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

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

I finally got on my computer, rather than phone, and was able to access the Reader’s List, which is much more aligned with my reading. I’ve read 24 of them (7 of the top 10) and I’m happy to see Amor Towles and Abraham Verghese both on this list with 2 books each. Of the books I read, I loved all of them except for Station Eleven and A Man Called Ove, both of which were just ok for me. For #100, I much prefer Beartown by Frederick Backman to A Man Called Ove.

Luís - Have fun with your cousin!

That’s great news Karin! I always love to hear about people who can make a living in the music industry or at least do it on the side. The world is a much better place with music!

Wow Lesle, that is a tough work schedule! I hope you enjoy what you’re doing and get a break soon.

I had a nice morning at the zoo with my husband today. They have the cutest addition, a 27 day old flamingo!

I’m looking forward to the Olympics starting this Friday! Anyone else?? My favorite event is women’s gymnastics!

Thanks Jeremy! This week’s Book Riot podcast had a section on the creation of this list. (I fell asleep though and missed most of it.) I was surprised that I’ve only read 5 out of the 100 books but happy to see 2 of my favorites, which I read both in Aug 2022, on the list - My Brilliant Friend (Neapolitan series #1) and Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow. The 4th book in the Neapolitan series is also on the list and I plan to read it this year. The other 2 books that I loved on this list are The Friend and Demon Copperhead. Quite a few of the books are on my TBR (some I’ve started but never finished) but others I’ve never even heard of! I was surprised that Abraham Verghese and Amor Towles didn’t make the list. Big oversight, in my opinion.

I’m just starting Part 2 (page 171). I’m really enjoying it! I’d really like to see the movie, after reading the book.

That’s awesome Blueberry! Enjoy your time together!

Jen, Karin, and Blueberry - Glad you all will be joining in! I’ve only read the first chapter but hope to read some more tonight.

Daniela - Nice! Thanks for sharing. The 3 languages are so similar.

Luís, you are correct! It’s the same word in Spanish and Portuguese is why I got confused.

My ILL copy of Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon came in today. I’m excited to start it! I also own The Violent Land, which I HOPE to read soon. And, I picked up a used copy of Show Down, published in 1988 so not a classic, yet.

My copy came in today so I will get started! I’m happy to see positive comments. I like the rhyming aspect in the Spanish title of Gabriela and Canela (cinnamon). I frequently wonder about language nuances that are lost in translation.

I’m glad to hear that Luís! I’m still waiting but thinking I might buy a copy. I need something entertaining after just finishing The Three Body Problem trilogy!

I found a free copy of Trilby by George Du Maurier, father of Daphne. I haven’t read any of his works. I don’t know when I’ll have time to read it, maybe next year? Has anyone read it?

We are supposed to hit 99 tomorrow so another hot one! Fortunately, ours friends who throw a 4th of July party are holding it in the morning - continental breakfast at 9am and hot dogs for lunch. Happy 4th to all of our American members! Be safe and stay cool!

Welcome Luís! Glad you are going to join us!

Mbuye and Jen- I’m glad to see you are both interested also! This will be my first book by Amado. I’m interested to see how his writing compares to other Latin American authors.

Annette - Great! I requested a copy through ILL I hope it doesn’t take too long. The book sounds really good to me!

I enjoyed the movie, back in the '80s, but have never read the book. I will try to read it in September. I love that it is set in my home state of NM. I am looking forward to it and have it on my 2024 reading plan. Unfortunately, my reading for Jan-June hasn't gone to plan BUT hoping the next 6 months will be better!

For the months of July and August, we will be reading Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Brazilian author Jorge Amado. Originally published in 1958 in Portuguese with an English translation published in 1962, it is a tale of romance set in the small Brazilian town of Ilhéus during the 1920s. The book tells two separate but related tales – one of romance and another of the political struggle between the cacao plantation and the forces of modernization. It is widely considered one of Amado's finest works and has been adapted into 3 different telenovelas and a Brazilian movie. It sounds like a good summer read! Anyone interested in joining in the discussion of this book?

Source: Wikipedia