June 2016 Open Pick Nominations

[Portia]

Casceil wrote: "This is one reason moderator picks are often recent releases. On the one hand, recent releases are more expensive and harder to get from libraries or used book stores. On the other hand, with older..."

I've had the book on my shelf for a while and haven't gotten to it so you'll have at least one fresh read for the discussion.

[Hugh]

Linda wrote: "... what is the McCarthy book?" I think it was Remainder. Zadie Smith was setting up McCarthy and O'Neill as polar opposites in terms of possible futures for the novel and I think both books were their authors' most recent when her essay was written.

[Lily]

Casceil wrote: "This is one reason moderator picks are often recent releases. On the one hand, recent releases are more expensive and harder to get from libraries or used book stores. On the other hand, with older books there is always the risk that too many people have read them..."

If people are willing to engage in the discussion, distance in time can give a perspective that up close, at the same time, reading does not.

Hugh makes me want to look for Zadie Smith's essay. In contrast, as Netherlands' cricket-subplot attracted Hugh, it rather turned me away from the book. (In the amount I read, the author hadn't given me whatever would have been needed to gain interest.) I had not read Netherlands previously and pulled it from the library in hopes of joining the June discussion. A quick read (skim) has not convinced me I want to spend more time with it versus other books calling "consider me." But I am curious as what led to its choice and will follow the discussion here for at least that understanding.

[Hugh]

I certainly wouldn't criticise a nomination just because I have already read the book, and like Lily I think allowing a certain distance can be helpful. I'm looking forward to the discussion on Netherland - for me cricket is very much a subplot in a book that addresses bigger issues, and you don't need to know much about the game to follow it.

[LindaJ^]

I certainly was not criticizing the pick. And I like when we have a not-so-new book to discuss. I rarely re-read but the discussions always bring the book back into focus. And, as noted, I remember a whole lot more about Netherland that makes sense to me - including the cricket, which was sort of fun!

[Whitney]

In 21st Century Literature news, an interview with Viet Thanh Nguyen, the author of The Sympathizer on Fresh Air.

Also, the close runner up for the Open Pick The Vegetarian won the the Man Booker International Prize. Way to pick 'em, people!

[Lily]

Thx for the info, Whitney!

[Portia]

Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: "How about The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen?"

Kirsten, have you read it yet? I've read the first 100 pages in the hardcover and I can see why it's won all those prizes. Thank you for nominating it. I am really looking forward to the discussion as well as your comments.

[Kirsten]

I haven't started the audiobook yet. I nominated because what I've heard, but also because I had bought the audiobook months ago when Audible had it as their daily deal.

[Hugh]

Portia wrote: "Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: "How about The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen?"

Kirsten, have you read it yet? I've read the first 100 pages in t..." I have just got hold of a paperback copy so I will definitely participate in this discussion - looks interesting...