Day 3: Name a book you've read that you loved that's well known, OR a book that you've read - like or dislike - that it seems everyone talks about. (Pop)
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This one was kind of difficult because one of the places I take my book recommendations from is THE MASSES. Either everyone is talking about it and I'm curious, or everyone is talking about it and I want to know what I'm talking about when I chime in with my opinions (both reasons I read Twilight). Also, I just find things that many people love fascinating. Pop culture is a really neat way to hone in on the beliefs and assumptions of a culture of any given group of people, among other things.
I'm also of the opinion that if a bunch of people love something, there must be a reason (even if it turns out to be one I don't ascribe to). I've never understood the people (and I know some of you follow me and I follow you, so hello!) who act like an endorsement from the unwashed plebes must mean whatever the thing is is horrible and tainted with malaria or whatever. Like, are you avoiding something you might love just because you desperately want to maintain your unique individuality? I don't get it.
Anyway. All that is to say that sometimes something catches on with the public that actually deserves it, and I think The Millennium Trilogy is one of those times. I also find it completely fascinating that something with very non-mainstream elements could become so popular. Like, this shit is bleak. It's long. It's disgusting. It's full of technobabble and long tangents about financial journalism. And it's chock full of progressive themes. It's a screed against misogyny and the failure of our social systems to protect the weak and powerless.
Also, I love it. And I really hope David Fincher gets the go ahead to make the second film.