This post was meant to happen a few weeks ago to coincide with my What I'm Reading post on Billy Budd, but somehow I got my wires crossed...I do have a life and a job outside this blog so it's going to happen sometimes.

I have a very different appreciation of Moby Dick than your average Melville fan -- my husband and I spent our honeymoon in Nantucket which inspired me to read the book, about half before the trip and half afterward. The historical and cultural context you gain from visiting the island really enhances the book itself, particularly the chapters most people struggle with, regarding the history of whaling (shout-out to the Whaling Museum, which is WAY more awesome than it sounds).

But as a result, I also really strongly associate the novel with one of the happiest times in my life and one of the best vacations I've ever taken, so I just have warm feelings and beautiful memories associated with the novel. Besides that, it is one of the best, most intense reading experiences I've ever had. It's incredible the way a thousand-page book can manage to be so suspenseful and exciting. Everyone needs to read it in their lifetimes, and preferably read it a few times.

The Bookhive List is a weekly recommendation of my all-time favorite, must-read books