Author Topic: Read Around The World (Read 51634 times)

MarjV · « **Reply #200 on:** August 18, 2009, 03:21:50 PM »

A site where we find books and films
in all the corners of the world,
created by those who have lived there.

IMPAC International Literary Awards

Independent Foreign Fiction Prize 2009

Words Without Borders

2009 Best Translated Book Award Winners

Academy Award Winning International Films

100 Greatest Foreign Films

Discussion Leader: Pedln

Google books has I am a Cat online to read.

I am a Cat at Google Books \

And I can interloan it from my Michigan lib. system.

Babi · « **Reply #201 on:** August 19, 2009, 08:48:48 AM »

PEDLN, I couldn't find any coins commemorating authors. Plenty commemorating historical persons and events, but nothing in the literary
vein. Perhaps you can find one of an historical figure who also
happened to write a book.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #202 on:** September 13, 2009, 10:04:43 AM »

Fitting into several of the semi-qualifications for this category is the latest novel to be translated into English by J M G Le Clezio, Desert, which received the 2008 Nobel Prize for Literature. Like many I said Who? Inflammatory comments by the permanent secretary of the Academy criticizing US literature as "too isolated, too insular" created a further barrier to our appreciation. Reading a review in today's Oregonian I learn that the author is literally a world traveller with, among others, teaching stints in Bangkok, Mexico City, Austin, Albuquerque and Boston. (Here i wanted to insert a site but my computer won"t allow it.) I would like to nominate this one for our next read.

pedln · « **Reply #203 on:** September 13, 2009, 11:30:17 AM »

Jackie, thanks for the up-tic on Le Clezio. As you say, Who? That was certainly a new name for me -- I’ve not heard of him, and yet he’s had 13 books translated into English. Desert sounds like a good one. Could you post your comments in The Library, please.

I think this is the link your computer refused.

Nobel winner Le Clezio

Pretty strong comments from Nobel judge Horace Engdahl about American literature being too insular. It will be interesting to see who gets it this year. Does anyone want to speculate? Many of the awards will be announced during the first week in October, but the date has not yet been set for the announcement of the literature award.

This site has been pretty quiet lately. (And it's not because we're insular

). Do drop in and let us know what you've been reading and viewing from around the world. Marj, have you finished the Steig Larsson trilogy? Has he written any other mysteries?

Babi · « **Reply #204 on:** September 14, 2009, 08:46:45 AM »

Very interesting link, PEDLN. I was especially interested to see that le Clezio
had taught here in the States, in Boston, Austin and Albuquerque. I assume
he and his books are better known in those cities.
With that many books written and published, he must be doing something right. A quick check on-line of my library, however, tells me we have nothing
of his here. I've noticed that small town libraries generally only carry the very
well known foreign authors.

pedln · « **Reply #205 on:** September 14, 2009, 09:37:48 AM »

Nor my library either, Babi. But I'm not sure how the generic Horizon catalog would spell it. None of the three ways I keyed in showed up.

But a pleasant surprise -- they do have a new Muriel Barbery novel -- Gourmet Rhapsody -- with subjects listed as gourmets, critics, vulgarity. Published in 2009. Has anyone read it? Sometimes the smaller libraries just need a push in the right direction.

Babi · « **Reply #206 on:** September 15, 2009, 08:43:28 AM »

I don't doubt any library tends to base their selection on what they think
their patrons want. My library is responsive to requests and will at least look
into suggestions. More than one book/author is now available here because
I brought them to their attention and they liked what they found.

JoanK · « **Reply #207 on:** September 15, 2009, 06:44:26 PM »

My library's main branch has three of le Clezio's books in French, including one I think must be Desert (different title in French) and one in English("Mexican Dream" about what Mexican civilization would have been like without the Spanish invasion). Good for them-- Torrance is small, but seems to have a very good library system.

I'm wondering if "Desert" would make a good discussion book. Probably not; people would have trouble getting it.

Babi · « **Reply #208 on:** September 16, 2009, 08:48:20 AM »

My small town has only one library, no branches, but it's only five minutes
away for almost everyone. It has books in Spanish, as we have Latinos in
our community. So now I'm wondering if Torrance has a significant number
of French-speaking patrons. That might be an interesting little story.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #209 on:** September 16, 2009, 12:44:10 PM »

Too bad that Desert is not more readily available. The plot sounded like it would provide much for our discussion and the author seems to be an acute observer. Oh, well . . .

PatH · « **Reply #210 on:** September 16, 2009, 03:04:37 PM »

My library system has 8 titles by le Clezio, but Desert is only available in French.

JoanK · « **Reply #211 on:** September 16, 2009, 03:35:01 PM »

BABI: " So now I'm wondering if Torrance has a significant number
of French-speaking patrons".

That's an interesting question. L8ke all of Southern California, Torrance has a lot of hispanic and Asian residents, but I don't know of French-speaking ones. I'll ask my local librarian.

MarjV · « **Reply #212 on:** September 20, 2009, 12:36:44 PM »

Forgot to check in here $:-\$

I read "The Reader" last week - wonderful - I'd seen the movie but wanted to see how I felt about the novel. Also picked up the dvd to watch again.

And I requested another of Schlink's books. Don't remember thet title.

And also requested Barbery's other novel that is translated - remember The Elegance of the Hedgehog - I loved it.

Gourmet Rhapsody
http://www.tower.com/gourmet-rhapsody-muriel-barbery-paperback/wapi/113434492
Looks like it will be a delightful read. One of the things the notes say is that the food critic in this book lives inthe same building as was setting for Elegance. I remember food was one of the topics in Elegance. Don't remember if t he food critic was a character in it.

MarjV · « **Reply #213 on:** September 20, 2009, 12:42:26 PM »

Yes, Babi - I finished the trilogy. Since Steig is deceased as of 2004 there won't be any more new novels from him. i need to see if there are any of his novels in our system. See below about movies from the trilogy.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: At his death, Larsson left the manuscripts of three completed but unpublished novels in a series. He wrote them for his own pleasure after returning home from his job in the evening, making no attempt to get them published until shortly before his death. The first of these novels was published in Sweden in 2005 as Män som hatar kvinnor ("Men who hate women"), published in English as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It was awarded the prestigious Glass Key award as the best Nordic crime novel in 2005. His second novel, Flickan som lekte med elden (The Girl Who Played with Fire), received the Best Swedish Crime Novel Award in 2006. He also left the unfinished manuscript of the fourth novel, and synopses of the fifth and sixth in the series, which was intended to contain an eventual total of ten books.

A television series based on the three completed books is in production by Yellow Bird Films of Ystad. Each book will be covered in two episodes (making a total of six 90-minute episodes). The first two episodes were released as a motion picture in February 2009, while the subsequent episodes will be released directly on DVD in December 2009. The series will be broadcast on Swedish television in 2010.[10]

MarjV · « **Reply #214 on:** September 20, 2009, 12:49:31 PM »

AHA! The 4th Stieg larsson is being released in October!!!! Our lib has it ordered. The website says it is the 3rd - but I've read 3 already.

"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest"

http://www.stieglarsson.com/Castles-in-the-Sky

JoanK · « **Reply #215 on:** September 20, 2009, 01:30:20 PM »

I'm confused. I've read "The girl with the Dragon Tatoo" and "The Girl who Played wit Fire". This description of "The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" starts where "Fire" left off (If you haven't read "Fire", don't read the add. It's a spoiler).

It looks like "Nest" IS the third. What is the other book you read?

pedln · « **Reply #216 on:** September 20, 2009, 02:05:30 PM »

I was wondering the same. I thought I'd seen two titles before "Girl who played with fire," but must be mistaken, as everything I've seen now says it's no. 2, with Hornet's Nest being #3.

It's great to know that films are in production. I wonder if it's the sort of thing that PBS will try to get, like the Wallendar productions, although they were British or American productions. Probably not before 2011.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #217 on:** September 20, 2009, 02:30:27 PM »

I'm still waiting for Hornet's Nest; the waiting list must be very long. And it's thrilling that they're publishing number four.

MarjV · « **Reply #218 on:** September 21, 2009, 02:25:31 PM »

I'm all mixed up - thought I'd read 3 so far.....maybe since they are long that is what I thought.......all I know for sure is that Hornet's Nest is on order and it does follow Fire.

I do apologize for the confusion in my head.

JoanK · « **Reply #219 on:** September 22, 2009, 03:47:10 PM »

If we all apologized for the confusion in our heads, we wouldn't have time to do anything else

Do you all think "Dragon Tatoo" would make a good discussion book?

mrssherlock · « **Reply #220 on:** September 23, 2009, 12:54:59 AM »

Oh, yes. It has plenty of meaty bits for us to chew over. Swedish society in general is a great subject; when you add in the issue of the muckraking magazine and the intense family study, there's enough there for more than four weeks I believe.

pedln · « **Reply #221 on:** October 08, 2009, 07:04:28 PM »

The Nobel prize for literature -- awarded this week to Herta Muller, German writer, raised in Roumania. She has written over 20 books, but only five have been translated in the US.

Herta Muller

Has anyone read any of hers?

If you subscribe to the WSJ, they have a much more inclusive article about her work. Most of her characters are in a setting of totalitarianism.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #222 on:** October 08, 2009, 07:17:04 PM »

I've reserved my library's only novel of hers, The Land of Green Plums,

MarjV · « **Reply #223 on:** October 10, 2009, 09:38:34 PM »

I have Muller's "The Appointment" requested.
Have never read any.

Sounds like her work will be fascinating. Too bad more of it isn't translated.

MarjV · « **Reply #224 on:** October 10, 2009, 09:40:45 PM »

Here's the Canadian Giller shortlist............

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/706217--macintyre-michaels-on-giller-shortlist

Babi · « **Reply #225 on:** October 11, 2009, 09:08:25 AM »

No Herta Muller at my library. Perhaps when/if she becomes better known
here they will add her to their shelves.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #226 on:** October 11, 2009, 09:15:48 AM »

Garrison Keillor can be snippy but he really trashed Herta Muller's writing yesterday on his Prairie Home Companion broadcast. I'll be interested in how my opinion stacks up with his. Not that I read his novels but he is an English Major

Babi · « **Reply #227 on:** October 11, 2009, 09:42:36 AM »

I've never read Garrison Keillor either, JACKIE. The only title I associate with
him, tho', is "Lake Woebegone". I looked him up and apparently he has written
a large number of books and magazine articles, none of which is familiar to me.
English major or no, he hardly seems to be in a position to critique a popular
author.

Frybabe · « **Reply #228 on:** October 11, 2009, 10:05:37 AM »

I'll have to look into Keillor's other writings but I found his Lake Woebegone book rather unreadable. The dialogue worked well on his show, but I couldn't wrap my head around reading it. Never finished the book. Never read any of his other works. Didn't know he was an English Major.

JoanP · « **Reply #229 on:** October 11, 2009, 10:21:48 AM »

A Special Announcement -

We've just opened a poll to assess interest in a number of titles for upcoming Book Discussions.
IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION, the titles in the header of the Suggestion Box are links to reviews.
PLEASE MARK AS MANY TITLES THAT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO DISCUSS in depth in the coming months. (We're looking for a number of titles)
WHEN YOU ARE READY, THE POLL IS HERE

pedln · « **Reply #230 on:** October 11, 2009, 05:36:14 PM »

Marj, thanks for that link to the Giller Award article. It was interesting to see who were chosen as finalists, although I must admit, I was not familiar with any of them. Are there other requirements for the award aside from being a work of fiction by a Canadian writer. I thought it quite magnanimous of Alice Munro to remove herself from consideration in order to make room for younger and lesser known writers.

And since reading about the publishing industry in The Last Dickens I find I have an interest in reading about different publishing venues, such as the one recently established in Canada that has published two of the selected novels.

Quote

"At the outset our plan was to publish the best writers in the world, so the Canadians we chose, like Kim and Colin, had to stand up against the literary greats of the world," said Nicole Winstanley, executive director of Hamish Hamilton Canada. "We thought they did. And we're glad the Giller jury agrees with us,"

MarjV · « **Reply #231 on:** October 14, 2009, 08:27:57 AM »

I finished Barberry's (Elegance of the Hedgehod)second novel - Gourmet Rhapsody -
a food critic is dieing and it is his reminiscenses plus those of a few others. Some of the vignettes were funny , some boring. In several places he equates all the ambiance of food with sexual feelings.
The review below is interesting. Reminded me that Rene has a small chapter .

http://indextrious.blogspot.com/2009/09/barberys-gourmet-rhapsody.html

pedln · « **Reply #232 on:** October 15, 2009, 10:52:06 AM »

That's a very interesting blog (the Literary Librarian), Marj. I'll spend some more time there, but will take a pass for now on the Gourmet Rhapsody.

But isn't that a neat thing that the blogger is doing -- reading for charity -- she'll take your pledges for each book she's read and donate them to Public Library on Wheels. This is in Canada. Wouldn't that be a nifty way to encourage a child to read more for fun. "For every book you read and discuss with me I'll give you $x that you can give to any charity to want." Cubs scouts, school library, band, humane society, whatever.

ANNIE · « **Reply #233 on:** October 30, 2009, 05:49:51 AM »

Hello to all here!
Here's a link to one of our proposed discussions which is scheduled for February.

http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=75.0

Entitled "America's Prophet-Moses and the American Story," our author, Bruce Feiler, takes us on a tour of quotes and historical events referring to Moses who seems to be very important in the history of our country.

Do let us know if you will be joining us by posting at this site.

JoanK · « **Reply #234 on:** October 31, 2009, 08:30:36 PM »

The Story of Civilization has been active as a discussion group for eight years. We are now talking and reading about Italy during the Renaissance years.

Things happen in this period of history that change the way of the world forever. They are happening again in our discussion.

Come share with us this discussion of one of the most significant periods in the history of the world. You'll be glad you came and you will gain in understanding why we are where we are today.

On Sunday, we will have a celebration of eight years of discussion, and of making our way in only eight years from living in caves to the glories of the Renaissance.

For Seniorlearn members, go to http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=64.360

If you’re not a member, go to http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?action=help

pedln · « **Reply #235 on:** November 07, 2009, 07:30:39 PM »

You don’t have enough books on your To Read list? Well, listen up.

This week the Dublin City Council announced the 2010 long list for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. 156 titles have been nominated by libraries from around the world. The shortlist will be announced in April, and the winner in June, 2010. It is the world’s most valuable annual literary prize for a single work of fiction published in English.

IMPAC Long List

Quote

The 156 authors come from 46 countries. The books span 18 languages, 41 of which are translated from languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Icelandic, Serbian and Slovenian. 33 are first novels. “These are books that might not otherwise come to the attention of Irish readers”, says Deirdre Ellis-King, Dublin City Librarian. “The spread of languages and the number of books in translation continues to grow”. This year at 41 novels, we have the largest number of books in translation to date.”

Indian writer, Aravind Adiga is the libraries favorite with 9 nominations for The White Tiger, A Mercy by Toni Morrison, The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery and The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry all received 8 nominations.

Others that caught my eye were:

Geraldine Brooks People of the Book --recently read here on SeniorLearn
Arnaldur Indridason Arctic Chill -- an Icelandic mystery that I’m reading and enjoying now
Ethan Canin America America -- book on the shelf, so maybe someday
Rachel Kushner Telex from Cuba -- to be read someday

What will be on your list?

mrssherlock · « **Reply #236 on:** November 07, 2009, 09:31:33 PM »

I love to see this list each year. Nice to see some of the authors I've read: C J Box, Geraldine Brooks, Ethan Canin, Arnaldur Indridson, Ursula Le Guin, Dennis Lehane, Toni Morrison, Walter Mosely, Ron Rash, Neal Stephenson, Fred Vargas. I've read only a few of their nominated books but I have read their works in the past.

ANNIE · « **Reply #237 on:** November 07, 2009, 09:36:44 PM »

Pedl'n, I loved "People of the Book" but have you read or listened to "March". What a powerful beautifully written book! Geraldine Brooks would get my vote anytime.

Babi · « **Reply #238 on:** November 08, 2009, 08:17:08 AM »

Hear, hear!, ANNIE.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #239 on:** November 08, 2009, 11:21:42 AM »

Count me in as a March fan, too.

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Author Topic: Read Around The World (Read 51634 times)