PAUL C INTO THE ROARING 20S - Part 18
This is a continuation of the topic PAUL C INTO THE ROARING 20S - Part 17.
This topic was continued by PAUL C INTO THE ROARING 20S - Part 19.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2020
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2PaulCranswick
Poem
This is Hands by Nelly Sachs
Hands
death’s gardener,
you who from the cradle-camomile of death
growing on the hard paddocks
or hillside,
have bred
the hothouse monster of your trade.
Hands,
what did you do,
when you were the hands of little children?
Did you hold a mouth organ, the mane
of a rocking horse, did you cling to your mother’s
skirt in the dark ….
You strangling hands,
was your mother dead,
your wife, your child?
So that only death was left for you to hold in your hands,
in your strangling hands?
This is Hands by Nelly Sachs
Hands
death’s gardener,
you who from the cradle-camomile of death
growing on the hard paddocks
or hillside,
have bred
the hothouse monster of your trade.
Hands,
what did you do,
when you were the hands of little children?
Did you hold a mouth organ, the mane
of a rocking horse, did you cling to your mother’s
skirt in the dark ….
You strangling hands,
was your mother dead,
your wife, your child?
So that only death was left for you to hold in your hands,
in your strangling hands?
3PaulCranswick
BOOKS READ FIRST QUARTER OF 2020
January
1. Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift (2016) 149 pp - BAC Challenge
2. Paper Aeroplane by Simon Armitage (2014) 232 pp
3. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson (1985) 171 pp - BAC Challenge
4. The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick by Peter Handke (1970) 133 pp - Nobel winner
5. The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (2006) 312 pp
6. Absurd Person Singular by Alan Ayckbourn (1972) 93 pp BAC Challenge
7. I'm Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti (2001) 225 pp
8. Death Walks in Eastrepps by Francis Beeding (1931) 252 pp
9. Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminski (2019) 78 pp
10. Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham (2012) 377 pp
11. James II : The Last Catholic King by David Womersley (2015) 99 pp
12. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911) 313 pp
13. The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot (1922) 41 pp
14. England and the Aeroplane by David Edgerton (1991) 172 pp
February
15. Loyalties by Delphine de Vigan (2018) 182 pp
16. The World's Two Smallest Humans by Julia Copus (2012) 52 pp
17. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1991) 110 pp
18. The History Boys by Alan Bennett (2004) 200 pp BAC Challenge
19. Dregs by Jan Lier Horst (2010) 310 pp
20. On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis (2018) 313 pp
21. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski (1993) 280 pp
22. The Roominghouse Madrigals by Charles Bukowski (1988) 256 pp
23. Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane (1996) 233 pp BAC Challenge
24. As it Was by Fred Trueman (2004) 397 pp
25. The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G. Farrell (1973) 314 pp BOOKER WINNER
26. Varina by Charles Frazier (2018) 353 pp AAC
27. A Timbered Choir by Wendell Berry (1998) 216 pp AAC
March
28. Past Tense by Lee Child (2018) 461 pp
29. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk (2009) 266 pp NOBEL
30. Over the Moon by Imtiaz Dharkar (2014) 155 pp
31. The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2006) 287 pp PULITZER
32. Witness : Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel Burger (2018) 255 pp
33. Meditations in an Emergency by Frank O'Hara (1957) 52 pp
34. The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli (2013) 183 pp
35. Ivanov by Anton Chekhov (1887) 58 pp
36. Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson (2010) 252 pp
37. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811) 374 pp
38. The English Civil War by David Clark (2008) 154 pp
39. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (1996) 280 pp
40. The Librarian by Salley Vickers (2018) 385 pp
41. The Holy Fox by Andrew Roberts (1991) 414 pp
January
1. Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift (2016) 149 pp - BAC Challenge
2. Paper Aeroplane by Simon Armitage (2014) 232 pp
3. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson (1985) 171 pp - BAC Challenge
4. The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick by Peter Handke (1970) 133 pp - Nobel winner
5. The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (2006) 312 pp
6. Absurd Person Singular by Alan Ayckbourn (1972) 93 pp BAC Challenge
7. I'm Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti (2001) 225 pp
8. Death Walks in Eastrepps by Francis Beeding (1931) 252 pp
9. Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminski (2019) 78 pp
10. Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham (2012) 377 pp
11. James II : The Last Catholic King by David Womersley (2015) 99 pp
12. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911) 313 pp
13. The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot (1922) 41 pp
14. England and the Aeroplane by David Edgerton (1991) 172 pp
February
15. Loyalties by Delphine de Vigan (2018) 182 pp
16. The World's Two Smallest Humans by Julia Copus (2012) 52 pp
17. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1991) 110 pp
18. The History Boys by Alan Bennett (2004) 200 pp BAC Challenge
19. Dregs by Jan Lier Horst (2010) 310 pp
20. On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis (2018) 313 pp
21. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski (1993) 280 pp
22. The Roominghouse Madrigals by Charles Bukowski (1988) 256 pp
23. Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane (1996) 233 pp BAC Challenge
24. As it Was by Fred Trueman (2004) 397 pp
25. The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G. Farrell (1973) 314 pp BOOKER WINNER
26. Varina by Charles Frazier (2018) 353 pp AAC
27. A Timbered Choir by Wendell Berry (1998) 216 pp AAC
March
28. Past Tense by Lee Child (2018) 461 pp
29. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk (2009) 266 pp NOBEL
30. Over the Moon by Imtiaz Dharkar (2014) 155 pp
31. The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2006) 287 pp PULITZER
32. Witness : Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel Burger (2018) 255 pp
33. Meditations in an Emergency by Frank O'Hara (1957) 52 pp
34. The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli (2013) 183 pp
35. Ivanov by Anton Chekhov (1887) 58 pp
36. Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson (2010) 252 pp
37. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811) 374 pp
38. The English Civil War by David Clark (2008) 154 pp
39. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (1996) 280 pp
40. The Librarian by Salley Vickers (2018) 385 pp
41. The Holy Fox by Andrew Roberts (1991) 414 pp
4PaulCranswick
BOOKS READ SECOND QUARTER OF 2020
April
42. The Females by Wolfgang Hilbig (2010) 129 pp
43. Long Day's Journey Into Night by Eugene O'Neill (1956) 110 pp
44. Look We Have Coming to Dover! by Daljit Nagra (2007) 55 pp
45. Icarus by Deon Meyer (2015) 360 pp
46. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo (2019) 452 pp
47. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (1972) 172 pp
48. Behind the Sofa : Celebrity Memories of Doctor Who by Steve Berry (2013) 216 pp
49. Please Sir! by Jack Sheffield (2011) 336 pp
50. American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin by Terrance Hayes (2018) 82 pp
51. The Sea Gull by Anton Checkhov (1896) 68 pp
52. The Memoir of an Anti-Hero by Kornel Filipowicz (1961) 70 pp
53. Divided : Why We're Living in an Age of Walls by Tim Marshall (2018) 288 pp
54. Frozen Moment by Camilla Ceder (2009) 378 pp
55. North by Seamus Heaney (1975) 68 pp
56. Cambridge by Caryl Phillips (1991) 184 pp
57. Rotherweird by Andrew Caldecott (2017) 456 pp
58. The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers (2017) 363 pp
May
59. The Drought by J.G. Ballard (1965) 233 pp
60. A Man For All Seasons by Robert Bolt (1960) 163 pp
61. The Village Witch Doctor and Other Stories by Amos Tutuola (1990) 115 pp
62. Tales of Long Ago by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1922) 186 pp
63. Fidelity : Poems by Grace Paley (2008) 87 pp
64. Atlantic Fury by Hammond Innes (1962) 308 pp
65. The Shoes of the Fisherman by Morris West (1963) 375 pp
66. The War Hound and the World's Pain by Michael Moorcock (1981) 208 pp
67. Boomerang by Michael Lewis (2011) 212pp
68. Field Work by Seamus Heaney (1979) 56 pp
69. The Citadel by A.J. Cronin (1937) 401 pp
70. Unstoppable: My Life So Far by Maria Sharapova (2017) 289 pp
71. Selected Poems by Marianne Moore (1935) 109 pp
72. The Cold War by John Lewis Gaddis (2005) 266 pp
June
73. Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot (1935) 88 pp
74. The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald (1978) 156 pp
75. Golden Hill by Francis Spufford (2016) 340 pp
76. The Great Impersonation by E Phillips Oppenheim (1920) 221 pp
77. Selected Poems of Odysseus Elytis by Odysseus Elytis (1981) 115 pp
78. Zonal by Don Paterson (2020) 68 pp
79. Staying On by Paul Scott (1977) 255 pp
April
42. The Females by Wolfgang Hilbig (2010) 129 pp
43. Long Day's Journey Into Night by Eugene O'Neill (1956) 110 pp
44. Look We Have Coming to Dover! by Daljit Nagra (2007) 55 pp
45. Icarus by Deon Meyer (2015) 360 pp
46. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo (2019) 452 pp
47. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (1972) 172 pp
48. Behind the Sofa : Celebrity Memories of Doctor Who by Steve Berry (2013) 216 pp
49. Please Sir! by Jack Sheffield (2011) 336 pp
50. American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin by Terrance Hayes (2018) 82 pp
51. The Sea Gull by Anton Checkhov (1896) 68 pp
52. The Memoir of an Anti-Hero by Kornel Filipowicz (1961) 70 pp
53. Divided : Why We're Living in an Age of Walls by Tim Marshall (2018) 288 pp
54. Frozen Moment by Camilla Ceder (2009) 378 pp
55. North by Seamus Heaney (1975) 68 pp
56. Cambridge by Caryl Phillips (1991) 184 pp
57. Rotherweird by Andrew Caldecott (2017) 456 pp
58. The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers (2017) 363 pp
May
59. The Drought by J.G. Ballard (1965) 233 pp
60. A Man For All Seasons by Robert Bolt (1960) 163 pp
61. The Village Witch Doctor and Other Stories by Amos Tutuola (1990) 115 pp
62. Tales of Long Ago by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1922) 186 pp
63. Fidelity : Poems by Grace Paley (2008) 87 pp
64. Atlantic Fury by Hammond Innes (1962) 308 pp
65. The Shoes of the Fisherman by Morris West (1963) 375 pp
66. The War Hound and the World's Pain by Michael Moorcock (1981) 208 pp
67. Boomerang by Michael Lewis (2011) 212pp
68. Field Work by Seamus Heaney (1979) 56 pp
69. The Citadel by A.J. Cronin (1937) 401 pp
70. Unstoppable: My Life So Far by Maria Sharapova (2017) 289 pp
71. Selected Poems by Marianne Moore (1935) 109 pp
72. The Cold War by John Lewis Gaddis (2005) 266 pp
June
73. Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot (1935) 88 pp
74. The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald (1978) 156 pp
75. Golden Hill by Francis Spufford (2016) 340 pp
76. The Great Impersonation by E Phillips Oppenheim (1920) 221 pp
77. Selected Poems of Odysseus Elytis by Odysseus Elytis (1981) 115 pp
78. Zonal by Don Paterson (2020) 68 pp
79. Staying On by Paul Scott (1977) 255 pp
5PaulCranswick
BOOKS READ THIRD QUARTER OF 2020
July
80. Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (1999) 296 pp
81. Serve the People! by Yan Lianke (2007) 228 pp
82. The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon (c370 BC) 225 pp
83. Morvern Callar by Alan Warner (1995) 204 pp
84. Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (1953) 91 pp
85. The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sacks (1970) 399 pp
86. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom (2003) 208 pp
87. Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente (2011) 349 pp
88. Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope (1861) 757 pp
89. Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne (1926) 161 pp
90. The Dark Film by Paul Farley (2012) 55 pp
91. Eight Hours from England by Anthony Quayle (1945) 228 pp
August
92. Sitting Bull: The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M Utley (1993) 314 pp
93. The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths (2010) 327 pp
July
80. Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (1999) 296 pp
81. Serve the People! by Yan Lianke (2007) 228 pp
82. The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon (c370 BC) 225 pp
83. Morvern Callar by Alan Warner (1995) 204 pp
84. Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (1953) 91 pp
85. The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sacks (1970) 399 pp
86. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom (2003) 208 pp
87. Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente (2011) 349 pp
88. Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope (1861) 757 pp
89. Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne (1926) 161 pp
90. The Dark Film by Paul Farley (2012) 55 pp
91. Eight Hours from England by Anthony Quayle (1945) 228 pp
August
92. Sitting Bull: The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M Utley (1993) 314 pp
93. The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths (2010) 327 pp
6PaulCranswick
Currently Reading
7PaulCranswick
READING PLAN FOR 2020
I always start out ambitiously but not having made 100 books in the last two years I am going all out to read 20 books a month next year and go well past 200 for the first time since my University days.
20 Categories for 2020 which will also give a nod to my other challenges and longer term projects.
The twenty categories are :
1. British Author Challenge
2. British Poetry
3. Contemporary British Fiction
4. World Poetry
5. 1001 Books
6. Plays
7. American Author Challenge
8. Non-Fiction
9. History
10. Current Affairs
11. Booker Nominees
12. Nobel Winners
13. Scandi
14. Series Books
15. Thrillers/Mystery
16. Classic Fiction
17. 21st Century Fiction
18. World Literature
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy
20. Pot Luck
I always start out ambitiously but not having made 100 books in the last two years I am going all out to read 20 books a month next year and go well past 200 for the first time since my University days.
20 Categories for 2020 which will also give a nod to my other challenges and longer term projects.
The twenty categories are :
1. British Author Challenge
2. British Poetry
3. Contemporary British Fiction
4. World Poetry
5. 1001 Books
6. Plays
7. American Author Challenge
8. Non-Fiction
9. History
10. Current Affairs
11. Booker Nominees
12. Nobel Winners
13. Scandi
14. Series Books
15. Thrillers/Mystery
16. Classic Fiction
17. 21st Century Fiction
18. World Literature
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy
20. Pot Luck
8PaulCranswick
BRITISH ISLES AUTHOR CHALLENGE 2020
The general thread can be found here : https://www.librarything.com/topic/315141
January: Jeanette Winterson & Graham Swift
February: The 1990s - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6991758
March: Jane Austen & Walter Scott
April: Bernardine Evaristo & Caryl Phillips
May: New Wave Sci-Fi : Michael Moorcock, J. G. Ballard, & Brian Aldiss
June: Penelope Fitzgerald & Patrick Gale
July: Elly Griffiths & Winston Graham
August: The Brontë Sisters : Charlotte Bronte, Anne Bronte & Emily Bronte
September: World War II - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6999459
October: Joanne Harris & George Orwell
November: Fay Weldon & John le Carré
December: The 2010s : https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6999620
Wildcard: Playwrights - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#7000002
The general thread can be found here : https://www.librarything.com/topic/315141
January: Jeanette Winterson & Graham Swift
February: The 1990s - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6991758
March: Jane Austen & Walter Scott
April: Bernardine Evaristo & Caryl Phillips
May: New Wave Sci-Fi : Michael Moorcock, J. G. Ballard, & Brian Aldiss
June: Penelope Fitzgerald & Patrick Gale
July: Elly Griffiths & Winston Graham
August: The Brontë Sisters : Charlotte Bronte, Anne Bronte & Emily Bronte
September: World War II - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6999459
October: Joanne Harris & George Orwell
November: Fay Weldon & John le Carré
December: The 2010s : https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6999620
Wildcard: Playwrights - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#7000002
9PaulCranswick
AMERICAN AUTHOR CHALLENGE
January Charles Frazier - Varina
February Grace Paley - Fidelity : Poems
March David McCullough
April Francine Prose
May E. Lynn Harris
June Jean Stafford
July Wendell Berry - A Timbered Choir
August Robert Penn Warren
September Dawn Powell
October Ward Just
November Ann Petry
December Tony Hillerman
January Charles Frazier - Varina
February Grace Paley - Fidelity : Poems
March David McCullough
April Francine Prose
May E. Lynn Harris
June Jean Stafford
July Wendell Berry - A Timbered Choir
August Robert Penn Warren
September Dawn Powell
October Ward Just
November Ann Petry
December Tony Hillerman
10PaulCranswick
My last decade of reading (probably my worst since I started reading).
Total Books Read : 1,145 books
1 book every 3.2 days
Best Reading Year : 2013 with 157 books
Worst Reading Year : 2019 with 76 books
My Books of the Year on LT:
2011 : Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
2012 : The Road Home by Rose Tremain
2013 : Birthday Letters by Ted Hughes
2014 : Plainsong by Kent Haruf
2015 : Winter King by Thomas Penn
2016 : The Orenda by Joseph Boyden
2017 : The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
2018 : Country Girls by Edna O'Brien
2019 : The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
Total Books Read : 1,145 books
1 book every 3.2 days
Best Reading Year : 2013 with 157 books
Worst Reading Year : 2019 with 76 books
My Books of the Year on LT:
2011 : Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
2012 : The Road Home by Rose Tremain
2013 : Birthday Letters by Ted Hughes
2014 : Plainsong by Kent Haruf
2015 : Winter King by Thomas Penn
2016 : The Orenda by Joseph Boyden
2017 : The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
2018 : Country Girls by Edna O'Brien
2019 : The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
11PaulCranswick
Personal Reading Challenge: Every winner of the Booker Prize since its inception in 1969
1969: P. H. Newby, Something to Answer For - READ
1970: Bernice Rubens, The Elected Member
1970: J. G. Farrell, Troubles (awarded in 2010 as the Lost Man Booker Prize) - READ
1971: V. S. Naipaul, In a Free State
1972: John Berger, G.
1973: J. G. Farrell, The Siege of Krishnapur - READ
1974: Nadine Gordimer, The Conservationist ... and Stanley Middleton, Holiday - READ
1975: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Heat and Dust - READ
1976: David Storey, Saville - READ
1977: Paul Scott, Staying On - READ
1978: Iris Murdoch, The Sea, The Sea
1979: Penelope Fitzgerald, Offshore - READ
1980: William Golding, Rites of Passage - READ
1981: Salman Rushdie, Midnight's Children - READ
1982: Thomas Keneally, Schindler's Ark - READ
1983: J. M. Coetzee, Life & Times of Michael K
1984: Anita Brookner, Hotel du Lac - READ
1985: Keri Hulme, The Bone People
1986: Kingsley Amis, The Old Devils - READ
1987: Penelope Lively, Moon Tiger - READ
1988: Peter Carey, Oscar and Lucinda
1989: Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day
1990: A. S. Byatt, Possession: A Romance - READ
1991: Ben Okri, The Famished Road
1992: Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient ... and Barry Unsworth, Sacred Hunger - READ
1993: Roddy Doyle, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
1994: James Kelman, How late it was, how late
1995: Pat Barker, The Ghost Road
1996: Graham Swift, Last Orders - READ
1997: Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things READ
1998: Ian McEwan, Amsterdam - READ
1999: J. M. Coetzee, Disgrace - READ
2000: Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin
2001: Peter Carey, True History of the Kelly Gang - READ
2002: Yann Martel, Life of Pi
2003: DBC Pierre, Vernon God Little
2004: Alan Hollinghurst, The Line of Beauty
2005: John Banville, The Sea - READ
2006: Kiran Desai, The Inheritance of Loss
2007: Anne Enright, The Gathering - READ
2008: Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger - READ
2009: Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall - READ
2010: Howard Jacobson, The Finkler Question
2011: Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending - READ
2012: Hilary Mantel, Bring Up the Bodies - READ
2013: Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries
2014: Richard Flanagan, The Narrow Road to the Deep North - READ
2015: Marlon James, A Brief History of Seven Killings - READ
2016: Paul Beatty, The Sellout - READ
2017: George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo
2018: Anna Burns, Milkman
2019: Margaret Atwood, The Testaments, and Bernardine Evaristo, Girl, Woman, Other
READ 31 of 55 WINNERS
1969: P. H. Newby, Something to Answer For - READ
1970: Bernice Rubens, The Elected Member
1970: J. G. Farrell, Troubles (awarded in 2010 as the Lost Man Booker Prize) - READ
1971: V. S. Naipaul, In a Free State
1972: John Berger, G.
1973: J. G. Farrell, The Siege of Krishnapur - READ
1974: Nadine Gordimer, The Conservationist ... and Stanley Middleton, Holiday - READ
1975: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Heat and Dust - READ
1976: David Storey, Saville - READ
1977: Paul Scott, Staying On - READ
1978: Iris Murdoch, The Sea, The Sea
1979: Penelope Fitzgerald, Offshore - READ
1980: William Golding, Rites of Passage - READ
1981: Salman Rushdie, Midnight's Children - READ
1982: Thomas Keneally, Schindler's Ark - READ
1983: J. M. Coetzee, Life & Times of Michael K
1984: Anita Brookner, Hotel du Lac - READ
1985: Keri Hulme, The Bone People
1986: Kingsley Amis, The Old Devils - READ
1987: Penelope Lively, Moon Tiger - READ
1988: Peter Carey, Oscar and Lucinda
1989: Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day
1990: A. S. Byatt, Possession: A Romance - READ
1991: Ben Okri, The Famished Road
1992: Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient ... and Barry Unsworth, Sacred Hunger - READ
1993: Roddy Doyle, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
1994: James Kelman, How late it was, how late
1995: Pat Barker, The Ghost Road
1996: Graham Swift, Last Orders - READ
1997: Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things READ
1998: Ian McEwan, Amsterdam - READ
1999: J. M. Coetzee, Disgrace - READ
2000: Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin
2001: Peter Carey, True History of the Kelly Gang - READ
2002: Yann Martel, Life of Pi
2003: DBC Pierre, Vernon God Little
2004: Alan Hollinghurst, The Line of Beauty
2005: John Banville, The Sea - READ
2006: Kiran Desai, The Inheritance of Loss
2007: Anne Enright, The Gathering - READ
2008: Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger - READ
2009: Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall - READ
2010: Howard Jacobson, The Finkler Question
2011: Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending - READ
2012: Hilary Mantel, Bring Up the Bodies - READ
2013: Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries
2014: Richard Flanagan, The Narrow Road to the Deep North - READ
2015: Marlon James, A Brief History of Seven Killings - READ
2016: Paul Beatty, The Sellout - READ
2017: George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo
2018: Anna Burns, Milkman
2019: Margaret Atwood, The Testaments, and Bernardine Evaristo, Girl, Woman, Other
READ 31 of 55 WINNERS
12PaulCranswick
Pulitzer Winners
As with the Bookers, I want to eventually read all the Pulitzer winners (for fiction at least) and have most of the recent ones on the shelves at least. Current status.
Fiction
1918 HIS FAMILY - Ernest Poole
1919 THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS - Booth Tarkington
1921 THE AGE OF INNOCENCE - Edith Wharton
1922 ALICE ADAMS - Booth Tarkington
1923 ONE OF OURS - Willa Cather
1924 THE ABLE MCLAUGHLINS - Margaret Wilson
1925 SO BIG - Edna Ferber
1926 ARROWSMITH - Sinclair Lewis (Declined)
1927 EARLY AUTUMN - Louis Bromfield
1928 THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY - Thornton Wilder
1929 SCARLET SISTER MARY - Julia Peterkin
1930 LAUGHING BOY - Oliver Lafarge ON SHELVES
1931 YEARS OF GRACE - Margaret Ayer Barnes
1932 THE GOOD EARTH - Pearl Buck
1933 THE STORE - Thomas Sigismund Stribling
1934 LAMB IN HIS BOSOM - Caroline Miller
1935 NOW IN NOVEMBER - Josephine Winslow Johnson
1936 HONEY IN THE HORN - Harold L Davis
1937 GONE WITH THE WIND - Margaret Mitchell ON SHELVES
1938 THE LATE GEORGE APLEY - John Phillips Marquand
1939 THE YEARLING - Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
1940 THE GRAPES OF WRATH - John Steinbeck
1942 IN THIS OUR LIFE - Ellen Glasgow
1943 DRAGON'S TEETH - Upton Sinclair
1944 JOURNEY IN THE DARK - Martin Flavin
1945 A BELL FOR ADANO - John Hersey ON SHELVES
1947 ALL THE KING'S MEN - Robert Penn Warren ON SHELVES
1948 TALES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC - James Michener
1949 GUARD OF HONOR - James Gould Cozzens
1950 THE WAY WEST - A.B. Guthrie
1951 THE TOWN - Conrad Richter
1952 THE CAINE MUTINY - Herman Wouk
1953 THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA - Ernest Hemingway
1955 A FABLE - William Faulkner
1956 ANDERSONVILLE - McKinlay Kantor
1958 A DEATH IN THE FAMILY - James Agee ON SHELVES
1959 THE TRAVELS OF JAIMIE McPHEETERS - Robert Lewis Taylor
1960 ADVISE AND CONSENT - Allen Drury
1961 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD - Harper Lee
1962 THE EDGE OF SADNESS - Edwin O'Connor
1963 THE REIVERS - William Faulkner
1965 THE KEEPERS OF THE HOUSE - Shirley Ann Grau
1966 THE COLLECTED STORIES OF KATHERINE ANNE PORTER - Katherine Anne Porter
1967 THE FIXER - Bernard Malamud
1968 THE CONFESSIONS OF NAT TURNER - William Styron
1969 HOUSE MADE OF DAWN - N Scott Momaday ON SHELVES
1970 THE COLLECTED STORIES OF JEAN STAFFORD - Jean Stafford
1972 ANGLE OF REPOSE - Wallace Stegner ON SHELVES
1973 THE OPTIMIST'S DAUGHTER - Eudora Welty ON SHELVES
1975 THE KILLER ANGELS - Jeff Shaara ON SHELVES
1976 HUMBOLDT'S GIFT - Saul Bellow
1978 ELBOW ROOM - James Alan McPherson
1979 THE STORIES OF JOHN CHEEVER - John Cheever ON SHELVES
1980 THE EXECUTIONER'S SONG - Norman Mailer ON SHELVES
1981 A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES - John Kennedy Toole ON SHELVES
1982 RABBIT IS RICH - John Updike
1983 THE COLOR PURPLE - Alice Walker ON SHELVES
1984 IRONWEED - William Kennedy ON SHELVES
1985 FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Alison Lurie ON SHELVES
1986 LONESOME DOVE - Larry McMurtry ON SHELVES
1987 A SUMMONS TO MEMPHIS - Peter Taylor
1988 BELOVED - Toni Morrison - ON SHELVES
1989 BREATHING LESSONS - Anne Tyler
1990 THE MAMBO KINGS PLAY SONGS OF LOVE - Oscar Hijuelos
1991 RABBIT AT REST - John Updike
1992 A THOUSAND ACRES - Jane Smiley
1993 A GOOD SCENT FROM A STRANGE MOUNTAIN - Robert Olen Butler
1994 THE SHIPPING NEWS - E Annie Proulx
1995 THE STONE DIARIES - Carol Shields ON SHELVES
1996 INDEPENDENCE DAY - Richard Ford ON SHELVES
1997 MARTIN DRESSLER - Steven Millhauser ON SHELVES
1998 AMERICAN PASTORAL - Philip Roth ON SHELVES
1999 THE HOURS - Michael Cunningham ON SHELVES
2000 INTERPRETER OF MALADIES - Jumpha Lahiri
2001 THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY - Michael Chabon ON SHELVES
2002 EMPIRE FALLS - Richard Russo ON SHELVES
2003 MIDDLESEX - Jeffrey Eugenides ON SHELVES
2004 THE KNOWN WORLD - Edward P. Jones ON SHELVES
2005 GILEAD - Marilynne Robinson ON SHELVES
2006 MARCH - Geraldine Brooks
2007 THE ROAD - Cormac McCarthy
2008 THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO - Junot Diaz ON SHELVES
2009 OLIVE KITTERIDGE - Elizabeth Strout ON SHELVES
2010 TINKERS - Paul Harding
2011 A VISIT FROM THE GOOD SQUAD - Jennifer Egan ON SHELVES
2013 ORPHAN MASTER'S SON - Adam Johnson ON SHELVES
2014 THE GOLDFINCH - Donna Tartt ON SHELVES
2015 ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE - Anthony Doerr ON SHELVES
2016 THE SYMPATHIZER - Viet Thanh Nguyen ON SHELVES
2017 THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD - Colson Whitehead ON SHELVES
2018 LESS - Andrew Sean Greer ON SHELVES
2019 THE OVERSTORY - Richard Powers ON SHELVES
2020 THE NICKEL BOYS - Colson Whitehead ON SHELVES
16 READ
38 ON SHELVES
39 NOT OWNED OR READ
93 TOTAL
As with the Bookers, I want to eventually read all the Pulitzer winners (for fiction at least) and have most of the recent ones on the shelves at least. Current status.
Fiction
1918 HIS FAMILY - Ernest Poole
1919 THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS - Booth Tarkington
1921 THE AGE OF INNOCENCE - Edith Wharton
1922 ALICE ADAMS - Booth Tarkington
1923 ONE OF OURS - Willa Cather
1924 THE ABLE MCLAUGHLINS - Margaret Wilson
1925 SO BIG - Edna Ferber
1926 ARROWSMITH - Sinclair Lewis (Declined)
1927 EARLY AUTUMN - Louis Bromfield
1928 THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY - Thornton Wilder
1929 SCARLET SISTER MARY - Julia Peterkin
1930 LAUGHING BOY - Oliver Lafarge ON SHELVES
1931 YEARS OF GRACE - Margaret Ayer Barnes
1932 THE GOOD EARTH - Pearl Buck
1933 THE STORE - Thomas Sigismund Stribling
1934 LAMB IN HIS BOSOM - Caroline Miller
1935 NOW IN NOVEMBER - Josephine Winslow Johnson
1936 HONEY IN THE HORN - Harold L Davis
1937 GONE WITH THE WIND - Margaret Mitchell ON SHELVES
1938 THE LATE GEORGE APLEY - John Phillips Marquand
1939 THE YEARLING - Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
1940 THE GRAPES OF WRATH - John Steinbeck
1942 IN THIS OUR LIFE - Ellen Glasgow
1943 DRAGON'S TEETH - Upton Sinclair
1944 JOURNEY IN THE DARK - Martin Flavin
1945 A BELL FOR ADANO - John Hersey ON SHELVES
1947 ALL THE KING'S MEN - Robert Penn Warren ON SHELVES
1948 TALES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC - James Michener
1949 GUARD OF HONOR - James Gould Cozzens
1950 THE WAY WEST - A.B. Guthrie
1951 THE TOWN - Conrad Richter
1952 THE CAINE MUTINY - Herman Wouk
1953 THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA - Ernest Hemingway
1955 A FABLE - William Faulkner
1956 ANDERSONVILLE - McKinlay Kantor
1958 A DEATH IN THE FAMILY - James Agee ON SHELVES
1959 THE TRAVELS OF JAIMIE McPHEETERS - Robert Lewis Taylor
1960 ADVISE AND CONSENT - Allen Drury
1961 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD - Harper Lee
1962 THE EDGE OF SADNESS - Edwin O'Connor
1963 THE REIVERS - William Faulkner
1965 THE KEEPERS OF THE HOUSE - Shirley Ann Grau
1966 THE COLLECTED STORIES OF KATHERINE ANNE PORTER - Katherine Anne Porter
1967 THE FIXER - Bernard Malamud
1968 THE CONFESSIONS OF NAT TURNER - William Styron
1969 HOUSE MADE OF DAWN - N Scott Momaday ON SHELVES
1970 THE COLLECTED STORIES OF JEAN STAFFORD - Jean Stafford
1972 ANGLE OF REPOSE - Wallace Stegner ON SHELVES
1973 THE OPTIMIST'S DAUGHTER - Eudora Welty ON SHELVES
1975 THE KILLER ANGELS - Jeff Shaara ON SHELVES
1976 HUMBOLDT'S GIFT - Saul Bellow
1978 ELBOW ROOM - James Alan McPherson
1979 THE STORIES OF JOHN CHEEVER - John Cheever ON SHELVES
1980 THE EXECUTIONER'S SONG - Norman Mailer ON SHELVES
1981 A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES - John Kennedy Toole ON SHELVES
1982 RABBIT IS RICH - John Updike
1983 THE COLOR PURPLE - Alice Walker ON SHELVES
1984 IRONWEED - William Kennedy ON SHELVES
1985 FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Alison Lurie ON SHELVES
1986 LONESOME DOVE - Larry McMurtry ON SHELVES
1987 A SUMMONS TO MEMPHIS - Peter Taylor
1988 BELOVED - Toni Morrison - ON SHELVES
1989 BREATHING LESSONS - Anne Tyler
1990 THE MAMBO KINGS PLAY SONGS OF LOVE - Oscar Hijuelos
1991 RABBIT AT REST - John Updike
1992 A THOUSAND ACRES - Jane Smiley
1993 A GOOD SCENT FROM A STRANGE MOUNTAIN - Robert Olen Butler
1994 THE SHIPPING NEWS - E Annie Proulx
1995 THE STONE DIARIES - Carol Shields ON SHELVES
1996 INDEPENDENCE DAY - Richard Ford ON SHELVES
1997 MARTIN DRESSLER - Steven Millhauser ON SHELVES
1998 AMERICAN PASTORAL - Philip Roth ON SHELVES
1999 THE HOURS - Michael Cunningham ON SHELVES
2000 INTERPRETER OF MALADIES - Jumpha Lahiri
2001 THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY - Michael Chabon ON SHELVES
2002 EMPIRE FALLS - Richard Russo ON SHELVES
2003 MIDDLESEX - Jeffrey Eugenides ON SHELVES
2004 THE KNOWN WORLD - Edward P. Jones ON SHELVES
2005 GILEAD - Marilynne Robinson ON SHELVES
2006 MARCH - Geraldine Brooks
2007 THE ROAD - Cormac McCarthy
2008 THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO - Junot Diaz ON SHELVES
2009 OLIVE KITTERIDGE - Elizabeth Strout ON SHELVES
2010 TINKERS - Paul Harding
2011 A VISIT FROM THE GOOD SQUAD - Jennifer Egan ON SHELVES
2013 ORPHAN MASTER'S SON - Adam Johnson ON SHELVES
2014 THE GOLDFINCH - Donna Tartt ON SHELVES
2015 ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE - Anthony Doerr ON SHELVES
2016 THE SYMPATHIZER - Viet Thanh Nguyen ON SHELVES
2017 THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD - Colson Whitehead ON SHELVES
2018 LESS - Andrew Sean Greer ON SHELVES
2019 THE OVERSTORY - Richard Powers ON SHELVES
2020 THE NICKEL BOYS - Colson Whitehead ON SHELVES
16 READ
38 ON SHELVES
39 NOT OWNED OR READ
93 TOTAL
13PaulCranswick
NOBELS
Update on my Nobel Prize Winning Reading:
1901 Sully Prudhomme
1902 Theodor Mommsen
1903 Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
1904 Frédéric Mistral and José Echegaray y Eizaquirre
1905 Henryk Sienkiewicz
1906 Giosuè Carducci
1907 Rudyard Kipling - READ
1908 Rudolf Christoph Eucken
1909 Selma Lagerlöf
1910 Paul Heyse --
1911 Count Maurice Maeterlinck
1912 Gerhart Hauptmann
1913 Rabindranath Tagore - READ
1915 Romain Rolland
1916 Verner von Heidenstam
1917 Karl Adolph Gjellerup and Henrik Pontoppidan
1919 Carl Spitteler
1920 Knut Hamsun - READ
1921 Anatole France - READ
1922 Jacinto Benavente
1923 William Butler Yeats - READ
1924 Wladyslaw Reymont
1925 George Bernard Shaw
1926 Grazia Deledda - READ
1927 Henri Bergson
1928 Sigrid Undset
1929 Thomas Mann - READ
1930 Sinclair Lewis - READ
1931 Erik Axel Karlfeldt
1932 John Galsworthy - READ
1933 Ivan Alekseyevich Bunin - READ
1934 Luigi Pirandello - READ
1936 Eugene O'Neill - READ
1937 Roger Martin du Gard
1938 Pearl S. Buck - READ
1939 Frans Eemil Sillanpää
1944 Johannes Vilhelm Jensen
1945 Gabriela Mistral
1946 Hermann Hesse - READ
1947 André Gide - READ
1948 T.S. Elliot - READ
1949 William Faulkner - READ
1950 Bertrand Russell - READ
1951 Pär Lagerkvist - READ
1952 François Mauriac - READ
1953 Sir Winston Churchill - READ
1954 Ernest Hemingway - READ
1955 Halldór Laxness - READ
1956 Juan Ramón Jiménez
1957 Albert Camus - READ
1958 Boris Pasternak (declined the prize) - READ
1959 Salvatore Quasimodo
1960 Saint-John Perse
1961 Ivo Andric - READ
1962 John Steinbeck - READ
1963 Giorgos Seferis
1964 Jean-Paul Sartre (declined the prize) - READ
1965 Michail Sholokhov
1966 Shmuel Yosef Agnon and Nelly Sachs - READ
1967 Miguel Ángel Asturias
1968 Yasunari Kawabata - READ
1969 Samuel Beckett - READ
1970 Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn - READ
1971 Pablo Neruda - READ
1972 Heinrich Böll - READ
1973 Patrick White
1974 Eyvind Johnson and Harry Martinson
1975 Eugenio Montale
1976 Saul Bellow - READ
1977 Vincente Aleixandre
1978 Isaac Bashevis Singer - READ
1979 Odysseas Elytis - READ
1980 Czeslaw Milosz
1981 Elias Canetti
1982 Gabriel Garciá Márquez - READ
1983 William Golding - READ
1984 Jaroslav Seifert - READ
1985 Claude Simon - READ
1986 Akinwande Ouwoe Soyinka
1987 Joseph Brodsky - READ
1988 Naguib Mahfouz - READ
1989 Camilo José Cela - READ
1990 Octavio Paz
1991 Nadine Gordimer - READ
1992 Derek Walcott - READ
1993 Toni Morrison - READ
1994 Kenzaburo Oe - READ
1995 Seamus Heaney - READ
1996 Wislawa Szymborska - READ
1997 Dario Fo - READ
1998 José Saramago - READ
1999 Günter Grass
2000 Gao Xingjian
2001 Vidiadhar Surjprasad Naipaul - READ
2002 Imre Kertész - READ
2003 John Maxwell Coetzee - READ
2004 Elfriede Jelinek - READ
2005 Harold Pinter - READ
2006 Orhan Pamuk - READ
2007 Doris Lessing - READ
2008 J.M.G. Le Clézio
2009 Herta Müller - READ
2010 Mario Vargas Llosa - READ
2011 Tomas Tranströmer - READ
2012 Mo Yan
2013 Alice Munro - READ
2014 Patrick Modiano - READ
2015 Svetlana Alexievich - READ
2016 Bob Dylan - READ
2017 Kazuo Ishiguro - READ
2018 Olga Tokarczuk - READ
2019 Peter Handke - READ
READ 69 OF
116 LAUREATES
Update on my Nobel Prize Winning Reading:
1901 Sully Prudhomme
1902 Theodor Mommsen
1903 Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
1904 Frédéric Mistral and José Echegaray y Eizaquirre
1905 Henryk Sienkiewicz
1906 Giosuè Carducci
1907 Rudyard Kipling - READ
1908 Rudolf Christoph Eucken
1909 Selma Lagerlöf
1910 Paul Heyse --
1911 Count Maurice Maeterlinck
1912 Gerhart Hauptmann
1913 Rabindranath Tagore - READ
1915 Romain Rolland
1916 Verner von Heidenstam
1917 Karl Adolph Gjellerup and Henrik Pontoppidan
1919 Carl Spitteler
1920 Knut Hamsun - READ
1921 Anatole France - READ
1922 Jacinto Benavente
1923 William Butler Yeats - READ
1924 Wladyslaw Reymont
1925 George Bernard Shaw
1926 Grazia Deledda - READ
1927 Henri Bergson
1928 Sigrid Undset
1929 Thomas Mann - READ
1930 Sinclair Lewis - READ
1931 Erik Axel Karlfeldt
1932 John Galsworthy - READ
1933 Ivan Alekseyevich Bunin - READ
1934 Luigi Pirandello - READ
1936 Eugene O'Neill - READ
1937 Roger Martin du Gard
1938 Pearl S. Buck - READ
1939 Frans Eemil Sillanpää
1944 Johannes Vilhelm Jensen
1945 Gabriela Mistral
1946 Hermann Hesse - READ
1947 André Gide - READ
1948 T.S. Elliot - READ
1949 William Faulkner - READ
1950 Bertrand Russell - READ
1951 Pär Lagerkvist - READ
1952 François Mauriac - READ
1953 Sir Winston Churchill - READ
1954 Ernest Hemingway - READ
1955 Halldór Laxness - READ
1956 Juan Ramón Jiménez
1957 Albert Camus - READ
1958 Boris Pasternak (declined the prize) - READ
1959 Salvatore Quasimodo
1960 Saint-John Perse
1961 Ivo Andric - READ
1962 John Steinbeck - READ
1963 Giorgos Seferis
1964 Jean-Paul Sartre (declined the prize) - READ
1965 Michail Sholokhov
1966 Shmuel Yosef Agnon and Nelly Sachs - READ
1967 Miguel Ángel Asturias
1968 Yasunari Kawabata - READ
1969 Samuel Beckett - READ
1970 Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn - READ
1971 Pablo Neruda - READ
1972 Heinrich Böll - READ
1973 Patrick White
1974 Eyvind Johnson and Harry Martinson
1975 Eugenio Montale
1976 Saul Bellow - READ
1977 Vincente Aleixandre
1978 Isaac Bashevis Singer - READ
1979 Odysseas Elytis - READ
1980 Czeslaw Milosz
1981 Elias Canetti
1982 Gabriel Garciá Márquez - READ
1983 William Golding - READ
1984 Jaroslav Seifert - READ
1985 Claude Simon - READ
1986 Akinwande Ouwoe Soyinka
1987 Joseph Brodsky - READ
1988 Naguib Mahfouz - READ
1989 Camilo José Cela - READ
1990 Octavio Paz
1991 Nadine Gordimer - READ
1992 Derek Walcott - READ
1993 Toni Morrison - READ
1994 Kenzaburo Oe - READ
1995 Seamus Heaney - READ
1996 Wislawa Szymborska - READ
1997 Dario Fo - READ
1998 José Saramago - READ
1999 Günter Grass
2000 Gao Xingjian
2001 Vidiadhar Surjprasad Naipaul - READ
2002 Imre Kertész - READ
2003 John Maxwell Coetzee - READ
2004 Elfriede Jelinek - READ
2005 Harold Pinter - READ
2006 Orhan Pamuk - READ
2007 Doris Lessing - READ
2008 J.M.G. Le Clézio
2009 Herta Müller - READ
2010 Mario Vargas Llosa - READ
2011 Tomas Tranströmer - READ
2012 Mo Yan
2013 Alice Munro - READ
2014 Patrick Modiano - READ
2015 Svetlana Alexievich - READ
2016 Bob Dylan - READ
2017 Kazuo Ishiguro - READ
2018 Olga Tokarczuk - READ
2019 Peter Handke - READ
READ 69 OF
116 LAUREATES
14PaulCranswick
LIT HUB'S 50 CHUNKSTERS & MY 20 ALTERNATIVES
These are the 50 Literary Hub Must Read Chunksters:
1. The Overstory by Richard Powers OWNED
2. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
3. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco OWNED
4. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee OWNED
5. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell OWNED
6. The Witch Elm by Tana French OWNED
7. The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood OWNED
8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr OWNED
9. Little, Big by John Crowley
10. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides OWNED
11. The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt
12. Possession by A.S. Byatt READ
13. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel READ
14. The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
15. The Secret History by Donna Tartt READ
16. The Parisian : A Novel
17. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie OWNED
18. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters READ
19. The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami OWNED
20. Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson OWNED
21. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie READ
22. American Gods by Neil Gaiman READ
23. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay by Michael Chabon OWNED
24. The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu OWNED
25. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen OWNED
26. Skippy Dies by Paul Murray OWNED
27. A Naked Singularity by Sergio de la Pava
28. An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears
29. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James READ
30. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson OWNED
31. The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe OWNED
32. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara OWNED
33. Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin OWNED
34. JR by William Gaddis OWNED
35. Almanac of the Dead by Leslie Marmon Silko
36. Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon OWNED
37. Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany
38. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett OWNED
39. The Stand by Stephen King OWNED
40. Underworld by Don DeLillo READ
41. The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton OWNED
42. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke READ
43. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry OWNED
44. 2666 by Roberto Bolano OWNED
45. Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra OWNED
46. Ducks, Newburyport by Lucy Ellmann OWNED
47. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace OWNED
48. Parallel Stories by Peter Nadas
49. Women and Men by Joseph McElroy
50. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth OWNED
& My Alternative 20
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry (1995) 624 pp
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (2001) 544 pp
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (2005) 720 pp
The Far Pavilions by MM Kaye (1978) 960 pp
Earthly Powers by Anthony Burgess (1980) 656 pp
White Teeth by Zadie Smith (2000) 560 pp
The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman (1982) 896 pp
Saville by David Storey (1976) 560 pp
To Serve Them All My Days by RF Delderfield (1972) 672 pp
Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres (1994) 533 pp
Sacred Hunger by Barry Unsworth (1992) 640 pp
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks (1993) 528 pp
Sophie's Choice by William Styron (1979) 656 pp
Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh (2008) 544 pp
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998) 626 pp
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (1989) 656 pp
The Singapore Grip by JG Farrell (1978) 704 pp
Magician by Raymond E Feist (1982) 864 pp
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy (1986) 672 pp
A Chain of Voices by Andre Brink (1982) 512 pp
These are the 50 Literary Hub Must Read Chunksters:
1. The Overstory by Richard Powers OWNED
2. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
3. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco OWNED
4. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee OWNED
5. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell OWNED
6. The Witch Elm by Tana French OWNED
7. The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood OWNED
8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr OWNED
9. Little, Big by John Crowley
10. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides OWNED
11. The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt
12. Possession by A.S. Byatt READ
13. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel READ
14. The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
15. The Secret History by Donna Tartt READ
16. The Parisian : A Novel
17. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie OWNED
18. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters READ
19. The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami OWNED
20. Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson OWNED
21. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie READ
22. American Gods by Neil Gaiman READ
23. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay by Michael Chabon OWNED
24. The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu OWNED
25. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen OWNED
26. Skippy Dies by Paul Murray OWNED
27. A Naked Singularity by Sergio de la Pava
28. An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears
29. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James READ
30. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson OWNED
31. The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe OWNED
32. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara OWNED
33. Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin OWNED
34. JR by William Gaddis OWNED
35. Almanac of the Dead by Leslie Marmon Silko
36. Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon OWNED
37. Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany
38. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett OWNED
39. The Stand by Stephen King OWNED
40. Underworld by Don DeLillo READ
41. The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton OWNED
42. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke READ
43. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry OWNED
44. 2666 by Roberto Bolano OWNED
45. Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra OWNED
46. Ducks, Newburyport by Lucy Ellmann OWNED
47. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace OWNED
48. Parallel Stories by Peter Nadas
49. Women and Men by Joseph McElroy
50. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth OWNED
& My Alternative 20
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry (1995) 624 pp
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (2001) 544 pp
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (2005) 720 pp
The Far Pavilions by MM Kaye (1978) 960 pp
Earthly Powers by Anthony Burgess (1980) 656 pp
White Teeth by Zadie Smith (2000) 560 pp
The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman (1982) 896 pp
Saville by David Storey (1976) 560 pp
To Serve Them All My Days by RF Delderfield (1972) 672 pp
Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres (1994) 533 pp
Sacred Hunger by Barry Unsworth (1992) 640 pp
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks (1993) 528 pp
Sophie's Choice by William Styron (1979) 656 pp
Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh (2008) 544 pp
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998) 626 pp
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (1989) 656 pp
The Singapore Grip by JG Farrell (1978) 704 pp
Magician by Raymond E Feist (1982) 864 pp
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy (1986) 672 pp
A Chain of Voices by Andre Brink (1982) 512 pp
15PaulCranswick
2020 ADDITIONS
These are the books that I have added this year. My new rule is that any book I buy I should read before the end of the following year!
1. Submarine by Joe Dunthorne (2008) 290 pp
2. I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven (1967) 158 pp
3. The Ascent of Rum Doodle by W.E. Bowman (1956) 171 pp
4. The Spare Room by Helen Garner (2008) 195 pp
5. Look We have Coming to Dover! by Dajit Nagra (2007) 53 pp READ APR 20
6. Hame by Annalina McAfee (2017) 577 pp
7. The Holy Fox by Andrew Roberts (1991) 414 pp READ MAR 20
8. The History Boys by Alan Bennett (2004) 200 pp READ FEB 20
9. Himself by Jess Kidd (2016) 358 pp
10. Lazarus by Morris West (1990) 375 pp
11. Judith Paris by Hugh Walpole (1931) 757 pp
12. The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope (1864) 665 pp
13. The Seventh Cross by Anna Seghers (1942) 398 pp
14. The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers (2017) 363 pp READ APR 20
15. The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich (1985) 331 pp
16. The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard (1990) 578 pp
17. Eight Hours from England by Anthony Quayle (1945) 228 pp READ JULY 20
18. Dregs by Jorn Lier Horst (2010) 310 pp READ FEB 20
19. Loyalties by Delphine de Vigan READ FEB 20
20. The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli READ MAR 20
21. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski (1993) 280 pp READ FEB 20
22. War and Turpentine by Stefan Hertmans (2013) 293 pp
23. Deviation by Luce D'Eramo (1979) 344 pp
24. Caging Skies by Christine Leunens (2019) 294 pp
25. The Hunters by James Salter (1956) 233 pp
26. The Watch by Joydeep Roy-Bhattacharya (2012) 310 pp
27. The Memoir of an Anti-Hero by Kornel Filipowicz (1961) 70 pp READ APR 20
28. Darius the Great is not Okay by Adib Khorram (2018) 312 pp
29. The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo (2019) 466 pp
30. Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham (2013) 441 pp
31. Letters to Alice on First Reading Jane Austen by Fay Weldon
32. Selected Poems: 1950-2012 by Adrienne Rich
33. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
34. Divided : Why We're Living in an Age of Walls by Tim Marshall READ APR 20
35. The Cold War by John Lewis Gaddis READ MAY 20
36. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
37. Witness : Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel Burger READ MAR 20
38. Lucy Church, Amiably by Gertrude Stein
39. Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich
40. The Village Witch Doctor and Other Stories by Amos Tutuola READ May 20
41. After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell
42. The Librarian by Salley Vickers READ MAR 20
43. Temple of a Thousand Faces by John Shors
44. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (1993) 311 pp
45. The Drought by J.G. Ballard (1965) 233 pp READ MAY 20
46. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) 391 pp
47. Clade by James Bradley (2017) 297 pp
48. Far North by Marcel Theroux (2009) 288 pp
49. The River by Peter Heller (2019) 253 pp
50. Ivanov by Anton Chekhov (1887) 58 pp READ MAR 20
51. The Sea-Gull by Anton Chekhov (1896) 68 pp READ APR 20
52. Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov (1900) 44 pp
53. The Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov (1901) 58 pp
54. The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov (1904) 50 pp
55. The Females by Wolfgang Hilbig (2010) 129 pp READ APR 20
56. The Other Americans by Laila Lalami (2019) 301 pp
57. Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli (2019) 350 pp
58. Lanny by Max Porter (2019) 210 pp
59. Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley (2019) 280 pp
60. Murder in the Cathedral by TS Eliot (1935) 88 pp READ JUNE 20
61. The Shoes of the Fisherman by Morris West (1963) READ MAY 20
62. Fidelity : Poems by Grace Paley (2008) READ MAY 20
63. The Citadel by A.J. Cronin (1937) READ MAY 20
64. Golden Hill by Francis Spufford (2016) READ JUNE 20
65. American War by Omar El Akkad (2017)
66. Saltwater by Jessica Andrews (2019)
67. Unstoppable : My Life So Far by Maria Sharapova (2017) 289 pp READ MAY 20
68. The Great Impersonation by E Phillips Oppenheim (1920) 288 pp READ JUNE 20
69. The Collected Stories of Jean Stafford by Jean Stafford (1969) 488 pp
70. Odysseus Elytis :Selected Poems 1940-1979 by Odysseus Elytis (1981) 112 pp READ JUNE 20
71. Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner (1926) 203 pp
72. Black Moses by Alain Mabanckou (2015) 199 pp
73. Zonal by Don Paterson (2020) 68 pp READ JUNE 20
74. The Porpoise by Mark Haddon (2019) 304 pp
75. Tram 83 by Fiston Mwanza Mujila 2014 210 pp
76. 1934 by Alberto Moravia (1982)
77. Blue Moon by Lee Child (2019)
78. A Burning by Megha Majumdar (2020)
79. Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor (2017)
80. Henry, Himself by Stewart O'Nan (2019)
81. Woods etc by Alice Oswald (2005)
82. The Death of Murat Idrissi by Tommy Wieringa (2017)
83. The Adventures of China Iron by Gabriela Cabezon Camara (2017)
84. The Last Man by Mary Shelley (1826)
85. Remembered by Yvonne Battle-Felton (2019)
86. Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope (1860) READ JULY 20
87. The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs (1970) READ JULY 20
88. Not a Day Goes By by E Lynn Harris (2000)
89. Potiki by Patricia Grace (1986)
90. Cane River by Lalitha Tademy (2001)
91. Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
92. Diary of a Murderer by Kim Young-Ha (2013)
93. Girl by Edna O'Brien (2019)
94. The Princesse de Cleves by Madame de La Fayette (1678)
95. The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (2019)
96. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom (2003) READ JULY 20
97. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
98. The Overnight Kidnapper by Andrea Camilleri
99. The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells
100. At the Jerusalem by Paul Bailey
101. The Emperor's Babe by Bernadine Evaristo
102. Sincerity by Carol Ann Duffy
103. Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne READ JULY 20
104. The Body Lies by Jo Baker
105. The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer
106. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
107. Death is Hard Work by Khaled Khalifa
108. Nightblind by Ragnar Jonasson
109. Black Out by Ragnar Jonasson (2011)
110. The Street by Ann Petry (1946)
111. 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak (2019)
112. Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips (2019)
113. Weather by Jenny Offill (2020)
114. How to be an AntiRacist by Ibram X Kendi (2019)
115. Dominicana by Angie Cruz (2019)
116. This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga (2018)
116 books added
32 already finished
These are the books that I have added this year. My new rule is that any book I buy I should read before the end of the following year!
1. Submarine by Joe Dunthorne (2008) 290 pp
2. I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven (1967) 158 pp
3. The Ascent of Rum Doodle by W.E. Bowman (1956) 171 pp
4. The Spare Room by Helen Garner (2008) 195 pp
5. Look We have Coming to Dover! by Dajit Nagra (2007) 53 pp READ APR 20
6. Hame by Annalina McAfee (2017) 577 pp
7. The Holy Fox by Andrew Roberts (1991) 414 pp READ MAR 20
8. The History Boys by Alan Bennett (2004) 200 pp READ FEB 20
9. Himself by Jess Kidd (2016) 358 pp
10. Lazarus by Morris West (1990) 375 pp
11. Judith Paris by Hugh Walpole (1931) 757 pp
12. The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope (1864) 665 pp
13. The Seventh Cross by Anna Seghers (1942) 398 pp
14. The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers (2017) 363 pp READ APR 20
15. The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich (1985) 331 pp
16. The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard (1990) 578 pp
17. Eight Hours from England by Anthony Quayle (1945) 228 pp READ JULY 20
18. Dregs by Jorn Lier Horst (2010) 310 pp READ FEB 20
19. Loyalties by Delphine de Vigan READ FEB 20
20. The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli READ MAR 20
21. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski (1993) 280 pp READ FEB 20
22. War and Turpentine by Stefan Hertmans (2013) 293 pp
23. Deviation by Luce D'Eramo (1979) 344 pp
24. Caging Skies by Christine Leunens (2019) 294 pp
25. The Hunters by James Salter (1956) 233 pp
26. The Watch by Joydeep Roy-Bhattacharya (2012) 310 pp
27. The Memoir of an Anti-Hero by Kornel Filipowicz (1961) 70 pp READ APR 20
28. Darius the Great is not Okay by Adib Khorram (2018) 312 pp
29. The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo (2019) 466 pp
30. Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham (2013) 441 pp
31. Letters to Alice on First Reading Jane Austen by Fay Weldon
32. Selected Poems: 1950-2012 by Adrienne Rich
33. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
34. Divided : Why We're Living in an Age of Walls by Tim Marshall READ APR 20
35. The Cold War by John Lewis Gaddis READ MAY 20
36. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
37. Witness : Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel Burger READ MAR 20
38. Lucy Church, Amiably by Gertrude Stein
39. Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich
40. The Village Witch Doctor and Other Stories by Amos Tutuola READ May 20
41. After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell
42. The Librarian by Salley Vickers READ MAR 20
43. Temple of a Thousand Faces by John Shors
44. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (1993) 311 pp
45. The Drought by J.G. Ballard (1965) 233 pp READ MAY 20
46. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) 391 pp
47. Clade by James Bradley (2017) 297 pp
48. Far North by Marcel Theroux (2009) 288 pp
49. The River by Peter Heller (2019) 253 pp
50. Ivanov by Anton Chekhov (1887) 58 pp READ MAR 20
51. The Sea-Gull by Anton Chekhov (1896) 68 pp READ APR 20
52. Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov (1900) 44 pp
53. The Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov (1901) 58 pp
54. The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov (1904) 50 pp
55. The Females by Wolfgang Hilbig (2010) 129 pp READ APR 20
56. The Other Americans by Laila Lalami (2019) 301 pp
57. Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli (2019) 350 pp
58. Lanny by Max Porter (2019) 210 pp
59. Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley (2019) 280 pp
60. Murder in the Cathedral by TS Eliot (1935) 88 pp READ JUNE 20
61. The Shoes of the Fisherman by Morris West (1963) READ MAY 20
62. Fidelity : Poems by Grace Paley (2008) READ MAY 20
63. The Citadel by A.J. Cronin (1937) READ MAY 20
64. Golden Hill by Francis Spufford (2016) READ JUNE 20
65. American War by Omar El Akkad (2017)
66. Saltwater by Jessica Andrews (2019)
67. Unstoppable : My Life So Far by Maria Sharapova (2017) 289 pp READ MAY 20
68. The Great Impersonation by E Phillips Oppenheim (1920) 288 pp READ JUNE 20
69. The Collected Stories of Jean Stafford by Jean Stafford (1969) 488 pp
70. Odysseus Elytis :Selected Poems 1940-1979 by Odysseus Elytis (1981) 112 pp READ JUNE 20
71. Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner (1926) 203 pp
72. Black Moses by Alain Mabanckou (2015) 199 pp
73. Zonal by Don Paterson (2020) 68 pp READ JUNE 20
74. The Porpoise by Mark Haddon (2019) 304 pp
75. Tram 83 by Fiston Mwanza Mujila 2014 210 pp
76. 1934 by Alberto Moravia (1982)
77. Blue Moon by Lee Child (2019)
78. A Burning by Megha Majumdar (2020)
79. Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor (2017)
80. Henry, Himself by Stewart O'Nan (2019)
81. Woods etc by Alice Oswald (2005)
82. The Death of Murat Idrissi by Tommy Wieringa (2017)
83. The Adventures of China Iron by Gabriela Cabezon Camara (2017)
84. The Last Man by Mary Shelley (1826)
85. Remembered by Yvonne Battle-Felton (2019)
86. Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope (1860) READ JULY 20
87. The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs (1970) READ JULY 20
88. Not a Day Goes By by E Lynn Harris (2000)
89. Potiki by Patricia Grace (1986)
90. Cane River by Lalitha Tademy (2001)
91. Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
92. Diary of a Murderer by Kim Young-Ha (2013)
93. Girl by Edna O'Brien (2019)
94. The Princesse de Cleves by Madame de La Fayette (1678)
95. The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (2019)
96. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom (2003) READ JULY 20
97. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
98. The Overnight Kidnapper by Andrea Camilleri
99. The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells
100. At the Jerusalem by Paul Bailey
101. The Emperor's Babe by Bernadine Evaristo
102. Sincerity by Carol Ann Duffy
103. Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne READ JULY 20
104. The Body Lies by Jo Baker
105. The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer
106. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
107. Death is Hard Work by Khaled Khalifa
108. Nightblind by Ragnar Jonasson
109. Black Out by Ragnar Jonasson (2011)
110. The Street by Ann Petry (1946)
111. 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak (2019)
112. Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips (2019)
113. Weather by Jenny Offill (2020)
114. How to be an AntiRacist by Ibram X Kendi (2019)
115. Dominicana by Angie Cruz (2019)
116. This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga (2018)
116 books added
32 already finished
16PaulCranswick
Another resolution is to keep up in 2020 with all my friends on LT.
17PaulCranswick
Next one is yours
18amanda4242
Happy new thread!
20PaulCranswick
>18 amanda4242: Thank you Amanda - that is super quick!
>19 bell7: And not much slower, Mary! Busy week ahead but yesterday was fine.
>19 bell7: And not much slower, Mary! Busy week ahead but yesterday was fine.
24weird_O
Cheers to a new thread. I'm damn glad you haven't expressed your...ah...ah...ah...ah...political views.
Bwahahahah. Just kidding.
Bwahahahah. Just kidding.
26PaulCranswick
>24 weird_O: Hahaha Bill. I would hazard I am much further left in the political spectrum than any of my American friends on LT. Just because I didn't think that HRC was a good candidate doesn't mean that I wanted you all to get lumbered with that lunatic for four years.
I really must get some of our Pulitzer reads done and dusted soon. Evicted is on the bedside table waiting my attention this weekend.
>25 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. xx
I really must get some of our Pulitzer reads done and dusted soon. Evicted is on the bedside table waiting my attention this weekend.
>25 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. xx
28PaulCranswick
>27 quondame: Thank you, Susan.
29PaulCranswick
Book #87
Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
Date Published : 2011
Origin of Author : USA
Pages : 349 pp
This was an interesting mix of Russian folklore, fantasy and Russian history. The stew created was thick and Valente almost brought off a great work.....almost, but not quite.
Some of the folklore-ish fairy tale parts of birds falling from trees and turning into husbands etc worked well and I thought I was heading towards magic storytelling but some of the darker fantasy made the whole a bit heavy and stodgy. The blending with Russian history worked too at the beginning but seemed to get in the way later on in the tale.
Fabled, flawed, fiction and fantasy yet far from failure.
Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
Date Published : 2011
Origin of Author : USA
Pages : 349 pp
This was an interesting mix of Russian folklore, fantasy and Russian history. The stew created was thick and Valente almost brought off a great work.....almost, but not quite.
Some of the folklore-ish fairy tale parts of birds falling from trees and turning into husbands etc worked well and I thought I was heading towards magic storytelling but some of the darker fantasy made the whole a bit heavy and stodgy. The blending with Russian history worked too at the beginning but seemed to get in the way later on in the tale.
Fabled, flawed, fiction and fantasy yet far from failure.
30PaulCranswick
July Reading Challenge Z - A Authors:
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U
T
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q
P
O
N
M
L
K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U
T
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q
P
O
N
M
L
K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
31PaulCranswick
READING UPDATE
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 6/12 -
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 - Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
6. Plays - 7/12 - Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 4/12 - The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 3/12 -
16. Classic Fiction - 2/12 -
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 - Serve the People! by Yan Lianke
18. World Literature - 6/12 - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 - Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Books Completed July - 8 Year to Date - 87
Pages Read July - 2,000 Year to Date - 19,071
1001 Books July - 1 Year to Date - 7
Bookers July - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel July - 2 Year to Date - 6
BAC Books July - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books July - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners July - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave July - 100.00 Year to Date - 94.41
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 67 male
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 6/12 -
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 - Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
6. Plays - 7/12 - Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 4/12 - The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 3/12 -
16. Classic Fiction - 2/12 -
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 - Serve the People! by Yan Lianke
18. World Literature - 6/12 - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 - Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Books Completed July - 8 Year to Date - 87
Pages Read July - 2,000 Year to Date - 19,071
1001 Books July - 1 Year to Date - 7
Bookers July - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel July - 2 Year to Date - 6
BAC Books July - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books July - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners July - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave July - 100.00 Year to Date - 94.41
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 67 male
32figsfromthistle
Happy new one!
33benitastrnad
>29 PaulCranswick:
I haven't read a book by Catherine Valente that I like. If that is any comfort to you. I think all of her books are stodgy.
I very much disagree with you on the quality of HRC as a candidate. I believe that she was not elected because she was a woman and as such was subjected to a level of scrutiny that was unparalleled and only matched by things done to other women who have held high office in the U.S. It wouldn't have mattered if she had had a gold halo straight from God Himself. Mrs. Clinton was not going to get elected, and neither would have any other woman who ran. It wouldn't matter if her name was Klobacher or Warren or anything else. This country simply is not going to elect a woman to anything of importance. At least not for another 25 years. Maybe after that because the demographics will have changed enough that the election of a woman, and probably a woman of color, will happen. I also believe that the backlash against a woman candidate was because of Obama. White men swallowed their gall once while they waited out Obama. They simply were not going to do it a second time.
I also can't believe that you, (and I would never have expected this from you) fail to grasp how deeply rooted the Russians were in the media campaigns against Mrs. Clinton and I certainly don't believe that you fail to see how deep their claws have gotten into British politics. At least you do understand that Putin and that Orange hatass are perfectly in bed with each other.
I haven't read a book by Catherine Valente that I like. If that is any comfort to you. I think all of her books are stodgy.
I very much disagree with you on the quality of HRC as a candidate. I believe that she was not elected because she was a woman and as such was subjected to a level of scrutiny that was unparalleled and only matched by things done to other women who have held high office in the U.S. It wouldn't have mattered if she had had a gold halo straight from God Himself. Mrs. Clinton was not going to get elected, and neither would have any other woman who ran. It wouldn't matter if her name was Klobacher or Warren or anything else. This country simply is not going to elect a woman to anything of importance. At least not for another 25 years. Maybe after that because the demographics will have changed enough that the election of a woman, and probably a woman of color, will happen. I also believe that the backlash against a woman candidate was because of Obama. White men swallowed their gall once while they waited out Obama. They simply were not going to do it a second time.
I also can't believe that you, (and I would never have expected this from you) fail to grasp how deeply rooted the Russians were in the media campaigns against Mrs. Clinton and I certainly don't believe that you fail to see how deep their claws have gotten into British politics. At least you do understand that Putin and that Orange hatass are perfectly in bed with each other.
34paulstalder
happy new thread, Paul
35RebaRelishesReading
Happy new one, Paul.
36PaulCranswick
>32 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita.
>33 benitastrnad: Thanks for the tip on Valente, Benita, I will now definitely avoid her books in future.
I do note that so many of my American friends disagree with my opinion of Mrs. Clinton. I can only say it how I see it and I am honest enough, I think to stand by my view - which is a personal one not a political one because by any stretch of the imagination I am more to the left than she is.
I know you consider that she only lost because she was a woman and if you are right on that - which I hope you aren't - then that is a sad indictment of American politics. America was close to electing Mrs Clinton and she would have gotten elected without your electoral college system. I think that a number of ladies could have taken him down this time, but anyway Biden will and we'll all be happy with that.
I didn't say that the Russians have not tried to influence democracy in the USA or the UK or elsewhere and there is significant credible evidence that we have done the same to others - my point is that I just don't see the evidence of its effectiveness. Chump won last time because of a plethora of reasons:
1) Mrs Clinton (whether it was because she was a woman or simply the wrong candidate for that election is a moot point) but Trump would not have beaten a then much more capable Biden last time around. He wouldn't have beaten Gore and I am fairly sure that he wouldn't have beaten Warren or Pelosi.
2) Collective electoral stupidity
3) Trump resonating with certain parts of the American heartlands, especially rural and de-industrialised ones as a Washington outsider and one who said he would tackle their issues.
4) Money politics in America which allows ridiculous sums to be spent just to stay in the race
5) Special interest lobbies and - yes external forces malign and benign will try to influence here too.
Johnson didn't win in the UK because of the Russians - he won because the electorate wanted Brexit done and because my own Party was in disarray. My party is getting its act together and will lick Johnson next time around. Biden will win too and I hope that the Democrats take the opportunity to make America more at ease with itself because the rest of the world needs you.
>33 benitastrnad: Thanks for the tip on Valente, Benita, I will now definitely avoid her books in future.
I do note that so many of my American friends disagree with my opinion of Mrs. Clinton. I can only say it how I see it and I am honest enough, I think to stand by my view - which is a personal one not a political one because by any stretch of the imagination I am more to the left than she is.
I know you consider that she only lost because she was a woman and if you are right on that - which I hope you aren't - then that is a sad indictment of American politics. America was close to electing Mrs Clinton and she would have gotten elected without your electoral college system. I think that a number of ladies could have taken him down this time, but anyway Biden will and we'll all be happy with that.
I didn't say that the Russians have not tried to influence democracy in the USA or the UK or elsewhere and there is significant credible evidence that we have done the same to others - my point is that I just don't see the evidence of its effectiveness. Chump won last time because of a plethora of reasons:
1) Mrs Clinton (whether it was because she was a woman or simply the wrong candidate for that election is a moot point) but Trump would not have beaten a then much more capable Biden last time around. He wouldn't have beaten Gore and I am fairly sure that he wouldn't have beaten Warren or Pelosi.
2) Collective electoral stupidity
3) Trump resonating with certain parts of the American heartlands, especially rural and de-industrialised ones as a Washington outsider and one who said he would tackle their issues.
4) Money politics in America which allows ridiculous sums to be spent just to stay in the race
5) Special interest lobbies and - yes external forces malign and benign will try to influence here too.
Johnson didn't win in the UK because of the Russians - he won because the electorate wanted Brexit done and because my own Party was in disarray. My party is getting its act together and will lick Johnson next time around. Biden will win too and I hope that the Democrats take the opportunity to make America more at ease with itself because the rest of the world needs you.
38benitastrnad
>36 PaulCranswick:
Anti-woman and racism go hand and hand. I think that many American's were shocked that Obama got elected and that prompted them to vote for the Orange Asshat. They wouldn't have voted for a woman no matter who she was. They simply weren't going to put up with another 4 years of some minority running things.
I think that every political leader is flawed. None of them are perfect. They are human. The electorate of any country ought to get over that search for perfect and start looking for who can do the best job for the people they serve. The key word there is serve. There isn't a serving bone in that Orange Asshat's body. It is all me, me, me, me, said with that tiny little mouth of his.
I don't think that Boris Johnsons is going to go anywhere. I think that Number 10 Downing will be his home for quite awhile.
Anti-woman and racism go hand and hand. I think that many American's were shocked that Obama got elected and that prompted them to vote for the Orange Asshat. They wouldn't have voted for a woman no matter who she was. They simply weren't going to put up with another 4 years of some minority running things.
I think that every political leader is flawed. None of them are perfect. They are human. The electorate of any country ought to get over that search for perfect and start looking for who can do the best job for the people they serve. The key word there is serve. There isn't a serving bone in that Orange Asshat's body. It is all me, me, me, me, said with that tiny little mouth of his.
I don't think that Boris Johnsons is going to go anywhere. I think that Number 10 Downing will be his home for quite awhile.
39weird_O
>33 benitastrnad: Oh oh oh, Benita. Thumbs up to you. You hit the nail on the head: I...can't believe that you...fail to grasp how deeply rooted the Russians were in the media campaigns against Mrs. Clinton.
On the other hand, I don't think Hillary lost because she was a woman. She did win the popular vote. I do agree that there's an epic resistance to accept the leadership of women, but in the short time since 2016, we've seen substantial acceptance of female leadership. How many governorships have women won? How many senate seats and congressional seats have women won? The tide is rising, isn't it.
>36 PaulCranswick: ...I just don't see the evidence of its [Russian meddling] effectiveness.
Does propaganda ever leave evidence of its effectiveness? Drumpf's persistent actions to prevent any investigation of the Russian influence is telling. Why did the British electorate want Brexit done? Propaganda?
On the other hand, I don't think Hillary lost because she was a woman. She did win the popular vote. I do agree that there's an epic resistance to accept the leadership of women, but in the short time since 2016, we've seen substantial acceptance of female leadership. How many governorships have women won? How many senate seats and congressional seats have women won? The tide is rising, isn't it.
>36 PaulCranswick: ...I just don't see the evidence of its [Russian meddling] effectiveness.
Does propaganda ever leave evidence of its effectiveness? Drumpf's persistent actions to prevent any investigation of the Russian influence is telling. Why did the British electorate want Brexit done? Propaganda?
40Caroline_McElwee
Just in case you haven't seen this Paul:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-53484392/views-from-new-north-yorkshire-to-cumb...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-53484392/views-from-new-north-yorkshire-to-cumb...
41PaulCranswick
>38 benitastrnad: Since I am neither anti-woman or racist I find the notion of not voting for someone because of their gender or colour preposterous.
I am hopeful that at the next election we will defeat Boris and his ilk.
>39 weird_O: Cannot be proven either way Bill so there is little to debate or argue about here. I note your view that the Russians got Trump elected; I sincerely hope you Americans un-elect the idiot in November.
I am hopeful that at the next election we will defeat Boris and his ilk.
>39 weird_O: Cannot be proven either way Bill so there is little to debate or argue about here. I note your view that the Russians got Trump elected; I sincerely hope you Americans un-elect the idiot in November.
42PaulCranswick
>40 Caroline_McElwee: Had some tremendously happy times travelling that self same route when I worked at Sellafield in the beginning of the 1990s, Caroline.
43ctpress
Congrats with Leeds United, Paul - so nice to see an old team coming back to the best league. Well, of course I'm happy too with Liverpool - I went to Anfield the weekend before they closed the whole thing down, so I was there in the winning season.
44FAMeulstee
Happy new thread, Paul!
Over here Frank was happy with Leeds United, and even more happy (I might say overjoyed) that cricket is back at the BBC, so he can watch the games again after 25 years without :-)
Over here Frank was happy with Leeds United, and even more happy (I might say overjoyed) that cricket is back at the BBC, so he can watch the games again after 25 years without :-)
45PaulCranswick
>43 ctpress: Thank you, Carsten and I must say it is lovely to see you back. I am so pleased that the season was allowed to restart and that Liverpool were allowed to get over the line and claim their richly deserved title. They play football in the right manner and their Head Coach is a really good guy.
>44 FAMeulstee: Thanks to both you and Frank, Anita. Many of my friends will know that I love my Yorkshire County Cricket Club almost as much as my beloved Leeds United and domestic cricket will return too soon. England just beat the West Indies in the second test match and Ben Stokes showed again what a supreme player he is.
>44 FAMeulstee: Thanks to both you and Frank, Anita. Many of my friends will know that I love my Yorkshire County Cricket Club almost as much as my beloved Leeds United and domestic cricket will return too soon. England just beat the West Indies in the second test match and Ben Stokes showed again what a supreme player he is.
46FAMeulstee
>45 PaulCranswick: I saw some of the test match from the corner of my eye when Frank was watching it. Even I noticed Ben Strokes (and Jason Holder).
47lkernagh
Happy new thread, Paul! Very nice review of Deathless. I am not really up on Russian folklore, so will leave this as a 'maybe' read.
Steering clear of the discussion as I am only a causal observer of US politics, but I do agree that any political system that requires such large infusions of cash for a candidate to run skews the options available.
Steering clear of the discussion as I am only a causal observer of US politics, but I do agree that any political system that requires such large infusions of cash for a candidate to run skews the options available.
48PaulCranswick
>46 FAMeulstee: Yes, Anita, Holder is also very impressive.
>47 lkernagh: Thanks Lori. The money required to run in the USA obviously legislates against so many from having a chance. It is certainly the case that Chumps funds enabled him to grab the Republican nomination whatever the thoughts about what happened subsequently.
>47 lkernagh: Thanks Lori. The money required to run in the USA obviously legislates against so many from having a chance. It is certainly the case that Chumps funds enabled him to grab the Republican nomination whatever the thoughts about what happened subsequently.
49m.belljackson
When Biden wins, it will be the result of those Americans who believe that it is just, right, decent, and moral
to wear a mask that prevents people from dying.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
If the inactions of Fidel Castro had resulted in the deaths of 140,000 Americans,
he would be hunted down as a mass murderer.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Yes, the Russians did interfere with both UK and USA elections.
Likely, they are now supporting Kanye to deflect more votes away from Biden.
to wear a mask that prevents people from dying.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
If the inactions of Fidel Castro had resulted in the deaths of 140,000 Americans,
he would be hunted down as a mass murderer.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Yes, the Russians did interfere with both UK and USA elections.
Likely, they are now supporting Kanye to deflect more votes away from Biden.
50PaulCranswick
>49 m.belljackson: I can think of so many reasons not to vote for Chump - face masks being but one of them.
Almost everyone agrees that the Russians tried to influence or interfere with the Elections in the UK and the USA but what isn't settled is whether the impact was decisive or not.
Tim Weiner (PULITZER prize winner) strongly believes that the Russian involvement in the US elections was real, malign and ultimately successful as they predicted that to help Trump get elected would fundamentally destabilise the USA. But he also points out that it is something that the USA themselves have been doing for in excess of 70 years.
It’s something Tim Weiner has explored in great detail. He’s won the Pulitzer Prize for his work on clandestine national security programs, and his books include "Enemies: A History of the FBI" and "Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA.” He says election meddling is not a grey area for the CIA.
“Several months after the CIA was created in 1947, it set out to steal the Italian election in 1948 to support the Christian Democrats who were pro-American, against the socialist Democrats, who were pro-Moscow, and they won,” says Weiner. “It’s just the beginning of a long, long story.”
After seeing success in Italy, the CIA took this formula — which involved using millions of dollars to run influence campaigns — and brought it across the world to places like Guatemala, Indonesia, South Vietnam, Afghanistan, and beyond.
“The president of Afghanistan after the American invasion post-9/11 was a paid CIA agent, Hamid Karzai,” Weiner says. “The list is very long, and it’s part of what the CIA does in political warfare.” Quoted from wnycstudies.org
He also points out Trump's appointment of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State :
"Tillerson’s appointment alone would be enough to mark Trump as the Siberian candidate,”
Almost everyone agrees that the Russians tried to influence or interfere with the Elections in the UK and the USA but what isn't settled is whether the impact was decisive or not.
Tim Weiner (PULITZER prize winner) strongly believes that the Russian involvement in the US elections was real, malign and ultimately successful as they predicted that to help Trump get elected would fundamentally destabilise the USA. But he also points out that it is something that the USA themselves have been doing for in excess of 70 years.
It’s something Tim Weiner has explored in great detail. He’s won the Pulitzer Prize for his work on clandestine national security programs, and his books include "Enemies: A History of the FBI" and "Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA.” He says election meddling is not a grey area for the CIA.
“Several months after the CIA was created in 1947, it set out to steal the Italian election in 1948 to support the Christian Democrats who were pro-American, against the socialist Democrats, who were pro-Moscow, and they won,” says Weiner. “It’s just the beginning of a long, long story.”
After seeing success in Italy, the CIA took this formula — which involved using millions of dollars to run influence campaigns — and brought it across the world to places like Guatemala, Indonesia, South Vietnam, Afghanistan, and beyond.
“The president of Afghanistan after the American invasion post-9/11 was a paid CIA agent, Hamid Karzai,” Weiner says. “The list is very long, and it’s part of what the CIA does in political warfare.” Quoted from wnycstudies.org
He also points out Trump's appointment of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State :
"Tillerson’s appointment alone would be enough to mark Trump as the Siberian candidate,”
51Matke
>50 PaulCranswick: Sad but true, Paul. The US has engaged in many ruthless and illegal acts since the founding of the country. Many of us have a very hard time admitting this, even to ourselves. It’s impossible to correct a problem if one can’t admit that a problem exists.
Of course Mr. Trump’s handlers have advised him that his stance on face masks and his overall mishandling, denying, etc., of the pandemic has hurt him with the electorate. Now he’s going to try to fix that.
Frankly, I’m beyond disturbed at the latest “police” being sent by Mr. Trump to Portland, and possibly Chicago. They are completely unidentifiable and are seizing citizens, in fact kidnapping them, without rhyme or reason. That is terrifying and something that the Democrats should publicize and use in their campaigns as an example of an administration that is out of control and must be stopped.
I find it difficult to believe that supporters of Mr. Biden will switch their votes to Kanye West in any but the most insignificant numbers. Why would they? He’s got no platform, and no ideas. He’s not a realistic candidate in any sense of the term. We’re not looking at Ralph Nader here.
Of course Mr. Trump’s handlers have advised him that his stance on face masks and his overall mishandling, denying, etc., of the pandemic has hurt him with the electorate. Now he’s going to try to fix that.
Frankly, I’m beyond disturbed at the latest “police” being sent by Mr. Trump to Portland, and possibly Chicago. They are completely unidentifiable and are seizing citizens, in fact kidnapping them, without rhyme or reason. That is terrifying and something that the Democrats should publicize and use in their campaigns as an example of an administration that is out of control and must be stopped.
I find it difficult to believe that supporters of Mr. Biden will switch their votes to Kanye West in any but the most insignificant numbers. Why would they? He’s got no platform, and no ideas. He’s not a realistic candidate in any sense of the term. We’re not looking at Ralph Nader here.
52PaulCranswick
>51 Matke: Yes, Gail, I think him sending "police" or agents or whatever they are out into the streets of some of your major cities is extremely alarming and indicative of how he might try to ramp things up in lead up to November.
When is Biden going to name his Running Mate? I think his team should get it done quickly so that she can start laying into the incumbent and his team. Couldn't agree more about the need to stop him but that is down to the American electorate and I really don't think that lightning in the form of such collective lunacy will strike twice.
Kanye West? Is that his own way of Keeping up with the Kardashians?
Lovely to see you here as always.
When is Biden going to name his Running Mate? I think his team should get it done quickly so that she can start laying into the incumbent and his team. Couldn't agree more about the need to stop him but that is down to the American electorate and I really don't think that lightning in the form of such collective lunacy will strike twice.
Kanye West? Is that his own way of Keeping up with the Kardashians?
Lovely to see you here as always.
53Familyhistorian
Happy new thread, Paul. Lively discussion as always. Current events in the US are very concerning. Not sure which thread it was on but I agree with the statement that living in Canada with the US as a neighbour is like "having an apartment above a meth lab." (especially right now)
54PaulCranswick
>53 Familyhistorian: Hahaha Meg, I didn't see that comment but I understand its import!
It is actually very upsetting what is happening there. I have so many dear friends from the USA some of whom have fallen out with each other in these hyper-sensitive days. Polite political discourse is very difficult these days as automatically if you don't support or like or admire one person it is automatically inferred that you are "on the other side" when nothing could be further from the truth.
I came from a political party and an upbringing that is "very broad church" and internal debate - even struggle - was always encouraged, but these days and, frequently even in this lovely group, dissension brings people to the barricades and it seems all very anti-this and anti-that and wholly negative.
I am a very positive person and I always have been. As a staunch socialist for nearly all of my life I have always believed in the power of politics to make a beneficial difference in the lot of the working man and woman, to give succour to the needy, the weak, the disabled, the disadvantaged, the old and the infirm, to treat all equally irrespective of colour, creed, race, gender, age or sexuality. These days of the Bitter Orange we have to be careful of ventilating any opinion on an issue that is not in entire accord with the perceived wisdom of the group. I do think Fuzzi was right in pointing out her tiredness with political posts in the group. I am going to try to desist as much as possible in future, even if that means making my home in the Green Dragon henceforward.
I didn't elect Trump, just as you in Canada didn't. What propaganda was used to elect him or otherwise to one side at the moment you in Canada saw the perverseness in his being elected just as I did in Malaysia and most of my countrymen in the UK did. I just hope that our American friends come to their collective senses this time around and vote him out.
It is actually very upsetting what is happening there. I have so many dear friends from the USA some of whom have fallen out with each other in these hyper-sensitive days. Polite political discourse is very difficult these days as automatically if you don't support or like or admire one person it is automatically inferred that you are "on the other side" when nothing could be further from the truth.
I came from a political party and an upbringing that is "very broad church" and internal debate - even struggle - was always encouraged, but these days and, frequently even in this lovely group, dissension brings people to the barricades and it seems all very anti-this and anti-that and wholly negative.
I am a very positive person and I always have been. As a staunch socialist for nearly all of my life I have always believed in the power of politics to make a beneficial difference in the lot of the working man and woman, to give succour to the needy, the weak, the disabled, the disadvantaged, the old and the infirm, to treat all equally irrespective of colour, creed, race, gender, age or sexuality. These days of the Bitter Orange we have to be careful of ventilating any opinion on an issue that is not in entire accord with the perceived wisdom of the group. I do think Fuzzi was right in pointing out her tiredness with political posts in the group. I am going to try to desist as much as possible in future, even if that means making my home in the Green Dragon henceforward.
I didn't elect Trump, just as you in Canada didn't. What propaganda was used to elect him or otherwise to one side at the moment you in Canada saw the perverseness in his being elected just as I did in Malaysia and most of my countrymen in the UK did. I just hope that our American friends come to their collective senses this time around and vote him out.
56PaulCranswick
>55 msf59: Thanks Mark. I am more than a little ok!
57m.belljackson
>54 PaulCranswick:
Your American friends DID vote him out -=- Hillary Clinton WON the popular vote.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Guess I'm a throwback...
...from the sixties and
...educated at a university (Harvard of the Midwest)
where political dissension and debate were encouraged and an enjoyable part of every day.
It was commonly accepted that there were few things that were NOT political,
from God and Nature to hairstyles and music.
Your American friends DID vote him out -=- Hillary Clinton WON the popular vote.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Guess I'm a throwback...
...from the sixties and
...educated at a university (Harvard of the Midwest)
where political dissension and debate were encouraged and an enjoyable part of every day.
It was commonly accepted that there were few things that were NOT political,
from God and Nature to hairstyles and music.
59Matke
>54 PaulCranswick:
Agreed, Paul; political posts are becoming toxic and all too frequent. With the 24-hour news cycle, we’re inundated all day, every day.
I’ll certainly stop as of right this second.
Moving on, how are you liking Castle Richmond thus far? Having read quite a bit of Trollope, I’m seeing lots of themes that he’s considered in other books. That doesn’t hinder my enjoyment of them here, though.
I’m sorry you didn’t really like the Valente. Some of my younger circle love her, but different tastes are what makes the world go round, I guess.
Have a wonderful day, Paul.
ETA My thoughts and best wishes to you and your family, Paul, especially your mother.
Agreed, Paul; political posts are becoming toxic and all too frequent. With the 24-hour news cycle, we’re inundated all day, every day.
I’ll certainly stop as of right this second.
Moving on, how are you liking Castle Richmond thus far? Having read quite a bit of Trollope, I’m seeing lots of themes that he’s considered in other books. That doesn’t hinder my enjoyment of them here, though.
I’m sorry you didn’t really like the Valente. Some of my younger circle love her, but different tastes are what makes the world go round, I guess.
Have a wonderful day, Paul.
ETA My thoughts and best wishes to you and your family, Paul, especially your mother.
60PaulCranswick
>57 m.belljackson: Ok but make a better job of it this time.
The idea of a political haircut made me smile, Marianne. xx
>58 Ameise1: Lovely to see you, Barbara. xx
The idea of a political haircut made me smile, Marianne. xx
>58 Ameise1: Lovely to see you, Barbara. xx
61PaulCranswick
>59 Matke: Thanks Gail. Would that there was more positivity around these days!
I like Castle Richmond and I am 354 pages in (out of 774). I find myself cringing at his Irish famine analysis but the story itself is beautifully and richly told.
I like Castle Richmond and I am 354 pages in (out of 774). I find myself cringing at his Irish famine analysis but the story itself is beautifully and richly told.
62m.belljackson
>60 PaulCranswick:
For your lighter notes, America's COVID disaster prompted many of us into cutting our own hair.
In previous years, June has been an annual tick-prevention trip to Buzz-Off for me.
This year, I saved the $15 and didn't end up designing a Mullet!
For your lighter notes, America's COVID disaster prompted many of us into cutting our own hair.
In previous years, June has been an annual tick-prevention trip to Buzz-Off for me.
This year, I saved the $15 and didn't end up designing a Mullet!
63quondame
>36 PaulCranswick: >59 Matke: I wouldn't put out avoid notices on Valente at all. I rather enjoyed her The Girl Who series and she is an interestingly unromantic voice in fantasy. I'd put cautions on some works at most, but then it's rare a work suits every taste.
64johnsimpson
Hi Paul, happy new thread mate, i am currently keeping track of the scores in the last round of Championship matches to see who goes up automatically with Leeds and to see if Barnsley can maintain their place and to see if Wigan can secure their place despite the points reduction as they have been badly treated by their owner. I think that both the Premier League and the EFL need to tighten up their checks on prospective owners, the shambles over the last year or two has shown that this is imperative.
65PaulCranswick
>62 m.belljackson: I got the electrical works supervisor on one of the projects to cut my hair and was extremely pleased with the results. Cost me nothing too!
>63 quondame: In all fairness it isn't really my genre, Susan. Bits of her book I really liked but I don't think she quite carried off a very ambitious piece of work.
>63 quondame: In all fairness it isn't really my genre, Susan. Bits of her book I really liked but I don't think she quite carried off a very ambitious piece of work.
66PaulCranswick
>64 johnsimpson: Excellent final day, John. We steamrollered Charlton even bringing plenty of kids on. I am really pleased for Barnsley that they seem to have saved themselves - they came to Leeds and were braver than any of the clubs that did so. I think West Brom just about deserved it although Brentford were on their day enthralling to watch and I will root for them in the play-offs. Nottingham Forest self destructed but I thought they were a hugely negative club this season and got what they deserved. Also Michael Dawson made ridiculously gung-ho claims in the lockdown about how they would hunt Leeds down - how did that go?!
I do feel a bit for Wigan but they first applied the harshest of sanctions to us for the mere offence of running out of money. We got -25 points and Wigan will receive "only" -12 and I had sooner Barnsley keep their Championship status.
The EFL is a rotten shambles and I am glad we are rid of them for a while at least.
I do feel a bit for Wigan but they first applied the harshest of sanctions to us for the mere offence of running out of money. We got -25 points and Wigan will receive "only" -12 and I had sooner Barnsley keep their Championship status.
The EFL is a rotten shambles and I am glad we are rid of them for a while at least.
67Matke
>63 quondame: Thanks for you input, Susan. I haven’t put the dreaded red X on Valente by any means, although like Paul, I find her somewhat out of my wheelhouse.
68PaulCranswick
>67 Matke: I always get the feeling that I don't read enough fantasy and sci-fi and occasionally as with Jo Walton I will find a writer that really strikes a chord with me. I thought the first 30 pages of Deathless would mean that Valente would follow suit but alas, I got lost with it a bit.
69amanda4242
I've found Valente an unreliable author; The Girl Who series starts strong, but the quality declines to the point that the last book just kind of limps to a finish.
My go to fantasy authors are Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman (Sandman is an excellent series), and the wonderful Diana Wynne Jones.
ETA: And The Princess Bride is a must read! The tone is much more tongue in cheek than the film, but it's an absolute delight!
My go to fantasy authors are Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman (Sandman is an excellent series), and the wonderful Diana Wynne Jones.
ETA: And The Princess Bride is a must read! The tone is much more tongue in cheek than the film, but it's an absolute delight!
70PaulCranswick
>69 amanda4242: I thought the book I read had promise in abundance but that that promise didn't quite achieve the end I thought it would.
I am currently reading my second Pratchett and I adored Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane.
I am currently reading my second Pratchett and I adored Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane.
71benitastrnad
>69 amanda4242:
I agree with your assessment of the The Girl Who ... series. I also tried to read her book Space Opera and just couldn't get past the 50 page mark. I didn't Pearl Rule it but I quietly took it back to the library. Maybe someday it will strike my fancy. But not now.
On-the-other-hand, plenty of people like her books, so if the titles and the summaries appeal, I would say go for it. Just not my cuppa.
I agree with your assessment of the The Girl Who ... series. I also tried to read her book Space Opera and just couldn't get past the 50 page mark. I didn't Pearl Rule it but I quietly took it back to the library. Maybe someday it will strike my fancy. But not now.
On-the-other-hand, plenty of people like her books, so if the titles and the summaries appeal, I would say go for it. Just not my cuppa.
72vancouverdeb
I'm rather late to the party, Paul, but Happy New Thread!
73PaulCranswick
>71 benitastrnad: I thought Deathless was almost brilliant but just came short. It is not my genre really but there was more than enough in it to get me to the end. I do think it meandered a bit during the wartime siege but that could have been my urge to finish it and move on to the next one.
>72 vancouverdeb: Always better late than.......thanks, Deb.
>72 vancouverdeb: Always better late than.......thanks, Deb.
74BekkaJo
Just checking in :)
I'm another who loved the first few Girl who novels by Valente - but agree the last one was very mehhhh. Still I do have Deathless lurking on the e-reader. I suspect I will enjoy it.
Love the 'read an alphabet' challenge you are doing - may be one for next year.
I'm another who loved the first few Girl who novels by Valente - but agree the last one was very mehhhh. Still I do have Deathless lurking on the e-reader. I suspect I will enjoy it.
Love the 'read an alphabet' challenge you are doing - may be one for next year.
75jnwelch
Happy Newish Thread, Paul.
Good to hear you're a fan of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. (Can't get the touchstones to work this morning). Me, too.
Good to hear you're a fan of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. (Can't get the touchstones to work this morning). Me, too.
76Matke
I do like Gaiman, love most of Pratchett.
Also love Angela Carter and of course The Princess Bride, a completely delightful book.
Also love Angela Carter and of course The Princess Bride, a completely delightful book.
77PaulCranswick
>74 BekkaJo: Lovely to see you Bekka.
I am supposed to finish it in one month but I am going to come up short as usual.
>75 jnwelch: I thought it was a really wonderful book, Joe. American Gods was more hit and miss for me but that one was a joy from start to finish.
I am supposed to finish it in one month but I am going to come up short as usual.
>75 jnwelch: I thought it was a really wonderful book, Joe. American Gods was more hit and miss for me but that one was a joy from start to finish.
78PaulCranswick
>78 PaulCranswick: Angela Carter was one of a kind, Gail. Glorious, often impenetrable, genre defying and way ahead of her time.
79BekkaJo
>77 PaulCranswick: Hardly short! You are on track for a bumper year.
Hope all is well with you and the family.
Hope all is well with you and the family.
81PaulCranswick
I enjoyed reflecting on the songs from the years of my life and I know that some of my friends enjoyed following along.
I am going to do a short series of some of the artists who have most influenced me and who I listen to most often.
This week will be PAUL WELLER WEEK. 7 songs one per day from the great man. Brilliant songwriter whose best songs would build something of a soundtrack to my life.
DAY ONE - BRAND NEW START
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgd7qMVuDWA
I am going to do a short series of some of the artists who have most influenced me and who I listen to most often.
This week will be PAUL WELLER WEEK. 7 songs one per day from the great man. Brilliant songwriter whose best songs would build something of a soundtrack to my life.
DAY ONE - BRAND NEW START
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgd7qMVuDWA
82PaulCranswick
Some additions today from Kinokuniya
97. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
98. The Overnight Kidnapper by Andrea Camilleri
99. The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells
100. At the Jerusalem by Paul Bailey
97. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
98. The Overnight Kidnapper by Andrea Camilleri
99. The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells
100. At the Jerusalem by Paul Bailey
83PaulCranswick
I have seen the Trevor Noah book in many lists.
Camilleri is of course Camilleri and there will not be many more Montalbas to enjoy.
The Uninhabitable Earth was strongly recommended to me by a friend of mine in the UK
This is perhaps Paul Bailey's most famous work.
84thornton37814
Just stopping in. I love Montalbano, but I only have a few remaining unread (or unlistened to). Hoping to get back to one of those when the commute resumes.
85PaulCranswick
>84 thornton37814: I have read the 22 episodes that precede this one and as far as I know there are another three of four that the sadly missed author has left behind for us to enjoy and remember him by.
86DeltaQueen50
Hi Paul, great to see you are doing well in this crazy time. Born A Crime was an excellent read and one that I am sure you will enjoy.
87PaulCranswick
>86 DeltaQueen50: Lovely to see you here, my dear Guru. Saw you flitting around some of the group threads and rather hoped you'd pop by!
I am pleased as punch to see you and will hopefully have the chance this weekend to catch up around all the threads. xx
I am pleased as punch to see you and will hopefully have the chance this weekend to catch up around all the threads. xx
88humouress
Happy new thread Paul.
Speaking of poetry (as we weren't), have you read Carol Anne Duffy? I'm helping my son with some of his homework and I read a few of her poems. 'Mrs Darwin' is short and pithy and I like 'Mrs Midas' too.
>29 PaulCranswick: That would work for this month's TIOLI birthstone challenge, which is ruby :0)
>36 PaulCranswick: I think Hillary Clinton didn't lose just because she's a woman but because she was running against Trump who seems to have taken political one-upmanship and underhandedness to extremes. Not that it looks like he won on actual politics but rather by drumming up a fervour based on nothing much more than hot air.
I think some women voted against her because she was a woman (going by the soundbites of the time) which confounds me, but cable TV over here is running 'Mrs America' which is about Phyllis Schlaffly scuppering the Equality Ammendment back in the 70s which seems to be a betrayal that has echoed down the years and not just limited to the USA.
>1 PaulCranswick: And in football news, it looks like my team won. I say 'my team' because I've been assigned Liverpool by my boys; one of whom supports Man City and the other supports Chelsea - as a consequence of which I'm not allowed to support a London team. Not that I'm too bothered; my team is England all the way and I'll watch the rest with interest. Well; I'll watch the rest if it's on the box and I'm not allowed to switch over. However, since they have - finally - lifted the trophy (ie physically, after all the delays) I will, as they say, take the win. To be honest, I don't even know who my captain is although, I was informed over dinner last night, the team is full of captains (Netherlands, Scotland).
Anyhow - bring on next season.
Speaking of poetry (as we weren't), have you read Carol Anne Duffy? I'm helping my son with some of his homework and I read a few of her poems. 'Mrs Darwin' is short and pithy and I like 'Mrs Midas' too.
>29 PaulCranswick: That would work for this month's TIOLI birthstone challenge, which is ruby :0)
>36 PaulCranswick: I think Hillary Clinton didn't lose just because she's a woman but because she was running against Trump who seems to have taken political one-upmanship and underhandedness to extremes. Not that it looks like he won on actual politics but rather by drumming up a fervour based on nothing much more than hot air.
I think some women voted against her because she was a woman (going by the soundbites of the time) which confounds me, but cable TV over here is running 'Mrs America' which is about Phyllis Schlaffly scuppering the Equality Ammendment back in the 70s which seems to be a betrayal that has echoed down the years and not just limited to the USA.
>1 PaulCranswick: And in football news, it looks like my team won. I say 'my team' because I've been assigned Liverpool by my boys; one of whom supports Man City and the other supports Chelsea - as a consequence of which I'm not allowed to support a London team. Not that I'm too bothered; my team is England all the way and I'll watch the rest with interest. Well; I'll watch the rest if it's on the box and I'm not allowed to switch over. However, since they have - finally - lifted the trophy (ie physically, after all the delays) I will, as they say, take the win. To be honest, I don't even know who my captain is although, I was informed over dinner last night, the team is full of captains (Netherlands, Scotland).
Anyhow - bring on next season.
89Caroline_McElwee
I have >97 PaulCranswick: on Kindle, and >99 PaulCranswick: right here by my reading chair to read soonish Paul.
Have a good weekend.
Have a good weekend.
90amanda4242
Happy weekend!
92PaulCranswick
>88 humouress: I do like Carol Ann Duffy very much, Nina. I have three or four of her collections as well as a few anthologies she edited when Poet Laureate.
Ha! The birthstone challenge is about the only challenge I'm not doing!
I think to assign one factor to her defeat is difficult especially when it was so darned close and she won the popular vote. I really don't understand voting or not voting for someone because of gender.
I was pleased Liverpool won this year. They have a very affable coach and were unlucky to come up against Man City the year before.
>89 Caroline_McElwee: My good friend in the UK was very enthusiastic about The Uninhabitable Earth that I jumped at it when I saw it in Kino.
Ha! The birthstone challenge is about the only challenge I'm not doing!
I think to assign one factor to her defeat is difficult especially when it was so darned close and she won the popular vote. I really don't understand voting or not voting for someone because of gender.
I was pleased Liverpool won this year. They have a very affable coach and were unlucky to come up against Man City the year before.
>89 Caroline_McElwee: My good friend in the UK was very enthusiastic about The Uninhabitable Earth that I jumped at it when I saw it in Kino.
93PaulCranswick
>90 amanda4242: Thank you Amanda
>91 banjo123: Yesterday I asked Erni to do fried rice for my breakfast this morning but last night we were out with the client celebrating signing our Supplementary Agreement on the PNB118 project which gave us an extra 15 months to complete. I'm really not sure how much we had to drink last night but my stomach is a little delicate this morning. Erni brightly arrived with the fried rice and I have just asked her to keep it for me for an hour or two!
So yeah, Rhonda, weekend is great!
>91 banjo123: Yesterday I asked Erni to do fried rice for my breakfast this morning but last night we were out with the client celebrating signing our Supplementary Agreement on the PNB118 project which gave us an extra 15 months to complete. I'm really not sure how much we had to drink last night but my stomach is a little delicate this morning. Erni brightly arrived with the fried rice and I have just asked her to keep it for me for an hour or two!
So yeah, Rhonda, weekend is great!
94PaulCranswick
Sorry to see that Peter Green has just died - guitarist with John Mayall replacing Clapton and then forming Fleetwood Mac, Green is undoubtedly one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
This is Oh Well with its famous riff:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yq-Fw7C26Y
This is Oh Well with its famous riff:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yq-Fw7C26Y
95PaulCranswick
PAUL WELLER WEEK
Day 2
This is Weller this year at 62 and still in magnificent shape physically and vocally and mentally - still can write a great song.
Village
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfL3qjvRmO0
Day 2
This is Weller this year at 62 and still in magnificent shape physically and vocally and mentally - still can write a great song.
Village
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfL3qjvRmO0
96LizzieD
I can't catch up, Paul, but I'm glad that you're here and supporting all kinds of discussion!
I'll just say in regard to HRC that she was not rejected only because she was a woman but because she is a woman who doesn't pull punches and is assured and adamant ("aggressive" and "shrill*) about what she believes. I'm relieved that she won the popular vote. I wish that I could be as sure as you that DJT will be defeated. Let's pray that he is and that he leaves.
I'll just say in regard to HRC that she was not rejected only because she was a woman but because she is a woman who doesn't pull punches and is assured and adamant ("aggressive" and "shrill*) about what she believes. I'm relieved that she won the popular vote. I wish that I could be as sure as you that DJT will be defeated. Let's pray that he is and that he leaves.
97PaulCranswick
>96 LizzieD: Lovely as always to have you visit, Peggy.
As you know I didn't much like Mrs Clinton but she would have had my vote then and I am sure if everyone could see four years ahead she would have been elected.
As you know I didn't much like Mrs Clinton but she would have had my vote then and I am sure if everyone could see four years ahead she would have been elected.
98EllaTim
>93 PaulCranswick: Congratulations Paul, extra time is probably welcome with such a large building project.
I looked up Uninhabitable Earth. No light reading, we should all know and realise, of course, but then what?
Have a nice weekend.
I looked up Uninhabitable Earth. No light reading, we should all know and realise, of course, but then what?
Have a nice weekend.
99PaulCranswick
>98 EllaTim: Crucial actually Ella as if a contractor cannot justify delays on a construction project he has to pay damages to the Employer. In our case those damages are around $300,000 per day. Over 15 months that means which would reach the maximum of 10% of damages (up to 10% of the Contract Sum which is about $1 billion or $100,000,000 in potential damages. Needless to say it makes my job fairly crucial and the fact that we have successfully negotiated the extra time plus receiving money in additional costs as well gives us a great sense of relief.
100EllaTim
>99 PaulCranswick: My eyes start swimming seeing those figures! Congratulations again!
101PaulCranswick
>100 EllaTim: One of the reasons that blood pressures amongst those in my profession run so high!
102PaulCranswick
PAUL WELLER WEEK
DAY 3
White Horses from 2018 . Another beautiful song from the Modfather.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz4DUc7QL_E
DAY 3
White Horses from 2018 . Another beautiful song from the Modfather.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz4DUc7QL_E
103PaulCranswick
Ambulance was called for mum yesterday as she was having breathing difficulties but it seems she is over stressed at SWMBO's quite imminent return to Malaysia.
Puts me in a frightful position as my good lady cannot stay in the UK indefinitely and her present six-month pass expires at the end of this month. I/we have sacrificed these months past but I am shredded to the core that my mum is so devastated by the turn of events. An early return given the circumstances is also quite doubtful.
Puts me in a frightful position as my good lady cannot stay in the UK indefinitely and her present six-month pass expires at the end of this month. I/we have sacrificed these months past but I am shredded to the core that my mum is so devastated by the turn of events. An early return given the circumstances is also quite doubtful.
105amanda4242
{{{hugs}}}
106richardderus
>103 PaulCranswick: Oh that is totally wretched, PC. I know you and Hanni want to do all you possibly can for Mum, but this one just can't get fudged.
Sad day indeed, one I hope does not recur.
Sad day indeed, one I hope does not recur.
107PaulCranswick
>104 torontoc: It's ok, Cyrel - I am actually much more worried about how she will cope in the coming months when Hani is not there to visit daily.
>105 amanda4242: Thanks Amanda. Hugs are always welcome.
>105 amanda4242: Thanks Amanda. Hugs are always welcome.
108PaulCranswick
>106 richardderus: Thank you, dear fellow. I am so grateful for the love, warmth and support of my friends here and elsewhere.
109humouress
>103 PaulCranswick: It's a connundrum I don't envy you Paul, as to whether Hani should stay in England with your mum or come home to you.
'May you live in interesting times' is certainly coming true for all of us this year.
'May you live in interesting times' is certainly coming true for all of us this year.
110Caroline_McElwee
>103 PaulCranswick: Sorry to hear about your Mum Paul, is she back home? Are there friends and family who can step up a bit when Hani heads home?
I'm sure though that you will be pleased to have Hani's return after so long.
I'm sure though that you will be pleased to have Hani's return after so long.
111Matke
Oh, Paul; I’m so sorry that you and Hani are in such a dilemma.
((((Paul))))
Sounds like your mum had an anxiety attack; they are horrible and frightening. Sending you and all your family love.
((((Paul))))
Sounds like your mum had an anxiety attack; they are horrible and frightening. Sending you and all your family love.
112PaulCranswick
>109 humouress: Yes it is a tough one, Nina, but her six months are up and she needs to come back.
>110 Caroline_McElwee: My mum is back at home, Caroline, and is breathing ok today but she needs not to stress too much - although that is easy to say.
>110 Caroline_McElwee: My mum is back at home, Caroline, and is breathing ok today but she needs not to stress too much - although that is easy to say.
114PaulCranswick
PAUL WELLER WEEK
DAY 4
This is from 2015 and is called "Im Where I Should Be" - great ensemble musicianship and better than the version that ended up on the album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz4DUc7QL_E
DAY 4
This is from 2015 and is called "Im Where I Should Be" - great ensemble musicianship and better than the version that ended up on the album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz4DUc7QL_E
115PaulCranswick
The building at 118 is up to Level 116 at the core and the structure around it at Level 113. Only five full floors to go for the main structure (we also have a spire to erect). Building is starting to take shape.
116BekkaJo
>115 PaulCranswick: Wow!!!
But I'm so sorry about your Mum - horrible catch 22 of a horrible situation. Hugs to all involved. X
But I'm so sorry about your Mum - horrible catch 22 of a horrible situation. Hugs to all involved. X
118PaulCranswick
>116 BekkaJo: We moved into the building itself over the weekend for our site office at P3 (Podium 3).
Bit stressed because I was booking the tickets just now and she was flapping about the details as she needs Malaysian embassy clearance to travel -her and Kyran. Of course it is much more expensive than normal and then 2 weeks of quarantine once home in a hotel that I have to pay for. Mother and Son must also have separate rooms!
Bit stressed because I was booking the tickets just now and she was flapping about the details as she needs Malaysian embassy clearance to travel -her and Kyran. Of course it is much more expensive than normal and then 2 weeks of quarantine once home in a hotel that I have to pay for. Mother and Son must also have separate rooms!
120RebaRelishesReading
You definitely have a lot to be stressed about right now, Paul. I'm so sorry to hear about all you're dealing with and hope things work out OK.
The building is breathtaking and congratulations on nearing the top.
The building is breathtaking and congratulations on nearing the top.
121PaulCranswick
>120 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks and thank you, Reba. x
122LizzieD
Oh my goodness, Paul! You're in a monsoon right now. Love to you and Hani and also Kyran and your mother!
123johnsimpson
{{{hugs}}} mate.
124figsfromthistle
Catching up with you to see how you are doing. Sorry to hear about your mom.
125m.belljackson
PAUL - Will your brother and his family now take over?
Sure doesn't sound like a good time for anyone.
Is Kyran returning because schools are not starting up next month?
Please again send my Best Wishes for peace, health, and relaxation to your Mum.
Sure doesn't sound like a good time for anyone.
Is Kyran returning because schools are not starting up next month?
Please again send my Best Wishes for peace, health, and relaxation to your Mum.
126bell7
Paul, so sorry to hear about all the challenges with your mom and Hani's time there running out, plus quarantine when she and Kyran get back. Ugh, so much stress for you and your family! I hope everything comes together as smooth as can be and that there are folks who can help your mom too.
>115 PaulCranswick: The building is looking mighty impressive!
>115 PaulCranswick: The building is looking mighty impressive!
127PaulCranswick
>122 LizzieD: Things will be OK, Peggy. I was a bit upset talking to mum yesterday as she can only speak for a minute or two at a time.
>123 johnsimpson: Thanks John.
>123 johnsimpson: Thanks John.
128PaulCranswick
>124 figsfromthistle: Lovely to see you, Anita. Messages from my pals always give me a boost.
>125 m.belljackson: Marianne - I doubt whether Peter and his wife will "take over" my brother spends most of his waking hours obsessed by his work and Nicola (his wife) has her own mum who is not in the best of health. My sister is a lawyer and busy also with three kids but her husband Tony will certainly help.
Kyran is coming back (his university is likely to re-start in October) which has occasioned some argument, With current travel restrictions I am fairly sure that when he goes back to the UK he will have to open up about his dual citizenship and the Malaysian authorities are likely to make an issue of it. I will be pleased to see him though.
Thank you for the good wishes though. xx
>125 m.belljackson: Marianne - I doubt whether Peter and his wife will "take over" my brother spends most of his waking hours obsessed by his work and Nicola (his wife) has her own mum who is not in the best of health. My sister is a lawyer and busy also with three kids but her husband Tony will certainly help.
Kyran is coming back (his university is likely to re-start in October) which has occasioned some argument, With current travel restrictions I am fairly sure that when he goes back to the UK he will have to open up about his dual citizenship and the Malaysian authorities are likely to make an issue of it. I will be pleased to see him though.
Thank you for the good wishes though. xx
129PaulCranswick
>126 bell7: I always try and count my blessings Mary:
1 At least they are coming home - quarantine or not.
2 We have enjoyed an extra extended period with my mum after the medical profession had basically written her off.
1 At least they are coming home - quarantine or not.
2 We have enjoyed an extra extended period with my mum after the medical profession had basically written her off.
130quondame
>129 PaulCranswick: It's so good you can see the good, when so much is sad or maddening or frightening beyond belief about the situation. My best wishes to you and your family.
131PaulCranswick
>130 quondame: Thank you, Susan. So many people across the world have had so many difficulties to face this year and I am in the scheme of things so fortunate.
132PaulCranswick
Here is where I miss Darryl!
Booker longlist is out. One very obvious one but will it win?
The 2020 Booker Prize longlist in full:
Diane Cook - The New Wilderness
Tsitsi Dangarembga - This Mournable Body
Avni Doshi - Burnt Sugar
Gabriel Krauze - Who They Was
Hilary Mantel - The Mirror & The Light
Colum McCann - Apeirogon
Maaza Mengiste - The Shadow King
Kiley Reid - Such a Fun Age
Brandon Taylor - Real Life
Anne Tyler - Redhead by The Side of The Road
Douglas Stuart - Shuggie Bain
Sophie Ward - Love and Other Thought Experiments
C Pam Zhang - How Much of These Hills is Gold
Booker longlist is out. One very obvious one but will it win?
The 2020 Booker Prize longlist in full:
Diane Cook - The New Wilderness
Tsitsi Dangarembga - This Mournable Body
Avni Doshi - Burnt Sugar
Gabriel Krauze - Who They Was
Hilary Mantel - The Mirror & The Light
Colum McCann - Apeirogon
Maaza Mengiste - The Shadow King
Kiley Reid - Such a Fun Age
Brandon Taylor - Real Life
Anne Tyler - Redhead by The Side of The Road
Douglas Stuart - Shuggie Bain
Sophie Ward - Love and Other Thought Experiments
C Pam Zhang - How Much of These Hills is Gold
133SandDune
>103 PaulCranswick: I hope your Mum gets over her shock quickly Paul! I suppose it shows how much she has appreciated having Hani in the U.K.
>1 PaulCranswick: I showed Mr SandDune your thread topper and he was very much of the same mind. He said ‘Marching on together, the mighty whites’!
>1 PaulCranswick: I showed Mr SandDune your thread topper and he was very much of the same mind. He said ‘Marching on together, the mighty whites’!
134PaulCranswick
>133 SandDune: I am really gratified at the bond that has developed between them, Rhian.
Or as abbreviated, Mr SandDune - MOT
Or as abbreviated, Mr SandDune - MOT
135PaulCranswick
PAUL WELLER WEEK
DAY 5
My favourite Weller album is from 1997; "Heavy Soul", which is not his most successful. This is "I Should Have Been There to Inspire You"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NenR3EqjKUs
DAY 5
My favourite Weller album is from 1997; "Heavy Soul", which is not his most successful. This is "I Should Have Been There to Inspire You"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NenR3EqjKUs
136vancouverdeb
I'm happy to hear that your family is returning home, Paul, but what an expensive prospect! I have a niece who had to return to Canada from Germany, where she was doing her first year of university. She has dual German /Canadian citizenship. She has returned to Germany and I assume did her two weeks of self quarantining . Her uncle and grandparents live in Germany, so I suppose that makes it easier. Another of my nieces was in the USA for her first year at university , and she too had to return to Canada earlier this spring. Apparently her second year at University in the USA will be done by distance learning, subject to change as the year goes on. I also have a nephew who completed his PhD at Cambridge in the UK, and then went onto do research in the Netherlands last January. We've not seen him since Christmas of 2020, and I think my sister and her husband miss him very much. He was initially quite lonely in the Netherlands with the lock-down happening and being at a new place of work / research. But he opted to stay in the Netherlands ( he is 30 years old ) and he feels quite settled in Amsterdam now. I am sure glad my two sons have stayed in town . I know my nephew calls home every Saturday night and my sister says he is very chatty. He has started a bit of internet dating , now that the total lock-down has ended, but no one special .
As for the Booker list, I've only read Redhead by the Side of the Road and I ordered Shuggie Bain. I wonder if the fact that there are quite a few debut novels means that in the end, Hilary Mantel will win her third Booker? I confess I've not read Hilary Mantel.
It's hard to say who will win this year. I sort of expect a person of colour, with all that has happened this year. Who knows what goes through the minds of the Booker judges? There are others I am interested in, but I'll try my library, where I still have to put a hold on a book , then wait for the for the curbside pickup.
As for the Booker list, I've only read Redhead by the Side of the Road and I ordered Shuggie Bain. I wonder if the fact that there are quite a few debut novels means that in the end, Hilary Mantel will win her third Booker? I confess I've not read Hilary Mantel.
It's hard to say who will win this year. I sort of expect a person of colour, with all that has happened this year. Who knows what goes through the minds of the Booker judges? There are others I am interested in, but I'll try my library, where I still have to put a hold on a book , then wait for the for the curbside pickup.
137PaulCranswick
>136 vancouverdeb: It is an expensive prospect, Deb! It is good that your sons are still nearby and able to see you regularly and that your nephew in the Netherlands is settled there.
I am not too familiar with much of the Booker Longlist but I do hope that whatever book wins it does so on the merit of its writing and not due to race or gender or past deeds.
I am not too familiar with much of the Booker Longlist but I do hope that whatever book wins it does so on the merit of its writing and not due to race or gender or past deeds.
138VivienneR
Apologies for not posting for a while, however, I have been lurking.
>103 PaulCranswick: So sorry to hear your Mum is having a tough time although I'm sure you will be glad to have SWMBO back home again. Having those conflicting emotions must make it very difficult for you. You have my best wishes.
>115 PaulCranswick: Can't look at that for more than a glimpse. I have a severe fear of heights. :(
>132 PaulCranswick: Thanks for taking on Darryl's job and posting the Booker list. I'm currently reading Wolf Hall by Mantel and now I understand what all the fuss was about. Even though I avidly watched the tv series, the book is even better. She was quoted a few days ago that she didn't expect to win with The Mirror and the Light because no one had ever won three times.
>103 PaulCranswick: So sorry to hear your Mum is having a tough time although I'm sure you will be glad to have SWMBO back home again. Having those conflicting emotions must make it very difficult for you. You have my best wishes.
>115 PaulCranswick: Can't look at that for more than a glimpse. I have a severe fear of heights. :(
>132 PaulCranswick: Thanks for taking on Darryl's job and posting the Booker list. I'm currently reading Wolf Hall by Mantel and now I understand what all the fuss was about. Even though I avidly watched the tv series, the book is even better. She was quoted a few days ago that she didn't expect to win with The Mirror and the Light because no one had ever won three times.
139PaulCranswick
>138 VivienneR: Thank you, Vivienne. Your namesake is just about managing a smile from time to time.
Some of the staff enjoy taking the passenger hoist up to the top (and you get a great view!) but it is something that I very rarely attempt and never much enjoy!
I think that the smart money must be on her to be the first to win three times. Solid solid favourite.
Some of the staff enjoy taking the passenger hoist up to the top (and you get a great view!) but it is something that I very rarely attempt and never much enjoy!
I think that the smart money must be on her to be the first to win three times. Solid solid favourite.
140jnwelch
>77 PaulCranswick: Agreed on American Gods and Ocean at the End of the Lane, Paul. I hope they do a tv version of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Seems likely, given what's happened with his other novels.
I may have missed it; are you reading Born a Crime on audio? Debbi and I did on a car trip, and LOVED it that way. Trevor Noah narrates his own story, and he's so good.
I may have missed it; are you reading Born a Crime on audio? Debbi and I did on a car trip, and LOVED it that way. Trevor Noah narrates his own story, and he's so good.
141Familyhistorian
Sorry to hear about your mum's reaction to Hani leaving, Paul, but I guess it is to be expected. It's good that they had the time together but 6 months goes quicker than you think at the start. I'm sure you'll be glad to see your travelers when you finally get to see them.
142karenmarie
Hi Paul! Belated happy new thread.
I’m sorry to hear that your mum’s cancer has returned, brava to Hani for being such a good DiL.
>54 PaulCranswick: I hope you don’t jump ship to the Green Dragon. For me it’s pretty easy to take all political discussions here in the 75ers with a grain of salt. Having known the people I follow for quite a while, I just scroll down a few messages and continue if I don't like what I'm reading.
>82 PaulCranswick: Born a Crime is quite wonderful. I listened to it as read by the author.
>103 PaulCranswick: What an awful position to be in – wanting Hani home and her visa expiring but knowing your mum really needs her there. Too much stress for you, and I’m sorry for it.
>129 PaulCranswick: Things to feel good about.
I’m sorry to hear that your mum’s cancer has returned, brava to Hani for being such a good DiL.
>54 PaulCranswick: I hope you don’t jump ship to the Green Dragon. For me it’s pretty easy to take all political discussions here in the 75ers with a grain of salt. Having known the people I follow for quite a while, I just scroll down a few messages and continue if I don't like what I'm reading.
>82 PaulCranswick: Born a Crime is quite wonderful. I listened to it as read by the author.
>103 PaulCranswick: What an awful position to be in – wanting Hani home and her visa expiring but knowing your mum really needs her there. Too much stress for you, and I’m sorry for it.
>129 PaulCranswick: Things to feel good about.
143PaulCranswick
>140 jnwelch: Gaiman just sucks you in brilliantly in Ocean at the End of the Lane.
I bought Born a Crime recently, Joe, and I haven't started it yet but an audio version of it does appeal.
>141 Familyhistorian: At times it doesn't seem to have gone so quickly, Meg!
I bought Born a Crime recently, Joe, and I haven't started it yet but an audio version of it does appeal.
>141 Familyhistorian: At times it doesn't seem to have gone so quickly, Meg!
144PaulCranswick
>142 karenmarie: Thanks Karen.
When I called her yesterday she was surrounded by my sister's grandkids and clearly in her element so I was a little appeased.
I don't think I will ever leave the group, really Karen, but I was a little bit exasperated that not agreeing on every single issue doesn't make me a reactionary cretin. One particular individual who doesn't visit my thread seems to delight in criticising anything I post elsewhere which upset me because I actually liked and admired the particular person.
Well the six months are up and wife and son will soon be on their way back. Kyran for not too long a time but it will be good to see them both.
When I called her yesterday she was surrounded by my sister's grandkids and clearly in her element so I was a little appeased.
I don't think I will ever leave the group, really Karen, but I was a little bit exasperated that not agreeing on every single issue doesn't make me a reactionary cretin. One particular individual who doesn't visit my thread seems to delight in criticising anything I post elsewhere which upset me because I actually liked and admired the particular person.
Well the six months are up and wife and son will soon be on their way back. Kyran for not too long a time but it will be good to see them both.
145ChelleBearss
Sorry to see about your mom!
And sorry to see you have to pay for two hotel rooms for two weeks for quarantine! I'm surprised that they can't just quarantine in your home instead?
And sorry to see you have to pay for two hotel rooms for two weeks for quarantine! I'm surprised that they can't just quarantine in your home instead?
146PaulCranswick
PAUL WELLER WEEK
DAY 6
I go from my favourite album of his to my favourite song. This is Wings of Speed from 1995.
It is very appropriate with a certain lady travelling today.
"Fly on wings of speed
That'll bring you home to me"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMoFzC6gEpQ
DAY 6
I go from my favourite album of his to my favourite song. This is Wings of Speed from 1995.
It is very appropriate with a certain lady travelling today.
"Fly on wings of speed
That'll bring you home to me"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMoFzC6gEpQ
147PaulCranswick
>145 ChelleBearss: Nice to see you, Chelle.
Previously the government allowed home isolation but videos went viral with several people abusing the privilege and it has been changed to a more rigorous system.
Previously the government allowed home isolation but videos went viral with several people abusing the privilege and it has been changed to a more rigorous system.
148richardderus
>144 PaulCranswick: I'm sad that this has happened to you.
Razak guilty! Well, I never saw that one coming. What does this mean in broader terms for transparency in y'all's financial sector?
Razak guilty! Well, I never saw that one coming. What does this mean in broader terms for transparency in y'all's financial sector?
149LizzieD
>132 PaulCranswick: Thanks for posting the Booker List, Paul. I looked them over last night (never having heard of any of them but Mantel, McCann, and Tyler), and nothing is remotely calling me except the Mantel. Good luck to the committee.
Peace to you as you wait for your family to come home!
Peace to you as you wait for your family to come home!
150avatiakh
Hi Paul - good for you that most of your family will be back together even if just a short while. I'm sure Belle will appreciate having her Mum home. Will Kyran have to quarantine when he gets back to the UK as well as arriving to KL?
This year's Booker longlist just doesn't appeal to me, I long for it to be more UK/Commonwealth centric again. Still eventually I'll finish up Mantel's trilogy, I've only made it through the first book so far.
This year's Booker longlist just doesn't appeal to me, I long for it to be more UK/Commonwealth centric again. Still eventually I'll finish up Mantel's trilogy, I've only made it through the first book so far.
151charl08
Hi Paul, glad to hear you're getting to see your family members again after such a long separation. Hope Hani gets to have a relaxing time in the quarantine hotel (even if she would rather be elsewhere) after all her caring duties.
152PaulCranswick
>148 richardderus: RD, opinion is split about Najib Razak's trial. Most obviously guilty it is bizarre that he gets 12 years and then walks free pending appeal. He still has supporters (somehow) but apparently the protestors were paid the equivalent of $40 to make their voices heard outside the courthouse.
Politics here is a mess and I am not sure how it can be resolved when it is based on race.
>149 LizzieD: Thank you, Peggy. It is quite an obscure list this year isn't it?
Politics here is a mess and I am not sure how it can be resolved when it is based on race.
>149 LizzieD: Thank you, Peggy. It is quite an obscure list this year isn't it?
153PaulCranswick
>150 avatiakh: Yes Kerry, Kyran gets quarantined and tested both sides!
I agree completely with the list. I like American writers but they have their Pulitzer let the Commonwealth have the Booker!
>151 charl08: She just boarded and was in good spirits, Charlotte. xx
I agree completely with the list. I like American writers but they have their Pulitzer let the Commonwealth have the Booker!
>151 charl08: She just boarded and was in good spirits, Charlotte. xx
154PaulCranswick
I must thank everyone who has visited here this year and made my thread until very recently at least a veritable swarm of activity.
The last post was the 5,000th on my threads this year.
The last post was the 5,000th on my threads this year.
155PaulCranswick
PAUL WELLER WEEK
DAY 7
This goes back to the beginning of Paul Weller's solo career with a song from his first self-titled album - "Above the Clouds" (1992)
After forming The Jam and disbanding it when they were close to the UK's most popular band in 1982 and then creating the Style Council which shifting of styles resulted in the low point of his career when in late 1989 their final album was rejected by their record label. Weller got writer's block until reinventing himself in 1992.
This is an interesting video as he talks about the composition of the song and some of his demons before playing it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfBnCcpNuRo
DAY 7
This goes back to the beginning of Paul Weller's solo career with a song from his first self-titled album - "Above the Clouds" (1992)
After forming The Jam and disbanding it when they were close to the UK's most popular band in 1982 and then creating the Style Council which shifting of styles resulted in the low point of his career when in late 1989 their final album was rejected by their record label. Weller got writer's block until reinventing himself in 1992.
This is an interesting video as he talks about the composition of the song and some of his demons before playing it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfBnCcpNuRo
156bell7
>154 PaulCranswick: Congrats, Paul! Nice to see both your reading numbers and your posting numbers ticking up, and be a small part of that flurry of activity :)
157PaulCranswick
>156 bell7: A not inconsiderable part at all, Mary, if I may say so. xx
158PaulCranswick
Book #88
Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope
Date Published : 1861
Origin of Author : UK
Pages : 757 pp
1001 Books First Edition
Bigamy and inheritance. Love lost and love won. Hearts withheld because of want of title and retained because of loss of title.
The Irish famine.
Trollope was a wonderful storyteller and a marvellous turner of phrase especially when using juxtaposition. He reveals in this tale a blindspot for the fripperies of propertied lives whilst the less interesting lives of the peasant folk of Ireland starved "in God's mercy".
There is something obscene to modern sensibilities to read this and not abhor some of the attitudes and platitudes expressed about the situation in Ireland. That Trollope could so bemoan the loss and potential loss of wealth and title and expect us to have deep sympathy with his characters whilst he is describing the want, poverty, famine and death of those outside the body of his tale is frankly remarkable. That he is able to describe those with estates and servants and privilege as "poor" when contrasting the Irish peasant being forced to build the "famine roads" to work for their bread as charity was deemed ill advised is nauseating. Trollope's views are an inkling as to why socialism was overdue and liberalism with its laissez-faire, free trade cruelties was bound to its doom.
Trollope was undeniably a great writer. This is a splendid tale but it is not a good or a worthy book because of the apologia given for the government of the time's failure of the Irish people. Shame!
Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope
Date Published : 1861
Origin of Author : UK
Pages : 757 pp
1001 Books First Edition
Bigamy and inheritance. Love lost and love won. Hearts withheld because of want of title and retained because of loss of title.
The Irish famine.
Trollope was a wonderful storyteller and a marvellous turner of phrase especially when using juxtaposition. He reveals in this tale a blindspot for the fripperies of propertied lives whilst the less interesting lives of the peasant folk of Ireland starved "in God's mercy".
There is something obscene to modern sensibilities to read this and not abhor some of the attitudes and platitudes expressed about the situation in Ireland. That Trollope could so bemoan the loss and potential loss of wealth and title and expect us to have deep sympathy with his characters whilst he is describing the want, poverty, famine and death of those outside the body of his tale is frankly remarkable. That he is able to describe those with estates and servants and privilege as "poor" when contrasting the Irish peasant being forced to build the "famine roads" to work for their bread as charity was deemed ill advised is nauseating. Trollope's views are an inkling as to why socialism was overdue and liberalism with its laissez-faire, free trade cruelties was bound to its doom.
Trollope was undeniably a great writer. This is a splendid tale but it is not a good or a worthy book because of the apologia given for the government of the time's failure of the Irish people. Shame!
159PaulCranswick
July Reading Challenge Z - A Authors:
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U
T - Castle Richmond by Anthony TROLLOPE
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q
P
O
N
M
L
K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U
T - Castle Richmond by Anthony TROLLOPE
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q
P
O
N
M
L
K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
160PaulCranswick
READING UPDATE
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 6/12 -
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 - Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
6. Plays - 7/12 - Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 4/12 - The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 3/12 -
16. Classic Fiction - 3/12 - Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 - Serve the People! by Yan Lianke
18. World Literature - 6/12 - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 - Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Books Completed July - 9 Year to Date - 88
Pages Read July - 2,757 Year to Date - 19,828
1001 Books July - 2 Year to Date - 8
Bookers July - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel July - 2 Year to Date - 6
BAC Books July - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books July - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners July - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave July - 91.90 Year to Date - 93.53
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 68 male
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 6/12 -
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 - Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
6. Plays - 7/12 - Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 4/12 - The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 3/12 -
16. Classic Fiction - 3/12 - Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 - Serve the People! by Yan Lianke
18. World Literature - 6/12 - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 - Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Books Completed July - 9 Year to Date - 88
Pages Read July - 2,757 Year to Date - 19,828
1001 Books July - 2 Year to Date - 8
Bookers July - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel July - 2 Year to Date - 6
BAC Books July - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books July - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners July - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave July - 91.90 Year to Date - 93.53
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 68 male
161richardderus
>158 PaulCranswick: Hear, hear.
162PaulCranswick
>161 richardderus: At least Chuckles, for all his verbosity, saw the ills in a society where the rich were rich and nobody cared for the poor. He was for reform whereas the more studied Trollope was concerned with the ironic church-going mores of the well heeled without ever smelling the rank workhouse air.
163PaulCranswick
Last additions for July:
101. The Emperor's Babe by Bernadine Evaristo
102. Sincerity by Carol Ann Duffy
103. Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne
104. The Body Lies by Jo Baker
105. The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer
101. The Emperor's Babe by Bernadine Evaristo
102. Sincerity by Carol Ann Duffy
103. Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne
104. The Body Lies by Jo Baker
105. The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer
165charl08
I really enjoyed the Evaristo you've just bought, Paul. And I want to pick up the Jo Baker soonish.
166PaulCranswick
>164 Beggarnews: Spam is not halal and today is the holy day of Haj.
>165 charl08: Looks fascinating, Charlotte, I must say and Jo Baker's recent books have all been smashes.
>165 charl08: Looks fascinating, Charlotte, I must say and Jo Baker's recent books have all been smashes.
167msf59
Happy weekend, Paul. I hope you can enjoy some downtime with the books. All good here, my friend.
168bell7
>157 PaulCranswick: Aw, thank you for that!
Happy weekend to you, and hope it's restful with lots of good reading.
Happy weekend to you, and hope it's restful with lots of good reading.
170PaulCranswick
>168 bell7: You too, Mary. I will get round the threads for sure this weekend.
171PaulCranswick
SWMBO and Kyran are safely arrived!
They have been put in quarantine in the Putrajaya Marriott which is a hotel we used to love to visit for its Japanese restaurant and so they are very happy. I am also pleased apart from the obvious in that it is actually subsidised by the government so that I have to pay around $75 per day for both of them ($37.5 each). For two rooms in a five star hotel that is great going other than I had to pay it all upfront!
They have been put in quarantine in the Putrajaya Marriott which is a hotel we used to love to visit for its Japanese restaurant and so they are very happy. I am also pleased apart from the obvious in that it is actually subsidised by the government so that I have to pay around $75 per day for both of them ($37.5 each). For two rooms in a five star hotel that is great going other than I had to pay it all upfront!
172Matke
>171 PaulCranswick: I’m so glad they’re at least sort of home at last, Paul.
173Caroline_McElwee
>171 PaulCranswick: Are you allowed to see them at a social distance, or are they off limits Paul?
174PaulCranswick
So this is where they will stay for a fortnight:
175PaulCranswick
>172 Matke: Yes, Gail, they are tired but happy. I called my mum just before to let her know they were safely arrived and to make sure she was ok. I was pleased to hear that my brother was stopping by this evening to see her too.
>173 Caroline_McElwee: No, Caroline, they are completely off limits. Not even allowed out of their room as I understand it! Malaysia really does want to avoid a second wave!
>173 Caroline_McElwee: No, Caroline, they are completely off limits. Not even allowed out of their room as I understand it! Malaysia really does want to avoid a second wave!
176richardderus
HIP HIP HOORAY for the prodigals' return! I know you're very, very happy now, and can only say *there there, pat pat* about the additional delay in y'all's reunion.
Why have you (re-?)added Winnie-the-Pooh? Planning a (re-)read? It seems a bit more like something a grandfather would acquire....
Why have you (re-?)added Winnie-the-Pooh? Planning a (re-)read? It seems a bit more like something a grandfather would acquire....
177PaulCranswick
>176 richardderus: I am happy that they are safe and happy, RD. They have had two covid-19 tests in two days which is no fun either.
I have read it years ago but wanted to re-read it on a whim and because I used to read it to my little boy who is coming home!
I have read it years ago but wanted to re-read it on a whim and because I used to read it to my little boy who is coming home!
178richardderus
>177 PaulCranswick: That makes perfect sense, and what better time to do it than under these astounding nightmarish "tomorrow-we-may-die" conditions.
::side-eyes Grandpa::
::side-eyes Grandpa::
179karenmarie
Hi Paul!
>171 PaulCranswick: Congrats on having Hani and Kyran safely back in Malaysia. And now, only 2 weeks of quarantine and they’ll be back home!
>171 PaulCranswick: Congrats on having Hani and Kyran safely back in Malaysia. And now, only 2 weeks of quarantine and they’ll be back home!
180Caroline_McElwee
>175 PaulCranswick: Well I guess there are worse places to be quarantined Paul.
181PaulCranswick
>178 richardderus: Well that is a jolly riposte, dear fellow. Good job I rushed through and have finished re-reading it already!
>179 karenmarie: They are both quietly happy with their lot this evening, Karen. xx
>179 karenmarie: They are both quietly happy with their lot this evening, Karen. xx
182PaulCranswick
>180 Caroline_McElwee: Yeah, I could do with a little of that too, Caroline!
183weird_O
Great to hear your family—well, at least much of it—is regrouping. So sorry about your mother's situation. Being confined to a hotel room for two weeks, regardless of its luxuriousness, sounds claustrophobic to me. my best to your entire family, Paul.
By the bye, I dodged Evicted for another round. The time arrived ti open it and begin reading arrived, and To Say Nothing of the Dog magically appeared in my hands. I am happy to be reading it; fun fun fun, until I get evicted.
By the bye, I dodged Evicted for another round. The time arrived ti open it and begin reading arrived, and To Say Nothing of the Dog magically appeared in my hands. I am happy to be reading it; fun fun fun, until I get evicted.
184drneutron
So glad Hani and Koran are back! And if one has to be quarantined, that looks like a decent place for it to happen. 😀
185PaulCranswick
>183 weird_O: We are as bad as each other, Bill! I told myself on 1 July that I would definitely get round to Evicted this month but tomorrow I will be making myself the same promise for August.
Thanks for the good wishes, dear fellow; I am sure that you are right and that the allure of luxury within 4 walls will pall as the two weeks wear thin.
>184 drneutron: Yes, Jim, it is a day for counting blessings. SWMBO told me that some families and students arriving together with them couldn't pay the amount up front as requested and a number of them - unable to stump up the amount - were whisked off to the government centre (not salubrious I will wager) for two weeks of purgatory.
Thanks for the good wishes, dear fellow; I am sure that you are right and that the allure of luxury within 4 walls will pall as the two weeks wear thin.
>184 drneutron: Yes, Jim, it is a day for counting blessings. SWMBO told me that some families and students arriving together with them couldn't pay the amount up front as requested and a number of them - unable to stump up the amount - were whisked off to the government centre (not salubrious I will wager) for two weeks of purgatory.
186PaulCranswick
Book # 89
Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne
Date of Publication : 1926
Origin of Author : UK
Pages : 161 pp
Enchanting.
I picked this up in a swoon of nostalgia looking through the children's classics section of the bookstore this morning and came home to gobble it up.
Written by a father to his son just as it was read by a father to his son at bedtime a decade and a half ago. That son came home today.
Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne
Date of Publication : 1926
Origin of Author : UK
Pages : 161 pp
Enchanting.
I picked this up in a swoon of nostalgia looking through the children's classics section of the bookstore this morning and came home to gobble it up.
Written by a father to his son just as it was read by a father to his son at bedtime a decade and a half ago. That son came home today.
187m.belljackson
Paul - can you stand beneath their rooms at that lovely hotel and wave and holler through your mask...?
Masks are finally required all over the State of Wisconsin.
Republicans had previously overruled the Democratic Governor on a related topic, SAFER AT HOME,
so he waited until he had most of the State backing him up.
We'll see if the Wisconsin Supreme Court responds again with full ignorance.
Your quarantines will at least guarantee that no one is sick!
Buena Suerte.
Masks are finally required all over the State of Wisconsin.
Republicans had previously overruled the Democratic Governor on a related topic, SAFER AT HOME,
so he waited until he had most of the State backing him up.
We'll see if the Wisconsin Supreme Court responds again with full ignorance.
Your quarantines will at least guarantee that no one is sick!
Buena Suerte.
188PaulCranswick
Book # 90
The Dark Film by Paul Farley
Date of Publication : 2012
Origin of Author : UK
Pages : 55 pp
I have a fondness for poets who find the poetical in the commonplace and Farley is a dab hand at doing so.
A Liverpudlian, his writing is indelibly linked with the North and the North-West in particular. I think it is not stating it too grandly that he does for his side of the Pennines what Simon Armitage does for our side. He gives us Quality Street wrappers (a British chocolate confectionary), horse racing commentators, milk floats, substations and the decrepitude of the English seaside. He looks at film credits, he looks at looking. He is irreverent (a great poem about the Queen for example), accessible but can turn serious and environmental concerns are prevalent.
He looks backward with nostalgia about the classroom and forwards with a cautious eye. This is his poem "Adults" which does exactly that.
I’d look up to them looming on street corners,
or down on them at night through my bedroom blinds,
crashing home from the Labour Club, mad drunk.
After a while I decided they must be unhappy.
And this didn’t tally at all with my view of their world.
Adults could float through days sole sovereigns
of everything around them, could pass through walls
of childish silence, or just take off in the Sunbeam.
So why did I find them at hometime slumped in their chairs
or throwing their tea up the wall? Why did they cry
on their own downstairs with the whole house listening in
or plead softly to people who weren’t even there?
You think you know all the answers at that age.
You can’t wait to grow up and sort them out, then go
to live in Mayfair or Singapore, wear a smoking jacket
and drink gin slings all day, like real writers do.
I rate him highly and would recommend you look for his collections.
The Dark Film by Paul Farley
Date of Publication : 2012
Origin of Author : UK
Pages : 55 pp
I have a fondness for poets who find the poetical in the commonplace and Farley is a dab hand at doing so.
A Liverpudlian, his writing is indelibly linked with the North and the North-West in particular. I think it is not stating it too grandly that he does for his side of the Pennines what Simon Armitage does for our side. He gives us Quality Street wrappers (a British chocolate confectionary), horse racing commentators, milk floats, substations and the decrepitude of the English seaside. He looks at film credits, he looks at looking. He is irreverent (a great poem about the Queen for example), accessible but can turn serious and environmental concerns are prevalent.
He looks backward with nostalgia about the classroom and forwards with a cautious eye. This is his poem "Adults" which does exactly that.
I’d look up to them looming on street corners,
or down on them at night through my bedroom blinds,
crashing home from the Labour Club, mad drunk.
After a while I decided they must be unhappy.
And this didn’t tally at all with my view of their world.
Adults could float through days sole sovereigns
of everything around them, could pass through walls
of childish silence, or just take off in the Sunbeam.
So why did I find them at hometime slumped in their chairs
or throwing their tea up the wall? Why did they cry
on their own downstairs with the whole house listening in
or plead softly to people who weren’t even there?
You think you know all the answers at that age.
You can’t wait to grow up and sort them out, then go
to live in Mayfair or Singapore, wear a smoking jacket
and drink gin slings all day, like real writers do.
I rate him highly and would recommend you look for his collections.
189PaulCranswick
>187 m.belljackson: I will certainly be popping by - it is about an hour away by car - to see whether I can catch a glimpse of the elusive pair!
Mask wearing is now compulsory in Malaysia on pain of an on the spot fine if you don't do so and apparently they will be visiting workplaces to make sure compliance is absolute. I am actually ok with the quarantine as I can see the good sense in it and at least they are observing it in comfort.
Lovely to see you, Marianne.
Stay safe and have a glorious weekend. xx
Mask wearing is now compulsory in Malaysia on pain of an on the spot fine if you don't do so and apparently they will be visiting workplaces to make sure compliance is absolute. I am actually ok with the quarantine as I can see the good sense in it and at least they are observing it in comfort.
Lovely to see you, Marianne.
Stay safe and have a glorious weekend. xx
190PaulCranswick
July Reading Challenge Z - A Authors:
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U
T - Castle Richmond by Anthony TROLLOPE
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q
P
O
N
M - Winnie-the-Pooh by AA MILNE
L
K
J
I
H
G
F - The Dark Film by Paul FARLEY
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U
T - Castle Richmond by Anthony TROLLOPE
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q
P
O
N
M - Winnie-the-Pooh by AA MILNE
L
K
J
I
H
G
F - The Dark Film by Paul FARLEY
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
191PaulCranswick
READING UPDATE
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 7/12 - The Dark Film by Paul Farley
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 - Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
6. Plays - 7/12 - Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 4/12 - The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 3/12 -
16. Classic Fiction - 4/12 - Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope; Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 - Serve the People! by Yan Lianke
18. World Literature - 6/12 - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 - Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Books Completed July - 11 Year to Date - 90
Pages Read July - 2,973 Year to Date - 20,044
1001 Books July - 2 Year to Date - 8
Bookers July - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel July - 2 Year to Date - 6
BAC Books July - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books July - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners July - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave July - 95.90 Year to Date - 94.10
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 70 male
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 7/12 - The Dark Film by Paul Farley
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 - Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
6. Plays - 7/12 - Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 4/12 - The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 3/12 -
16. Classic Fiction - 4/12 - Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope; Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 - Serve the People! by Yan Lianke
18. World Literature - 6/12 - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 - Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Books Completed July - 11 Year to Date - 90
Pages Read July - 2,973 Year to Date - 20,044
1001 Books July - 2 Year to Date - 8
Bookers July - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel July - 2 Year to Date - 6
BAC Books July - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books July - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners July - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave July - 95.90 Year to Date - 94.10
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 70 male
192PaulCranswick
Looks like my July Z-A Challenge is becoming a July/August challenge!
I have another two books close to completion this month but whether I will get one of them over the line in time remains to be seen.
I have another two books close to completion this month but whether I will get one of them over the line in time remains to be seen.
193richardderus
>192 PaulCranswick: In your defense, the eleven books you *did* read included a serious kitten-squisher and several kitten-bruisers, so there is that.
194FAMeulstee
Sorry your mother had such a hard time, due to Hani's return to Malaysia.
The building looks fabulous, it always amazes me buildings can be built that tall.
Happy to read Hani and Kyran have safely arrived, and their stay in the Marriott was cost you as much as you feared.
The building looks fabulous, it always amazes me buildings can be built that tall.
Happy to read Hani and Kyran have safely arrived, and their stay in the Marriott was cost you as much as you feared.
195PaulCranswick
>193 richardderus: Yeah, Trollope was heavy going at times as I needed breaks to stop the steam coming out of my ears. I left it at least understanding and being infuriated by the neglect that turned the potato blight into a famine.
>194 FAMeulstee: Mum seemed chirpy enough yesterday, Anita, when I spoke to her.
It has three more floors to go (core wise) a roof and then a spire to erected on top. There will be an observation deck at about 550 metres which is 100 metres higher than the twin towers and the whole thing will be approximately 670 metres tall when finished.
SWMBO texted me just now a bit miffed that she was woken this morning at 7 am with breakfast. I told her I get up earlier than that every day!
>194 FAMeulstee: Mum seemed chirpy enough yesterday, Anita, when I spoke to her.
It has three more floors to go (core wise) a roof and then a spire to erected on top. There will be an observation deck at about 550 metres which is 100 metres higher than the twin towers and the whole thing will be approximately 670 metres tall when finished.
SWMBO texted me just now a bit miffed that she was woken this morning at 7 am with breakfast. I told her I get up earlier than that every day!
196bell7
I'm so glad to hear that Hani and Kyran are back home (well, almost!) and were able to quarantine somewhere fairly comfortable.
197PaulCranswick
>196 bell7: I think "fairly comfortable" is an understatement, Mary, I think! I am glad that they are back safely.
198benitastrnad
>197 PaulCranswick:
But do they have books?
But do they have books?
199vancouverdeb
The hotel that Hani and Kyran are staying looks lovely, Paul. Wearing a mask is not compulsory in my province, but today I was out doing a bit of shopping and also took transit, and it is preferred that one wear a mask, so I did. No problem with it all. But I wouldn't care to wear one when I am out on my 2 - 3 miles walks.
200PaulCranswick
>198 benitastrnad: Now funny you should ask that, Benita, because that was the first thing I thought of too!
SWMBO told me that she has five books with her so she'll be fine.
Kyran is reading Moby Dick and Paradise Lost so I think that they will keep him busy too!
>199 vancouverdeb: Deb, the rules here coming into effect today are not particularly clear - public transport, cinemas, and certain other situations are clearly mandatory but the government has been very imprecise in its directions. Apparently it covers "crowded public places where there is no social distancing" - sure to lead to misunderstanding with the enforcement officers.
SWMBO told me that she has five books with her so she'll be fine.
Kyran is reading Moby Dick and Paradise Lost so I think that they will keep him busy too!
>199 vancouverdeb: Deb, the rules here coming into effect today are not particularly clear - public transport, cinemas, and certain other situations are clearly mandatory but the government has been very imprecise in its directions. Apparently it covers "crowded public places where there is no social distancing" - sure to lead to misunderstanding with the enforcement officers.
201vancouverdeb
Yes, I should add that some places masks are compulsory - getting a hair cut, and truthfully ,I'm not sure where else. As you say, imprecise and sure to led to misunderstandings.
202PaulCranswick
>201 vancouverdeb: It is clearly a question of priorities, Deb! A lady will, of course, be conversant with the rules and regulations of the hairdressing salon over, say, the requirements for fly fishermen. xx
I have little clue either in truth on the rules and regulations as they exist here. That is most probably because they are being invented as we go along.
I have little clue either in truth on the rules and regulations as they exist here. That is most probably because they are being invented as we go along.
203PaulCranswick
Book #91
Eight Hours from England by Anthony Quayle
Date of Publication : 1945
Origin of Author : UK
Number of Pages : 228 pp
Anthony Quayle was a fine actor in the right roles - those upstanding, stiff upper-lip team players often in a Second World War setting. Turns out he wasn't acting at all! Quayle was a genuine and somewhat unheralded war hero.
This autobiographical-novel (if there is such a thing) sees his alter ego John Overton put ashore in Albania where he tries to organise the fighting in opposition to the Nazi occupiers. He finds himself in a situation where the opposing forces are between the Albanians and their squabbles more than with the Germans and it is a mess he struggles to overcome amid the harsh geography of this coastal Balkans hothouse.
The book reveals that Quayle was as gifted a writer as he was limited as a storyteller. This is far more effective in dealing with people than plot as his relationship with his yearned for Ann and with the Albanian personalities he must deal with make compelling and sympathetic reading. The story on the other hand - maybe because that is the reality of things and he wanted to be faithful to what actually happened - is a mess.
Good for giving the experience of war in an unresolvable situation; as a war adventure yarn, less so.
Eight Hours from England by Anthony Quayle
Date of Publication : 1945
Origin of Author : UK
Number of Pages : 228 pp
Anthony Quayle was a fine actor in the right roles - those upstanding, stiff upper-lip team players often in a Second World War setting. Turns out he wasn't acting at all! Quayle was a genuine and somewhat unheralded war hero.
This autobiographical-novel (if there is such a thing) sees his alter ego John Overton put ashore in Albania where he tries to organise the fighting in opposition to the Nazi occupiers. He finds himself in a situation where the opposing forces are between the Albanians and their squabbles more than with the Germans and it is a mess he struggles to overcome amid the harsh geography of this coastal Balkans hothouse.
The book reveals that Quayle was as gifted a writer as he was limited as a storyteller. This is far more effective in dealing with people than plot as his relationship with his yearned for Ann and with the Albanian personalities he must deal with make compelling and sympathetic reading. The story on the other hand - maybe because that is the reality of things and he wanted to be faithful to what actually happened - is a mess.
Good for giving the experience of war in an unresolvable situation; as a war adventure yarn, less so.
204PaulCranswick
READING UPDATE
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 7/12 - The Dark Film by Paul Farley
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 - Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
6. Plays - 7/12 - Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 4/12 - The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 4/12 - Eight Hours from England by Anthony Quayle
16. Classic Fiction - 4/12 - Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope; Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 - Serve the People! by Yan Lianke
18. World Literature - 6/12 - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 - Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Books Completed July - 12 Year to Date - 91
Pages Read July - 3,201 Year to Date - 20,332
1001 Books July - 2 Year to Date - 8
Bookers July - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel July - 2 Year to Date - 6
BAC Books July - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books July - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners July - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave July - 103.26 Year to Date - 95.46
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 71 male
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 7/12 - The Dark Film by Paul Farley
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 - Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
6. Plays - 7/12 - Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 4/12 - The Expedition of Cyrus by Xenophon
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly Sachs
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 4/12 - Eight Hours from England by Anthony Quayle
16. Classic Fiction - 4/12 - Castle Richmond by Anthony Trollope; Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 - Serve the People! by Yan Lianke
18. World Literature - 6/12 - Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 - Deathless by Catherynne M Valente
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Books Completed July - 12 Year to Date - 91
Pages Read July - 3,201 Year to Date - 20,332
1001 Books July - 2 Year to Date - 8
Bookers July - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel July - 2 Year to Date - 6
BAC Books July - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books July - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners July - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave July - 103.26 Year to Date - 95.46
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 71 male
205PaulCranswick
July/August Reading Challenge Z - A Authors:
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U
T - Castle Richmond by Anthony TROLLOPE
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q - Eight Hours from England by Anthony QUAYLE
P
O
N
M - Winnie-the-Pooh by AA MILNE
L
K
J
I
H
G
F - The Dark Film by Paul FARLEY
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U
T - Castle Richmond by Anthony TROLLOPE
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q - Eight Hours from England by Anthony QUAYLE
P
O
N
M - Winnie-the-Pooh by AA MILNE
L
K
J
I
H
G
F - The Dark Film by Paul FARLEY
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
206EllaTim
Hi Paul. Glad that Hani and Kyran are back. Two weeks locked up in a hotel room, weird experience. Are they allowed to be together?
I finished Castle Richmond as well. I do feel that you are a bit harsh on Trollope, he does show commiseration with the starving woman and her child Herbert meets. And i noticed that Herbert more than once refers back to them when he feels sorry for himself. Saying that they are the real poor. But there is such a sharp divide in classes, that it's like the poor are a different world, fading out of awareness. Dickens is obviously much more socially aware, maybe because of his own childhood experiences?
I finished Castle Richmond as well. I do feel that you are a bit harsh on Trollope, he does show commiseration with the starving woman and her child Herbert meets. And i noticed that Herbert more than once refers back to them when he feels sorry for himself. Saying that they are the real poor. But there is such a sharp divide in classes, that it's like the poor are a different world, fading out of awareness. Dickens is obviously much more socially aware, maybe because of his own childhood experiences?
207PaulCranswick
>206 EllaTim: Hi Ella. No they are not allowed to be together so it is double the cost unfortunately!
I know I am looking at Trollope with the benefit of 175 years history between us and it may also be a little of my Irish ancestry coming to the fore but I was irked by the quite vigorous defence of the Liberal government - a government that patently failed the people of Ireland with its ridiculous laissez faire ideals. Dickens background obviously means that he will lend a more sympathetic eye to the social ills of his day.
I know I am looking at Trollope with the benefit of 175 years history between us and it may also be a little of my Irish ancestry coming to the fore but I was irked by the quite vigorous defence of the Liberal government - a government that patently failed the people of Ireland with its ridiculous laissez faire ideals. Dickens background obviously means that he will lend a more sympathetic eye to the social ills of his day.
209PaulCranswick
Thank you, Barbara. How lovely to see you!
210richardderus
I had no idea whatsoever that Anthony Quayle was an author as well as an actor! Learn something new every day. Pity it wasn't the thing it was marketed as, but it sounds like it was at least not a painful read.
212ronincats
Glad to hear that Hani and Kyran are back safely in Malaysia. I suspect these last two weeks will seem the longest of them all to all of you! And I had to chuckle when you said Hani said she had five books so she was fine. I suspect very few of us would see 5 books last us two weeks confined to our room!
213m.belljackson
Kyran might be interested to know that today, August 1st, is Herman Melville's Birthday.
I keep it on my calendar every year as a New York City friend and I love Moby-Dick,
enough to buy both the Sam Ita pop-up Moby-Dick,
a copy of Why Read Moby-Dick,
and even Moby-Duck!
I keep it on my calendar every year as a New York City friend and I love Moby-Dick,
enough to buy both the Sam Ita pop-up Moby-Dick,
a copy of Why Read Moby-Dick,
and even Moby-Duck!
214PaulCranswick
>212 ronincats: Five books in solitary - a weekend maybe! Lovely to see you Roni.
>213 m.belljackson: He was telling me that he was enraptured by the book too, Marianne, so I am sure that he will be interested in all!
>213 m.belljackson: He was telling me that he was enraptured by the book too, Marianne, so I am sure that he will be interested in all!
215PaulCranswick
I thought I would share this.
50 Books to transport you this summer as selected by the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/20/the-great-escape-50-brilliant-book...
There is also something good on what is coming up in the next few months.
50 Books to transport you this summer as selected by the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/20/the-great-escape-50-brilliant-book...
There is also something good on what is coming up in the next few months.
216bell7
>197 PaulCranswick: Ha, well yes, the photo of it you shared was lovely and it sounds like an amazing a place. My understatement came more from the fact that they're quarantined in their room and, for me at least, there is never a more comfortable bed than my own.
>215 PaulCranswick: Oooh, what an interesting list. I definitely second The Mirror & the Light, The City We Became and Clap When You Land. A few of them are on my TBR list already, and there are several I hadn't heard of too.
>215 PaulCranswick: Oooh, what an interesting list. I definitely second The Mirror & the Light, The City We Became and Clap When You Land. A few of them are on my TBR list already, and there are several I hadn't heard of too.
217PaulCranswick
>197 PaulCranswick: I agree with that about the comforts of home, Mary. No matter how comfortable the hotel room it is still a place of transitory respite.
I liked the list and, of course, don't have any of them yet. Some of the Non-Fiction looks appealing too.
I liked the list and, of course, don't have any of them yet. Some of the Non-Fiction looks appealing too.
218PaulCranswick
August Reading Plans:
1. Finish my Z-A challenge which has 14 books
C - Probably Camilleri and The Overnight Kidnapper
D - Evicted by Matthew Desmond - no relation to Clara, I believe
E - The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
G - Will be one of my BAC books either Winston Graham or Patrick Gale
H - Will be Seamus Heaney
I - My Booker challenge and The Remains of the Day by Ishiguro
J & K - I am thinking Scandi
L - The Princesse de Cleves by Madame de La Fayette
N - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
O - Sharon Olds
P - The Light Fantastic by Pratchett
R - The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths (Domenica de Rosa)
U - Sitting Bull : The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M Utley
Also
For AAC - All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren
For BAC - possible Vilette by Charlotte Bronte
Nobel Winner - Wole Soyinka and Ake
Play - Possibly more Chekhov
18 book target is possible. 5 1001 Books.
1. Finish my Z-A challenge which has 14 books
C - Probably Camilleri and The Overnight Kidnapper
D - Evicted by Matthew Desmond - no relation to Clara, I believe
E - The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
G - Will be one of my BAC books either Winston Graham or Patrick Gale
H - Will be Seamus Heaney
I - My Booker challenge and The Remains of the Day by Ishiguro
J & K - I am thinking Scandi
L - The Princesse de Cleves by Madame de La Fayette
N - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
O - Sharon Olds
P - The Light Fantastic by Pratchett
R - The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths (Domenica de Rosa)
U - Sitting Bull : The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M Utley
Also
For AAC - All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren
For BAC - possible Vilette by Charlotte Bronte
Nobel Winner - Wole Soyinka and Ake
Play - Possibly more Chekhov
18 book target is possible. 5 1001 Books.
219PaulCranswick
Book # 92
Sitting Bull : The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M. Utley
Date of Publication : 1993
Origin of Author : USA
Pages : 314 pp
I have always been fascinated by the Native Americans; their history, their plight and in many ways their magnificence. Few embodied what they stood for more than Sitting Bull basically the last of the Lakota people to surrender to the USA government.
This book brings to life the man and his times and portrays his futile attempts to rail against the inevitable. The "white" man's greed to steal the Lakota's land and destroy their way of life.
A difficult read but a good read. When I think of the shameful way in which he was killed in the post George Floyd days - I am tempted to exclaim RED LIVES MATTER.
Sitting Bull : The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M. Utley
Date of Publication : 1993
Origin of Author : USA
Pages : 314 pp
I have always been fascinated by the Native Americans; their history, their plight and in many ways their magnificence. Few embodied what they stood for more than Sitting Bull basically the last of the Lakota people to surrender to the USA government.
This book brings to life the man and his times and portrays his futile attempts to rail against the inevitable. The "white" man's greed to steal the Lakota's land and destroy their way of life.
A difficult read but a good read. When I think of the shameful way in which he was killed in the post George Floyd days - I am tempted to exclaim RED LIVES MATTER.
220PaulCranswick
READING UPDATE
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 7/12 -
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 -
6. Plays - 7/12 -
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 5/12 - Sitting Bull: The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M. Utley
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 -
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 4/12 -
16. Classic Fiction - 4/12 -
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 -
18. World Literature - 6/12 -
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 -
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 -
Books Completed Aug - 1 Year to Date - 92
Pages Read Aug - 314 Year to Date - 20,646
1001 Books Aug - Year to Date - 8
Bookers Aug - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel Aug - Year to Date - 6
BAC Books Aug - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books Aug - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners Aug - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave Aug - 314.00 Year to Date - 96.48
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 72 male
.
1. British Author Challenge - 5/12 -
2. British Poetry - 7/12 -
3. Contemporary British Fiction - 2/12 -
4. World Poetry - 5/12 -
5. 1001 Books - 4/12 -
6. Plays - 7/12 -
7. American Author Challenge 3/12 -
8. Non-Fiction - 5/12 -
9. History - 5/12 - Sitting Bull: The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M. Utley
10. Current Affairs - 5/12 -
11. Booker Winners - 3/12
12. Nobel Winners - 5/12 -
13. Scandi - 3/12 -
14. Series Books - 4/12 -
15. Thrillers/Mystery - 4/12 -
16. Classic Fiction - 4/12 -
17. 21st Century Fiction - 4/12 -
18. World Literature - 6/12 -
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - 6/12 -
20. Pot Luck - 5/12 -
Books Completed Aug - 1 Year to Date - 92
Pages Read Aug - 314 Year to Date - 20,646
1001 Books Aug - Year to Date - 8
Bookers Aug - 0 Year to Date - 3
New Nobel Aug - Year to Date - 6
BAC Books Aug - Year to Date - 11
AAC Books Aug - 0 Year to Date - 2
Pulitzer Winners Aug - 0 Year to Date - 1
Daily Reading Ave Aug - 314.00 Year to Date - 96.48
Gender of Authors 20 Female / 72 male
221PaulCranswick
July/August Reading Challenge Z - A Authors:
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U - Sitting Bull: The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M. UTLEY
T - Castle Richmond by Anthony TROLLOPE
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q - Eight Hours from England by Anthony QUAYLE
P
O
N
M - Winnie-the-Pooh by AA MILNE
L
K
J
I
H
G
F - The Dark Film by Paul FARLEY
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
Z - Marina by Carlos Ruiz ZAFON
Y - Serve the People! by YAN Lianke
X - The Expedition of Cyrus by XENOPHON
W - Morvern Callar by Alan WARNER
V - Deathless by Catherynne M VALENTE
U - Sitting Bull: The Life and Times of an American Patriot by Robert M. UTLEY
T - Castle Richmond by Anthony TROLLOPE
S - The Seeker and Other Poems by Nelly SACHS
R
Q - Eight Hours from England by Anthony QUAYLE
P
O
N
M - Winnie-the-Pooh by AA MILNE
L
K
J
I
H
G
F - The Dark Film by Paul FARLEY
E
D
C
B - Waiting for Godot by Samuel BECKETT
A - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch ALBOM
222ChelleBearss
Glad to see that your family is home and stationed in their hotel now. I consider Hani quite lucky as she gets a hotel room all to herself for two weeks! All the quiet and reading time a gal could ever want lol :)
223PaulCranswick
>222 ChelleBearss: Chelle, I would probably be in my element too so long as I got my internet and enough reading material.
224karenmarie
Hi Paul!
Kyran will finish Moby Dick before I will, although I will get it done by year's end. Glad he and Hani are living in the lap of luxury for the quarantine period.
Your July/August Alphabet challenge is impressive and made me look at my ytd alphabet reading - 15 letters done, 11 to go! I can make it with the books on my shelves. *smile*
Kyran will finish Moby Dick before I will, although I will get it done by year's end. Glad he and Hani are living in the lap of luxury for the quarantine period.
Your July/August Alphabet challenge is impressive and made me look at my ytd alphabet reading - 15 letters done, 11 to go! I can make it with the books on my shelves. *smile*
225SirThomas
A belated Happy new Thread Paul - and the best wishes to your mom.
I'm so glad to hear that Hani and Kyran are almost back home - I hope you can see each other soon!
I'm so glad to hear that Hani and Kyran are almost back home - I hope you can see each other soon!
226PaulCranswick
>224 karenmarie: I have had a steady weekend of reading and am going to go and do some more, Karen!
Kyran is mightily impressed by the book of the whale.
>225 SirThomas: Thanks Thomas. Always a pleasure to have you drop by.
Kyran is mightily impressed by the book of the whale.
>225 SirThomas: Thanks Thomas. Always a pleasure to have you drop by.
227m.belljackson
Paul -
Re-reading Moby-Dick a couple of times gives vegetarians
a chance to skip the (egad!) less appetizing parts.
Re-reading Moby-Dick a couple of times gives vegetarians
a chance to skip the (egad!) less appetizing parts.
228PaulCranswick
>227 m.belljackson: You both have one up on me, Marianne, because I haven't yet read it!
229PaulCranswick
My first August additions:
106. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
107. Death is Hard Work by Khaled Khalifa
108. Nightblind by Ragnar Jonasson
Is it a coincidence that the authors surnames are J,K&L?
106. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
107. Death is Hard Work by Khaled Khalifa
108. Nightblind by Ragnar Jonasson
Is it a coincidence that the authors surnames are J,K&L?
231bell7
>229 PaulCranswick: Ooh, I'll be interested in your thoughts on The Three-Body Problem when you get to it.
232PaulCranswick
>230 m.belljackson: Hahaha, Marianne, I am looking forward to seeing him but the preaching I will have to suffer through!
>231 bell7: I have heard a lot about that trilogy and wanted to try it, Mary, but the main attraction was the lovely black cover on the book.
>231 bell7: I have heard a lot about that trilogy and wanted to try it, Mary, but the main attraction was the lovely black cover on the book.
233PaulCranswick
This is the cover I got yesterday.
234PaulCranswick
I was visiting CDVicarage/Kerry's thread a short while before and came across her referring to certain books as "Furrowed Middlebrow Range". I then discovered that the range is published by Dean Street Press and that there is a blogspot dedicated to it.
Apparently the main aim is to lionise :
lesser-known British, Irish, & American women writers 1910-1960
On the blogspot I found this directory of World War Two fiction that will be useful for the BAC next month:
https://furrowedmiddlebrow.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-world-war-ii-fiction-list.ht...
and non-fiction:
https://furrowedmiddlebrow.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-world-war-ii-non-fiction-lis...
I haven't yet checked how obscure most of the stuff is.
Apparently the main aim is to lionise :
lesser-known British, Irish, & American women writers 1910-1960
On the blogspot I found this directory of World War Two fiction that will be useful for the BAC next month:
https://furrowedmiddlebrow.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-world-war-ii-fiction-list.ht...
and non-fiction:
https://furrowedmiddlebrow.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-world-war-ii-non-fiction-lis...
I haven't yet checked how obscure most of the stuff is.
235RebaRelishesReading
>171 PaulCranswick: Glad to hear your family is safely back in country! Staying at a Marriott for $37.50 a day is a great bargain. I'm sure they're anxious to actually be at home but this sounds like a very acceptable alternative under the circumstances.
236quondame
>234 PaulCranswick: "Furrowed Middlebrow Range" does not immediately appeal. It sounds so serious and rather pretentious.
237SandDune
>234 PaulCranswick: I’ve read a couple of Furrowed Middlebrow and enjoyed them.
238PaulCranswick
>235 RebaRelishesReading: The only complaint so far is that the food is repetitive and not so good. SWMBO is already resorting to an investment in the room service of the hotel. Three meals come as part of the package but you don't get any choice.
>236 quondame: I agree, Susan, that it sounds pretentious but the books don't appear to be so or very serious.
>236 quondame: I agree, Susan, that it sounds pretentious but the books don't appear to be so or very serious.
239PaulCranswick
>237 SandDune: DE Stevenson and Miss Read were two names that stood out to me, Rhian, from the list.
240amanda4242
>234 PaulCranswick: Oooh! I haven't perused the entire list yet, but more than a few of the fiction titles have been added to the tbr list.
>236 quondame: The name does leave something to be desired, but the titles I recognize are definitely not of the pretentious sort; in fact, there's a lot of light entertainment there.
>236 quondame: The name does leave something to be desired, but the titles I recognize are definitely not of the pretentious sort; in fact, there's a lot of light entertainment there.
241PaulCranswick
>240 amanda4242: You can imagine my twinkling eye with my joy of lists looking through those!
242karenmarie
Hi Paul!
>229 PaulCranswick: I picked up all three books in the series in 2017, but haven’t started yet. But both you and I are library builders, aren’t we? Bibliomaniacs as well as bibliophiles.
>234 PaulCranswick: Thanks for sharing here. Not that I’ll immediately go out and buy any books right now, but it’s good for future reference.
>229 PaulCranswick: I picked up all three books in the series in 2017, but haven’t started yet. But both you and I are library builders, aren’t we? Bibliomaniacs as well as bibliophiles.
>234 PaulCranswick: Thanks for sharing here. Not that I’ll immediately go out and buy any books right now, but it’s good for future reference.
243PaulCranswick
>242 karenmarie: Nice for you to stop by, Karen.
I guess you have described both of us accurately. With my TBR sneaking towards 5,000 books I really need to do something!
I guess you have described both of us accurately. With my TBR sneaking towards 5,000 books I really need to do something!
244quondame
So over on my thread I was complaining about The Gift of Rain having a dearth of Malays in it. Are there novels you like in which Malay characters and culture predominate?
245PaulCranswick
I have been snowed under a little with work these last couple of days and I think yesterday was the first day I can remember - certainly this year - devoid of any posts.
Quarantine continues for two special people satisfactorily despite the food apparently being lousy (they don't get any choice). SWMBO is enjoying Oliver Sacks and Kyran is still swimming along with Moby Dick
Quarantine continues for two special people satisfactorily despite the food apparently being lousy (they don't get any choice). SWMBO is enjoying Oliver Sacks and Kyran is still swimming along with Moby Dick
246PaulCranswick
>244 quondame: That is a good question, Susan, and in truth no novel actually springs perfectly to mind. Perhaps Anthony Burgess' Malayan Trilogy best encapsulates the village Malays. As a racial group the Malays and Indons are very close and originate from the same source and I would strongly recommend The Rainbow Troops by Andrea Hirata.
Let me have a deeper think about that.........
I did enjoy The Gift of Rain very much by the way. Pinang does have a very large Chinese Malaysian community too; especially the island itself.
Let me have a deeper think about that.........
I did enjoy The Gift of Rain very much by the way. Pinang does have a very large Chinese Malaysian community too; especially the island itself.
247m.belljackson
>245 PaulCranswick:
Yesterday, in 1850, was the day when Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne first met - a memorable time had by all!
Which Oliver Sacks?
Yesterday, in 1850, was the day when Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne first met - a memorable time had by all!
Which Oliver Sacks?
249amanda4242
Happy weekend!
250PaulCranswick
Thank you, Amanda.
I am a little stuck on this thread. I will probably make a new shortly and see if it gives me a bit more mojo!
I am a little stuck on this thread. I will probably make a new shortly and see if it gives me a bit more mojo!
251msf59
Happy Weekend, Paul. I hope you are finding some comfort with the books, after a busy week. All good here, in Chicagoland.
252PaulCranswick
Thanks Mark. Always good to see you here.
254karenmarie
I hope your weekend is going well, Paul.
255weird_O
Passin' through, Paul. I'm sure you'll stoke up your mojo. I need to goose mine; I have a to-do list that stretches to infinity...and beyond.
256richardderus
Crank it up, make that new space & fill it twice.
257PaulCranswick
>253 bell7: Thank you Mary. I fell asleep at 10 pm!
>254 karenmarie: If I sleep so long and irregularly it will pass me by completely, Karen!
>254 karenmarie: If I sleep so long and irregularly it will pass me by completely, Karen!
258PaulCranswick
>255 weird_O: I sometimes look at the acres of books Bill and despair! Other times I ponder them with such joy and expectation.
>256 richardderus: Good thinking, dear fellow. Seen you have made your own new space and I shall be there soon to help yer fill it up.
>256 richardderus: Good thinking, dear fellow. Seen you have made your own new space and I shall be there soon to help yer fill it up.
260PaulCranswick
>259 ronincats: Lovely to see you, Roni.
I think SWMBO is going a little stir crazy to be honest as she rounded on me quite forcefully this morning when I informed I was going to breakfast and bookstore.
I think SWMBO is going a little stir crazy to be honest as she rounded on me quite forcefully this morning when I informed I was going to breakfast and bookstore.
261banjo123
Happy weekend, Paul! Hope you enjoyed your breakfast and bookstores, and have your family home soon.
262PaulCranswick
>261 banjo123: I did enjoy it, Rhonda and I made almost Cranswickian additions considering that 4 of my 8 additions were in hardback. Unusual for me these days.
263PaulCranswick
Here is what I bought ......and why.
109. Black Out by Ragnar Jonasson (2011)
110. The Street by Ann Petry (1946)
111. 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak (2019)
112. Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips (2019)
113. Weather by Jenny Offill (2020)
114. How to be an AntiRacist by Ibram X Kendi (2019)
115. Dominicana by Angie Cruz (2019)
116. This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga (2018)
Blackout I bought because I realised that the book published 2nd in English translation in the Dark Iceland Series is not in fact the second in the series; it is this one. Ann Petry was added for the November AAC and also because I haven't seen that famous book in print in Malaysia before. Elif Shafak's book was shortlisted for the Booker last year and Julia Phillips was a National Book Award finalist. Offill's book has stellar reviews and is shortlisted for the Women's Prize as is Dominicana. As an interesting aside the books are shelved in the store alphabetically by author in sections. Angie Cruz's book was right next to a book of certain notoriety by Jeanine Cummins and to which he book has been compared as an example of authenticity of voice. Kendi's book has been read by almost all the group and it is fresh into the stores here and finally Dangarembga's book is Booker Longlisted despite being released nearly two years ago in the USA.
109. Black Out by Ragnar Jonasson (2011)
110. The Street by Ann Petry (1946)
111. 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak (2019)
112. Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips (2019)
113. Weather by Jenny Offill (2020)
114. How to be an AntiRacist by Ibram X Kendi (2019)
115. Dominicana by Angie Cruz (2019)
116. This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga (2018)
Blackout I bought because I realised that the book published 2nd in English translation in the Dark Iceland Series is not in fact the second in the series; it is this one. Ann Petry was added for the November AAC and also because I haven't seen that famous book in print in Malaysia before. Elif Shafak's book was shortlisted for the Booker last year and Julia Phillips was a National Book Award finalist. Offill's book has stellar reviews and is shortlisted for the Women's Prize as is Dominicana. As an interesting aside the books are shelved in the store alphabetically by author in sections. Angie Cruz's book was right next to a book of certain notoriety by Jeanine Cummins and to which he book has been compared as an example of authenticity of voice. Kendi's book has been read by almost all the group and it is fresh into the stores here and finally Dangarembga's book is Booker Longlisted despite being released nearly two years ago in the USA.
265Caroline_McElwee
I'm nearing the end of How to be an Antiracist, lots to learn, but some flaws I felt Paul.
I enjoyed 10 minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World, and have three others in the mountain, the Offill will probably be consumed soon.
I enjoyed 10 minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World, and have three others in the mountain, the Offill will probably be consumed soon.
266PaulCranswick
>265 Caroline_McElwee: I plan to read four of those this month, Caroline including How to be an Antiracist. I suspect our British outlook and the American outlook on race are slightly different as the experiences of people in those two countries are of course dissimilar. I will go into the book with an open mind and knowing that I surely have a lot to learn.
267aspirit
>192 PaulCranswick: I've been wanting to read that book, too. Sitting Bull was a fascinating person. I have Black Elk Speaks about another famous Lakotan but, as much as I want often ignored realism in fantasy, I struggle with the horrors of history.
Our current world is cycling through historic problems with too much ease. The BLM movement is easily ignored and spun by conservatives (predominantly Republicans) as false news to excuse rioting. It's little surprise with White supremacists in power across the USA that Native Americans get little attention during a pandemic disproportionately hurting the tribes.
There was a blip of political advocacy and news immediately before the pandemic that focused on the murder of women, I think was feeding off #MeToo talk and the conversations about presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren. But I haven't seen anything about that (likely worsened) situation since March.
https://www.coloradoindependent.com/2020/02/18/missing-murdered-native-american-...
The disregard for human lives is frustrating. I'll exclaim here with you, "NATIVE AMERICAN LIVES MATTER."
Our current world is cycling through historic problems with too much ease. The BLM movement is easily ignored and spun by conservatives (predominantly Republicans) as false news to excuse rioting. It's little surprise with White supremacists in power across the USA that Native Americans get little attention during a pandemic disproportionately hurting the tribes.
There was a blip of political advocacy and news immediately before the pandemic that focused on the murder of women, I think was feeding off #MeToo talk and the conversations about presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren. But I haven't seen anything about that (likely worsened) situation since March.
https://www.coloradoindependent.com/2020/02/18/missing-murdered-native-american-...
The disregard for human lives is frustrating. I'll exclaim here with you, "NATIVE AMERICAN LIVES MATTER."
268PaulCranswick
>267 aspirit: Yes, that tag is better than mine. NATIVE AMERICAN LIVES MATTER.
Lovely to have you stop by.
Lovely to have you stop by.
This topic was continued by PAUL C INTO THE ROARING 20S - Part 19.
