Finally Making Progress

I've gotten about a third of the way through The Sound and the Fury, and I really don't like it any more than I did the first time I read it.  Faulkner is - what's the word - taxing.  I understand it better than before, but I just don't like his style of writing.  He may have picked on Hemingway's style of writing, but I'd take it over Faulkner any day.  Luckily, this is the last time I will be reading this (or anything by him, most likely).  Anyone out there who can give me one good reason why I should read Faulkner any more?  I am willing to listen to any and all arguments in his favor, but they may ultimately fall on deaf ears.

Torture

I am not going to make it through this book.  I swear I get a big headache just by picking this book up.  I really am trying, but I cannot see the art in it.  Maybe it's just me.  Naw - that can't be it!

Can't See it in My Plans

It's been a really long, stressful day, and I just can't bring myself to read any Faulkner.  I have enough of a headache from all the mountain cedar in the air - I shouldn't have to put up with The Sound and the Fury as well, right?  So, as Scarlett O'Hara would say, tomorrow is another day.

Whoo Hoo!!

Got through another 12 pages - gotta celebrate the little victories, right?  The second section, if I recall, is a little easier going, so I hope I get there soon.

A little help please

I'm trying, but this first part is written from the point of view of a retarded 33-year-old, so it makes it sort of difficult - much more of a chore than a pleasant read.  I am, however, a whole 30 pages in, so score one for me!!  My goal is to finish this in three days (so I can get it over with), but I'm not feeling hopeful.  I'm feeling that headache coming on...

Did I mention...

...how much I hate Faulkner?  Already dreading going to pick this book up today - I have read it before, and I am not joking when I say it gave me a headache.  Maybe since I'm almost done with my Master's degree in English, I will appreciate it more now?  Here's hoping!

All Done

Wow - did that book go quickly, especially for a book with no real plot.  As I said, though, it really is an easy read.

The book chronicles two days in the life of a troubled teen, and he spends those days trying to figure out what direction he would like his life to take.  He never seems to get anywhere with those thoughts, however.  The death of his brother several years before has profoundly affected him, and nothing seems to make sense any more.  That's why everyone seems so "phony" to him - with his emotions so torn up all the time, he feels as if no one gets it or him.  It's teenage angst to the hilt, but he has a better reason than most.  Hope the shrink can help him break on through to the other side.

And now, I'm depressed - unfortunately, the next book on the list is The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner.  I am NOT looking forward to reading this book again, but maybe I will gain an appreciation for him that is DEFINITELY not there right now.  This is the last of the books that made 9 of the 11 lists, but I think it's there just because people think they're supposed to like it.

This book, written in 1929, was apparently not successful right away (there's a big surprise - all it did was give me a headache!), but now some consider it the greatest American novel.  Why, I don't know, but I will suck it up and re-read it.  Don't be surprised, however, if it takes me a LONG time to get through it.