Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Oscar Wilde reminds us that fairytales are not supposed to look like Disney

Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde: In Aid of the Royal Theatrical Fund by Oscar Wilde

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One of the good things to come out of the pandemic was the various ways artistic organizations came together to fundraise in a time where theaters were closed. I have lost count, for example, of how many performances of the Royal Opera House Ballet I’ve watched from the comfort of my own home. I know it’s really an overall sad thing how un-secure  (I somehow don’t think insecure was the appropriate word here, even though it probably was) artists and freelancers’ living is, but the […]

“The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.”

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

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I’ve had The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) sitting on my Kindle for years. I found a number of free classics on Amazon ages ago, downloaded them all, and then didn’t look at them again. But after finishing my last book, I wanted something different, and The Picture of Dorian Gray called out to me. I’ve also associated this book with an ex of mine. He was significantly older than me but aging very well, and I remember someone asking him if he had a picture of himself […]

The classic to end all classics, or is it?

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

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I have mixed feelings about this book. I have this impression that The Picture of Dorian Gray is the unanimously loved classic, and I might be the exception but alas, let’s move on with the review. I feel the basic premise of Oscar Wilde’s most famous novel is part of the collective consciousness. I only noticed how little I knew about it once actually listening to it. A beautiful young man poses for a portrait. Upon completion, he becomes obsessed with his beauty and makes […]

A Portrait of Long-Lasting Wit

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

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I feel like the premise of this novel has entered our general cultural consciousness, but in case not, consider this a spoiler alert: a portrait is painted of an attractive young man, and the bad things he does are reflected not in his appearance but in the painting, which grows increasingly hideous. Given that I knew this plot going in, the pleasure in reading this novel wasn’t primarily in watching the plot develop (although there were several twists I didn’t see coming) but in Wilde’s […]

What more could you want in a classic ghost story?

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde

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This is a classic for a reason. A quick, *very* funny read that showcases the author’s SCATHING wit with a combination of takedown and praise of the American sentiment and approach to life. What makes this truly a remarkable story, however, is the sweetness of the heroine, the whiff of pathos, and the possibility of redemption. So many layers, so worth reading!

Good news everyone! Oscar Wilde’s reputation is still well deserved!

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I always feel weird reviewing classics. It’s like, what am I going to say about Oscar Wilde that hasn’t already been said? Surprise, surprise, Oscar Wilde’s work is still perfect. Surprise, surprise, Oscar Wilde was super witty and reading his work is a complete joy. Surprise, surprise, Wilde’s life ended in tragedy and I still wonder what other magnificent works we could have had from him if it hadn’t been for the awful societal prejudice of his time. Obviousness aside, I do really recommend the […]



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