Retired: What are you reading? Showing 551-600 of 5,490

[Jenny (Reading Envy)]

Also, I don't think reading every book is a requirement for being a member of this group! I probably read one of the two monthly picks every few months or so, but I'm learning a lot and enjoying the company. No shoulds!

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "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 pe..."

If you can get past the ads and sparkle, the magazine Garden & Gun has some good short fiction and essays by authors who formerly published in The Oxford American. Translation: G&G has MONEY to pay the bigger names. Published every two months, G&G has some interesting articles, too. The April/May issue included "William Faulkner's Time in Tinseltown." Great stuff. Josh previously referred to that article. Published in Charleston, SC, G&G is a glitzy magazine for the Southern who either has everything, or is looking for everything. I mine the magazine for the nuggets. I don't have everything, want everything, just good writing.

Also, a not to be missed series is New Stories From the South published annually by Algonquin Books, Chapel Hill, NC. The series began in 1987. Pick up every volume you can lay hands on. These volumes are a treasure trove of short fiction by contemporary Southern authors.

Mike

[Jenny (Reading Envy)]

Thanks! I've read some great musician profiles in G&G, once I got past the title. :)

New Stories from the South is new to me.

[[deleted user]]

Hi folks
I'm new in here and thought I'd come in and say that I just started Knockemstiff after reading some of the posts here about it . Me being from Ohio, I wanted to look up Knockemstiff on the map . I live up near Akron , but my mother's family is from southern Ohio . They come from an area with a lot of little burgs like Knockemstiff ,although they would be 2 hours east of that area . 2 of the burgs we drive through to get there are Dungannon and Crooked Tree ,and both of them look a lot like Knockemstiff .
That being said, I was also reading some comments about what states would be considered Southern ,and this author seems like he fits into that category .
Being born and raised here and making frequent trips down "home" to where the family is ,makes me realize that Southern Ohio has some areas that remind me of West Virginia . Beautiful small villages, "ghost towns" in which all the business has dried up, but a few people hang on and still choose to live in their original homes . They do have more of an accent being from down there ,and are much friendlier than people in our area tend to be. Everyone that drives by waves at you whether they know you or not ,and I doubt you'd be stuck along the road for long, because people seem to look out for each other more down that way. Up here, everyone stays in their own yard and doesn't get involved with others as much .
So, I think southern writers can be from Ohio ,too . I'm about 4 stories in with Knockemstiff . I'm not sure whether to say I like the book or I don't ? !
The writing is great, but some of the subject matter is a bit off-color ? Not sure how else to word it . Gritty ?
I'll read on and see how it goes ... maybe I'll know more then about what opinion I have of it .

Could I ask you folks that are from the southern states , if you see the same trend as I've seen ,or maybe I'm just choosing the wrong books, but today's Southern books seem a bit more watered down ,or maybe more like romance-type stories with a southern flair ..

Also, can any of you tell me what you think of Tobacco Road ? It's the only one of Caldwell's books I've read ,and I hesitate before reading another one ,because it's one of the most mixed-up-feelings I have ever had after reading the book !

I know nothing about the author or what his goal was in the book. Do you feel he wanted to make the reader feel sorry for the people in the book, or was he making fun of their lack of education and inability to make wise choices, or did he just want to write a story to show how difficult some families lived in that day and place ?

I'm confused .. Any comments or advice on whether to give this author another try ,or does anyone know what his intentions were ? I have God's Little Acre on the back burner . Should I stick it back on the shelf or open it and see what's inside ?

[Larry]

John wrote: "I think to do a Larry Brown next. Fay"

Don't forget to vote for Fay for the August book read. It is lagging one vote behind at the moment but I think the poll is still open. I am hoping to read it then!

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Kaye wrote: "Hi folks
I'm new in here and thought I'd come in and say that I just started Knockemstiff after reading some of the posts here about it . Me being from Ohio, I wanted to look up Knockemstiff on th..."

Welcome to "The Trail," Kaye. You've raised some interesting points. As to Erskine Caldwell, I think it would be worth your while to continue on with further reads. For information on Caldwell, see the discussion topic on Erskine Caldwell: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/.... And for Caldwell's own memoir, see Georgia Boy.

As to your mention of whether current Southern Lit is being watered down, I'm sure that you'll find titles that are. However, the reads nominated and voted on by our members here hardly fit that category. You referred to Knockemstiff as being gritty. A great amount of contemporary Southern authors are writing what has come to be known as "Grit Lit." It is literature on the rough side, hardly moonlight and magnolias.

Take a look at our group bookshelf and I don't think you'll find a watered down selection.

Once again, welcome! It's a pleasure to have you here and I hope you will find much to enjoy here.

Mike Sullivan
"Lawyer Stevens"

[[deleted user]]

Hi Mike
Thank you kindly for the welcome and the answers to my questions. I'll have to give Caldwell's thread a look. I should have looked before to see what all you have . I like this group because you guys really get into the books more thoroughly and have SO many good sounding recommendations. Looks out Amazon ! It looks like I have a whole new shopping list to choose from ,and that's just from the What are you reading now area .
I look forward to talking books with you all a lot more !

[John]

Sorry Larry, I wasn't paying attention to the nominations. and I got there too late to vote. Besides I'm sick and tired of this site bumping me off every time I change a page or a minute goes by.

[Larry]

We will read it anyway, John! Never let a computer spoil your day! Peace!

[Ruthie]

Patricia wrote: "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 South..."

Thanks! Both look like just the right antidote for a heavy, disturbing read!

[Spencer]

Headed to the beach Friday. Recommend a beach themed southern gothic tale?

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Spencer wrote: "Headed to the beach Friday. Recommend a beach themed southern gothic tale?"

Beach Music or The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy.

[Spencer]

Thank you Diane, much obliged!

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Spencer, don't know if you have a Kindle, but Prince of Tides is a daily deal today, just $1.99.

[Jenny (Reading Envy)]

Spencer wrote: "Headed to the beach Friday. Recommend a beach themed southern gothic tale?"
Maybe Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer?

[Patricia]

Diane wrote: "Spencer, don't know if you have a Kindle, but Prince of Tides is a daily deal today, just $1.99."

And Prince of Tides is a super fine read--far better, in this one person's opinion, than Beach Music.

[[deleted user]]

I am readings more from jack livings . He is a really good short story writer that will debut book will come out 8/5/2014
has this group read i knew why the cage bird sings for the group read?

[Meran]

A new author, not Southern, I don't believe, twisted but very interesting (I posted my review here and on Amazon), "Toxicity" by Max Booth III.

ALSO, just read The Book Thief. An unusual view of an old subject!

[Ron]

I am just starting "Friendship and Sympathy" but the list of writers sounds like a top American Women Writers. Marjorie Rawlins, Katherine Anne Porter, Carson McCullers, Caroline Gordon, Flannery O'Connor, Eudora Welty and they are reviewing each others stories. These women will be letting their hair down.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

That sounds interesting, Ronald. I'll have to look for that.

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

I'm reading Hemingway: The 1930s by Michael S. Reynolds. I've gone as far South as I can go in the contiguous states. This is prime reading while visiting Key West.


Hemingway's Key West Writing Studio

[Larry]

Ronald wrote: "I am just starting "Friendship and Sympathy"..."

I found a used copy at alibris.com for $4.47 (shipping included) and look forward to turning the pages soon. With the encouragement of this group, these authors have taken a large role in my reading life.

[John]

Today was an interesting day. Today I met and had lunch with Quanah Parker's granddaughter. An incredible woman. Served a tour of duty in Viet Nam. Was wounded three times. Rose to the rank of Major. She was an adult before she learned to speak, read and write in English. I could go on but it is her story to tell. Waaenaa Parker crafts traditional Comanche artifacts in the traditional manner; Bows, arrows, clothing, lances. Knaps her own arrowheads, tans her own leather. An incredible person. It was truly my pleasure. She has lots of stories to tell

[Sue]

John wrote: "Today was an interesting day. Today I met and had lunch with Quanah Parker's granddaughter. An incredible woman. Served a tour of duty in Viet Nam. Was wounded three times. Rose to the rank of ..."

Did she indicate whether she plans to write any of these stories?

[John]

That would be a good idea. Guess someone would have to park a tape recorder on the kitchen table. It could happen.

[Renato]

Hey guys! Here's my review of Absalom, Absalom! which I just finished last night. Would love to hear your thoughts on it. Please mind you please English is not my first language! :)

What would you recommend me to follow up this book with? The Sound and the Fury?

[[deleted user]]

Reading I knew why the caged bird sings for a southern read.
I am also reading of mice and men. I was hoping for a harder stienbeck book.
Does any one know which stienbeck book I should pick up that is harder than of mice and men.

[Renato]

Hi Erika!

What do you mean by harder? I've only read The Grapes of Wrath and I really liked it. I reviewed it some weeks ago.

I don't know if you're into best novels list, but it ranks pretty high on lots of lists. This site kind of adds them all up and it has the book coming at #24.

[John]

Hi Erika, East of Eden is a little more difficult and it delves the into human condition in a deeper way. If I remember right a recurring theme was Misunderstanding of other peoples actions and intentions. I liked it a lot.

[Patricia]

Odd: I didn't find any difference in difficulty level between these two. Eden was certainly more complex. And I'm one of those who feels that TGOW is one of the most important books written in this country.

[John]

There's a good word. Complex

[Karen]

Patricia wrote: "Odd: I didn't find any difference in difficulty level between these two. Eden was certainly more complex. And I'm one of those who feels that TGOW is one of the most important books written in t..."

Yes, it made Steinbeck a hero to many.

[Meran]

LOVE Steinbeck. He's one of my all time favorites! Can't go wrong reading his books.

[John]

Fay, my thoughts.

A great summer read. Easy going, not too harsh. Characters well developed. Suspenseful; with simple phrasing Larry Brown had me looking over my shoulder waiting for something to happen. Sometimes it did, sometimes it didn't. From what I gather a good contemporary feel to the Gulf Coast. It sure felt like two lane state roads and lots of little towns. Oysters on the half shell baby.

[[deleted user]]

to my fellow members
There is another website that could help people with group reads if they have . sparknotes.com.
erika

[Dawn]

Hi Erika!!!

Glad to hear from you. Hope you are fine. Thank you for the tip. You never know when you might need to know a little more information. A little more knowledge never hurt anyone !!!
Dawn

[John]

Slogging through The Bitter Road to Freedom: A New History of the Liberation of Europe A look at Europe from the civilian's eye during and after WWII. A perspective that is new to me. The human toll was immense. So many issues still in today's news. Ukraine, Crimea, Displaced Persons, Stalin-Putin etc. Did you know that Francois Mitterand was a French Resistance fighter? This delves into Vichy France to a small degree. I gloss over the statistics in search for the human stories. Looking at events in the Middle East it is a wonder that WWII came to as well managed end as it did. Well worth the read is you have the interest. Check out the reviews and save yourself some time.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Has anyone else noticed the resurgence of big, fat books? Maybe authors have decided to return to old fashioned storytelling.

[Larry]

I wonder if e-books will gradually eliminate our mental image of a "thick" book?

[Patricia]

Let us hope not! But I suspect we all believe that e-everything will end up being the norm. I was so in love with Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things that I was grateful that it was a big, fat book! Highly recommend that one--an American historical.

[Ctgt]

During our discussion of the Pollock book last month,
Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West came up several times so I decided to give it a try. What a brutal book. I have read violent books before(including horror) but I guess the matter of fact way McCarthy presented the violence really had a huge impact on me. And "the judge"? That's a character I won't forget.

[Larry]

Blood Meridian is back on my radar screen as well after its mention last month. I am thinking about taking it in as an audio book. The brutality in Coal Black Horse did not get to me the same way as Pollock. I wonder why? I have a horror book Poe's Children on my back burner to test my reaction to such writing as I play with my wimp-meter.

[John]

Blood Meridian. I have this on my night stand now. It's gonna take some nerve to read it.

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

To those discussing Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West, Harold Bloom described it as the most disturbing book he had ever read. I think I share that opinion. It out shadows Child of God, Outer Dark, and The Orchard Keeper with ease. See http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/05/17..., "Cormac McCarthy's Venomous Fiction," NYTImes Review of Books, May 17, 1998.

[Ctgt]

Thanks Mike. I'll check out the link. I found a video from Yale discussing the book but I am still working my through it so I won't link it yet.

[John]

I put together a quiz for Provinces of Night by William Gay . I hope it's not too obscure.

[[deleted user]]

Iam reading a tree grows in brooklin the cloor purple and grapes of wrath

[Diane S ☔]

I am reading Pines and Skylark.

[Josh]

John wrote: "I put together a quiz for Provinces of Night by William Gay. I hope it's not too obscure."

Wow, for my favorite book, I didn't fare too well. Been a while since I read it last......appreciate the quiz. GREAT questions. Might just prompt a re-read.

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

I'm reading Michael Reynold's five volume biography of Ernest Hemingway. The volumes are The Young Hemingway, Hemingway: The Paris Years, Hemingway: The Homecoming, Hemingway: The 1930s, and Hemingway: The Final Years. I've finished "The Young Hemingway" and "Hemingway: The 1930s," which I read out of turn during our recent trip to Key West. Reynolds is the best biographer of Hemingway I've found since Ernest Hemingway: A Life Story. Michael Reynolds was the founding President of the Hemingway Foundation and served in that capacity until his death from pancreatic cancer in August, 2000. The interesting thing about this multi-volume bio is that Reynolds concentrates on Hemingway's life. While he certainly refers frequently to Hemingway's works, this is not the ordinary literary biography.