Task #17: Read a classic by an author of color

[Kirsten]

Also, Carol, wouldn't it depend what the Reader's color was? Shouldn't an African-American read a book from a different perspective? Say, a Jewish or Asian one? Or am I misreading this?

[Carol]

Kirsten *Make Margaret Atwood Fiction Again!" wrote: "Also, Carol, wouldn't it depend what the Reader's color was? Shouldn't an African-American read a book from a different perspective? Say, a Jewish or Asian one? Or am I misreading this?"

Kirsten, BookRiot's goal was to expand the view of "classics" to get beyond the predominance of white folk, which influences readers' classification of what is and isn't a classic. Here's a link to the task description.
https://bookriot.com/2017/01/10/read-...

From the standpoint of how they defined the task, the identity of the reader was not defined. I'm not really a color-within-the-lines kind of reader, but am a fan of each reader determining for herself or himself what works meet each task. I tend to defend others' choices, though, when they are challenged, when it's admittedly none of my danged business. :)

Your thoughts?

[Elyse]

I don't think it has anything to do with the reader's color. It doesn't say read a classic by an author of a different color than yourself...

[Bonnie G.]

Sorry, I thought this was in the POV thread, but it is also not written by an author of color, and its a stretch to call it a classic since its about 10 years old and not super widely read. ETA to add I just read the comments on this thread and was really saddened. I am a Jew and have never heard anyone but a neo-Nazi refer to Jews as people of color, but I guess that is what some people think.

[R.]

Yikes, I certainly don't want to align myself with anything remotely neo-Nazi or anti-semitic!

I asked simply because I'm going to read Life and Fate anyway, but it's almost 1000 pages long and will take me a while to read, so I was hoping it would fit into one of this year's challenges so I wouldn't be behind schedule. This was the only challenge I could see it fitting, but I didn't know if Jewish people were considered People of Color or not.

Thanks for your replies -- I'll read a different book for this challenge!

[Kirsten]

Bonnie wrote: "Sorry, I thought this was in the POV thread, but it is also not written by an author of color, and its a stretch to call it a classic since its about 10 years old and not super widely read. ETA to ..."

I never could figure that out. How Hitler and some Nazis thought it was ethnicity and even if they converted Christianity they were still Jews... But then he was just warped.

I recently read that took place in the Tsarist pogroms and it was just disgusting the things they believed about the Jews.

[Bonnie G.]

Kirsten *Make Margaret Atwood Fiction Again!" wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "Sorry, I thought this was in the POV thread, but it is also not written by an author of color, and its a stretch to call it a classic since its about 10 years old and not super widel..."

True indeed. My grandmother had parents, 13 brothers and sisters and 7 sisters/brothers in law and only she and one sister and one brother survived the pogroms.

[Carol]

Bonnie wrote: "Sorry, I thought this was in the POV thread, but it is also not written by an author of color, and its a stretch to call it a classic since its about 10 years old and not super widely read. ETA to ..."

Several Jewish friends of mine on this platform place themselves and fellow Jews in that category -- as a positive identification, e.g., they identify with voices often marginalized and viewpoints frequently discounted by majority white cultures. The 500 Great Books by Women group here has a few threads with personal challenges to read women of color and the discussion on this point has been enlightening, positive and respectful. The general consensus is, who are we to dictate to a Jewish reader or author that he or she is not a person of color, if that's who he/she identifies?

[Bonnie G.]

Carol wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "Sorry, I thought this was in the POV thread, but it is also not written by an author of color, and its a stretch to call it a classic since its about 10 years old and not super widel..."

I will exit this, I find the designation offensive not because its is a bad thing to be a POC, but because it follows the Nazi narrative that Jews are non-European. If your freinds are comfortable with that it is their choice, but they might want to do some research.

[Tanya C.]

I would definitely think that Jewish voices have been marginalized at certain times, but not that they would count as POC.

Calling them PoC does feel the way Bonnie said it to me as (sadly) when they were equated it was to show that they were "less than".

[[deleted user]]

Everyone agrees, it seems, that Kindred counts in this category, but what about Dawn? I know it's written almost a decade later (1987), but it is definitely a classic in the speculative fiction community. What do y'all think?

[Bonnie G.]

Maggie wrote: "Everyone agrees, it seems, that Kindred counts in this category, but what about Dawn? I know it's written almost a decade later (1987), but it is definitely a classic in t..."

I would count just about anything from Octavia Butler!

[Teresa]

I'd also count anything by Octavia Butler. And, just to make us all feel old (lol), 1987 was 30 years ago.

[Carol]

Teresa wrote: "I'd also count anything by Octavia Butler. And, just to make us all feel old (lol), 1987 was 30 years ago."

That's just so cold of you. :)

[Teresa]

LMAO! I'm out of breath!

[Bonnie G.]

Carol wrote: "Teresa wrote: "I'd also count anything by Octavia Butler. And, just to make us all feel old (lol), 1987 was 30 years ago."

That's just so cold of you. :)"

LOL, it does hurt to think I was not just alive but IN LAW SCHOOL at that time. I need to go grab my cardigan and my Metamucil.

[Carol]

Bonnie wrote: "Carol wrote: "Teresa wrote: "I'd also count anything by Octavia Butler. And, just to make us all feel old (lol), 1987 was 30 years ago."

That's just so cold of you. :)"

LOL, it does hurt to think..."

I've got your AARP flyers over here on the table if you want to leaf through them this evening whilst sipping chamomile tea and knitting. I suspect we're a similar vintage.

[Bonnie G.]

Carol wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "Carol wrote: "Teresa wrote: "I'd also count anything by Octavia Butler. And, just to make us all feel old (lol), 1987 was 30 years ago."

That's just so cold of you. :)"

LOL, it doe..."

Let me throw on a pair of yoga pants and I will run right over.

[Kaa]

Ok, so if Octavia Butler and Samuel Delany count, what about The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez? It's more niche than either Butler or Delany (lesbian vampires!), and is only 25 years old, but it seems to be considered a classic of queer speculative fiction. (Or maybe I should move it to fantasy and finally read Dhalgren for this one?)

[Bonnie G.]

Ka wrote: "Ok, so if Octavia Butler and Samuel Delany count, what about The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez? It's more niche than either Butler or Delany (lesbian vampires!), and is only 25 year..."

I know nothing of queer vampyr speculative fiction (or straight vampyr speculative fiction for that matter) so I have no opinion, but it sounds like it ifills the bill based on your description.

[[deleted user]]

Bonnie wrote: "LOL, it does hurt to think I was not just alive but IN LAW SCHOOL at that time."

Ha! I wasn't very old in 1987 but when I was in my first year of law school my partner was in 8th grade and THAT always makes me feel sufficiently ancient.

[Henriette]

Maggie wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "LOL, it does hurt to think I was not just alive but IN LAW SCHOOL at that time."

Ha! I wasn't very old in 1987 but when I was in my first year of law school my partner was in 8th gr..."

I recently realized that my younger brother literally doesn't remember 9/11. We talked about trauma literature and I mentioned 9/11 in a "well, that changed everyones life, we all remember where we were when those planes hit those towers". And he looked at me with a blank stare and said "no, I was 4 years old. I don't remeber." And he is a (kind of) grown up! I meen - he can drive, vote, buy alcohol at bars.
There are grown up people out there who doesn't remember 9/11! That made me feel SO old!

Well, he makes me feel old often. He is my mother's child with another father and therefore is somewhat younger than the rest of us. He don't recall what the floppy disc is (well, theoretically he does - we have explained it - but he has never used one) and he doesn't even remember the Nokia 3310 phone!
Kids!

[Brooke]

Henriette wrote: "Maggie wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "LOL, it does hurt to think I was not just alive but IN LAW SCHOOL at that time."

Ha! I wasn't very old in 1987 but when I was in my first year of law school my partne..."


I already feel old when I wake up every morning - my bones & joints play a symphony for me daily - so this thread didn't help. Thanks, folks! And for the record, I am still several years away from my AARP card, but last night I had chamomile tea while wearing yoga pants and doing a crossword puzzle. ;-)

[Carol]

Brooke wrote: "Henriette wrote: "Maggie wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "LOL, it does hurt to think I was not just alive but IN LAW SCHOOL at that time."

Ha! I wasn't very old in 1987 but when I was in my first year of la..."
oh, man, your last evening apparel and activity sounds perfectly perfect.

[Bonnie G.]

Maggie wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "LOL, it does hurt to think I was not just alive but IN LAW SCHOOL at that time."

Ha! I wasn't very old in 1987 but when I was in my first year of law school my partner was in 8th gr..."

LOL, you cradle robber you!

[Bonnie G.]

Henriette wrote: "Maggie wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "LOL, it does hurt to think I was not just alive but IN LAW SCHOOL at that time."

Ha! I wasn't very old in 1987 but when I was in my first year of law school my partne..."

That is staggering! But my son (who turned 18 yesterday) has no memory either, and he can now vote as well.

[Bonnie G.]

Brooke wrote: "Henriette wrote: "Maggie wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "LOL, it does hurt to think I was not just alive but IN LAW SCHOOL at that time."

Ha! I wasn't very old in 1987 but when I was in my first year of la..."

LOL, some people just grow up (old) faster :)

[Yrinsyde]

Bonnie wrote: "Sorry, I thought this was in the POV thread, but it is also not written by an author of color, ..."

I find it really interesting that people are trying hard not to be identified as POV and others are. When I found out that there were professional associations calling themselves ... of colour, I found it really sad and awful that people were calling themselves that. I don't identify as white - I find it offensive. It is very strange. I am part of a marginalised population though - disabled and have a chronic condition. But that is not how I identify myself.

What is a classic is also interesting. I guess it is something that has had an impact at the time or later and still has impact and is still being read. My choice might not fall into that category then LOL. Must look for another!

[Carol]

Yrinsyde wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "Sorry, I thought this was in the POV thread, but it is also not written by an author of color, ..."

I find it really interesting that people are trying hard not to be identified as ..."

It might be an instant classic! It's up to you.

[Viv]

I read Passing by Nella Larsen, which was first published in 1929. I thoroughly recommend the audiobook version, narrated by Robin Miles.

[Shawn]

I'm endeavoring to read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

[Zara]

What do we think about Fences ?

[Christy]

Shawn wrote: "I'm endeavoring to read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas."

I loved The Count of Monte Cristo, but I had no idea Dumas was a POC. Your comment led me to read a bit more about his life and my goodness! So intriguing. I need to find a biography of this man. The Read Harder Challenge expands my horizons yet again.

[Carol]

Zara wrote: "What do we think about Fences ?"

Definitely! Any of Wilson's plays belong in this category.

[Zara]

Carol wrote: "Zara wrote: "What do we think about Fences ?"

Definitely! Any of Wilson's plays belong in this category."

Terrific! Thanks

[Anna]

Christy wrote: "I loved The Count of Monte Cristo, but I had no idea Dumas was a POC. Your comment led me to read a bit more about his life and my goodness! So intriguing. I need to find a biography of this man."

I've been intrigued by a biography of Dumas's father: The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo. (It was recommended to me by friends, and I nearly read it for last year's challenge.)

[Bonnie G.]

Anna wrote: "Christy wrote: "I loved The Count of Monte Cristo, but I had no idea Dumas was a POC. Your comment led me to read a bit more about his life and my goodness! So intriguing. I need to find a biograph..."

Sounds fascinating. Thanks for the heads up.

[Christy]

Anna wrote: "Christy wrote: "I loved The Count of Monte Cristo, but I had no idea Dumas was a POC. Your comment led me to read a bit more about his life and my goodness! So intriguing. I need to find a biograph..."

Oh, yes, thanks for the heads up!

[Wellington]

I read God Help The Child by Toni Morrison. This was the first book I have read by her, but I will definitely check out other books. This was a fascinating book and I really like how the author interwove Bride's view with the people she comes in contact with. The writing was spare, but so evocative for me.

[Megan]

I finished the excellent Their Eyes Were Watching God yesterday.

[Tania]

I finished Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass today. It was a gripping look at the horrors of life as a slave, written as only a survivor could write it. Douglass had a command of his thoughts and language that any writer would envy. His powerful description of his life as a slave and excruciatingly slow progress in becoming a freed man demand attention from beginning to end.

[Chinook]

This has been a very interesting discussion - I can see all sides of the argument. I think it's a valid point that assuming the English canon to be everyone's canon doing this challenge is potentially incorrect and that what might be common vs underrepresented might then vary if you are doing this challenge as a person for whom the English classics/canon is not yours. I really appreciated reading the diverse opinions here and I think it's valuable to hear different perspectives from non-English language readers and non-North Americans.

[Kirsten]

I read Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler.

Scarily appropriate for this scary Trump time.

[Jessica]

I read Kindred. I loved it! So far, it's my favorite book I've read for this challenge.

[Bonnie G.]

Kirsten *Make Margaret Atwood Fiction Again!" wrote: "I read Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler.

Scarily appropriate for this scary Trump time."

I have never read any Octavia Butler, but your comment made me want to read Parable of the Sower. Thanks!

[Kirsten]

I'm glad. This was my first Octavia Butler and now I want to read more. I'm waiting for a copy of the next in the series to come in at the library.

[Erin]

Does Flight to Canada by Ishmael Reed count as a classic? I'm re-reading it for a paper I'm revising.

[Carol]

Erin wrote: "Does Flight to Canada by Ishmael Reed count as a classic? I'm re-reading it for a paper I'm revising."

Yes. Anything by Ishmael Reed would qualify.

[Nancy]

Brooklyn wrote: "Hmmm. Maybe I'll go with Kindred and double dip since I've already read it. Still undecided."

I just finished Kindred. I hadn't realized it would fit a challenge task—it was just one of those books I'd been meaning to read for years! So glad I finally got around to it. What a powerful book.

[Veronica]

I went with The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, because I had never read Baldwin and that seemed like something I needed to correct. Sadly, this book was far more applicable to current American culture than I would have liked and shows how little we have changed. It's an excellent short book that everyone should read. Full review here.