I got lazy in the B section of my list. I don't think I can adequately review in detail the last four books I read in this category. So I'm simply going to put a brief synopsis followed by my opinion.
Babbit- Sinclair Lewis
Babbit is a forty-something, mid-life crisis American in the 1920s. He's not a very exciting character, rather dull, and unlikeable. Lewis apparently did this on purpose. Babbit reminded me of the obnoxious male characters typically seen in American sitcoms of today. He was simply that, obnoxious. I was surprised that Sinclair Lewis' depiction of the American household and various lifestyles of the 1920s were not far from the American household persona and varying lifestyle traits of the 21st century. He brought out the uglier side of the American dream, revealing the backstabbing, faithlessness (both spousal and religious), prejudice and rash stereotyping that go on in both societies (past and modern) For me, it was an eye-opener and motivated me to not become the obnoxious American so portrayed.
Barchester Towers- Anthony Trollope
A tale about gossip, and how it can really damage a career. Small town church politics and kind of a reinforcer to my opinion that politics and personal opinion should not delegate decisions made for any church. I didn't mind the novel, but it wasn't very exciting. Very dry, and the characters were a bit overly dramatic about seemingly pointless things.
The Beautiful and the Damned- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Another marriage book. But instead of being from the woman's point of view or focusing on the woman's dilemma and underlying psychological motivations, Fitzgerald's lovers both played an active role in destroying the love in their marriage.
Beowulf- Anonymous
Ah, Beowulf... Just like I remembered in eighth grade, kind of silly. Interesting to read the folklore my ancestors probably heard from original bards... but I can't help but giggle a little at the descriptions of Grendel and his mother. I don't know why it makes me giggle... Beowulf makes me giggle too. Maybe it's the names...
