Anyone interested in reading Ulysses by James Joyce?

[Theresa]

It's the 100th anniversary this year of the publication of Ulysses by James Joyce. It's less than 800 pages and probably on more bucket, DNF, and college lit lists than just about any other contemporary fiction written in the English language. It's also one of those books that everyone knows 'about' but few have read.

It was assigned in one of my many college literature courses - I think the one I took sophomore year that studied philosophy in literature. I did read a good bit of it but did not have time to finish it before the class discussion, so skimmed at least 50%. Always meant to go back and really read it but never happened. Still have my college copy - published by Norton, a trade paperback made when books like that were meant to last. It's actually on the shelf in front of my home office desk.

This came across my FB feed last night:
https://www.facebook.com/morganlibrar....

The Morgan is across the street from my new office location and is one of my favorite museums. I'm a member. I went online and pulled up this: https://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions...

I think the signs are clear: this is the year that I finally really read Ulysses, get it off the bucket reads shelf. And then I'm going to the exhibition!

I have to think that my reading comprehension and understanding and appreciation have expanded since I was a 19 yo. I mean, I read PROUST (P.S. that Philosopy in Literature class is where I first read Combray, the first 'chapter' in A Remembrance of Things Past) !

Anyone want to do a buddy read or re-read with me? I won't start it until May or June - will set up a thread then so we can discuss as we go, perhaps set some reading goals. I don't think it will take long but we can pace it slowly over a couple of months.

And anyone who reads it or has read it and wants to join me at the exhibition, it can be coordinated. Runs from June 3 to October 2, 2022.

[KateNZ]

Maybe I should be brave and say yes. I certainly don’t think I’m ever going to read the thing without a buddy read! It’s a twice DNF’d book for me, and I’ll be unapologetic if this turns out to be the third but I’ll give it a go…

[Jen K]

I would be interested. I own a copy but haven't even opened the book but hoping it would more accessible as a buddy read.

I might even join for the exhibit. The Morgan is a great museum! Is that where the Tolkien exhibit was a few years ago?

[Robin P]

There are a lot of online resources that give detailed notes for each chapter, maps, etc. I did this book with a group a few years back. I still missed a lot but the resources helped. Also I listened to some of it on audio, where parts of it came across as more like poetry, playing with sounds and rhythm.

[Theresa]

Jen K wrote: "I would be interested. I own a copy but haven't even opened the book but hoping it would more accessible as a buddy read.

I might even join for the exhibit. The Morgan is a great museum! Is that ..."

Yes! I went 4 times including a special event where many came in costume. It was fabulous.

The Morgan did Frakenstein the year before Tolkien and I missed it.

They also do teas themed to exhibits in the cafe.

[Theresa]

My copy was published by Vintage - .

I have also since my last effort as a 19 yo:

Read the Odyssey itself (it is a retelling after all)
Read varoius retellings
Read Samuel Beckett - just about everything he wrote
Read a lot more literary fiction in general

I believe it is as much a mental block as anything.

[Theresa]

Robin P wrote: "There are a lot of online resources that give detailed notes for each chapter, maps, etc. I did this book with a group a few years back. I still missed a lot but the resources helped. Also I listen..."

Symphony Space in NYC every year does a Bloomsday 24 hour reading of it and I believe many similar events happen in Dublin. This year being the 100th Anniversary, even a pandemic is not chilling tbe special events. Here is the Symphony Space plan: https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/....

I am committed to kicking our buddy read off on May 1 as I might want to be done by Bloomsday. I welcome all who want to wander along with me. I love incorprating online resources and information curiosity leads me to.

@Robin - any links you particularly recommend/ remember post here.

I am really curious if I will like it.

@KateNZ - well it is my oldest classic bucket list read/DNF but want to read now that I finally made it through which I had abandoned more than once in my life, first time in high school. This time it either gets read or banished.

[Jen K]

I believe my version at home is this one .

The Tolkien exhibit was fabulous. Sorry I missed the costumes though! I also still need to read Dune.

[Theresa]

The New Yorker just published an essay on Ulysses as a love story. Hopefully this link works: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...