Book Challenge

[Angie]

I love this. I am going to begin with the book that was nominated for a book club book Waiting For Snow in Havana And from there I'd like to take a trip to Japan or maybe Ireland.

[Meg]

We are traveling by whim and trying to see how many countries we can visit in a year. Plus trying to develop a good source of books from each of the countries. And we can be a good source for recommendations for each other. I knew you would want to do this, I am so happy that you do!

[Leslie]

Okay here is a quick question...I have been reading some history books regarding WWII with the undercover agents, the escape lines, etc... they take place in mulitple places in Europe and some in Northern Africa (Greece, Poland, Germany, England, Swizerland, Spain, France, Chezch Republic & Italy) How would I classify that? General European Tour?

[Meg]

Well Leslie, I think you went on one of those tours where they do a country a day! You know if it is Tuesday it must be Belgium.

Seriously though, European Tour would certainly encompass it all. Did you enjoy the history books? Are you thinking of now reading some novels with the same theme? I really liked The Book Thief if you haven't read it and are interested. It is very different.

[Maria]

I'm getting so many good ideas for armchair traveling from this discussion ! Will be checking back often.

[Laura]

That Kafka on the Shore really does sound good!

Anyone read anything set in France yet?

[Leslie]

I did like the history books...they really showed me about life that I know that most of us take for granted. The typical wars (well after the Civil War) never truely hit US soil. We have no real idea on how it can affect your everyday lives and what type of strength it takes to fight such oppression. I like hearing about all the brave things that common everyday people did to help others. It gives me hope for humanity and the world as a whole. I am one of those people that firmly believe that you must understand and learn from past mistakes or you wind up repeating them. Last time I read them for a French History project, this time for pure enjoyment.

In a way the book we read this past fall, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, was all about these types of books. I think I got more interested in reading these types because of that book being based a bit on true fact that the Channel Islands were occupied by the Germans and such. So yes I would love to read more like them.

But I think that I want to read a bit more about a single place maybe next. Maybe something with castles and such. I am a sucker for fairytales.

[Meg]

Oh if you want castles and cathedrals, and you haven't read Pillars of the Earth and its sequel World Without End, you are in for a huge treat. Let me know!

[KrisT]

I loved Pillar too and I need to get to World one of these days. Probably should have done it when I was buried under snow but I will get to it.

[[deleted user]]

I like to read books from around the world and I just need a few ideas of some in order to get started. I would like to read some Russian literature for I already read The Brothers Karamazov and Dr. Zhivago. I just need a few ideas of some other Russian Classics.

[Meg]

Welcome Whitney! If you read the first page of this thread we listed a lot of recommendations for Russian literature. Quite a few of us are reading War and Peace if that interests you. If you don't find any that interest you on page 1 let me know and I will suggest some more for you.

I am glad you are joining us.

[Marsha]

Meg, I read Pillars of the Earth years and years ago, and while I remember liking it a lot, I don't remember the details or any characters. Will that be a problem if I try to read the sequel?

[Meg]

Not at all. They mention some of the old characters but they tell you why. The sequel takes place 200 years later so it won't be a problem at all.

[Marsha]

Thanks!

[Maria]

I've been reading these discussion posts and would love to join in.
I just finished "The Historian"
If you are traveling to Russia - may be interested in a quick stop over to neighbooring Romania.
I think many have read this book, but for those who haven't here's a quick description. It is about the real Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula) from Romania. (But of course includes fictional elements about vampirism) It has wonderful descriptions of the geography and architecture of the Balkans particularily Romania and Bulgaria. And great historical and cultural info about this area from the middle ages struggles against the Ottoman empire and up to 20th century Soviet occupation. Plus the mystery and fright of Dracula!

[Tera, First Chick]

My sis in law recommended that too. I totally want to read it. Ill have to see if my library has it.

[Meg]

The Historian is a great book. It takes a really long time to read it though. A lot of very interesting history.

[Maria]

Tera - I'd send you my copy, but its a hardcover...not sure if its cost effective to mail. (I'm a newb to mailing books) I think I actually got mine at half price books for a couple bucks. It's been out for a few years - probably shouldn't be a prob to get at library.
I really enjoyed the reading, but yes it was a little on the long side though. 642 pages. Another thing that is both a pro and a con about it is that the book is about academics who are doing research on primary historical documents to learn the history of Dracula. This research is great window into how Historians work, but at times I got a little confused and weary of the trail of research.

[Meg]

Maria - media mail is very inexpensive. It would cost between $2.25 and $3.00 to mail. Being a huge fan of paperbackswap I am in the Post Office more often than not.

[Meg]

Tera,
In the midst of our snow storm, I went to the Post Office and mailed the Bookseller of Kabul to you. I was tempted to put some snow in there but it went media mail, and, well that takes a bit longer to get to you.

[Tera, First Chick]

I adore yoU! I would have loved the snow! It was 80 here the other day. Maybe only 60s today but man do I miss real weather.

[Bloomin’Chick (Jo) aka The Eclectic Spoonie]

Meg, how much snow did you get? We got over a foot here. Had to venture out to the repair shop to have the pick up fixed and drop off the suv. The bright side of that was stopping at Duncan Donuts!

Wow, is that media mail rate for a single book or more than a few? I've sent books media rate and it costs me an average of $6 to $8!

Tera, it was 80 degrees by you the other day?!?! I heard on the Weather Channel that some place in TX got to 101 degrees on friday! That's just crazy talk in February, lol!

[Katie]

Media Mail is $2.23 for anything under a pound and $2.58 for 1-2 pounds, etc.

Jo - You must be mailing a LOT of books in those packages to get it up to the $6-$8 range.

Unfortunately, rates are going up again in May. :(

[Bloomin’Chick (Jo) aka The Eclectic Spoonie]

PS~ My journey got a bit derailed! Within 24 hours of arriving home from Texas on 2/16, I came down with a horrendous cold and bronchitis! While I'm better now, I'm still not entirely over it, 14 days later! I was so sick, I couldn't read or write. (Or do anything else). I could barely watch tv and mostly had it on for background noise so I could try to sleep.

I have to go back over this thread to get myself back on track with my journey!

[Meg]

Jo-- when I am sick I listen to audiobooks because my eyes seem to burn. Also, listening is very soothing. Only about 8 inches, but I am done with winter.

Tera -- you are so funny, I wish I were in 80 degree weather.

[KrisT]

I really liked the Historian too. I have decided I must really like these dark novels. I seem to get into them lately so I guess maybe it is a phase.

Media mail does take longer though. I am hoping Tera gets my Am Idol money soon. They told me two days and I mailed it last wed. so that is a draw back but it is relatively cheap. Katie do you work for the post office? My sis in law does and she told me it takes a long time to get from me to Texas so not sure what that is about.

[Katie]

KrisT - Nope. I don't work for the post office. I just send a LOT of books. lol

The website says media mail takes approximately 7 days, but in my experience they usually arrive sooner. All media mail packages are subject to inspection to make sure that the contents meet the restrictions. I don't think I've had that happen to anything I've sent or received that way.

[KrisT]

I have been to India this week.


The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

This was a tough story to get into for me. The main character is very sarcastic and forward. This fits his character as he was nicknamed the 'white tiger'. It is a story of a man who was born to a lower caste, trapped by the ways of his people. He wants to get out of this and he lucks into a job as a driver for a very wealthy man and his son. The rest of the story there are many choices he must make where he can better himself and learn from his wealthy master.
It is a very gritty in your face book. I think it was more so if you listen to it on audio because the man reading is Indian and there is in your face language often. I am not sure I really liked this book but I think if it was for a discussion it would make for quite a few topics.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Bloomin’Chick (Jo) aka The Eclectic Spoonie]

Meg, I'm so silly, I completely forgot about my audio books! (DUH) They are soothing - I listen to them to fall asleep when Hubby's snoring is testing my sanity. (Eat Pray Love is fantastic to listen to, Liz Gilbert's voice is very soothing).

[LinBee]

So, for my next adventure, I am going to Hell. (sorry couldn't resist.) I have been inspired by the Gargoyle to re-read Dante's Inferno, which I've been wanting to do for awhile. I'm not sure what it classifies as, maybe Italy. I'm not even sure if it counts as that, but it's ok. So, as soon as I'm done with Germany, I'll fly off to Italy/Hell!

[Meg]

I just hope Hell doesn't freeze over!

[Jennifer W]

Tera, it is 20 degrees here, in the middle of the day in the sunlight, I'd gladly swap with you weather-wise. ;)

Laura, I read Chocolat a month or so ago, set in France. It was good, but different than the movie. If anyone else has read it, I'd love to discuss it, because the ending confused me.

I am currently in Ireland, although accidentally, because I didn't realize until I started it but In the Woods is set just outside of Dublin. However, aside from the occasional "odd" word, it could be set in upstate New York... so I think it only counts on a technicality.

I need to go someplace tropical next!! :D

[Leslie]

I believe the media mail has a minimum rate of about $2.00 but I just some to Taylor(she is COL somewhere lurking here) in Brazil via the diplomatic pouch that was about 6-10 pounds for about $4.75, of course she will get much later than the average person gets media mail. She might get in time for Easter! Ha Ha Ha! But it beats spending more money and filling out all those custom forms through the military mail for the navy!

[Leslie]

I read some reviews on the Historian...very mixed reactions. Either people loved it or hated it! I am thinking that people were wanting or expecting fiction instead of some true history invloved. But I liie reading history so I am going to give this one a definite shot!

[Meg]

I agree with you Jennifer, being kind of a neighbor of yours in VT, the cold weather would gladly be traded.

Welcome to our trip around the world Leslie and Jennifer.

[Maria]

Thanks everyone for all the info on media postal rates!

[Meg]

Well I just came back from Spain and Ethiopia with
The Alchemist - Paul Coelho

I can't believe how much I liked this book. There were so many "pearls of wisdom". It is so beautifully written in a simplistic manner but it will just make you smile.

[Maria]

ooh The Alchemist has been on my to read list for a while! Is the book considered in the genre of "magic realism"? The description on goodreads page kind of sounds like it but I'm unsure. I was googling on the book and also learned that it is being made into a film this year. (but alas the book I'm sure will be much much better)
You definitely are a arm-chair jet-setter Meg! You'll have lots of stamps on your passport aka bookmark :-P

[Meg]

I love reading books that have cultural aspects.

I wouldn't call this book magical realism, to me it is more of a fable. I would say that most books dealing in magical realism are from/about Spanish speaking countries. Although, Alburquerque has some magical realism in it but the author is Hispanic.

[Katie]

Meg wrote: "Well I just came back from Spain and Ethiopia with
The Alchemist - Paul Coelho

The Alchemist is easily on my list of top 10 favorites. Great stories. Great characters. I've enjoyed everything I've read from Coelho. I wouldn't classify it as magic realism either.

Meg - Speaking of magic realism, what are your favorite titles from that genre. I always enjoy them and look for more. Like Water for Chocolate is one of my favorites.

[LinBee]

Meg wrote: "I just hope Hell doesn't freeze over!"

Not in Florida! *waves some warmer weather your way to thaw the snow!*

[Gloria Clark]

I don't think I understand the rules for this game vey well. Am I supposed to find someone to go "with" me to the different place, or just post where I've been?
If its the latter, I've been to Algeria and Canada now too and Wales once more. Having some trouble wiht the last Wales book though... Lousy time traveling Twyleth teg...

[Cindy]

I just returned from England; London and the English countryside. I could feel the rain and the bitter cold as I read the book, The House at Midnight A Novel. It was a good psychological suspense, but left me with some questions! I guess that is what makes it good though.

[Meg]

Gloria - You can travel either with other people or go solo. For example, some of us are reading War and Peace (another thread) so we are all in Russia. For me, I read a few books at a time. One, I am in Russia and I am also in Sudan/Ethiopia (What is the What) and Cuba (Waiting for Snow in Havana) All we ask is that when you talk about where you have been you tell us the books that have taken you there and something about the book. In the end, I will try to develop a reading list and also a list of all the countries we have been to.

Cindy, a lot of people seem to be reading this book.
Do you recommend it?

[Cindy]

I would say that I liked the book so/so. Kind of felt like I missed something when I was finished and had to go back and re-read....I loved the descriptions in the book; the house, the English countryside. The emotions of each person were described well, but kind of hard to keep up with. All in all I gave it 3 stars and would I read it again? No.

[KrisT]

I just went back in time to pre- WWI and the land known then as Mesopotamia (now Iraq) in Land of Marvels by Barry Unsworth. This is my first book by BU and I am not sure I would read any others. He had a great idea, a group of young archeologists are working on a site where they believe is the ruins of the Assyrian palace. They are finding more each day so if not for that the book would be very dull indeed as the dialogue is lacking. You don't really get to know any of the characters. A geologist comes under the guise of another archeologist but he is really searching for oil under where they are digging. All this drags on while near by the building of the railroad looms on the horizon. Plots to sabotage the rr is vague and the story just drags on. The last few pages makes for the only excitement.
I have to give it only 2.5/5

[Meg]

I heard that White Tiger is really good. Thanx for that I am putting it on my TBR.

Did you learn a lot about the culture in India? What is the time frame in the book?

[KrisT]

Gosh, Mandy I would be interested to know what you loved about White Tiger. I just finished it this week too and I did not care for it. The main character was so sarcastic and I hated that but it did sort of grow on me as it went along. I don't want to give anything away on here but I can see how this book would make for a good group discussion but I can't say I even liked the narrator or his story. We need to chat! :)

[Meg]

In case you are all interested. If you go to the explore tab there is a poll on Russian authors/books. It is impressive, especially if someone wants to go to Russia and/or revisit.

[LinBee]

Well, I've finished my tour of WWII Germany, and it was a bumpy take-off. I so didn't want to leave my friend Lesil and Rudy and Papa, even though a few of the characters were taken from me in the final chapter. Well, onward to Hell (or there abouts)!