Thursday, November 25, 2010

Literary Blog Hop: Modern Classics/Booking through thanks

Literary Blog Hop is hosted by The Blue Bookcase. If you features book reviews of literary fiction, classic literature, and general literary discussion, you too can join in!

This week's question is:

What makes a contemporary novel a classic?
Discuss a book which you think fits the category of ‘modern classics’ and explain why. 


A novel which has the timelessness feel to it can be taken as a classic. Any novel, contemporary or otherwise, that fits this spirit can be termed as a classic. Now what is a modern classic? For some it might be a contradiction of sorts. A modern novel which is classic. But why not? If it expresses life with beauty and truth artistically, and has a lasting effect, then it is definitely a modern classic. It also has to have an universal appeal. When each one of us connect to that in some way or identify with that somewhat, that novel is termed as a classic. Therefore themed books which depict, love, hate, death, that struggle for life, faith, belief along with emotions touch all of us in one or the other. 

I name certain authors which are taken as modern classic authors..Few of those are John Steinbeck, John Kerouac, Orhan Pamuk. J.M. Coetzee, and Gunter Grass. They depict society of different places yet we can identify with their writings. Because the human spirit can never die and unifies all of us.

I can mention so many books but I will only mention one. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. Why? It maybe an tongue in cheek account of travesty of war but it is precisely that which makes it a timeless classic as it tells us about the ramifications of war.
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btt button
What authors and books are you most thankful for?

I am thankful to any author who writes timeless books. Modern, or otherwise. Add any book that gives me pleasure....be it poetry, crime fiction or science books..

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Here's my BTT: http://wp.me/pFyoG-qd

Pam said...

Timeless is a good litmus test!

Novroz said...

Great list,mine are my two favorite authors

bermudaonion said...

Sometimes it's hard to predict which books will become classics, but I love your answer.

Mel u said...

a very interesting set of possible future classics-

bratgirl said...

I agree, timeless novels are awesome!

Olivia said...

I'm glad you included Orhan Pamuk on your list. I didn't think about him when I was writing, but he is one of my recent favorites. Snow is one of the best books I've read.

IngridLola said...

I definitely agree with Catch-22!

Li said...

That is a fantastic question and quite interesting when you think about it.

A bit off-topic but I just wanted to let you know that I've given you a blogger award! You may pick it up over here. Congratulations! =)

Anonymous said...

a great list Grass is one of my favourite writers ,all the best stu

Bev Hankins said...

Timelessness is a great thing to look for in a book!

Here's my BTT: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2010/11/booking-through-thursday-thankful.html

Melody said...

I mentioned Orhan Pamuk in my post too. He really does have a thoughtful, lasting feel, not to mention great writing about relevant topics. I need to read more of his works.

Melissa Wiebe said...

I agree with you; timeless books are often the best.

Em said...

And time will tell...

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

What is that quality of timelessness? What does it consist of?

Thank you for your thoughts.

litlove said...

I do like the authors you put forward as potential classics - good choices!

@parridhlantern said...

Good selection,love Kerouac & Grass, funny enough two of my choice were set in wartime.

Rachel said...

What a lovely definition! :) I have to agree that Catcher in the Rye, Kerouac etc. are modern classics.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if the concept of 'timeless' changes over time. What we consider timeless today could very easily feel dated in 100 years. It's an interesting thought to ponder...good post!