Stupid Lists
The New York Times recently did a stupid list of books, one that purported to discover the best American novels of the past 25 years. The list was predictable and boring, as was the pseudo-controversy it inpired, as other lists have done.
I find canon lists boring because I’m more interested in how individuals I like respond to books, emotionally or intellectually. And while some books are most certainly good, many of those aren’t actually enjoyable. Take Beloved, for example, the novel that won the top spot. A great novel. But so wrenching and awful that it scared the bejesus out of me. It’s not one I press on friends who are looking for a good read.
There are two questions I find useful when I ask people about books. One, what books have you read that you both admired AND enjoyed? And two, what was a watershed book for you, one that might not be a so-called great book, but that had an important role in your life?
The latter question was one asked by The Guardian in this article from last month, which discusses differences between typical watershed novels for men and women. I have read very few of the New York Times list, but most of the women’s watershed novels listed, and a few of the men’s as well.
There is one book that answers both of my questions: Possession by A.S. Byatt. I admired it, I enjoyed it, and it was a watershed novel (touched on previously here).
What do you think? Are lists worthwhile? Did you like the NYT list? What are books you admire and enjoy? What are your watershed books, and were they listed in the Guardian’s article?
May 26th, 2006 at 6:20 am
I heard the list author interviewed on NPR. Interesting note is that the “judges” were well-respected authors and were asked to choose their top novel without any suggestion list or the like. Though I think there were only 12 or so votes for Beloved, it was a large # given that the variety of folks voting chose it out of any book they could choose. Mentioned as an example that J. Frantzen didn’t have a book on the list, but that he was a voter. I agree, however, that there is limited value in such lists.
May 29th, 2006 at 2:53 am
When I came across a copy of Possession in a second-hand bookshop last year, I remembered reading about it in your blog and bought it. It’s one of the best novels I’ve ever read. It didn’t mark a watershed, but it made me think about my life choices a lot. Thank you!
May 30th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
The creators of such lists always defend themselves by saying “Well, it’s not necessarily about dictating the best 100 whatevers of all-time, it’s about generating discussion and healthy debate.”
I say it’s all about selling more copies of their paper or magazine at checkout counters to a society who wants answers in easy-to-read bullet point format.
I suppose there’s nothing inherently bad about these lists, I’m just getting sick of ‘em.