The part in Modest Proposal where he rants against Jews is a little disturbing, but it was a different time...

Worth reading. Worth remembering. Nice little reference to it in Fahrenheit 451

now i see what all the fuss is about.

Modest Proposal 5
Gulliver 3.5

The breast is something monstrous.

I really liked both of these stories. I'm always up for good, smart satire.

Akin to an 18th century version of Monty Python, Gulliver's Travels uses satire to examine the trends and beliefs of its day. Unfortunately, as someone else noted, only historians are likely to understand the satire in the first two books. The third book, however, is easily understood by a modern reader, and provided a number of laughs. The fourth book, while clear to a modern reader, is the least interesting of the four.

A Modest Proposal, like the third book of Gulliver's Travels, also stands the test of time with its entertaining satire.

Lewis called Ovid a "cheerful old degenerate" and at the risk of making an oxymoron, I think Swift is a cheerful old misanthrope. The journeys read quickly and completely avoid melodrama, the irony is supurb, and it is genuinely hilarious.

I thought this, being a classic, would be better. It was exciting at first to read about his experiences in a strange land, but after awhile, all I could think was, "Geez guy, just stay home with your wife and kids. Every time you leave on a ship you inevitably are shipwrecked or thrown overboard or mutineered. LEARN YOUR LESSON!" But he doesn't. Maybe it's just that the stack of books on my nightstand seem WAY more interesting that Gulliver's Travels. But it wasn't engaging for me. :( Sadly, I think the Jack Black movie might be more engaging. I do love Jack Black though. Vive Nacho!!

One more thing - I did think the last part of the novel was somewhat redeeming. When our narrator is with the Houyhnhms (the horses) the does a fantastic job explaining humans and their nature. I did like that part.

A Modest Proposal is one of my favorite essays of all time, if not my favorite. However, I need to read more essays to judge more fairly.
I liked Gulliver's Travels.

*trumpets sound and angels sing*

I'm done!

I stayed up until 11:37pm last night, finishing it, so I wouldn't have to endure such misery any longer.

Basically: The book is terrible. It was a good idea, I could see the potential, but the author ruined it with all the crudeness and unpleasant descriptions of some things. And also the part in which he basically goes insane.

Maybe a retelling is in order.

In a slightly more modern, or slightly more ancient setting. Possibly with time traveling. And dragons. And more pirates.

Hush, I can't! Be quiet! Gah!

New story in the works.

This book is about so much more than little people. There is a deep sadness under it all.