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

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

Hi Mbuye, I understand your sentiment! I’m also reading the English edition. I’m not attempting any classics in Spanish unless I have the English edition to check for translation. But, the problem with that is that it takes twice as long to read! I like reading in Spanish but it’s much more work for my brain, which is probably a good thing for me! But, not as enjoyable when it feels like work.

How far are you? I’m still on the first page! I’m going to have to try reading during the day instead of the evening. My eyes are getting too tired at night and I can’t concentrate.

I’m just starting The Death of Artemio Cruz by Carlos Fuentes. I’m also hoping to continue reading the new translation of The Lost Steps by Alejo Carpentier. My ILL copy came in today. I’ve previously read ~1/3 of the original translation. I’m having a hard time finding time to read and then, when I have the time, I can’t keep my eyes open!

Karin- Best wishes for your brother’s recovery. ❤️

We actually had a good view of the eclipse at 78%. The entire sky was cloudy but there were a few patches of blue with wispy clouds passing through right where the sun was. Nothing like the ring of fire we saw last October but still pretty cool.

Lesle - that’s too bad you will be at work during the eclipse. Maybe slip out for a break? I was just looking at the eclipse map and thinking that you and Rosemary are on the eclipse path. We are in the 80% area and it’s supposed to be cloudy all day so not sure if we will see anything other than it getting darker. Well, I hope someone in the group gets a good view!

Thank you Leona. ❤️ Mike - Thanks for sharing about your little one. Such a cute age! 😀

I’m glad to see some interest! I think this will be a really good one. My hold came in a few days ago but I haven’t started it yet. From what I’ve read about it, it is heavily influenced by Orson Welles' Citizen Kane movie, and uses literary parallels to Welles' techniques. I may watch that movie after reading the book to look for the similarities.

Today is International Children’s Book Day! Who is celebrating by reading a youth book? We are having a beautiful day after a rainy and cool day yesterday. I’ll probably take a walk down by the river this afternoon. That’s always relaxing and therapeutic!

Welcome to our newest members Craig and Montse! Glad you found our group and look forward to hearing about which classics you are reading! 📚

I did find the 2023 new translation of The Lost Steps and put in an ILL request for it. I’m currently reading Pessoa: A Biography by Richard Zenith. It’s good but really long with lots of historical information about Portugal and its African colonies. I’m just taking it one chapter/day (75 chapters). I also started The Penguin Book of Italian Short stories (40 different authors) edited by Jhumpa Lahiri.

I’m reading the short story The Ambitious Ones by Elsa Morante. It was first published as Le ambiziose in the magazine Oggi on Dec 6 1941.

Mbuye wrote: "Pam, I intend to read the Carlos Fuentes this month, but I am already reading three books from the others in this month's choice of books. I like the Latin writers (but perhaps Ernesto Sabato not s..."

Mbuye - I'm glad that you plan to read it also! I thought that I owned this one but was surprised that I didn't so I'm waiting for a library hold to come in. I wasn't that crazy about Sabato either. I've read a few short pieces by Fuentes and enjoyed them, Aura in particular.

Thank you Blueberry, Jeremy, and Mike! I do have lots of fond memories - 60 years worth! We had been talking every day for the last few years so it's sad to not have that short phone call just to check in with each other.

On the bright side, my husband and I are empty nesters again, after a 5 year stretch, since our daughter and grandson just moved out of our home. They are less than 10 minutes away so I'm sure we'll still see them often.

Happy April Fool's Day everyone! Hope you don't get pranked!

I do plan to read this book this year but won't likely get started until May. I have a few library books (Latin American classics) on hold that I want to read first. I am really looking forward to it but need to not have any distractions (i.e. other books). This book is my husband's all-time favorite! He's been encouraging for me to read it for many years. I also have the Christine Donougher's translation. I hope everyone enjoys it!

April's read is The Death of Artemio Cruz by Mexican author Carlos Fuentes. Published in 1962, the book takes the reader on a journey through Mexico's modern history through the reminiscing of a 71 year old man on his deathbed.

Please share your thoughts on this book!

Thank you Karin, Kathy, and Lesle for your sentiments. I greatly appreciate it. There were times I would joke with my dad that he was going to outlive me but other times I recognized that he was getting weaker physically and wasn’t going be around much longer. We had just started talking about a move to assisted living so we avoided that decision. Now, we have to decide what to do with the house. Fortunately, my 2 brothers are helping with all of the work relating to the house and settling his estate. My brother, who lives in town, was able to take his kitten who has already adjusted to his new home and another cat as a companion and likes the “catio”. That makes me happy!

I like your idea Lesle about a Don Quixote thread! I will do that.

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. ❤️ Chad - I hope you do decide to read Don Quixote! I usually need some motivation to read long classics. This is one I started a few years ago. One of our city library branches had an amazing Don Quixote display with all types of artifacts and rare copies of the book. I think that’s what piqued my interest, maybe.

I've had a difficult week. My father went to the ER with stroke-like symptoms on Thursday and, sadly, passed away on Palm Sunday. It all happened very fast but we are thankful that he didn't have prolonged suffering or debilitation. He was 89 and had a great life and kept his sense of humor, even in the ER. It's very sad knowing that we won't have any more conversations or visits. I've learned a lot from him during these last few years since my mom's passing. He was courageous, optimistic and still reading, learning and discussing ideas up till the end. One of his favorite books was Don Quixote so I plan to read it, in his memory. I remember that he would have tears in his eyes from laughing about scenes in the book.

Thanks Chad! I’m going to try to find the 2023 translation through ILL. None of the library systems I use have any editions! I had bought a used copy. I got frustrated with having to constantly look up words. Even my husband didn’t know them and he is a walking dictionary! I do want to finish it, though. Maybe later this year! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Chad - Are you reading the new 2023 translation of The Lost Steps? I struggled with the writing of the original translation and didn’t finish it last year but I’d like to read the new one. I was interested in the story but I felt like the writing was dense with a lot of obscure words. I’m curious what you think about it!