The Biblio Files

Which is it?

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:13:00 -0500

Title: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

aka The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
aka Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Author: Robert L. Stevenson who is known for other such works as Treasure Island and Kidnapped to name but a few.

Genre: Short Story, Horror
# of Pages: 81

Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
Premiere classics Edition

Began and Finished Reading: January 2008

The audience follows Mr Utterson and the dilemna he faces over the course of a year that concerns his friend and client Dr. Jekyll. The good-natured Doctor has left his entire estate to Mr Hyde, a man with a crude reputation. Slowly, the plot thickens till the "shocking" ending leaves the reader astounded - that the two men are in fact the same person. The transformation caused when a concuction is injected that the Dr discovered which seperates the good and bad elements of a person.

Though a mark of just how his work has penetrated the Western cultural stratosphere, the fact that the finale to Stevenson's work is common knowledge (so much so that it would be a 100$ question on Who Wants to Be A Million Air) kills part of the effect the author wishes to evoke. Rather than relate with Utterson in pursuit of uncovering this mystery, the reader is frustrated with him, urgining him on in their minds for him to discover what we already know. The aspect of empathy is broken which seems unfair to Stevenson and I personally curse the foolish Literature teachers that feel such spoilers are of no consequence. They rape the novel of their soul and the author of their sole divine right - to depict the story from the narrative that best suits their ends.

Recommend To: Of course, post Tresure Island this is a great night read. Not enough horror for the kiddos not to sleep... though they may request a nightlight ;)

Title: An issue for the Trivia lover - the volume I own has all three titles at different times (Cover, Cover page, and table of contents). Which is it?

“- cause fantasy is a genre that is flailing its way toward the nearest tar pit to become extinct if people don’t stop writing the same book over and over again.”

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:07:00 -0500

Series: The Braided Path (TBP)

Volume 1: The Weavers of Saramyr (2003)

Volume 2: The Skein of Lament (2004)

Volume 3: The Ascendency Veil (2005)

Author: Chris Wooding

Publisher: Gollancz

# of Pages: a lot!

Genre: Fantasy

Began Reading: December 14^th, 2007

Finished Reading: January 14^th, 2007

About: The Braided Path series follows the Empire of Saramyr which, for the past two thousand years, relies more and more on the talents of the Weavers, men who have the power to see and navigate within a 'fourth dimension'. Mostly used as a means to communicate, what began as an accessory found in every noble home soon develops into the pillar of Saramyr society. The Weavers fast exploit their position and a growing number of people – to avoid spoilers, let us call them the 'Anti- Weavers' – gather to rebel. The trilogy follows a vast cast of characters but the back bone of the story revolves around two strong females: Lucia, the Heir-Empress who is born with a talent that her mother hides from the world in fear for her child's life and throne and Kaiku, a young noble woman who fights to stay alive after everything she holds dear is taken away from her.

Jon C. Grimwood writes that Wooding is exploring "sexual politics" in his series (back of book cover Volume I). Though the main characters are female, Grimwood does not give Wooding enough credit for the intrigue he develops in the series. The tension in his characters is as strong as the plot - a characteristic not often found in typical fantasy. Whereas "sexual politics" may well apply to the Sword of Truth series (Terry Goodkind – a flop after volume 3), Wooding's heroes and villains are not so two-dimensional.

Best example would be the moments of reflection his characters often have. These moments of introspection are not only windows into thoughts but develop the character themselves. Much like Hamlet's monologues, the audience becomes aware of the personage in moments of solitude as much as in times of action. Odd yet involving for any novel, much less fantasy.

There are several instances throughout the series where characters actually take the time to contemplate – scenes that are in sharp contrast to the action packed moments. The selection read is one such instance that not only exemplifies this point but also demonstrates some of the riskier writing tactics Wooding uses. Kaiku for the past 100 pages has reluctantly been admitting to herself that she desires Saran. But the reader, having already become familiar with her from Volume 1, should be familiar with the fact that this is a half-truth. For Kaiku to respond and consider Saran in such a manner means she is willing to take this further than the physical level. Wooding never writes this explicitly until this scene when Kaiku confesses this to herself. The impact lies in the fact that we along with the author are conscious of her imperfection. This scene demonstrates one manner which the character develops and matures. I write "risky" because had anyone not been paying attention, the moment would have been lost and made useless. Wooding has faith it seems in us all... and expectation.

So What?:

"The Braided Path trilogy took me about three years to write, but I had to get it out of my system. I'd always wanted to write an epic fantasy as they were the first books I really fell in love with; but of course I wanted to do it my way, because by the time I grew up I was pretty bored with dragons and wizards and was wondering why everybody uses stock monsters and the old Dungeons and Dragons system of elf/dwarf/goblin, instead of using five-headed acid-spitting photovores that can iridesce their way through space-time – ie, something faintly original. (I did have several better ideas than that, but I deleted them cos I want to use them myself later J) TBP is an attempt to do something original within the trad-fantasy structure, 'cause it's a genre that is flailing its way toward the nearest tar pit to become extinct if people don't stop writing the same book over and over again." -ChrisWooding (chriswooding.com)

How astute! The genre is oft times misunderstood even by its own followers. Too many believe the E/D/G ratio to be at the core of the genre. However, a villain does not a good novel make. Rather the heart in fantasy rests in how an author can leverage the style to cultivate a system of logic, reality, vocabulary and science which forces the reader to be humbled by their lack of knowledge. Like a babe, the audience must take their first steps in an unknown world and it is the author's responsibility to do so in a creative, intriguing manner. Why? Imagine that in these places and within these characters the words "nigger", "feminist", "prime minister" etc do not exist. These worlds may contain their own set of prejudice, legal system and history but it is one that ostracizes the reader. And with that, I would argue, one can construct the most objective of opinions/positions as humanly possible. We can be entertained by the novelty these worlds offer and still use these tales to further our discussions on philosophy, politics and ethics.

With that we have what I would call the "teach me" scene – moments where characters, and in turn the reader, learn more about the world.

Tolkien termed the concept of "application" in relation to the fantasy genre and his own body of work (Jackson's LOR Bonus Feature on DVD). Tolkien's own LOR trilogy was not meant as a parody of, as is often argued, World War II or the Christian faith but of both and more. His reason for writing his story in the fantasy genre was so that the audience can apply the work as a metaphor to many such events. Whereas Tolkien is relating the tale to historical incidents I would dare to take the concept another step further and argue that fantasy provides a neutral platform for discourse on theoretical topics as well.

Wooding's TBP leverages this with his characters and plot. He provides content in which the audience can discuss gender politics, war and ethics. Most resounding in TBP is how the characters at one point or another face a "Sophie's Choice", an ultimatum that is a guaranteed loss.

Powered by Podbean.com

Wooding doesn't stop there. He takes the classic love story and tears it apart throughout the story.

Powered by Podbean.com

Whereas it seems more and more fantasy plots revolve around the romantic couple, Wooding makes love a consequence of his plot. Refreshing because it allows him to add quirky twists which make them more realistic. No rival for Lan and Nynaeve (Robert Jordan) but close.

And there is of course, politics. Not usually something of interest for me but here his characters were so consistent yet unpredictable.

Powered by Podbean.com

Wooding's word choice when it comes to domestic affairs is precise and chilling. It is the sections that he has mastered and would dare say that The Wheel of time Series could do with.

Unfortunately, Wooding has not (yet) created an epic. He had the right characters and storyline but he is missing details. His Oriental influence is so glaring that it destroys much of the mystery. The exotic soon dies in his characters and it at times feels like TBP is a 'What if?" history work. Wooding states on his website, "Saramyr gained an oriental theme, based on a blend of ancient Japan, China, Persia and Renaissance Italy and not resembling any of them very much in the end." It's that last part that would have to disagree with! The Japanese and Chinese influence is so strong it overshadows the tale.
Bottom line is that Wooding's own metaphors are so connected with Earth that at times its even jarring. Perhaps if he had taken a bit more time, the details could have been accentuated and perfected.

What were they thinking? The covers need revamping. Volume 3 is so bad I added it to the Awful Book Cover selection to the left.

However, they did release a collection of the three volumes in one which is a significant improvement.

Of Note: The author in question published at the age of twenty-one. He is now thirty years old, lives in Madrid and has published twenty – yes, 20 - novels. You can visit his website at http://www.chriswooding.com/ and check the long list for yourself.

To Chris Wooding, the Writing Machine.

Since this is online and there is a small chance you may actually read this...

Why Flen? Anyone but Flen! One of the simplest yet truest characters that have ever encountered and you X him.. You seem to have a certain pleasure in axing - so much so that I thought you may have had tea with G. R. R .Martin himself!

That being said, it would seem you are one of the few people alive interested in fantasy. That's an open invite if you are ever in MTL. Get out of Madrid – the food there is bad!

And finally, thanks. Avant-garde is always refreshing. Am a bit jealous. The good kind though. - vgg

“...for his narrative mastery, which with great sensibility expresses the essence of the Japanese mind.”

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sun, 6 Jan 2008 01:23:00 -0500

Title: Meijin (The Master of Go)

Author: Kawabata, Yasunari

Published: 1951 for Shincho, a Japanese magazine (in serial). In 1954, Kawabata’s work was published as a novel.

Translation: Edward Seidensticker’s English translation was released in 1972 though not identical to the 1954 edition. This is due to the fact that Kawabata revised The Master of Go before it was published in book format. Seidensticker writes in the introduction that he used the shorter version because Kawabata preferred it.

Publisher: 1972, Alfred A Knopf

ISBN: 425026450

# of Pages: 186 (includes 2 pages of footnotes)

Began Reading: December 28th, 2007
Finished Reading: January 2nd, 2008

The "Beef": The Master of Go is the slight-fictionalization (shosetsu) of the actual Go match that Kawabata covered when he worked as a journalist for the Osaka and Tokyo magazine Mainichi. Kawabata describes it as a “faithful chronicle novel” and in fact many of the chapters are rewrites of his published articles (Kawabata v). The translator, Seidensticker, deduces in his introduction that Kawabata's work expresses his regret of Japan’s loss in World War II. Kawabata saw the post-war years as a time where he would only be capable of writing elegies, pieces that pay homage to times past. However, the deliberate yet graceful writing style of Kawabata emulates less of a regret than an uncertainty for the new era of Japan. With the war lost and the Emperor expressing defeat (his speech never mentions surrender), the Japanese faced a post-Hiroshima/Nagasaki world of pain, humiliation and, it can be said, dishonour. As a people, the social collective moved towards an adaptation of new (semi-Western) ways. This duality between old and new is articulated in the two opponents over the Go board. Kawabata examines the possibility in the Master’s younger opponent, Otake, whether or not there is not a necessity for the Japanese to adapt this “new approach” that can lead the nation to victory in the future. The character of the Master seems to have been reshaped from the cynical man in reality to a noble, wise figure who is accustomed to the older rules and manners of playing Go. Both players have a particular style and approach to their game that the narrator describes and analyzes throughout the novel. The Master who has always been victorious to date loses to the seventh rank player Otake, this being said in the opening pages so no need for concern on spoilers here.

"So What?": Like most things that concern Japan – sword fighting, drinking, the feudal system, the country’s literature is not an endeavour a Caucasian can expect to curl up with and enjoy. A certain amount of background and perhaps even a second read is required to fully comprehend an author’s intentions.

Consider this: plot. While reviewing the assignment of my Japanese language-exchange partner, Yoshiko, I suggested that she keep track of the plot by listing the key events with the page number beside. She was unfamiliar with the word "plot" and the dictionary's suggestion, arasuji, implies more summary than plot. When the difference between the two words was clarified, Yoshiko expressed surprise that English would even be concerned with “the order of events”. All elementary school attendees, past and present, recall the lesson of the ‘ ’. The beginning which introduces the characters and events that leads to the pivotal moment, also known as Climax, where the author’s point comes across at its strongest. From there, the reader is brought to a smooth end, usually a series of events that are of direct consequence to the previous key event. All this action concerns us, the Western reader (Americans and Europeans alike), to what end?, Yoshiko would ask directly... My (humble) guess is simply that, like an essay, Western culture has been given key templates to follow and we have done so without question, adopting the “plot” layout as a writing norm. Flip to Chapter II of any Jane Austen novel and you’ll see it for yourself – the Queen of English Literature gives detailed accounts of her characters at the precise time she is expected to. She introduces their personality, provides historical background and contextualizes them within the framework of their time and place.

This is not so for Japanese Literature (nor is it for Science Fiction and Fantasy genre but that is for another post). Let us consider the following passage:

Powered by Podbean.com

The tale of The Master of Go, and most other Japanese novels, do not quiet begin nor do they really end. When the reader has registered the last word on the final page of the novel, the tendency is to wonder whether perhaps there is not some misprint, some pages missing. In a Japanese novel, this "introduction of characters" where one is given history and context of the principal characters rarely happens if at all. The reading above summarizes all the events that take place - essentially the entire plot of the book - is given with this first chapter. The narrative for Japanese literature is focused more on the moments in which they have decided to express. This may sound like it is centered around a plot, but if so than it is o ne which bears little order or focus. It is not that the Japanese novel is a random series of events. Rather, it lacks a central focal point that everything revolves around. Overall, it can be said that Japanese literature is conscious of the fact that it gives a glimpse within a certain timeframe. A contrast to the more holistic feeling an English novel would provide.

Within the pages mentioned above, the audience is aware that the book covers the six month Go match played and lost by Master Syusai. His death less than a year later leaves the narrator with regret, he writes in those first pages, and yet the reader realizes that this event has brought insight on the character of the man the narrator so revered. The Master of Go’s short chapters are not a chronological account of the game. Rather, Kawabata discusses different moments that brought awe to the game, knowledge on the Master or his opponent or some social observations. Certain Chapters were so alive with thought and question yet nothing conclusive is written even though the narrator presents it as such on occasion. This is the magic that Japanese fiction holds that Western novels generally do not embody as well. And that is that the tale is more of a suggestion rather than a particular message. (This is where Mishima’s Patriotism provides an ideal counter argument but I have to leave something for the comments, don’t I?) Case in point: Chapter 28 explores the foreigner who plays Go. The narrator, Uuragami, becomes unsettled after the first game.

Recommendation: I recall reading that Snow Country (also by Kawabata) is the novel most recognized by the Western world and The Master of Go by the Japanese. Having now read both of these novels, the surprise was that this is the case simply because The Master of Go is more understandable to the Western reader. The characters in this novel are clean-cut with Kawabata providing a framework for us to work with. Snow Country and most other Japanese novels leave much of the characters personality, even when written in the first person (such as Oe’s The Silent Cry), unsaid. My recommendation for anyone who wishes to begin reading Japanese Fiction it would be this one.

Fun Facts: Kawabata (b. 1899 d.1972) was orphaned at the age of two and by the age of fifteen had lost his only sibling and his grandparent. He killed himself in 1972 by gassing himself though certain family members consider his death to be an accident.

In 1968, Kawabata was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. The only other Japanese author with such an honour is Kenzaburo Oe who received his award in 1994.

Kawabata was Mishima's mentor. Mishima is an author discussed in this blog many a time and happens to be a personal favourite. It is said that the Nobel Prize was originally issued to Mishima but when he learned of this, insisted that it be given to his teacher and mentor, Kawabata (source: Wikipedia. They provided no citation). Mishima was nominated three times but never won.
Amazon.ca Widgets

New Year Resolutions out the window...

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Wed, 2 Jan 2008 20:03:00 -0500

Yes, am alive. Whether that's a good thing or not has yet to be determined...

The holiday did not live up to my hopes but met expectations. Therefore, all complaints and comments are reserved for a later date. Perferably never.

There are several reasons why did not write so much at the end of last year. Lets just say the joy in typing was sucked out when the words, "You can't write for shit" were uttered. Hmmmm, yes my own fault.

And no, it is not M. Good God, she is a cold hearted bitch but she would make sure she said that in-between the lines. If anything, that girl is cunning.

For the TBR Challenge, I got to Invisible Man. For my own challenge, I reached the fourth book of Proust. M and Contender 7 finished (in the Proust catagory). Cheers and hurrarys all around.

2007 will be remembered as the year Oscar Wilde was devoured. I just have three more plays of his to read but the crux was done - reread Dorian Gray and for the first time Importance of Being Ernest. Must reads that lol all the way.

At this moment am reading Yasunari Kawabata's THE MASTER OF GO. Expect post soon. Also, I recieved an E-READER for my birthday which has caused disorder among my intimate bibliophiles. More on this soon as well.

And yes, My Love & M, spell check and proof reading. Who said that writing is in the rewriting??? ;)

PS: I also read Age of Innocence and Atonement. Both of those books had me dying. Please read them. Won't even try to write a review (yet)... their words are more than enough.

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sun, 9 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500

See Details for M & N's Summer 7 Challenge & the hot button that goes along with it by clicking this link.

"Bad girl ! drunk by six"

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 20:42:00 -0500

Well, I haven't had a drink in ten months now (that story is for another post) so guess that the title isn't quite accurate but still appropriate. Just thought that I would check in with y'all since many emails have been coming this way asking if I was still alive and whether or not I was still apart of the blog world.

Turns out I am alive and kicking, though perhaps not with any aim. Right now, am one hundred pages into Volume 4 of Proust. The guy is truly amazing though I have had to take a few breaks this summer and read other 'lighter' books. A romance novel here, a Harry Potter there (Volume 5) and, of course, some fantasy.

I recommend Stardust - read and watch. Neil Gaiman's fairy tale is on the big screen and I loved it! Even M thought the movie was somewhat kick-ass... and we all know how critical M is.

Contender 7 was the first to read all of Proust - they finished in JULY! Check out all the details in www.contenderseven.blogspot.com

2 contenders pulled out and in 'punishment' have volunteered at their local community centre which is great for me.

Alright folks, keep your chins up! There is still time...

Just so I can be up-to-date...

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:51:00 -0500

Having just finished The Darkness that Comes Before moments ago. Originally, the intention when logging on was to write a post on it but am feeling rather guilty if I would not write a little something on the other books that have read since In the Skin of a Lion. So they will get their moment of fame but not much else. Just wish there were 25 hours in a day, ya know?

Title: The Millstone
Author: Margaret Drabble

Began & Finished Reading:
April 4th, 2007

"Hi N."

"Hi. " M (no not our M; a whole other one) has never called me. In fact, I have known her for less then a year and have seen her less then 3 times.

"I heard that you have - um- written papers for people." Ahh, straight shot. I like that. Doesn't waste precious time that can be spent reading. "I was wondering if..."

The Milestone was one such book. Drabble is well known for her contribution to modern literature though I would classify her as a Alice Munro by any means. However, her short novel is touching. A wonderful one night read which tells the simple story of a single mother. Her mastery of the English language is AWE-ful... there are lines which make one weep to be certain. I am no mother (yet) but she really does create this bridge between the before and after 'worlds' that allows for the reader a glimpse of change.

Title: Saturday Night, Sunday Morning
Author: Alan Sillitoe

Began & Finished Reading:
April 5-6 2007

Once again picked up to write that English paper. Though not as 'well written', our protagonist is much more memorable in personality and life events. More daring, outspoken and wild, Alex is one of those misunderstood people that society has a tendency of catagorizing as 'menencing'. The accessment would be accurate on a surface level - Alex's inner thoughts and intentions allow even the most puritan of readers to relish this tale.

Title: Guardian Angel

&
Castles

Author: Julie Garwood

Began April 26th, 2007
Finished: April 28th, 2007

Quick romance reads by my favorite author in the genre. Though nothing like her highlander storylines, the tale of the Cainewood family is one that overshadows most other trashy romances. Thrill reads, they served their purpose in having me want, by the end, to pick up something of more substance. My strategy to get through Proust with a smile on my face is to read two romances between every volume. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know. I have almost finished reading all of her works which is unfortunate but maybe it is time to move on. I have re-read Saving Grace about 80 times... trust me - it's begining to show. ;)

Shout Out: Lucy from www.BooksPrice.com sent me an email about her website. Though I have not yet tried their services I do appreciate the innovative, crisp, clean lay-out that they have. Check it out guys and let me know.

That's it folks! I am off to the park with M where we are going to read Proust outloud to each other. Oh, yes! M did make the observation just this morning that many of the details which I choose to divulge to you go unexplained. Should there be any occasion which any of you feel that further detail is needed an email or comment is more then welcome.

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 21:52:00 -0500

Title: In the Skin of the Lion
Author: Michael Ondaatje

ISBN: 0394281829
Page #s: 244

Began Reading:
April 1, 2007

Finished Reading:
April 2, 2007

"So what do you think?"

"Well, N," M said. She sighed holding the binder that held my (humble) 'first' book which only to date has been in print via my laser jet. I had a feeling this was going to be bad. "Your writing... it needs work. I mean there was not a single word in there that I stumbled over. ..." And on & on.

Its not that I can't take criticism (I think... I hope...) but what I hate most of all - and what I told M - is that everyone and anyone can say 'this is good'/'this is bad' . But constructive crit - oh yeah that word!- is more about guiding someone is a general new direction rather then a rant and rave. Much to my benefit she kinda took my advice when she showed up at the cafe a few days later and dropped this book right in front of me. "I think this is how you should write it. His style, the way he describes the things around him..."

Who said friendship - even a somewhat one - isn't about give or take? Retard.
Plot: Ummm. Ummmmmm... that's one of the things with this book. I don't think there is much of a plot. Yes, there's a bridge being built in Toronto and tons of immigrants slaving away constructing this new city. Some guy into placing bombs, wants to get back at those who exploit the toil of foreigners in Canada... there's a nun who gets pregnant after flying off the bridge and a tunnel digger who falls in love with an actress. Truly, there is little character and definitely barely any plot.

So Why Bother? Sometimes, while reading this I did ask myself this question. I wanted to hold onto something and carry it with me when not reading a book and this one left me little to no room to do that. However, it was beautifully written. Not that it read like a poem or lyrics but because there is this inherent illogic to the dialogue and prose which mirror that of the everyday.
"You don't want power. You were born to be a younger brother." page 124

"His breath is now almost whisper, almost language." page 205

Pretty incredible, aye?

Best Part: The way Alice dies. Amazing. Oh, and Caravaggio. Just because of his name, of course.

Worst Part: Blah, the disappointment. My expectations were high considering that M actually handed it over for study. It does need a second read just to further examine technique and his use of analogy but it won't be like reading Gatsby for the second time - not by a long shot.

Recommend To: Well, this is great Canadian lit in the sense that one can see the birth of the city if not the country in the modern era. And the multi-cultural aspects of Canada - how we are praised for being so excepting. Books like this and Obasan are necessary to show that its not about the place but the who. Canada has skeletons in its closet like any other country (though don't get me wrong. This IS, in comparison, the best country to live in today). This is one of Ondaatje favored books so I think that maybe I am being a little harsh - it could have not been the right time perhaps (that happens sometimes. Like the first time I read Hume... definitely not the right time). It has been given the CBC Radio Canada Reads 2002 Winner among others and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize which he lost to A Dream Like Mine by M. T. Kelly.

Factoid: Its the prequal to The English Patient.
The title, you discover as you read, comes from a line in The Epic of Gilgamesh.

I have 6 other books that I have read after this to write reviews on. Yes, it was a semi-productive month. Right now I am reading The Darkness that Came Before for the Once Upon a Time Challenge. Its great so far... promise longer and more reviews to come.

Some Stories Are Worth Retelling...

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 10:08:00 -0500

Title:
The Gospel According to Jesus Christ
Author:
Jose Saramago
Translator:
Giovanni Pontiero
Portuguese to English

Number of Pages:
377
ISBN:
0156001411
Genre:
International Fiction

Challenge:
TBR Reading Challenge
4/12

Began Reading:
April 6th, 2007
Finished:
April 9, 2007

Even before blogging, my 'books-to-be-bought" list has been forever on my mind. Still, of late, I have purchased volumes usually on recommendation from a teacher, respected colleague, neighbour or fellow blogger.

However, I do ensure that when walking into a bookstore with a specific purchase in mind that I spend at least 10 minutes caressing each book with my eyes if not with my hands. My little cousin has always giggled in embarrassment on the occasions she has accompanied me (with Starbucks in mind of course), a by-stander while I flipped to a random page of a tomme I happened to pick up and smell. Deep breath. Taking in the smell of the ink pressed on paper. The fresh crack of the spine. The potential. These cheep trills I dive into at least once a week and would argue with any MD that its works greater wonders then any apple a day business.

Of course, there are negative consequences such as the effects to my wallet. On the day I picked up Saramago's volume, I was purchasing Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (which is still on my TBR Pile). The title caught me off guard having been someone who believed that they knew pretty much all the important title if not all of this Nobel prize winner. My shame of course propelled me - no obliged - to make the purchase. I quickly signed it up as an April read for the TBR challenge hosted by Miz Books because I thought it would suit the Easter weekend with more lamb then even Jesus would expect.

Story: Well, it seems a little silly for me to relate to you the story of Jesus' life. No matter your faith or religious position - post-Dan Brown era means having some idea of what this man's life - at least in major events such as being born, dying and resurrecting - comprises of.

However, Saramago spends the majority of his piece devoted to the beginnings of Jesus life and even before, as he focuses on the couple Mary and Joseph as they struggle before their first son is born.

What this is however is a depiction of a man. A human who fucks and shits and swears. Who feels pride and shame, hurt and betrayal, love and confusion. Disturbing to say the least that Jesus didn't necessarily WANT this... that the fame post-partum was not of his design.

Is it worth it?: I don't know if the book really produced something effective or reviving. Though keeping in mind that this was written in 1991, it may be that all the news headlines of having found JC's bones and Mary Magdalene's grave has de-sensitized. The Church calls the book 'blasphemous' which is ridiculous considering it is clearly marked as Fiction but then maybe they forgot to read that part. If furthering your knowledge on multiple interpretations is what you are looking for then pick up this book. There is no great adventure or scheme as in Da Vinci Code. Its more like a humble memoir of how a miracle would have been carried out and later written about.

Best Part: When God comes to Jesus at the lake with the Devil and they talk for a while and JC asks why does the devil have to be there. God replies, "My son, never forget what I'm about to tell you, everything that concerns God also concerns the devil." page 310

I'll let you discover for yourself what was meant by that remark.

Worst Part: I got a bit annoyed at times of the characters. God was a 'cool dude' but a little too full of -self and that was frustrating; when you read pages and pages of the great wonders that are capable through -. In no way is Saramago using this text as some religious propaganda. Let us just say that when God spoke I had echo's of Nietzsche's discourse on the Old and New Testatment God in my head.

Style: Classic Saramago = means no quotation marks + very long paragraphs + sarcastic humour that makes one laugh out loud. He is, like Stendhal, TELLING a story to you. He acknowledges your presence and your knowledge of JC's life, using it to his advantage. I do prefer The Cave to this text and am told that Blindness is even better but everyone should experience one volume of Saramago sometime and discover for them self why he won the Nobel when he did.

Parting Words: Bla! I am writing another essay for an acquaintance. I am reinvesting the money into a HD DVD player but not with that Blue Disk coming out I am unsure whether I should or not.

I finished reading In the Skin of a Lion and the Milestone, neither being extraordinary but happy to have them under my belt if only for diversifying.

A Promise Once Made Never Forgotten

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Wed, 4 Apr 2007 20:55:00 -0500

Title: Gardens of the Moon
Author: Steven Erickson
Genre: Fantasy

Series: Book 1 of the Malazan Book of the Fallen

# of Pages: 494
ISBN:

Challenge: Chunkster, 2/3

Began Reading:
March 5 2007
Finished Reading :
April 5th 2007

Ok, so what a disgrace I am. Does it make a difference that for 2 weeks I did not touch this or any other book for that matter? Does it make a difference that this project am working on is due this Friday for an investor who may, just may, be investing well... a lot into this 'idea'?

See, even I can't convince myself.

There is no reason. Not having 2 hours sleep. Not eating. Not anything. When I went to the toilet I could have read but I didn't which is a bad, bad thing.

So in punishment I am signing up for a million challenges which are forcing me to keep me on my toes and thus ensure my tbr pile remains low ( relatively). Now back to important matters.

In high school, I was introduced to the fantasy world by W, the older brother of my then best friend D. W has my everlasting gratitude for introducing me to the world of the Wheel of Time. Though there were others in my social circle who picked up Jordan's epic, it was he who literally shoved it into my hands and said, 'Read it.'

Now one thing about fantasy that you should all know is that it creates a family. For example, for 2 years of my life I rode the bus reading my Jordan books in the morning. Another bus rider would carry his large hardbacks and do much the same as me. We never exchanged words and our identities remained anonymous until 600 days later we discovered that we have both been reading the same thing. A well of conversation began and we both regretted having lost the time of enjoying such conversations. He was in his 50s and then I was not even 17. But that did not matter of course. With Rand and Perrin and Matt and Nynaeve... age, race and status just don't fit in the equation.

What does this have to do with Erickson? Am getting there. Because fantasy is such a 'family' oriented genre, my fellow peers in class who realized that I too was becoming a 'member' began to approach me with suggestions. Most earnest of them all was N, the fellow who had the unfortunate fate of sitting behind me in Mrs. Woolgar's English class and thus listening to my every anecdote (*blush* am still that way). He begged that I read Erickson saying that he far surpassed Jordan - which I found to be an impossibility. This conversation continued for about a year and well soon after I forgot.

I did bump into him and another friend of ours from the days of youth and bliss in Indigo - the dreaded employment I had - and they reminded me that I had an obligation to fill by reading Mr. Erickson's series.

It was when I came across book 1 Gardens of the Moon in hardcover for 4.99 at Chapters that I picked it up and said to myself, 'Ok, N, gotta get back into the game.' Fantasy makes you obsessed. Case in point: last series I got into by Jacquline Carey Kushniel's Dart. Each tomme is 1000+ pages. there are 3 books. I read all of them in four. I did not work, sleep and only peed once a day... with my book as a companion. Taking N & G's words to heart, I have been scared recently - with so much on my plate - that I would be sucked in... this one being 10 volumes with 3 more editions to come.

Of course, I am sucked in because I feel madly in love with Crokus who is so chill and tomorrow am off to Chapters for a latte and Volume 2 as added weight in my bag.

The Plot: The Malazan Empire has been in Rule for a little under 200 years. The Empress has been in rule for over a decade and her stern, cold manner is how she has slowly but surly taken over city after city. She has also had intentions of destroying any trace of her predecessors rule by sending many of his garrisons that are still in duty on 'suicidal' missions. One such she is paying particular attention to is Whiskeyjack and his crew... for it seems that his newest recruit - a young girl from a fishing village - is not as innocent as one so young would be. It seems that the Shadowlord has somehow gotten involved but why? and for what reasons?

Gardens of the Moon introduces a dozen characters that you fall in love with and hate and want to throttle because they are so stubborn. It is but an introduction in a long epic that will keep you on your toes.

The Narrative: The work is written in third person but what Erickson does is weave the tail so that every few pages you change perspective if not scene. Usually, you have to read an entire chapter - as with Jordan or Martin - before you can move on to the next character. With Erickson its maximum 6 pages, usually 3 and your onto the next character. Its amazingly fast pace. One other consequence I realized was that it never made me dread any up comng chapters. I knew that if a passage did not interest me I would soon be on to the next.

Erickson, naturally, has a lot of military terminology which he seems to feel quiet comfortable with. It may be jarring at times but nothing that forces you to seek out the definition.

Favorite Part: Ouch! Is it bad when I say that Crokus decides to leave with Sorry. I literally whooped out load in public at that part.

Also, you have no clue who the good/bad 'guys' are. That definitely tickled my fancy.

Worst Part: The middle of the book... it was building up the final 200 pages of the book but there was a good 100 pages that was a little tiny bit dry.

Recommend to: Not for the fantasy novice at all. There is much left unsaid and unexplained in the book and most probably I predict throughout the series. Unlike Jordan where the inner workings sourcing the (magical) power is revealed this is not the case with Gardens of the Moon.

this book is on the Summer 7 challenge I am hosting. this summer. So feel free, after reading ********* this to jump on or off the band wagon*****

What F*&k am I thinking?

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sun, 1 Apr 2007 00:11:00 -0500

Guys- I am a bad, bad girl.

After spending oh-too much time on a business plan with less the four hours of sleep a night, I haven't had enough time to read. I actually have gone an entire day without reading a word of my Erickson novel. Sacreligious! I don't think that has ever happened to me. My room mate had to calm me down and the next morning I did squeeze in 20 pages before returning to the drawing board. But still...

So not only have I like created the challenge thats so challenging only the crazy bloggers are joining (see link above) but also am joining other challenges. Hell, so far I am still on top of my challenge reading and these are TBR books anyways.

The Non-Fiction Challenge

is hosted by Thoughts of Joy and is something that I find to be a great idea. Literature we tend to stay niche but when it comes to Non-Fic, more and more when reading others' lists a hybrid appears. We all want to read a little bit of everything. As do I...

Orientalism by Edward Said is one of the most important texts I have ever read. In university, the first 3 chapters were required reading and I ran - literally - outside the next day to purchase it. Never before have I ever been so touched by the knowledge and passion. Said examines the consequences of Post-Colonialism - namely the idea that we define ourselves not by what we are but by what we are not. This is the first in a trilogy and by far the book Said is most known for though he was an active writer.

Will Ferguson has been an author that I have been dying to read for such a long time. I always caught snidpits of his books while at work but I never read anything sitting down. That is until I saw Hitching Rides With Buddha. It's his tale about his journey across Japan. A book about my fav place written by a fellow Canuk? Who could ask for better?

The Truth about Stories by Thomas King is another CBC Lecture put in print. A loved one gave me this for my b-day which I have not gotten to yet. I did my final high school project on oral tradition so to say that I have a passing interest would not be fair. This book discusses Native storytelling - a topic I know nothing about but should.

David Eggers's Pulitzer Winner A Heartbrecking Work of Staggering Genius I am reading to improve my writing style. And of course because EVERYONE is telling me to read this.

Finally, Elie Wiesel's Night. I wanted to read it for the reading group has chosen over at Heather's but alas alas the vote went the other way. So I thought to 'bump' it here. I saw him on Oprah and it spiked my curiosity. For whatever anyone wants to say about the lady, she has great taste in books.

I hope this is ok with you Joy!

The Challenge runs parallel to my own -May to September. Crazy!
Reading this with Proust. Thats why you guys are not seeing any Michel Foucault. I think I will make History of Sexuality a challenge of its own next year. If I'm insane enough.

*******

March 22nd to June 21st Stainless Steal Droppings is hosting a Fantasy challenge. I had to join since when all is said and done, this is my favorite genre.

Peter Pan - I have always loved. When I was a kid, I nailed a poster on my roof telling Peter Pan to come get me. I even had a suitcase all ready to go just in case. Therefore Barrie's classic is number one on my list.

InkSpell - am soooo excited to read. Funke's first book was so great and inspiring that when I saw the sequel my hands couldn't stop themselves. I am gittery just thinking about reading this one.

The Darkness That Comes Before is book one of R Scott Bakker's The Prince of Nothing Series. I have been eyeballing this one for some time. The author is a philosophy major and rumor has it that he has implemented many of this into his texts. How could I resist? Really.

Another series first is Terry Brooks' First King of Shannara. I have to get off my ass and read this series. Its not that it interests me per say but I have to read this - its a classic. I hate people who say they read fantasy but don't know what LofR stands for. Even after the bloody movie!

Last but not least AT ALL is the second volume of Eric Van Lustbader's Ring of 5 Dragons series. This I ended up reading on a bet. In reality, I won even though I lost. Why I was ever reluctant to read this epic is beyond me. I just found Book 2 & 3 in hardcover which was a sign that I had to stick them in here. Had to... Carl - This one I seriously recommend you read if you have not. It boggles the mind.

That's my five. I have to get back to writing a business plan now but I

M & N's Summer 7 Challenge

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:39:00 -0500

***********UPDATES AT THE BOTTOM OF POST***************

a challenge is:

A test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking.

Get ready guys.
This isn't going to be easy.
But it is definitely going to be rewarding.

Mission: To complete an entire series from start to finish of one of those listed below.

Time frame: May 1st to Septemeber 1st 2007
No, you can't start earlier.

Reward: Gift certificates to an online bookstore for those who complete the challege. Some may receive goodies such as books, booksmarks, etc.

The Catch: If you agree to take this challenge and do not complete the task you are REQUIRED to make a donation to brainwash books in the form of book or money. (a place that provides cheap books for university students. We act as a pseudo-library where you can buy the books for $, trade or borrow. And if you wish to encourage reading, regardless of your performance during the challenge, please feel free to do so. We love books - especially classics. ) I will be posting the logistics of this further along in the challenge.

Pre-reqs: You must have read no more than one of the books in the series (and yes, I will check your blogs, people!)

This way you're rewarded if you win.

And it hurts if you don't.

Now that's a challenge.

Who Is Doing it: So far, M and I are the only ones crazy enough to do this.

How We Came Up with This God Forsaken Idea:

N: I always wanted to read Proust.

M: Me too.

N: Bet you you can't read all 7 volumes in the summer.

M: Yes, I can.

You can figure out the rest of this overly intellectual dialogue.

The Series you can Choose From:

1. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust

- Total 7 volumes.

This early twentieth century text is packed with love, art and social criticism. Filled with characters of all shapes and sizes, it is considered one of the most influential and important works of fiction.

Most however stop after having read the second volume. Only PhD students, thesis writers or ambitious laymen like ourselves bother with reading the entire 7 volumes that make up Proust's masterpiece.

They are:

Vol 1 - Swann's Way
Vol 2- In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower
Vol 3- The Guermantes Way
Vol 4- Sodom and Gomorrah
Vol 5 - The Prisoner
Vol 6 - The Fugitive
Vol 7 - Finding Time Again

Originally written in French, though I'll be reading it in English. However, after finishing this work, you'll always have something to say at a party.

2. Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erickson

- total 7 volumes
(note that the series will have 10 books total but as of this year 7 have been released.)

This fantasy series is considered to be one, if not the best, in the genre. As you learn the eccentric traditions and customs of the different cities, you fall in love with your characters. It's better then being on a beach and cheaper.

Gardens of the Moon

Deadhouse Gates

Memories of Ice

House of Chains

Midnight Tides

The Bonehunters

Reaper's Gale

3. Complete Novels of the Bronte Sisters (Emily, Anne, & Charlotte)

- total 7 volumes

Talented but frail, these siblings died very young - before they could possibly flourish in their literary talents. Though they were given some recognition when alive, they could not foretell the impact they would have on the canon of great books.

1 .Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
2. Shirley by Charlotte Bronte
3. Villette by Charlotte Bronte
4. The Professor by Charlotte Bronte
5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
6.Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte
7. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

* you can choose your own which I gotta approve by email. Prereq is that it has to be an ACCOMPLISHMENT to brag about.

***Do You Dare Take the Challenge?***
just leave a comment at the end of this posting
w/ your selection choice
and blog address

end date for submission:
April 30th

UPDATES:

Hey Guys! So People are Actually crazy enough to do this. Who would have thought. Hats off for being taken under the influence of the M - she can definitly get under ones skin. Drum Roll please:

Contender 1& 2: founders and forefathers M & N

Contender #3
Heather from Orange Blossum Goddess, & several author of several other book blogs, was the first! Perhaps its because I staulk her on Facebook... who knows. She decided to inovate and take on Lord of the Rings & company. Yes, Tolkein wrote more then just the Hobbit as add ons to his classic.

Contender # 4

Sarah is a devoted brainwash customer with, alas no blog for me to link here. She is on facebook and has great taste in profile pics. This recent McGill alum has many a time shared a great cup of coffee with even better book talk. Sarah is taking the Bronte sisters this summer as her challenge. Right on girl!

Contender #5

Tanabata is a Canadian living in Japan and this my friends gives her the unfair advantage as being a personal fav of mine. Its the pics guys and my infatuation with a country that has more similarities to Italians then you would first assume! (yes, I tell you, I have thought this one out).Her blog definitly has the BEST landscape pics. Anyways, I let her off 'easy' with the 7 Harry Potters, another series I had considered taking for my own.

Contender #6

Christopher lives in TO and we met through a mutual friend. I simply sent him an email about a week ago saying how I had heard he loved to read and the rest is history. Christopher is talented to say the least and therefore in order to make this an actual challenge, he signed up for both the Brontes and Proust. He speaks Ancient Greek, Latin, Russian Italian and English most of which are self taught. Now do you get why?

Contender #7

Nessie-ite has signed up for Proust but has not gotten back to me with the blog address. I am waiting.... anxiously. Did I mention I wasn't patient? Please don't do this to me...

www.contenderseven.blogspot.com
this is my kind of humour guys check it out!

Contender # 8

Loose Baggy Monster happened to be perusing blogs, came accross my own humble one, saw the challenge and just 'could not resist'. Thanks babe. It makes me feel wanted which is always a nice warm feeling - the kind that warm milk can give you. LBM is going for the Proust while keeping an eye on the Brontes. Good job girl!

Contender # 9

Dolce Bellezza has come on board with the fantasy. The only one so far who choice this series. GREAT JOB! I am reading Erickson now and it is soooo amazing. I decided I am doing all three of my series choices. I can't help it - they are all sooo good.

Contender # 10

Kailana has decided to do Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files which I have no clue what that is but hell they look interesting enough and can't wait to read a little more.

Contender # 11

Think Pink Dana is, to M's everlasting shame for not having thought of this before signing up for Proust, is the complete works of George Elliot. M just finished reading Middle March for the second time and is itching to get her hands on others but will have to be satisfied this summer with Dana's reviews.

George Eliot?
Adam Bede, 1859
The Mill on the Floss, 1860
Silas Marner, 1861
Romola, 1863
Felix Holt, the Radical, 1866
Middlemarch, 1871-72
Daniel Deronda, 1876

Contender # 12

Natalie is reading the complete works of Jane Austen. I love it! I know tons of people will be visiting your blog even if it is just to read the words Mr Darcy yet again.

Contender # 13
Country Girl has joined and will be the entire Anne Rice Vampire series people. Crazy. Though easy to read its a challenge to keep up with Rice. I look forward to reading the reviews.

Contender # 14
Ashleigh has joined right on board with the hardest of the hard - Proust! Welcome ~ and I look forward to lamenting this with you. ;)
Potential Contenders

Lisa at Brecking the Fourth Wall
Bookish Lore at Literary Craving

note: Cry out to all ~ put a little peer pressure on these girls already!

Ghostrider

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 22:02:00 -0500

Title: Anil's Ghost
Author: Micheal Ondaatje

ISBN: 0676973612
Published: 2000, Vintage Canada
# of Pages: 307

Began Reading:
March 7th, 2007

Finished Reading:
March 10th, 2007

Challenge:
TBR Challenge 3/12
March Read

My 19th birthday was a pretty crazy affair. Meaning that it may not have been the drunkin' bash of my 18th bday, but hell it had its high points. My older sibling, knowing that I detest the impersonal gifts of gift certificate, gave me just that. And though it was from Indigo and for $50, as always, I went well above that amount and was forced to dish out more cash from my pocket. Oh the perils of gift certificates!

Anil's Ghost was a cover that I loved though. So beautiful and promising, I desided to buy it then and there before I would forget. (Back then I didn't have my little green book with me, where I record all the books I need to purchase) 5 years this book has sat on my self, untouched.

Now do you understand why I would choose it for a TBR Challenge Read?!

The Plot: Anil left Sri Lanka over 15 years ago for England and USA. Never feeling at home yet never wanting to return, she finally does when she is hired by the UN to investigate as a forensic anthropologist on skeletons found which may lead to better understanding on the Civil War. The goverment is fighting both the insurgents and the seperatists which lead to people, especially young, male youths, simply disappearing. When Anil and her co-worker, Sarath, discover this prototype skeleton - deemed Sailor - in a historic burial ground, they begin an investigation that may be the first to bring the governments crimes to the international public's eye. As we follow the team in their 'journey of discovery', Ondaatje gives glimpes of their history, relationships, and dreams they once had which were shattered once reality kicked in. All this packaged in this author's outstandingly unique writing style.

Best Part: The character Gamini, who is a doctor and brother to Sarath. The piece-meal information that the author gives us makes us fall in love with how real he is. Drug addict, divorcee, gentel but harsh when it comes to anything outside of the hospital grounds, the sections on this character you will breeze through.

Worst Part: The adventure of Sailor and chasing the clues on who this person was not as exciting as had hoped Ondaatje would make it. There could have been a little more sence of adventure, of danger. The supposed 'threat' of the government concerning their studies just didn't penetrate outside the page.

Read this When: Historically, this is a great introduction to a violent historical event that has been given little to no news on. Using this as a stepping stone or complement to a class lesson may be ideal. There are other works by Ondaatje that still have his incredible writing style, this one had some Faulkner influence though much more comprehensible. Like Faulkner, Ondaatje is focused more on the human aspect of things then on plot. Hence, my recommendation for a group enviroment that will do some extra reading on the times and place we find Anil and Sarath.

Awards: Anil's Ghost won both the Giller Prize and Govenor General Award in 2000.

Now am reading Steven Erickson's Garden of Moons for the chunkster challenge! Am doing pretty well with these. Coming up will be my non-fiction list.

Where is Red and what have you done with him?!

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sun, 4 Mar 2007 21:17:00 -0500

Title: My Name Is Red
Author: Orhan Pamuk
Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2006
Tranlator: Erdag M Goknar

# of Pages: 413; Hardcover
ISBN: 0375406956
Published: Originally in Turkish in 1998
English 2001, A A Knof

Challenge: 2/12
TBR February Read

Began Reading:
February 20th, 2007

Finished Reading:
March 4, 2007

Oft times, while seeking more innovative and entertaining ways to procrastinate from shelving books during my eight hour shifts at Indigo, I would pull out the ol' pen 'n' paper, walk the aisles sideways as my gaze devoured the covers of the thousands of books that filled the store. The angel face of Ondajannte's Anil's Ghost called out to me in whispers, Xao's One Man's Bible was promising secrets each time more and more inviting and Atwood's Edible Woman kept reminding me in a stern voice that I had certain obligations to fill. Each of these I listened to and wrote on my list usually accompanied by an adjective: 'Classic', 'must read', mark's recommendation', urban lit', and so forth. Each I listened to carefully. Orhan Pamuk's My Name is Red I did not. Every time my eyes came upon the cover of the book with it's bold title, my hands, voluntarily or not, reached out and touched it. My thoughts would begin to run away with themselves on who this Red was and what was he like? Passionate? Violent? Flamboyant? I could not wait to read it... but never did.

Years later, after the Nobel Prize ceremonies, I logged online to read who accepted what and to read the acceptance speeches (which are usually great reads if any of you are looking for more ways to pass the time in front of your computer screen) and dam! there in my face he was - Orhan Pamuk with his nerdy glasses and his oh-so-foreign aura. In fact, I had posted a quote from him with a pic in an earlier blog entry just because it was so great:

" ...I write because I love

the smell of paper, pen, and ink."

Of course, my hands, once again voluntarily or not, reached over for the mouse, typed the letters a,m,a,z,o,n,.,c,a and ordered the hardcover edition of the book whose title had haunted my thoughts for so long... I just needed a kick in the ass to get there.

The Story: Orhan's tale is a murder mystery with a love story woven in. The Sultan has commissioned a book to be written and illustrated that would illuminate the power of Allah and the Sultan. When two consecutive murders occur, both related to some degree to the creation of this work of art, the search for this killer and the threat he poses to the miniaturists of the palace is on. The love story is between Black, the nephew of one of the victims - Enishte who happened to be coordinating the entire project - and Enishte's daughter Shekure, the most beautiful woman in the district. As Black comes closer and closer to discovering the culprit so is he to Shekure's heart. the thrill is in that fact that this murderer holds a threat not only over all the palace miniaturists but also to the fruition of this love affair.

The Setting: is the most attractive and alive aspect of this tale. Istanbul's smells and people come alive. One feels the crowded streets, the shouts of the clothier, the spices of the market place. Pamuk enriches this novel with tales, myths and philosophy of a culture that I myself, other then historical context, am unfamiliar with.

Narration: is by far the best part and where the author's genius shines through. Like Faulkner, every chapter is headed with the name of the narrator for that section: 'Black', 'Shekure', 'Uncle', 'Murderer'. The last was where the villain invites the reader directly to discover who he is:

"If I do have a style and character, it's not hidden in my artwork, but in my crime and in my words as well! Yes, try to discover who I am from the colour of my words!" page 98

And so we do, as clues contradict and facts become tangled, we the reader can only rely on the style of the murderers voice in comparison to all the other characters that are introduced to us. Therefore a warning, there is lots of flipping back and forth, comparing grammar and sentence structure, etc. etc. There is also another means of solving the puzzle - which I actually did ( though am peacocked yet again, it sucks that there was no surprise. boo!) - which is through the characters philosophy. My Name is Red has as much art philosophy as Dorian Gray guys and that's tons. Each character presents a variation on what art is, it's function and role. By seeing the Murderer's reasons for his crime and comparing it with the character's ideologies, you can possibly come to the right conclusion.

Furthermore, there are chapters which are named 'Dog', 'Coin', 'Tree' and other objects/characters that are present in drawings. They speak their history and their place. They talk of their master, or their desires and hopes. It was always a pleasure to read these chapters that were so insightful on life in Istanbul and in general.

Worst Part: It was just a little too long! And the love story was very artificial. I couldn't stand either of them after the second half of the book.

The Title: Where the hell was Red in all of this? I was extremely disappointed to see that a) it was not a person or anything that breaths and b) it had all of 6 pages devoted to it. Oh yeah, I feel just a bit duped even though its not Pamuk's fault but my own overwrought imagination.

Read this When: you need to write a paper on a good book, a classic or whatnot, and are worried about the length of pages. There is so much possibility for analysis with this book that you need not worry about not coming up with the right quantity.

... when your about to hop on a plane for Istanbul. I would kill to have read this book for the first time there.

What does this mean for Pamuk?
Well, the guy won a Nobel Prize and he is like Faulkner in that though the book wasn't enjoyable per say your inclined to read more by him, to explore his style and psyche. So am definitely adding Snow to my list of TBR's for this year or maybe next. Like any NP winner, it is the body of work and not a single book that the award is given to.

Book News~!!

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sat, 3 Mar 2007 22:45:00 -0500

So like me and a whole bunch of other people were soooo put off by the fact that he

is playing Silvertongue for the up coming movie adaptation of

which I have reviewed already.

Anyways, it turns out that he is the voice who inspired the author to even write the book!!! She dedicated the sequal to him saying,

"whose voice is the heart of this book.

Thanks for inspiration and enchantment.

Mo wouldn't have stepped into my writing room without you,

and this story would never have been told."

So like who is really excited now for the movie to come out? 3 guesses guys...

Tresure Island

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Fri, 2 Mar 2007 21:27:00 -0500

Title: Treasure Island
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Genre:
Children's Lit, Adventure
ISBN:
0375756825
Published:
Modern Classics Library 2001;
Cassell & Company Ltd - 1883

Challenge:
Classics hosted Booklogged
4 of 5

Began:
Feburary 2007

Finished:
February 2007

I always wanted to marry a pirate. Especially when seeing Captain Sparrow on that big screen suddenly the hot sun didn't seem so offensive nor the nomadic lifestyle as scary. That adventure - knowing that life can change with every new wave that comes ones way - is what is so appealing about life at sea. Not one who shys away from letting everyone in hearing distance to listen to my 'fantasies', a friend once mentioned in passing, "Yeah, just like Long John Silver." Ashamed I bought the book the next day and swore to read it asat. The Classics Challenge was the kick in the ass that had me read it when I did.

The Jist: Poor Jim and his family did not know what they were getting themselves into when they accepted their eccentric guest who enjoyed his solitude by the fire with his ale. This unnamed fellow asks Jim to look out for the 'one legged man' ... and the young man faithfully does throughout even when ,soon after, the guest dies leaving, amongst his trinkets and old clothes, a treasure map. Once the Doctor and Captain are told of this discovery (Jim's discovery due to their guest not having paid for his stay) a boat is rented, a crew hired and off to sea with the map as navigator. Of course, the trusted crew are turncoats but luckily the ol' ship is true of heart. And so this tale begins with the esteemed Long John Silver and the heart of the coroption on board the vessile. When landing on the island, man, money and weather all stand in the way of safe journey... one which young Jim did not account for when he agreed to come along.

Best Part: Long John's 'mind over matter' character was fresh and heartening because it was so REAL. His character is what made this a page turner - loving the bastard was so easy and yet you can't help but feel a little guilty. A little naughty.

Worst Part: Sometimes Jim's circumstance seem contrived. Hey, is it bad if I say just a little?

Read This When: I you come home from work and are thinking to yourself, "But why the fuck bother?" And seriously consider leaving your stove on while you leave the house for a long long walk.
Or when the kids are trying to think of what to dress up for Halloween. I mean these characters make for the best costumes + its 'forcing them to read.

Why is this a classic?

Cordingly, he who penned the introduction to this edition, points out how Stevenson's first book is our yard stick for the pirate. Oh yes people, way before Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow came along this crew of pirates gave the world a ride to remember.

But more then that, Long John's character is remarkable; a sight worth seeing through the eyes of our narrator Jim. The youth makes you understand if anything, the charasima the captain has on those who come in his vicinity.

And above everything else, once a kid reads this book it would be hard for them NOT to become a bibliofile. This is a good thing people!

Film Version: There has been several adaptations of the work but most reknowned is the 1950 with Robert Newton playing LJS is considered the best.

Cool Factoid: The 1950s film was the first complete live action film by Disney.

Reading: My Name is Red - it's trailing from February but thats what moving does to you guys. Don't hate me :)

Deaf & Furious!

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Fri, 2 Mar 2007 16:49:00 -0500

Title:
The Sound and the Fury

&
As I Lay Dying

Author: William Faulkner
Genre: American;

Southern Literature

Published: 1929

Began Reading:
January 5th, 2006

Finished Reading:
January 24th, 2006
(both of them)

Challenge:
I guess I can say that its a bonus for the Classics Challenge! Yeah, that's 7 guys!

I finished what is known to be Faulkner's masterpiece, even before Oprah decreed it so, The Sound and the Fury, at the perfect time: two customers walked in and after my offer for coffee was accepted we proceeded to converse for sometime the many dimensions of Faulkner.

R, a cegep teacher here in Montreal who did his phd in British history, was explaining how he got into Faulkner's work. A friend of R had sat him down to explain all the little points such as Italics = memory and the narrative structure. K had to read this for class and she seemed to agree with most of what I had to say about it which is basically that it's hard to talk about.

The Sound and The Fury is a story that tells its tale through the train of thought of three members in the Compson family. A white family that lives in Jackson with 'lazy black' servants to support. The tale is actually summurized in the appendix at the end - Faulkner doesn't care as much about the events then he does the thoughts that preceed this, the mental breckdown - or makeup - of his characters.

I was suprised because for some reason had thought that this was a war book. (Consequence of being libra - we judge books by their covers & titles.) The horrible part was having an edition where the appendix was at the begining of the book . Since it was written by the author I was sure that it belonged in the begining and thus the plot was spoiled completly for me. Yes, yes its supposed to be about the text but christ I revert to the wise words of Edward Said when it comes to text and entertainment (which is basically that every reader has the right to enjoy what they read).

After reading a few classics (for the renowned Classics challenge), I picked up As I Lay Dying. Though the other reads were intence, enjoyable and memorable, Faulkner still echoed within, nagging at me about SOMETHING. Thinking that reading another of his texts would bring some insight on what exactly 'is Faulkner all about', all it did was make me fall in love with the teasing glimpse he gives the audiance of his characters' innerworkings .

Really there is not much of a plot for either text and no characters that one walks away and 'carries with them'. Instead, reading Faulkner is more about the 'Being John Malcovich' experiance then anything else. He forces you to stretch and exhaust yourself by becoming a mental handicap, a greedy logical businessman, or a doomed scholar. Suddenly, when reading a page of Faulkner, the cold Montreal weather becomes the dry Southern air and you hate the experiance but for some reason - some unexplainable reason - you stay and read on and read more even when your mouth fills with sand.

The Sound and the Fury seemed to more of a comment on human nature than As I Lay Dying's insight on what is the odscure. In S&F, there are three narrators, one based on emotion, the second intellect and the last logic. All are overcome, realistically, by this oh-so-human factor and each of these male characters falls to their dimise to some extent because of this. Though some of Faulkner's insight on Southern life comes forward in both books, As I Lay Dying gives us more narratives of a family who is crossing towns, through obstacles after obstacle, with their mother's corpse. By far the easier read, I am happy that I have read it if only because it mentally prepared me for My Name is Red (my present read) which switches narrative often (to say the least).

If anything, hats off to Faulkner for his command of the English word. The way the words BECOME the character... one can read any paragraph in the book aloud and if your familiar with the charcters, you'll understand who is speaking the words. His ability to empathize and develop is worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize to accompany the one he did win in 1949 for Literature.

In closing, this last part I dedicate to you M ... with 'love & squalor':

On writing, Faulkner remarked, "Let the writer take up surgery or bricklaying if he is interested in technique. There is no mechanical way to get the writing done, no shortcut. The young writer would be a fool to follow a theory. Teach yourself by your own mistakes; people learn only by error. The good artist believes that nobody is good enough to give him advice. He has supreme vanity. No matter how much he admires the old writer, he wants to beat him."

a picture worth even more than a thousand words

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:17:00 -0500

Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Author: Oscar Wilde

# of Pages: 177
ISBN: 1853260150
Published:
Originally ~ Lippincott's Magazine 1890;
Wordsworth Classic - 1991

Challenge Read:
Classics Challenge Read 3/5
(I actually finished them all though! Posts to come)

Started Reading:
Februrary , 2007

Finished Reading:
Februrary 10th, 2007

The shame the horror - 177 pages in over a week. How am I to read 104 books in a year?! Just exactly how? Do I have an excuse - none! Is there ever when it comes to such a holy endeaveor? A reason - oh I have plenty of those~! There's the stress of satisfying the whims of the new chef at the cafe and having to handle all the giggly university girls that crowd the bar (yes he is cute unfortunatly). Oh yes, then there is the fact that I have less then 48 hours to move out of my amazingly downtown located apartment where I could shop, go to the movies and above all else GO TO STARBUCKS CHATPERS in moments. Oh dearest reader, the perils of my life! M has helped me pack my books. Total box count= 27. Should I complain of having such treasures in my life, surrounding my daily activities, keep me company during meals and greeting my guests. I did go out once or twice - facebook does that to you - but they were minor outings with little else then watching others drown their sorrows in cheep beer and even cheeper talk. The qulundrums of youth. But then again who said being 24 was young? Which brings us to dearest Dorian - our hero, villian and victim.

What Happens: Basil, a known British Victorian Artist, finds his inspiration a youth in his later teens called dorian Gray. His face a canvas of purity and innocence, his person untouched by corrupt intentions or stressful thoughts. That is until Harry, a acquaintance of Basil, who enters the studio sparks the youths imagination by expressing the importance of being young and how it is an outward indicator of what is within a specimen. Dorian, realizing for once that his youth would not last forever exclaims, " How I wish I .... am jealous of that picture...." Page 46563. These words, much like those between Faust and the Devil, create a pack between the portrait of Dorian and the man himself - the portrait bears the marks of Dorians age and self while the man remains in face at least, as soft and inviting as ever.

Here begins the twisted decent of Grays soul to corruption that levels on the border of madness until the reviting ending, this short classic being Wilde's only completed volume is unquestionably a neccesary addition to any serious philosophy/art student and serious reader.

Best Part: When Dorian stares at the painting for the first time with realization that it is bearing the brunt of his endeavors. The fear, elation and apprehention that he feels at that time simply consumes you. It makes the reader realize the power that an object can have in a society that allows posession to possess such strengths.

Also, Wilde's preface to the audiance is a short yet pivotal compilation of statments that prepares the reader for what follows. His phrases are clear cut and straight to the point yet send the mind whirling in circles with thoughts that contradict and agree, simotaneously even, with the truths presented. Riveting.

Worst Part: Well, Harry's continuous speaches to Dorian about 'not caring', 'enjoying the now', and so forth. A little too much but nothing that's majorily intrusive to the text that it dulls the sences.

Factoid: The press tore this text and it's author apart when it was published. It was not successful until printed as a single volume.

Why is this considered a Classic?

Well, other than the subject matter of art and mankind and the eccentric synergy exchanged between the two, one aspect of this text that raises above others is the writing. Wilde's care and attention to detail of phrase is apparent from the opening line.

"From the corner of the divan of Persian saddlebags on which he was lying, smoking, as was his custom, innumerable cigerettes, Lord Henry Wotton could just catch the gleam of the honey-sweet and honey-coloured blossoms of a laburnum, whose tremulous branches seemed hardly able to bear the burden of a beauty so flame-like as theirs; and now and then the fantastic shadows of birds in flight flitted across the long tussore-silk curtains that were stretched in front of the huge window, producing a kind of momentary Japaense effect, and making him think of those pallid jade-faced painters of Tokio who, through the medium of an art that is necessarily immobile, seek to convey the sence of swiftness and motion." page 5

Wilde tried to pull it off to the public that the work was done in a single writing but the text itself and later physical evidence of the re-writes the authors did. Why? Perhaps the attraction the public has to the concept of unedited work. Dali and many of the surrealists had promoted their own artworks under the same auspisos and like Wilde's novel, was soon found to be untrue.

Though set in Victorian society - and there being a certain part of the book devoted to criticing the times - the novel is indeed timeless. Art philosophy, the idea of where art 'fits', the responsability of the artist, the fame/God aspect that's given to this medium adds activly to the conversation that great minds such as Plato, Hume and Adorno have been having.

The Beef about me Not Posting: Guys, man, please don't hate me! Blogger was wacking out on me every time I tried to log on and post this. Then I had to move apartment! Sadly enough, I stored away some of my books at my nonnina's house ( she does have a heated, tiled garage perfect for my tresures). Just going through the boxes to find the books so that I can post on it is challenge enough. I am reading and loving MY NAME IS RED right now, which is my Feb read for TBR Challenge and finished all my reads for the classics challenge... the books are waiting to be posted! Tomorrow TRESURE ISLAND. Thanks for understanding guys!

New Words:

"... the two young men went out into the garden together, and ensconced themselves on a long bamboo seat that stood in the shade of a tall laurel bush." page 7

"then it began to scramble all over the oval stellated globe of the tiny blossoms." page 22

"... stooping down he wrote his name in long vermilion letters on the left hand corner of the canvas." page 23

"Yes, there would be a day when his face would be wrinkled and wizen, his eyes dim and colourless, the grace of his figure broken and deformed." page 23

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Tue, 6 Feb 2007 20:28:00 -0500

Good News: I've read 3 books since asimov

Bad News: I have bloggers block. Blame M. She is evil :)

Many apologies as I turn back to Dorian Gray

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 22:44:00 -0500

Title: I, Robot

Author: Isaac Asimov

ISBN: 0553294385
Published:
1950, DoubleDay; 1991

Started Reading:
January 24th, 2007

Finished Reading:
January 25th, 2007

Challenge:
Classics ~ due end of Feb '07
2nd of 5 hosted by Booklogged

Asimov's book is in fact a collection of short stories published throughout the 40s. The stories come together through the narrative of recurring character Dr. Sarah Calvin who reflects on her life as a robopsychologist. One of the difficulties in reading this was the disjointed nature of the text as a whole. Asimov presents his pieces in such a way that each chapter introduces a new idea about robots that isn't necessarily carried over into the next part. I'll make a comparison to Alice Munro here as her novel Lives of Girls and Women (highly recommended!) reflects short story-esque chapter divisions that are cunningly woven together by theme & character. Asimov's attempt at narrative unity isn't achieved - the book feels like an anthology masked as a novel (and for all you who know me well, I abhor anthologies).

Another distraction (or weakness) of the read was the dialogue. When principal characters yell out "By Jupiter!" moments before a certain death, it makes you wonder where these people came from. There is little interaction between characters, and when human characters speak to each other it comes off as contrived and artificial. As for the Robots... I will allow the fact that as a human reader I may have allowed certain corny terms and fake-flavoured sentences to slip by, considering the 'nature of the beast'. Yet there generally seems to be a lack of artfulness in the writing that leaves the reader constantly conscious of the writer's presence, which does not allow for the 'cathartic' experience.

Dr Calvin's character was introspective, however, and original. Her coldness, icy stares, quick wit and cool-under-pressure personality do make for an interesting tie-in; it is once again the elementary writing that surrounds her (and ultimately creates her character) that lessens the effect. Asimov simply did not strengthen this aspect of the text. What Dr Calvin does present us with is an informed and complex understanding of the role of robots in the lives of humanity. Her logic and respect for the beast (as un-beastlike as they are) allows her, unlike many others in her field, to consider the potential threat of what robots can do ... we have all seen Terminator, right?

Asimov himself felt that the strongest point of his robot series is his contribution of the three laws.

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

While I was researching on why this is a classic, wiki quotes the author on how Asimov wished to present robots in a different light than the traditional Frankenstein/terror or functionality format. Robots, in his book, come together as companions, machines that can interact, assess, and even befriend to a certain level. Asimov's presenting a world where machines are present as walking, talking, thinking beings, as a dependency that humanity has a love/hate relationship with (most strongly portrayed in his final chapter on the Regions) does portray the possible integration of such entities into our society as less of a threat than works such as Shelley's would have us believe.

What I am trying to decipher with other sci-fi fans is whether Asimov is using the robot in his text as a way of expressing the 'next natural step' in historical progression or as a mirror reflection of humanity and our tendencies on the level of social consciousness? It seems contradicting for it to be both simultaneously... any readers out there with thoughts on this topic? any other potential 'uses' for the robot?

Factoid: Asimov's original title was Mind and Iron but the publisher changed it.

Star Trek's creator would visit his friend Asimov with his ideas to see if they were scientifically viable. The author had a PhD in biochemistry.

He is attributed with coining the terms robotics, positronic, psychohistory.

The author died of AIDS which he was infected with during a blood transfusion. The family only disclosed this ten years after his death (d. 1992).

One reason that this may have seemed somewhat elementary to me is that I have been reading sci-fi for years now and usually find that the philosophical elements are not so blatant and obvious, but carefully weaved into the story, allowing the entertainment and active participation that great books demand. Perchance those introduced to the concept of sci-fi may find this a great breather - room to play would be my own recommendation. The language is easy enough for a advanced reader in 6th grade if they can tackle the concepts. At the same time, I'd like to note that there are many classics that 'do things first' , by which I mean put forward important themes or ideas, in a way that did not make me feel as if there was some basic attention to writing lacking in the text. Asimov's careless writing gives the reader the impression that he merely wishes to present the idea, without paying too much attention to genre, dialogue, or narrative style.

In Conclusion, I am happy to have finally read it and will have to read the Foundation Series in hopes that it is better (on a literary scale) than this. Please note that I am not a short stories type of gal, so my harsh criticism of the narrative is somewhat biased.However, the points on the dialogue hold true - it's pretty horrendous.

******

Cell phone ringing. Caller ID reads 'M'

M: Nessie, my child, we've got a problem. Possession is written by A. S. Byatt.

N: I know. What! You think...

M: You wrote in your comments that it was written by Austen.

N: No, loser, I wrote about Persuasion. (Saying this, cell in hand, I run over to the computer and log on.) I'm going to read it to you. "I finished Possessions some time ago. I am working on a MEGA AUTHOR post - I have read all the works by Jane Austen and" Oh, no!

M: You gotta change it.

N: Shit! Shit! Shit!

And shit. So sorry, Bella! I am looking forward to reading the book Possession by Byatt and will be commenting on your blog to let you know when have posted on it.
And M, what would I do without you!? (I would sit in a cardboard box and cry longingly).

Le rouge & le noir

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:17:00 -0500

Title: The Red and the Black
Author: Marie-Henri Beyle
Nom-de-Plume: Stendhal

Translator: Burton Raffel
Published:
Modern Classics Library 2003;
November 1830

# of Pages:
485 +endnotes
ISBN:
0812972074

Began Reading:
December 19th, 2006
Finished Reading:
January 14th, 2007

Commencing every shift at the cafe , as if on Auto Pilot, I reach under the counter for the infamous log book. The book that holds all the secrets of the shifts between my own, where each devoted member of the staff writes important notices of what drop-offs were done and which illustrious customers came in yelling out 'Hari Krishna' to the freshmen learning that hot water is really only for when you bleach your whites. "The Red and the Black by Stendhal is a really good book. Has Vanessa read it?" The handwriting distinctly M's, it is still a compliment that she would take the trouble to write such a recommendation.

The Title: Within the circle of R&B readers, past and present, there has been a never-ending - dare I say un-progressive - debate on Stendhal's choice of title. Red... Black... Red... This particular exchange was peculiar for myself considering that there is one passage where the two colours become characters of there own. At the time I was reading this passage my pen on its own accord boldly encircled the words and wrote the words 'rouge et noir = chance'. There is an element of chance throughout the piece - the fact that the characters' thoughts and behaviour on the whole are completely unpredictable! One would expect ecstasy at the devotion of a young, proud woman's love, yet at certain points our so-called hero Julien Sorel discovers- oh no REdiscovers - another gentlewomen to bestow his affections on. Julien's behavior often resembles that of someone who is bi-polar, changing his mind as often as one (hopefully) changes their underthings. When he takes to riding the horse for the Prince's procession in town, one would have thought his character would have met the obligation with some disdain - Julien, idolizing Napoleon, desires throughout to be as honorable as he. He feels caught in society as his beliefs are rooted in another age. Julien adores Napoleon, aspires to glory, but must be wary of people's fear of 'heroes' in post-Terror France. The parade he participates in is more than contrived, it is an artificial display of heroism, with young soldiers dressed up nicely. Julien, however, is given the opportunity to act out the role and he enthusiastically seizes the moment and rides in the front. While feeling immensely proud of himself, the act of riding requires just enough bravery to mount one's own stead. Truly Julien! How could you have thought that would make Napoleon proud?

But I digress... forgive me, Reader - a consequence of loving-yet-hating this fellow whom we find to be our hero only because Stendhal chooses it to be so.

It was as I began searching some online French versions of the book to see if some of the passages that I felt to be mountain-moving in English were accurate to the original when it hit me. 'Le rouge et le noir' (French titles only have the first letter of the first word capitalized). ... Not 'Rouge et noir' LE rouge et LE noir' i.e. THE Red and THE Black. Stendhal is being specific, not general, in his use of the colour terms. Had he wanted to allow for more room for interpretation within the title than he would not have included the article but the fact is HE DID. Now, which specific Red? And which particular Black? The common conclusion is army (r) and clergy (b), which institutionally are portrayed as having many parallels in the areas of -ah! What? That in fact is my own debate. It seems that most sources concur that Stendhal is portraying the corruption of the army and church. But it also appears, especially within the church when Julien goes for his training, that Stendhal is criticizing the useless existence in general. Each group and others such as aristocrats, diplomats, etc. create conflict that defies logic in order, the text insinuates, for them to have some purpose to their existence. It seems that only in turmoil can heroism exist, only in condemning a damned soul can one be saved and only in defying norms can passionate love exist. This novel's plot resides in the contradictions of thoughts and actions in ways that are frustrating (especially at the end). I shall finish discussing this subject now, not because I want to stop, but because to explain my reading I'd need to find textual examples (at the most pivotal, exciting moments!) and ruin a delightfully suspenseful book.

My shift ended and I walked out onto the quiet avenue. Heading South, my mind replayed the message in my mind. Red and black. Red and Black. The author's name lost in my subconscious. But the title was there, bold and daring. A walk through campus, a right on St. Catherines and without realizing it, my feet carried my body into Chapters bookstore. 'One Red and Black', I requested.

Narrative: Shakespeare is loved and admired, not only for his ability to use words -such a variety of words! - like a true weapon, for that rich dialogue, and for his mastery of both comedy and tragedt but also for the ways in which the plot progresses through psychological narrative. Stendhal's novel, one of two that are actually complete, is considered to be the first in its genre that did so. These conclusions, though true and accurate, don't seem to do Stendhal's storytelling genius justice. It seems unlikely that he sat at his desk one evening and came to the realization that since no other novel has ever had a psychologically telling plot, that he would be the first making his piece an instant classic. (unlikely, but not impossible) Looking at this passage may be telling enough:

"As I've become less deceived by mere appearances," [Julien] told himself, "I've learned that Paris drawing rooms are inhabited by respectable people just like my father, or by clever rogues like these old convicts. They're right: society people will never wake up, in the morning, with this agonizing though: 'How am I going to eat?' And they boast about how honest they are ! And when they serve juries, they fiercely condemn a man who stole a set of silver tableware because he thought he'd die of hunger. ..." page 476

Throughout the novel we are introduced to a variety of characters within rural upper class, Parisian 'aristocracy', priests, Bishops, seminarians, etc. Julien is perpetually attempting to understand the intentions of these people. Even in moments of love and lust, Julien questions his present company's actions and words, deciphering what intent lies behind it? Was Monsieur de la Mole really interested in Julien or simply wanting entertainment when he invited the young clerk down in a blue suit for supper? Does Mathilde sacrifice herself for love or because she is playing to the romantic conventions of love? Julien is constantly trying to stay ahead of the game, playing as tactfully as Napoleon would and viewing his social world as one would look upon a battlefield.

And this brings us - oh yes! - back to the title. Red and black are often used as the two colors in a game, not only roulette, but chess and checkers, both games that are attributed with war analogies. Could this be another purpose for Stendhal's title? Whatever the answer, Stendhal's genius in storytelling through the characters' thoughts (the reader has insight into several others in the tale) is one that allows the reader to understand the motives behind the events that unfold in the story. We cannot judge a character solely by what they do but must also take into account their thoughts and private strategies. After all, when Julien is in love with Mathilde he treats her with contempt and indifference so that she will end up loving him more. His actions alone would allow us to believe Julien despised the woman's presence, but his thoughts give us the understanding behind his mean, calculated actions. This method of narration is so sophisticated here (and so innovative) that it adds more than just spice to the story; almost 200 years later, reading this work, we can still explain why Stendhal deserves such credit.

The book connoisseur who was destined to serve me that memorable day was tall. He gave off a sense of consistent discomfort as if he was taken by unpleasant surprise at his person finding itself in such a large body. The shadows under his eyes spoke to my romantic imagination and I guessed that he had had a long spell of reading the night before. This mental fragment of romantic fancy made me overlook his repulsiveness, or at least not focus on it at that time. "That's Stendhal. Follow me." We discovered the R authors, followed along the Ss, "Steinbeck..." But no Stendhal.

One other point on Stendhal's narrative.

Often when I attempt writing, ink to paper or fingers to the keyboard, the description of an environment or person is often the most difficult. I know the effect that I want the passage to convey- the room to be gloomy, the man to be handsome - but because we all vary in tastes (not all women like tall, blond and blue eyed) it is difficult to be in control of the reader's response.

See how Stendhal solves this dilemma:

"The rooms through which these gentlemen walked, on the ground floor, before arriving at the marquis's private office, would have seemed to you, oh my reader, quite as melancholy as they were magnificent. If they were offered to you, exactly as they are, you'd refuse to live in them: this is the land of yawning and dreary formalisms." page 229

GENIUS!! Stendhal is focusing on the reaction of the reader speaking directly to us, admitting to his and our presence in the tale. There is no description of the room, only what we ourselves would imagine this 'ground floor', through which you are walking with Julien, to look like.

Stendhal ends the paragraph by ensuring that the reader separates themself from Julien's character. "Julien's enchantment grew still stronger. 'How can anyone be unhappy,' he thought, 'when they live in such splendor!'" page 230

Had Stendhal described a dark room, a percentage of the audience, myself included, would have felt a comfort in such rooms and a kinship with Julien. However, Stendhal's title as a literary master comes in as he exploits his position of power as author - we cannot ever feel empathy for Julien (sympathy is a whole other issue).

Our Heroines: There are two in this novel: Madame de Renal, who is the mother of the three boys Julien is hired to tutor and Mathilde, the daughter of Julien's later employer. Each lady finds herself the principal topic of one of the two parts in the book. And within those parts one finds that both have a chapter entitled BOREDOM. Now, if one would visit the highly esteemed reading group that is presently devoting their time to this tome, one would see that they share a slight preference for Mme de Renal which I do not. Both women love Julien because he creates a purpose in their otherwise ordinary lives. Once you finish reading the book, please reread the two chapters mentioned above and you shall see what I mean. My apologies for not explaining my point further here. It is not because I wish to simply spurt out my meagre opinions of these bold female characters that are, above all else, entertaining, intelligent in their way and spirited (once Julien comes into the picture) but it would spoil some of the intrigue and that wouldn't be fair, now would it, comrades?

"No! No! You can't do that! You can't not have this book!" I knew I was loud but did not care. "I am sure we have it..." The fellow who read all night and felt uncomfortable in his own skin went to the front desk. "Ah Ha! Here! I've got it!" He placed a fresh copy, the cover of which you see above, in my eager hands.

In concluding the subject on female characters (though I do hope that some of your readers will comment below on the subject), I'd like to quote from It concerns a topic that for some time I have been biting on and considering to make into a theme for a month of reading sometime this year (along with the 3 trillion other challenges I am doing this year. "Unlike the heroines of certain English novels, who are apt to be clinging, frail, and doomed like Clarissa or Tess, to die at the least transgression, Stendhal's heroines are witty, rational, responsible for their own actions, and willing sometimes to sacrifice our pity for respect. Above all, they are women in a French novel, which is quite a different tradition, always franker about sex and infinitely less censorious." Page xix

Factoid: During the 2000 Presidential Election, Al Gore said that this was his favorite piece of literature. Why wasn't he elected again?...

Stendhal had over 200 pen-names. He was short, fat ugly and very un-Julien.

The chapter headings are invented quotations that are attributed to famous writers and philosophers. These headings are definite tells on the chapter to come.

Read This: When you are ready for a real challenge. For something very unexpected. Not a vacation read, but the girls at http://readingmiddlemarch.blogspot.com/ got it right when they chose this book as a together read. Definitely will be a source for many juicy debates which I hope you will all be in tune for.

As For the Chunkster Challenge: Bookfoolery, I know that this is kinda cheating because I started this in December, but maybe I can negotiate a half-point? Please, pretty please. I'll still consider myself having 3 to go! But damn! I'm a peacock for having read this one.

Now What: Well, M here it is. Another blog post that I have tried for a week to perfect which you will churn through the mincer I am sure.

Can anyone guess which book I am reading now and thus emulating above (slightly)?? Anyone save M...

The bad news right now is that I saw these amazing poetry volumes that I actually wanted (only$3 each!), but since I swore not to buy a book until I read 10 (which is what I usually do in a month), it was hard but I resisted. I am wondering if anyone out there is kind enough to buy it for me...

The Perfect Winter Book

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sat, 6 Jan 2007 16:53:00 -0500

Title: Snow Country
Author: Yasunari Kawabata
Translator: Edward G. Seidensticker

ISBN: 0679761047
# of Pages: 175
Published: Originally in 1948 ;
1st English Edition 1957;
Vinatage International Edition 1996

Began Reading:
January 1st 2007

Finished Reading:
January 6th, 2007

Challenge:
Book 1 or 12 f
or the TBR Challenge hosted by Miz Books

I have written this entry several times, dear Reader, and yet it never seems to do Kawabata's letters justice. It is not that he has the drive of his student Mishima or his writing the eloquence (& disturbing quality) of Nabokov, the insight of Austen or the passion of Bronte. This is no Tolkien fantasy land of mystic elvish songs and hairy hobbits. Nothing like Dumas' brave Musketeers or Dante's epic. Kawabata is simple, plain. While all of the above are like the Grand Opulence of literature, Kawabata's piece is a vanilla ice cream cone; no dressings, no toppings. And yet, is there not something so basic, so fundamental about vanilla ice cream balls scooped on the cone that give it this long-term value that exceeds even the richest and most expensive of 'desserts'?

Yes that is it.

Kawabata is fundamental. Life, memory, existence - we know it now as this perfect line, when in fact it isn't even dotted or faded, much less bold and solid. It is not a line at all but a messy swirl that overlaps, passes borders, exceeds imagination. Kawabata has no beginning or end save for the letters that find themselves in that particular position within the bound papers that make up his book.

After some preliminary research, Kawabata's style is an extension of the haiku supposition of sporadic moments being caught in time. Snow Country is a collection of moments that are shared between Shimamura, he who finds use in the useless, and Komako, our young mountain geisha. These two share a series of junctures that, alone, may seem passive and even cold but combined are dynamite. The more I return to the text and select random sections, the more shocked I am that upon first reading these passages my notes indicate confusion, indecisiveness and at times frustration as I attempted to fit Kawabata's love story within the canon norm. Do not waste your time judging me for this. I am well aware of my crime and penance I have payed. Life is richer with Kawabata's words, "You're a good girl." In my case it took some time for that fact to dawn on me.

Is it naughty that, once again, I think of Gatsby? And how Daisy confesses her love to him? "You're a good woman"?

The reason I entitled this 'The Perfect Winter Read' is a reference to the resent podcast that I listened to by Reina. The subject of last month's episode was in fact winter reads and her companion mentioned that he never knew of a book that was actually about winter. And though what is not being said here is that this book is about winter, the season- the cold, the snow, the mountains covered for miles - allows for another dimension to the otherwise common words. "The woman's hair, the glass of the window, the sleeve of his kimono-everything he touched was cold in a way Shimamura had never known before.
Even the straw mats under his feet seemed cold. He started down to the bath." page 45

In reference to the above, concerning beginnings and endings, let us elaborate. Shimamura is on his way to this secluded village of northern Japan where feet of snow fall. The populace is comprised of working geisha and tourist men who come for a vacation alone or with friends. Our two principal characters fall under these categories. Shimamura is on the train where he hears the most clear and beautiful voice, that of Yoko. In the hotel he befriends and later enchants Komako whom we soon discover is somehow related to Yoko indirectly. They share a love for a man who dies suddenly; the situation is never clear nor defined. Shimamura is attached to one, intrigued by the other.

" 'You'll catch cold. See how cold it is." He tried to pull her back, but she clung to the railing.

'I'm going home.' Her voice choked.

'Go home, then.'

'Let me stay like this a little longer.'

'I'm going down for a bath.'

'No, stay here with me.'

'If you close the window.'

'Let me stay here like this a little longer.'

[...] He started down to the bath.

'Wait. I'll go with you.' The woman followed meekly."

Throughout there is a bitterness to this triangle between each of them: Shimamura in not returning Komako's love, Komako's and Yoko's fates being forced by some unknown circumstance to come together, Yoko and Shimamura for the lack of opportunity to pursue their intrigue. By the physical end of this book, one woman is lost in body, the other in mind. Shimamura watches knowing he will not return again to this place. "As he caught his footing, his head fell back, and the Milky Way flowed down inside him with a roar." And the words stop. Just like that.

Note: So, yes I recommend this book.

Yes, M, I am taking your harsh and hardy advice to heart and trying on a new format for size. Something that is more emotive, a touch academic and includes some of the literary styles I have taken affectionate note of (such as Stendhal!) and implementing/trying them on for size right here at my very own blog. What think you, some-what friend? Can you tell which I have decided to include (they are pretty obvious considering I talked about them with you for an entire hour!!)

"...it's about a man whose wicked heart is as black as ink, filled with darkness and evil."

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Sat, 6 Jan 2007 16:42:00 -0500

Title: Inkheart
Author: Cornelia Funke
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

ISBN: 0439709105
# of Pages: 534

Published:
Originally in German 2003;
June 2005 Scholastic Books

Began Reading:
December 31st, 2006

Finished Reading:
January 4th, 2006

The Tale Begins: With Meggie and her father, Mo, who live in a remote farm house somewhere in Europe. In every room, hallway and cupboard one is sure to find a book or something that resembles one. Evening comes, as ordinary as any other when Meggie catches the glimpse of a mysterious scarred figure. Dustfinger. Mo welcomes him as one does a pestering guest and she overhears his warning to Mo: "Capricorn is coming for you. He knows where you are... Silvertongue." Thus begins the adventure of INKHEART, the tale of the villain Capricorn who one evening (when Meggie was just a toddler) appears after Mo reads him, along with Basta & Dustfinger, right out of a book. That same night 9 years ago, Meggie's mother had disappeared. Since then, Mo has traveled all over Europe with his daughter to avoid the malicious Capricorn while refusing to ever read out loud again for the risk of reading Meggie into a story, sharing the same fate as her mother, would be too great a risk. Off on an adventure they all go on with Tinker Bell as a late companion and the Elvish language of LofR as their crypt the family survives kidnapping, snakes, gunshots, immense amounts of fire and Elinor, a distant aunt who is the bibliophiles of all bibliophiles.

Comments: A true page turner! It was amazing to read - like a trip. Funke's work is a recipe: she takes parts, characters, elements and at times direct quotes which she mixes together, gives a shake then twirl & 'voila'! Not only is she attacking the book lover who immediately identifies with Meggie but she introduces the world of fiction - or in my case re-introduces- the wonderful amazing world it creates for the reader. Funke touches on classic subjects of kinship ties, obsession, and identity in various forms and surprisingly the plot and content is more mature then I thought it would be for the age group recommended for. Please read it. Oh, do!

Best Part: The description of Elinor's Library. One can sense the presence of the books, the lives that they hold, the histories that they tell and the secrets that they keep. With Elinor you can admit that you hear books talking to you in hushed voices, your name drowning you in waves of guilt and igniting a even stronger sense of anticipation. For the unknown. For the taste of words. For the smell of paoer. For the love of a hero and loathing of a villain. Elinor's character allows a space for obsession that few understand yet (it seems) that many have. Her library manifests the desire to own and possess, to amerce oneself in what they love with little care for consequence. Elinor's Library. Elinor's books. Elinor herself... all together make the best part by far.

And the line: " Fear is not red. Fear is pale as a dead man's face." page 451

Worst Part: The past tense used in the beginning. "She blew out the match in alarm- oh how well she remembered it, even many years later-and knelt to look out of the window, which was wet with rain. " Page 2 We learn then that Meggie survives. A lot of the adventure would have been more cutting edge if that particular fact had not been revealed at all.

Recommend to: For the bibliophile at heart. One can tell by the chapter titles, which are excerpts from classics, that Funke's recipe is to create a hybrid by amassing key pivots within great literary works - Tolkien's language, Fairy Tale characters, Thousand Nights adventure, etc. Although the concept of recycling characters and plots (like those insipid Darcy stories that have been pooping up in bookstores these days) has always seemed a sick & perverted scheme to ruin perfection and pollute our shelves, Funke's combination is an exception. No, not for language by any extraordinary means - in fact her writing though bold is simplistic the majority of the time. Funke's work shines because of the idea - an idea so powerful that one is literally carried away. Her principal character Meggie allows for connectivity if anything for her suspicious nature but it is the characters of INKHEART, the story within the story, who are memorable - save for Elinor the aunt for reasons mentioned above.
My only wish is that I had thought of it first.

New Words: For me anyhow, there were several new words whose context especially I was unfamiliar with. Great that after all these years of reading, a kids book can not only touch but teach too.

"Meggie couldn't decide whether it was mocking, supercilious, or just awkward." page 6

"He's a marten or something like that, right?' she asked." page 27

"A strong and bitter book-sickness floods one's soul. How ignominious to be strapped to this ponderous mass of paper, print and dead man's sentiment." page 79 a quote from Solomon Eagle

"Dustfinger sat up and leaned against the side of the cistern." page 272

"The charred walls were hardly visible, camouflaged as they were by the spurge, brambles, and wild thyme that had taken root among the soot-blackened stones." page 308

"The boy had reluctantly obeyed. He was sticking close to Dustfinger, close as a burr, and he didn't like the gutted cottage." page 309

"The flames here were both tame and mutinous, strange, silent beasts that sometimes bit the hand that fed them." page 310

"So Capricorn's men avoided that part of the village, where dirty dishes left by its long-gone inhabitants still stood on many tables behind dilapidated front doors." page 354

"You're right, those small creatures are as troublesome as midges." page 366

"Resa had seated herself on a sarcophagus." page 403

"Then don't gawp so stupidly, look at the book." page 440

"The sky above the houses was blue as dark as deep water - an ominous blue..." page 457

"This was the shocking thing; that the slime of the pit seemed to utter cries and voices; that the amorphous dust gesticulated and sinned; that what was dead, and had no shape, should usurp the offices of life." page 475 quote from Robert L Stevenson The Strang Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

"A kind of rostrum had been set up in the middle of this arena with a cage opposite it, perhaps for the monster that Silvertongue's daughter was to read out of the book, perhaps for the prisoners." page 485

" Basta in particular was the object of enough scorn and derision for ten men, and from his failure to react at all one could only guess at the depths of his despair." page 494

"He's planning to feed you to his friend like a fly to a frog, so how about a little indignation ?" page 495

blog posts, kafka, harsh criticism, etc.

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Thu, 4 Jan 2007 21:07:00 -0500

date recieved: January 3rd
via: email

listen nessie,

i have written a long and very honest assessment of the kafka post and the blog in general. i am scared to send it to you because i think you might get horribly offended and despise me forever. if i didn't care or didn't think you could do so much better, i surely wouldn't say anything at all. i would humour you and without feeling, edit your blog with detachment. however, i do think you can do better and i want to see you have more fun with your writing about books. i am also not saying destroy the whole blog or that none of it is good, but i do think you can improve the quality of the posts. maybe you disagree, and then that is fine. it's your blog, after all. but i think as your editor and friend that i should make my thoughts on this clear. anyway, should you decide, after reading this that i am indeed a skank-ass-whore and do not deserve to work on the blog, i will understand.

first thing:

you've really got to make sure you are copying those quotations from the book right, because i don't even have the book and i've notcied grammatical and spelling mistakes. this is bad. i mean, now you're making kafka out to be a bad speller and i don't think that's very fair.

also, don't take this the wrong way, but i simply must be honest. it was difficult for me to correct that. i don't agree with you at all, and not just with what you're writing but how you go about doing these blog posts. you're terrifically intelligent and you've got the schooling, so why do these posts read like they were written by someone far less sophisticated? don't get super mad and don't hate me, but i just think you're capable of more. i know you're not an academic and that you're also trying to achieve a lighthearted, fun tone, but writing about literature in this manner is a bit negligent. i mean, i just think that writing these posts should be a challenge to you. you should wrestle with ideas when writing about a book more than when you read it. criticism, even lighthearted blog criticism, should be art-like in itself. why cloud the internet, the world, with more easy phrases and empty expressions? instead of musing on kafka's promise as a party-going friend or as a lover, think about how and why this book could (and does) resonate with people. why is it important? it needs to be thought through, it won't simply come to you in a second as you read, it isn't an easy answer you can immediately transfer to your blog. i'm not saying i could do any better, because i surely couldn't, but i do think you need to spend a little more time thinking about these books and how you address them.

what you're writing is purely immediate reactions (" i was glad when gregor dies!"), and conclusions that are never really explored. you list some themes, but don't mention how these are worked into the book or how they are meaningful. correct me if i am wrong, but it seems like your focus is how you felt when reading the book, the plot, how you felt towards the main characters, etc. you write that no one feels anything for any of the characters in the book, but you don't really support that statement with anything. when i read it in high school, i felt ready to cry. obviously, as you mentioned, there are tons of interpretations, but you've got to make some argument. honestly, i know people read the blog and are so far content with it, but if i were some reader on the internet, i would not be interested in your reading of kafka. because you aren't saying anything new or terrribly interesting. it's all personal reaction and ill-explained opinions. and besides your natural gifts, ect, you've got that wonderful passion for reading books. and if you want to transfer that passion onto the page, you've got to give this writing about books as much attention as the reading. reading these great works is a hard enough task, but writing about them, especially for the public, is a hundred times more difficult and daunting, and i think you've got to treat it seriously, even if you are going for light and fun. you don't have to like kafka, or anything deemed a 'classic', but you've got to write, in an intelligent, thorough way why you feel this way. you need to pay attention to the details and subtleties of works. kafka's book is titled The Metamorphosis, while Ovid's is The Metamorphoses. yes, one is singular, one plural, but very often the same titles are used for works...did you read somewhere that kafka was inspired by ovid? or is that pure speculation/ assumption? see, i find that everything needs to be investigated, you've got to think a bit more and tease out, with words, what you want to say in the best way possible. i know it's for fun, and it's primarily a place for you to explore and develop your passion, but if it's something you're working on and spending time on, i think it ought to be thought through properly. even wild passion benefits from some constraints or regulation.

and that is all i have to say tonight, do not hate me. you mentioned you cannot take blog criticism at the moment and i am giving you heapfuls. maybe one day when i write a few phrases, you can be the first to point out my weaknesses, mistakes and negligence. however, since it is you that has taken the courageous step of writing about literature and writing your own book, and not me, you are getting this criticism. alas, alas, alas.

by the way, the reading of the poem sounds great.

your friend,

Book Report #1 - Classics Challegne

vgiovanna@gmail.com (vgg) — Tue, 2 Jan 2007 20:48:00 -0500

Title: Metamorphosis
Author: Franz Kafka
Translator from
German to English:
Micheal Hofmann

Genre: Classic, Novella
Published:
1st Pub. 1915
2006; Red Penguin Classics

ISBN: 0141023457
# of Pages: 79

Began Reading:
January 1st, 2007

Finished Reading:
January 1st, 2007

Y'all know how this book fell into my lap - yes the psycho who yelled at me in Indigo for reading Shopaholic. (see blog post Blame it on Booklogged). M says I should be ashamed of my reading choice, but since she seems to be embarrassed enough for the both of us, I won't let the shame or guilt get to me this time. Christ, I have enough holiday family drama in my life that I couldn't take blogger criticism right now, guys. ;)

It's About: Gregor's your average civilian: lives with his parents and sister, works everyday by driving the streets and selling. His pride is in providing for his family and supporting them, allowing them the luxury or retirement and eduction. His pleasure the fact that he can surprise them this coming Christmas with news that he will send his sister to the conservatory and she will not have to worry about the expense.

Then comes the day when Gregor awakes & realizes his body has transformed into a gigantic insect-like-being.

His family does not realize that he can understand them, that his capabilities to speak and write may have left but that his mind and memories are intact. Presuming their son has completely metamorphosed, they lock him in his room where he spends his days climbing the ceiling and eating rotten cheese. A dark cloud comes over the family as all three members are forced to seek employment and take in tenants - all which in one way or another become effected by the presence of the Insect Son. The so-called tragic ending frees Gregor of his guilt and the family of their burden.

Comments: It definitely improved as I read along, though I cannot claim to have fully understood it. As I read on, I began to appreciate the writing style as well. Kafka's sentences are direct, his language transparent. Slightly confusing was the strength and steadiness of Gregor's emotions for his family, as they begin to abuse and reject him. Despite his ill treatment, he remains positive and devoted. Is this a commentary on how some who live- like Gregor-are so useless? So unnecessary? There is not a single character one loves or hates or really even FEELS anything towards in this piece. An odd sensation that I have never before experienced with a book.

Best Part: "And it felt like a confirmation of their new dreams and their fond intentions when, as they reached their destination, their daughter was the first to get up, and stretched her nubile young body." page 79

Worst Part: The beginning. Why the hell would I care about a guy who becomes a beetle? I think the reason it never tickled my imagination is that it seems to me that the book is not really about the story or Gregor Samsa as a character but about some message that Kafka wanted to convey. It is funny when one hears a young adults book criticized for being two dimensional: 'For though the great idea is there, the language is lacking.' Well here, although the idea and the language are present the passion is not. The drive, the heart, the id!!! He just doesn't seem like th A-list party guy.

Why is it a Classic?: Well, talk about shooting myself in the foot. It turns out that there are more than 130 interpretations recorded of this short work. The Samsa family has been an inspiration in comics, aesthetics, film, and other works of literature - even children's. Using a title nearly identical to Ovid's Metamorphoses, Kafka also borrows the concept of transformation but that's where the similarity stops. While Ovid explores the action of change and fluidity, it seems that Kafka places his emphasis on the consequences tied to the body and mind of the 'hero'. The reaction to the event, and not the event itself, is the focus here. The themes of guilt, family duty, the economics in personal relationships, entrapment - all these shine through the tale of the Samsa Family and Gregor, their son. My own thoughts on this post reading/pre-minor research was that Kafka's hero, Gregor, seemed to suffer from the social hierarchy. Gregor has a position to fill as that of being the son in the family: he is care-giver both by supporting the family financially and through his emotive concerns for his sibling and parents. Throughout, he is concerned with the effects his physical state has on them. His family rarely thinks about him and what has occured to him - their focus is on what this means to their own lives. The father twice considers to simply kill squish 'the bug' but is stopped by wife and daughter for to kill 'it' would mean all hope of Gregor's return would be lost.

Gregor's concern for the family was almost unnatural - it created a distance between the reader and the him for the sympathy can not be shared when the individuals it is for are so undeserving. However the position that Gregor is in, the fact that it is the responsibility of the child to make such sacrifice - my original conclusion was that Kafka's comments were more about the politics of family more so than economics. Gregor does give monetary comfort but he also provides emotional support to his sibling and practical support in running the household affairs. His position calls for him to take all the responsibility without the privileges of being 'head of the house'.

But all you have to do is google the title and author's name and you will see for yourself the gazillion conclusions and reactions this short piece has conjured up (some listed above). Reason enough to be called a classic, wouldn't you agree? Toc-tac-toe isn't fun once you have figured out the rule which has you winning every time. But chess and go... the infinitum of these - like Metamorphesis - is why the passion continues till today.

Recommend to: This is difficult. The political content and social critic would appeal to those who are looking for fresh presentation on the subject - a new perspective. Like Voltaire's Candide, Kafka is using the fantastic to explore worldly themes. The imaginative elements become secondary to the consequences of the events. Considering the length and importance - this work is considered to the one of the most important of Kafka - I would say that everyone should read it. It isn't as much a book to enjoy as it is a work to discuss and debate. Perhaps here again is where institutional education carries worth. Even in a book club, there isn't the director or coordinator that jumps into the work exploring practical and theoretical application. Here however I'll paraphrase from Said's text Orientalism when he write that all literary texts, no matter their content, must and should have that 'entertainment' element. Hence why it is so difficult to pin point exactly who to recommend this to.

Cool Fact: Kafka worked as an insurance broker. Peter Drucker in his book Managing in the Next Society spoke of how Kafka instigated the usage of safety helmets amongst factory and construction workers. (Helmets till then were used only during combat) Kafka, at his death , had expressed that all of his works be burned. His wishes, obviously, were not considered. He died of starvation (as a consequence of his having tuberculosis; his throat was so swollen food could not pass) where as his sisters all died in concentration camps and ghettos during the war.

New Words: This is a new section that M frowns upon because she says I look like a dumb-ass. That's all right by me though. Basically, at the end I will list all the new words I learned by retyping the sentence they were in, followed by a definition of the word. Often while reading I can assume the meaning within the context but it's only after seeing it several times that I can reuse it in my own work/words. So, to speed up the process, I thought this exercise would ingrain it in my head and maybe, just maybe, spark a vocabulary interest of your own.

A) "There are some other travelling salesmen I could mention who live like harem women." page 3

B) "His father clinched his fist with a pugnacious expression, as if ready to push Gregor back into his room, then looked uncertainly round the living room, covered his hands and cried, his mighty chest shaking with sobs." page 18

C) "Rather as though there were no hindrance at all, he drove Gregor forward with even greater din; the sound to Gregor's ears was not that of one father alone; now it was really no laughing matter, and Gregor drove himself-happen what might against the door." page 25

D) "One side of his body canted up, he found himself lifted at an angle in the doorway, his flank as rubbed raw, and there were some ugly stains on the white door." page 25

E) "Once in the course of the long evening one of the side-doors was opened a crack, and once the other, and then hurriedly closed again; someone seemed to feel a desire to step inside, but then again had too many cavils about so doing." page 28

F) "These little red apples rolled on the floor as though electrified, often caroming into one another." Page 52

G) "Gregor's mother would tug at his sleeve, whisper blandishments in his ear, his sister would leave her work to support her mother, but all in vain." page 54

H) ".... a cashier in a hat shop whom he has courted assiduously, but far too slowly - ..." page 57

I) "Only sometimes, happening to pass the food that had been put out for him, he would desultorily take a morsel in his mouth, and keep it there for hours, before spitting it out again." page 60

10) "... because there was simply no more room in which to move, but later on with increasing pleasure, even though after such peregrinations he would find himself heart sore and weary to death, and wouldn't move for many hours." page 62

Hope your happy Booklogged! This is report number 1 of 5 for the Classics Challenge.