Constant Reader discussion

Looks like it's time to start a new thread for our discussions in May and June. I'll be closing the old thread, so please continue your discussions here. I look forward to seeing the recommendations you all provide!

May?!!!

I was as surprised as you, Mary, to see that April had sped by so quickly!

I read another amazing translation and commentary by Sophus Helle. I loved his Gilgamesh: A New Translation of the Ancient Epic. This time I read Enheduana: The Complete Poems of the World's First Author by Sophus Helle.
Enheduana was a Sumerian princess and the high priestess at the temple in Ur in southern Iraq. She lived nearly 4,000 years ago. She is the world's first known author. Her hymns to Inanna are intense and passionate. It is weirdly wonderful to read words penned by a woman thousands of years ago. And, as always, Sophus Helle's translation, commentary, and insights just blow me away.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

You read such fascinating books, Tamara.

Thank you, Sue!
One of the many joys of retirement is I get to read what I want to read. The book was absolutely fascinating.

Fascinating! Thank you, Tamara--this sounds like a great read, and I've added it to my list.

Rachel wrote: "Fascinating! Thank you, Tamara--this sounds like a great read, and I've added it to my list."

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it.

I listened to The Yearling and thought it was a wonderful story. One of my best books of 2023.

Gina wrote: "I listened to The Yearling and thought it was a wonderful story. One of my best books of 2023."

It’s a lovely book.

I remember reading The Yearling many years ago; maybe I should go back to it. It is interesting to see how one's perspective on a book changes over time - liking it for different reasons, seeing things one missed before.

I recently read Billy Boyle by (fellow CT resident) James Benn. It was not bad, but not as great as I'd hoped. Has anyone read more of these books and, if so, do they get stronger as the series progresses?

Gina wrote: "I listened to The Yearling and thought it was a wonderful story. One of my best books of 2023."

This is one of my very favorite books. I grew up about 30 minutes away from where this story takes place in Florida. This particular area is actually not as far removed as it was back then. I have visited the Florida home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and eaten at The Yearling Restaurant, named after the iconic novel, many times.

I am currently reading Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout. It is her second published novel, and the one that will make me a Strout "completist." I'm not sure why I put this one off for so long, but I'm only on the second chapter and I absolutely love it!

I read Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro, translated by Francis Riddle.
A short but very powerful novel with a 63 year old woman suffering from a debilitating case of Parkinson's as its central figure. The novel covers a lot of themes, including control--or lack of control--over one's own body.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Turtle Warrior – Mary Relindes Ellis – 5*****
When James enlists at age seventeen and goes to Vietnam, his nine-year-old brother, Billy, has only the protection of a turtle-shell shield and a wooden sword to keep him from harm. It will be a long and fraught journey to manhood for the sensitive Billy. This is a marvelous debut. There are some horrific scenes in this book, and it is an emotionally difficult read. But the reader who can get through the horror will be rewarded with a hopeful ending.
LINK to my full review

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna – Alda P Dobbs – 4****
Set during the Mexican Revolution of 1913, this novel is based on the author’s family history. Thirteen-year-old Petra is the de facto head of her household once her father is conscripted into the Mexican Army. Force to flee when their village is burned, Petra leads her grandmother, younger sister and baby brother across the desert towards freedom. A marvelous story of courage in the face of adversity.
LINK to my full review

I read The Dance Tree by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
The setting is a European village near Strasbourg in the early 16th century. Women start dancing non-stop and are subsequently persecuted by the city council. I thought the setting was well done but character development was a little simplistic. I didn't think the novel was as good as The Mercies by the same author.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Inheritance: A Visual Poem – Elizabeth Acevedo – 4****
“Some people tell me to ‘fix’ my hair And by fix, they mean straighten”
A wonderful essay told in verse of the Afro-Latinidad experience, when even other Dominicans have “swallowed amnesia” because “it is easier” than living ”in this reality.” In this short work she addresses skin tone, slavery, relationships, immigration, prejudice, power and self-worth.
“all I can reply is you can’t fix what was never broken.”
LINK to my full review

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The House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros – 5*****
This is the story of Esperanza Cordero who lives in a poor section of Chicago and struggles to stay in school. At the time it was published there were few coming-of-age stories that portrayed people of color and the challenges of living in an inner city. Cisneros began her writing career as a poet and those roots clearly show in the book. The short chapters are vignettes of Esperanza’s life. She is like any ‘tween’ - eager and curious and sad and confused and sassy and happy and hopeful.
LINK to my full review

I read the House on Mango Street many years ago, and loved it.

Tamara wrote: "I read Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro, translated by Francis Riddle.
A short but very powerful novel with a 63 year old woman suffering from a debilitating case of P..."

Since I have Parkinson's - though so far a milder case than described, I suppose I should read this book. I might not show it to my daughters, though.

The Paris Hours – Alex George – 3.5***
Paris 1927. Home to Josephine Baker, Maurice Ravel, Gertrude Stein and Marcel Proust. But in addition to the many famous “lost generation” members, the City of Light was also home to many who led much quieter lives. George tells the story of four such souls, whose stories converge over the course of one day and night in Paris. George deftly handled these different storylines to produce a cohesive tale. Despite the constant change in point of view, I never lost interest in where it was going. The connections between the characters really didn’t gel until the last couple of chapters, and the ending was a nice surprise.
LINK to my full review

I also loved The House on Mango Street, Book Concierge! Nearly thirty years ago now, I was volunteering at a women's jail and I brought that book in to read. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and inspired me to write to Cisneros, who very generously had a whole box of books shipped, so everyone could have her own copy.

Right now I'm reading David Copperfield, in preparation for reading Demon Copperhead this month. And I just finished reading a truly sobering book, The Death of the Artist. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Mary Anne wrote: "Since I have Parkinson's - though so far a milder case than described, I suppose I should read this book. I might not show it to my daughters, though..."

I'm so sorry to hear you have Parkinson's, Mary Anne. Elena in Elena Knows has a very severe case of Parkinson's. It is difficult to read about the struggles she faces to do even the simplest tasks. Claudia Piñeiro does a very effective job of depicting the challenges, but it is not easy reading.

I wish you well as you face your own challenges. Take care and all best.

For those who, like me, loved The House on Mango Street, I recommend Cisneros' book of short stories Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories and her novel Caramelo. It's been quite a few years since I read anything by her, I will have to see if she has written anything more recently.

Theresa

The Cold Millions – Jess Walters – 4****
This novel focuses on the two Dolan brothers: sixteen-year-old Rye and his older brother Gig. The story is told from multiple characters’ points of view, and some scenes are related more than once, giving the reader additional insight as the point of view changes in the same scenario. Based on actual events in 1909 Spokane, Washington, at the novel’s core is a class struggle that is reminiscent of what America is undergoing now just over a hundred years later. Walter is a masterful storyteller and I was engaged and interested from beginning to end.
LINK to my full review

Theresa wrote: "For those who, like me, loved The House on Mango Street, I recommend Cisneros' book of short stories Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories and her novel Caramelo

She published Have You Seen Marie?, a graphic novel/poetry in 2012

And her memoir in 2015 - A House of My Own: Stories from My Life.

Tamara wrote: "Mary Anne wrote: "Since I have Parkinson's - though so far a milder case than described, I suppose I should read this book. I might not show it to my daughters, though..."

I'm so sorry to hear you..."

Tamara, thank you for your kind words about PD. The difficult cases are truly hard to witness. I recently watched Michael J. Fox' movie Still, which I should report on in the movie thread. But there's something very beautiful about the love of the caregivers who give so selflessly. I like to focus on that beauty, and I am so grateful that there are more resources now than even 5 years ago.

Book Concierge wrote: "

The Cold Millions
– Jess Walters – 4****
This novel focuses on the two Dolan brothers: sixteen-year-old Rye and his older brother Gig. The story is told ..."

If you haven't already done so, BC, check out the discussion of The Cold Millions in the Reading List conference. I think it was in the summer or fall of 2021, but I haven't gone looking for it yet.

I have The Cold Millions on my shelf. I'll be sure to check out the CR discussion when I read it!

I am currently reading Booth by Karen Joy Fowler.

I am also reading Antarctica by Claire Keegan.

I am enjoying both of them very much so far.

I recently picked up Norwegian by Night, based on recommendations from others here, and am having trouble putting it down! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Lynn wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "

The Cold Millions
– Jess Walters – 4****
This novel focuses on the two Dolan brothers: sixteen-year-old Rye and his older brother G..."

Thanks for the tip, Lynn ... I'll go looking for that discussion.

Enemy Women – Paulette Jiles – 4****
In the last months of 1864, the residents of Missouri are being pushed and pulled between warring factions. I found this work of historical fiction fascinating and engaging. Adair is a strong woman even though she is barely out of girlhood. She remains resolute despite hardship. No horse – no problem – she will walk. She never loses sight of her goal – to find her father, to get home, to reunite her family.
LINK to my full review

I just finished Interpreter of Maladies and enjoyed all the stories in the book. Now on to something new.

Gina, I loved Interpreter of Maladies--one of my favorite short story collections of all time! Thanks for the review of Enemy Women, Book Concierge--Paulette Jiles' News of the World is a novel I just adore, so I'll be checking out Enemy Women.

These Precious Days – Ann Patchett – 5*****
This is a series of essays about Patchett’s life and her thoughts on a variety of subjects from marriage to career, to education, to family, to grief. I love Patchett’s writing. Here, she is most herself – honest, funny, empathetic, confused, angry, caring, and passionate. I greatly enjoyed reading about her own journey as a reader, writer and owner of a bookstore.
LINK to my full review

BC,
I also thoroughly enjoyed The Cold Millions. I'm glad you liked it as much as I did. I liked your review too!

Rachel,
I hope you'll check out the Demon Copperhead discussion after you have had a chance to read it. The discussions never really close.

I am particularly interested in reading your thoughts about the influence of David Copperfield on Kingsolver's book. I know that her character names are sometimes riffs on the names Dickens used. I found a list of these names at this site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demon_C...

Dickens often wrote about the poor and abused. He wanted to make society aware of how the less fortunate live. So does Kingsolver.

I recently finished two books. The first one was for my in-person book club and I was surprised by how fascinating it was (for me at least :-) . It is the non-fiction book: Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II by Vicki Constantine Croke.

It starts in the early 1920's, when James Howard “Billy” Williams went to Burma to work for a British teak company. He was assigned to manage the domesticated Asian elephants who worked for the company hauling huge logs. Williams became an expert at understanding these very intelligent animals and communicating with them. But the real stars of the book are the elephants themselves. Highly recommended for animal lovers.

The second book I read was Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton. This book got some rave reviews, but my personal rating was only ***. The book involves a very left wing group that goes around planting produce on land they don't own. They come in conflict with a real baddie, a capitalist billionaire, who has no redeeming characteristics. They both plan on using each other.

I got tired of the characters psychoanalyzing themselves and everyone else. The story picks up when it suddenly becomes a plot driven (finally!) thriller. At the end, all hell breaks out. I won't say more other than it will surprise you.

Has anyone else read this book? If so, I would be interested in your opinion.

Book Concierge wrote: "

These Precious Days
– Ann Patchett – 5*****
This is a series of essays about Patchett’s life and her thoughts on a variety of subjects from ma..."

I loved this one, too.

I read a couple of books for other book clubs:

Sea of Tranquility: I liked that I never knew quite where it was going, and the author pulled it all together at the end. I never became attached to any of the characters, though.

The Underside of Joy: This was straightforward and enjoyable to read, and the creation of the small town of Elbow was warm, interesting, and lovely. After reflecting, though, I didn't really believe the main characters would behave as they did, and the precocious little girl becomes too precocious to be believable.

I finished another book. Barefoot Dogs: Stories is a collection of interconnected short stories by Antonio Ruiz-Camacho about various members of a wealthy Mexican family forced to flee the country to various locations after the patriarch is kidnapped and is apparently very loosely based on his own life experience. Very privileged refugees compared to the experience of most persons fleeing similar types of danger. I've been carrying this around the last couple of months, it's been my stuck in the waiting room or grabbing a ten minute lunch book. The stories had intermittent flashes of good or even excellence, but for the most part felt like reading products of a writing workshop. I think Ruiz-Camacho could end up an excellent writer if he can disentangle himself from writing to the teacher and start writing truly his own voice. This book was published in 2015 and it doesn’t look like he has published anything since. Despite my ambivalence about this collection I hope he does continue to write.

I finished an excellent book, The Postcard by Anne Berest. It documents Anne and her mother Leila’s search for the source of the titled postcard that arrived at Leila’s home in 2003. On it were written four names: Ephraim, Emma, Noemie, and Jacques. Nothing else. These were the names of Leila’s grandparents, aunt and uncle, lost in the Holocaust. But why would anyone send such a postcard ? After a delay of many years, Anne takes on the challenge of this question. This book provides a complex look at Europe of the 1930s, the arts and cultural life of Paris prior to WWII, the movement of Jews trying to find a safe and comfortable home anywhere in Europe, and the gradual process of changes as Nazism wielded control across Europe moving to the French coast. I learned more about the fall of France and French life after that Armistice than I knew before. The book is a combination of facts, interviews and some historical recreation based on those facts. I highly recommend this anyone who likes to read biography, history or literature about the Holocaust. The perspective is different from anything I’ve read before.

Sue wrote: "I finished an excellent book, The Postcard by Anne Berest. It documents Anne and her mother Leila’s search for the source of the titled postcard that arrived at Leila’s home in 2003. On it were wri..."

That sounds fabulous, Sue.

It was really good, Donna and has the added plus of being well written and translated.

I read Weavers, Scribes, and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East by Amanda H. Podany. A fascinating exploration of 3,000 years of history of the ancient Near East. In this 600+ page behemoth, Professor Podany analyzes cuneiform tablets and cylinder seals to unearth what they reveal about the lives of ordinary people as well as kings and queens, priests and priestesses. Her tone is engaging and accessible. She breathes life into people who lived 5,000 years ago.
I thought it was a fascinating, well-researched exploration.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Sue wrote: "It was really good, Donna and has the added plus of being well written and translated."

Reserved it on Libby - 20 week wait!

Oh wow! Maybe it won’t be that long Donna. I found that it read more quickly than I expected because it was so interesting and because of how it is written.

And I finished yet another book. Magic Seeds by VS Naipaul. I grabbed this from one of my eight overstuffed shelves of unread books - I am picking a book from each shelf in turn - where it had been sitting for years. I think I bought it because it is a sequel to Naipaul's Half a LifeHalf A Life, which I very much enjoyed many years ago. I have also loved some other earlier works by Naipaul - A Bend in the River is amazing as is A House for Mr Biswas; and my favorite is A Way in the World. In these earlier books Naipaul's intelligence and skill as a writer control over his general misanthropy and very specific misogyny. Not so in Magic Seeds, where the former appear to often be in thrall to the latter. It was still a good read, with interesting observations about colonialism, British class attitudes, revolution, ideology and the like, but sometimes felt like he was just writing to fulfill a publishing obligation, or pay his mortgage - dialing it in so to speak. Now I get to pick my next book, always one of my favorite things to do.

Edit to add that with Naipaul one has to accept that he grew up displaced from his origin and in a colonized country, and has taken in as if his own some attitudes and aspects of the colonizers. I think he is aware of this, and irascibly does not care. It's an odd but usually interesting lens.

I always wrestle with letting my dislike of some of the opinions of an artist interfere with my appreciation of the art. I read something by Naipaul in my early CR days, maybe Half a Life, and liked it. But, then I read more about his opinions and haven't read anything else since. That happened to me with Bob Dylan's work. I was always a huge fan, then started being aware of the misogyny in some of his writing and couldn't enjoy it any more. After not listening to his music for about 5 years, I came back to it by sharing it with my son. There were still things I didn't like, but also so much more.

Thanks to everyone here who recommended Foster
by Claire Keegan. Five stars for me.

This is a beautifully written novella set in Ireland in the 1980's. The story is told from the viewpoint of a young girl who is sent away from her dysfunctional family to live with relatives for the summer. Contrary to expectations, this becomes a wonderful experience for her. As with a lot of short fiction, I only wished that the story was longer.