For a long time, The Picture of Dorian Gray topped my list of favorite books. I first read it in college for an English class taught by a TA who was VERY into David Bowie. We spent the semester reading Dorian Gray and analyzing Bowie lyrics to compare the themes in his music to Wilde's book. It was pretty groovy. The song 'The DJ' led to a particularly good conversation about identity... just in case you want to geek out. ;-)
I've always loved this quote from Oscar Wilde: 'Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks me: Dorian what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps.'
Lord Henry! He ways the most outrageous things. I love it so much.
Do you take notes as you read? What does that look like?
I've tried various ways (keeping a journal with quotes, etc) but nothing sticks. I find I end up wanting to read uninterrupted, but then after I also crave some sort of record of my reading experience.
I do take notes! I either underline in the book and then copy over to Google Docs when I'm done reading, or with a library book I stop and transcribe interesting lines/quotes right into a Google Doc.
I also keep a pretty robust reading log, which always help job my memory.
I started Yellowface but stopped about a fourth of the way into the book. An interesting premise and an eye opening look at the publishing industry. I’ve come to realize that I don’t enjoy books where the protagonist lacks a moral compass. This is the second book this summer with a main character making sleazy decisions that I quit part way through. Just don’t want to be along for that ride. I may give Yellowface another try since it has gotten excellent reviews.
I also read the Count of Monte Cristo earlier this year and now have The Black Count on my shelf patiently waiting to be read. It looks phenomenal and I can’t wait to dive for so many reasons, not the least of which is that the man’s life sounds fascinating and his son then went on to change stories forever! So excited for all your upcoming other Pulitzer readings too! 👏
I know the premise of Dorian Gray but have never read it. I was trying to think where I had seen it before, and I remembered that it featured in an episode of the Librarians called The Image of Image in 2015! I’ll see if I can find a copy at my next used bookstore run.
Jeremy , thank you for introducing me to James Alan McPherson. I shamefully admit I never heard of him. Since you raved about his books, I am reading his short story Elbow Room. What an introduction by
For a long time, The Picture of Dorian Gray topped my list of favorite books. I first read it in college for an English class taught by a TA who was VERY into David Bowie. We spent the semester reading Dorian Gray and analyzing Bowie lyrics to compare the themes in his music to Wilde's book. It was pretty groovy. The song 'The DJ' led to a particularly good conversation about identity... just in case you want to geek out. ;-)
I've always loved this quote from Oscar Wilde: 'Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks me: Dorian what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps.'
Lord Henry! He ways the most outrageous things. I love it so much.
Ha, I bet that was groovy! Thanks for sharing Mel. :)
I'm curious about your reading process.
Do you take notes as you read? What does that look like?
I've tried various ways (keeping a journal with quotes, etc) but nothing sticks. I find I end up wanting to read uninterrupted, but then after I also crave some sort of record of my reading experience.
I do take notes! I either underline in the book and then copy over to Google Docs when I'm done reading, or with a library book I stop and transcribe interesting lines/quotes right into a Google Doc.
I also keep a pretty robust reading log, which always help job my memory.
Great piece. YELLOWFACE was a stand-out from my summer reading.
I started Yellowface but stopped about a fourth of the way into the book. An interesting premise and an eye opening look at the publishing industry. I’ve come to realize that I don’t enjoy books where the protagonist lacks a moral compass. This is the second book this summer with a main character making sleazy decisions that I quit part way through. Just don’t want to be along for that ride. I may give Yellowface another try since it has gotten excellent reviews.
I definitely get that! Not always easy to spend time with that kind of character.
I also read the Count of Monte Cristo earlier this year and now have The Black Count on my shelf patiently waiting to be read. It looks phenomenal and I can’t wait to dive for so many reasons, not the least of which is that the man’s life sounds fascinating and his son then went on to change stories forever! So excited for all your upcoming other Pulitzer readings too! 👏
Oh nice! Yeah I'm really looking forward to jumping in.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is the current read on the Close Reads podcast/Substack.
Oh nice, I'll have to check that out!
Loved the Black Count! And dug Yellowface, too. Good luck with the Caro.
Thanks Neal!
“Low stakes” haha. It’s true, but it feels immediate and urgent and...earth shattering!
Read Yellowface last month and I still think about. Kuang is one of my favorite authors
I know the premise of Dorian Gray but have never read it. I was trying to think where I had seen it before, and I remembered that it featured in an episode of the Librarians called The Image of Image in 2015! I’ll see if I can find a copy at my next used bookstore run.
Jeremy , thank you for introducing me to James Alan McPherson. I shamefully admit I never heard of him. Since you raved about his books, I am reading his short story Elbow Room. What an introduction by
Randall Kenan!! Thank you.
I can't commend Dorian Gray enough to other readers! I read it in high school and it's stuck with me in so many ways. Probably due for a reread.