The Bowie Book Club discussion

Hello everyone...

My name is Lidiana, I am from Brazil and I am a big fan of Bowie and Literature. David Bowie has been my idol as far as I can remember. I was introduced to his work in a tender age by my older brother who is also a fan and there will never be an artist as awesome as Bowie in my opinion.

As a fan whenever I heard Bowie mentioning a book, movie, band, painter, etc that he liked, I felt as if it was my duty to check it out, after all if something has the Bowie seal of approval, it must be good.

With that in mind, I decided to form this group, so we all can share the experience of reading some of the literary works that helped to shape one of the most brilliant minds ever.

I hope you enjoy this group and that many discussions can be nourished here. If you have any suggestions, feel free to message me and also to add me as friend.

I'm glad you started the group, Lidiana. I too am a great fan of Bowie and I was shocked and saddened by his death. So many articles had just come out about his new work. I'm a writer and I reference pop music a lot in my novels, mainly because it has been such a part of my life. Bowie is in there. Changes...

Lidiana,

Muito obrigado pelo convite ao grupo.

By way of introduction to my fellow Group members, I'm KOMET and I currently live and work in Washington DC.

My introduction to David Bowie came as a child in the early 1970s, when I heard his song “SPACE ODDITY” which was unlike any song I had hitherto heard. Amazing! I liked it for reasons that, as a child, I could not articulate. The lyrics stayed with me for years, though at the time, I couldn’t even begin to comprehend them. Throughout his career, Bowie would take on different personas whenever he would branch out into different realms of expression in his music. His first persona as “Ziggy Stardust” I first clearly remember from a cover from one of his albums my oldest brother had in his collection. It was 1972. I was 7 years old and I was heading downstairs from my room when I saw this album cover in my brother's room with a person’s head on it, whose gender I wasn’t sure about. I looked at the cover long and hard as I was heading downstairs, trying to decide who “it” was. Man or Woman. ‘Man? No, I didn’t think so. Woman? No, not a woman. BUT WHO OR RATHER WHAT?’ I was simply incapable of nuance then. Haha. I remember walking down the stairs feeling thoroughly confused about who was Ziggy Stardust.

I also listened to several of Bowie’s other songs that got radio play all through the 1970s and 1980s. Besides “Space Oddity”, my other favorites from him are “REBEL, REBEL”, “LET’S DANCE” (first heard it on the radio in 1983), and “GOLDEN YEARS.” It feels like a part of my youth is gone with Bowie’s passing. I wasn’t a hard-core fan. But whenever I heard Bowie’s music on the radio, I would listen. It was always interesting. And he was a rather fascinating person, judging from the interviews I heard him give the media over the years.

OMG, there are so many posts already! Ok, I'll take a breath now!

I'm Suellen and I am all over the moon about this group!

Well, although David Bowie is an icon (like, for ages!) I was introduced to his work a few years ago. I mean, I knew some classic songs, of course. Actually, I knew him so much through other artists: The Wallflowers, Nirvana and Placebo. I can't remember exactly when I started listening David Bowie himself, all I know is that he was with me while I was writing my masters dissertation in 2013. His words had such an impact in my life that I felt something has changed in our relationship.

And now, I'm here, in Lisbon, trying to deal with his death.

This group is an outstanding idea to cope with such loss. But... there is a starman waiting in the sky!

Let the reading begin! :)

Thanks for starting this group. Bowie RIP, will be never forgotten. Many people will be influenced, and our lives enhanced by reading what he has read. Bowie Rocks On Forever!

So many great messages already... I feel like we will fulfill the goal of the group entirely: to cherish Bowie even after his death and also to build new friendships.

Remember that this group belongs to all of you, so your participation and incentive is essential for it to exist. Do not forget to share the group to your other friends, and also comment on the other threads.

Got it!

Hi Folks My name is Carol from Glasgow Scotland . so delighted to be in this group . I have followed David Bowie from the beginning .. And like all of you I am devastated .. :( I look forward to the wonderful things this group will bring up xx

I forgot to mention .. I am an avid reader .. x

Thanks KOMET for the invitation.

I can't ever remember a time w/o David Bowie. He fascinated me. I'm not surprised that he was a serious reader given his songs.His writings were genius on display. I loved his "Space Odessy," China Doll, Heroes, and Let's Dance best of all.

Bowie and Freddie Mercury singing together, a Capella, AMAZING!!! Just the lyrics, no video.

http://www.mindblowingvideos.com/how-...

I am looking forward to reading with you guys.

Carol wrote: "Hi Folks My name is Carol from Glasgow Scotland . so delighted to be in this group . I have followed David Bowie from the beginning .. And like all of you I am devastated .. :( I look forward to th..."

Welcome, Carol...

Anne (Booklady) wrote: "Thanks KOMET for the invitation.

I can't ever remember a time w/o David Bowie. He fascinated me. I'm not surprised that he was a serious reader given his songs.His writings were genius on display...."

Welcome Anne...

Kevin wrote: "Thanks for starting this group. Bowie RIP, will be never forgotten. Many people will be influenced, and our lives enhanced by reading what he has read. Bowie Rocks On Forever!"

Welcome Kevin... Beautiful words...

KOMET wrote: "Lidiana,

Muito obrigado pelo convite ao grupo.

By way of introduction to my fellow Group members, I'm KOMET and I currently live and work in Washington DC.

My introduction to David Bowie came ..."

Welcome Komet... It is great to have you here :)

Alex wrote: "I'm glad you started the group, Lidiana. I too am a great fan of Bowie and I was shocked and saddened by his death. So many articles had just come out about his new work. I'm a writer and I referen..."

I am glad you liked the idea, Alex. Welcome to the group.

Hi, how are you guys?
I am Joéverson, Brazilian anthropologist who want to do a PhD in a joint between art and literature on the outskirts of Porto Alegre, in my home state, and in São Paulo.I loved the purpose of this group: I met Bowie in 2004 and that was my true birth - intellectual, moral, by dreams. Today, besides all these lame definitions, professional, I am a dreamer. And the (or anti-)lord of multicolored eyes that helped me make the delivery of that being new I became: critical, but esperanços; a black resisting racism in Brazil to the sounds of guitar chords of an Englishman who was no longer one that fell on the earth: the Starman that radiated an irresistible light ...

So, thank u, Lidiana!

Joéverson wrote: "Hi, how are you guys?
I am Joéverson, Brazilian anthropologist who want to do a PhD in a joint between art and literature on the outskirts of Porto Alegre, in my home state, and in São Paulo.I lov..."

Welcome Joéverson...

So we are from the same city with similar academic backgrounds. I have my Masters in Literary Theory and plan on doing my PhD in Cultural Studies in order to work with different forms of art, literature and social topics.

Hi, I'm Trevor from Melbourne, Australia.

Loved David Bowie since I was a young teen living in the UK and seeing him on Top of the Pops. Managed to see him live on several occasions, and he was so charismatic. The man was a genius. Like everyone else here, absolutely devastated by the news this week.

Thanks for setting the group up.

And yes my avatar/picture has been the same since I joined goodreads.

Hello, everyone! My name is Samanta and I'm from Zagreb, Croatia. I was hesitating until now to formally introduce myself, because you all write how much of an inspiration was David Bowie to you, but then I thought, what the hell.

I am not a die hard fan of Bowie, not because I don't like hm or I don't want to be (the man is truly awesome), but because I never really came to that level. I do think he is a great artist, and every song that I heard touched me in some way and his songs keep getting better for me as I grow older and understand things on a different level than I did when I was younger. So here I am! Since Queen is one of my favorite groups, of course, I heard about Bowie in "Under pressure", but the song that touches me the most is "Bring me the head of the disco king", that was my go-to song in very dark moments of my life.

Trevor wrote: "Hi, I'm Trevor from Melbourne, Australia.

Loved David Bowie since I was a young teen living in the UK and seeing him on Top of the Pops. Managed to see him live on several occasions, and he was so..."

Hi Trevor and welcome... I am here to attest that you have been using this avatar. In a matter of fact, I added you as friend on GR because of it :)

Samanta wrote: "Hello, everyone! My name is Samanta and I'm from Zagreb, Croatia. I was hesitating until now to formally introduce myself, because you all write how much of an inspiration was David Bowie to you, b..."

Hi Samanta... Welcome to the group... No need to be a die-hard fan to join us. Your admiration for Bowie and good taste in music and books is enough.

Our group has already reached the mark of 40 members. I am so happy with that :)

Really looking forward to hearing more introductions to come. Come on, people, don't be shy!

Ohhhh, and a shout out to our group member and moderator, Suellen. Today is her birthday :) Congrats, dear!

Happy Birthday, Suellen! :)

Lidiana wrote: "Ohhhh, and a shout out to our group member and moderator, Suellen. Today is her birthday :) Congrats, dear!"

Happy Birthday Suellen!

Mariana wrote: "Hi everyone. I'm Mariana from Porto Alegre, Brazil. I don't remember exactly when I became acquainted with Bowie's work.

I guess being introduced and knowing some works of art (especially if it's ..."

I'm so glad you joined, Mari...

Hi all, I'm Susie from Colorado...
I don't claim to be a hard core fan, but what I have realized since the sad news of Bowie's passing, is how much he has actually been apart of my life!
With each new mention of a song or a time in his life this past week, it stirs forgotten memories in me from times and events in my own life.
While other music has been front and center for me in my life - see Bruce Springsteen :) - I liken Bowie as to playing in the background of my life...always there, always having an affect, whether I was conscious of it, or not...

His reading list is quite something...more than half I've never even heard of, but what beter way to honor David Bowie than by stretching my mind a little!

So thanks for starting this group...I think I'm going to like it here...

RIP

Hello! I am Villi Asgeirsson, originally from Iceland but live in the Netherlands. A Bowie fanatic, obviously, but reading is something I've always loved. I've read some of the books he's mentioned over the years, but I now have a project I hope I'll manage to finish in this lifetime. Read his Top 100 list.

I also write. Debut novel came out in 2013. A new one coming soon, once I can get Bowie out of my head and get back to work.

Villi wrote: "Hello! I am Villi Asgeirsson, originally from Iceland but live in the Netherlands. A Bowie fanatic, obviously, but reading is something I've always loved. I've read some of the books he's mentioned..."

Welcome to the group, Villi... I hope we all can manage to read the top 100 list and many other books Bowie used as references.

Hi all. I am Lisa from Texas about midway to nowhere in the U.S.

I have to say RIP to both Bowie and Alan Rickman...both died at age 69. I do look forward to reading several of Bowie's faves with this group though, it will be a fun experience.

Lisa wrote: "Hi all. I am Lisa from Texas about midway to nowhere in the U.S.

I have to say RIP to both Bowie and Alan Rickman...both died at age 69. I do look forward to reading several of Bowie's faves with..."

Welcome, Lisa...

Hi, all! Looking forward to joining and reading!

Lisa wrote: "I have to say RIP to both Bowie and Alan Rickman...both died at age 69. I do look forward to reading several of Bowie's faves with..."

Unfortunately, both fell victims to cancer, too. It really makes one stop and take pause...

Erma wrote: "Hi, all! Looking forward to joining and reading!

Lisa wrote: "I have to say RIP to both Bowie and Alan Rickman...both died at age 69. I do look forward to reading several of Bowie's faves with..."..."

Welcome to our group, Erma... The past weeks were very tough for arts fans...

Hi, everyone. Younger Bowie fan from New Zealand :) looking forward to reading and discussing some of the stuff that influenced him

Han wrote: "Hi, everyone. Younger Bowie fan from New Zealand :) looking forward to reading and discussing some of the stuff that influenced him"

Hello Han... Welcome to our club. Hope you enjoy it :)

Hello all,

My name is Mary Bronson and I am 26 years old. I am currently living in Johnson City Tennessee. I am a huge Bowie fan and was heartbroken when he died. I thought it was awesome that Bowie was an open book nerd. He always talked about his love for books and reading. I think this group is a great idea. Can not wait to meet new people and what kind of books we are going to be reading.

Mariana wrote: "Hi everyone. I'm Mariana from Porto Alegre, Brazil. I don't remember exactly when I became acquainted with Bowie's work.

I guess being introduced and knowing some works of art (especially if it's ..."

Rio Grande do Sul Embassy of Bowie inda Internet hehehe Welcome, paisani!

Hello all, I'm Jessica from Iowa. I love reading and I love pop music, and I'm always looking for ways to combine them, so I'm really looking forward to reading some new titles and old favorites and discussing them in the context of Bowie's work. I did my graduate research on the treatment of concept albums, including Ziggy Stardust, as literary works, and did some close-reading presentations of pop songs, including "Life on Mars." So obviously I'm excited to read and chat!

Jessica wrote: "Hello all, I'm Jessica from Iowa. I love reading and I love pop music, and I'm always looking for ways to combine them, so I'm really looking forward to reading some new titles and old favorites an..."

Welcome, Jessica... That's one fascinating research... I would love to read it, if you feel like sharing.

Hello everyone, I'm Peter from Budapest, Hungary. Finding out about this group's existence made my day:) I was planning on reading the 100 books anyway, but now there is a chance that I will actually accomplish it.

I have been a Bowie fan for about 20 years, at certain points maybe I took it a bit too far - I remember listening to the Outside album every single morning for a year. I still love the album but it seems a bit excessive. But still, the fact is that he was not just a soundtrack to my youth, but much more, he was what made my youth in some ways. In recent years my adulation has waned a bit but I was very happy with his latest album, and I am still kind of processing it, and listening to it, and probably still refuse to believe a little bit that he has died.

Anyway, great to be here, looking forward to reading the last book in about 8 and a half years!

Hello everyone! I'm brazilian too and I love to read... David Bowie will always live... I am pretty excited to read the books on David's list, everything is for sure of extremely great taste. Starting with the brilliant 1984! Cheers to all fellow members!

Peter wrote: "Hello everyone, I'm Peter from Budapest, Hungary. Finding out about this group's existence made my day:)"

Your words made my day, Peter... Welcome...

Brigitte wrote: "Hello everyone! I'm brazilian too and I love to read... David Bowie will always live... I am pretty excited to read the books on David's list, everything is for sure of extremely great taste. Start..."

Cheers, Brigitte...

Cynthia wrote: "Hello everyone,

Being quite active on this group, let me give you some words about myself.

I live somewhere in Europe, I come from a multicultural background and still lead a cosmopolitan but ve..."

Wow... beautiful words, Cynthia...

Cynthia wrote: "Hello everyone,

Being quite active on this group, let me give you some words about myself.

I live somewhere in Europe, I come from a multicultural background and still lead a cosmopolitan but ve..."

Cynthia, thank u for sharing... I am reading a Tchekov's "pout-pourri" called "A extraodinaire man" and the sensation of nearness is huuuuge! Welcome a bord!

Hello, Emma...

Thank you for your beautiful words. I could relate to them, and to know that through fans like you, Bowie's art will continue to impact people's lives even after his death has helped me to cope with the sad news of his passing.

Oh, and congratulations on being our 100 member... :)

Emma wrote: "Thanks for the very warm welcome, and I'm proud to be the 100th person in this wonderful club xx

It's been three weeks and I still can't believe it. There are still so many songs I can't physicall..."

I pre-ordered Blackstar in December. It arrived three days after his death. I still haven't had the courage to open and listen to it.

Lidiana wrote: "Emma wrote: "Thanks for the very warm welcome, and I'm proud to be the 100th person in this wonderful club xx

It's been three weeks and I still can't believe it. There are still so many songs I ca..."

Hi Emma, welcome!

Lidiana and Emma, we are definitely mourning. It'll take time. Same here, we shed tears here and now. Well, just to take an example, Under Pressure always made me cry. Rock'n Roll Suicide and Where Are We Now strike sensitive chords. But, many other songs make me smile. That is the power of Bowie's music.

Like we say in French: "Courage !"

Sarah wrote: "Hi everyone,

I'm Sarah. I live in Tennessee and I'm a college English instructor; I specialize in children's lit. I'm an avid reader and have been all my life, but although I think of myself as b..."

Welcome, Sarah... Hope you have a great time here with us!

Hi, I"m Belinda from New Zealand. I was thinking over the past couple of days about setting myself the challenge of reading the top 100 books, and hey presto here's the group! Thank you Lidiana for setting it up. This is going to be quite a challenge.