21st Century Literature discussion
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Nominations - what to read: August 2012 - open pick
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Will, are we allowed to nominate the same book more than once as long as it wasn't picked in the past?If so then I would like to nominate A Visit from the Goon Squad once again.
If a book meets the above criteria, you may nominate it every single month until it wins, or you tire of the Sisyphean labor. All of us have a number of pet project books that we fervently hope we can politic to the top of a poll some month. So not only is it allowed, but indeed encouraged.
I'll trade you votes, Jason. Shhhh. Don't tell anyone.
I'd like to nominate True History of the Kelly Gang, a book that is rapidly moving up my "tbr-soon" shelf and that has won the Booker Prize as well as reader raves. Deborah, I hear your nefarious scheme with Jason and will be keeping an eye on you (big grin).
I would like to nominate something by Su Tong. I've been struggling to find an appealing recent novel in translation, and having read a sample of The Boat to Redemption, I think this shows a lot of potential to be a great book. Browsing around, I find that opinions seem VERY divided, some seem to love the book, some to hate it. However, it was awarded with the Man Asian Literary Prize, and the author is famed for writing the novella which was developed into the film Raise the Red Lantern. The Boat to Redemption was first published in Chinese in 2009, and in English in 2010.
***Warning regarding the summary page: Beware, though, the Goodreads Page for the book gives a summary which reveals details that I didn't really want to know before reading the book. I'm not sure to what extent it represents a "spoiler." I still want to read it, regardless, and if you have a Kindle I'd recommend checking out the free sample that can be downloaded from Amazon.
Thus I nominate:
The Boat to Redemption by Su Tong
Mikela wrote: "Looks interesting Sophia."If it's half as good as the rest of her books it will be great!
Mikela wrote: "I'd like to nominate True History of the Kelly Gang, a book that is rapidly moving up my "tbr-soon" shelf and that has won the Booker Prize as well as reader raves. "This is an absolutely FABULOUS book! I was hooked from beginning to an end.
I'm new here (hello!)--working my way through Barnes before a post--how about a nomination for Aravind Adiga's Last Man in Tower or David Foster Wallace's The Pale King.
Welcome Michael. I have both books you mentioned on my to-read list and look forward to reading both. Which of the two do you want to nominate?
I think I'll nominate something this month. How 'bout Oryx and Crake by Atwood? I hear it's great.
Chris, I read and enjoyed it very much.
Long time, no see... and yet the same nomination. ^_^; The Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri!
In an attempt to sway the vote, I gave up on reading The Broom of the System; the characterizations seemed entirely shallow and limited by "type," and it read like a comedy except for the missing element of humor. I was surprised to read some of the critical commentary which referred to the novel's hilarity and nuanced characterizations, as my reaction was 100% opposed to the critical response. Thus, I never attempted Infinite Jest. How does The Pale King compare to Wallace's completed novels, at least in the accounting of the critics?
Aura wrote: "Long time, no see... and yet the same nomination. ^_^; The Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri!"Which I've read! Highly recommended.
Chris wrote: "I think I'll nominate something this month. How 'bout Oryx and Crake by Atwood? I hear it's great."It is. So good that I've read it twice!
I'm new to the group and since I've read both your July picks earlier this year it looks like I'm in the right place. My pick is On Beauty by Zadie Smith.
@Don - That's been nominated before, but not yet won. However you missed the August window, but please nominate it or another book for September, which will begin the first week of August. I know you'll have allies.Also, this month's winning book, The Pale King written by David Foster Wallace will be lead by Michael.
Thought I would just say hello--I'm Michael. I'll be leading the discussion on David Foster Wallace's "The Pale King," which I am incredibly excited about. I look forward to hearing and responding to the undoubtedly fascinating insights you all will have!
Happy to have you with us and look forward to the discussions.
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21st Century Literature
Books mentioned in this topic
The Pale King (other topics)On Beauty (other topics)
The Boat to Redemption (other topics)
The Electric Michelangelo (other topics)
Trespass (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
David Foster Wallace (other topics)Su Tong (other topics)
Due to the US holiday, nominations will be open for longer than usual this month, staying open until July 10.