The BBC Book List
1.
The Lord Of The Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien
(January - February 2005)
Also on the Observer list - For a book that took ten years to write, you can tell. The story is so in depth and the languages that were created so complete that you can almost feel like this is an actual world. Word of advice, read The Hobbit first then expand into this book because The Hobbit flows into this book. Also watching the movies after reading these books gives you so much insight that upon first viewing I missed. The characterization in some of the best I have ever read. Unfortunately the movies did not portray my favorite character in the book which was Tom Bombodil and anyone who has read this would probably agree with me. Again the book is fantastic, you just need to read it to appreciate it. Definitely on my must read list.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (July 2004)
Also on the Norwegian and the Sybervision lists - A book on my must read list and definitely my favorite of the Austen works. The story follows the lives of several people of different social standings all wooing each other. This results in people of completely different attitudes and mannerisms actually finding love with each other. Humorous at times and the easiest of Austen's works to read.
The first book is also on the Observer list - This is a trilogy if books where the first book (under the UK title) is on the Observer list. The story is a cross between The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, less in depth than Rings and less preachy than Narnia. The cross between the two stories that takes the best of both. Very quick and easy to read. The plot is about parallel universes and how a couple kids are destined to save us all. It is well written and a very fast read (about 1000 pages in about 2 weeks). In the end all the plot lines get wrapped up neatly, although I disagree with how it ended although there was no other way it could have gone. The story is very enthralling not letting me put it down the further I went into the story.
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams (March 2005)
I thought this book was absolutely hilarious, although it might be because I like obscure British humor. The plot follows one man who gets transported off Earth just as it is about to be destroyed, then following him as he is shuffled around the galaxy. The following books also continue the plotline and are enjoyable to read as well although the last couple are a little bizarre and kind of destroy all the previous plotline. On my list of books to read, and if you have time, read the entire series.
5. Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by JK Rowling
6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Also on the Observer and Sybervision lists -
This is on the list mostly because of the movies I'm sure, but it is really good none-the-less. The way the book is set up, is each chapter contains a different adventure with Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Woods. The unique language that AA Milne uses would be considered poor in most cases but he does it in such a comedic way that it works. The best stories in the book were the first few which were shorter than the rest. The longer the stories got the more the language didn't seem to work but overall I would recommend this book.
8.
1984
by
George
Orwell (February-March 2007)
Also on the Observer and the Norwegian lists - I can understand why this is one 3 out of the 4 lists. It is a very powerful novel dealing with a totalitarian society and how one might survive in that society. The problem I had with this book was the utter hopelessness of it. Through every page, every paragraph of the book you had a hope that this may end all right and that everything will be right in the world again. But after all is said and done, you knew that it wouldn't. A very depressing book but a definite must read, if only to show and warn people just might be possible. Because you never know.
A very easy to read book and highly enjoyable. I read The Chronicles of Narnia in the order they were meant to be read, so this book was not the first one I read. I enjoyed it that way because it gave more of a background. Although it is a kid's book this is a good book, and will be enjoyed by kids of all ages. The chapters of the Narnia series written later became a lot more preachy then the first few, but it is not bad enough to drive people away. That would have to be my only pet peeve about the stories. The storyline follows a bunch of kids who find themselves in another world by going through a magical wardrobe and find themselves drawn into an all out war of good versus evil. Definitely on the must read list.
10. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (December 2003)
Also on the the Observer and Sybervision lists - Another on my must read list. It follows the life of the title character as she starts in an orphanage and eventually goes on to live with Mr. Rochester. A fun romantic novel with an air of mystery.
11. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Also on the Observer list -
12.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
(May 2006)
One of the 2 on the 4 main lists - A very weird book, not at all what I thought it would be. I considered this to be what is termed "chic lit" (as seen on Jeopardy). I couldn't have been more off. This is one of the most depressing books I have read yet. It is more of how Satan himself can corrupt people in retched beings but in the end sometimes they pull through. Most of the story takes place as a flashback of one of the former housekeepers. It is a little confusing and un-enjoyable at first because of the erudite language she used, but after a few chapters I got used to it. After the flashback it shows an orphaned child, Heathcliff, brought back to the house who is shunned by all, who eventually takes over everything. Since most of this is known at the start of the story, it is interesting to see how everything comes about and to see how two separate families who differ in everything (intelligence, strength, and health intermingle). On my must read and it should be on yours.
13. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
15. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1996ish?)
Also on the Observer list - I never really understood why this book became a cult classic and was a favorite for killers and sociopaths. The book is a rather depressing novel about a 16 year-old adolescent, just kicked out of prep school and learning to deal with the adult world of "phonies." Its a very well written book and really enjoyable to read, I just could never understand what made it a cult novel. A must reread book, to hopefully solve this mystery and so I can place it on my must read list.
16. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Also on the Observer list -
17. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (2004)
Also on the Norwegian and Sybervision lists - My favorite of the Dickens' novels and on my must read list. It follows the life of Pip, as he is saved by a convict and eventually grows up and finds love. At times the plot moves a little slowly and through a variety of ups and downs in the character's life. All in all the balance is well written and easy to follow.
18. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Also on the Observer and the Sybervision lists -
19. Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
On the Norwegian, Zane, and the Sybervision lists -
21. Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets by JK Rowling
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban by JK Rowling
25. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (January 2005)
Fantastic book but definitely not as good as The Lord of the Rings, although it does set up the novel very well and has a good plot itself. The storyline follows a hobbit names Bilbo Baggins while he goes off on some adventures with the wizard Gandolf. It is a fun story, especially when you know The Lord of the Rings plot, because you find out where he got the ring and you can see a map of the world which is eventually expanded into the global Lord of the Rings map. It would have been a must read but the other book already beat it on the list.
26. Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
Also on the Sybervision list -
27.
Middlemarch by
George Eliot (January - March 2008)
Also on the Norwegian, Zane, and the Sybervision lists - I rather enjoyed this book, it started off slow but as the book went on it picked up its pace rather well. Although the book was the longest I have yet read, about 900 pages, the plot was simple enough that it was easy to follow through the whole book. Middlemarch is a town in England where the book follows the lives of the families there, mainly two different families and their daughters. The book also shows a lot of conflicts including doctors versus faith, modern medicine versus traditional medicine, and similar subjects. There was an initial period that took me to get used to the language but afterwards I easily understood and followed the story. I can easily recommend this book as a great story with good lessons, if you are willing to take the time to read it.
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving
29. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Also on the Sybervision list -
30. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Also on the Observer list -
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Also on the Observer and Norwegian lists -
33. The Pillars Of The Earth by Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Also on the Observer and the Sybervision lists -
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (November 2003)
Also on the Sybervision list - Actually a very quick read and its really fun. It was written as chapters to his kids bedtime story so each part moves the story along fairly quickly. I also read this after seeing Treasure Planet so that was all I could envision in my head. All in all, I recommend for a quick, fun book.
37. A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
Not the best Austen work I read because the plotline was a little hard to follow and slow reading at first, but about halfway through I had no troubles at all. The storyline is similar to other Austen novels in that it is primarily a love story. It follows a young girl who was persuaded to let her one true love get away (hence the title). The book then starts seven years later while she is still alone, when her true love comes back. Although it is different from her other book in that the main character is not looking for marriage but trying to avoid it, because she feels herself too old. If you like Austen then I suggest you read the novel, but it just was not to my liking.
This is advertised as the first book of the bestselling science fiction series of all time, and I feel that is a deserved title. Although written back in the 60's this novel has themes that still ring true today. The story takes place during the distant future (at least 12,000 years) and the only concrete evidence that it even takes place in our universe is a quick mention of Earth in the appendix. It is about a 15 year old boy who turns out to be the prophet that a culture of desert dwellers has been anticipating. He then must not only to learn to live in the harsh environment but to use his gifts properly. I recommend this book because not only is it the precursor to all modern day sci-fi stories but it is riveting and extremely well written. The only problem is now I have to read the rest of the series.
40.
Emma by Jane Austen
(October - November 2006)
Also on the Observer list - This book was actually better than I was expecting. Once I got passed Austen's round-about way of speaking the book actually intrigued me. The story is about a female in her early twenties among the upper class social scene of rural England. She has vowed to never marry in order to not stress her father, so then she tries to hook up her friend Harriet. The problem comes when Emma realizes that she is really bad at doing this and eventually causes more problems then if she had just left everything alone. The story wraps up very nicely in a happily-ever-after ending. Although I enjoyed it I do not recommend it mainly because of the language is difficult to follow at times. Also she could have used "by the bye" far less.
41. Anne Of Green Gables by LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down by Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1996?)
Also on the Observer, Zane, and Sybervision lists - Like almost every kid, I had to read this, but it was so long ago I do not really remember the gist of it. The book follows the life of a man in the 1920's who created his fortune while living around people who inherited their fortunes. Two separate worlds clashing over what is proper. Reading reviews on this book leads me to believe that this is either a book about religion, poverty to wealth, love or something else entirely. A must reread in my mind, now that I am older.
44. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Also on the Observer list -
45. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Pretty much my original comments stand on this novel. I find it fantastic and insightful, especially knowing what I know now about communist Russia and society as a whole. The book is very fast paced (I read it in about 2 hours) and its fun to read. It is like read a children's book which has undergone a harsh and realistic viewpoint. In essence the story is about a group of farm animals that find their Master has gone over the line one to many times and they take over the farm. They run the farm well as equals at first but then dissension starts to appear when the two "leaders" start to fight and one ousts the other out of the farm. Orwell's portrayal of communistic society is chilling and he makes it understandable both to the point of how this can happen and why people let it happen. The concept of the book can be illustrated in these famous lines near the end: All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others. Definitely on the must read list.
Everyone knows the story, I felt I should read it myself though. Most versions of the book actually follow it fairly well, each one leaving out one thing or another for the sake of flowiness and brevity. But overall this is an enjoyable book where the movies and TV shows do not vary all that much from the novel.
48. Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
Also on the Sybervision list -
49. Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
51. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1994?)
Also on the Sybervision list - Another of the school books everyone reads. I enjoyed it at the time and must reread it to enjoy with a more mature mind. The story is about two men, one intellectually stunted, Lennie, and the other that takes care of him and keeps him out of trouble, George. The plot follows the hard times of the great depression with the lone farm workers and how a relationship between two, especially those two, is a rare thing. On the reread list.
53. The Stand by Stephen King
54. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
The only one on all 5 lists -
55. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
56.
The BFG by Roald Dahl
(November 2008)
Also on the Observer list - The BFG is children's book about a little girl who discovers a Big Friendly Giant (AKA BFG). There is also other giants along with the BFG who are not so friendly, because they eat people. So the little girl convinces the BFG to take the bad giants down. This actually is a rather gruesome story for a child but as I read online it is the perfect children's book, although the making up of words does get a bit tiresome after a while. The story has clear cut morality issues and includes a heroine who is just your everyday kid. It is a good story for kids that parents do not need to be too worried about. Enjoyable, just not my cup of tea.
57. Swallows And Amazons by Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
60. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor M Dostoyevsky (1999)
Also on the Norwegian and the Sybervision lists- Another book on my must read list. The story follows a man who feels he can commit the "perfect murder" then his resulting turmoil after the fact. The story was excellently written showing exactly how the main character felt through his entire ordeal. My only problem with the story is the epilogue because it was added afterwards. The only reason it was even in the story was because the publishers felt the story was not complete and they needed closure. It is obvious that the chapter was an afterthought and I feel it should not have been written but that is a little late now.
61. Noughts And Crosses by Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha by Arthur Golden
63. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (2004)
Also on the Sybervision list - An enjoyable book describing London and Paris (the 2 cities) during the time of the French and American Revolutions. The story describes a love story during a time of crisis and how far people are willing to go for the ones they love. A little confusing at times but still fun to read none the less.
64. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCollough
65. Mort by Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
67. The Magus by John Fowles
68. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
70. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Also on the Observer list -
71. Perfume by Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch by Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda by Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
77. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (July-August 2007)
Also on the Observer list - The story is about a mysterious woman escaped from an Asylum who crosses the path of the main character (Walter Hartright) and who happened to be intimately intertwined with his events afterwards. The narrative follows several different people who were associated with her story through until the end of it. This is a mystery so I will not give away any of the more interesting points and ruin the story for those who wish to read it but I can say it is a love story and that at the end everything turns out well. I recommended this book to anyone since it is very easy to read, flows naturally and is enthralling from the get go. The climax seems to come a bit early but even though the narrative slows down a bit it never stops. Very entertaining.
78.
Ulysses
by
James
Joyce (March-April 2007)
Also on the Observer and Norwegian lists - This book is often listed as one of the best books of the 20th Century although I have some problems with it. The main problem with this book is it is written in an odd style, where no 2 chapters are similar in vocabulary, style or even concept. Some examples include one chapter written like a play, one with newspaper type headlines and one that illustrates the evolution of the English language over time. Overall the book is based off of the Odyssey set in modern day (early 19th century) Ireland. The author uses his language and format style to illustrate several different portions of the book. Had I read this book in a class where they could explain the information to me this would have been much better, but I didn't. I actually broke down and looked up the book online to help explain what was going on and after that the book became much better, but it is still a very difficult book to read to the point where some of the sections are completely unintelligible. Although the parts I did get I could tell where this book was groundbreaking at its time, I'm just not going to recommend this book to anyone anytime soon.
79. Bleak House by Charles Dickens
80. Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits by Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith
83. Holes by Louis Sachar
84. Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel by Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Also on the Observer list -
88. Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons
89. Magician by Raymond E Feist
90. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Also on the Observer list -
91. The Godfather by Mario Puzo
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear by Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic by Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine by Anya Seton
96. Kane And Abel by Jeffrey Archer
97. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (October-November 2007)
Also on the Norwegian list - Contrary to the bizarre title this is a very good book. The title just signifies the time period that takes place and is not a the basis of the story. The book is a love story with a girl whose father tries to get her married above her station and two men who both fall for the girl. The one man is about the same level as the girl and he falls head over heals for her while the other man is a very prominent doctor who is the supreme bachelor in the community. The story starts off with the woman and the doctor as an old married couple then flashes back to the beginning of the story. It then slowly moves through the lives of these three people advancing a little on one character then falling back again with another character's story. Marquez does this phenomenally so that you do not even realize that the story changes from one character's narrative to another. The story is rather riveting and it kept me worried throughout the story about all the characters. There is no clear "good guy" or "bad guy" so I found myself cheering for both of them, worried that something major would go wrong. I would definitely recommend this for anyone in a romantic mood.
98. Girls In Love by Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
100. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
Also on the Norwegian list -
