The Mookse and the Gripes discussion
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Booker Prize for Fiction
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2020 Booker Prize Speculation
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Amazon agrees but you have to click on hardback to see it - I shoukd have checked Waterstones because they don't offer many imports. Only one nomination so far (from Jo).
Transworld and Doubleday being I think the same publisher in case any confusion between Anto and I saying Doubleday and Hugh/Ang saying Transworld. So definitely eligible.
Why did I think Ali Smith had said she did not wish to be nominated for the Booker? I would have sworn we discussed that here a year or two ago?! I’m questioning my memory now. Well, I’m glad that isn’t true. I preordered a signed copy of Summer in February from Waterstone’s and have no idea if it has or will be shipped or if I used a credit card set to expire before publishing and they are a month behind in responding to inquires.
I also ordered The Liar’s Dictionary from Book Depo because it won’t be available here until Jan 2021 and just got an email telling me they completed the return on my order as requested, but I didn’t request a refund! The book gods have cursed me!
I am half-way through The Mermaid of Black Conch and loving it. I don’t know what will make the Longlist this year, but based on the lists posted here I have high hopes for a very good year.
Jo wrote: "I can't wait for Monday at midnight! This year I am trying to get a hold of every longlist book in signed 1st/1st edition. Does any one else share my excitement over a signed 1st?"I do, Jo! I’ve never been a collector of anything, but always thought being a rare book collector was a romantic idea. I discovered that it’s not out of reach to buy signed 1st/1st of modern fiction, of course there won’t be any monetary gain for me, quite the opposite in fact, but I justify my new passion by telling myself they might be worth something to my grandkids or great-grandkids one day.
WndyJW wrote: "Why did I think Ali Smith had said she did not wish to be nominated for the Booker? I would have sworn we discussed that here a year or two ago?! I’m questioning my memory now. Well, I’m glad that ..."I also had that idea about Ali Smith though I have a clearer memory that Kate Atkinson (who apparently is close friends with Smith) refuses to have her work submitted to prizes. I read that in an interview somewhere, but I don't know if the two got conflated in my head.
Jonathan posted it some time back Wendy - as its what she said to him and some other book bloggers (likely as Ang said out of frustration) on the day before the winner announcement the last time she was shortlisted (and she has not been listed for any prize since). Fingers crossed this will be the one. Summer is not out for another 2 weeks so I don't think they would post it yet.
I just took an Ali Smith Seasonal Quartet pilgrimage today.
Thank you! (I don’t have to take the very difficult cognitive test then. Phew.)Also good new about Summer, I thought it was due for release in July, was it pushed back due to the pandemic?
WndyJW wrote: "Why did I think Ali Smith had said she did not wish to be nominated for the Booker? I would have sworn we discussed that here a year or two ago?! I’m questioning my memory now."I remember the discussion Wndy, although it may have been just about "Winter" rather than all her future novels.
WndyJW wrote: "Also good new about Summer, I thought it was due for release in July, was it pushed back due to the pandemic?"
Yes - only a little (to 6th August)
I didn’t hear of Deacon King Kong, but I love James McBride so I will be getting it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Ella.This is a great thread! I’m really feeling excited about the Booker again. Long before I discovered the now defunct Shelfari I didn’t know any other Booker fans (cue the sad violin music,) or really anyone who read the type of fiction I enjoyed, so I would celebrate alone with my pen and notebook, adding the nominated books to my list of every Booker ever nominated, looking forward to the shortlisted books showing up at Half-Price bookstore where I could afford them. Now I have this whole group of Booker fans to discuss and cheerfully banter with about each title, I’m blessed to be able to buy the Longlist and even some signed first editions, and the time to read most of them before the announcements. The benefits of the “empty nest”: more of my time and money is my own.
The US news is scary right now, I’ve had sleepless nights over it, but for the first time since the pandemic broke out books are again a much needed respite and escape. I hope everyone else is able to settle enough to read these promising titles.
And of course our little Brutus who is sleeping on my lap as I type this makes the world a better place.
Ella wrote: "hmmmm - not a bad idea. Anyone else into doing a zoom chat? I have an account and could open a room and just leave it open for a day or so? (Not promising I'll actually take part, but I can open a ..."I am thinking we probably shouldn't pursue this. I wouldn't want to share email addresses here so the alternative would be posting a link but this is a public forum so a bit dodgy.
Wendy, I am glad you are enjoying Brutus. I have my very large cat on my lap but he does make it more difficult to read.
Mod
My previous book club did a few Zoom meetings during the lockdown and they would share the Zoom link by private message (it was on Facebook but I guess it would work here too) to the people that indicated they were interested, so it can be done without posting it publicly or sharing email addresses.
On the zoom yes the way to do it is share the Zoom link privately. It is also relatively straightforward to kick and ban from the zoom session any uninvited interlopers as it were. I’m also somewhat zoomed out doing many per day lately for both teaching, PhD supervision consultations with my students and meetings with colleagues. But also would be great to share the Booker excitement. I was thinking about have a wine and cheese at same time but a little too early here!
I am currently in a completely open plan barn where the sound carries so not sure how I would easily avoid waking the children (who do like the Booker but not enough to stay up to midnight!) - but I would be interested (even if I may need to be a largely silent participant).
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Hugh wrote: "I like the idea of the Zoom chat but not at midnight before a working day"True, a little easier here in Australia when will be Tuesday morning.
Jo wrote: "This year I am trying to get a hold of every longlist book in signed 1st/1st edition. Does any one else share my excitement over a signed 1st?"Jo
I also get a terrific amount of pleasure from collecting specific hard copies of books. I also try to get a first edition given the chance. My particular foible is the beauty and originality of the presentation of the physical book itself. I try to get American editions for American authors and UK versions for European/ Commonwealth authors.
Exceptions would be where I really prefer one image over another (I am still surprised at how infrequently the UK and USA covers are the same). Hana Yanagihara’s USA edition of A Little Life which I didn't like, being a case in point.
This year, of the Booker eligible candidates I rate Hamnet (Maggie O’Farrell) as my favourite dust cover and case. One of my 2020 favourites, The Wild Laughter (Caoillin Hughes) by contrast has a cover that I didn't like. I love the four covers and the wrap around style for Ali Smith’s seasonal quartet.
I know this is rather superficial, and agree that content is king in both a physical and an ebook, but I guess my interest is a legacy of my enjoyment of music “albums” . Abbey Road is one example (of many) where sound and moment are encapsulated in the imagery. The physical entity rather than a download adds to the overall experience for me.
I am similar but actually try to get US editions for UK / Commonwealth authors as well. I was thinking of A Little Life as I was reading your post and then you used that as an example. I really don't like that US cover. I didn't like the content either, but ended up with the UK edition as well because I thought it was going to win that year and spotted a 1st/1st in a shop.
My Booker predictive list based on qualifying books I have read this year and liked a lot (so, wishful thinking), and the remainder to bring the total to thirteen.1.The Wild Laughter. Caoilinn Hughes
2. Apeirogon. Colum McCann
3. The Vanishing Half. Brit Bennett
4. The Glass Hotel. Emily St. John Mandel
5. The Topeka School. Ben Lerner
6. Agency. William Gibson
7. The Mirror & The Light. Hilary Mantel
8. Olive Again. Elizabeth Strout
9. Summer. Ali Smith.
10. Hamnet. Maggie'O Farrell
11. Utopia Avenue. David Mitchell
12. The Bass Rock. Evie Wyld
13. Exciting Times. Naoise Dolan
A Little Life is probably my most treasured signed 1st/1st. The UK cover is just brilliant. I think collecting books adds a level to the appreciation of the novel as an art form in all its aspects. Apeirogon is beautiful in its limited gold edition! The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi is another example of what looks to be a good book where the US cover is personally much more appealing than the UK version.The Wild Laughter seems to be on a few people's prediction lists. Haven't read it - any thoughts?
Not long now... so much excitement!
The Wild Laughter reduces the speed at which I can type "Jack" "Robinson" into a search.
I might be having a slow day but I can't work out what you mean, Val. I would very much like to see Jack on the list as I am sure I'm going to love it. The Wild Laughter sounds very good.
Jo wrote: "A Little Life is probably my most treasured signed 1st/1st. The UK cover is just brilliant. I think collecting books adds a level to the appreciation of the novel as an art form in all its aspects...."I just checked and both of my editions are signed. The US is a 1st/4th though. I care a bit about the covers but the main reason I prefer US versions is because the paper and binding are usually far superior. It's not always the case anymore though.
I appreciate the collected list of predictions, Hugh. I was saving individual blog pages to go through, but haven't gotten to it yet. I collected first editions for years and took books to author events for signing or bought them signed. I did sometimes buy the cover I liked best, too.
Ang wrote: "I might be having a slow day but I can't work out what you mean, Val."There is a phrase 'faster than you can say Jack Robinson'. Wild laughter was an exaggeration, but there was some giggling when I realised what I was typing, so I thought I would try and make a joke of it - obviously not successfully.
If Wild Laughter was longlisted (and it’s very good) would that be bc a first for Mookse - a one time participant in the forum on the longlist?
Val wrote: "Ang wrote: "I might be having a slow day but I can't work out what you mean, Val."There is a phrase 'faster than you can say Jack Robinson'. Wild laughter was an exaggeration, but there was some g..."
Oh yes, I had something like that at the back of my mind. Just a slow day for sure! Your joke was a fine one.
Mod
Perhaps if listed, we can get Caoilinn back to discuss her novel. I am presently reading and enjoying the book but a percentage is being missed by me, dullard that I am.
Jonathan, I agree about the beauty of Hamnet, both the DJ and front board are really beautiful. I have 2 copies of The Dutch House, which I haven’t yet read, because one had a really love blue design on the top-edge, fore-edge, and tail.I had google anatomy of a book to write that paragraph.
I think we bibliophiles are good for the book industry, we want the book to read and we want the beautiful book as an object which means books are purchased as well as ebooks and library books. You’re welcome, avid readers. :)
WndyJW wrote: "Jonathan, I agree about the beauty of Hamnet, both the DJ and front board are really beautiful. I have 2 copies of The Dutch House, which I haven’t yet read, because one had a really love blue desi..."Agreed Wendy,
I think Ann Patchett is particularly interesting. The Dutch House is one book with an identical UK and USA cover- I think that reflects the importance of the image to the storyline. Commonwealth is absolutely beautiful in the USA version, and especially disappointing in the UK version (imo). When she was last in the UK I heard Ann Patchett talk about the book and the respective covers. As you would expect from her, she was very considered in her answers and declared that both covers were fantastic and ideal for their respective audiences!
In an effort to align this conversation with this years Booker prospects I also love The Vanishing Half design, and as a complement to her previous novel, the Mothers, the dust cover is perfect.
I was just perusing the small number of hard copy contenders I have and was about to post about Vanishing Half being very effective. Greenwood is also good.
One of the most interesting questions at the Booker (or Women’s Prize) shortlist readings is often when someone asks the authors to comment on their covers. It’s surprising how little input they have to the original design but commonly they grow to like it after some initial surprise.
I would not for the life of me spoil anyone's Booker celebration with a picture of me in Zoom chat, butI will be watching the announcement and post an opinion after, probably a bit oiled with a few pints of Guinness. I was looking for predictions and a couple of booktubers have put some up. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1uC3ltX...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vDkTzMG...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TsVUZT7...
Out of interest (could shape up to be a very strong longlist this year provided the judges don't mess it up, which is likely what many think most years before the list is announced), any views on the year that has had the strongest longlist (hope this isn't too offtopic).
John wrote: "Out of interest (could shape up to be a very strong longlist this year provided the judges don't mess it up, which is likely what many think most years before the list is announced), any views on t..."My favorite one will always be the 2014 one - I've been reading every book on the longlist since 2013 though - previously I could only afford to buy the shortlisted books. Last year's longlist was strong - in my opinion.
Thanks, Sam. I liked listening to Rainierbooks especially- trying to place his accent. He brought up Martin Amis' new book which I am looking forward to.
Mod
There were a lot of surprises in 2018, not least the two genre picks, but in retrospect that was a stronger list than many thought at the time, and for me Milkman is one of the best winners in recent years.
I rather hope they surprise us again.
Hugh wrote: "I rather hope they surprise us again."The main surprise I am hoping for is for one particular brick to be excluded :)
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The main surprise I am hoping for is for one particular brick to be excluded :)"
I know the one you mean, but for me that would be a travesty.
I'm with you on that, MrHG but I think it'll be there.
It would be a travesty to at least one judge too, I'm sure, which is why I think it will be on there.
John wrote: "Out of interest (could shape up to be a very strong longlist this year provided the judges don't mess it up, which is likely what many think most years before the list is announced), any views on t..."Looking through the list of books since around 2004 when I started following the Booker, I have good memories of all of them - even 2011, the "zip along" year. Half of that shortlist was excellent but it was poor from a longlist perspective and comments from the judges that year made it especially difficult to support. But I digress! I would say 2007 and 2016 were especially good lists.
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I don't want to imply I've read them all - it's rare for me to read a full longlist. For 2007, I read 7 plus half of one that I abandoned but it was popular with others.
Here's my speculation list for the heck of it. It's quite similar to that of some other folks on here. I've read 4.5 of these, which is probably a sign that it won't be all that accurate. :)The Mirror & the Light
Hamnet
Rainbow Milk
Shuggie Bain
Apeirogon
That Reminds Me
The Shadow King
The First Woman (may not be eligible, looks like the pub date changed)
The Girl with the Louding Voice
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line
How Much of These Hills Is Gold
The Vanishing Half
The Glass Hotel
It's going to be tough to concentrate at work today!
Predictions are always fun. Last year I think I only got one right, though, so I'm not sure how well I'll be faring this year. I've only read three of these, but I think the three all deserve to be on the longlist (Apeirogon might even deserve to win). The rest is based on comments, reviews and guesswork. * Hilary Mantel - The Mirror and the Light
* Colum McCann - Apeirogon
* Evie Wyld - The Bass Rock
* Douglas Stuart - Shuggie Bain
* Derek Owusu - That Reminds Me
* Maaza Mengiste - The Shadow King
* Maggie O'Farrell - Hamnet
* Deepa Anappara - Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line
* Tim Murphy - Correspondents
* Awkaeke Emezi - The Death of Vivek Oji
* Brit Bennett - The Vanishing Half
* Paul Mendez - Rainbow Milk
* Caoilinn Hughes - The Wild Laughter
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The Mookse and the Gripes
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