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Comment by emseetech | Hacker News Reader

When people say this, I wonder what kind of books they appreciate.

I think it's possible to appreciate a book as literature but not want to ever read it again. The Bluest Eye (for example) is a rare glimpse into the horrors of racism and sexism, especially as both intersect with standards of beauty. It's not a book I would pick up without a grade at stake though.

I think I would wonder about someone who actually likes it. It's a horrifying read.

I don’t get a strong sense of appreciation from the parent comment though.

Perhaps this is not unlike how many of my friends and colleagues questioned why I chose to visit places like Auschwitz while I was on vacation in Eastern Europe. I try not to limit the books I read, films I watch and places that I visit to those that aren’t intellectually and/or emotionally challenging and difficult. Or maybe I’m just weird.

I've loved books that have won lots of awards and recognition that I only read cause it was part of a curriculum, but it's perfectly reasonable to also not connect with some of them.

I read almost exclusively fantasy and have always loved reading since I was young. Fantasy series are often trilogies or more with some being over 10 books long.

You go on adventures, read about relationships, interpersonal problems, power, team work, individualism, religion, and so much more. While it's mostly what I read, it's not all, but it keeps me reading.

I strongly disliked Morrison's books when I read them, though I'll happily concede they're expertly written.

Some fiction books I've read as an adult and appreciate:

Gone with the Wind, Fields of Fire, American Psycho, The Turn of the Screw, Anna Karenina

Some from school:

To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Frienheit 451, Moby Dick, Brave New World

Some of the more pop fictiony:

American Gods, The Stand, His Dark Materials, A Song of Ice and Fire, Imajica

> though I'll happily concede they're expertly written.

Enjoyment is a deeply personal thing but I can’t imagine dismissing Morrison as not worth anyone’s time.

Currently reading Turris Babel in the original Latin. What books are you into? You will be judged by your answer, and assumed to be a non-reader if you don't reply.

I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

I personally just finished Knausgaard (in English, my Norwegian is lacking) and am currently reading Pussy, King of the Pirates by Kathy Acker as a light follow up.

It's a toss up between Yorro Yorro: Everything Standing Up Alive by David Mowaljarlai and Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar for me.

Readers who like Kircher might also enjoy: https://books.google.com.au/books?id=C0iGO0Hr95UC and triple check his math .. it gets pretty wonky.

> Yorro Yorro: Everything Standing Up Alive by David Mowaljarlai

This looks incredible. Going to add it to my (always expanding) list.

Your mileage may vary, I enjoyed it :)

Obit: https://australianarchaeologicalassociation.com.au/journal-c...

Artwork: https://www.aasd.com.au/artist/1861-david-banggal-mowaljarla...

Short trailer for a movie filmed in David's country: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJv1AVvPK3Q

…Dan…brown…

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