Gary’s Comments (group member since Jul 26, 2009)

Gary’s comments from the The Importance of Reading Ernest group.

We are discussing ISLAND IN THE STREAMS. Any comments? Have you read it?

Very interesting question, Adam....and I wonder if he did that to take the attention off himself ,due to it being known as autobiographical?? I believe Ernest would have denied it, or because it was published after his death that the editors and his wife Mary, may have done that? Just throwing out ideas here, cause I truly don't know the answer to that one? Anyone? Anyone?

Adam wrote: "Finally jumped in. First thing I noticed right away was the similarity of the first sentences to those of "A Farewell to Arms". It's crazy how much more engaging the first few chapters have been c..."

Yeah, amazes me how people criticize Hemingway, and other classic literature,and then love the crap most authors put out there these days.....I like the challenge of a very well written book.....

I had forgotten...man, that's been a long time ago!

Martin Luther King? Yeah, I remember Gary Hart and the affair.... did that happen on the island too? LOL.

Kevin wrote: "I just visited Bimini with my daughters and met a few people who knew some Hemingway stories. The old dock that is featured at the first of the story is still there. The area looks much the same as..."

I'd love to go because of Hemingway,and also Twain hung on the island as well.....

Other thoughts and ideas on Bimini section?

I found the pages flying as fast as I could read on the fishing part of the story....it was quite intense. Fantastic writing from Papa, in my estimation.

I have read that this book is quite autobiographical. Dividing it up into sections starting with the Bimini section..... the main character's story is heavy on his relationship with his sons....heavy on fishing for sport,and how it goes fishing for big fish in the Caribbean.....seems pretty autobio to me..... other opinions?

Start the discussion , folks,whenever you are ready. ;-)

Michael wrote: "I'll try to start at the beginning of June. I'm just finishing up Absalom, Absalom!"

Great book!

Awesome, Michael!

I have this book up for the discussion for the group now....hopefully more members will read it and discuss!

Reading now.

Lisa, the word fragile....have you not seen the movie A CHRISTMAS STORY? You must! One of my favs,and so funny!

I really need to read this book. I promised a friend to read something else together,and discuss it...but I swear this is gonna be my next one. I am itching to hit some Hemingway.....

Gregory....I just love your comment! Bravo! Don't hold back, tell it like it is , bro! Bring it on...give us more.....

I totally agree with your comments, Lisa. Hemingway is so much more...... then many people give him credit for....

beautiful fragility about her. Pronounce that word.....is it Italian??? A CHRISTMAS STORY! DON'T SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT, KID!

"Pilar" was a nickname for Hemingway's wife Pauline and also the name of the woman leader of the partisan band in his 1940 novel of the Spanish Civil War, For Whom the Bell Tolls.