A classic obsession

I can classify the books I read into two kinds

1. The feel good types – you read them, feel good, think for a while and forget them. They are like all the comfort food we eat- the junk stuff. We love them but they are not really wholesome or nutritious. (Why do I end up coming back to food from every conceivable topic? :P :P) well, the books I am talking about are single-time light reading types when you just want to stop thinking and relax.

2. The second kind is the one that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading them. They are the ones which you re-read, take notes from, preserve the quotations and read again after a while from a fresh perspective and each time, they provide different insights and enthrall you even though you have almost memorized the conversations. Somehow, they change you a little bit every time you read them.

Most of the Austen’s and Bronte’s books come under the second category for me. I wish I had someone to talk to about these books. There is such food for thought in them, I could go on and on and on analyzing these! I have been obsessed with them of late. There are all these blogs and reviews and challenges and what not in the internet, but they can’t replace the joy of conversation, can they? The thing that works for me in these books is that even though almost all the characters are flawed, they are perfect – I know sounds like a paradox – but they are, in their own way. And oh, the sentiments, the expressions, the analysis, the nature and the portrayal of these are simply overwhelming.

Last year I read all of Austen’s originals and this year, the resolution is to read and watch most of the adaptations and inspirations. I know; some addiction I’ve gotten into. Call me a silly romantic fool, but I cannot resist reading Caption Wentworth’s letter or Lizzie’s observations or Mr. Bennet’s sarcastic humor again and again! I have read a few of them so many times and even then, every time I read Pride and Prejudice, I bite my nails and long for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth to get together. I feel connected to Marriane and understand her more than Eleanor; I respect and look up to Anne’s calm maturity, Jane Eyre’s principles and Mr. Rochester’s passion. I long get a glimpse of a Captain Wentworth or Mr. Darcy – there seem to be so less of their kind these days, though you can stumble upon Mrs Bennets and Emma s and Mr. Collins every turn of the street. Oh people, I am trying my best to inspire you to read these master pieces if you haven’t read them. If you haven’t, I could easily say you are missing out on so much in your life. Do pick them up and be patient until you get used to the style and language. Do be determined for a first few pages and I assure you, you’ll love these gems and ask for more!

My update: Currently reading Charlotte Bronte’s “Villette” and have picked up Frances Mayes’ “Under the Tuscan sun” for a parallel reading. The later was in my list and I was hunting it for a long time now, so looking forward for all the Italian charm :)

Happy Reading! :)

PS: If you have read or are reading these, please poke me, I really am looking forward to your views :)