christmas, I finally put that dream to reality and went out and bought one.
I had looked at a lot, the newer ones have pros, and cons. Pros are they are newer, and shiny. But, the new machines have pretty small beds for the money, if you want good travel, you go into insane money fast. I also always loved the movable knee on the bridgeport for doing high work.
I went out with all that in mind and bought a hurco. It had very little done, had been painted, and was used by people that didn't really know how to use it for the last yr hence the digs on the table. There is 3 digs, but Im fine with that. The machine is wear free.
I then gutted the machine of all its electrics as they were added to in spots.
Since the machine is at the bk of my house, I wanted peace of mind in that area.
I retrofitted the entire machine with new parts. I used,
an average new pc/board, incl powersupply.
A pmdx 126 breakout board.
Gecko drivers.
Digikey amt 102 encoders for the x and y original servos.
A nema 34 high torque stepper in place of the z(quill servo) The quill servo although fine, was hard to tune, and get settled at idle. On stripping it down, I found one coil burnt.
I looked at servos and they are insane dear new. So, I bought the stepper. I know they are slower for peck drilling and such, but its fine after testing it a fair bit the weekend.
I removed the original boom arm and made a new one. This houses the glass covered screen, flipout dust proof lid, and the keyboard. The new console was born...
I used the old transformers to drive servos. The gecko motor drivers called for a little lower voltage, so I removed 4 windings to bring the secondary voltage to where I needed it.
That feeds a power prep module(converts to dc and some other stuff) that then feeds the drivers.
The whole thing runs off twin parallel ports.
It was a pretty big job, I had to relearn all the stuff I once sort of knew!
The machine runs mach3 which I find great.
Im running cambam as the drawing tool for the time being as its fine for what I need to do over the next while.
I changed the coolant tank, from the base, to a new tank I made under the left cabinet.
I also fitted a single phase spindle motor to the machine. This took an hr of thinking, as the 3phase is pretty integrated as you can see. I removed cooling fan from 3phase motor and put a pulley on there. A few bits of metal, and some paint and I had a running single phase spindle.
I also had to refit the coolant pump and all lines as it was 3 phase also. The single phase coolant pump motor I got could not be reversed so I had to remake another Impeller for pump from some brass. This was made by hand for fun, and took some time, and some solder...but it works great.
Since I was also redoing the pneumatics of the machine(needed for brake) I built a mister nozzle too.
I kept some manual controls on the new console, some like this, others dont. It saves writing it into programme for coolant control, plus, I like buttons...
There is a small catch can at the end of the bed pipes to give you a chance to fish out small parts, or nuts should they get washed off the table. It works, and saves you fishing in main tank. There is also a swarf filter in the corner of the tank where the coolant drains in. The filter section unbolts from the cap.
I redid the drains on bed too.
Having run a few parts, I can say they work as I want. The perspex shields keep it all under control. All my work is small anyway. For bigger stuff, I can deal with a few splashes.
I made a small shield for one of the coolant nozzles too. The shield is through hole, keeping the nozzle functional when fitted.
I did some trial cuts to set up the machine and confirm accuracy.
You can see a test part being cut towards the end.
I have yet to tidy wiring a little, add some ferrites and add a faraday cage around transformer. The 'important' wiring is high grade double shielded twisted pair robotics grade wire which cost a fortune. But, worth it, as Im seeing no noise at all on the encoder lines.
The motor adapter frame I had to make,
The new impeller, 5 hrs work in that! If I was to cast it there would be just as much work in the pattern, so I said I go right to brass,
The first proper test part, I used wood as splash shields for this run, as I hadnt yet got the perspex ones done at the time,
huba huba!!
Next plan is to make a 4th axis to give me more freedom. This will consist of a headstock type setup, running a stepper, and harmonic drive.
Got there at last!
Very nice acquisition.
Holy cow Brian! You're gonna be seriously dangerous now!
I did a Emco FB2 retrofit, smaller machine but what a pleasure.
Wow indeed. Game changer right there!
'81 Scirocco 'S ...
'08 Audi A3 2.0T FWD 6MT
'05 New Beetle TDI Malone stage 2
'76 Kawasaki KZ400
'02 Ducati 900 Sport
Thanks for the replies, and a game changer indeed
Check this out,
More soon,
That is great!
Ive Owned 26+ Corrado's so far...
6 Of them I have Daily Driven for well over a year each....
6 Of them were used to save others.....
& 14 Of them I have saved/fixed and Resold......
More to come!
I'm going to add my own note of appreciation here to Brian.
First, I appreciate his generosity in sharing his projects in such detail. The amount of time he has spent posting and photographing must be tremendous and for him to spend that time shows the generous nature of his heart.
Now, with every appreciation is a resentment.
My resentment is that I have lost hours going over this thread, not just once, but twice (so far) - not so much in detail, just hitting the highlights.
Some of my favorite highlights:
Making the venturi, then setting the welder up and blowing a hole for the gas pipe. It was just funny that with all of your skills and knowledge that the best way to make the venturi was with that method.
Using the vernier calipers for measuring. Not digital calipers that any girl can read and not even the cheating dial calipers, but real, vernier calipers where you have to think.
You say it like someone would say, "The road was closed, so I went around". No big deal, just another bump in the road.The gecko motor drivers called for a little lower voltage, so I removed 4 windings to bring the secondary voltage to where I needed it.
Edited to add a couple more:
Your vacuum pump.
Your flycutter for the oil pump end plate bearing.
Anyway, thank you for sharing and caring.
Last edited by whitedog; 04-15-2012 at 07:14 PM.
amazing thread; excellent work!
Hello all, especially Mr. Brian Garvey, I found this thread when it was posted as a link on turbobricks. I am so impressed that I have joined the vortex just to be able to comment occasionally and subscribe so I don't miss any updates. Brian, truly inspiring work and creativity, you da man!
Looking forward to more updates and inspiration!
Updates..... there's something we've missed.
Come on Brian, don't pretend you've actually got more important stuff to do than update this thread.
not sure how I managed to miss this thread...holy !@#%,
hope he didnt start makin parts for that bmw instead of finishing his gti
Loving this.
I'm speechless man, If I was only willing to put the time in to try it myself.
@ Whitedog, I suppose what you say could come across as being, I dunno, ingenious, but, I just do what works. If your staring at a transformer for long enough, knowing that a new one is 350euro, you eventually figure out a way around by applying science, instead of cash
@evolvo, No need for the Mr, we are all ordinary folk on here
Glad you found it,
@schurg, funny you should say that.....Im fitting an lsd to E39,
I snipped some posts off another forum of the job so here they are.
Keep in mind they are snipped, and edited, so I hope they read ok - fill in the gaps if not.
Im preparing in my free time, to cast a cylinder head. It took me an age to locate resin bond sand, and then to make them sell some. I also had to make a MASSIVE smelter to melt enough alloy, but Ive that done too. So, while the thread is quiet, fear not, Im flat out laying the foundations for part 2.
Enjoy the following little build, Ill update as it happens, bit of a sidetrack, but what the hell
Will be mounting an e34 lsd to it in the coming few days/weekish. I know there is a bit of work to this, and Im not decided on a final drive ratio yet but Ill make up my mind soon. Theres a bit of 'conflict' as to how hard it is to get any Bmw lsd into one of these,
but Ive got two hands, a welder, a cnc, and a casting setup, so Im sure ill figure something out.
Im also going to move the traction control button to the steering wheel. Its in a c-nut of a place where it is(as are cup holders, only two faults with entire car).
Because Ive used up all the spare wires in the steering wheel slip ring ribbon cable, fitting the paddle shifters, Ive chosen to operate the switch wirelessly.
It will be mounted on a carbonfibre/anodised alloy mix tab.
I have to figure out that yet, and the wiring, but Im sure itll be handy enough.
No other mods for the minute, bar four more Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas next week and possibly a carbon/honeycomb engine tray, I have some leftover from something else,
And onto problem number one.
Here lies the Traction cntrl switch, in a shocking spot, along with cup holders. If you have a pile of junk left in tray, cup holders dont work too well.
Keep in mind the Shift lever is in drive here, so you really have to bend your hand around it before setting off when its in park, to press switch.
I turn it on an off a lot.
Off when out on the road, and on again when coming into a town. This car flicks the rear or spins wheels very easy on roundabouts, or at junctions, so its nice to have it on for those, to stop getting looked at.
On the road, a small bit of wheelspin mid corner, and your engine gets cut, and you just sit there, mid corner, all suspension balance upset, waiting for engine to kick again - not good.
Looking down, eyes off the road to turn off switch is dangerous, so, thats really why I want it on the wheel.
Shots of wheel below too, to show where I intend putting it, Itll be going at the 4 o clock position roughly, below paddle on right. (wheel upsidedown in 3rd picture)
Im sure there are some reading, thinking, ''his problems are small if hes going at that'' but this just annoys me, and I dont like stuff annoying me on a daily basis, especially in my own car!
Ok, so I picked up the Diff the last day ,
So, Im back at base now again for a while, so Im starting tearing apart the e34 M5 diff now to see how it looks inside.
My main concerns at the minute, is keeping the final drive ratio similar to mine. I may have to buy another e34 diff for the correct ratio crown and pinion, and also an e39 525-28 diff for mockup. Il,l need to make a custom bracket to fit diff as the hanger is different.
Ill also need to either buy, or machine a rear e39 M5 diff cover in place of the e34 M5 cover as thats different too.
Anyways...lots of stuff to think about, and do, pictures later, should be handy enough.
One or two things, the connector is for the speedo in the e34, and the diff ratio is on the bit of paper, could just make it out off old diff tag.
Oil out,
Gave it all a rough clean too before pulling cover. Its getting all new seals, and paint etc, so Ill be 'surgically' cleaning everything at a later date.
Drives popped,
L+R stamped,
Flanges coming off, these hold the oil seals, and the taper bearing shell, the bearings look fairly ok, so Ill think if I want to change or not when I clean and inspect fully, It is also behind these flanges that spacer shims go to set bearing pre-load, and mesh correctly,
Opening lsd, its is of the clutch type, and not torsen, thankfully. Ive run a torsen in the past, and dont ever want one again.
Bearing unit off, and getting into discs and spacers
All apart,
As you can see, the clutch disc on one side is worn, as is the cup that it runs on. Ill have to skim this cup to get back to a good surface. Ill also be renewing the spacers and friction discs with new ones.
Because Ill be grinding(blanchard) or milling the poor surface, ill have to regain that lost material with a shim under the belleville(dished) washer to keep preload on clutch packs as it would have n=been when new.
Other than that, its all in great condition, both with the bearings, and tooth mesh wear patterns, so Im pretty happy.
To read how this type diff works, click here> http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential4.htm
Two more pictures of the car when on lift getting tyres showing its original diff,
Some measuring of stuff with calipers tomorrow in order...
Did a bit of grinding this evening.
The friction face was a bit scored as you saw above.
Couple of passes on the cnc with a cup wheel removed almost a tenth of a mm to get the surface back to good again,
half way,
z axis reading almost a tenth when retracted,
Both faces blued and rubbed off surface plate, all looks good,
Ordered new friction discs, and star spacers. Star spacers are oversize in thickness to make up for material ground off above.
Getting a free e39 diff tomorrow, ill be using this to get my location point/mockup for the new front hanger Ill have to make to mount E34 diff, to E39 carrier, since I cant take my car off the road to do this.
So...Bmw want 339euro+vat for the cover. Looks like Ill make one instead.
Im making a cover for the E34 M5 diff as mentioned. The original cover wont mount to subframe, so given the price off Bmw Ill mill my own.
Below is where I started mapping the holes for the new cover. They are pretty important that they are right in the new milled part, so that it bolts up to diff clean.
You could measure the holes with a calipers, and a divider and plot on paper, but having the cnc makes this easier, and more exact.
Ill try explain how its done incase anyone is interested, or thinking of dipping a toe into cnc land soon.
I remember being the same years ago, thinking cncs were mental, and impossible,- but they are actually pretty simple when you get to know them.
Bolted diff to table square.
Fitted a 12mm round over bit. Set mill in center of case approximately and zero'd all axis.
The pictures are a bit crap as Im just getting to know new phone.
Anyone doing this lsd conversion can skip this step and go buy an E39 M5 diff cover off Bmw like a normal person would.
Bolted to table,
All axis zero'd approx in the middle of diff,
New drawing opened, where the cursor is, where x and y lines meet, is 0,0 and since I zero'd all axis, thats now where the bit is too, on the table,
The correct number of circles(holes) are drawn in in roughly the correct position,
The mill is now moved with the jog buttons to all the hole locations on the diff and their coordinates noted, and transferred to drawing. Once you transfer, the circle moves to a new location where the actual hole is on the diff, and where the bit is sitting, this is done for all holes, 'mapping' them exactly onto the new part drawing - as below,
Bit moved to hole position,
Note coordinates, ignoring the z thats the up and down,
Over to drawing, select that circle,
Click coordinates box, and fill in the coordinates from mill screen above,
Circle moves to new position,
This is done with all holes, and all datum points I needed,
Completed hole locations, now on new drawing,
Onto finding the axle center line. Straight edge held to edge of holes, and touched off with pointer in mill,
Y position noted on mill, and then transferred to drawing,
Since the inner diameter of flange hole(!) is 100mm, taking 50mm off that measurement and drawing another line give me the center line of shafts.
There are more accurate ways of doing this with a dial gauge, but its accurate enough considering where it is,
Then more of the same, finding the other datum points, and case edges,
Thats the basic outline down now, complete with hard measurements of where it needs to bolt to.
The rest, is pretty easy, I need to yet draw in the two hanger points(see E39 diff below) And put some proper shapes and profiles on the drawing before I can mill,
You can see the complete E39 diff below(smaller that M5 diff) and also the difference in the rear covers - the E34 M5 cover is 25mm higher than my diff/cover - which is why I need to make another one!
The billet cover will look something like the one below, but taller to cover the diff I just mapped above.
Its actually easier to do all this, than describe it, LOL,
Picked up this today, its a good chunk for sure, bit more work to do yet on the actual drawing before I cut, stay tuned,
Did a bit more drawing, almost done, hope to make a lot of chips later!
Got started on machining,
Another picture of drawing nearly done.
Ill throw up a 3d image later to give a better Idea of how it will look. The drawing below is not the final, there was some minor changes before cutting,
On the table, ready for roughing, roughing was done with a 40mm insert face mill, then the finish pass done with a 10mm cutter to get the corners out.
All work after that was with a 10mm bit. The great thing with aluminum is that you can cut it pretty much as fast as the machine will go with ease - so its fairly quick.
Drilling holes, you'd normally drill holes before final surface is reached because the swarf that comes up from bit can scratch finished surface,
1st level reached, if you look close, you can see a 12mm wide slot top left. This was cut first, and allows coolant to drain from pocket. Since the billet overhangs table front and rear, this is vital for coolant management, the four holes in the center of part are drilled through, and act as drains also,
Ill throw up the finish drawing later, hope to get the topside, and most of the rear done this evening.
Rounding over edges,
Its hard to see all profiles while on table, you can now see the sections where the carbon fiber panels will be. Fitting panels like this means you can profile out the inner sections, rather than machining them all out to form a thin aluminum wall.
The outline cut is done with a different hss cutter, and cut dry for best chip evacuation,
The main cover is now only held to block with a few holding tabs, you will see these in the next bit,
Thats where Im at at the minute, hope to get her complete by tomorrow eve
Again, sorry for thread sidetrack, but sure its all good!(and Aluminium)
Good to see you back with the updates.
I've started to teach myself Featurecam a while back. I haven't had much time to work on it lately but I definitely appreciate how much work goes into setting up CNC programs now.
Nater Kane
Motörshed Inc
@ Whitedog, forgot too, the calipers, it never lies. I got caught badly once with a dial calipers with a loose clock hand, never again.
Barry, cad and cam are tough at first indeed. I use pro-e for work which is great.
But, not everything has to be drawn that way. For example, the diff cover above has been drawn totally with cambam, the cam software. Granted, it has no 3d profiles, but its just what I need.
If you look at a lot of machined parts, they are 90% done this way, using bits for the profiles.
Its also faster, as waterline, followed by pencil finishing is very very slow.
I think the main thing with cad and cam, is to use daily, or play about with daily. Its the only way you'lll find out all the quirks, and remember them too!
More soon,
im not going to lie, im going to miss the router
Ok, all done,
The jig plate for the other side, the block locates exactly on it with dowels, and is bolted down,
Roughing out the pockets,
Done, and off the table, a little bit of de-burring, and its ready to go,
Just need to drill through the top and bottom bolt holes as they were drilled 1mm shy to stop coolant flowing out of them.
Next up is the fill plug, and the composite panels, and of course the case breather,
Updates later,


text:
Suite 800
Newport Beach, California 92660
United States
|Areas of Practice
|1) Corporate Law, 2) Commercial Law and 3) Business Transactions
|Law School
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|Universidad Catolica de Chile School of Law (Maste
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A. Harrison Barnes is a well-known attorney throughout the United States. As a member of the Malibu community, Harrison is committed to serving the needs of Malibu residents and businesses in legal matters.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
What Book Are You Embarrassed Not To Have Read?
This week's You Tell Me is a fun one, and it comes via the Washington Post book blog Short Stack.
What book are you embarrassed not to have read?
As a member in good standing of the publishing industry (well, last time I checked), let me tell you that it's not possible to have read everything, and yet there's sometimes an expectation that an agent will have not only heard of every book ever published, but read every book published. Not possible, obviously, but there's still pressure to be conversant about pretty much every book ever published.
But nevertheless, I'll still answer. I've never read THE LORD OF THE RINGS series and I'm embarrassed.
What about you?
213 comments:«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 213 Newer› Newest»
The Bible. Read parts but not all.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:14 PM
- ORION said...
Anytime I meet an author at an event and we shake hands and they tell me they loved Lottery and I can't for the life of me even come up with a TITLE for one of their books let along even try to FAKE it...
What I am MORE embarrassed about?
All those classics that I know I read in high school and college that I can't even remotely describe anything about...
Color me Bad.
Very Bad.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:20 PM
- ORION said...
alone NOT along
DAMN you space-alien-monkey-copy editor!
- September 10, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Nathan: a present for you...
As for the embarrassment... I've never finished Ulysses, and I love Joyce. I've read Dubliners and Portrait numerous times, and yet I haven't gotten through Ulysses yet. I will, though, even if it kills me or makes we wander around town muttering in a poor Irish brogue. And, of course, I haven't read Moby Dick, which is mortifying. I've always wanted to read it, I have a shiny copy on my shelf at home... and I still haven't read it yet.
Someone give me a kick in the pants.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:25 PM
- Scott said...
I am more embarrassed about books I haven't finished. David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest, for starters. But at 1079 pages, I do sleep okay in the knowledge. Then there are a long list of classics I've not gotten around to, but as you say, you can't read everything.
As a short aside filed under the category "You Know You've Been Writing Too Much When...", does it bother anyone else –– just a little, mind –– when the comments link in the post reads "1 Comments"?
- September 10, 2008 at 12:27 PM
- Lisa said...
Any book I did a book report on in high school. (I only liked to read books I wanted to read). :)
- September 10, 2008 at 12:28 PM
- M Clement Hall said...
Isn't the definition of a "classic," a book that everyone should have read but no one has?
- September 10, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Yeah, Scott, I'm the same way. A stickler born...
- September 10, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Nathan, I also am embarrased that I haven't read the Lord of the Rings trilogy or The Hobbit. I tried several times as a kid, but I got bogged down in all of the details.
I also haven't read Hamlet. I recently read (and loved) The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, and it went completely over my head that the book was a retelling of Hamlet.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:43 PM
- Mark Terry said...
Although LOR is a worthwhile read, go rent the movies, it'll take less time and they're better anyway. (Yeah, I know, heretical).
The list of books I should have read but haven't is enormous, but:
Moby Dick
The Sound and the Fury (or anything else by Faulkner)
Anything by any female writer whose last name is Austen. Or is it Austin?
Anything by Cormac McCarthy.
Anything by Philip Roth, John Updike or Wally Lamb.
How am I doing? Do I sound like an illiterate philistine yet? Hey, I've read everything written by Robert Crais and Sue Grafton and almost everything by Robert B. Parker and Stephen King. Get off my back.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM
- Dan said...
I am quite proud to not have read a single book in the Harry Potter series.
I feel like I should have read at least one Hunter S. Thompson book by now, considering how much of a fan I am of his other writings and pop-culture status.
And it seems like everyone but me has read the Great Gatsby.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I recently made another pass on missed classics and picked up a bunch including, Heart of Darkness, and Beloved.
But as far as guilt, Moby Dick tops my guilt list.
All my guilt issues about Ulysses are largely assuaged. Four failed attempts is enough.
My five minutes of guilt regarding throwing Infinite Jest over my shoulder evaporated as I patched the gaping hole the impact of that giant tomb left in my subfloor.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM
- September 10, 2008 at 12:54 PM
War and Peace. Just writing it makes me want to rush out and read it - but I can't, I just can't.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:54 PM
- Natalie said...
I'm pretty embarrassed that I've never got around to LOTR as well. And I'll admit to never having read Pride and Prejudice. As a woman, that is supposed to be standard reading, right? Oops.
- September 10, 2008 at 12:54 PM
- Being Beth said...
The Grapes of Wrath -- and I did my big high school research paper on it, got an A+ on the darn thing -- discovered the joys of Cliff Notes and the guilt...oh the heavy weight guilt of cheating.
ON the flip side, I'm PROUD that I have read Plutarch
- September 10, 2008 at 1:01 PM
- Jen-GreenInkEdits said...
I should totally be flogged for this, but I've never read A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens. I never had to read it for school, and just never picked it up otherwise. I *have* read a considerable number of the picks from other folks posted in the comments, though...
- September 10, 2008 at 1:07 PM
- Lauren said...
I've never read a single Jane Austen book. I didn't feel weird about that for most of my life, but these days, every time I enter a bookstore, it seems like there's more and more of what I like to call "Jane Austen fanfic" on the shelves. Actually, the last time I was at Target's book department, a good 20% of the section was taken up by a shelf of Jane Austen-related novels.
I felt very strange. I suppose I will read P&P sometime in the coming months.
I'm a lover of children's and YA lit, yet I've never read anything by the esteemed Madeleine L'Engle. I said a year ago that I was going to read A Wrinkle In Time as soon as possible, and, uhh... I still haven't done it.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:09 PM
- JeanieW said...
I have yet to read To Kill a Mockingbird. Perhaps I'll borrow the audio version from the library and "read" it while I'm drawing illustrations.
I also haven't read LOR, but don't feel guilty about it. I did read the Hobbit and liked it. But when I tried reading The Fellowship of the Ring, like Lisa I got mired in the details. Like Mark, enjoyed the LOR movies. I prefer Peter Jackson's character development sensibilities to Tolkien's. I can hardly wait to see what Guillermo del Toro does with the movie version of the Hobbit.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:09 PM
- Kiersten said...
Any contemporary LitFic that comes out and receives buzz makes me feel guilty.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:09 PM
- markwise said...
One's that I am EMBARRASSED that I have not read would be Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye. It seems like everyone has read these two but me.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:10 PM
- Melissa Blue said...
Lauren save yourself the trouble and don't read it. It's not as excitig as everyone makes it out to be.
The only book I've felt guilty for not reading is 100 Years of Solitude. Is that really the name? I can never remember the name. That will be my excuse on why I haven't read it.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:15 PM
- Mel Francis said...
I was an English major and never once read a Jane Austen novel.
meant to rectify that this summer...and now the summer is gone.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:18 PM
- Susan Helene Gottfried said...
Quite possibly Jane Austen's works. But then, I am usually bragging about having two degrees in English and yet have somehow managed to avoid missing out on most of the classics, so it's hard to be embarrassed about something you're proud of.
Still. I think one day, I may motivate myself to read some Austen.
(and please tell Melissa that One Hundred Years of Solitude, while a difficult read, is absolutely beautiful at the end. I cried.)
- September 10, 2008 at 1:18 PM
- The Anti-Wife said...
Not a single Harry Potter book.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:22 PM
It's never too late to pick up a great read.
Furthermore, sometimes, they are better after you've matured as a reader too.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:22 PM
- Scott said...
Heh, dwight. "Tomb", as in "the place that holds the death of time better spent" works, too.
I also assuage any guilt by remembering that I minored in English lit in college, with a concentration in "Elizabethan Drama".
I've paid my dues. :)
- September 10, 2008 at 1:24 PM
I'm embarrassed to have read any Harry Potter. Yeck.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:38 PM
- Sue said...
ACK! Guys, GO READ JANE AUSTEN! Her stuff is just fantastic. I know she was basically a romance novelist, but she's so witty and observant and brilliant. Her books are just wonderful reads.
Books I started and didn't finish and feel sort of bad about but not really because, you know, perspective: War and Peace, 100 Years of Solitude, Moby Dick (snooze), Wuthering Heights
- September 10, 2008 at 1:41 PM
- Amy Nathan said...
I have never read Shakespeare. Not a word. I've seen a play or two, but I just nod my head when folks talk it up -- even my kids!
I couldn't finish a book written by one of my teachers. That is really embarrassing - although it would probably be moreso for him if he knew.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Where to start? I have a long list! But I'd have to say the Catcher in the Rye is the one I'm most embarrassed to have not read. Don't most people read that at like 16?
- September 10, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Hmm. I have not read Pride and Prejudice, which leaves me feeling very embarrassed when I meet a Jane Austen fan, because I have no clue about Mr. Darcy and what makes him so attractive. (Sense and Sensibility is a favourite of mine, though.)
I have also not read many classics, such as: The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, etc. I have also read nothing of Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, though I do not really feel interested enough to pick them up yet...
What really embarrasses me, though, is when I know that I have read something, but I cannot for the life of me recall the details. This happens most often with poetry, because I have no head for poetry at all... but I always end up feeling so foolish.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:50 PM
- Anonymous Gimp said...
Not read the LOTR, NATHAN? Too bad on your part. It's a great read.
Off the top of my head:
War and Peace.
I hear it's good.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:51 PM
I was embarrassed not to have read Filth by Irvine Welsh but then I read it and then I was sorry I did.
I've never read Lonesome Dove and am embarrassed.
I've never read War and Peace but am only slightly embarrassed because I never will pick that one up. YUCK!
I'm embarrassed to not have read the Alexadria Quartet by Lawrence Durell (who is DEAD but somehow Nathan is his agent). I've had it sitting on the shelf for ten years maybe.
I am embarrassed not to have read Heart of Darkness, but I'll never read it.
And finally Moby Dick, which at least I started.
- September 10, 2008 at 1:58 PM
- Kitty Bucholtz said...
Ouch, this is a good one. I wonder if I should've signed in as Anonymous. LOL!! I'd agreed with Anon, the first commenter, except I think I FINALLY have read every page of the Bible. I think. So I'll have to go with Nathan - I hate to ever admit I haven't read the LOTR trilogy, in spite of LOVING the movies and finally buying the books. LOL! But at least they're in my TBR stack! LOL!
- September 10, 2008 at 2:00 PM
- clindsay said...
I have never read anything by Jane Austen. For the life of me, I don't know how this happened, as I like many of her contemporaries. I'm kind of a freak for nineteenth century writers, so how did this happen? I mean, I've read Les Miserables like fifteen times.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:03 PM
- Jay Montville said...
I'm with Cat -- War and Peace. I know I should, and honestly I think it would be right up my alley, as it is A Book Of Enormous Girth, and I love those, but no.
Haven't read it.
As for ones I'm NOT embarrassed to not have read: Finnegan's Wake. Sorry, Joyce, but after Ulysses, I'm not interested.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:04 PM
- Karen K. Kennedy said...
Bless my heart! As a lifelong Southerner and lover of the film version, I'm embarrassed to say I've never read Gone with the Wind. But it's not too late. After all, tomorrow is another day.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:04 PM
- E. Anderson said...
I've read the Hobbit, but never LOTR which is a bit embarassing considering my love of fantasy.
Also, I have guilt and embarassment for the fact that I used Cliff Notes as well - only once ever! - in college to get through Vanity Fair. (Doesn't change the fact that I hated that book. Just that my will was weak.)
- September 10, 2008 at 2:06 PM
- Gina Black said...
I gave up LOTR in the middle of TTTowers, which is unusual since I often push myself to finish books. I saw all the films but wasn't captivated either. Just not my story, even though my kids all adore it and watch it over and over and . . .
I'm not embarrassed by any of my reading omissions, but here's something: until last night I didn't know who William Burroughs was. My DH of 26 years looked at me like I was a space alien when I told him. :) Maybe this is my year to read Naked Lunch.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Never read the unabridged version of MOBY DICK.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:31 PM
I read THE HOBBIT, but not the others.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:32 PM
- Miss Viola Bookworm said...
2)Anything by Chuck Palahniuk
3)the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which for some reason, I keep hearing about lately.
4)More of John Steinbeck
- September 10, 2008 at 2:42 PM
I've never read A Tale of Two Cities or Little Women or Moby Dick. War and Peace? Give me a break! Life's too short. I meant to read the Great Gatsby, but wimped out and watched the movie. I was not impressed even if a young Robert Redford was serious eye candy.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:51 PM
- Pamala Knight said...
Jane Eyre--I love Austen but the Bronte sisters scare me a little. Wuthering Heights ruined me for them, so I've steered clear of the name Bronte.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:53 PM
While I've read most of those on the list so far--Moby Dick, War and Peace, All the Austens, LOTR trilogy, etc, I'm embarassed to say I've never read To Kill a Mockingbird. I've tried and tried, but just couldn't do it.
- September 10, 2008 at 2:56 PM
- Brian Jay Jones said...
That's nothing, Nathan . . . I've READ LOTR and I'm embarassed....
I've never read anything by Thoreau. But I lie and say I have and then quote Dead Poet's Society It usually works.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Got to be Life of Pi and the Bookseller of Kabul. I have both of them in my possession, hear about them all the time, haven't read them.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Poetry. I've read a couple of Frost and eecummings poems but for the most part I can't get to a place where I enjoy the art form. My attention wanders and I start wanting to play video games where I can kill things. Before you berate me know that I'm deeply ashamed, and I believe it's my loss, but I can't help it.
Also, confirming my neanderthal stature, I have not read anything by Ayn Rand, Melville, nor James Joyce.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:04 PM
- Michelle Moran said...
Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. It's my aunt's favorite book, and I have it on my shelf. It sits there taunting me daily.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:22 PM
- Kristi said...
The Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy. For some reason, since I read a lot of sci fi/fantasy, everyone assumes that I've read it. I keep having to clarify to them that I read the *fantasy* side of Sci Fi/Fantasy...i.e. no spaceships. I did see the movie, but then, I've always had a fondness for watching spaceships (Star Wars, Star Trek, Space Balls, etc)...I just don't read about them.
Ok, so it's just me.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:25 PM
- Ulysses said...
Oddly, I've not read a great many books and yet I don't feel embarrassed by it.
I haven't read everything Shakespeare wrote, nor much Joyce. I've read all the wrong books of Faulkner and only the occasional Hemingway. I got through Moby Dick, but not Bartleby the Scrivener. I stopped reading Narnia about the sixth mention of Turkish Delight. I waded into Don Quixote and still can't figure out if Cervantes was trying to be funny. Most of Dickens gathers dust on my shelf.
In spite of this, and several thousand other gaps in my reading, I'm not embarrassed by what I have not read.
I am, however, occasionally embarrassed by what I have read: the entire contents of the I Can Haz Cheezburger blog, for instance.
Word verification: "tigfqgsl" in very squishy letters. I'm a little embarassed to have read that.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:29 PM
- Marilyn Peake said...
I'm embarrassed not to have read War and Peace or Ulysses, also stacks of modern books I've bought but haven't yet gotten around to reading, and the eBooks I've purchased but haven't yet had time to download and read. There are a lot of books available to read these days.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:42 PM
I'm embarrassed never to have read anything by William Faulkner. I've read most of the English and Russian greats but I've missed some of the Americans.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Never read Harry Potter either. . Did read some of the classics (Edgar Allan Poe, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Hawthorne, Shakespeare- whom I love) Didn't read Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird- though I did read the cliff notes, does that count?
And yes [sigh], to add to the 'very bad girl list'- I have yet to get through and complete Jane Austen, (though, I adored the "Sense and Sensibility" movie
- September 10, 2008 at 3:48 PM
- Julie Weathers said...
I have Mark Terry's not read list as well. Unfortunately, I'm not embarrassed about it.
I really read what I enjoy. I like a lot of non-fiction historical books. I could read the Time-Life series books from cover to cover. Reading something because you should is a foreign concept to me.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Mark Terry: The LOTR movies are absolutely NOT an acceptable substitute for reading the books. There's a transcendent quality to the books that Jackson completely missed--in fact, I'm of the opinion it wouldn't be possible to capture it on film. Nathan, please, read the books!
- September 10, 2008 at 3:50 PM
- Julie Weathers said...
I am, however, occasionally embarrassed by what I have read: the entire contents of the I Can Haz Cheezburger blog, for instance.
That's rather frightening since there are 90+ pages of those. Or so I have heard.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:51 PM
- Ulysses said...
Yes. 106 pages at the time. Hence my embarrassment.
- September 10, 2008 at 3:57 PM
- Camels & Chocolate said...
Nathan, I've never read the LOTR books either! Or The Hobbit for that matter. Scott is about to disown me for that one. Also, Anna Karenina and several Jane Austen books (I'm a fan of the movies, but the books, not so much).
- September 10, 2008 at 4:02 PM
- Julia said...
I guess I read too much or something. I can't think of anything I'm embarrassed by not having read. Oh, except for some of those incredibly worthy non-fiction books about people doing Really Important Things in Dangerous Places, like Mountains Beyond Mountains and Three Cups of Tea.
For some reason, I can't get into those, even though I can read the 800-page books about North Korea and experimental novels in translation and other hard things.
- September 10, 2008 at 4:04 PM
- Shannon said...
I have never read Sense and Sensibility. Really should get on that....
- September 10, 2008 at 4:10 PM
- tracymarchini.com said...
I've never read Anna Karenina because Newsweek spoiled the ending for me...
- September 10, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Never read The Lord of the Rings? Say it isn't so!
I'll try not to hold this new tidbit of information against you when it comes time for me to start choosing agents to query.. (kidding, kidding!)
Though, to be fair, I've never read Moby Dick. That's pretty embarrassing. We never read it in school and even though I believe my husband purchased and read it not long ago, I don't really have a desire to pick it up.
- September 10, 2008 at 4:20 PM
- Elyssa Papa said...
Maybe Uncle Tom's Cabin. I don't know why, but I feel as if I should have read this at some point in my undergrad experience or when I was at the bookstore.
Best author I discovered in college, thanks to a course: Sherman Alexie.
- September 10, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Moby Dick. Anything by Dickens. Anything assigned in high school, just on principle.
I adored LOTR when I was fifteen, and read it more than once. I tried rereading it/them many (many) years later when the movies came out, but couldn't... felt like trying to wade through rapidly setting concrete. Says something scary about my brain cells, no doubt.
- September 10, 2008 at 4:48 PM
- Elissa M said...
I am not embarrassed by the books I have not read. Either I don't want to read them, or I will read them soon.
There are a few I wish I hadn't read. That's a whole 'nother topic though.
- September 10, 2008 at 4:56 PM
- Just_Me said...
There are some books I'm embarrassed to admit I bought, but none that I haven't read (unless I don't know them yet).
I suppose I should be upset about missing most of the Classics. But I open them up, yawn at the first page, and move on to dirty genre fiction with explosions. Simple minded of me, perhaps, but I'm happier this way. :o)
- September 10, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I still haven't gotten around to the rest of those pesky "classics" that I was not required to read in high school. I'm saving those for my golden years :P
Lately I've been thinking about finally reading Moby Dick, mostly because it pops up in so many Jeopardy questions (or would that be answers, since you provide the question?).
I did read half of The Hobbit - does that count?
- September 10, 2008 at 5:14 PM
- Marva said...
What's wrong with all you people who haven't read Moby Dick? It's great! Okay, so I'm odd. You can always give a knowing chuckle when anybody mentions flensing. Like that comes up in conversation so much.
There's nothing I feel guilty for not reading. If I wanted to read it, I would have or will sometimes in the future. Why would I feel guilty about it? Reading is pleasure, not some torture you must put yourself through.
Hey, Orion! I read Lottery (finally) and really liked it. It was, um, echt.
- September 10, 2008 at 5:21 PM
I'm a highschooler, and I haven't read the Twighlight books. Whenever they are brought up, my friends all tell me how much I would love them, but I'm not into romance (even if it has a vampire in it). At school, it doesn't matter if you've read the Oddessey, but shame on you if you haven't started Breaking Dawn.
- September 10, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Vanity Fair by Thackeray
- September 10, 2008 at 5:25 PM
- Polenth said...
People tend to be surprised I've not read '1984'. I'm quite surprised I've not read it, because it sounds like my sort of story. I've never gotten around to finding a copy. 'Embarrassed' isn't quite the right word, but this is as near as I get.
I don't worry about the classics I haven't read. I think it's unrealistic to expect everyone to love every classic.
- September 10, 2008 at 5:31 PM
- Scott said...
Catcher in the Rye
Not that I haven't wanted to. Just haven't. And now that my angsty teen years are way behind me, I wonder whether it would even be the same as it is for high schoolers who, unlike me in my own English-heavy HS days, have to read it.
- September 10, 2008 at 5:42 PM
- Sandra said...
I started Moby Dick a long time ago but never finished.
On a side note, I recently posted a meme on my blog asking people to identify books they haven't finished, they have finished, or they read for school. I remember reading a fair percentage of the listed books, but I don't remember the books themselves very well anymore. I think I'm more embarrassed by that than by not reading a particular book in the first place!
- September 10, 2008 at 5:47 PM
- Marilyn Peake said...
I've wondered a great deal if Moby Dick would even be published today, as today's books are much more tightly edited. In Moby Dick, non-fiction chapters about whaling are interspersed with the fictional chapters. I think that, if he were writing today, Melville would be told: Edit! Do you think that's true?
- September 10, 2008 at 5:50 PM
- Jennifer Hendren said...
How's this for strange?
I've read THE TWO TOWERS and RETURN OF THE KING...
Notice I didn't mention FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING? Nope, haven't read it. In high school, I chose the trilogy for some school project and tried to cram all three books into one weekend. (WHOA is all I can say about that!) Bought 'em at a used bookstore that didn't have the first book... And alas, I never got around to completing the set.
That's pretty dang embarrassing to admit. (g)
Another is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I practically got kicked out of law school when my classmates heard about that one. :)
- September 10, 2008 at 5:51 PM
LOTR is the gold standard of fantasy, a MUST-read, and Hitchhiker's Guide is way better in print than movie.
I had always been embarrassed not to have read Anna Karenina, then I finally did last year and realized I could have spared myself a lot of grief if I'd only kept ignoring it. Did not enjoy.
I'm embarrassed now that I haven't read The Kite Runner, and mean to rectify the situation.
- September 10, 2008 at 5:58 PM
- Erik said...
I've read a lot of the really hard stuff in the canon. Moby Dick, Ulysses, Brothers Karamazov, all the stuff people usually complain about. I've even read the entire KJV Bible.
But I've never read a thing by Dickens. There, I've confessed it! My name is Erik, and I'm a Dickensphobe!
- September 10, 2008 at 6:06 PM
- Adam Heine said...
I'm surprised by the number of people who haven't read LotR.
As a sci-fi writer and fan, I'm embarrassed to say I haven't read Asimov's Foundation trilogy (yet). Though I'm glad I caught up on a lot of other classic SF before you asked this question.
- September 10, 2008 at 6:06 PM
- Lora T. said...
I've never actually been able to finish reading Pride and Prejudice. Every time I start, my life gets incredibly busy and I just don't have time.
I've also never read Twilight, but I'm not embarrassed about that.
Never read Lord of the Rings, Nathan? That's just sad.
- September 10, 2008 at 6:38 PM
- Liza Knight said...
I have never read Lolita and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. What's worse is that I had Lolita in my possession at one point, but never got around to it!
My sister reclaimed that copy now.
- September 10, 2008 at 6:59 PM
I haven't read anything by Jane Austen and never will. I somehow avoided reading both Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye.
But I have read Hemmingway, Melville, Dickens, despite being nearly a sci-fi/fantasy purist.
LOTR is a sentinel trilogy in the field, but if fantasy isn't your thing, it's understandable that you haven't read it. If fantasy IS your thing, there's no excuse. :)
- September 10, 2008 at 7:03 PM
I haven't read anything by Jane Austen and never will. I somehow avoided reading both Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye.
But I have read Hemmingway, Melville, Dickens, despite being nearly a sci-fi/fantasy purist.
LOTR is a sentinel trilogy in the field, but if fantasy isn't your thing, it's understandable that you haven't read it. If fantasy IS your thing, there's no excuse. :)
- September 10, 2008 at 7:04 PM
- pearlythebunny said...
Moby Dick. I've started it a few times, but I've never gotten very far.
- September 10, 2008 at 7:14 PM
I am a SF/F writer, and only just recently read The Lord of the Rings - because I love the movies.
Personally, I've never read anything by Hemingway. Or George Orwell, Fitzgerald, or Austen.
In fact, I can discuss the differences between author's vision of dragons much better than even a general discussion of "classic" literature.
- September 10, 2008 at 7:15 PM
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and the BIBLE, though I've read parts of that one. And like Orion, I'm ashamed to say that I can't really remember much about the classics I read in high school.
- September 10, 2008 at 7:17 PM
- Ryan Field said...
On The Road...I've had it for years and still haven't made it past the first ten pages. And I actually love the beat generation. I live in the town, New Hope, PA, where so many of them lived at one time or another. But I'm stuck on page ten.
- September 10, 2008 at 7:32 PM
- R. Daley said...
I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't read Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn. I was supposed to in AP Lit in high school, but I skipped on most of my reading assignments to read other works. Stephen King, Tom Robbins were favorites at the time. I think I was the only one in my high school laughing out loud at "Skinny Legs and All" during study hall. Luckily the English teacher who turned me on to Tom Robbins in the first place was in charge of that study hall.
I did pass the class. My essays were strong enough in structure and rhetoric to make up for the lack of detail on the books I skipped.
- September 10, 2008 at 7:32 PM
- L.C.McCabe said...
This is a timely question and admission because the name that first comes to my mind is:
I haven't read anything by him.
Neither have I read anything by Jack London, but I am proud to say he was one of the California Writers Club founders.
Hemmingway is another author that I feel remorse having never read his work whenever someone brings his stories up in conversation.
However, I did recently read The Aeneid by Virgil.
Classics in my TBR stack include Dante's Divine Comedy, Cervantes' Don Quixote, and Dumas' Count of Monte Christo.
I will admit that I am like you in the I have not read LOTR, and I've only read about four of the Chronicles of Narnia. However, I have read all of the Harry Potter series. Even the slim volumes written for charity: FBAWTFT and QTTA.
- September 10, 2008 at 7:41 PM
- gem said...
Madame Bovary
- September 10, 2008 at 7:50 PM
- A Paperback Writer said...
Well, I made it through Ullyses -- and felt like I deserved a medal or something.
Books I wish I hadn't bothered with:
Moby Dick
Catcher in the Rye
Grapes of Wrath
What I'm embarrassed about not having read:
Catch 22
Slaughterhouse Five
several of Shakespeare's history plays (King John, all the Henry VI and Henry IV parts)
And I'm embarrassed that it's been so long since I read both 1984 and Brave New World that I can't recall very many details. I need to re-read. I know I read 1984 BEFORE 1984. Scary.
Books I threw down in disgust and have not picked up since:
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Brothers Karamazov
- September 10, 2008 at 7:52 PM
One of your funniest posts ever. I've read several of the books some folks have passed (Lottery, Steinbeck, GWTW, etc.), but mostly, my list is the same as theirs. I've never read:
Jane Austen
Moby Dick
Hitchhiker's Guide [although I've sold several first editions rather profitably, thank you very much]
And I am PROUD to say I've never written a word by Toni Morrison and I never, ever will. . . .
I am a dedicated genre hack and love big books full of plot and action [Michener, Clancy, King, M.M. Kaye, etc.]. In an essay I wrote about the difference between genre and literature I said, "Literature is what you tell people you read. Genre is what you really read." So, I agree 100% with the person who posted a similar comment.
- September 10, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Honestly, I find a lot of classic literature dull. I know I'm "supposed" to appreciate it on some level, but I'd rather read something more current in the mystery & suspense arena.
- September 10, 2008 at 8:24 PM
- superwench83 said...
As a fantasy writer, I feel like I should have read The Sword of Shannara by now, but I haven't. (Did I even spell "Shannara" correctly?)
- September 10, 2008 at 8:31 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Uh...... why would you be "proud" to have never read Toni Morrison?
- September 10, 2008 at 8:32 PM
- jeanoram said...
"Not possible, obviously, but there's still pressure to be conversant about pretty much every book ever published."
Have you met my grandmother? She reads about five books a week (seriously) and expects me to be able to keep up with her. She goes through her mental list of books asking if I've read such-and-such, on down until she hits a book I haven't read/heard of/don't have an interesting tidbit about to share with her and then goes on forevvvvver about that book I have no clue about. It's a test. Seriously. And of course, I fail. So really, I have a new book to be embarassed about having not read every time I talk to her. It's great, really. I've become quite similar to teflon now.
- September 10, 2008 at 9:05 PM
- Mason Dixon said...
I've had a cheap copy of War and Peace on my bookshelf for a decade, but every time I pick it up, I put it right back down.
- September 10, 2008 at 9:22 PM
- Kara said...
I'm very embarrassed that I've never read Fahrenheit 451. As a teacher and author, this is something I SHOULD have read years ago. I've even faked my way through an entire literary debate about it and STILL didn't read it.
I tried desperately to read Moby Dick, but I just couldnt get past the first page.
- September 10, 2008 at 9:26 PM
- lotusloquax said...
I would say To Kill A Mockingbird. I've even started it a couple of times, but for whatever reason I can't keep myself going on it, and I'm southern. Oh, I'm so ashamed. ;)
- September 10, 2008 at 9:36 PM
- abc said...
I'm in the Ulysses camp. And I've never read George Orwell either. Unless I read Animal Farm and forgot that I did. That is possible. Ok, let's just say I probably read Animal Farm. But not 1984. I cannot claim to be an intellectual even if I do smoke pipes and love tweed.
- September 10, 2008 at 9:40 PM
- Furious D said...
I never read anything by James Joyce after doing "Portrait of the Artist As A Young Man." I'm not embarrassed considering I considered going back in time to slap James Joyce around for inflicting that book on me.
I've never read Jane Austen. Just couldn't work up the interest, mostly because romantic comedies of manners in Regency England, don't really speak to my boorish, testosterone laden mind.
Couldn't finish War & Peace. I have it somewhere, but never finished it, and for that I am ashamed.
But I did read Moby Dick without being assigned it,about 15 years ago.
- September 10, 2008 at 9:41 PM
- bookstalker said...
To Kill A Mockingbird. And I live in Alabama.
- September 10, 2008 at 10:01 PM
- Maureen said...
Catcher in the Rye. It just never appealed to me, but whenever people around me start to talk about it I get embarassed and don't join in. I also haven't read the Narnia books, which embarassed me as well.
- September 10, 2008 at 10:08 PM
- Kristin Laughtin said...
I haven't read LOTR either, but that was because I read THE HOBBIT and didn't care for Tolkein's writing style.
I'm still embarassed I haven't read CATCHER IN THE RYE or CATCH-22 or DUNE.
- September 10, 2008 at 10:11 PM
- MelodyO said...
I'm embarrassed that I haven't read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, by Chabon. And that's because it's sitting right beside me, opened to page 56, wondering what it did wrong. I mean, it says WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE right on the front. I should be eating it up, right? I just can't get past alllllll the telling instead of showing. I know he writes well, but there's no way I'm reading 656 pages of minute detail. I'm sorry Michael!
- September 10, 2008 at 10:12 PM
- Maris Bosquet said...
I WAS embarrassed not to have read LOTR--until this spring, when I read it to better understand how it was re-written for the screen.
- September 10, 2008 at 10:31 PM
- Maris Bosquet said...
Nathan, After reading some of the comments, I'm wondering what books people DISLIKE the most!
- September 10, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Actually, Nathan, Terri said she was proud she'd never WRITTEN a word of Toni Morrison's. I don't get that either, though. Toni Morrison is brilliant, and I'd be pretty proud if I wrote even a few of her words.
I am embarrassed never to have read either the ILIAD or the ODYSSEY. Very embarrassed.
But I have not read any Tolkien and I intend to keep it that way. I'm not proud of it, but I'm certainly not embarrassed.
By the way, to the person who was scared off of JANE EYRE by WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Charlotte is an entirely different dish than Emily. Take the plunge and read JANE EYRE. It's wonderful.
- September 10, 2008 at 10:45 PM
- Moira said...
My list of embarrassed not to have read is topped by Gone With the Wind. closely followed by the likes of the Vampire Chronicles, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Great Expectations. Now that I think about it... this list could grow infinitely longer if I wanted to truly feel ashamed.
- September 10, 2008 at 11:45 PM
- gerriwritinglog said...
I haven't read Dante's Inferno, in spite of having it on the assigned reading list in at least two or three of my undergraduate classes. Why embarrassed? Because I study epic literature. But I just couldn't make myself read something quite so... propagandized. Oh, and I've only read the first section of Paradise Lost.
Yeah, bad me, no biscuit.
- September 11, 2008 at 12:36 AM
- Adaora A. said...
I quit reading LOTR halfway TWO TOWERS as well. I forget who said that, but it's exactly the same for me. I keep devouring other books and I've never gotten back to it. I couldn't get into it. I've never touched it's older brother nor it's younger sister.
- September 11, 2008 at 1:06 AM
- gabriellel66 said...
None! None whatsoever. Oh, yes, I feel guilty about some books having sat in my TBR pile for about 5 years but that's probably an indication I shouldn't have bought it in the first place and was just being greedy. Life's just too short to worry about what you haven't done--I'm going to enjoy what I *have* done, and that includes enjoying some mighty fine reads and tossing aside those I "should" read when they prove boring or ridiculous (to my way of thinking).
And you know, not to embarrass anyone but Dan, if you can find the time, Hunter might turn out to be one of those joys for you. Certainly is for me.
- September 11, 2008 at 2:28 AM
Haven't read a word by Hemmingway and that's a little embarrassing. Not crawl-under-the-table embarrassing, but anyway.
I have to say I don't get the few people who seem to be strongly opposed to reading something- Morrison, Tolkien, etc. How do you know if... uhh... you haven't read it?
To the folks who listed To Kill A Mockingbird- I can't imagine someone NOT liking it. So when you get a chance...
- September 11, 2008 at 3:00 AM
- Julie Weathers said...
As a fantasy writer, I feel like I should have read The Sword of Shannara by now, but I haven't. (Did I even spell "Shannara" correctly?)
Yes, you should.
- September 11, 2008 at 4:28 AM
never read any of the tolkien works, never so much as cracked open a harry potter book, but i'm not the least bit embarrassed by that.
never read war and peace, never finished moby dick, which i feel somehow obligated to read, but can't really say i'm embarrassed over it.
- September 11, 2008 at 5:01 AM
- Toni Kenyon said...
I think I'm more embarrassed not to have read them, Nathan, I live in the country where the trilogy was filmed!! Peter Jackson put us New Zealand writers on the map.
- September 11, 2008 at 6:38 AM
- Rob Gould said...
Oh cripes. Let's see:
Gormenghast (recently bought though)
None of the Harry Potter books
No Thomas Hardy books
No Charles Dickens (must remedy this)
Now I come to think about it, there is a significant number of books that I mean to buy, but due to other things, don't. Meh.
- September 11, 2008 at 7:48 AM
- Chatty Kelly said...
The Shack...I think I am the only person in the Christian community who has not read it. And I have no plans too either! But what a great success story of self-publishing! THAT is what inspires me.
- September 11, 2008 at 9:10 AM
Nathan - I find the hype surround Miss Morrison to be out of proportion with her books. Like she was the second coming of literature. I laughed out loud reading some reviews of 'Beloved'. They tended to range from 'it was okay' to 'it was stuffed down my throat by my lit professor.' Typically, for me, if a lit professor likes it, then I won't! Give me a Michener 'brick' any day!
- September 11, 2008 at 9:30 AM
No, I've never written a word of Ms Morrison's either. I couldn't even get through the text on the back of the book. I found it vague and pretentious. Now, 'Grapes of Wrath', I can quote long passages of that book, it is my absolute favorite American novel. For foreign novels, you can't beat 'One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich' by Solzhenitsyn. Stunning in its brevity. So sorry to ruffle literary feathers. However, I'm still not embarrassed!
- September 11, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Terri, what of Toni Morrison's actual work have you read? Would you want someone to dismiss your work on the basis of reviews?
Read THE BLUEST EYE. It's completely unpretentious, it's moving, and it's extremely well-written.
Toni Morrison is a self-made woman, who started writing when she was a divorced mother of two. Just ebcause she won the Nobel Prize doesn't make her somehow inaccessible.
- September 11, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Catch 22
- September 11, 2008 at 9:45 AM
- Amber Draeger said...
I've read more than I can shake a stick at, BUT.. here's the really, really sad bit.
I've never finished a single series in my life. Really, really embarassing. It's also a behavior completely opposite of my personality.
Made it to the second to last chapter on Steven King's The Dark Tower... never finished LOTR...
And.. never finished Harry Potter. Read all of them except book 7. Please don't flog me. *cowers in corner*
- September 11, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I really want to have read The Poisonwood Bible (I hear it's brilliant), but I'm never in the mood to actually do it. Nor have I read Carlos Castaneda. I have all of them; I just haven't gotten around to them.
- September 11, 2008 at 10:02 AM
- Beth Terrell said...
I didn't care for Toni Morrison either. I read two of her books and just didn't enjoy them. I do admit to being embarrassed by that.
Also, while I've read a number of of the classics, there's a greater number I'm embarrassed not to have read. METAMORPHOSIS, THE GREAT GATSBY, and CATCH-22 come to mind. CATCH-22 and THE GREAT GATSBY have been on my TBR pile forever.
I couldn't finish GONE WITH THE WIND and am not embarrassed by that at all; I absolutely despised Scarlett.
- September 11, 2008 at 10:05 AM
- Alright Tit said...
To Kill A Mockingbird. The Complete Works of Peanuts I can find the time to read, but criminally not this. (I feel better for that admission, this is like therapy.)
- September 11, 2008 at 10:06 AM
- E.M.Alexander said...
Catch 22
Love in the Time of Cholera
Anna Karenina
After reading all these posts about LOTR, I'm feeling kind of smug I read them, even if it was a long time ago...
- September 11, 2008 at 10:14 AM
- Liu said...
I don't believe you've never read the thing. You have to read at least the title. that counts.
- September 11, 2008 at 10:19 AM
- Justine said...
Ah, tons. Lord of The Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, How to Kill a Mockingbird, Gone with The Wind, The Great Gatsby, The Cather in The Rye, The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy and my history textbook. Then again, those great American books are not popular where I live and I've got time to get to them all. Hopefully. Found your blog through Blogs of Note! Definitely note-worthy, indeed! :)
- September 11, 2008 at 10:34 AM
- Katie Killary said...
So glad your blog has been noted! I need to read up on this stuff and learn about it :O)
- September 11, 2008 at 10:46 AM
- Quicksilver said...
Well, it's Young Bond and Lord of the Flies for me.
I pretend not to hear when a related discussion starts in the book club here.
- September 11, 2008 at 10:53 AM
- Lisa said...
Nathan! Just read that Lauren Conrad got a three book deal! Say what? Where's Spencer's book? =)
- September 11, 2008 at 10:53 AM
- Sabina said...
i haven't read the lord of the rings series either -- and both my kids have. i tried once, and just couldn't get into it. i haven't read the complete narnia series either -- i read the first story in the series and partway through the second, but never really got to the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe one.
i am also embarrassed to say i have never ready completely through the bible. i've read all the new testament (several times), and about 2/3 of the old testament. but i got distracted by other books about spirituality. so yeah.... i hear ya
- September 11, 2008 at 11:01 AM
- Fr. Christian Mathis said...
Brothers Karamazov
- September 11, 2008 at 11:03 AM
- Ryan Field said...
"Read THE BLUEST EYE."
I have to agree with this anon post. I wasn't a fan of BELOVED, but I've read THE BLUEST EYE about ten times.
- September 11, 2008 at 11:14 AM
- Brooke said...
Slaughterhouse 5
- September 11, 2008 at 11:35 AM
- writtenwyrdd said...
Funny, Ulysses was my instant thought as to what I am embarrassed for not having read. But not really embarrassed. Just sort of guilty feeling.
I think I mostly have a generalized embarrassment that I generally cannot stand "the classics" although I have read many of them for school. About the only benefit of an English degree is forcing me to experience a number of "the classics", lol.
- September 11, 2008 at 11:50 AM
kristin laughtin:
Just in case you want to know, the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings are written in very different styles. They're not really at all alike, especially after the first 100 or so pages in LotR. Well, once they get to Bree, anyway, however many pages that is. I'm too lazy to get up and find a copy to check :).
My best to you.
- September 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM
- Dan Gary said...
I just started "The Two Towers" book 2 of LOTR. "Fellowship..." was great, and this one seems to be just as good. I you haven't read them yet, put them on your list.
I am embarrassed that I have never read Dante's Inferno. I have always wanted to, but I always find a reason not to.
- September 11, 2008 at 12:14 PM
- Calliope3 said...
I was an English major in college (graduated last year), and I haven't read any Charles Dickens...
- September 11, 2008 at 12:15 PM
- Elizabeth Marie said...
Love the blog - very helpful for us writers. Congrats on making the blog of note!
- September 11, 2008 at 12:15 PM
The Bible.
- September 11, 2008 at 12:22 PM
- m clement hall said...
I'm curious about the list of books that "not having read" causes embarrassment. Why should it?
If you teach the subject of fiction, if you gain your living from fiction, perhaps there are certain fundamentals, new as well as old, on which one should have a grasp, just like any other profession. Otherwise -- what's at stake?
Reading is for enjoyment. Once you're out of school, it's no longer an obligation. Some people don't read at all. Some people only read non-fiction to improve their minds. Some people only read picture books. What the hell? Reading is for enjoyment, not self-flagellation!
- September 11, 2008 at 12:39 PM
M Clement Hall: yes, reading is for enjoyment, but that's not its only function.
I read also to educate myself, and, in this capacity, I sometimes feel embarrassed, or, more accurately, inadequately educated.
There are things I want to know, and many of them are contained in books, even novels. So, my failure to have read certain books reminds me of my own inadequate knowledge.
- September 11, 2008 at 1:18 PM
- Ana Todor said...
I never read the whole Divine Comedy by Dante Aligheri. I can't seem to get past the Inferno.
- September 11, 2008 at 1:38 PM
- Barbora said...
I am embarrased about reading 'The Notebook' which while it was an entertaining movie, wasa terrible, terrible book.
- September 11, 2008 at 1:47 PM
- Mike Hoffman said...
Hi Nathan - First timer to your blog via the "blogs of note" - and it's quite cathartic to admit to the volumes one has never read, despite claiming to be a bibliophile.
I did read half of LOTR but, frankly, found it got boring somewhere in the middle of The Two Towers, so gave up. But, then, I was 12 years old at the time.
However, the literary blind spot I am most embarrassed about has to be never having read a word of Dickens outside of "A Christmas Carol" - I know, I know! Whenever I feel like some Victorian lit, I always get sidetracked by the Russians...
- September 11, 2008 at 2:06 PM
- Matthew Hissong said...
The Bible Ulysses Paradise Lost... and maybe Proust. Maybe because I don't know that I'm embarrassed about not reading him. And only half-embarrassed about Ulysses, three quarters about Paradise Lost.
Nathan should put up a blog post about what books certain people think we should have read but AREN'T embarrassed about not having read. You know, so we don't seem like bigots against the ignorant. Be proud of your ignorance, people!
- September 11, 2008 at 2:16 PM
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.
- September 11, 2008 at 2:49 PM
- Lisa Melts Her Penn said...
I, also, never read One Hundred Years of Solitude. After spending a year and a half in Spain, I brought back a copy in Spanish. I had read all of two books in Spanish, and decided I would try this classic in the original. Over the years, the paperback copy languished on the shelf, the pages turning yellow, the spine drying out. Everyone said it was difficult enough to follow in English. Your blog is now inspiring me to finally read it in English...then I can always give it a stab in its native language afterwards, right?
- September 11, 2008 at 2:59 PM
- Pepe Lepew said...
I've never read "Catcher in the Rye." that one always gets me looks of astonishment.
- September 11, 2008 at 3:12 PM
- Amber said...
For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway, without a doubt.
and sometimes One Hundred Years of Solitude
- September 11, 2008 at 3:23 PM
- AnarchyJack said...
I wish there was only one.
The Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
They Wayward Bus by John Steinbeck
The Antichrist by Fredrich Nietzche
And I haven't finished:
Pirates and Emperors by Noam Chomsky - though I've quoted from it dozens of times
The First Circle by Aleksander Solzhenytsen (in Russian - still reading it)
The Republic by Plato (actually I skipped ahead after Book 10 and read the ending)
All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren (couldn't get past the first page - it made me dizzy)
The unabridged Notes from Underground by Fydor Dostoyevski (although I really shouldn't be embarrassed, since I read the abridged version - WTF was up with that that guy?)
- September 11, 2008 at 3:45 PM
- Joey said...
I read the Hobbit ONE TIME! and then I found myself trying to correlate what happened in the book versus the classic cartoon created by Rankin/Bass...it made no sense to me whatsoever in the least..
- September 11, 2008 at 3:50 PM
- Karen said...
Anna Karenina. It's on my bookshelf but I just can't seem to motivate myself to start reading it.
- September 11, 2008 at 4:11 PM
- Sabrina said...
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- September 11, 2008 at 4:17 PM
- kiddle97 said...
There are a few that I am very embarrassed that I HAVE read, for instance, the first three of those crappy Twilight books and anything by Faulkner. Then there's The Da Vinci Code, which I haven't read and have no issues having not read it. Then there are such books as Catcher in the Rye or Les Miserables that do give me grief for not being read yet. I do intend to rectify that someday, but first, I have to get through all of Dickens, and there's a huge line after that. Who knows if I ever will get through them all.
- September 11, 2008 at 4:18 PM
- Brooke Hughes said...
I have never read a Harry Potter book (or seen any of the movies). Although I'm not really emabarrassed about it, I do get those die hard Potter fans who just can not believe in their wildest dreams that I have no interest in the books.
- September 11, 2008 at 4:36 PM
I am so embarrassed just to think there is not only one (1) book I should have read, but tens of them...
But finally I read the Endurance of Ernest Shackleton. At leas one that I can cross on my list.
Did you read it?
- September 11, 2008 at 4:56 PM
- Samie said...
well...I'm only 15, and I still have a lot of time to read the so called classics, etc. And I make myself read classics too, just to avoid this later on in life. But I have Little Women on my shelf...and it's been there for quite a while. A year at least, and I haven't gotten around to it. Normally, something of this size draws me to it. (I have this thing for books with too many pages) but I haven't gotten around to this one yet.
and for those of you who got steered off of the Bronte sisters by Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre is a whole different kind of novel. I love it :) (And I couldn't make myself finish Wuthering Heights....I read sections of it, enough to help me pass my enriched english course last year)
- September 11, 2008 at 5:23 PM
- Sparky Firepants said...
Moby Dick. I have tried to get through that thing several times, but I always get stuck in the part where he goes into whale education.
Everything up to that is a fun read.
- September 11, 2008 at 5:59 PM
- Diana said...
MacBeth. Every single English teacher/professor I've ever had said, "Everyone makes you read MacBeth, so we'll read Hamlet." I've read six different editions of Hamlet. I've never read MacBeth.
- September 11, 2008 at 7:06 PM
- nomadshan said...
It's a toss-up between Pride and Prejudice and The Kite Runner. I think I'm more embarrassed about the books I haven't finished. Will blog later on that.
To anyone embarrassed by not having read Shakespeare, fret not, folks: 'tis to be seen, not read. Sure, reading the words may help you understand what you're seeing, but the printed page wasn't the intended format. Give yourselves a break. Check out your local Shakespeare in the Park when you get the chance.
- September 11, 2008 at 7:46 PM
- Therra Cathryn said...
I had a boyfriend when I was 18 give me a copy of "Lord Of The Rings". He gave it to me with such reverence you'd have thought he had given me an actual ring. I never read it,I'm sorry to say. Years later I was married and my husband proudly presented me with a copy of "Lord Of The Rings" for Christmas which I still haven't read. I'm also embarrassed to tell this as this is a book that seems to bring generations together, makes geeks and freaks friends with housewives and harlots...it's a common denominator for several decades of boomer and post-boomer babies...and I still haven't read the dang thing! Shame on me!
- September 11, 2008 at 7:48 PM
- Jeanne said...
I'm so glad this was the blog of note today. It's so interesting- and funny.
I've read the Bible cover to cover. Much more interesting read than I expected. But, I'm ashamed not to have read any other holy books of other religions. If I believe in my faith strongly enough I ought to be able to study what other people believe and weigh and measure it fairly. I just don't have the time. Too many other things to read for pleasures sake.
Dante's Inferno was also a much better read than I expected. Attempted and failed to read the LOR books. Too easy to be a lazy bum and watch the movies. Watched War and Peace for the first time today and don't feel an ounce of guilt about passing on the novel.
- September 11, 2008 at 8:42 PM
- Lady Glamis said...
Never read To Kill a Mockingbird. It's on my Goodreads list right now.
- September 11, 2008 at 8:43 PM
- Alexia said...
Too many to count. But those that immediately jump to mind:
Love in the Time of Cholera
The Life of Pi
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Catch-22 (tried; couldn't)
- September 11, 2008 at 8:51 PM
- mano said...
For ending my embarrassment i'm fighting to finish the divine comedy.
- September 11, 2008 at 10:43 PM
- Harbinger of Truth said...
I haven't read either The Sun Also Rises or the Book of the Five Rings, but I just started the latter. Who knows maybe I'll write a novel that makes a list like this one day.
- September 11, 2008 at 11:01 PM
- JuniWolfspirit said...
You ninny. It's pretty understandable to have not read the Lord of the Rings. It takes a lot of dedication to not only get through it, but really understand it. Plus, that sort of fantasy isn't exactly a lot of people's "thing."
I did an LJ meme recently that starts with, "The Big Read reckons that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they've printed. Well let's see."
It then lists the 100 books and you show which ones you've read. I haven't read To Kill A Mockingbird, 1984, Catcher in the Rye, Grapes of Wrath, Alice in Wonderland... shall I continue? Posting the list itself was quite embarrassing, but I did it anyways in an attempt to guilt myself into moving away from the Young Adult section and reading "real" books for a while.
- September 12, 2008 at 12:08 AM
- Court said...
Oh dear. So many wonderful titles to choose here.... Top of my list is anything Russian, specifically "Anna Karenina" and "War and Peace."
Also: "Wuthering Heights"; "Oliver Twist"; "The Once and Future King" (tried really hard to get through it but couldn't); and anything by Goethe other than "Faust 1&2."
I feel particularly embarrassed to be admitting this to a literary agent. Sheesh. ;o)
- September 12, 2008 at 12:33 AM
- I'm Kim said...
Wow! What a loaded Question. I am an formerly rehabilitated English Major who got through grad school not reading very much. Consequently, I have SEVERE Guilt. My whole blog is about my on going quest to read all the things, horrible or not, I was supposed to read in college... well sort of. I have 1 down (Native Son) and am now trying to decide what to read next. I have had suggestions. I am reverting back to my former ways and trying to look for the shortest one so I can check more off my list and feel a sense of accomplishment before I poop out and call it a day (figuratively speaking). See the Top 100 novels I am reading on my blog! 99 more to go! WOO HOO!
- September 12, 2008 at 1:57 AM
- angelthenewyorker said...
Nathan, I am deeply embarrased that I haven't read the Holy Bible. For Christsake, it is the world's best selling book ever. According to the British TIMES newspaper in 1996:
"Forget modern British novelists and TV tie-ins, the Bible is the best-selling book every year. If sales of the Bible were included in best-seller lists, it would be a rare week when anything else would achieve a look in. It is wonderful, weird ... that in this godless age... this one book should go on selling, every month."
I have tried several times to read it, but I can go beyond the first pages, and I don't know why.
yours sincerely, EMBARRASSED-ANGEL
- September 12, 2008 at 1:57 AM
- Alicia said...
Oh dear~! Where do I start?
I'll need to agree with Anonymous and say "The Bible", I can never last past 1 page... half page through and you'll definately catch me fast asleep!
- September 12, 2008 at 2:06 AM
- BiggieKen said...
I never read LOTR either. I am a little embarrassed to say that I've only read one Harry Potter book (the first), but not too embarrassed!
Perhaps I am most embarrassed that I've read very few classics! I am more interested in current events and funny, personal stories a la David Sedaris. Though I've really only read a couple of his books.
- September 12, 2008 at 2:25 AM
- George Fripley said...
Of all the books that I think I should have read, I think the most enbarrassing would be A Stranger in a Strange Land. I always feel I should have read it (like Moby Dick and Gullivers Travels, which are also on the list)but for some reason it just never happened.
- September 12, 2008 at 3:44 AM
- Jeanne said...
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- September 12, 2008 at 10:09 AM
- Jeanne said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- September 12, 2008 at 10:12 AM
- California Girl said...
How about last year's "Einstein" bio? I bought it. Read the first quarter of it; had to keep re-reading it to understand the science & math discussed; finally gave up in frustration.
Post topic for consideration:
Literary Masterpieces You've Read & Disliked"
I could go on and on with that...English Lit major.
- September 12, 2008 at 10:43 AM
- Jaye said...
Considering where I live - I'm a Kentish Maid - I'm embarrassed to admit I've never read a single Dickens novel! And also Pride and Prejudice, which is sitting, untouched, on my bookshelf.
I have read every Discworld novel though!
- September 12, 2008 at 11:15 AM
- James Wu said...
I have this gigantic book titled: The History of the Arabic Peoples.
I carry it around all over the place, wherever I move. I even read it sometimes on the airplane. But I've never read more than a few page.
I try to act as if I read in depth about matters, but the truth is I just ended up reading a short summary on wikipedia.
- September 12, 2008 at 11:29 AM
- Lauren said...
Moby Dick is my book. I finally read The Hobbit this summer and wanted to kick myself for depriving my world of Tolkien joy for years and years and years!
- September 12, 2008 at 11:53 AM
- 'wela said...
Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin--and I have a degree in Biology!
- September 12, 2008 at 12:03 PM
- The Crystal Faerie said...
Pride and Prejudice.
- September 12, 2008 at 3:27 PM
- esruel said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- September 12, 2008 at 4:09 PM
- esruel said...
Hi Nathan
You haven't read The Lord Of The Rings? Don't worry about it: I wrote a fantasy partly on the premise that millions of readers had never read, and were never going to read, LOTR. I did some research on it - too long, written too long ago, Tolkien was dead, the film was coming out (long mooted), the cartoon film was not good and so on.
My book and proposal were rejected by everyone I approached in the UK! You are in good company!
I never read Wuthering Heights. I think it proves I'm a bloke lol
- September 12, 2008 at 4:17 PM
I'd like to make a comment. About those Russian, French, foreign-writer books, it depends on the translation if they're readable or not.
- September 12, 2008 at 7:54 PM
- Lori Benton said...
To Kill a Mockingbird
- September 12, 2008 at 8:33 PM
- Chris Redding said...
Moby Dick.
- September 12, 2008 at 8:47 PM
- Stace said...
I, too, have not made it through Lord of the Rings but have tried several times, in vain. Being from NZ (supposedly Middle Earth now, for marketing reasons) I felt a certain patriotic duty but meh, if you don't like fantasy you don't like fantasy!
However, I am a little embarrassed to say I've never made it past Genesis in The Bible. All the begats got a little repetitive.
- September 12, 2008 at 9:00 PM
- Unfocused Me said...
I am most ashamed to admit that I could not get past page 50 or so of Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole, patron saint of slush pile writers everywhere. I just, just, I'm sorry, I need a moment...
I can do this...
Okay, I'm all right, thank you. Here I go: I just didn't think it was funny. At all.
There. I said it. Thank you for listening.
- September 13, 2008 at 12:07 AM
- Seth Thompson said...
As a heavy fantasy reader, it seems like I should have read any Narnia novel or Harry Potter book, but I haven't. I may one day try the Narnia novels, but I don't foresee buying a book in the Harry Potter series.
As for actual reading gaps that I am embarrassed about, I would have to say that it can be quantified in two words: Charles Dickens. I even participated in a stage musical based on Oliver Twist and STILL haven't managed to read him. One day...
- September 13, 2008 at 1:40 AM
- Dr Frau Dr said...
So many things that I haven't read. I'm chipping away at them though and am halfway through Don Quixote. At least I can console myself with the fact that I did get through Moby Dick and Midnight's Children.
- September 13, 2008 at 8:49 AM
- MusicJunkie said...
Sadly, I have never read anything by Hemingway or any screenplay by Tennessee Williams.
- September 13, 2008 at 1:00 PM
I haven't read any of the Harry Potter books and not at all embarrassed about it. I actually read LOR aloud, twice to my daughters, maybe I SHOULD be embarrassed about that. The only one I'm a bit embarrassed about not reading is any of Proust.
- September 13, 2008 at 8:01 PM
I haven't read any of the Harry Potter books and not at all embarrassed about it. I actually read LOR aloud, twice to my daughters, maybe I SHOULD be embarrassed about that. The only one I'm a bit embarrassed about not reading is any of Proust.
- September 13, 2008 at 8:02 PM
- katztales said...
A Suitable Boy. Have started it at least 3 times and can't get past page 30!
- September 13, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Tennessee Williams wrote plays, not screenplays. His plays were made into movies, but he was a playwright, not a screenwriter. An important disctinction.
- September 13, 2008 at 11:15 PM
- abc said...
Well I know what book I really ought to commit myself to reading now. It's time to pull Infinite Jest off the shelf. RIP David Foster Wallace. What a sad loss to the world--a major talent (I did read a number of essays) and from what I could tell through interviews, etc. a really cool, amazing guy. Really really sad!
- September 13, 2008 at 11:54 PM


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If you need to travel with a portable dialysis machine you can take it on board as carry-on baggage without charge. This device may not be used during the flight, you must request the service at themoment of purchase, through the call center. Please remember to inform advisors the brand name of the device.
The following additional elements must be transported in the aircraft hold:


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I have a couple of beginner's winterizing questions. This may be kind of silly, but I'm supposed to remove my Apistan strips in the next week or so.
Do I need to worry about chilling the hive
Second question, my hive is now two years old. Do I need to requeen in the spring?


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There are certain times in life when you are going to receive gifts. After a big life event, such as having a baby, getting married, graduating from high school or passing a special birthday, your friends and family may send presents and well wishes in bulk. Times like these call for thoughtful thank you cards. When you shop the selection here at Tiny Prints, you can not only say thank you in style, but also with ease.
Tiny Prints wants to make it easy for you to send your thanks in exactly the way you want. That's why we break our products up into different themes. Do you want to thank guests for attending a beach-themed wedding? Using religious or floral notes of thanks may complement your event. Do you want to thank friends and family for their well-wishes after a baby's birth? Animal-themed and whimsy-filled cards may be the perfect choice. The theme should not only complement your reason for saying thanks, but match your personality as well.
To help you better incorporate a specific elegance into your thank you cards, we also offer a variety of collections. Each uses special design elements to make the products one-of-a-kind. You might be able to find the right thank you cards with one of the following design elements:
Which one of these collections is right for you? You can use the filters to find which you like.
When you shop at Tiny Prints, you get a chance to impress your readers. You can ensure your cards are error free by work with a professional designer who will take the time to check for spelling errors, edit photos and double check the formatting before sending your product to the printers. Do you need to send your gratitude with few days to spare? That's not a problem. We offer a variety of shipping options to better suit your unique needs.
Whether you want to buy a bunch of thank you notes for a big event or simply desire to have some on hand, you can find great products by shopping through our selections. Start searching today.
If you need more inspiration, you can also see our article on Thank You Gift Ideas.
"Loved the idea of this card for giving to kids and they can color it as well! Helped my kids want to write the cards and mail them. I pre-wrote some of it to lessen the amount they had to write as new readers and writers. Quality of the cards was great! Better than I expected. Loved by all the kids who received it in the mail."
"I ordered these thank you cards for my daughters first bday party. It was a pink/ gold theme and these cards matched perfectly! It was very pretty and cute! I would re order them if I needed to."
"My daughter recently turned 7, so she used these adorable notes to write her thank you's! The lines help guide her. The recipients will absolutely love the note and the little photo. Perfect!"
"Such a great idea to personalize a thank you card, Great quality and quick delivery! My son loved coloring them and personalizing it for each friend/family member. I would definitely order these again!"
"I love this product - it gives my 3 year old son a sense of what it feels like to write a thank you card independently. I will defiantly be purchasing again."
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Joyful Orbs Necklace and Bracelet
Item #46844
Sale Price: $79.99 - $99.99
Original Price: $125.00 - $150.00
Availability: Out of stock. This item is no longer available for purchase.
- Description
- Reviews
Lovingly and skillfully handmade by Nepalese jewelry artisans, the graduated bib necklace and its matching stretch bracelet are unique and on-trend works of shimmering seed-bead art. This Joyful Orbs Necklace and Bracelet is richly patterned and colorfully hued. Each purchase helps ensure a fair income and a safe work environment for the artisan. Lobster clasp.
Joyful Orbs Necklace Orig. $150.00 NOW $99.99
Joyful Orbs Stretch Bracelet Orig. $125.00 NOW $79.99
Museum Provenance
They recall hand-beaded jewelry in our costume collection.
Every Smithsonian purchase will arrive with a museum provenance card explaining how it is adapted from or inspired by an object or objects in our collection.
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You may also like:Kyoto Vine Jacket
Original Price: $175.00
NOW: $79.99Cercle de Joie Jewelry
Original Price: $115.00 - $300.00


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Quarter Million Visitors Expected in Salt Lake This Weekend
Batman (Adam West)...Stan Lee...and William Shatner will be here.
But Comic-Con is just the tip of the iceberg, for what's expected to be a busy Salt Lake weekend.
The University of Utah football team hosts Weber State at noon, Saturday.
The Utah State Fair will also be underway, along with the annual Greek Festival.
UTA plans to run more Trax trains than normal...and drivers are urged to leave early and be patient.


text: Ersa Necklace Style: 570069113 Out of Stock Love it? Everyone else did too. This item sold out! Use our search tool, chat online or call 1.888.855.4986 to find something equally desirable. Beautiful stones in a palette inspired by an island paradise with glowing golden accents. Adjusts from 33" to 37". Cotton, metal, synthetic materials, and wood. Read More… Share on Facebook Tweet Pin


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Calico Cheese Dip RecipeRead Reviews Be the first to add a review
4.5 3 6
As soon as my husband tasted this tantalizing dip at a party, he suggested I get the recipe...not knowing I'd already asked the hostess for it! Attractive and zesty, it's one of my most popular appetizers.
Recommended: 62 Ways to Eat the Rainbow
- 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
- 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
- 1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
- Tortilla chips
- In a large bowl, beat together the cheese, chilies, olives, onions, tomatoes and parsley until blended.
- Prepare salad dressing mix according to package directions; pour over cheese mixture and mix well. Serve immediately with tortilla chips. Yield: 6 cups.
Originally published as Calico Cheese Dip in Country Woman November/December 2002, p33
Sweet Red Wine
Enjoy this recipe with a sweet red wine.
Reviews for Calico Cheese Dip
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Reviewed Jun. 21, 2013
"Very good!! Followed the recipe exactly the first time ... was good but needed some zip for me.... added a couple freshly diced jalapenos the second and used fresh cilantro instead of parsley. Outstanding!!! Used it both as a dip and the little that was left over on a turkey jalapeno burger as a topping. This has already been added to my cookbook. Thank you for sharing!!"
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2012
"Great recipe! Finely a recipe that doesn't have BELL PEPPERS in if (can eat any of the bell peppers family) Thanks"
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2009 Edited May. 24, 2014
"Everytime I make this dip, somebody wants the recipe. Delicious & easy to prep. :)"


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"The deficit is getting better, but it's not a result of any hard choices Congress made," said Robert Bixby, executive director of the bipartisan Concord Coalition, who has spent 20 years pressing lawmakers to address the looming expense of an aging population.
"They all want to get on the aircraft carrier, like George Bush with his 'Mission Accomplished' banners," Bixby said, referring to the 43rd president's premature 2003 declaration of victory in the Iraq war. "It's very frustrating, because you can feel the momentum being sucked away from the budget debate. But then you look at the numbers and you realize how little has been done to solve the basic problem."


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so as far as i understand the base pad is there to give you more to grab if your mag gets stuck and also to protect the mag if you are doing something where you drop your mag to reload and you let it hit the ground. The mags that seem to work the best for my colt are wilson combat's 8rd w/ low-profile basepad. as far as reliability goes the basepad should play no part in that.
for my colt i have tried the 7rounders that came with, wilson combat 8rd, tripp research 8rd and 10rd, and Pro Mag 8rd. the only one that didn't work was the promag, however that could have just been my colt i hear that some guns just seem to prefer certain mags.
Good luck and have fun


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"In any case, we are always playing away from home. We play against Ireland [in France] and the stadium is full of Irish people, against Scotland it's the same." -- France left back
Patrice Evra complains about a lack of support from Les Bleus fans, who during a 2-0 defeat to Argentina in Marseille jeered the home team and cheered the visitors. France faces Lithuania in
World Cup 2010 away on Saturday and at the Stade de France April 1. (AFP) ...More