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

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

Once again, I love your original prompts!

I like several of these suggestions but I’m going to refrain from voting for more than one since I’m terrible about finishing long classics! I still have 2 I started in 2021 that I’m hoping to finish this year and several on the 2022 list that I still plan to read! I added a few of these suggestions to my TBR so thank you to the suggesters for the titles.

Any of you listen to podcasts? There is a one called A Readers History of Science Fiction. Episodes #17 and 30 are discussions on Arthur C. Clarke. Episode 17 mentions A Childhoods End. I don’t remember how much detail the host goes into. I’ll have to revisit that one! The host isn’t very dynamic as a speaker but, as a SF fan, I like the content.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a Scottish author, that I know of, so I’ll join in the fun! I’ll give The Beach of Falesá a try. I should have it in a few days from the library. Thanks for the suggestion Lesle.

I’m interested in Fortunata and Jacinta. I’ve read Vanity Fair and recommend it!

I like all of Amanda’s suggestions. What about O. E. Rølvaag? I remember reading Giants in the Earth in high school and really enjoying it. I haven’t read any any other books of his.

I’m definitely up for Fallada, Zweig, Kafka, Hesse, Grass, and Seghers. I’ll add some titles I’m interested in when I get home.

I’ve gotten to the point of a disturbing relationship. Although, if you look at the family tree, it’s not a surprise. Also, I’ve seen reviews which talked negatively about the inappropriateness.

Both my husband and daughter have asked me what the book is about. At page 71, I’m still not sure how to answer the question! It seems like it’s a family history over 100 years.

It’s great to see so many new members! Welcome Amanda, Kat, Sandy, Nora, and Cait!

I will have to get on the PC and check! I mostly use my phone for GR.

I read this book last October and really liked it! I took 2 pages of notes on the plot and am glad that I did since I forgot everything about it! I’m pretty sure that I did not see that ending coming. This is the only book I’ve read by Clarke.

What part of Germany Rosemarie? That sounds so fun! I had a last minute opportunity to go on a land and sea cruise in Alaska. I would be there now but I turned it down. Once I get the fall booster I’ll feel more comfortable traveling, especially on a cruise ship. I’m feeling a little disappointed but trying to make the best of my decision and do some fun local things. This morning I’m driving up to Santa Fe for a traditional music festival in the mountains. Looking forward to it!

Happy Sunday everyone! Enjoy!

This book is very different than anything I’ve ever read! But, I am enjoying it. I’m thankful that there is a family tree at the front of the book. I keep referring back to it, even in the beginning of the book. I’m on page 50. I found I need to read it without the TV on and have a solid block of uninterrupted time. It’s not the kind of book I can read while watching AGT. I have to really concentrate on what I’m reading. I do like the writing style. This is my first novel by Marquez. I read 1/2 of News of a Kidnapping, which is non-fiction, but for some unknown reason I didn’t finish it.

I read The Trumpeter of Krakow this year and enjoyed it.

I’m just getting back to this one. I’ll try to not to get distracted by library books and TV shows! I own the book but I put the audiobook on hold. I rarely listen to audio but this might be a good one to help me get through it. I like to do a combination sometimes of reading and audio.

I know nothing about Canadian classics other than Anne of Green Gables but am interested!

Leslie- I’m glad you are starting the process early since I’m already thinking about next year’s reading! I like the format used this year. I wish I could participate in more of the group reads, though. I keep finding new books at the library and putting the classics on hold! One suggestion I don’t like is high school reads since that’s what turned me off from the classics, especially British, for decades. I like the idea of a memorable protagonist. Has the group covered South American authors? What about theme of war/revolution?

So sorry to hear about your knee Chrissie! I hope it heals soon! I have The Tin Drum on my TBR. I’ve read one book by Günter Grass and enjoyed it. Glad you have lots of good reading material to keep your mind occupied!

Thanks Samantha and good luck w grad school! I’m finally getting rid of my 2 parrot cages. My bird died 5 years ago so I don’t know why I still had this large cage sitting in my loft. It feels great to have that space back. I’m going to keep at it every day, at least 15 minutes a day, until I’m satisfied.

The violence in the US is insane and really scary. I hope Mr. Rushdie recovers quickly and his injuries aren’t severe. Every day I wake up and think what crazy thing happened over night?!

On a much lighter note, I started my home declutter 101 project this week and have made great progress, and in the process I found my copy of Frenchman’s Creek, which I though maybe I had donated. I also found my garage clicker which has been missing for several years!