Posted by Lale on 27/8/2011, 18:49:33, in reply to "Re: novel 100"
174.114.190.243
OK, list discussions are great except they always show how much less I read than the rest of you, so I feel a little embarrassed. But in my defence, this year I read 4 Canadian books back to back to back to back.
The 75 books for men and 75 books for women lists are lousy. I don't think these lists are able to show anything. I have read more books from the women's list but so has my husband. And so has Joffre. God of Small Things is listed as a woman's book but that is my husband's most favourite book.
I'll be interested in what Lale says about this issue. In the past I know she's rejected certain books as "guys' books."
Yes, I still believe that some books are guys' books. Even though I know many women who have enjoyed these following books tremendously (almost fanatically), in my opinion they remain as guys' books (in that in any given crowd, while there will certainly be women who love them, their number will never be anywhere near the majority):
- Don Quixote
- Lord of the Rings
- Moby Dick
I think men with elevated taste and greater appreciation for quality literature (such as Steven, Sterling, Joffre and Guillermo) will read and treat all good books equally, while some of the women with similar literary qualities will not be able enjoy some of the same good books (due to too much adventure, bloodshed, fantasy etc.)
I cannot imagine any of you to dismiss a good book, such as Housekeeping, as a woman's book, a book with a title so conducive to prejudice that I did not attempt it for many years after it was given to me as a gift, I read it only when it was proposed - by guys - in this group. I am proud of you guys. Happy tears 
Lale
ps: I agree that romance books are exclusively for women.
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