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Giorgia's 2015 Challenge
Julia wrote: "Giorgia wrote: " 8. Finland. Piccoli suicidi tra amici - Arto Paasilinna .
A group of people come together to talk about their lives and their desire to commit suic..."
This is odd. It would appear that it has not been translated into English. There's French, German and Spanish, but no English. I've searched for it on Amazon.com too and I've come up empty handed.
A group of people come together to talk about their lives and their desire to commit suic..."
This is odd. It would appear that it has not been translated into English. There's French, German and Spanish, but no English. I've searched for it on Amazon.com too and I've come up empty handed.
Thanks Giorgia I don't want you to have to go through the trouble, I'll keep checking on my end.
9. UK. Roverandom - J.R.R. Tolkien
A wonderful children's book.
The story behind it makes it even more endearing. Tolkien was on holiday at a seaside resort with his wife and young children. One day, one of them lost his favourite dog toy and was terribly sad. So Tolkien made up the story of Roverandom, a real dog who was transformed into a toy by a wizard. To become real again and return to his little master, Roverandom has to live through many wonderful adventures that take him on the moon, where a good wizard lives( and dragons and spiders too, obviosuly, or this would not be a Tolkien book) and then at the undersea palace of the King of The Sea.
A wonderful children's book.
The story behind it makes it even more endearing. Tolkien was on holiday at a seaside resort with his wife and young children. One day, one of them lost his favourite dog toy and was terribly sad. So Tolkien made up the story of Roverandom, a real dog who was transformed into a toy by a wizard. To become real again and return to his little master, Roverandom has to live through many wonderful adventures that take him on the moon, where a good wizard lives( and dragons and spiders too, obviosuly, or this would not be a Tolkien book) and then at the undersea palace of the King of The Sea.
10. Germany. Inkheart - [author:Cornelia Funke|15873
A fantasy novel about books for people who love books, written by an author who clearly adores books.
A fantasy novel about books for people who love books, written by an author who clearly adores books.
I'm stealing dely's idea of the colour map ;)
Mod
A fantasy novel about books for people who love books, written by an author who clearly adores books."
One if my favourite book from a great writer
Giorgia wrote: "I'm stealing dely's idea of the colour map ;)";D
Giorgia wrote: "I'm stealing dely's idea of the colour map ;)"Looks good! I also stole that idea :-)
Giorgia wrote: " A fantasy novel about books for people who love books, written by an author who clearly adores books."Inkheart is the best of the trilogy in my opinion. If you liked Cornelia Funke's style, you may also like The Thief Lord. This book is set in Venice (a city I adore), a well written YA that appeals to grown ups too.
I've just realized that I've actually read the thief lord many years ago! I ... think I didn't finish it though. I wonder if I still have the book somewhere.
11. UK. Alice nel paese delle meraviglie - Lewis Carroll
I've always loved this story. I must read Through the Looking glass!
I've always loved this story. I must read Through the Looking glass!
12. Greece. Anabasi - Elleniche - Xenophon
I liked the Anabasis much better, it was so adventurous! I could have done without Xenophon praising himself at every occasion, but still, I get why he was proud of himself.
I liked the Anabasis much better, it was so adventurous! I could have done without Xenophon praising himself at every occasion, but still, I get why he was proud of himself.
13. Sweden. Per Olov Enquist - The Royal Physician's Visit
I became aware of this book after watching the film "A Royal Affair". It's a great film, I highly recommend it.
The book is very different form other historical novels I've read before. Enquist chose a style that reminded me more of non-fiction, very matter of fact, with constant references to letters or journals written by the people who witnessed the facts narrated. The characters's descriptions are very powerful. Especially for the 4 main players in this game of power: Struensee, King Christian, Queen Caroline Mathilde and Guldberg. The gaps that history left about them are brilliantly filled by Enquist's pen, even if they are obviously to be taken as fiction.
I became aware of this book after watching the film "A Royal Affair". It's a great film, I highly recommend it.
The book is very different form other historical novels I've read before. Enquist chose a style that reminded me more of non-fiction, very matter of fact, with constant references to letters or journals written by the people who witnessed the facts narrated. The characters's descriptions are very powerful. Especially for the 4 main players in this game of power: Struensee, King Christian, Queen Caroline Mathilde and Guldberg. The gaps that history left about them are brilliantly filled by Enquist's pen, even if they are obviously to be taken as fiction.
14. Latvia. Road-side Dog - Czesław Miłosz
Ehh... not my cup of tea. It was a collection of thoughts on... basically everything... by the author. Perhaps if one knows the author already then it may be of greater interest.
Ehh... not my cup of tea. It was a collection of thoughts on... basically everything... by the author. Perhaps if one knows the author already then it may be of greater interest.
Mod
Ehh... not my cup of tea. It was a collection of thoughts on... basically everything... by the author. Perhaps if one know..."
I had the exact same reaction to that book Giorgia. That was the only thing I'd read by him as well. I'm guessing a different book would've been a better starting point.
Greg wrote: "Giorgia wrote: " 14. Latvia. Road-side Dog - Czesław Miłosz
Ehh... not my cup of tea. It was a collection of thoughts on... basically everything... by the author. Per..."
It's good to hear you felt the same, Greg! I think it's so difficult to rate a book such as this because it feels like I'm rating the author personally rather than just his work, so I really struggled to decide on how many stars to give it.
Ehh... not my cup of tea. It was a collection of thoughts on... basically everything... by the author. Per..."
It's good to hear you felt the same, Greg! I think it's so difficult to rate a book such as this because it feels like I'm rating the author personally rather than just his work, so I really struggled to decide on how many stars to give it.
15. Italy. Zerocalcare - Dimentica il mio nome
This graphic novel is nominated to the Premio Strega, Italy's most prestigious literary award, and so deservingly. It's a step up from Zerocalcare's usual wit and fun, it's touching and moving, adventurous, relatable. I absolutely loved it!
This graphic novel is nominated to the Premio Strega, Italy's most prestigious literary award, and so deservingly. It's a step up from Zerocalcare's usual wit and fun, it's touching and moving, adventurous, relatable. I absolutely loved it!
16. Italy. Nicola Lagioia- La ferocia
This book too is nominated to the Premio Strega. Many think it will win. I personally didn't enjoy it so I'm not rooting for it.
This book too is nominated to the Premio Strega. Many think it will win. I personally didn't enjoy it so I'm not rooting for it.
17. Italy. La profezia dell'armadillo - Zerocalcare
Good, not as great as Dimentica il mio nome. It shows how much the author has matured.
Good, not as great as Dimentica il mio nome. It shows how much the author has matured.
18. UK. Neil Gaiman&Terry Pratchett - Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
I've had SO MUCH FUN reading this. I can definitely see Gaiman's hand in the 4 knights of the apocalypse and Pratchett's sense of humor, especially when it comes to Them and the witch hunters. This really made me want to read more from both authors.
I've had SO MUCH FUN reading this. I can definitely see Gaiman's hand in the 4 knights of the apocalypse and Pratchett's sense of humor, especially when it comes to Them and the witch hunters. This really made me want to read more from both authors.
Mod
Good, not as great as Dimentica il mio nome. It shows how much the author has matured."
Funny to think that if you mature you get not better but worse works!!!!
I find his stripps hilarious, I don't so much like hi longer works
LauraT wrote: "Giorgia wrote: "17. Italy. La profezia dell'armadillo - Zerocalcare
Good, not as great as Dimentica il mio nome. It shows how much the author has matured."
Funny..."
Oh, no ...I meant that Dimentica Il mio nome is better and more mature than La profezia. The story is more complex, other characters stand alone and have a voice of their own and are not merely there in function of Zerocalcare. I also enjoyed Dimentica il mio nome better from a visual standpoint. I think the black and white works better than color, and when there is color, that's red and it's there for a precise purpose.
Good, not as great as Dimentica il mio nome. It shows how much the author has matured."
Funny..."
Oh, no ...I meant that Dimentica Il mio nome is better and more mature than La profezia. The story is more complex, other characters stand alone and have a voice of their own and are not merely there in function of Zerocalcare. I also enjoyed Dimentica il mio nome better from a visual standpoint. I think the black and white works better than color, and when there is color, that's red and it's there for a precise purpose.
21. UK. Chocolat - Joanne M. Harris
I liked the film much better. It is so uplifting, a real feel good movie. The book on the other hand is darker and the relationships formed seem less profound than the ones in the film (with the exception of Armande, who dies anyway). Of all the differences between the book and the film, the one that bugs me the most is that at the end Vianne and Anouk leave Lansquenet and all their friends there ... and I really don't understand how that is a better story than settling down and having a family with a young and good looking Johnny Depp.
This is not to say that I didn't enjoy the book. It is a nice book, but the comparison with the film sinks it.
I liked the film much better. It is so uplifting, a real feel good movie. The book on the other hand is darker and the relationships formed seem less profound than the ones in the film (with the exception of Armande, who dies anyway). Of all the differences between the book and the film, the one that bugs me the most is that at the end Vianne and Anouk leave Lansquenet and all their friends there ... and I really don't understand how that is a better story than settling down and having a family with a young and good looking Johnny Depp.
This is not to say that I didn't enjoy the book. It is a nice book, but the comparison with the film sinks it.
22. UK. V for Vendetta - Alan Moore
I have mixed feelings about this graphic novel.
The story and the writing are great but the art was very confusing and not a favourite of mine compared to other graphic novels I've read before.
I have mixed feelings about this graphic novel.
The story and the writing are great but the art was very confusing and not a favourite of mine compared to other graphic novels I've read before.
Giorgia wrote: " 22. UK. V for Vendetta - Alan Moore I have mixed feelings about this graphic novel.
The story and the writing are great but the art was very confusing and not a favouri..."
I felt the same about this one.
23.UK. The Lollipop Shoes - Joanne Harris
Vianne left lovely Lansquenet and has built a new life for herself and her 2 daughters in Montmartre, but she's a completely different person from Lasquenet, abjuring magic and not making chocolate anymore but BUYING it (the horror).
Things change when evil witch, murderer and con artist Zozie enters their lives. Will they succumb to this evil sorceress, albeit amazing chocolate maker herself, or will good prevail and charming Roux get a chance of love with Vianne? Find out after too many pages, secondary story lines of characters not even as lovable as the ones in Chocolat, a teenage Anouk who talks like a thirty-year old, and a lesser villain, who dares to suggest that a child with a genetic disease should be checked by a doctor (how silly of you, don't you know incense is the ultimate panacea!).
The more I think about it the more I think 3 stars are too much.
24.FRANCE. The Red and the Black - Stendhal
Soooooo slow. I really dislike Julien, the main character, just a pompous social climber and black guard. Mathilde (lover number 2) is completely nuts. She likes Julien when he ignores her or when he goes for the sword when she tells him they're over, but when he's nice to her she loathes him.
The master scene: "I'm you slave, you're my master. Punish me!" - You've got nothing on The red and the black, 50 shades!
Vianne left lovely Lansquenet and has built a new life for herself and her 2 daughters in Montmartre, but she's a completely different person from Lasquenet, abjuring magic and not making chocolate anymore but BUYING it (the horror).
Things change when evil witch, murderer and con artist Zozie enters their lives. Will they succumb to this evil sorceress, albeit amazing chocolate maker herself, or will good prevail and charming Roux get a chance of love with Vianne? Find out after too many pages, secondary story lines of characters not even as lovable as the ones in Chocolat, a teenage Anouk who talks like a thirty-year old, and a lesser villain, who dares to suggest that a child with a genetic disease should be checked by a doctor (how silly of you, don't you know incense is the ultimate panacea!).
The more I think about it the more I think 3 stars are too much.
24.FRANCE. The Red and the Black - Stendhal
Soooooo slow. I really dislike Julien, the main character, just a pompous social climber and black guard. Mathilde (lover number 2) is completely nuts. She likes Julien when he ignores her or when he goes for the sword when she tells him they're over, but when he's nice to her she loathes him.
The master scene: "I'm you slave, you're my master. Punish me!" - You've got nothing on The red and the black, 50 shades!
I loved chocolat. It's a shame to hear you didn't like the sequel so much
Heather wrote: "I loved chocolat. It's a shame to hear you didn't like the sequel so much"
I have hope for the third book, in which Vianne goes back to Lansquenet.
I have hope for the third book, in which Vianne goes back to Lansquenet.
I LOVEd Chocolat, but I've been warned that the sequel wasn't as good so I stayed away :-)I have read other books from Joanne Harris with different levels of enjoyment as a result. Someone on GR suggested Gentlemen and Players and I've added it to my TBR
25. Italy. Via Ripetta 155 - Clara Sereni
This was on the longlist for the Premio Strega. It's an autobiography focusing on the years 1968-1977. If it had been more about this crucial historical time and less about the author's personal life it would have been very interesting, and definitely more fascinating than it ultimately was.
This was on the longlist for the Premio Strega. It's an autobiography focusing on the years 1968-1977. If it had been more about this crucial historical time and less about the author's personal life it would have been very interesting, and definitely more fascinating than it ultimately was.
26. France. Villa triste Patrick Modiano
I picked this up at the library because it was on display on the "recently acquired" shelf and I wanted to read Modiano because of the Nobel Prize. This is one of his early works and I really didn't like it. It's a very boring read, it reminded me of the most static parts of Fitzgerald and Gatsby, but here there is no tension, it's all very bland.
I picked this up at the library because it was on display on the "recently acquired" shelf and I wanted to read Modiano because of the Nobel Prize. This is one of his early works and I really didn't like it. It's a very boring read, it reminded me of the most static parts of Fitzgerald and Gatsby, but here there is no tension, it's all very bland.
27. Italy . Sei personaggi in cerca d'autore - Luigi Pirandello
A classic theater play. More grim than I remembered it to be
28. Cyprus . Bitter Lemons of Cyprus - Lawrence Durrell
This was a very nice surprise. I was a little skeptic about the travel literature genre, but it turned out this book was just delightful. From one perspective it is a dreamy recollection of the beauty of Cyprus, its story and the colourful inhabitants that Durrell befriends. On the other end it's an insightful analysis of a critical time in Cyprus, the enosis, the movement to gain political and territorial autodetermination and possibly join Greece.
A classic theater play. More grim than I remembered it to be
28. Cyprus . Bitter Lemons of Cyprus - Lawrence Durrell
This was a very nice surprise. I was a little skeptic about the travel literature genre, but it turned out this book was just delightful. From one perspective it is a dreamy recollection of the beauty of Cyprus, its story and the colourful inhabitants that Durrell befriends. On the other end it's an insightful analysis of a critical time in Cyprus, the enosis, the movement to gain political and territorial autodetermination and possibly join Greece.
I always felt that my reading list was UK heavy and now I have the proof of it.
29. UK. The Casual Vacancy - J.K. Rowling
When news first broke that Rowling had written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith I didn't understand why she would do that, considering that people flock to buy her books because of her name recognition. Now I understand why. While The casual vacancy is a perfectly fine novel, I constantly had to remind myself not to be disappointed because it wasn't the Rowling I have come to know and love. There are drugs, sex, child neglect, corruption and a whole lot of awful things that are real and we all see around us. It's also very bleak.
I was originally going to rate it 3 stars, but then I thought " If this wasn't written by Rowling, if there hadn't been a little voice in my head constantly reminding me how different this was from Harry Potter, would I still have given it 3 stars?". No, so I gave it 4.
Still... I think that if your imagination can conjure the wonderful world of Harry Potter, so magical and original and fantastic, why would you want to put it aside forever and write... well, it was basically Skins (the TV show).
29. UK. The Casual Vacancy - J.K. Rowling
When news first broke that Rowling had written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith I didn't understand why she would do that, considering that people flock to buy her books because of her name recognition. Now I understand why. While The casual vacancy is a perfectly fine novel, I constantly had to remind myself not to be disappointed because it wasn't the Rowling I have come to know and love. There are drugs, sex, child neglect, corruption and a whole lot of awful things that are real and we all see around us. It's also very bleak.
I was originally going to rate it 3 stars, but then I thought " If this wasn't written by Rowling, if there hadn't been a little voice in my head constantly reminding me how different this was from Harry Potter, would I still have given it 3 stars?". No, so I gave it 4.
Still... I think that if your imagination can conjure the wonderful world of Harry Potter, so magical and original and fantastic, why would you want to put it aside forever and write... well, it was basically Skins (the TV show).
30. Uk. Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman
I love London Below, the concept of it, the way it was described, the characters that inhabit it.
Now I MUST find the BBC radio dramatization - what a great cast! (And who can resist McAvoy's scottish accent?)
I love London Below, the concept of it, the way it was described, the characters that inhabit it.
Now I MUST find the BBC radio dramatization - what a great cast! (And who can resist McAvoy's scottish accent?)
Correction, so far this year I've actually read 16 books by american authors (as in from the USA), which definitely beats the 10 from the UK, so it would be more accurate to say that my reading list predominantly features English-speaking authors.
31. UK. Far from the Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
Read back in May, I had forgotten to add it here.
Ehm... I would have picked Baldwood. I hated Troy! Hated! And Oak was fine, I mean, he was like the safe choice, he's smart and kind and patient.... the fact that the book opens with him kind of gives away the fact that he's going to end up with Bathsheba in the end.
32. Ireland. Colm Tóibín - The Master
I might seriously love this kind of historical fiction/biographies. I've never studied Henry James at school, so I was surprised to learn that he had 2 brothers who fought in the civil war and that at the time of Oscar Wilde's trial he was himself a successful homosexual writer, so ithat chapter was really interesting.
I feel like I've heard the name Minnie Temple before... but I have no idea where I could have heard about James' cousin.
The depiction of smart women in this book is brilliant. Now I must read something by Constance Fenimore Woolson, I was captivated by her story.
Read back in May, I had forgotten to add it here.
Ehm... I would have picked Baldwood. I hated Troy! Hated! And Oak was fine, I mean, he was like the safe choice, he's smart and kind and patient.... the fact that the book opens with him kind of gives away the fact that he's going to end up with Bathsheba in the end.
32. Ireland. Colm Tóibín - The Master
I might seriously love this kind of historical fiction/biographies. I've never studied Henry James at school, so I was surprised to learn that he had 2 brothers who fought in the civil war and that at the time of Oscar Wilde's trial he was himself a successful homosexual writer, so ithat chapter was really interesting.
I feel like I've heard the name Minnie Temple before... but I have no idea where I could have heard about James' cousin.
The depiction of smart women in this book is brilliant. Now I must read something by Constance Fenimore Woolson, I was captivated by her story.
33. UK. The Uncommon Reader - Alan Bennett
This was picked for the monthly read last august.
It must be Charles and Camilla's favourite book (view spoiler)
This was picked for the monthly read last august.
It must be Charles and Camilla's favourite book (view spoiler)
34. UK. Mort- Terry Pratchett
Very funny. So much better than Guards!Guards! in my opinion (and there's the monkey-wizard-librarian! I think it must be wonderful to read all the series and see the different characters from different cycles interact with each other).
Very funny. So much better than Guards!Guards! in my opinion (and there's the monkey-wizard-librarian! I think it must be wonderful to read all the series and see the different characters from different cycles interact with each other).
I'm going to read Mort next, Georgia. I'm glad you liked it
Heather wrote: "I'm going to read Mort next, Georgia. I'm glad you liked it"
Is it a re-read for you, Heather?
Is it a re-read for you, Heather?
I have at some point in my life read it but it was a while ago. I tend to remember the books well once I start
35. Italy .Terra ignota: Risveglio - Vanni Santoni
It has its ups and downs. I wanted to quit it so many times, but I'm glad I stuck to it because the end was spectacular.
I would say the "italian fantasy" experiment was successful, I'm definitely going to read more of it.
It has its ups and downs. I wanted to quit it so many times, but I'm glad I stuck to it because the end was spectacular.
I would say the "italian fantasy" experiment was successful, I'm definitely going to read more of it.
Me neither Laura -but apparently we're even friends on GR - I asked on the group GR-ITALIA if anyone knew any good fantasy novel by an Italian author and he was among the authors suggested to me. My final pick was between this and Eymirich l'Inquisitore - and ambarabà ciccì coccò decided I should read Terra Ignota first XD
I was very curious about Vanni Santoni's book, Giorgia. I used to follow him on his blog ages ago when he wrote very short pieces about various people (he then collected them all in a book called Personaggi precari, which I haven't read though). I thought his writing on the blog was very good. I don't even know if he still blogs. I think he even befriended me somewhere, maybe on Twitter or so. I might pick Terra ignota up sometime or other.
Marina wrote: "I was very curious about Vanni Santoni's book, Giorgia. I used to follow him on his blog ages ago when he wrote very short pieces about various people (he then collected them all in a book called [..."
That's very interesting! I've seen that he has published many books, different genres too.
That's very interesting! I've seen that he has published many books, different genres too.
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A group of people come together to talk about their lives and their desire to commit suicide. They decide..."
Hi Giorgia - sounds like a very interesting read. Do you know if there is an edition in English?