100 Book Challenge Meme

[delphi]

Throwing my list in for the 100 Books Challenge meme:

Delphi's Formative Reading

As some other folks have noted on theirs, this isn't a rec list or endorsement of any of the authors or content, just a look back at books that shaped me personally or creatively—ones that made me think about myself or the world in different ways, ones that made me realize the possibilities of writing, and ones I just glommed onto. There's one or two there that I only read about ten years back, but for the most part these are books from my childhood, teens, and twenties. I limited authors to one book, going with the first one of theirs that made a deep impression.

If you give it a go, let me know how many you've read!

(I started by just trying to think of a hundred books I re-read in my youth, without factoring in any importance, but once the list came together, I looked it over and was like: Yeah...that tracks.)

Comments

[delphi]

Oh wow, I had no idea that Marcus D'Amico had been in an episode of the Professionals. Looking him up just now, I unfortunately hadn't known he passed away a few years ago, far too young.

And oh, Great Expectations is a great pick. I think it was my favourite Dickens when I was younger. That's a good philosophy to take from it, too. ❤️

Funnily enough, Reaper Man is one of the Discworld novels that riffs off Great Expectations a bit, with Miss Flitworth (whose fiance disappeared before the wedding) being someone who likewise moved on instead of doubling down, albeit with lingering doubts that Death helps resolve at the end.

[kitarella_imagines]

I thought the boy looked familiar so I looked him up and found out his identity. The Professionals episode was Weekend in the Country, I'm sure you found that out. He played quite an important role, I expect he really enjoyed being in such a popular show with famous actors like Martin and Lewis. Sad that he died so young though.

Yes, no way was I going to pine over a man and end up like Miss Havisham! Life is too short, what was she thinking to let that idiot ruin her life. Man up, woman! LOL.

I enjoyed reading quite a few Pratchett books but it was many years ago so they’ve all merged into one. Maybe that’s why I liked Reaper Man subconsciously though—the Great Expectations angle? I enjoyed Good Omens too but I don’t remember Crowley and Aziraphale being lovers.

[delphi]

I think Good Omens might have been my first Pratchett, and it would have made the list if I hadn't read Gaiman's Sandman first and was trying to limit each author's appearance to one book. I read Good Omens to tatters when I was younger, and I ended up really enjoying the television adaptation—especially the decision to make it explicitly a love story.

[kitarella_imagines]

It might have been my first too…not sure. It must be 20 years or so since I read it and the main thing I remember about it is the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

I never watched the TV version for some reason. Probably because I'm a bit tired of David Tennant, he seems to be everywhere these days, so does Michael Sheen. If they’d had lesser known actors I might be more keen.

I'm glad you enjoyed it though, it seems to be a really popular show and fandom. Maybe one day I'll watch it, I'm usually late to fandoms, and like them long after everyone else has moved on🙄😅