Pam’s Comments (group member since Jul 12, 2018)

Pam’s comments from the Never too Late to Read Classics group.

Brian - I don’t think it is at all vain to think your reviews are of help to other readers.

Leona - I don’t write a lot of reviews except for books I won or ones that I feel strongly about. If I didn’t like it, I’m just honest but in a constructive way. Some reviewers are really insulting, which I don’t find helpful. I can’t tell you how many negative review I’ve read about books I loved and vice versa! I look for specific reasons supporting their views. It’s amazing to me how different people’s reading tastes are but that’s great for authors.

Lesle - I don’t think I have added any of my books to the challenge yet but I haven’t read that many this year. I’ll add them by the end of the month.

I’m glad that some of you are experiencing nice weather! It’s still hot here. Highs between 95-97 for the next 10 days at least. I’m really looking forward to fall!

Chad- A 9 year old for 1 week isn’t too bad. Should be fun for him getting away from his parents and doing some different things! I would’ve loved to have done that as a kid! The kids here went back to school last week so summer is over for them! This is the earliest start time ever.

Is anyone planning to watch the meteor shower tonight?? We may have too many clouds and too much light pollution in the city but I’m going to try anyways.

I just found the Zoo book for free on Internet Archive so I was able to see the illustrations. I’ve paused listening to it but will get back to it soon! The narrator does a great job with the Fon’s voice.

That sounds like fun Chad! Hope you both had fun! There’s so much to do in NYC. How much time do you have?

That sounds like a nice day Lesle! Mine was productive but not relaxing, until now. I worked on cleaning out my dad’s garage. Lots of trash and another visit to Goodwill with donations! I think we will need to rent a dumpster or hire a service to haul off junk. There’s too much stuff!

We are finally in our monsoon season. It’s nice getting some rain in the evenings.

I’m 60% done with the audiobook and enjoying it! Does the book have illustrations? I’d love to see pictures of the animals.

Chad - I couldn’t find any other English translations. I thought this one was really good!

Samantha wrote: "Pam, I hope the narration is good!"

I hope so too, especially since I don't really like audiobooks. I started listening to one when I walk at the gym and that seems to work for me. My problem with audiobooks is falling asleep so, if I'm moving, I'm good! My problem now is remembering to bring my AirPods with me to the gym! I'm going to start it today.

I’m planning to listen to A Zoo in My Luggage. Audiobook is the only format my library has. I’ve been meaning to read this book and my Family and Other Animals for awhile. Looking forward to it!

Awesome Jenna! I hope you enjoy it. After you read it, you might consider watching the old movie adaptation with Bette Davis.

Welcome Jenna! I also enjoyed The Painted Veil, as evidenced by my GR rating, but I don’t actually remember it! My favorite book for decades was Maugham’s Of Human Bondage. It’s one of the few books I’ve read twice. If you haven’t read it, I recommend it! Also, have you read the recent novel The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng? Maugham is one of the main characters. It’s really good, also! Look forward to seeing which classics you’re reading!

I’m listening to From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, one of my childhood favorites.

Lesle - Yes, the athletes devote so much of their lives to training and competing! It’s their passion. I have a lot of admiration for world class athletes, which I guess is why I enjoy the Olympics so much. The American men’s gymnastics team just won my heart! I love them. Seeing their joy and energy and support for their team members makes me happy. 😃

I finished today and thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s now one of my top 3 favorite Latin American novels. I found the political struggles (the old guard vs the new guard) and the personal relationships/entanglements to be really intriguing. I loved the character Gabriela! Such a free spirit. I hope I can find the movie and see how she is portrayed. I’m looking forward to reading some more of Amado’s works.

Thank you Chad for your glowing review! I never did get back to it but might try again this fall. Do you plan to read any more of his books?

I’m watching the Olympics opening ceremonies LIVE instead of waiting for the prime time coverage tonight. The athletes are all coming in on boats! It’s very cool! 😎

I’m just starting the 4th chapter (55% mark) and still enjoying it! I’ll add some general comments this weekend. I read that the book was considered scandalous in the town at the time it was published. I’m not surprised! I thought it was interesting how the most dangerous thing in town was a married woman! Also, while people tend to think of women as being gossipy, the men in this town can certainly hold their own! I can see where this book is great material for a telenovela and a movie.