On the Southern Literary Trail discussion
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General Bookishness
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Retired: What are you reading?
For some reason, my little bitty local library has gotten audio versions of practically every Man Booker runner-up, and I'm greedily running through them...I'm up to maybe five now? Hooray!Tonight, I just closed out on probably the most symbolic book I've ever read (um, listened to?). Hot Milk did not initially draw my interest, but surely these judges are onto something, so I grabbed it. It is an odd and beautiful and surreal coming of age story about a 25 year old who has essentially dropped her PhD program in Anthropology to care for her ungrateful but physically disabled mother.
In a last ditch effort to get her mobility back, the mother mortgages the family home (and therefore her daughter's inheritance) for the two of them to spend several months on the geographically strange coast of southern Spain. The Andalusian area is high desert - the place where Spaghetti Westerns were filmed - which drops to the oily sea of the Mediterranean. It is in this oddly juxtaposed setting that a prestigious but controversial clinic is located and the surreal story unfolds.
The book is an odd duck, but if you know that going in, the free audio is absolutely worth your time.
John wrote: "Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich
✮✮✮✮✮ and ❤
Bull Mountain is the Burroughs family. The Burroughs family is Bull Mountain. Even if you leave Bull Mountain, such as the novel's protagonist, Sheriff..."
Ah, yeah. BULL MOUNTAIN is a good one.
✮✮✮✮✮ and ❤
Bull Mountain is the Burroughs family. The Burroughs family is Bull Mountain. Even if you leave Bull Mountain, such as the novel's protagonist, Sheriff..."
Ah, yeah. BULL MOUNTAIN is a good one.
I loved Bull Mountain ! I think Brian Panovich created some great characters from which he can stack up some complicated personalities to involve around the same great setting ! I have a big thing for books in a series if those characters are real to me. I wanted to read and learn more about the people in the story when it ended . I felt sort of cheated and was ready for more . I even made up a family tree for one of my reviews ! LOL! Then , Brian said the paperback had one ! I felt silly ! But , I am ready for his next and Steve, I am wondering about you too! Please come to Oxford ! I love your stories too !
Dawn
LeAnne ~ you and I do read alike ! I heard Hot Milk was good from a girl that worked in Square Books and they always read the weird ones like me too ! Been missing y'all ! I have had tech issues and now the flu. Yes, I took the flu shot ! My Mom did too and she has it too! I am not going to bother anymore with flu shots . I have not had one in years . Took one this year and now have flu !
Keep warm and happy reading !
Dawn
Dawn wrote: "LeAnne ~ you and I do read alike ! I heard Hot Milk was good from a girl that worked in Square Books and they always read the weird ones like me too ! Been missing y'all ! I have had tech issues ..."
So sorry y'all have been hit by that bug. As for the weird ones, yep! This one could go on a shelf with our beloved Eileen and Loner. Have you done His Bloody Project yet? It is a faux-true-crime historical novel that is fun at surface level, but if you've ever read books about psychopaths, there are hidden goodies just below the surface. Crazy people in books seem to draw us!
Get well soon! XO
I purged my to read list by 90 books and am only adding what I call game changers. Kids are on winter break this week so I have been doing easy reading-- play, novel, poems, and now reading The Maltese Falcon. It is fun so far and because I read The Big Sleep last month it is also fun for me to compare/contrast.
Breathing Lessons – Anne Tyler – 4****
I’ve had this on my TBR for ages, and just never got to it. I wish I hadn’t waited so long, but then again, maybe my own years of marriage help me better understand Maggie and Ira’s relationship. I love the way Tyler reveals her characters to the reader. Their actions – small and large – and statements show the reader who these people are. Their hopes, dreams, frustrations, and regrets become evident over the course of the novel. Their lives may be ordinary; the novel is anything but.
LINK to my review
The Pigeon Tunnel: Stories from My Life
If you enjoy his efforts then you might enjoy this book. I did.
my thoughts https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My next;
Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman – 5*****
What a joy this book is! Backman peoples the novel with an assortment of quirky characters, who form a community, and despite himself, Ove joins with them. I laughed aloud so often, and I felt for Ove’s. I also rejoiced at his triumphs, and marveled at his strength of character. I worried about him and cheered him on. I absolutely fell in love with Ove.
LINK to my review
I'm about halfway through The Namesake. It is an interesting concept about what each generation thinks of themselves as immigrants.
The Jesus Cow – Michael Perry – 4****
When a calf is born on Christmas Eve with the distinct face of Jesus on his side, bachelor farmer Harley Jackson knows he’s in for a struggle. Michael Perry is known for his nonfiction essays on life in small-town Wisconsin; this is his first novel. Perry has a gift for describing people and situations; he makes the ridiculous totally believable. I am reminded of Carl Hiaasen, but with more heart. There are a few scenarios that really stretch credulity here, but on the whole I enjoyed the novel and we all need a little light entertainment now and again.
LINK to my review
I read The Night Ocean by Paul La Farge, literary fiction about H. P. Lovecraft. My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
http://southernlitreview.com/reviews/...
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I recently finished an audio recording of Four-Four-Two, a young adult account of two friends who enlisted in the 442nd Regimental Combat team during World War II. This unit, made up almost entirely of Japanese American soldiers, became the most decorated unit in the history of American warfare, earning, among other things, twenty-one Medals of Honor. The unit’s Combat Casualty Rate was an unimaginable 314 percent. It's a good story that does an excellent job of describing the suffering and sacrifice that friends Yuki and Shig endured just to be recognized and respected as Americans.
Here is my review.
I am currently reading The Valley Of Decision byMarcia Davenport. It is Historical Fiction about the steel industry in Pittsburgh, PA. My husband has been suggesting that I read this as he read it several years ago and really enjoyed it. I guess I should have read it before now since we have lived in Pittsburgh for 24 years. It will take me a while to finish this as I am reading it between other books that I have on my "to read list". I am on page 128 and so far, it is very interesting.
Dawn wrote: "Then , Brian said the paperback had one ! I felt silly ! But , I am ready for his next and Steve, I am wondering about you too! Please come to Oxford ! I love your stories too !
..."
Oxford does sound wonderful. You folks have a vibrant literary scene there. Completely jealous.
..."
Oxford does sound wonderful. You folks have a vibrant literary scene there. Completely jealous.
I listened to Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. I thought it was wonderful. My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just finished
couldn't recommend it enough. I also just finished
I would not recommend it. It's a depressing animal story in my opinion. The collie is spot on but its a lot of dog vs nature dog vs man dog vs nature and man. Over and over to the point of the epic hero has suffered way beyond what is necessary.
Nothing To Do But Stay – Carrie Young – 4****
The subtitle is “My Pioneer Mother,” and much of this memoir features Young’s mother Carrine Gafkjen Berg. But this is really the story of a family’s experiences in the early 20th century in North Dakota. Rather than a strictly chronological order, the book is divided into chapters by subject. All are full of wonderful, loving descriptions of life on a settler’s farm, some funny, some touchingly poignant.
LINK to my review
I finished It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis. My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have begun Mothers and Sons
by Colm Toibin. A collection of nine short stories. Rather difficult to pin down. True that mothers and sons play off each other; influences and obstacles. No sappynish yet. Actually the stories seem to end in mid air. An apex is reached, resolution is decided, the story ends. These are sons of different ages standing alone before committing to an action, on a threshold, the story ends before they leave their own figurative nests. Toibin's insight is more about what he doesn't say than the words on the page.Don't know how to recommend it, or if i like it, but it has stayed with me for a few days. The stories have odd, unforeseen twists. Good stories.
Crooked Letter Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin
Mod
A Gentleman in Moscow
Here we are at the Metropol Hotel. Alexander and Colonel Osip are watching The Maltese Falcon. Alexander turns to Osip, asks, "Do you think we are more apt than others to destroy that which we have created"? (ie Do we Russians climb to heights only to destroy ourselves?) Osip, in exasperation, throws Anna Karenina in his face and reminds him of her and her destiny with her train,
This is such a terrific book.The depth and creativity that Amor Towles exhibits are astounding. All in a light setting that moves along briskly.
John wrote: "A Gentleman in MoscowHere we are at the Metropol Hotel. Alexander and Colonel Osip are watching The Maltese Falcon. Alexander turns to Os..."
I really have to find the right time for this. This and Lincoln in the Bardo have received some of the best reviews going!
John wrote: "A Gentleman in MoscowHere we are at the Metropol Hotel. Alexander and Colonel Osip are watching The Maltese Falcon. Alexander turns to Os..."
It's one of my favorites, John. I'm recommending it to all my friends.
Mod
I've been keeping a low profile here but yes you must read A Gentleman in Moscow. Enchanting book that I still think about. Currently reading-- Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich and doing a long read of Les Miserables.
Mod
My personal goal for this year was to not read group reads in any group if they're not already in my tbr. I guess I can still post here if the books aren't exactly southern. This month-- women authors only besides Les Mis. I can post some reviews later.
Taking a break from Sanctuary and starting to Meridian ; Alice Walker . I get so much inspiration from the minthly
Monthly nominations ( the last post sort of posted itself before I had finished writing it
Brina wrote: "I've been keeping a low profile here but yes you must read A Gentleman in Moscow. Enchanting book that I still think about. Currently reading-- Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich and doing a long read..."Miss you, Brina! Yes, I've acquired the various Trail books but am behind with promised ARCs and reviews, plus the audiobooks who keep me company during the day time. Desperation Road is fantastic, though - hope you get to it!
Lucky me, I got a copy of Desperation Road last summer in exchange for my review, so I'm merely skimming it to participate with y'all on the chat here.So far, I've gone through maybe 8 books since New Years, but not all of them are worthy of mention. Right now, I'm finishing a very symbolic book by the author of Life of Pi. The High Mountains of Portugal contains three interlocking stories whose protagonists are men deeply in love with their wives. These are VERY quirky tales - similar in their symbols and riddles to the penultimate moment at the end of Life of Pi.
Generally, I cannot abide "magical realism" such that the hugely popular Neil Gaiman books and others in that genre do nothing but make me roll my eyes. I cannot disconnect myself from the concrete well enough to roll with the imaginative world. I'm more science-ish than literary, and that's okay. We need geophysicists and NASA types, right?
If you DO like magical realism, though, then this latest book of Yann Martel might thrill you. Incredibly, it has thrilled me, Ms Unimaginative - and that is saying something. I'll stick in my review here later today when I finish.
I'd much rather road trip with a geologist gal talkin pyrocastic flows, volcanic dikes (Shiprock Mountain), and the rise and fall of the western Precambrian ocean than magical realism. Maybe this year I can do the Monument Valley drive. Roaoood Trip
The High Mountains of Portugal does sound like something I would like. I am sticking to mainly women authors this year though unless it's a book I really wanted to read from before. So far the three best books I've read this year are: A Gentleman in Moscow, Americanah, and The Namesake. Diane recommended to me The Housekeeper and the Professor, which I hope to get read this month. Also busy holiday season starting as I have to get my house ready for Passover. The April books in this group look good and I might participate depending on the pace I am at in getting my house done. And yes I miss you all too.
John wrote: "I'd much rather road trip with a geologist gal talkin pyrocastic flows, volcanic dikes (Shiprock Mountain), and the rise and fall of the western Precambrian ocean than magical realism. Maybe this y..."You rock, John!
Brina wrote: "The High Mountains of Portugal does sound like something I would like. I am sticking to mainly women authors this year though unless it's a book I really wanted to read from before. So far the thre..."Well, you'll have to update us if you celebrate Purim with costumes. One of my besties is a costume maniac, and I know her rabbi has got to shake his head whenever she and her family show up dressed like goofballs. I still have yet to read Crimes of the Heart, but owe you that one! XOXO
Crimes of the Heart was better than expected. Ugh I have to get through Purim first before I can start cleaning. And the time change this weekend too. Needless to say my kids are going to be exhausted come Monday and I don't think many parents in my boat are looking forward to it
LeAnne wrote: "John wrote: "I'd much rather road trip with a geologist gal talkin pyrocastic flows, volcanic dikes (Shiprock Mountain), and the rise and fall of the western Precambrian ocean than magical realism...."No pun intended, right LeAnne
Mod
Sounds magnificent! If I had it to do over again I would be a geologist.
That;s a great thing about the SW deserts. No trees and grass to obstruct the panoramic views. This is John Ford country
Mod
I love to look at rock formations and ask "Now how the heck did that get that way?"
Diane wrote: "Yes, Sue. You need to make both of these a priority."Ok Hopefully by mid April
John? Tom?My sediments exactly.
LOL!!!
As for books, I lost a hard copy story collection ARC from the author of Eileen and I'm still kicking myself. Lincoln in the Bardo and Angels (by Denis Johnson) are hard copies I will be reading at night time this month and during the day will be listening to His Bloody Project (again!).
All three are to fulfill commitments for my real world and online book groups, but as they are all excellent, it's good! I will also be skimming back through Desperation Road (whose author is >this< close to knocking Ron Rash out of my number one slot. Smith has another book called The Fighter coming out either later this year or early next (??). That third book may cement him as my brother from another mother :)
Rock on, my peeps!
A Gentleman in Moscow
Not only did I like this book, I am going to read his first in a few months.
So much of the story takes place in and around a hotel kitchen I tend to think of the story as a meal and a lifetime. Know your entree before selecting the appetizer. We dine over, around and through flavors, textures, aromas. We think two days are the same,but we know otherwise.
Amor Towles gives us Alexander; exiled to a hotel in the heart of Moscow, a non-person. Alexander watches the history of Russia unfold in the lobby and dining room. We are given pieces of her story. Crumbs for interest. We are welcomed with bread and salt. How do we behave as children of enlightenment and training? What small nuances of action shape our relationships with people and events surrounding us? In what way do we greet our environs? Alexander is unique. He accepts and leaves the room better for his being there.
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On the Southern Literary Trail
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