Everyone into the Discussion Thread! (...in 2012)

[Maude]

Genia, Thanks for your recommendations, also. I will look for them.

[Genia]

My thing is more... I don't know how to put it - at least in WWII there was a sort of twisted nobility to the whole thing. There was real evil there, the world or some part of it actually was at risk. In WWI it was... just foolishness and vanity, driving millions to their death. The most pointless war to end all wars.

[Maude]

I agree with you totally. Absolutely destroyed a whole generation for nothing.

[Janice]

Thanks Barry. :)

[Shomeret]

Anne wrote: "So does anyone know how to reset the Challenge so that it starts from today?"

I found that it was re-set when I checked it today. Since I had started early and legitimately had read five books for this challenge in December, the only thing that I knew how to do was re-set my dates read for all of them to today. So I still have my five books read and have started my sixth.

[Anne]

Shomeret wrote: "Anne wrote: "So does anyone know how to reset the Challenge so that it starts from today?"

I found that it was re-set when I checked it today. Since I had started early and legitimately had read ..."

Janice reset it for us. I was wondering if it would erase the books read for those who started early. Glad it was easy for you to fix.

[Chrissie]

Shomeret, glad you enjoyed The Printmaker's Daughter! Yes, the author very convincingly shows that Hokusai's daughter could very well have been the true painter for fpr many of his artworks, and the history woven in was very interesting.

Over Xmas I read several books that were doubles for the countries on my list. Now I have begun the challenge with Cathedral of the Sea, set in Spain. It teaches about Medieval Spain and I find that interesting. It is a bit cinematic in tone. It is more plot heavy rather than character development. But heck, I am learning quite a bit.

[Vicky]

So many people have been reading books for the Arctic and Antarctica, perhaps we should have a challenge for polar exploration books in 2013?

We could pay homage to Captain Oates and call it "I'm just going to read and may be some time."

[Maude]

Just because you might not be burned out on Antarctic explorer books, I highly recommend Mawson's Will. This is another heroic story where all plans go awry and death is right around the corner. A wonderful read but again not everything goes the way it was planned.

[Janice]

Maude wrote: "Just because you might not be burned out on Antarctic explorer books, I highly recommend Mawson's Will. This is another heroic story where all plans go awry and death is right around the corner. ..."

It's pretty hard to get burned out - there's no heat there! I'm debating about reading The Lost Men: The Harrowing Saga of Shackleton's Ross Sea Party or Shackleton's Forgotten Men: The Untold Tragedy of the Endurance Epic.

[Maude]

Janice, I would recommend Mawson's Will - it is excellent. The other two you mentioned are good but not as riveting as Mawson's ordeal, et al.

[Janice]

Thanks for the recommendation Maude. I will take a look at the book.

I just finished reading Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage and the other two books I mentioned in msg 453 are part of that expedition. But it's a part few people have heard about, so I wanted to read one of them to hear the story.

[Janice]

At least you've got fiber, Judy. Hehehe!

[Yrinsyde]

Hotel du Lac came in for me at the local public library & I collected it today! I've nearly finished Name of the Rose but can't resist looking into Switzerland ...

[Yrinsyde]

Judy wrote: "How are you liking The Name of the Rose, Yrinsyde?" I really enjoyed it Judy! The arguments amongst the monks about meaning, the day-2-day activity of a medieval monastery and descriptions of the library.... I also enjoyed the subtle jokes and discussions about meaning. Are you reading it yet?

[Susan]

Hi everyone. I can see why this discussion started so many months ago. It is a real labor of love choosing 52 special books. I saw someone mention Switzerland. Has anyone come up with anything great for that?

[[deleted user]]

I read Jean Piaget, but though he's Swiss the book has nothing to do with Switzerland.

ETA: There's always Heidi.

[Susan]

Thanks! I will check your suggestions out - except Heidi. There may come a time to reread that; the time is not today.

Just joined the ereader age and have a kindle fire...learning to use it while making up the list.

I have started with Kristin Lavransdatter for Norway as it is also a select for another group.

[Sylvia]

I just joined this group and have to find my way around. Are you reading only contemperary books from foreign authors with stories about their homeland, or can I choose foreign world literature as well. Par example: Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt or Hedda Gabler?

[Susan]

Sylvia, I am fairly new to the group and have not posted my list as yet. It appears to be a mix of both though. I am trying to do native authors and preferably prize-winning literature but I am finding that it is taking too long to make up a list and I would rather be reading. There is a Master List posted under Group Reads. There are also a few books that ended up on several peoples lists that some are reading together.

[Sylvia]

Thank you, Susan. I'll check that Master List.

[Susan]

Thanks Judy! I am still "hunting and gathering" my books but I hope to start my list soon.

[Marcie]

I'm still in Russia with The Brothers Karamazov having a hard time getting through this book. Nothing's happening and I'm tired to the philosophical discussion!