The Reading Challenge Group discussion

June's Genre Challenge is Contemporary Literature. I'm reading Middlesex as part of my challenge and thought it might make for interesting discussion.

Tentative Schedule:
June 7-12 Part One
June 13-18 Part Two
June 19- 21 Part Three
June 22-30 Part Four

If you're commenting ahead of schedule, please use some kind of 'spoiler' alert. All discussion should go into this thread.

I'm doing audio and started listening today. The reader is terrific. I was reading a GR review from a reader with a science background who said the correct pronoun for Cal is "he," due to the presence of the Y chromosome. His review was amusingly dry but the science was very interesting.

I didn't know what to expect from this novel. It is interesting that the narrator begins to recount her history from before conception, then takes us back even further. I wonder if this is to ensure that the reader feels a connection to Cal, before getting caught up in the story if the grandparents. As if to say, "This is not a saga. Don't forget the main character."

Sorry, "his history." This is tricky. I'm already feeling the pressure of gender specificity.

What do you think of Cal's voice as narrator?

At the moment, I'm not feeling gender specific. I'm only one chapter in, but I'm definitely engaged. This book reads fast for some reason, compared to A Passage to Africa or Middlemarch. I have a feeling this book might take top priority.

Renee wrote: "I didn't know what to expect from this novel. It is interesting that the narrator begins to recount her history from before conception, then takes us back even further. I wonder if this is to ensur..."

Yes, I would agree that we need to feel the connection to Cal immediately and so far I like this writing style.

I agree with what you say about pace! Middlemarch is full of layers, description, and complexity. I'm reading it with Readers' Review and so glad they're taking it slowly. I haven't read Passage to India yet, but my experience with other Forester novels is that there's a languor to his writing. I'll throw in Bleak House because I'm reading that one, too, and it's also a slow, complex read.

Middlesex has the volume of the others, but it cracks along so far. Partly because of the time period of the author, and the contemporary style. But, also, the fact that it has to move along briskly if it will maintain the attention of a modern audience.

I've already finished Part One, because the section in Smyra was riveting! I even checked Wikipedia for more information, because I was unfamiliar with the event. However, pieces if history are starting to come together in my head. I highly recommended a movie called Arrarat. It's an independent film from Canada and tells the story of the Turkish genocide against the Armenians. The story also uses flashbacks, like Middlesex, but follows an Armenian family rather than a Greek one. (Although, I'm not sure yet how much of Cal's family history and how much of his personal experience will be told. At this point, I'm hoping for both.)

I'll go do my research on Wikipedia. But it may take me a while to lay my hands on the movie Arrarat.

And, yes, it is a good reminder about the modern audience and why Middlesex breezes along. I will also take my time and enjoy the other two novels. There was a time when I grew up on the classics, that this style was the normal, but during the last twenty years (my child rearing years) when fast pace novels were my escape and my tired and addled brain could comprehend; I am out of mental condition to experience the classic writing. I have to learn to slow down, relax, and absorb.

Thanks for the reminder. :) (Well, here goes; off to do research...)

I read a GR reviewer who complained that the book spent too long on background. But I'm really enjoying the backstory. The Immodest Proposal and the story of Smyrna, the passage to American with its cunning courtship, life as an immigrant in Detroit (near where my brother lives now). I'm enjoying the family backstory and the historical story. And I love the voice of the narrator. The tidbits of his modern life tossed in like bait to keep me curious about his present and future.

And the humor. :)

I'm about halfway through Book Two. I find Eugenides style very easy and conversational. I'm loving the history of Detroit in the Twenties. There's just enough history balanced with the drama of the characters' experience. Where are you in the story?

I've been stalled since my last post. My library loan ran out and I had to go back on the list. :(

How are you doing?

It's finally here! Phew! I had to wait sooo long to get this one back from the library. Now it goes to the TOP of my Currently Reading Shelf. I'm dying to find out what happens to Cal and the family.

Renee wrote: "I'm about halfway through Book Two. I find Eugenides style very easy and conversational. I'm loving the history of Detroit in the Twenties. There's just enough history balanced with the drama of th..."

I will pick this up again as soon as June is through, I didn't think I would have a good month. Anyways, The grandparents are trying to flee Smyrna, page 56. As of July 1, this will be top read. I promise! :)

No worries. I'm not that far ahead of you. And was feeling guilty that I was the one who wasn't keeping up. So, we're both scratching June! :D

July is a fresh start for me, indeed. I did not know about the Armenian Christians before this book and had wondered where the phrase 'the starving Armenians' came from. I still have to take some more time and look into this. Earlier this year I had learned about the Coptic Christians...so with this being said - Isn't reading great! We learn so much, now I wish I could retain even a little of what I read. :)

Lol. Yeah. I feel as though I've forgotten more things than I currently know.
I know what you mean about "starving Armenians." It's one of this phrases my mom used that I kinda thought she made up. Until I saw the movie I mentioned, Arrarat. Sobering.

I've just started Book Two and I am reminded how this book reads easy. I love the style! Renee, I will be looking into the movie, Arrarat, to keep up my research on the Armenians and will do a little New Testament study, too! I believe this area was a very important area during the time of Christ, before and after. So fascinating! As I enter into Book Two, I'm looking forward to the history of Detroit. It is Motor City and know that it is in a state of decline at the moment, but that is all I know.

Finally into Book Three! Yes, the history of Detroit is interesting. Both the automobile industry and the race riots. The perspective is fascinating. It's the perspective of a child's point of view but also a reminiscence. We have both innocence and experience.

Did I miss something? Why does Cal call his brother Chapter Eleven?

I'm on Chapter Nine and still struck by the teetering balance that Detroit's success hung on. If that makes sense. How it was set up for desolation from the beginning. As we know, good cannot come out of evil.

In the mean time, I'll pay attention to brother Chapter Eleven. Thanks for the heads up.

Chapter Eleven is discussed from the beginning, but I cannot find out why Cal refers to him as such. This little tidbit is going to bug me.

I KNOW! It's making me crazy. The kid doesn't seem to have a real name.

Renee, I did a little looking and the answer will be found on page 512 (Chapter Eleven), it will become clear, but I won't ruin it for you.

By the way, :), I looked this up on Google, because I thought I missed something in the beginning. So then I went back to the beginning of the book and of course, Cal refers to his brother as Chapter Eleven, right at the beginning, don't you know! So Google here I come and they tell about Chapter Eleven on page 512 and I did not read ahead, just so you know, but I might as well have. I thought for sure I missed something in the beginning, but I didn't and of course my curiosity, and well I know now, but not in the timing of the book. Well all this makes me nuts! :D

Lol. You beat me to google!

Just finished Book Three. I love the way Eugenides is layering mythology, history, family history, and Cal's story. The reading/listening is going quickly, but each paragraph is laden with images and ideas.

Oh My God! Book Four is riveting! I can't stop reading!!

Rub it in -- I'm trying to get there! :)

No no. Just want you to know you have something to look forward to. :)

Actually, I am enjoying Book 3. Hoping I get some reading time in tonight. But now I know the book continues to be wonderful. Eugenides writing style is magnificent. I have not read a book this intriguing in quite a while.

I did not know the history of Detroit other than being Motor City then to Motown.

Yes! I feel as if I've read 3 or 4 books in one, each section so fascinating that get lost in the storytelling. You'll love the way he twines things together for the ending.

Congratulations, glad you liked the book, I'll catch up in a day or two. :)

You know Renee, I sometimes feel bad for all the changes and the angst that teenagers go through (remembering myself), but to add on a gender mix-up, that just adds more frustration, self-consciousness, that any young person should have to go through. I wonder how I would have coped? These words do not express the feelings I have for this young person.

I'm finally in Book Four and this is still a (how did you put it?) riveting read! :)

I know! I think the author did a great job conveying the confusion and pain without getting maudlin.

I agree! And what did you think of how Chapter Eleven got his name?

Cracked me up! Especially the way it's just tossed out there, leaving the reader to make the a-ha Connection. Love that!

I just saw your update. I gave this 5 stars, too! And, totally agree, one of the better books I've read this year. :D

The part I wanted to continue was the happy-ever-after with (was it with) Julie. But that's just the romantic in me.

Yes. He'd been through so much. You just want to dwell with him in happy for awhile.

Commenting here so I remember to come back when I start reading this book. :)

Excellent, Aitziber! I'll look forward to that!

Ditto Aitziber, I love your reviews!

I really enjoyed this book. Wish I had been in the group when you were discussing it.

Me, too, Becca! I really enjoyed each layer of the story.