This year for the A-Z challenge, I've been featuring an A-Z list of books taken from my GoodReads to-read shelf. Getting to "W", I'm finding it more and more difficult to choose between various amazing-sounding stories, but in the end I felt compelled to choose:
The War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells
“No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man’s and yet as mortal as his own.” Thus begins one of the most terrifying and morally prescient science fiction novels ever penned. Beginning with a series of strange flashes in the distant night sky, the Martian attack initially causes little concern on Earth. Then the destruction erupts—ten massive aliens roam England and destroy with heat rays everything in their path. Very soon humankind finds itself on the brink of extinction. H. G. Wells raises questions of mortality, man’s place in nature, and the evil lurking in the technological future—questions that remain urgently relevant in the twenty-first century.
Why do I want to read it? Saw the more recent movie, and as an impressionable 17-year-old I first heard the awe-inspiring soundtrack. Now I feel I must read the book that started it all!
One of my most favorite stories of all time. I read this book in my teens and couldn't put it down. Since then I've sucked up anything War of the Worlds! I have the original recording from when it actually created a panic in the 30s. I have all the War of the World movies, soundtracks, Rock Operas...all of it! Beautiful book! Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteNo worries... and wow, it would be amazing to hear that original recording! I wonder if I can get hold of that online?
DeleteI've kinda been wanting to read some H.G. Wells ever since the character appeared in Warehouse 13. haha. I am interested to see what inspired the character. Never seen the War of the Worlds movie though.
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
I read this book back in high school. What an amazing piece of literature. Everything War of the Worlds is awesome. That horror in the 1930s was unbelievable. H.G. did raise questions. Questions that need answers. Great W post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn, and yeah I guess those questions are still not answered? :)
DeleteI liked the movie, but I've never read the book. Might have to give it a go.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book, only seen the movie. SHould try to read the book though.
ReplyDeleteI was very disappointed with the move. I couldn't wait for it to come out and meh. It did nothing for me. I bet the book is much better!
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the movie too well, which probably speaks to its lack of memorability?? but definitely wanna read the book!
DeleteFantastic classic choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Glynis :)
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