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

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

That sounds like fun Rosemary! Enjoy!

Shōgun V1

I just starting Book 2 ch.10. The story is very engaging! What the author does really well is capture the differences between the Japanese and western cultures. He lets you know what they think about each other’s action, which don’t make sense to them, and their own motivations. I think this one thought by Blackthorne, in reference to Yabu, touches on a theme that will be present throughout the book. “I admire that bastard, and detest him.”

I’m on ch. 7 and really enjoying it. I must have watched the first episode of the new TV series because I distinctly remember one dramatic/disturbing scene. But, I don’t know what happens after that so I obviously didn’t watch the whole series. I like the explanation of the Japanese culture and their political system. It’s fast-paced and is keeping my interest!

I took advantage of a store sale plus my membership perk and book sales credit and picked up all of these books for $8!

The World of Yesterday and Beware of Pity, both by Stefan Zweig
menagerie Manor by Gerald Durrell This is one that my library doesn't have in any format. I love the illustrations! I listened to one of his other books A Zoo in My Luggage and missed out on the illustrations.
Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier I am a big Daphne fan but have never heard of or seen this one. It looks like a fun summer read! I feel like I need something entertaining and not too serious right now.

Book Nerd wrote: "Pam wrote: "I watched the 1970s mini-series and remember liking it."
From what I've heard that one was all from Blackthorne's point of view. The book has a lot of the Japanese character's POVs as w..."

Good to know! I'll be sure to pay attention to the POV aspect. I think it will be a quick read despite its 2 volume length.

I started reading it last night. I recently bought the 2 volume edition. I lucked out and got one volume at half price. I watched the 1970s mini-series and remember liking it. My husband has read the whole Asian Sagan series and recommended them to me. I don’t have time to read all of them but hope to get through Shōgun!

Welcome Anusha and ERae! This group will help you will find SO many classic books and authors you’ve never even heard of! Jump in and join the discussions and challenges.

Welcome to our new members!

We are having a little cool down (highs in the low 80s) for a few days after record-breaking 100+ temps. I hope everyone has a good week! Stay cool.

Lesle- I also use the Merlin app. I learned about it when I went on a bird-watching hike. I love it! The most interesting bird I’ve identified with it is a snowy egret. Not a common bird here in Albuquerque.

I watched the 4 episode Masterpiece TV show Miss Austen. I thought it was pretty good. I previously didn’t know anything about Austen’s family life.

I’m glad to hear that Piyangie! I’m on page 44. I got distracted and started reading something else but getting back to it this weekend.

Luís -The Lisbon Book Fair sounds great! I would go if I lived there. Hope you enjoy it! Santa Fe has its annual literary festival this weekend but I waited too long to buy tickets and all the sessions I’m interested in are sold out. That’s what I get for procrastinating!

I’m reading Comet in Moominland by Tove Jansson. I love the illustrations!

Sorry Lorraine that I forgot to mention the title of the TV show! Thanks Pyangie for filling in that info. I liked the show but I don’t think it covered the whole book since they didn’t renew it for a 3rd season. I started the book last night and am enjoying it. I have the Vizetelly translation.

There is a TV show titled Miss Austen, about Jane Austen and her sister, premiering tonight and streaming on Masterpiece on PBS.

Kathy - I never knew what the word svengali meant although I’ve heard the word. I can’t help thinking of Svengoolie (tv show). Also, I assumed that Trilby was a man (I guess because it sounds like a man’s name to me) before I read the book cover. I hope it’s good! I’ll probably start it on Sunday.

I didn’t realize that the word svengali (meaning a person who, with evil intent, dominates, manipulates and controls) came from this book.

Lorraine- The TV show was a BBC One production that came out in 2012 and was broadcast in the U.S. on PBS’s Masterpiece in 2013. There are 2 seasons.