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required_reading
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Ptolemy DCLVIII
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Upon reading Pete's 060803 entry at "Reading_Lately" I was reminded of all the books that were dry and uninspired when I read them for assignments yet sprang to life years later when I read them out of personal interest.
Indeed, I cannot recall ever having enjoyed a book that was assigned for a class, though some of the same books I can't believe I waited so long thereafter to re-approach.
Thus I am challenged : I think many of these books are so important, but I don't think their observation can be forced. Readers must come by them naturally. I find this analogous to many, many things in our time.
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pete
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Some books read for class have been amazing and full of life. I quite thoroughly enjoyed the neoplatonist trip of the Divine Comedy, especially the last two books. Or Boethius, Plato's early dialogues were also great (the Meno especially). History texts always fill me with joy. Then again I only play history based video games (Thanks to the swedes from Paradox!). A Military History of Canada is good, Performances better, "Canada's Little War" and "Painting the Map Red" by... someone from McGill, while not required reading were read for class and were great. ALl the marxist books I was recomended by a prof for my paper on how the Haitian Revolution influenced contemporary American politics (based heavily on Jefferson's letters while in office and op-eds from newspapers by his critics) were good reads as well.
However: fiction read for class usually is taught for morons. I mean if you can't find out what is cool in the Monk, or what is strangely post modern in A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy you should take the class, otherwise you'll be left with a whole in your pocket and a giant chip on your shoulder :D Profs have to go beyond the basics to keep the book and the class alive.
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frayedvine
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we all need a little guidance sometimes, ptolemy. I mean, just think what will happen if no one tells pete to pull his head out of his ass.
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pete
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i'm glad my response was just read.. *rolls eyes*
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060803
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