TT book reading and discussion club

I don't think there is any deeper meaning. In the words of Homer Simpson: "It's just a bunch of stuff that happened!"

Maybe Murakami's writing is better appreciated like a piece of music. If you like how it sounds, great. If not, move on.

Incidentally, I've bailed on Lolita (not a commentary on the book!) to read Foucault's Pendulum. But I plan to return for future books.

This is a classic book and undoubtedly Nabokov's best. I have two copies and have studied this book extensively. When it comes to the films, I prefered the latter of the two with Jeremy Irons as Humbert Humbert. If anyone wants to borrow a copy then just PM me!

So are you coming next week to talk about it? I'm somewhere in the middle, and though I don't dislike it, so far I really don't see what all the fuss is about.

Hopefully can make it. Will know later on this week. As for the novel, when you come to the end you need to ask yourself why was it that Nabokov presents the book as a confession directly from Humbert Humbert? Why are we directly adressed as "the humble audience"? What can one say about the relationship that develops between Humbert Humbert and the reader? The beautifully crafted descriptions of the nymphets, but most importantly WHAT IS IT THAT HUMBERT HUMBERT REALLY LUSTS FOR IN THESE GIRLS? (Think Aschenbach in Death in Venice). Whats more, does Nabokov present Humbert Humbert's case as one that is justified because whilst society's moral codes condemn his actions as sinful and debauched, is he not yearning for subliminal beauty that can only be found in the youth? Should the reader feel guilt for feeling empathy?

Is the location for tonight's book club still the Twisted Bavarian? Just wondering as the weather is beautiful...

As several eye witnesses who were with me yesterday will confirm, I would have sworn the meeting was next week. I haven't finished reading and will not have enough time to do so by 5:00. So, I will likely not be there today.

Is anyone else planning on going? I really don't want to show up and be the only one there. Forced myself to slog through the book, which I hated, and was able to finish it this morning...

Sorry Zard, we didn't actually get the book this month, so much was going on. I hope that a few others respond and say they are coming.

I've read it and was planning to come. But if there are only two of us, it won't be much of a discussion. Anyone else?

I think Origami Snowball read the book and was also planning to come, but haven't heard from her today...not sure if she'll see this in time to post though. Were you also the person who suggested the book? Sorry, don't know everybody's handles... I assume she'll come too if that's not you!

Yes, I'm the one who suggested it. So we're two and maybe three? Well, I don't live too far away, so I'll come anyway and see who else shows up.

Sorry so late in responding about this...was out all day.
Yeah, I've read it and will come along. Have to get going now if I'm going to make it!

I too didn't get it finished in time. Might be up for next week though if we reschedule.

I somehow saved the wrong date in my mobile phone, and I always thought it would be next Sunday, so I missed the meeting. Although I am only half way through the book, and so far I really hate it. Since I have missed the meeting now, I wonder whether there is any point of finishing this.

I bought the book in a rush before I went to Spain, but the first experience I had with Spain is that they lost my luggage somewhere in Madrid and I only got it back last week. The rest of the experience was great, only Lolita doesn't fit the mood of Spain. Anyway, anyone liked it?

One more comment, I think UpQuark's impression about that Japanese writer is brilliant, and that's my general impression of many modern Japanese and Chinese writers. So what will be the book for the next month? I will definitely be there next time.

Just out of interest - which of Haruki Murukami's books are you dissing?

I can only find the title 'Lolita' on this thread, and he didn't write that

it was the Wind-up Bird Chronicle doodah

So, anyone showed up on last meeting and was there any proposal for the book of next month? Otherwise, shall we start discussing again?

I was not there, but was told that "Pope Joan" was suggested as next month's book. Barring any corrections from someone who was there, that's the book.

In keeping with our (almost) every second Sunday schedule, the next meeting will be Sunday 11 June, 5:00 P.M. @TB. If we don't adjust the day, I stand a good chance of remembering it. The May meeting was (and still is) this upcoming Sunday in my calendar. However, yes, it's still my fault that I didn't put it in there properly.

Ooooooo - Pope Joan!!
You couldn't have picked one that was more up my alley.
Will deffo read this one and do my best to show up on 11th (does the timing clash with a decent footie match, btw? )

The author of "Pope Joan" is apparently available for book club "appearances" by phone:

http://www.popejoan.com/bookclubs.htm

You set up the time, and she calls you up (even outside the U.S.) and answers questions via speakerphone.

Pope Joan was my suggestion -- I just read it recently as happened to see it at the Moosach library when checking out Lolita and thought it might be an interesting choice.

But we could certainly consider other books if anyone has another suggestion? It was only origami snowball, mizbunce and me on Sunday so we didn't really have a quorum...

Just looked at the site drw posted a bit more thoroughly and was intrigued to see that Pope Joan is apparently super popular here in Germany (I think the title is die Päpstin?)

"In Germany, Pope Joan has been #1 on the bestseller list for 3 years. It is now #1 on the list of longterm German bestsellers."

So if we do read this one you can chat with work colleagues about it!

Just read the synopsis of Pope Joan and sounds like a book that I will like. I will definitely be there.

As I said that I would give Margret Atwood another chance, so I am reading her book "The Blind Assasin". So far I really like it!

the book is and has been popular here in germany, i remember reading it 5-6 years ago.
mind you guys, i think it is not a literature piece (I only read cheesy novels and crime books, so exactly my type of book) but a historic (non)-fiction novel.
germans love historic novels, that's why you find unlike in britain, small sections of them in the book shops.

According to my calendar, book club is this Sunday. Tragically, I will again not be able to make it. I'm under the impression that the final stake has been driven into the heart of the TwiBa, so anyone wanting to attend will need to sort out a new venue.

I have read the book and am waiting for the meeting. Anyone else is coming? I have no good idea on a new permanent place, but the weather of this Sunday looks quite promising, so maybe we can find some place outside.

i suggested the book so I was definitely planning on coming -- others? Agree with Y that an outside venue would be great if the weather holds (and if it doesn't conflict with any WC matches)... I will be gone tomorrow/sunday and am planning on getting home in time to make book club, so would appreciate a quick show of hands today!

Me too, I really want to go, if there will be enough people showing up. Otherwise I want to join a BBQ party at Isar.

I won't be there, sorry. Not even close to finishing it.

I've finished the book but I don't know if three are enough for a good discussion. (??) I wonder if postponing would mean more could come?

Sorry, won't be back in time to attend the book club!

Zard unable to attend book club this evening!

Hi.
I am a first-timer to this, so can someone please tell me what the book for June is, and details of the meetup?

June's book was Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross, and we had planned to meet this past Sunday, June 11. Didn't happen, though.
Is anyone still interested in discussing this one?

I think that a few of us are still interested in discussing this book, but it kind of fell apart this month. Are we willing to give it another go for July? July 9th might not be such a great day unless we agree to meet early and promise to be finished well before 8pm. That's the WM final.

I'd like to read this book, but can't make July 9th
how about the weekend after?

It has been pointed out- not inappropriately- that the timing of the next book club meeting coincides with the WC final. There are those of who couldn't give a damn (unless Togo is playing), but we're aware that we're in the minority. So, when do folks want to meet?

Also, feel free to weigh in on venue. Happy to have it at chez UpQuark if there's no clear consensus.

It would seem that nobody met this past week, so- unless I'm very much mistaken- Pope Joan has yet to be discussed. Meaning that I will now trouble myself to read it.

Edit: To the admins, Dude where's my poll?

(Just back from a month of traveling.)

I'd prefer to avoid the WC final, but the following Sunday would be difficult for me. Since this was last month's book, perhaps it won't be a problem to move the next meeting forward a week to the 2nd. UpQuark, did you try to put up a poll on the date? That'd be a reasonable way to decide.

(clears throat loudly) Actually, I did try to add a poll about when to meet next. However, for reasons best understood by themselves, the moderators decided that whereas anti-(insert controversial minority here) rhetoric should remain undisturbed, there is apparently some problem with people trying to sort out the next time to discuss a book.

So, next meetup will be 2 July 5:00 (the quarter final game in Berlin takes place at the same time) at Casa de UpQuark, unless someone has a suggestion for an alternate location. PM me for directions if needed.

maybe you're just another one of the posters that the mods don't like
welcome to the club, Uppie, it's cosy in here but there's still plenty of room

According to what I'm looking at, there are no games Sunday July 2.

I stand corrected. Was looking at the wrong week.

2nd of July is fine with me, since I have read the book. Will be on my way to big old Italy on 3rd though, look forward to that. And I need direction instruction to UpQuark's home. Thanks.

I'll be able to come as well.

I can make it tomorrow too.

Consensus opinion about Pope Joan would seem to be that it was a light, entertaining read, but was a bit cliche and lacking on substance. (Contrary opinions are, of course, welcome.)

Next meeting will be Sunday 6 August at cinzia's place, or some sort of beer garden nearby if the weather allows. The book will be Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

As UpQuark says, I'll be organizing the next discussion, Sunday, August 6 at 17:00.

In good weather, we'll meet at Alter Wirt Ramersdorf beer garden, Aribonenstrasse 6. If the weather's not cooperative, at my apartment. Both are within about 5 minutes' walk from U2 Karl-Preis Platz, or a short bus ride from Ostbahnhof.

More details on address closer to the discussion date.

Meanwhile, enjoy Of Mice and Men!

I really enjoyed the discussion today, the edibles were very delicious and it was nice to be able to see daylight. Thanks to all!

Yes, but can we have a bit less conversation about pregnancy and childcare next time? (ducks to avoid angry mothers throwing things at him)

Guilty as charged. Damn, reading discussion is a great chance to get away from the baby for awhile, and then all I can do is talk about child-related issues.