Big Books
Quality versus Quantity
Book 16 in the 26-Books-in-52-Weeks Challenge has to be a book that is over 500 pages long.
Now, in the world of books size shouldn’t matter. Quality isn’t necessarily linked to quantity. If it’s a big book but it’s also a page-turner, I’ll read it more quickly and with more enjoyment than a short, tedious one.
For example, Books 4 to 7 in the Harry Potter series were whoppers. I loved them. And I think it’s safe to say, so did plenty other people.
I haven’t read more recent bedside-table-busters such as Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, or George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, but it’s evident their popularity hasn’t suffered because of their length. Similarly with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight books which I also haven’t read, but isn’t it great that so many young folks have – because hey, they’re reading!
So what book would I highlight in this category? Well, in keeping with the outsize theme, I’ve gone for more than one book.
Favourite Books Over 500 Pages:
- Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
To-Be-Read Book Over 500 Pages:
- The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Couldn’t finish Book Over 500 Pages:
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
And that’s it. Yes, more than one book named in this ‘big book’ category, but balanced by the fact it’s a relatively short post.
Over to you – Do you judge a book by its size? What bicep challengers have you read and enjoyed – or not?