The Obscure Reading Group discussion

Congrats on the book, Sandra! Enjoy all those ZOOM readings that are part of every author's new reality!

THE OCTOBER POLL IS OUT!

Take your time exploring the ten titles and then cast your votes. I think you'll be pleased with both the variety and the obscurity. Some I know only a little about and some I know not at all!

I will be announcing the winner on the morning of Sept 2nd (it closes at midnight on the First).

P.S. To see the poll, go to our group's homepage and scroll all the way down to the BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.

Wow! What a great selection of books. I found it hard to narrow down to a single choice but have three now that I am mulling over.

I agree, Darrin. Wow. In assessment process now.

Amazing recommendations! But I see the one for me.

I must say....I was impressed with nearly all of the books!

JimZ wrote: "I must say....I was impressed with nearly all of the books!"

Me too! How exciting, no matter which one wins.

Today is Day 2 of 3 voting days.

Update: As expected, the voting is spread like mayonnaise. Two books are tied for first followed by a 5-way tie only one behind.

In other words: Anything could happen.

Thanks, Ken! You know, I scrolled back down in the earlier posts here and found my old friend Sara’s joined our obscure ranks. Wow. Nice to see you here, Sara! Sara has great writing gifts - and totally lacks obscurity in her clear prose - and I was just thinking of her when I republished my review of a book she urged me to read, The Scapegoat... so this is good news.

Aren't you sweet! I'm happy to have found the group, Fergus, and to find you here as well. Looking forward to reading with this stellar group of people!

Fergus and/or Sara, which author of The Scapegoat? Curious to know; thanks.

Daphne du Maurier. The Scapegoat. One of her under-read and under-appreciated novels.

All righty then. Adding it TBR. Thanks. Looking forward!

Oh, I just finished Scape Goat....very good!

Good morning, friends. We have a two-way tie. Just sent out a new poll, a 24-hour run-off. Vote early (but not often). Although I will vote just on the principle of the matter, I'm happy with either one!

Matthew, to pick up the Kung Fu sidebar that sprung up in THE STREET discussion, I have to add that this new book caught my eye this week: Be Water, My Friend.

I have no interest in Kung Fu, but much interest in eastern philosophies, and this book by Bruce Lee's daughter seems to fit in nicely. I have it on my library watch.

Ken wrote: "Matthew, to pick up the Kung Fu sidebar that sprung up in THE STREET discussion, I have to add that this new book caught my eye this week: Be Water, My Friend.

I have no interest in Kung Fu, but m..."

Brilliant find, Ken. I'd love to read too. I am very interested in Zen Buddhism and lots of Chinese philosophy which I have learnt through my Kung Fu training as it is a philosophy as well as a fighting style - there's a quote for a car sticker or something. Maybe a fridge magnet.

Matthew wrote: "Ken wrote: "Matthew, to pick up the Kung Fu sidebar that sprung up in THE STREET discussion, I have to add that this new book caught my eye this week: Be Water, My Friend.

I have no interest in Ku..."

Yes, apparently Bruce Lee said as much, too, or at least so it seems when I read the book's preview of pages available on Amazon.

To All: As our discussion of Ann Petry's amazingly-relevant book, The Street, wraps up, I'm pleased to say how happy this lark of an idea called The Obscure Reading Group has made me. Our first year of book discussions -- Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, Magda Szabó's Abigail, and Ann Petry's The Street -- have all been extremely fulfilling to participate in.

Our next discussion returns us to where it all began, the month of February. And as it began with a 19th century classic, Thomas Hardy's book, I'd like to propose that we reserve the February Obscure Reading Group choice to lesser-known classics from the 19th century or earlier and from the country of the nominator's choice.

This would mean, just after Christmas, I'd be sending out an all-call for obscure but classic nominations to be voted on during the last days of the year.

The other two ORG discussions (June and October) would remain wide open with no special considerations -- except, of course, that the books be "obscure" in some way and worth rediscovering.

I hope everyone likes this idea. It's not terribly radical, actually, but if enough of you feel ALL THREE discussions should be wide open, I can be convinced otherwise.

If you have an opinion, feel free to share it here!

I like those parameters for our February read. No problem here.

Ken wrote: "To All: As our discussion of Ann Petry's amazingly-relevant book, The Street, wraps up, I'm pleased to say how happy this lark of an idea called The Obscure Reading Group has made me. Our first yea..."

Oooo 19th century lit is my jam! I look forward to that and will be sure to make that one. I was bummed to have missed out on this month's (and the first discussion since I joined!). I'm a full time pharmacist, though, and in grad school for an MPH part-time-- balancing both has been rather chaotic as of late. But I'm still around reading and lurking 😆

Do y'all do anything in the interim months? Discussions of any sort?

I love it. I definitely want to read more 19th century (or earlier) lit. I am hoping to get to another Thomas Hardy myself this year too.

Ken wrote: "To All: As our discussion of Ann Petry's amazingly-relevant book, The Street, wraps up, I'm pleased to say how happy this lark of an idea called The Obscure Reading Group has made me. Our first yea..."

That returns to the original goals, and I look forward to it.
Keep reading!
Jan

Sounds great. I too am trying to fill in some 19th century gaps in my reading. (I say that as if there are not several million gaps elsewhere across every century.)

Kelly wrote: "Ken wrote: "To All: As our discussion of Ann Petry's amazingly-relevant book, The Street, wraps up, I'm pleased to say how happy this lark of an idea called The Obscure Reading Group has made me. O..."

Hello, Kelly,

I always look forward to the discussions and people here. The talk is bracing, and the reading selections have been enjoyable. I like that the suggestions come from the group members; plus, I've read others which didn't make the final picks but tempted me along the way. In fact, some of them are in my To Read list.

Do you have plans for these next months? Far too quickly December will be here, and many changes and endings will arise.

In between times? Ah, I've always enjoyed reading; however, I'm reading quite a bit this particular year. Usually at this time of the year, I mark off my "final book" for my goal, but I surpassed that long ago this particular year. * * * Like in this group, I've been a part of themed book discussions Rockhurst University (my BA alma mater) and the National Writing Project. I'm also involved with the Latinx Writers of my community and throughout the Midwest. In all of these, I wish I could spend more, more, more time. Ah well, I don't have that luxury during this rush right now.

My Best, Jan

Kelly wrote: "Ken wrote: "To All: As our discussion of Ann Petry's amazingly-relevant book, The Street, wraps up, I'm pleased to say how happy this lark of an idea called The Obscure Reading Group has made me. O..."


Selfishly enough, we simply read books WE want to read in between our every-four-month ORG talks. But we do have this thread, where we can while away the time talking about this (and its cousin, that), not to mention about books we happen to be reading.

Plus a lot of us have friended each other, so we see who's read what and we comment on each others' reviews, etc. Meaning, if you're not everyone else's friend here and you're interested in what we all read, you know how to remedy the situation! 😀

Jan wrote: "Ken wrote: "To All: As our discussion of Ann Petry's amazingly-relevant book, The Street, wraps up, I'm pleased to say how happy this lark of an idea called The Obscure Reading Group has made me. O..."

I'm glad you like the idea!

It simply means at least one of the three books we read yearly will definitely be a classic over 120 years old. Of course, that doesn't mean you can't propose a classic for June and October, too, it's just that those classics might run against a 1940s book or something.

Darrin wrote: "I love it. I definitely want to read more 19th century (or earlier) lit. I am hoping to get to another Thomas Hardy myself this year too."

Not saying February has to be a Hardy. Or even Brit Lit. Just a classic written before the year 1900, is all. Heck, I could nominate The Tale of Genji, which was written circa 1010, when I was a lad.

I love this idea! After this year, I can't wait to go running back to the 1800's ...

Matthew wrote: "Sounds great. I too am trying to fill in some 19th century gaps in my reading. (I say that as if there are not several million gaps elsewhere across every century.)"


Remember the GAP store? I don't even know if they're in business anymore. But they used to have a jingle that went "Fall into the Gap," making me think of my reading resume.

Sadly, you can't read everything. Even in a lifetime. Even if you hit 100 (and younger people have a better chance at that than relics like me).

I understand. I just want to read more Hardy. I downloaded all of his novels on my kindle reader. I'm thinkin' Tess.

Good for you, Darrin. When I went through a bunch of Hardy's in my 20s, I started with Return of the Native and followed it with Tess, which I think I liked more. Definitely was not wild about The Mayor of Casterbridge and completely forgot what Far From the Madding Crowd was about, though I loved the title for teaching me the difference between "madding" and "maddening" so I could promptly forget it.

Never read Jude till las Feb., though. It was like Homecoming.

I’m so contrary, Ken. I really liked The Mayor of Casterbridge which I read as a buddy read here at GR a few years ago. I read many of the others when I was in college and want to reread them now from a different perspective.

Ken wrote: "Kelly wrote: "Ken wrote: "To All: As our discussion of Ann Petry's amazingly-relevant book, The Street, wraps up, I'm pleased to say how happy this lark of an idea called The Obscure Reading Group ..."

I like the relaxed pace of this group! I usually read 1-2 books a week, well I should say listen. I don't have much time for actual reading, unfortunately, so I listen to books non-stop whilst multi-tasking.

I love discussing books and seeing people's thoughts so I definitely will add more friends :)

Sue wrote: "I’m so contrary, Ken. I really liked The Mayor of Casterbridge which I read as a buddy read here at GR a few years ago. I read many of the others when I was in college and want to reread them now f..."

I'm with you Sue! I went in not expecting to like Casterbridge much but I ended up truly loving it! It's now at the top of my list of favorite Hardy novels. My all time favorite, though, is Two on a Tower. I collect old Hardy books and I loved that one so much I splurged on a first American edition as the pride of my collection.

I haven't read Jude yet, I'm saving that one as a grand finale, I think. We'll see :)

Jan wrote: "Kelly wrote: "Ken wrote: "To All: As our discussion of Ann Petry's amazingly-relevant book, The Street, wraps up, I'm pleased to say how happy this lark of an idea called The Obscure Reading Group ..."

Hi Jan!!

My only goal for the next 3 months is to survive, lol. It's been quite the year. School and work keep me pretty busy, and well, everything else going on.. ha. Sounds like you are pretty busy too with some interesting groups! Do you live in the midwest? I'm originally from there but live in Florida now.

I'm still working on my reading goal for 2020 but I'm on track to make it. What have been your favorite books of the year so far?

Hey! Sorry I missed the latest discussion. I will weigh in though on Hardy. Definitely read Tess, Darrin. It’s my favorite Hardy novel!

S'OK, Sandra. We'll catch you next time!

Not sure if I'm the only one here, but I'm missing reviews and comments from GR friends because my UPDATES FEED froze two days ago.

I contacted the gurus at GR and they responded, to their credit, ipso fasto, but they said it's a bug they are working on that has frozen a bunch of posters' UPDATES FEED, though not all. Guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Again.

Ken wrote: "S'OK, Sandra. We'll catch you next time!

Not sure if I'm the only one here, but I'm missing reviews and comments from GR friends because my UPDATES FEED froze two days ago.

I contacted the gurus..."

Hi Ken, a couple of weeks ago I went through a horrible period of about 2 weeks where I received no notifications at all for anything, be it private messages, likes or people commenting on my reviews. It just fixed itself after an irritating period of dead-time. Must be a big issue they're having!

Hi again, folks! Yeah, this latest freeze-up was a total bummer and obviously a damper on all of our spirits. I’ll join my voice in loudly acclaiming Thomas Hardy’s genius too, though!

Matthew wrote: "Ken wrote: "S'OK, Sandra. We'll catch you next time!

Not sure if I'm the only one here, but I'm missing reviews and comments from GR friends because my UPDATES FEED froze two days ago.

I contact..."


It's like elementary school, where you go through all your Valentines cards and realize SUZY didn't give you one! "Why is Suzy freezing me out?" you ask. "I gave HER one."

Well. Something like that, anyway.

Fergus wrote: "Hi again, folks! Yeah, this latest freeze-up was a total bummer and obviously a damper on all of our spirits. I’ll join my voice in loudly acclaiming Thomas Hardy’s genius too, though!"

At least you said WAS, Fergus, meaning your Ice Age has ended. Mine is still cutting out north-to-south glacial lakes in the landscape. Very pretty, but a little late.

Hello, All,

Hoping you're doing well, and wishing calmness during this upcoming week. I took the weekend to try and catch up with tasks from work as well as my social groups. I also chose my next round of readings. Roald Dahl's books will bring fun and a bit of escape during November. "The Emigrants" by W.G. Sebald will be playing in audio as I plan lessons, grade less intense writing, and work through yet commitee projects. I'm not sure who recommended this book, but I've chosen this because I believe it will bring depth, lessons of struggle, and a perspective about creating sense despite chaos. I believe I'm going to listen to Sebald's four stories over and again open to learning, just as I'll read Roald Dahl over and again with a bit of whimsy. Does this make sense? Perhaps, perhaps not. That's okay with me. 2020 has not been the most consistent time.

Keep on with grace and grit, Everyone. My Best, Jan

Thanks to you both - let’s keep hoping there are better times ahead! I’ve been getting into near-daily walks and - Jan - a Christmas walk to the post office’ll be a piece of cake. But que sera sera in the Big Picture... so just remember that it can be the best of times simultaneously with the worst of times, according to Dickens!

Ken wrote: "I'd like to propose that we reserve the February Obscure Reading Group choice to lesser-known classics from the 19th century or earlier ..."

Sounds great to me :) (My ears pricked up, just as Fergus mentioned Charles Dickens!) Sadly I was unable to join you all in reading The Street, but will make a big effort to be in on the next one.

We are in lockdown again here in England from Thursday, by the way, so there's fun and games ahead again!

Fergus wrote: "Thanks to you both - let’s keep hoping there are better times ahead! I’ve been getting into near-daily walks and - Jan - a Christmas walk to the post office’ll be a piece of cake. But que sera sera..."

Ah, Fergus, I'm so glad I know you. You make me smile. I just met with my third group of students today, and they are nervous. I'm staying constant - well, I'm trying to despite my own butterflies and worries.

Ken, I'm looking forward to the reading in the new year. Bring on the classics!

Jan, I think your goal to create sense despite chaos makes great sense, and your students are lucky to have you. At this point, I'm just breathing in and out and trying not to worry too much.

And Fergus, how helpful to remember it can be both best and worst times! Maybe some Dickens is in order. :-)

Friday, Dec. 11th, only two weeks away from Christmas, and it's hard to believe a lot of things, chief of which is how strange this Christmas will be with so many of us (friends, family) sequestered from each other due to Covid numbers being at their all-time worst.

To perk matters up a bit, let's talk about the succor we call reading. We are also but two weeks and a day away from an all-group message from me requesting OBSCURE(-ish) titles for our February group read.

Remember that February is set aside for reading a classic, but you'll want to be thinking about a less-known or appreciated or read classic. Not one you've already read, but have been tempted to read. Not one many of us have already read (if you're GR friends, check our reading lists), but one many of us have NOT read.

Tall order? I consider it a fun order. Anyway, you'll hear from me the day after Christmas and, in a matter of days, we'll have a poll of possibilities up. My hope is we'll have a selection by New Year's Day so people can get it read for the Feb. 1st start.

One good thing? Classics are usually easy to find at your local library. Lonely, even. Looking for a temporary home and the warmth of two hands.

Until then, have yourself a merry little Christmas (or whatever winter date you mark for special celebration)....

Ken wrote: "Friday, Dec. 11th, only two weeks away from Christmas, and it's hard to believe a lot of things, chief of which is how strange this Christmas will be with so many of us (friends, family) sequestere..."


The Divine Comedy
The Canterbury Tales
Don Quijote
A Modest Proposal . . . . Ah, wait. I'm in a bit of a funk now as these are the ones which come immediately to mind, and I most likely will return to beloved stories in the new year as well.

I completely realize: It's something different we're searching for. Well, I'm completely up to reading what you all suggest. I've enjoyed the new authors, stories, and "paths" from our previous selections and discussions; I anticipate the same will be true of this next selection.

I sincerely wish you are all doing well.
Stay safe, enjoy peaceful days, and keep hope.

All My Best,
Jan