Fiction

ChazInAz

(2,827 posts)

3. Truly America's greatest book.

Thu Feb 13, 2014, 12:42 AM

Feb 2014

I first read it at about the age of 13, and reread it every few years. All of the characters, even the minor ones like the cook's helper, are vivid and human. The towering figure of Ahab, with his occasionally Shakespearean language and mighty hubris is made a real, breathing person by his many flaws and unexpected virtues.
(A little side note, your humble and his favorite director are planning on staging Tom Ammon's "Moby Dick" in the next few years. With my old leg injury, I was born to play the part of Ahab. )

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Am reading Moby Dick [View all] oldandhappy Feb 2014 OP

That's wonderful! I think there's never a bad time to look into a classic like Moby Dick. scarletwoman Feb 2014 #1

Do it! oldandhappy Feb 2014 #5

maintaining my position as the only English Major in America who has not read it yellowdogintexas Aug 2014 #14

Oh well, since I am likely the only 60s hippie in America who has not read Tolkien, scarletwoman Aug 2014 #15

Obsession and destruction packman Feb 2014 #2

Thanks for the movie mention. Will do. oldandhappy Feb 2014 #4

Truly America's greatest book. ChazInAz Feb 2014 #3

Post a video! oldandhappy Feb 2014 #6

Cool. I keep on thinking I should read it. SheilaT Feb 2014 #7

What I like about classics is - packman Feb 2014 #8

Trivia trekkie Fairgo Mar 2014 #12

I have also missed that one. Curmudgeoness Feb 2014 #9

It is an amazing book TuxedoKat Feb 2014 #10

Just finished it on the train this evening Fairgo Mar 2014 #11

I read that one in high school for a class - TBF Mar 2014 #13

I have the paperback at home (and the Kindle version, IIRC) - closeupready Sep 2014 #16

Put "Lord Jim" by Joseph Conrad on your list next. n/t FSogol Sep 2014 #17

Thanks, will do. oldandhappy Sep 2014 #18

Mom read Moby Dick when she was in her 70s. She said that it was something she had always japple Sep 2014 #19

Ahab's Wife OxQQme Sep 2014 #20

Thanks! Appreciate the suggestion. oldandhappy Sep 2014 #21

A few years ago I read The Grapes of Wrath jeffrey_pdx Oct 2014 #22