Bob's 2019 I May Regret This Bingo Challenge

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

The whole song is hauntingly tragic, these maybe the most distressing lyrics I've ever read. As savage as nature can be only man is capable of evil. And this song shines as an example of how extreme mans evil nature be.

Southern trees bear strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.

Pastoral scene of the gallant south
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh.

Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop

Billie Holiday - Strange Fruit Lyrics

Thanks to Sara's review I listened to Nina Simone's version on YouTube, quite moving.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

The song and the book force us to look at something that we would be much more comfortable turning away from. It is important to recognize what was, and important to see what has changed, and even more important to guard against anything like this ever being again.

[Tammy]

It was very brave (and controversial) for Billie Holiday to perform this song in 1939. The song was not written by Billie but by a man named Abel Meeropol, who has another link to history. He and his wife raised the Rosenberg children after their parents were executed.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Equally brave for Lillian Smith to write this book, I think. Love the historical info, Tammy. Thank you.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Can't resist putting this link here to Abel's story. Amazing!
https://www.npr.org/2012/09/05/158933...

[Tammy]

I'm a sucker for trivia. Thanks for sharing the link. I think about this song all the time.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Thank you both for sharing.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Heartbreaking discussion, but one that still needs to be talked about. There is just too much hate still in the world.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

My 13th square and my first Bingo, O2: Classic Sci-fi or Fantasy-Foundation

I was surprised to find out that prior to this I have only read one by Isaac Asimov, that being I, Robot just two years ago. When I was a kid Asimov, Clarke, and Heinlein were the giants. I wonder why I didn't read more sci-fi when younger. How do you get to be in your late 50's before read one of the greats.

On a side note, this was a much lighter read then my last book

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Not to take anything away, Bob, but anything would be lighter than your last book. :)

I have never read Asimov, but I am not a fan of sci-fi in general. I had intended to read this with the group, but it seems the book the library reserved for me was not Foundation, but Foundation Prelude, so I will either put this off yet again or try to get hold of the right book before the end of the month.

[MK]

^5 on bingo !! :))

I still haven't read any Asimov yet. Surprised me as well, particularly since I do love sci fi ...

[Kathleen]

Bob, I remember when those authors you mentioned were big, but I missed them too. I'm hoping to fit Foundation in this month. Congrats on the bingo!

[Pink]

Congrats on your first bingo!

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Currently reading one I can't use for Bingo, Kindred, but with only 60 pages left, it is really good.

I am also currently reading Crime and Punishment which I will use for B4: Telegraph’s 100 Novels List. Only finished part one, so it will be awhile before my next Bingo.

[Milena]

Bob wrote: "Currently reading one I can't use for Bingo, Kindred, but with only 60 pages left, it is really good.

I am also currently reading Crime and Punishment which I will u..."

I am glad to hear you like Kindred, Bob. It's making me really excited for next month's read, I already have it waiting on my Kindle. I am using it for classic sci-fi/fantasy.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I'm doing a lot of reading that won't fit, Bob, but hopefully that will change in the next few weeks. I hope you are enjoying C&P, it is sometimes like mining with a pickaxe to read Dostoevsky, but there is gold to be found.

[Rachelnyc]

Bob wrote: "Currently reading one I can't use for Bingo, Kindred, but with only 60 pages left, it is really good.

I am also currently reading Crime and Punishment which I will u..."

I was pleased to see the group will be reading Kindred next month since that was on my TBR for this year. I was planning to use it for the science fiction prompt.

[Milena]

Rachel, we are kindred spirits.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I'm glad to see the interest in Kindred, while I’m not finished, so far it is a terrific story and smoothly written. I love time travel. I will be reading more of Ms. Butler’s work.

[Lynn, New School Classics]

Great job on your Bingo! We do read some serious books when reading classics, so every so often it's good to read something a little more light and fun.

[Rachelnyc]

Milena wrote: "Rachel, we are kindred spirits."

I see what you did there! lol

Bob, glad to hear you're enjoying it. I enjoy time travel books as well and have been looking forward to reading it for awhile.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

My 14th square, G3: Classic Non-fiction-Farewell to Manzanar, 4/19/19, still only one bingo.

This story is well written and informative, its an easy recommendation.

This may not meet some people’s standard of “classic” but its 47 years old and my conscience is clear. This is a subject that has intrigued me since elementary school. Being too young to be overly prejudiced I found it incredible that the government could just imprison its citizens.

Lesson learned? Government is not always good or benevolent, but is a power that can do both good and evil, it's capable of causing great harm. I’ve never been trustful since. Government is made up politicians, and to keep it clean remember Mark Twains words-

“Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”
― Mark Twain

[MK]

The Japanese internment camps are hard to fathom. Or, incredible, as you said, is a better word.

Great review!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

You can always count on Twain to get it right, and with some humor to keep you from crying. I've added this to the TBR...stories we need to read because we need to be vigilant.

[Sue]

I see it took you 13 squares to get your first BINGO Bob. I don't feel so bad now. I'm at 13 and still don't have one but it's only one away now.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I have fourteen, Sue, without a bingo. I seem to be missing one for each direction. However, when we start to bingo, we will do it constantly.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

MK wrote: "The Japanese internment camps are hard to fathom. Or, incredible, as you said, is a better word.

Great review!"

Thanks MK, the book is short but well worth the time to read.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Sara wrote: "I have fourteen, Sue, without a bingo. I seem to be missing one for each direction. However, when we start to bingo, we will do it constantly."

You got to love Twain, he would poke society with a sharp stick to make them think, all the while people just smiled during their lesson.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Sue wrote: "I see it took you 13 squares to get your first BINGO Bob. I don't feel so bad now. I'm at 13 and still don't have one but it's only one away now."

Sara wrote: "I have fourteen, Sue, without a bingo. I seem to be missing one for each direction. However, when we start to bingo, we will do it constantly."

Just luck, I had no idea it was a bingo until I posted. Number two may take a while. B4 will be Crime and Punishment, not a fast read. And driving me a little nuts at the moment.

[Laurie]

Crime and Punishment is driving me nuts too. I knew going in that Dostoyevsky and I don't get along well, but I am determined to finish. Then he and I can go our separate ways forever.

[Terris]

I have read 10 books with no Bingo!
AND Crime and Punishment is also driving me nuts!! So I guess we're kind of in the same boat. At least I'll get to mark it off of a list that it's been on for a long time!!

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

It sure feels good to know that I’m not alone with my struggle to read C&P. I took the last two full days off, didn’t even look at the cover, but I will finish it.

[Tammy]

Crime and Punishment took me three separate tries over a 15 year period. I got about 30% done the first two times. Last year I got the audio and that got me over the hurdle. I listened to about 50% and then I ended up reading the end of the book (because the audio was taking so dang long). And I actually ended up really liking it after all that!

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

My 15th square and my second bingo, B4: Telegraph’s 100 Novels List-Crime and Punishment, 5/3/19

I'm mulling this one over, I need to write a review, but this is one I may lack the skills to review. Whatever I end up doing it was worth the time and effort.

Like Tammy, in the end and overall I liked it, a lot.

[Pink]

Congrats on another bingo and finishing Crime and Punishment!

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Pink wrote: "Congrats on another bingo and finishing Crime and Punishment!"

Thanks

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I just went over the squares I have left. this is going to get harder. Until now I have read a book and it does or doesn't fill a square. Most till now have found a square to call home.

From here on I will have to find a book to fill the square. I guess that's why it's called a challenge.

[Pink]

Yep, it’s all fun at first, then it gets real!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Exactly the point I have reached as well, Bob. I will have to step outside the comfort zone to finish the challenge. But, I agree, that is why we take the challenge on in the first place.

I was torn about what to read for the South American prompt, but now I have two great suggestions from others and I'm torn about which one to choose. I like this dilemma better. lol.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Sara wrote: "Exactly the point I have reached as well, Bob. I will have to step outside the comfort zone to finish the challenge. But, I agree, that is why we take the challenge on in the first place.

I was t..."

I agree, having to choose from interesting known list books fitting a square is much better than having to hunt for a book interesting enough to attempt reading just because if fits the square.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I've started N1: South American Classic- Love in the Time of Cholera

I'm at page 52, some say that if they are not grabbed by now they abandon the book. For me it is just to early to tell, it hasn't grabbed me yet. This is one I will most likely finish regardless of my new found plan to not finish books that don't grab me in the first 100 pages. I need this book for two challenges and old habits die hard. I don't think I could come up with 10 books I've ever stared and not finished.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I pushed myself through it, Bob. In the end, I would rank it among the worst books I have ever read...it wasn't the reading of it, the style was fine, the writer is skilled, but the story, for me, was repulsive.

[Lynn, New School Classics]

After spending more time on trying to find a book for the the South American square than all the others combined, I decided to read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I found a copy at my library. I have managed to read 4 other things while it sits on the side table. But I did check it out.

Bob perhaps a different book?

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I guess this is a case of being between the proverbial rock and a hard place. There are very few people on Goodreads whose opinion I unreservedly trust. This leaves me thinking that I should just throw this book out. If I had a replacement I believe I would. But I don’t. Being forewarned I'll hope the cuts to my mind aren’t too deep and the scaring is minimal.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

You'll survive. lol. I understand, Bob. I finished it because of a challenge as well. And, who knows, maybe you will have a different reaction--many have.

[Renee]

Sara wrote: "I pushed myself through it, Bob. In the end, I would rank it among the worst books I have ever read...it wasn't the reading of it, the style was fine, the writer is skilled, but the story, for me, ..."

Ouch! I still have this on my TBR, but if you guys hated it so much...

[Paula W]

Renee wrote: "Sara wrote: "I pushed myself through it, Bob. In the end, I would rank it among the worst books I have ever read...it wasn't the reading of it, the style was fine, the writer is skilled, but the st..."

Yep, it’s on my TBR for the year and I have put it off for this very reason.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I’ve finished the first 105 pages, which only covers the first two chapters. The writing style is solid enough I know I will push through and finish the book. After 100 pages I can’t say I dislike the book, nor can I say I like it. The fact is that nothing substantial has happened yet, so I’m still in discovery, will it or won’t it be worthwhile, Only time will tell.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Love in the Time of Cholera, status:

The definition of procrastination- I last picked this book up a week ago. That's a lie, I've picked it up and set it down for anything else, lots of short stories and even news feeds. Tomorrow I resolve to not only pick it up but read at least 100 pages.

[Sue]

Good luck Bob! I've been like that with Pale Fire. I have yet to abandon a book since joining Goodreads, but it may be my first. Not that it's especially bad, it's just not my cup of tea and the only edition I could get has such a small font that even with reading glasses, it's hurting my eyes.