Hi everyone, it’s Allison!
Here’s how it works:
- Every Thursday, select three-five books (not too many, not too little!) that you want to read but can’t decide which one to read first.
- Post the cover, and if you want, the synopsis or even a random line from the book, for each of your selections.
- At the end of your post, ask readers to vote on which one you should read next!
- Even if you don’t end up reading your readers’ top choice, you’ll know what the majority is excited for.
What’s Next is hosted by Hafsah at Iceybooks
Last week when I did my What’s Next meme, I chose the theme of romance, and the most popular choice was One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney. I haven’t started reading it yet but I’m looking forward to starting it soon. Now for this weeks What’s Next meme, I decided to keep going with the theme route. This weeks theme is CLASSICS. I’m always saying that I really need to read some of the more classic novels but never seem to get around to it. Maybe you can help me decide which one to start with? I’ve narrowed it down to these three choices:
1) Jane Eyre — Charlotte Brontë
Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman’s passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.
2) The Hunchback of Notre-Dame — Victor Hugo
In the vaulted Gothic towers of Notre-Dame lives Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer. Mocked and shunned for his appearance, he is pitied only by Esmerelda, a beautiful gypsy dancer to whom he becomes completely devoted. Esmerelda, however, has also attracted the attention of the sinister archdeacon Claude Frollo, and when she rejects his lecherous approaches, Frollo hatches a plot to destroy her that only Quasimodo can prevent.
3) The Phantom of the Opera — Gaston Leroux
The Phantom of the Opera lives under a famous opera house. A mere chorus girl, Christine Daae, becomes, under his guidance, a well known singer with a beautiful voice. But her old child hood sweetheart, the Vicount Raoul de Changy, has also entered the picture. The past comes back to haunt her, the future ahead is uncertain, and the present is undecided. Who will win the heart of Christine?; the handsome, rich Raoul or the masked Angel of Music?
So…three different classics….which one should I read first?
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I’ve only read Jane Eyre, so I can’t tell you how it compares to the other two, but I do love it! It’s my favorite of the Bronte books I’ve read thus far, much better than Wuthering Heights, IMHO.
I’ve read only Jane Eyre, so I vote for that one 🙂 I loved it!
I’d suggest Jane Eyre.
I’m with the rest! Jane Eyre! And then you can read Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys (it’s short and awesome and is a prequel to Jane Eyre)!
Jane Eyre!
Jane Eyre! Yes, it’s long, but there’s a reason we still read it a century and a half later. Bonus to choosing this one: After you finish, you can watch the 2011 version with Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester. Rawr. 🙂
Jane Eyre sound really good. I vote for it.
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
http://booksliveforever.com/?p=2523
I’ve read Jane Eyre and POTO so I’m picking Jane Eyre-total classic and one of my favorites. It might be a bit on the longer side but I think it’s very readable and worth it!
I’ve only read Jane Eyre and I really liked so my vote is for it 🙂
I’m ALWAYS saying I need to read the classics. They take up two shelves in my home library and I rarely go to them … must change that!
I vote for Jane Eyre … that one’s been on my TBR list for a while since I read April Lindner’s JANE.
Enjoy your reading!
Go with Jane Eyre! It’s one of my favourite non-Austen classics 🙂
JANE EYRE, JANE EYRE, JANE EYRE. *chants*
I would go with Jane Eyre. I’ve read the Hunchback and the beginning is SOOOOO slow.
Looks like Jane Eyre is the favorite but I want to throw my hat in the ring for Hunchback. It’s kind of a difficult read, but it’s beautiful and tragic in the way only the classics can be. I loved every minute of it! Besides, how many people can boast that they got through Hugo? 😉 good luck with whatever your pick is!
I suck. I haven’t read any classics… but I’m going to have to go with Jane Eyre – I love the sound of it!
Thanks for participating!
I vote for Jane Eyre. I really liked it.
My vote is Jane Eyre, one of my favorite classics!
Kristin @ Young Adult Book Haven
I’m voting for Jane Eyre.
I vote Jane Eyre, only bc I haven’t read it myself. I’ve seen a movie adaptation and read a modern take on the classic, but not the original. For shame! Go for it.
I love Jane Eyre, but personally, I’d actually tell you to start with Phantom. But it looks like Jane Eyre is DEFINITELY winning! Lol. Haven’t read Hunchback of Notre Dame. YET!!! 😀
JANE EYRE!!!!! It’s my favorite book of all-time. 🙂
Looks like the majority is Jane Eyre here, and I have to agree! It’s worth reading and experiencing.