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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
I first read this book *yikes* 28 years ago before entering my senior year of HS. That was the first time my HS had assigned a summer reading list. (Ethan Frome, A Doll's House, The Cherry Orchard, Lost Horizon, and anything from Henry James were on the list.) I remember loving this book so I decided to reread it this summer.
I vaguely remembered the plot, but rather more remembered a few of the mysteries of Shangri-La. Again, I was transported to the mountains of Tibet while reading Lost Horizon. I enjoyed the story and the mystery of Shangri-La. How can all these people live together so peacefully, with everything in moderation? What are all the mysteries of the Valley of the Blue Moon? Does aging have something to do with a literal blue moon in the Valley of the Blue Moon? And how sad would it be if the outside world discovered this idyll and ruined it.
A timeless story of utopia.
I vaguely remembered the plot, but rather more remembered a few of the mysteries of Shangri-La. Again, I was transported to the mountains of Tibet while reading Lost Horizon. I enjoyed the story and the mystery of Shangri-La. How can all these people live together so peacefully, with everything in moderation? What are all the mysteries of the Valley of the Blue Moon? Does aging have something to do with a literal blue moon in the Valley of the Blue Moon? And how sad would it be if the outside world discovered this idyll and ruined it.
A timeless story of utopia.
Its odd, but what I have to say about this novel is much like what I had to say about another Hilton novel Good-Bye Mr. Chips. It's a fun read to be sure, but I cant read it without hearing Ronald Coleman speak-and if you remember Ronald Coleman you know what a pleasant sound that is. As such the books doesnt stand on its own merits for me-Capra's film will always colour my judgement.
medium-paced
It poses the obvious question about what would one do if they found paradise on earth (Shangri-La.) And of course it must explore what paradise means to different people. I read the book in anticipation of viewing the DVD and found the most wonderful quote! "Laziness in doing stupid things can be a great virtue." My list of stupid things seems to grow as I age.
I read this book as a kid but remembered very little of it. When I found it in the last remaining bookstore in Scranton, PA during its "going out of business" sale, I had to pick it up. It doesn't disappoint.
Strongly recommended.
Strongly recommended.
Fascinating concept and sadly evergreen outlook on humanity's likelihood of destroying ourselves. I enjoyed the framework of a manuscript bookended by chance meetings of school acquaintances, and the writing and descriptions are lovely. Now I want to read more Hilton.
We had to read this sophomore year in high school. I clearly remember Mr. Bender reading excerpts of it out loud to the class. I wanted to hate it, as was expected of all required reading. But it quickly became a favorite.
If you're looking for a little balance to the 1984, Animal Farm, Clockwork Orange, Brave New World high school curriculum, take a breather with Lost Horizon*.
(Side note: don't you think it's a little cruel that on top of dealing with pimples, hormones, oily hair, gossip and annoying grown ups we also were forced to read half a dozen books about future dystopian societies from grades 9 through 12? Lucky for me, I loved all of them.)
*A little trivia for you- lost horizon was the first paperback ever printed!
If you're looking for a little balance to the 1984, Animal Farm, Clockwork Orange, Brave New World high school curriculum, take a breather with Lost Horizon*.
(Side note: don't you think it's a little cruel that on top of dealing with pimples, hormones, oily hair, gossip and annoying grown ups we also were forced to read half a dozen books about future dystopian societies from grades 9 through 12? Lucky for me, I loved all of them.)
*A little trivia for you- lost horizon was the first paperback ever printed!
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A fun read and very interesting and mysterious etc etc definitely dated but I forgive that
Love the style of writing and format. The way it's written kept me guessing and trying to figure it out to the last paragraph! Definitely characteristic of the orientalist themes prevalent at time of publication, but a wonderful story of finding yourself and self sacrifice nonetheless.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a very enjoyable read, made more so because I read it as a buddy read with some of my bookish friends. This was my first time reading this book and I feel that it's an interesting mix between adventure, fantasy and a bit of mysticism.
The story is set in the early 1930's when two British diplomats, a missionary and a slightly mysterious American are transported to a remote and fantastical lamasery in Tibet only to discover that it is called Shangri-La. I've read and heard many references to Shangri-La but did not realize that it originated in this book.
In the references that I've heard, Shangri-La is always portrayed as utopia. In Milton's story however, while there was a certain sense of peace, I didn't feel like it was utopia - certainly not MY utopia. It is a serene environment and though remote, inhabitants do not lack the modern conveniences of the time, including modern plumbing, baths, hot water, food and of course, books. Although I often choose my own company over that of others, I would not like the enforced isolation and the lack of choice around it.
You will have to read to book and decide whether Shangri-La is real or simply the fantastical imagining of our protagonist, Conway.
The story is set in the early 1930's when two British diplomats, a missionary and a slightly mysterious American are transported to a remote and fantastical lamasery in Tibet only to discover that it is called Shangri-La. I've read and heard many references to Shangri-La but did not realize that it originated in this book.
In the references that I've heard, Shangri-La is always portrayed as utopia. In Milton's story however, while there was a certain sense of peace, I didn't feel like it was utopia - certainly not MY utopia. It is a serene environment and though remote, inhabitants do not lack the modern conveniences of the time, including modern plumbing, baths, hot water, food and of course, books. Although I often choose my own company over that of others, I would not like the enforced isolation and the lack of choice around it.
You will have to read to book and decide whether Shangri-La is real or simply the fantastical imagining of our protagonist, Conway.