Introduce Yourself : New Chapter

[[deleted user]]

Hello! My name is Hayley. I am sad to say that I am still kind of a Russian literature newbie. I try, but it seems to be a bit of a weak point for whatever reason. I have several books by Tolstoy and Dostoevsky on my reading list for the year, so I'm hoping that this group might keep me motivated to finish the books this time. I am currently about half way through War and Peace, but have started to slow down on reading it in favor of a couple other books. I am also a horrible translation snob, so I am hoping you guys can suggest some good translations for some of the books on my list. I look forward to getting some more Russian literature under my belt this year.

[Ebonie]

Hello, my name is Bebs and I live in the US and I have a daughter and am married to a great man. I joined in hopes of expanding my reading selection into a culture I've very interested in. Thank you and I'm excited for some great reads!

[S.]

Welcome aboard
Marty

[S.]

Welcome aboard. You'll find many sterling posts on this blog.
Marty

[Serenay]

Hi everybody I'm Serenay from Turkey. I'm studying translation and interpretation. I started to read Russian litterature when I was 14 years old. I've started with "White Nights" of Dostoyevski. And I loved the style of Dostoyevski. I've read "The Idiot". I found myself in "The Idiot". This was my favorite book. Then I discovered Tolstoy with "Anna Karenina" and "The Death of Ivan Ilych". So I really love Russian litterature. I find it So different. So I think that's all I can say :)

[Jo]

Hello! I'm Jo Ann from the U.S. I was a lit major in college but never got around to reading the great Russian novels except for Crime and Punishment which I had to read for a class and pretty much had to speed read it to fit it into the semester. I would like to take the time to read and savor the Russian classics now that I don't have to rush to get them finished for and exam! I'm currently reading The Brothers Karamazov and plan to read War and Peace and Anna Karenina.

[Tyler]

Hi everyone!

My name is Tyler. I am an American, from Ohio, now living in Utah and I am currently gunning for BAs in Russian and Linguistics at the University of Utah. I have had a lifelong love affair with Russian culture, thanks to my mother, who studied the language in college and took a summer trip around the USSR. My first Russian book was Solzhenitsyn's "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch" and I've been reading Russian novels ever since. Most of my reading currently is for class and pertains to Socialist Realism on both sides: those upholding it's tenets and those breaking them down. I'm excited to branch out and try new authors or reading favorites from different perspectives.

[Kris]

Hello All! My name is Kris and I am from Wisconsin originally. Currently I am living in Moscow and teaching at an international school. My love for Russian literature began somewhere in high school when I first read bits of Dostoyevsky. It grew when I discovered Tolstoy, Turgenev and Pasternak. I am an avid reader, but don't always retain everything like I wish. However, I find discussion groups help to expand my understanding and retention. I am also a Goodreads author - although clearly not on the level of my literary heroes. Nice to meet you all!

[Brittany]

Hi everyone, I'm Brittany and I'm a newbie! I've read very little Russian literature, mainly Tolstoy. However, my minor in undergrad was Russian studies and I took 6 semesters of Russian language study (probably why I didn't have a lot of time for reading). I'm really excited about interacting with more advanced readers for advice and insight on Russian literature

[Mie]

Hey booklovers! I'm Jamie and I just picked up my first Russian book, thank you Dostoevsky! Crime and Punishment is very intriguing and I'm liking it so far. I'm so relieved to have found a Russian Literature Group!

[Joyce]

Hi - My name is Joyce Yarrow and I have traveled to Russia and read many fiction and non-fiction books touching on Russian society, crime, history and geography. My interest in Russian literature continues to grow.

[S.]

Welcome to our group. May I suggest that you read "St. Catherine's Crown," available on Amazon Kindle. It's an action-adventure-historical novel that deals with the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
Maty

[Tiffany]

Hi everyone, my name is Tiffany. I became interested in Russian literature a few years ago. Luckily, I found this group! I have a B.S. Degree in Biology and am currently working on an M.S. Degree in Public Health. I work as a QC Lab Tech at a pharmaceutical company in Indiana. Now for the fun stuff...I'm a huge roller coaster fan and I want to base jump someday! I usually read books in the horror, thriller, suspense, sci-fi, and classic genre. However, I am open to any book that might interest me. I look forward to many interesting discussions in this group.

[Firda]

Hello, I am Firda. I am from Indonesia. My first Russian literature contact was with Leo Tolstoy's collection of children stories when I was a fifth grader. It fueled my interest since then. While my interest today wasn't as fiery as it was first but I am still interested to know more about Russian literature.

I hope I can have much fun here :D

[MK]

Hi all :). Your group is one of the four featured groups, at the moment (same as my classics group), so I thought I'd wander by and say hello and check it out. I'm quite buried in books at this exact moment, so it might be a few weeks before I can add new ones on :D.

I thought I hated Russian Literature (tried W&P in college, and never finished heh - I just restarted it last week, with my classics group), but I discovered that was not at all the case, after I wrestled my way through Doctor Zhivago this winter.

I live in Maine, we had a crazy winter, and I got back into reading in a big way this winter, as a result of months of crazy cold and lots of snow ;-).

[S.]

Welcome aboard. Counting that you enjoy our group.
Marty

[MK]

thx :)

[Chris]

I am Chris, and I am brand spanking new to Russian Lit. I read The Brothers Karamazov last summer and was blown away. I went for second dose with Notes From The Underground and was not disappointed. I am excited to see what else Russian Literature has to offer.

[CanardRoublard]

Hi, I'm Emily. My first Russian book was Anna Karenina, which has become my favourite book of all so far. Right now I'm almost done my second, Doctor Zhivago. Both books are so challenging and dense, but thoroughly satisfying once you get through them; definitely will be coming back for more. Can't wait to find more great Russian lit here. :)

[Michelle]

Hi.My name is Michelle.I like to read Russian literature especially Leo Tolstoy's books.

[Chrissie]

Hi, I'm Chrissie. I love Dostoyevsky best, followed by Turgenev. Nabakov is great too. I know I would enjoy Chekhov and Gogol, but I prefer long books over short ones. And I am very hesitant toward poetry, so there goes Pushkin......

[Skadi]

Dostojewskij - a writer who has influenced my whole being. Crime and Retribution - touching the human soul and struggle at its deepest. Internet publishing, entertainment - what price do we pay? Magic of words, not aiming for money or quick fame - words to touch, struggle, caress and love. The human soul exposed. When we all will be gone and forgotten, the words of Dostojewskij and many others will live on. The human soul, mind and heart will go on - but without the help and message of true writers.

[Lorena]

Hi everyone!

I am Lorena from Albania, currently an MA student for Intl Relations and Diplomacy.
I have always loved Russian literature, and remember Anna Karenina as my first book from a Russian author. Later on I became "addicted" to Dostoyevsky.
Other favorite authors for me are Mikhail Sholokhov, Maxim Gorky, Leonid Leonov, Chekhov, A. Pushkin, Turgenev.
I am interested to explore more from the Russian literature. It's a pity that I haven't read Nabokov and Pasternak, but I will read them very soon :)

[William]

Chrissie wrote: "Hi, I'm Chrissie. I love Dostoyevsky best, followed by Turgenev. Nabakov is great too. I know I would enjoy Chekhov and Gogol, but I prefer long books over short ones. And I am very hesitant toward..."

A significant portion of Pushkin's work is prose and should not be missed. Hi is Russia's national treasure. I would recommend "Tales of Belkin" or "The Collected Stories" from Everyman's Library. Great stuff.

[Chrissie]

Thanks for the tip, William.

[Jonathon]

Hi, I'm Jonathon. I first discovered Russian Lit either with Dostoevsky's The Idiot or Lermontov's A Hero of Our Time (not sure which I read first). I was pretty quickly hooked, especially on all the classic works that were published in the 19th century. Still need a bit of help venturing beyond the big three of Gogol, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy, but hopefully I'll find some suggestions here!

[Ndiritu]

Hi guys,

I am Ndiritu Wahome from Kenya. I am an author of The Sad Artist and Other Fairy Tales, which came out last month March 14, 2014. The book is on offer both in Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
and Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sad-Artist-Othe...

I love Russian Literature, and whenever I finish a book I leave a review on my website: http://thesadartistandotherfairytales...

Currently I am read Chekhov, The Schoolmistress and Other Stories. I am looking forward to discussing Russian books with everyone, thank you.

Cheers,
Ndiritu.

[Gaga]

Hi. I am Gaga. From Georgia. I deeply love Russian literature. My first book, I can't recall what was it but the first author that really got me into it, is Mikhail Bulgakov with his fascinating "Master And Margarita". I think he deserves more credits then he actually gets.The second was Dostoevsky - "Demons". These two books are my favorite ones so far.Now I'm currently reading "Oblomov".
Cheers to all!

[Joyce]

Gaga wrote: "Hi. I am Gaga. From Georgia. I deeply love Russian literature. My first book, I can't recall what was it but the first author that really got me into it, is Mikhail Bulgakov with his fascinating "M..."

I love Bulgakov! When I visited Moscow I went straight to Patriarch's Pond where that first amazing scene is set..

[Mad Russian]

Hello,
My name is Jim and, notwithstanding my nickname, I am not Russian. However, I have recently (a few years back) discovered Dostoevsky because a friend of mine started a book discussion group in his home to which I was invited. We started with Notes From Underground and made it through several novels including Crime & Punishment and Brothers Karamazov before the group disbanded. I read more of D. on my own but eventually have gotten away from Russian Literature. Discovering this group will help me to get back into these fascinating stories. Also I have recently become very interested in Chekov, and I have Bulgakov's Master & Margarita sitting on my shelf calling to me. I may not write much at first, but having solidarity with other readers and observing your comments will enhance my reading enjoyment. Cheers!

[Lina]

Hi guys! I have only read 3 books so far, what makes me a fresh meat in Russian Literature. I live in Brazil and I was hoping to get some tips and enjoy greats and fun discussions.

[Fadia]

Hey I'm Fadia, I'm from Indonesia, a highschool student. Actually, I never read Russian books, but I love to watch the movies, and I love the culture. Maybe I can get a book suggestion from this group :) thankyou.

[Ostap]

Hi, my name is Eugen. I was born in the former USSR, but now living in western Europe. I am very fond of russian culture and especially of the beautiful literature this culture offers to the world.
My favourite authors are Ilf & Petrow ( they wrote one of the funniest novels i ever read, but unfortunately it is relatively unknown to non-russian-readers : 12 chairs), Bulgakov and the Strugatzky Brothers.
I hope the other members of the group can give me further recommendations and i hope as well that i can give recommendations either.
Looking forward for the experience.

Greets.

[Dana]

Hi, I'm Dana. I'm studying Russian language and culture at University, and naturally I love Russian lit! :) I got into Russian through Russian poetry, as a matter of fact: I read Evgeny Evtushenko's poems in high school and was dedicated to learning the language in order to understand the beautiful words. I guess I fell in love with it in college.

My favorite Russian authors are too many to list, but a few are Dostoevky, Chekhov (a high school favorite of mine), and recently Bulgakov and Andrei Platonov. I plan on starting a long-term reading binge of Solzhenitsyn's works this year, side by side with Steinbeck :D

If I had to pick a favorite Russian work it would be Bulgakov's 'Master and Margarita.'

Well, я очень рад быть на группе!) Happy to be in the group! Look forward to discussions!

- Даня

[Joyce]

Dana wrote: "Hi, I'm Dana. I'm studying Russian language and culture at University, and naturally I love Russian lit! :) I got into Russian through Russian poetry, as a matter of fact: I read Evgeny Evtushenko..."

Hi Dana - and welcome! I'm a big fan of The Master and Margarita too - here is my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Joyce

[Matthias]

Hey, I'm Matthias. I'm living in southern Germany. My father owned two books of Dostoyevsky: The Gambler and The Idiot, which I read in that order. Especially The Idiot had a deep impact on me and got me attracted to Russian authors of that era. I went on to read a couple of 19th century classics, most recently finishing Gogols' Dead Souls. I especially enjoyed the end of the first part.
The Brothers Karamazov are still on my list though, and so is the complete 20th century Russian literature.

I'm sure I can find some interesting tips here.

-Matthias

[Cecil]

Hello all! I'm very excited to have found this group; really looking forward to learning more about my favorite genre.
I'm Cecil. My father recommended Crime and Punishment to me when I was 14 as side reading for my literature class and I've been obsessed ever since. I especially like Dostoevsky, Gogol, and Tolstoy, but I've been reading more contemporary Russian works (The Slynx anyone?) and loving that too.

[David]

Hello everybody, I'm David. I just joined goodreads only a matter of minutes ago and this was the first group that I thought of joining given that I'm a big fan of Russian Literature, Dostoyevsky being my favourite author and Crime and Punishment being my favourite novel. Looking forward to discussions with some like minded people and hopefully learning a few new things along the way, whilst gaining some alternative perspectives on the subject.

[Chiaraluce]

Привет everybody! I'm Chiaraluce, I'm from Italy and I studied Russian literature at university. My favourite Russian novel is Anna Karenina, but I also love Dostoevsky, Lermontov, Leskov, Chekov, Russian folklore, Pushkin... Everything, basically! I am currently reading Nabokov's "Speak memory".

[Chara]

Hello, everyone! My name is Chara, I'm an actress and I live in Greece. I started reading Dostoyevsky's novels after watching a great French film based on his novel the "Idiot! when I was 13. Well, a little bit strange, I know, but from then on, I was hooked. I then went on reading Tolstoy, Turgeniev, Gogol and finally Chekhov whose plays as well as short stories are my favourite ones. I learn Russian - I'm an absolute beginner truth be told - and I aspire to reading the great works in the original one day. I'm especially interested in plays and poetry and I hope we'll have a nice journey together on the path to Russian literature.

[SandyC]

Hello, all! I am so excited to have found this group! I'm a native Texan now living in Minnesota. I studied Russian lit in college and grad school. I'm looking forward to re-reading old favorites and discovering new ones!

[Tanya]

Hi! I'm Tanya and I'm from Canada. I'm not Russian, but I have had to read some Russian classics for school (okay that was years ago but still!) I recently have been getting into reading classics and Russian novels. I look forward to discussing with the group!

[Sonee]

Hello folks,

I am Sonee, I am from India, I like to read world fiction. I like the depth of Russian writings and my favorite authors are Bulgakov (Master and the Margarita)and Leo Tolstoy.

[Clara]

Hi, My name is Clara. I live in North Carolina and studied Russian and Russian literature in college. I fell in love with the depth of the writing. I read all of Dostoevsky's major novels and somewhere along the way read "Cancer Ward." I have read it two times and find so much in this novel.

[Ksenia]

Hello everyone,
My name is Ksenia, I am from Russia and for 20 years of my life I hated Russian literature. Well... maybe hate is too strong word. I just didn't like it, and on my literature classes I always sited on the very last row and read Harper Lee and Lord Byron instead of listeting about Pushkin. However, when I moved to Europe, 3 years ago, and started read a lot, I understood how wrong I was underestimating Russiam literature. So now I am trying to fill in the gap.
I started rereading The War and Peace, because I admire Tolstoy"s filsofy, and also rereading Fountainhead, because... well, because it is a masterpiece.
Also, if somebody read in russian language and has a question about it, I will be happy to help.
Have a nice day, everybody)

[S.]

Good afternoon, Ksenia:

Welcome to our group. Counting that you'll find it worthwhile.

May I suggest "St. Catherine's Crown." An adventure-historical novel that posits that Grand Duchess Anastasia, though seriously wounded, survived the Regicide. She is saved by the Czech Legion. Escapes to a White Russian community in northwestern China. Constantly in fee of the Soviet's Cheka, and treasure hunters. Catherine's the Great's crown and a cache of Romanov jewelry are hidden in this community.

Thanks for your attention.,
Marty

[MJ]

Hi! My name is Melanie and I just joined the group.

I read Anna Karenina as a teen and loved it. My boyfriend gave me War and Peace for my 19th birthday but I never picked it up. Fast forward more than 15 years to when I was cleaning out my bookshelves of books I didn't want to keep - I looked at the monstrous W&P and figured I should give it a go before getting rid of it. I adored it.

I've been on a classics kick since then but today I just picked up a copy of Bulgakov's White Guard and am looking forward to reading it.

I've joined the group to get a scoop on what's not to be missed in Russian literature. I'm Canadian, but my dad was born in the USSR. He wasn't Russian but spoke Russian as a second language. I grew up with a few books printed in Russian around the house and this more than once piqued my curiosity. I like Russian literature because it satisfies that curiosity on some level.

[S.]

Welcome aboard, Melanie. Here's counting that you find our group informative and challenging.

May I suggest a historical-adventure-fiction novel titled "St. Catherine's Crown." The mise en scene is set during the Russian Revolution. The premise is Grand Duchess, though seriously wounded, survives the regicide, is rescued by the Czech Legion, and escapes the Cheka and hides in a White Russian community in northwestern China. The Soviet secret police, and unscrupulous treasure hunters vie to find her, administer Soviet justice and recover the crown of Catherine the Great and a cache of Romanov jewelry.

[Veronica]

Hi everybody! I am Veronica, from Italy.

I discovered Russian literature when I was 15 with Gogol's "The Nose", which I adored. Nevertheless, for some reason, I didn't get deeper into Russian literature at the time. Now I am 32, and a couple of years ago I read "The Idiot" by Dostoyevsky and fell completely in love. Since then, my journey into Russian literature really started. :-) I read some short novels by Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov, and also came back to Gogol; I also read the master classics "The Brothers Karamazov" and "Anna Karenina". I am planning to read "War and Peace" further this year, and I am sure I will find great inspiration in this group about additional authors.

[MJ]

Hi Veronica! I've never heard of Gogol! Another author to look into. I was actually sad when War and Peace was over!