On the Southern Literary Trail discussion
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General Bookishness
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Retired: What are you reading?
April 19, 2014Friday
My dear Librarian friends:
Today was National recognition of all librarians according to the Public Library Association!!! Yeah! For you are all very important people !!!!
Oh and in case anyone did not add our lovely author Gabriel Garcia Marques died Thursday. He was most famous for Love In the time of Cholera ... Don't quote me!!! I never read the book. I just kept putting on the to do list and never got to it. How bad did I mess up???
Well, I am sorry we lost a good one.
Happy Easter ! I think my family is mixed up really bad! We ate hotdogs and Chili for Good Friday! We are so bad!!! We did watch the Hannity Special on Fox News that had some great religious speakers of our time speak about the political correctness approach to ignoring the Christian faith after 9/11. We have to make it comfortable for all religions but Christianity now and it is down % wise in our country . Interesting show tonight.
Well Happy reading ,
Dawn ( I cut out the Rebel for PC)
Mike wrote: "Meghan wrote: "I'm having such a hard time with light in august. I might just need to remove myself from this group and even return my literature degree! Sorry everyone, quite disappointed in mysel..."Thanks Mike I will definitely give reading it out loud a try! I'm working my way through it, I shoot for a chapter per day at least. Hopefully I will have a good part of it done by May.
Meghan wrote: "I'm having such a hard time with light in august. I might just need to remove myself from this group and even return my literature degree! Sorry everyone, quite disappointed in myself ..."Hi, Meghan. I appreciate both your problem and the humor with which you expressed it. In addition to reading aloud, you may want to consider not trying to read the book at the pace of the group read but in very small sections at a time. Alternate the reading of it with different sorts of reads altogether. I find that when I divide something up that is difficult for me into very small chunks, it can start to grow on me. Also, if you have a love for history, it may help to read Faulkner also as a window into another time and place.
I will get back to group reads now that i am done . I just done with writing my first short story and getting ready to sent it off to try to get it in print but I have a background in psychology. I just realized Child of god must of impacted how i wrote the story because
I used has the same idea that one event that change some life and mental state in a blink of an eye.
back to groups reads here i come
I used has the same idea that one event that change some life and mental state in a blink of an eye.
back to groups reads here i come
does any one know if good reads lets it users post writing that they wrote on this website?
Mod
Welcome back, Erika. I wish you great success with your short story. I'm happy to have you back for our group reads.
Mike
Erika wrote: "does any one know if good reads lets it users post writing that they wrote on this website?"Yes they do, although I have no idea what hoops you have to jump through to make it happen. I'm not sure what device you use to access GR but on the PC interface at the top of the page there is an Explore drop down menu that lists ebooks and from there you can download excerpts or whole books.
hohow is the bookthere is no country for old man? is it wortha read
Meghan wrote: "I'm having such a hard time .haha"You be singing to the choir there young lady! Give us a hint what the problem is "We're listening" Mike gives me credit for the Schmoop idea, but it was one of the other guys in here that mentioned it first. I think it is a big help. Have you gotten to the part about Hightower's wife? There are so many juicy side stories. Hang in there Meghan, Don't leave us now!!
Patricia wrote: "Meghan wrote: "I'm having such a hard time with light in august. I might just need to remove myself from this group and even return my literature degree! Sorry everyone, quite disappointed in mysel..."Thanks Patricia, I have been going back and forth between Faulkner and another much lighter book and I do find that it helps. I do love history as well! Another great way to approach reading the novel.
John wrote: "Meghan wrote: "I'm having such a hard time .haha"You be singing to the choir there young lady! Give us a hint what the problem is "We're listening" Mike gives me credit for the Schmoop idea, b..."
Hmm I guess the main problem is how much of the writing is inner consciousness. I like more dialogue and description of scenery (I really enjoy Shirley Ann Grau's writing to give an idea). I just finished the chapter on Hightower's wife and it was quite page turning :) But I am hanging in there. I'm determined to finish it! Thanks for all the words of encouragement and ideas!
The wishing tree by Faulkner is ann easy book by him after reading child of god that book helped me with him too
I just started Last Scene Alive (Aurora Teagarden #7
It got me hooked!!!!!
with the plot ,twists ,and people in the book.
page 80 now.
It got me hooked!!!!!
with the plot ,twists ,and people in the book.
page 80 now.
Just got down with Last Scene Alive (Aurora Teagarden #7
good book. Never thought of putting the south and the hollowood in one. It is set in small town in the south.
might be my next nomnation
good book. Never thought of putting the south and the hollowood in one. It is set in small town in the south.
might be my next nomnation
Mod
Mike
Mike wrote: "I just finished Like Trees, Walking: A Novel by Ravi Howard. It is a powerful work of historical fiction surrounding the lynching of 19 year old Michael Donald by me..."I'm definitely going to plan for this one Mike, probably next month. Thanks for the heads up.
Mike- I say we read this one!!! Sounds really interesting. I love historical fiction. Say, I found some really GREAT POETRY from a Southerner from Alabama who was a writer in Residence through the John Grisham award series at Ole Miss. He visited my Southern Lit class one Summer. His name is Jake Adam York. He is writing poems in dedication to all of the martyrs on the Civil Rights Memorial. His work also carries a fantastic theme dealing with Starlings! Which I will keep to myself for now!!! He was doing research while here in Mississippi too. While visiting our class he said he had never written a poem about being at Ole Miss! He wrote one about a question asked in our classroom that year. Recently, he was at Square Books again with another release of poetry. I am just about having a heart attack to buy! I have not been able to get by there!!! Do y'all think you would be interested in reading some great poetry if I give you an introduction and notes about his lecture? He is a graduate from University of Alabama as an Undergrad in an MFA in Creative writing. He then attended Columbia because it is the only University that will allow you a PHD in both Creative Writing and a Regular English Professor's program. He now teaches in Colorado. He told us that Universities do not like Professors to teach near their home areas, although he tries to get closer to home every year. If you notice , this always seems true , in my case anyway.
I really wish we would try some Southern Poetry. We also have, Natasha Treadway, Lucille Clifton, Maya Angelo, etc... There are just so many. This is just an idea. If your interested, just post it.
Sincerely, Dawn
With
My thoughts:
"For me a disturbing story. Pedophilia and child abduction, coupled with a dog that thinks like a human and is capable of operating an Ouija board. Kinda over the top. Aside from the content not a very challenging book. I wouldn't compare Harington with the good Southern writers just yet. Out of respect to others that think well of him I'll delay final sentence for another time or another book. Meah"
and now we have a ghost/not ghost talking directly to the reader. Even though this is an adult theme there is an eight year old mentality to it. Nothing else on the night stand to read so this is it.
I finished the book so it can't be all that bad. A relaxing story after I got past the abduction section. I think Harington and I are done. Magical Realism, what a load of (maybe I shouldn't be judgmental) crap.
John wrote: "I wouldn't compare Harington with the good Southern writers just yet."I have read one Harington, the first of the Stay More series, three years ago and just now took the second in the series off my TBR list. I gave Lightning Bug four stars but said: "Slapstick. Ribald. Bawdy. You may think of Shakespeare. But the bard might move over and leave some room for Donald Harington. Or should we say raunchy? Coarse? Rude? Vulgar? Lewd? But most readers like the book quite a lot. So what does that mean?"
Your review of With makes me think, 'Yes, same guy.' One and done sounds good to me today. (As you can see, I am practicing to give up Faulkner! Hold firm, my heart!)
John, your review makes me want to read the book :)I'll be reading all the Staymore books... If you think a dog using a ouija board is a bit over the top, you should read The Cockroaches one! Very funny!
Mod
Mike wrote: "I received a message from one of our members requesting a place to discuss book recommendations and reviews. So here's the spot. The books you list here need not be Southern literature. I'm sure..."I recently finished The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. I didn't expect anything of such power and intelligence. I didn't know that this woman is brilliant. Sure, I enjoyed "Eat Pray Love," along with countless thousands. But her novel is in a different category altogether: literature with a capital L.
John Grisham 2 StarsWell I can't say that I'm disappointed because I didn't really expect much. It was a real yawner. An ok read and I plowed through it in a couple of nights. There just wasn't any meat on it's bones. He continued to say the same phrases over and over again. At least there was no Magical Realism in it.
Just finished Birds of a Feather, a short story collection due in mid June by our own group member Kaye Park Hinckley. It was really an enjoyable read. Very thought provoking but still entertaining and very much in the tradition of authors many of us in this group enjoy. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Highly recommend for those who enjoy short stories!
Mod
Josh, I reading Kaye's book, too. I'd recommend it to anyone. The book is published by Wiseblood Books. The launch will be at O'Connor's home, Andalusia, in late June.
Mike
My thoughts
HMS Ulysses
Duty and perseverance. Men at sea. Ships at sea. Force 10 weather out of the Arctic. Winds at sea. Ice. Ice. 300 tons of it on deck. Convoy to Murmansk. Stukas, Condors, Heinkels. Starbursts. Glider bombs. Torpedoes. Captain Valery, the Kapok Kid, Ralston
The twin screws drive her into the trough and to the Arctic floor.
His description of the storm is enough.
Right now i reading the hier by jack livings
Mod
And, now I'm reading a novel by one of our own members, A Circle of Earth by Patricia Weil. I'm hooked.
Mike
Mike wrote: "I just finished Doc by Mary Doria Russell. It's a historical fiction involving John H. Holliday, better known as "Doc." It has a unique Southern connection. Holliday..."Looking forward to your thoughts on Weil's book, Mike.
Mod
After that Devil book which I found less than filling. Too many characters and not a one did I empathize with.I have settled in with
The Cove
Ron Rash. He leads into the story line so well. We do the Hansel and Gretal thing picking up crumbs along the road. There is a mystery, not a detective story, but a mystery concerning unknown origins. Hank has returned from WWI, without a hand. Walter can't speak, but plays the flute. Laurel is ostracized for yet unknown reasons. There is a much different tone here than the other Rash books I've read. I'm taking this one slow. Highly recommended.
Mod
I have settled in with
The Cove[authorima..."*chuckle* Less than filling, eh? I would say that has been the most polarizing read chosen by the group. And remember, I don't nominate or vote. *laughing*
I have [book:The Cove|11807189] close to the top of my neverending to read list. In fact, it's next to my computer as I write. I'll be interested in your thoughts as you make your way through it.
Mike
Mike wrote: "I just finished Doc by Mary Doria Russell. It's a historical fiction involving John H. Holliday, better known as "Doc." It has a unique Southern connection. Holliday..."I love Mary Doria Russell so much that I even enjoyed Doc, to my surprise. Not usually a Western fan.
I started Between Wrecks by southern writer George Singleton. If you need me, I'll be giggling in the corner.
The Cove
It was a good book. A book of sentences. A book of depth. Then there is Patriotism. Hot emotions outside of reason. A dangerous sentiment. Of farm and city. Anonymity and presence. Superstitions and perseverance.
I am not sure if this fits into the "Southern" realm, being set in Texas but I recently read Ruby: A Novel. It was quite brilliant, but very disturbing! I will not list all the trigger warnings here, but if you can handle the difficult subject matter it is a spectacular novel!I also loved The Enchanted which just blew me away with it's poetic writing - even more amazing for the dark subject matter. Now if someone could recommend a light humorous book for me to cleanse my brain!
Mod
Both of these are on my short list to read.
I think that Mike had the best idea for something light and humorous: Mama Makes Up Her Mind by Bailey White. It's a little like eating ice cream. I just bought on Kindle Under Magnolia: A Southern Memoir by Frances Mayes. I had three books on the way by mail but was temporarily without "anything good to read." I'm saving it for a while. I can say already that the opening chapter, which narrated the author's trip to Oxford and talked a good bit about Faulkner, brought comments of this group to mind re reading his work. Mayes' writing is intensely lyrical--which I love. And the nostalgia element is very heavy--I think the author must be a boomer. I can tell that the book will be very interesting but have to say that it might be sad. Fear there's a dysfunctional family at the heart of it.
Mod
Jenny, I just picked up the new Oxford American. It includes a new piece by George Singleton.
Mike
Mod
Mod
It is 1929. The crash initially seems far away from small town Clanton, Alabama. But the effects are gradually felt. The Greys and the Griffens are enduring loss of business. What little is done is by barter. Henry's wife Lillian is reduced to pawning family heirlooms. A bond forms between Lillian Grey and Emma Griffen.
I read far into the early hours this morning. Captivating.
Mike
Mod
Diane, I agree. The towns of East Texas definitely have a southern feel to them. However, ask many Texans this question and they'll tell you that Texas is a unique area separate from the rest of the South. MJ, born and bred in Texas, is one of those folks.
"Well, Darlin', why don't you consider Texas Southern?"
"Texas is Texas." She flatly replies.
"Well, what about the Civil War. Why did Texas join the Confederacy?"
"Politics." Arms crossed.
"Well, if you don't consider it Southern, what do you considerate it?"
"Southwest."
Martha Jo is not unique among the Texans I have met. And you don't win this argument with Texans born and bred.
Interesting.
Mike
Mod
Diane wrote: "Why does anyone question whether Texas is considered Southern? What else could it be?"I always think of Texas as The West - don't know why..LOL
Mod
Mike wrote: "Jenny, I just picked up the new Oxford American. It includes a new piece by George Singleton...."Ooh thanks I'll look for it. You know, another friend from this group is the first person to tell me about that publication. It looks like the library where I work subscribes to it, so I need to add it to my reading rotation. (I regularly read Harpers, New Yorker, Creative Non Fiction... Anything else I should look for?)
Meghan wrote: "I'm having such a hard time with light in august. I might just need to remove myself from this group and even return my literature degree! Sorry everyone, quite disappointed in myself...haha"Don't be disappointed with yourself- it's not easy and Mike is right about available resources. Remember, Faulkner writes about people, not ideas. That may help narrow your focus. Don't expect to get everything in the book, because you won't- without that worry of getting all of it, you may do better!
I think it was Diane who pointed out that one shouldn't read what one doesn't love and enjoy. Faulkner's not for everybody. I tried the Hamlet--first in the Snopes trilogy--and just simply couldn't do it. True, I was puzzled, but it was by no means cause for self-disppointment. Move on to what you love.
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On the Southern Literary Trail
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Meghan, don't give up. One of the techniques I used when I began reading Faulkner was to read it aloud. I found that when I did the language took a more natural rhythm. Now, I still read Faulkner aloud for the pleasure of the sound of the language. Plus, there are numerous resources available on line. I believe it was John who called the groups attention to Shmoop.Com in which you'll find plenty of information.
Mike