So the plan was to read and post about this book last week, seeing as how it was Banned Books Week and this is a banned book. But, as I explained the other day, this happened.
I did finish the book during the week, but the post just didn’t happen. So in belated celebration of Banned Books Week, I present:
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley
255 pages
First published in 1932
My copy published by Harper Perennail Modern Classics
********************
Where I ever got the idea that I had read this I don’t know. Maybe I was lumping it in with 1984? Because they are somewhat similar. But after reading this, I’m pretty sure I would’ve remembered reading it before, even if it was 20 years ago. Because I can so see why people would challenge this book (not that I ever would…I’m just saying I can understand why people find it disturbing enough that they might object to their children reading it (although, hello…a conversation would be better than a banning).
Anyhoosie. If you can get past the first 20 or so pages of tedium, this actually turns out to be a quick read. Pretty heavy on the philosophizing, but then, that’s the kind of guy Aldous was.
(And inappropriate aside, he was kinda cute, too, in an academic coke bottle glasses kind of way).
He also had a heck of an imagination, and didn’t pull any punches when it came to satire. But it got to be a bit much, even for me. Like he was going for the shock value more than the literary merit. As Aths said, “I nearly puked my way through the pages.” And I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, she wrote a kick-ass review that pretty much summarizes all of my thoughts, so go check it out.
So. In the end, I’m not really sure how I feel about this one. On the one hand, I think Huxley wrote a creepy book that 70 years later doesn’t seem out of date at all. I think he had a brilliant mind and a keen grasp of satire and morality and what humans are capable of in a very bad way. On the other hand…there’s that puking business.
I have no regrets about reading it, but I much prefer 1984 for a chilling dystopian novel.
Wow, coke bottle is right!
rhapsodyinbooks´s last [type] ..Review of “Falling Together” by Marisa de los Santos
I know! You can totally see the distortion through the lenses.
softdrink´s last [type] ..Brave New World
I read both this one and 1984 right next to each other in my senior english class in high school. At the time, the ending of 1984 seemed so anticlimactic to me that it kind of ruined the book, but I really loved this one. Now, almost 15 years later, I’ve reread 1984 (still find the end anticlimactic, but otherwise liked the book) and have no desire to reread this one. Maybe I realize that I won’t like it as much as an adult as I did as a teenager, or maybe I don’t want to break my first impressions of it? Not sure.
Amanda´s last [type] ..The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson
I don’t have any desire to re-read it, either.
But I could see myself revisiting 1984…again.
softdrink´s last [type] ..Brave New World
I have not read this but need to keep it on my radar for future banned book week attempts. And you are right… with a little update to his hair, some sticky gel, and contacts…. totally a hotty.
Sheila (Book Journey)´s last [type] ..Morning Meanderings: Back to the land of the living…
I don’t know…I kinda like that retro look he’s got going on.
softdrink´s last [type] ..Brave New World
This is definitely not my favorite dystopian novel.
Stephanie´s last [type] ..Book Review: Curtains: Adventures of an Undertaker-in-Training
I remember feeling kind of “meh” about this one but definitely don’t remember feeling like I might puke. Or something. Or anything. Hmmm. Still haven’t read 1984. It’s on the shelf but for some reason I’m having to work myself up to it. Silly as I loved Animal Farm.
Trish´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday: Helmet Head
This is another classic I somehow missed. I don’t think I’ll be picking it up anytime soon.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last [type] ..Review: The Mailbox
I just discovered that I have this on audio, and I have no idea where it came from! I read it many years ago, and remember very little of it, but seeing as I have it, I may just have to give it a try soon. I will remember the bit about the pukiness though!
zibilee´s last [type] ..Fathermucker by Greg Olear — 320 pgs
I think I have a soft spot for books like this. Thought-control-government-books really get my geek going.
Trisha´s last [type] ..Books and Cow
That’s it … I’ve got to read this book.
Jenners´s last [type] ..Writer’s Workshop: You Be The Judge
You’re spot on – I felt he was throwing ideas mostly for the shock value. I still remember feeling half the passages a bit too distasteful, but I’m glad I read it. And I agree with you – he is kinda cute – I was thinking that while reading the book. LOL.
Aths´s last [type] ..When I feel like throwing a book
This is the second review of this book I have read in the last week and both were very similar in the sense that you both thought the book was good, not great and 1984 was better. They are the first two reviews of the book I have read that haven’t gushed about how wonderful it is. Nonetheless, I am still looking forward to read this one when I have the chance
I tried to listen to this one but gave up after the first cd. You’re telling me it gets more interesting so maybe I’ll give it another shot someday.
stacybuckeye´s last [type] ..Current Giveaways
I have always been curious about this author, but have never felt the need to rush out and read the book either… There are a few other classics I want to get around to first, I suppose.
Kailana´s last [type] ..‘The Two Towers’ Read-Along – Part 1