Monday, November 16, 2009

The Bell Jar

Why why why???? Why have I never read this book before. Of course I had heard of it. I think the title was too similar to the "bell curve" that is made me associate it was an academic text book full of statistics. Boy was I wrong.

I was first drawn to this book after reading a little bit of the life and death of Sylvia Plath. She is a well loved poet and her tragic end made me very curious about her and this book.

The Bell Jar is said to be semi-autobiographical.

What a great story that to me was part Catcher in the Rye and part Girl Interrupted. A very quick read and a very engaging story. I cannot believe this was not required reading in high school or college.

Have you read this? What other great American novels are must reads?

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:20 PM

    I read this in high school as it was required for psychology. We also watched the movie. Supposedly there is a new version coming out in 2011. I haven't read it in a long time (still have a copy) but I remember not liking it...maybe I should read again? Lyndsey

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  2. Anonymous5:53 PM

    Sylvia Plath is one of my all-time favorite poets, and her story is tragic. I read this in college though I can't remember what course--maybe a women's literature class or a modern poetry class. JVS

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  3. I haven't read it in years. Catcher in the Rye still mystifies me.

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