Classic novels that I hate.

[Vlad!]

It's not a classic unless it's boring and hard to read.  

In that case, my Sociology textbook from my freshman year must be a real classic  =)  

[Josh]

It's not a classic unless it's boring and hard to read.  

Afro raises an interesting point, actually, about literary critics (and many music and film critics, for that matter). A novel can show excellent writing skills and be the pinnacle of excellence in craftsmanship, but if it's a total bore to read than, well... does it really deserve to be a classic?

Literary scholars seem to miss that a lot.

[bethany]

(I mean, just get rid of the dang fish already! or have the old man capsize, or something)

He pees over the side of the boat! What more excitement do you need, man?

[Wildcatblue7]

I read that stupid book five times in a week.  I got it, it just bored me to tears even with all the symbolism.  

[glatisant]

[Vlad!]

A novel can show excellent writing skills and be the pinnacle of excellence in craftsmanship, but if it's a total bore to read than, well... does it really deserve to be a classic?

I fail to see how a book that's the pinnacle of excellence in craftmanship could be boring. But maybe that's actually the point: those things which are revered as 'good' writing style and practice relate only slightly to how good the book actually is to read