Ken’s Comments (group member since Jan 21, 2020)

Ken’s comments from the The Obscure Reading Group group.

I did see that. Apparently Paul Rudd's copy arrived too late to join the discussion. In my email of regret, I addressed him as "Paul the Obscure," to which he replied, "Very funny."

Buying through the Bookshop website supports local bookstores (vs. The Evil Bezos Empire) but only gets you 10% off:

https://bookshop.org/books/abigail-97...

And Sandra, I loved your poem, too. It has two of my favorite elements: memories and trains.

Like you, Kathleen, I swore off buying books due to the runaway expenses my little habit caused. But now that the libraries are shuttered and I do not do the Kindle thing, I've been nudged back into the buying habit.

Book Buyers Anonymous meetings aren't even being held anymore! What's an addict to do?

Sue wrote: "I just put the book on hold but don’t know if there is a list. Hopefully it will come in a couple of weeks."

Are your libraries open, Sue, or is it just e-versions online they're allowing?


Candi wrote: "I've read The Door and had a mixed reaction to it. However, I so admired Szabo's writing that I immediately added this book to my list when it first appeared on my radar. I'm looking forward to rea..."

Great to see the anticipation. Me, too!

Hmn. Saw the excitement when The Door had its moment in the sun a while back here on GR but never considered reading it. If Abigail wins me over, though, you can bet I'll step through that Door, too.

Jan wrote: "Ken wrote: "Whew! Not sure why those three words -- title, author first name, author last name -- are in a brain blender for me."

Sounds good, Ken. (I hope your coffee was delicious.)
I'll start ..."


Yes. I probably won't start to read this until 10 days or a week before June 1st.

That way it'll be fresh as newly-baked sourdough bread in the old brain.

Whew! Not sure why those three words -- title, author first name, author last name -- are in a brain blender for me.

Oops. Pre-coffee. Let me fix.

Anticipation no more!

Yesterday's plea to the last 6 members who had not voted tempted only one voter and THAT voter, whomever it was, broke a three-way tie between Abigail, The Custom of the Country, and The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze..

And so, The Obscure Reading Group goes from Hardy to Hungary for its June read. I ordered the nyrb paperback, newly translated by Len Hix, this a.m.

Our first decision, once I get it, is how to divide it. It's either a 2-week discussion of around 180 pp. each or a 3-week discussion of about 120 pp. each, depending on most folks' inclination.

If you're interested in the poll results, I edited it by clicking something that said it would no longer be hidden, but can only see it myself if I click POLLS in the upper right menu on the group's homepage. See if that works for you, too.

Thank you to all 22 of 27 who voted (whomever you are, as I only see votes, not voters). That's a percentage the U.S. would LOVE to see in November's election. Please. Don't make me do the math!

Here is the official reading schedule for the Obscure Reading Group's June selection, Abigail by Magda Szabó. I have provided pages of the nyrb edition edited by Len Rix and chapter headings for those using alternate editions / translations:


JUNE 1 - JUNE 7 We will discuss the material below...

nyrb edition = pp. 3 - 114

START: "Gina Is Sent to Boarding School"

END: at the end of "Disaster. The General"




JUNE 8 - JUNE 15 We will discuss the material below...

nyrb edition = pp. 115 - 234

START: beginning of "At the Hajda Patisserie"

END: at the end of "Documents"




JUNE 16 - JUNE 23 We will discuss the material below...

nyrb edition = pp. 235 - p. 333

START = beginning of "Christmas"

END = of book.

Oh great, Sue. Glad you found it and voted. We're up to 19 out of 27. Doubt we'll get everyone, though. Hope I'm wrong, but just being realistic.

Hi, Candi. Great to see such a great reader here! (And kudos to Laysee for extending the invite!)

Scroll to the bottom of our Group Page's Home and you'll find the poll for our June book. Before voting, click the book cover images below the vote bars to go to each book's page, where you can read a summary and get an idea of what the book is all about.

If you have questions, add them here or message me!

Ken

2020: The year of voting. With all your might!

This is it, the last 24 hours to nominate a book for June's Obscure Reading Group selection. I will put up a poll tomorrow morning around this time.

P.S. Kathleen: Thanks. Doggie seems better but has not curbed his visits outside. Old plumbing. It leaks more than new, they say.

:-(

Yes, Diane and Fergus, they are worth the time and effort. My alpha guy has finally mellowed. Sweet sixteen will do that to a dog. But man, the nose. He could sniff outside 24/7. There's no end to his nasal curiosity.

Back from the vet, BTW. Add UTI to his troubles. Aye, Dios, as they say in Chihuahua.

I understand, Carol. But as you say, pivoting to one old habit at a time might be something to look forward to!

Sorry about the kitty. Is it the profile pic kitty?

My dog is going for "curbside service" at the vet today. Ear infection. Second one in 3 months. Must be a 16-year-old dog thing. Talk about the circle of life! This guy has become my full-time job in recent months, especially his need to go outside (think "old plumbing").

I just shot out a group message to all members of TORG. Yeppers. Time to nominate June books for a poll. The plan, in a nutshell:

One week to nominate a single book (if you wish).

Three days to vote in a poll.

Remaining days of April plus May to obtain and read book.

Discussion begins on June 1st!