#68: my 23rd classic

once upon a time, in my reading life after college, i was good about alternating a contemporary novel with a "classic," that is to say, probably some book i should have read during my formal education. or something. i rather fell off that wagon some time back but i think i'll get in (on?) it again. today i finished the octavia butler book - it was good - and i read the introduction (by the author) of main street by sinclair lewis, which is #68 on the modern library's list of the best novels (of the 20th century?). if i might brag, on the board's list (as opposed to the reader's list, which i am for the moment ignoring) i've already read numbers 2, 3, 4, 10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 41, 46 (which was very good indeed), 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 60, 64, 65, 67, 76, and 88. well, actually, that's only 22 books out of 100, so maybe i don't have bragging rights here.

i would understand arguments against the relevance or what have you of lists such as this. i remember the hubbub when this list was first put out. there were detractors. i don't know if things like this matter. anyway. this lewis book appeals to me right here and right now and i'm going to read it. so there.