Book blogging (mostly)
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass
So I’ve done something for the first time since starting my book database – I’ve given up on a book. I started reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland over the weekend, put about 60 pages into it, and decided that was enough. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the book is terrible or anything, but I just couldn’t get into it. It was imaginative, bizarre, and absurd (in a good way), but it didn’t captivate me.
I realized I wasn’t having any fun, and a book like Alice seems like it should be all about fun, so I’ve decided to move on to one of the many other books I have on hand. What’s interesting is it’s definitely NOT the worst book I’ve read in the last two years. I guess I don’t think it’s fair to read this classic when I’m clearly not in the mood for it.
My question for you, though, is “What’s wrong with me?” Am I missing the innocent imagination of childhood required to become engrossed in Alice? Or is it just something about my current mood that makes the book unpalatable at the moment? I know there are some out there who must enjoy this book (and I can see why), so please educate me. It feels wrong to not get a classic like this. Oh well, hopefully I can find something on the bookshelf that fits my mood better….
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#3 written by Mome Rath 1 year ago
Eh — for most books I don’t think you should have to research in advance to appreciate the book. There are some editions that have short essays explaining what Carroll was parodying, but I’m not sure they’re required reading. If the book wasn’t grabbing you, it’s probably good you moved onto another one.
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#5 written by Nathan 1 year ago
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Well, if it helps, you can follow along with the chess game for Through the Looking Glass. Every move Alice makes in the book is on a giant chessboard.
Alice in Wonderland is a classic, but I haven’t read it in a while. Carroll does strike out into the absurd, and parodies English customs and poems in both books. I think you might have to be in a particular mood to read them, though. I’ve found The Phantom Tollbooth to be very dry both times I’ve read it, so I think I can understand what you’re going through with Alice.