Feel bad about not reading or not enjoying the so-called great books? Dont sweat it, its not your fault. Did anyone tell you that Anna Karenina is a beach read, that Dickens is hilarious, that the Iliads battle scenes rival Hollywoods for gore, or that Joyce is at his best when hes talking about booze, sex, or organ meats? Writer and professor Jack Murnighan says its time to give literature another look, but this time youll enjoy yourself. With a little help, youll see just how great the great books are: how they can make you laugh, moisten your eyes, turn you on, and leave you awestruck and deeply moved. Beowulf on the Beach is your field guideerudite, witty, and fun-lovingfor helping you read and relish fifty of the biggest (and most skipped) classics of all time. For each book, Murnighan reveals how to get the most out of your reading and provides a crib sheet that includes the Buzz, the Best Line, Whats Sexy, and What to Skip.From the Trade Paperback edition.