Re: Books: 2nd Edition
Posted: Mar 01, 2019 8:51 pm
SA, if the oldest teen really enjoys Austen & Dickens, I would suggest Elizabeth Gaskell as well - I always think of her as a mix of Austen's social commentary and Dickens' societal commentary, though I'm not sure if that's entirely accurate. I've only read a handful of her books, but I would recommend North and South and Cranford at least to start (both of which have recent/good adaptations; the Cranford one actually ties together stories from several of her books, I believe). I've heard good things about Wives & Daughters as well, but it's unfinished so you apparently should have the adaptation on hand to watch immediately after if you want a satisfactory end.
Also, my guess is the oldest teen could handle any Dickens based on what's already been read, but it depends on what you're concerned about.
You all have probably read them (I actually haven't), but if not, Heidi, The Little Princess, or The Secret Garden are well-respected and loved classics - and I'm pretty sure there aren't too many (or any, hopefully) murders in them.
Arwenel, I realized that most of my loved mysteries were children's books. XD However, in addition to your list, G. K. Chesterton has the Father Brown short stories, which are pretty good. Also, in my reading, I ran across two mysteries that stood out by authors who are better known for other things: The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne and Darkness at Pemberly by T. H. White (yes, that Pemberly, but in the mid-20th century); I don't remember tons about either, but I liked the first enough to own it and I remember bits of the second, so it stood out for something. Also, I've heard good things about Ngaio Marsh and Ellis Peters, though I haven't read either as of yet.
That's too bad that the library system doesn't have Eagle of the Ninth! What other Sutcliffs does it have?
You'll have to let me know what you think of the Robin Hobb books/series when you finish. I've heard good things about her but never read any.
Thanks also for the refresher on Wilkie Collins!
Also, my guess is the oldest teen could handle any Dickens based on what's already been read, but it depends on what you're concerned about.
You all have probably read them (I actually haven't), but if not, Heidi, The Little Princess, or The Secret Garden are well-respected and loved classics - and I'm pretty sure there aren't too many (or any, hopefully) murders in them.
Arwenel, I realized that most of my loved mysteries were children's books. XD However, in addition to your list, G. K. Chesterton has the Father Brown short stories, which are pretty good. Also, in my reading, I ran across two mysteries that stood out by authors who are better known for other things: The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne and Darkness at Pemberly by T. H. White (yes, that Pemberly, but in the mid-20th century); I don't remember tons about either, but I liked the first enough to own it and I remember bits of the second, so it stood out for something. Also, I've heard good things about Ngaio Marsh and Ellis Peters, though I haven't read either as of yet.
That's too bad that the library system doesn't have Eagle of the Ninth! What other Sutcliffs does it have?
You'll have to let me know what you think of the Robin Hobb books/series when you finish. I've heard good things about her but never read any.
Thanks also for the refresher on Wilkie Collins!