Reenbean's 2023 Challenge

[Reenbean]

Having not achieved last year's goal, I am following the lead of others and starting with a smaller goal, then leveling up if I make it!

No list yet. Going to see what pops up and inspires me through the year.

Started reading Die Welt auf dem Teller by Doris Dörrie. So far, a charming, interesting funny book about the world of food. Brief and in "accessible" German (for this learner).

Irene

[Reenbean]

1. Ich hab's euch immer schon gesagt, by Axel Hacke. Picked this up at a used book table at an Oktoberfest last year. Humorous essays involving everyday life as a man. I had not heard of this story/journalist previously. In German.

2. Die Welt auf dem Teller: Inspirationen in der Küche, by Doris Dörrie. Another book of essays, these about food and cooking. She seems to have an affinity for Japan, likely developed while she lived there and directed two films. I wish this were translated into English. It deserves a wider audience. A real pleasure to read.

[Reenbean]

3. die geheime Drachenschule, by Emily Skye.* First book from a Harry Potter-like series about a kid who trades his soccer/football cleats for dragon riding boots. More for German practice than anything else, but I enjoyed it well enough. In German.

* The most unusual aspect of this book was that the author is a pseudonym for a group of editors who wanted to try their hand at writing for a change. Not all that original, but well written, and clever in parts.

[Reenbean]

4. Abenteuer in der deutschen Grammatik, by Yoko Tawada. Poetry, anyone? This came well recommended but it was rather over my head. I'd like to come back to this when language isn't still such a barrier. I believe Tawada is an expat from Japan. She writes in German. Includes interesting and funny observations of the German language.

[Lesley]

If you want some practice reading in German and like Harry Potter-type stories, I'd recommend the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke. Actually, anything by Cornelia Funke. Since they're for younger readers, they are easy enough to read in German, but they've also been translated into English by the amazing Anthea Bell.

[Reenbean]

Thanks, Leslie. She is on my list, but I haven't read anything yet. I'll start with the Inkheart series. Now that I am not so plodding in German, I'm drawn to read more. I also like the idea of reading the translation after the original as the art of translation interests me. So thanks for that rec, as well.

[Reenbean]

5. Schnell, dein Leben by Sylvie Schenk. This was a beautiful, heartbreaking and moving book. I hope it is translated into English some day soon. It is worthy.

[Reenbean]

6. Der Buchspazierer by Carsten Henn. Read for October group read.