Introduce Yourself : New Chapter

[[deleted user]]

Welcom Everitt!

[Deborah]

Hello my name is Deb and I'm a senior in high school. I'm taking a Russian History elective course and now I'm addicted. To Russia's history and now Russian literature. I had to read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and short stories by Gogol, Turgenev, and Chekov for the class so far. I'm reading Anna Karenina now and I love it. I want to tackle The Brothers Karamazov or War and Peace next. I'm still new to Russian literature so I am open to book and author suggestions. I'm so glad I found this group!

[Amalie]

Welcome Deb! I hope you'll enjoy this group. Watch out for "Anna Karenina" which we might read to kick start 2012. We just started to read Anton Chekhov's "Ariadne" for Short Fiction. Read the e-book with us and tell us what you think!

[MountainAshleah]

How times have changed. When I first read Anna Karenina in high school, resources were so limited--just the traditional print library--and now we can exchange ideas freely with a worldwide community, including Russian readers, students, and scholars. I know I sound old-fashioned, but it is amazing.

[MountainAshleah]

Deb wrote: "Hello my name is Deb and I'm a senior in high school. I'm taking a Russian History elective course and now I'm addicted. To Russia's history and now Russian literature. I had to read [book:One Day ..."

That's really impressive. Good for you.

[Bataviaan]

Hello,

My name is Lucas, currently taking a gap year so I have plenty of time to read Russian literature.I absolutely love everything Russian at the moment. Especially Dostoevsky, Tolstoj and I am now reading Dead Souls by Gogol, love it!

[Renee]

Hi my name is Danielle. I joined the group a few months ago but got caught up with learning sign language so I wasn’t able to really participate like I wanted to. Now I have more time so I am excited to be able to join in on the next group read. I am not Russian but have really fell in love with the literature. I have read Dostoevsky and Tolstoy and got a few books by Gogol to start reading hopefully soon. I am also hoping to be able to visit Russia next fall but it may be the year after.

I look forward to joining the next group read and seeing what you all get out of the books!

[Amalie]

Hello new members and welcome! I'm hoping that for 2012 more members will become active. We'd love more participation. Make sure you check the polls.

[Dyuti]

Hello Im Dyuti from India, and i'm really interested in Russian art and literature. I have read some works by Anton Chekov, Tolstoy, and a few others. I plan to read The Brothers Karamazov next, and would love to see new recommendations, and participate in discussions!

[MountainAshleah]

Welcome Dyuti. I look forward to hearing your perspective!

[Katy]

Hello! I'm a brand-new member. I've only just started reading Russian lit. I had a bad experience with The Brothers K years ago, and was afraid of all the confusing Russian names. But, I've recently read Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and Death of Ivan Ilyich, as well as some Chekhov stories, and loved them all.

[[deleted user]]

Katy wrote: "Hello! I'm a brand-new member. I've only just started reading Russian lit. I had a bad experience with The Brothers K years ago, and was afraid of all the confusing Russian names. But, I've recentl..."

Welcome Katy! If you get confused with Russian names, I think Andrew has explained it at more than one thread. Just check the "Family Happiness" thread under Group Reads - Short Fiction. There was a clear explanation there. I hope you'll join for the discussions. Don't forget to check the polls.

[Katy]

I've figured them out, finally. However, it still helps if the edition you're reading has a very good list of names at the beginning, especially when they get into the nicknames.

[[deleted user]]

Katy wrote: "I've figured them out, finally. However, it still helps if the edition you're reading has a very good list of names at the beginning, especially when they get into the nicknames."

I've seen the name lists given at the beginning of plays but never in novels. I guess after a while we all get use to them :)

[Katy]

Really? Every Russian novel I've picked up has had a list at the beginning. I know my P&V translation of Anna Karenina does. It was very helpful. Perhaps I will get used to the names and rely on them less and less.

[[deleted user]]

Really? I can't say about P&V. Mostly I've read Garnett translations and I don't remember seeing such. It is recently I started to enjoy P/V and what a relief! :) Thanks for letting know. I'll make sure they are not cheap copies when I buy next time.

[Katy]

I was wondering if CG had them or not. I am re-reading Anna K. on my phone, which is the CG translation, and I'm enjoying it. However, there is no list and there are no foot or end notes. It's OK because I now know who everybody is. I enjoy the way the prose flows.

[Katy]

Hey! I'm not sure where this question goes, so I'll ask here:

I'm considering reading along on The Idiot... what will the general schedule possibly look like? Will the book be read and discussed in one month, or will you all take longer with it?

Thanks!

[Haaze]

Hello!
It is hard to resist a group focusing on Russian Literature. It seems like there is still time to catch up with the current Chekhov read?
Oh, on a different note: does the group ever read biographies or histories linked to 19th century Russia as background or is there a complete focus on the fiction itself? I guess I am pondering reading Figes' books at one point.

I live in California by the Pacific, and spend most of my days working away as an educator (the realm of biology). Otherwise I prefer to stomp around in the redwoods or along the coast with my family. Of course, downtime always leads to reading. The lists of 1001 books (my favorite is actually the 501 list) and the western canon of literature beckons. I tend to let work take over, but this year I am going to get cracking on all those books and reading moments I always postpone. Time tends to slip through our fingers. There is only so much time to catch up with the Russian Classics....

[[deleted user]]

Haaze wrote: "Hello!
It is hard to resist a group focusing on Russian Literature. It seems like there is still time to catch up with the current Chekhov read?
Oh, on a different note: does the group ever read bi..."

Hello Haaze and welcome! I just saw the next short story thread for "Ward 6. I'm not sure about biographies and non-fiction. You better ask one of the moderators.

[Paresh]

Hi all ! I'm Paresh and live in Melbourne, Australia. Afte reading War and Peace right after finishing university in 1996, I have been hooked on Russian classics. I have read more Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Gorky, Gogol and a whole lot of other authors. I'm looking forward to reading more together with this group.

[Susan from MD]

Hi everyone, I'm Susan and I live in the U.S. I have always had an interest in Russia and Russian literature - blame it on my Cold War-era childhood! I read a fair amount of Russian literature when I was in high school and college, but then moved into other areas of interest. Now I am revisiting some of those great works of literature as an adult. I look forward to talking with all of you!

[[deleted user]]

Hello Paresh! ( Have I met you in another group?:) I think there will be too readings on Dostoyevsky starting from January. Susan, we look forward to meet you too :) Welcome both!

[[deleted user]]

Everitt wrote: "When I first saw your name my dyslexia kicked in and I thought "oh Grandma". Well welcome to the group, hope you enjoy it."

Funny Everitt! :D

[Amalie]

New members, you are all welcome! We'd really appreciate more participation. We are starting The Idiot soon as you see. Those who wants to know the reading schedule check the thread under "Group Reads - Long Fiction"

Katy wrote: "Hey! I'm not sure where this question goes, so I'll ask here:

I'm considering reading along on The Idiot... what will the general schedule possibly look like? Will the book be read and discussed i..."

Yes Katy, we usually read and discuss. You can check the thread now. Hope you'll join us with a better translation. :)

[Alexander]

hello,everyone!i am alex.i am bulgarian but i live in england.it's nice to be part of this group!i am very curious to see what others think of my beloved russian books!

[Rowena]

Hello everyone! Rowena from Canada here. I love Russian lit and I plan on reading a lot more this year:)

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Alex and Rowena! :) Hope to see you both in our discussions.

[Tiffany]

Hello everyone! I'm Tiffany and I'm from the U.S. and, although I'm fairly new to it, I'm really interested in Russian lierature. I'm looking forward to reading (and discussing) a lot more Russian books soon!

[Peggy]

Hi everyone! I'm Peggy and I live in Pennsylvania. I am interested in Russian Lit. and would love to read more. I joined the challenge to read 3 Russian lit books this year (maybe more) and I'm looking forward to being a part of this book club!!

[Tarun]

Hi everyone!...and Thanks for the invite Dely.

Im from India and not very long ago discovered the rich Russian literature through Dotoyevsky's writings.
Incidentally im also reading The Idiot currently and was pointed out by Dely who's a friend from another group.But i am lagging a tad behind as i am done with part 1 chapter 10.Hope to catch up soon!

[dely]

Welcome Tarun ;)

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Jackie and Tarun (and all the others:)! We'd love to see more readers and more responses! There's still time to join.

[Geri]

Hello Everyone! I love all things Russian. Although I'm not Russian myself, but my Swedish heritage feels a kinship. I even tried to adopt a child from a Russian orphanage a few years ago, but Putin suspended international adoptions & that was that.

I'm not much of a fiction reader, though I am attracted to Russian literature, I think because the characters & plots seem so real. My favorite classic novel is 'Crime & Punishment'. When I saw that it was the next novel to read, I knew I had to join up. It's been years since I read 'C & P' in school, so it will be interesting to read it with "older" (and bespectacled) eyes. And I'm absolutely fascinated by the Russian Tsars, particularly Catherine the Great and Nicholas II.

I look forward to meeting you all.

~Geri~

[Tiffany]

Welcome Geri! Nice to meet you :)

[MjerrieT]

Hi, I joined the group awhile ago and haven't introduced myself until now. Started reading The idiot because I heard good reviews about the novel. No I'm not russian, just like to read good literature.

[Vinoth]

Hi am from India. am yet to read a Russian Literature,which am told is amazing.so this groups name made sense to me.i would like to get recommendations for starters like me.

[dely]

Vinoth! Welcome :D

[Vinoth]

thanks. Dely :P
actually a spl thanks to you,as i found this group by seeing a status update of yours ;)

[Stephen]

Hi all! I just joined and a couple days ago and am so happy to have found the group. I have been hooked on Russian Lit for a few years and am currently taking a course on CD on the classics.

Currently, I'm reading "Resurrection" by Tolstoy and have covered a few other titles as well this winter including a wonderful bio on Tolstoy.

[Parikhit]

Hello all, Parikhit here from Bangalore, India.

I must earnestly thank Dely from inviting me to this group. I was missing out on so much. Thanks Dely :)

[dely]

Parikhit wrote: "Hello all, Parikhit here from Bangalore, India.

I must earnestly thank Dely from inviting me to this group. I was missing out on so much. Thanks Dely :)"

You're welcome and welcome to the group ;)

[Vinoth]

Parikhit wrote: "Hello all, Parikhit here from Bangalore, India.

I must earnestly thank Dely from inviting me to this group. I was missing out on so much. Thanks Dely :)"

Hi Parikhit , welcome ;P

[Parikhit]

Thanks Dely and Vinoth :D

[Faye]

Hello all! My name is Faye, I'm 32 years old, and I have recently discovered that I'm a Russian-oholic.

It all started in January 2011 when I read the copy of Crime and Punishment my grandmother gave me for Christmas and it zoomed right up my "Fave Books of All Time" list like a rocket. Soon after that I read The Idiot, which was also fantastic yet not quite as ecstasy-inducing as Crime and Punishment was. I then read Doctor Zhivago which, while excellently written, didn't impress me quite as much. I went through a bit of a Russian-literature lull then, until I picked up Chekhov's Great Plays. I thought I was finding them boring, until I realized that I was reading them in record time (for me) and they were affecting me quite deeply. And then it hit me - I find Russian literature fascinating! Even the parts that are "boring" or "complicated" or whatever else the kids call it these days, it enthralls me. It was quite a revelation.

So, naturally I took the next logical step and started reading War & Peace. Just a little over a week later, I'm halfway through it and already trying to decide which Russian classic I'll tackle next. I also found Elif Batuman's book The Possessed: Adventures With Russian Books and the People Who Read Them, which I am also plowing through and loving. I figure I either need some serious help here or some friends who can relate, so... here I am!

[Camila]

Hey guys!

My name is Camila, and I'm a junior in high school.

Having been assigned Crime & Punishment last year, my reaction was something along the lines of "oh ****! How am I going to read this in two weeks?" But I should never have worried. It was one of the most fascinating, eye-opening books that I have ever read in school. So... I have joined this group as an extra incentive to get through my growing list of to-read Russian literature.

I'll be working through the list slowly but will do my best to 'speak' up in discussions whenever I can!

[Azaghedi]

Haha, good for you, Camila! I remember I tried reading C&P when I was 13 or so, and boy, I was in way over my head. I gave up about a third of the way into it, and heading for the Spark Notes instead. I wish I had the intellectual maturity in high school that you obviously have. Welcome!

[Faye]

Ruby wrote: "I haven't read any Russian literature before, but I have many on my to-read list.

I'm usually pretty shy unless I'm discussing books. I look forward to getting to know everyone."

Hello, Ruby! Have you decided yet which Russian work you'll start with?

Camila wrote: "Having been assigned Crime & Punishment last year, my reaction was something along the lines of "oh ****! How am I going to read this in two weeks?" But I should never have worried. It was one of the most fascinating, eye-opening books that I have ever read in school. So... I have joined this group as an extra incentive to get through my growing list of to-read Russian literature."

That's awesome, Camila! I had the same experience when I read my first Dickens as a teenager. It was like a whole new literary world had opened up before me, and I knew I could tackle it. Discovering a love for the masters is a life-changing experience.

[Faye]

Ruby wrote: "I actually have no idea. I was thinking of starting with a novella or short story to get my feet wet. Do you have any suggestions?"

Wow, they don't even know what Anna Karenina is about? That's just sad!

I haven't read any short stories yet myself, but I'm told that anything by Gogol or Pushkin is a good bet. I think Crime and Punishment and Anna Karenina are the most popular "first Russian novels", since they're often required reading in high school. Crime and Punishment was my first, and I highly recommend it.

Ruby wrote: "I should point out that I live in a town where most people look at me funny when they find out I like to read, so they don't get the inconvenience of being asked these questions over and over while trying to read."

I relate somewhat to this - I tend to read outside on our porch whenever the weather's good, and I think I'm known throughout my neighbourhood as That Girl Who Reads A Lot. One guy across the street shouted over to me one day, "You're always reading!!" Um... thank you??

[Korneel]

Hi everyone, I'm Korneel and I live in Belgium. My love for Russian Literature started with a book called 'the Portable Twentieth-Century Russian Reader'. The Russian books I have read since then didn't disappoint. I'm excited to join this group and continue my travels through Russian Literature.