> -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kevin Tarr > Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 07:11 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: author review > > > http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articl > es/2003/09/24/dumbing_down_american_readers/ > > or > http://makeashorterlink.com/?D2A513796
Since the article is free, I'm not posting it. The op-ed writer takes the literary world to task for awarding bad but popular authors like Stephen King. While I can understand his point, what is the list opinion: is it better that more people read even if it's not highbrow works? Isn't this the same argument used against comic books or rock n roll? >> No, because comic books aren't bad. :) I lean towards one of Harold Bloom's thesises (thesii?) put forth in "How To Read And Why" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0684859076/eogan-20/) Although abrasive and cantankerous, one of his core themes is "don't waste your time reading anything that isn't enlightening or enjoyable" Of course, he also goes on to list exactly what he thinks is worthwhile reading :) ..which of course, includes Proust. Anyone here taken a stab at "Remembrance of Things Past"? -j- _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
