Thursday, November 19, 2009

Booking Through Posterity

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Do you think any current author is of the same caliber as Dickens, Austen, Bronte, or any of the classic authors? If so, who, and why do you think so? If not, why not? What books from this era might be read 100 years from now?

I am a big fan of Dickens and Bronte, and have read almost everything by them. Although I have read 6 novels by Jane Austen, I am not an Austen fan.

If by current authors, we mean authors in the 20th century, then there are quite a few whose works ought be read 100 years from now on. Steinbeck comes instantly into mind. His writing is timeless as it relates to land, people and all those emotions needed for survival. The struggle, the triumph are eternal and anyone from any period of time can connect with that.

Ayn Rand's work might survive, but then her philosophy of objectivism is not much understood.

Amongst poets, I would like to think of Neruda, Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath. In different ways. All these poets touch our inner core in some way or the other.

14 comments:

Novel Insights said...

I'm sure Plath will be remembered as will Steinbeck. Good picks!

Novroz said...

I think Stephen King will be one of many authors that's going to be remembered after 100years

I believe everyone know who he is tho they never read his works...he is like a rockstar in book industry

Alayne said...

Good answer. Here's my link: http://thecrowdedleaf.wordpress.com

Becca said...

Steinbeck is definitely timeless, and really defines the American spirit for the 20th century.

Lisa (Southern Girl Reads) said...

Great answer and I agree with you about Steinbeck!

zetor said...

I forgot about Steinbeck, how could I dod that. my answer is here, http://zetor-mogsblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/booking-through-thursday.html

Jessica said...

Great picks, but do they really count as "of our time"? I think the question is more one of who's writing at this moment who might not yet be recognized as a future classic. I'd love to see which writers you would recommend.

Ted said...

Steinbeck - good response. He indeed tells timeless sagas

pussreboots said...

I agree about Steinbeck. His books are still in print after a half century... no reason why they won't continue to be. My list is here.

Bryan R. Terry said...

I completely agree with Steinbeck. Haven;t read enough of some of those others, though, to say.

My BTT is HERE

Anonymous said...

This is an interesting question. I actually haven't read anything by Steinbeck, shame on me. I agree with Plath.

Gilion at Rose City Reader said...

Steinbeck and Rand are good picks. I tried to stick with current authors for my list, although I snuck Saul Bellow in there.

Toni said...

Love your comments. I'd have to agree about Steinbeck 100%. Ayn Rand.. for sure, but I aqree about wondering if her writing will be understood. I found Atlas Shrugged remarkably relevant and current. Great post!

Tina Kubala said...

Steinbeck is a perfect pick. His writing is simple, yet full of life.

Rand isn't so much hard reading. I think it is the length which intimidates readers. I loved The Fountainhead. Atlas Shrugged was scary in light of our society.