Classic Books: Up for Debate?

I've recently become an audio book fiend. In an almost competitive manner (competitive against whom, I do not know), I'm attempting to see exactly how many classic books I can get through before the first of the year. Many of these books are read over the course of twelve-plus cds, so the race is hard and fierce.

Reading fiction is almost a guilty pleasure for a student. Actually devoting time to sit and read something unrelated to course work seems entirely irresponsible, so the indulgence is avoided at all costs. Raised a protestant, guilt is not a feeling I'm accustomed to living with. :)

My lengthy commute permits me to listen to books I've not read in quite some time, or to books I'm not sure I've ever read. Books that cannot be read, in print, by me (see above paragraph). One such book is Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. Is it me, or is this the most annoying novel ever? I strive to be as feminine as the next girl, but my gosh, I couldn't get through the third cd. I also enjoy the story of the triumphant underdog, but hyper passivity and unnecessary subservience is not my cup of tea. (Pardon me for not elaborating the plot line. But I assume that if you've wanted to read this book, you probably already have at this point. If not, don't bother.)

For those who have read it, I only made it to her arrival and first few days at Mandelay. My literary journey ended there. Am I missing out? I don't feel I am. My drive is stressful enough, I don't need an audio book to make me crawl out of my skin more than the LA drivers do.

If I should continue--if ol' girl gets a backbone in the next couple of chapters--let me know. Otherwise, I'm enjoying The Hound of the Baskervilles just fine right now.