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

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

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!

Hi Nike! Glad to see you in this group, also! I thought you were already in it. 😀 Hope you find some good classics to read with us!

Kathy - I really enjoy coming-of-age stories also! I read Krik? Krik! in 2021. I don’t remember it but I must have had mixed feelings since I didn’t rate it. That’s the only book I’ve read by Danticat. I’ll probably read something else by her now that I have more exposure to Caribbean literature.

Thanks Kathy! I’m looking forward to reading it in a few days. I usually like these types of stories. The rhyme makes sense that it could be related to the title.

Thanks Lesle!

So, 9 days later I buy more books 🙄! My husband convinced me to buy Don Quijote de la Mancha (the Spanish edition)! That will be a year-long project for me to read. I plan to read it side by side with my English edition. I also bought Pessoa: A Biography by Richard Zenith. It was published in 2021 but covers the years 1888-1935. It is 1,055 pages, another project for me - to read it plus Fernando Pessoa’s The Book of Disquiet. I also bought Justine by Lawrence Durrell. It is the first book in the Alexandria Quartet. I already have the 2nd book so I figured I might as well get the first one.

Kathy wrote: "I've just finished Crick Crack, Monkey. I read the introduction last, which cleared up some of the relationships of the characters.

The main character, Tee, is caught between two wo..."

What did you think of the book Kathy? I thought I saw you gave it 4 stars. Is it clear what "monkey" refers to? I still haven't started it.

Glad to see you are joining us Lesle! I skipped the intro. It looked like it gave away too much of the story. I’m reading something else right now but hope to get back to this one on the weekend. It’s pretty short so I might just read it on Sunday.

I agree that Dune 2 definitely had some differences from the book. I still liked it but I thought it was way too loud. Chalamet and Zendaya were really good!

I have Chéri and The Last of Chéri by Colette that I plan to read in April.

I tend to buy books at my library. Each branch has a shelf of books for $1-$2. They only display books in excellent shape. The rest they put up for sale at their monthly big sale at the main library. I find new books that don’t look like they’ve even been opened. I don’t dare go to the big book sale! The last time I did, I came home with 45 books! I can’t risk that happening again! 😂 For me, 2024 is going to be a year of downsizing rather than acquisition. But, I do like to see what the rest of you are adding to your libraries!

Luís - Looks like it will be an interesting election! I hope the “best” candidate wins.

It feels a little early, even here, to start soccer! It’s still in the 30s and 40s in the mornings when they play. My grandson moved up to the next age group 7-8 year olds so there was more skill instruction and the game was more interesting to watch!

Our cherry trees started blooming a few days ago. They’re really beautiful. We have pink ones and white ones throughout my neighborhood. 🌸🌸🌸

Luís - Yes, soccer not American football! Soccer is very popular with American kids. We also have a professional soccer team, NM United, here in Albuquerque. I think it’s the only professional sports team in our state.

I just started Crick Crack, Monkey by Trinidadian author Merle Hodge today. It’s our March Latin American read. I hope a few others will join us in reading this one! I skipped the intro because it seems to be a summary of the book.