Book Nook Cafe discussion

Samanta wrote: "18- book that takes place during a holiday. Any holiday.

by J.R.R. Tolkien
Date: 19. 12. 2024..."

This sounds like a lovely holiday book. Thanks !

Samanta wrote: "18- book that takes place during a holiday. Any holiday.

by J.R.R. Tolkien
Date: 19. 12. 2024..."

What a memorable treat for their children! Thank you for introducing this book & story to us, Samanta.

And, this was an inspired selection for the Challenge prompt! Well chosen.

Thank you!! I loved it, and I'm glad to have a copy in my personal library. :)

35- about a disability or character has a disability F/NF

by Antun Gustav Matoš
Date: 22. 12. 2024.
Rating: D
Genre: Short Stories, Croatian Classics
Review: Antun Gustav Matoš is one of the most important Croatian writers, so important that the literary theory named a period in Croatian literature after him, "Age of Matoš". Unfortunately, the two of us do not see eye to eye, at least when it comes to his prose. I tried a few times, just because it's Matoš, but I just don't like his work.

This is a collection of 11 short stories and novellas. Of those, I have finished only 2, I gave up on the rest after reading the first page or two of each. I think this is it for us. I might try his poetry someday to see if I'll like it more.

Why does it fit in this prompt?
The narrator's love interest in the title story "Cvijet sa raskršća" (Crossroads flower) is blind.

Samanta wrote:
Antun Gustav Matoš is one of the most important Croatian writers, so important that the literary theory named a period in Croatian literature after him,.."

I really appreciate your posts, Samanta, as I am learning much about Croatian literature. Thank you for sharing.

I think this fits the prompt. We don't judge one another on their options but, as in this case, it contributes to the story, so i see it as fitting.

I appreciate your comments on this one. One reason i do not read as many short story collections as i once did is due to my sense of "obligation" to read them all. Your post helps me see i do not need to do so & can skip those which fully bore me.

As Alias Reader notes, i've learned much about Croatian & lit from other European countries, thanks to your posts here. I'm glad you share with us.

Thank you, Alias and madrano! I admit that I read foreign literature more than I do Croatian, but I'm trying to get more into our literature. This is a learning process for me, too, especially when it comes to contemporary literature.

On the contemporary lit front line, it's an uphill climb for me, from any country. I suppose Japan & South Korea would be the exception, for some reason.

Samanta wrote: "Yes, next year. No preference, except next year and not the first week in April, as I'll be travelling to Madrid. I still have to check the library for a copy...."

Samanta, my library informed me that in around 2 weeks, my request for The Tunnel--Ernesto Sabato will be ready. If you can get a copy, then i will be prepared to begin our book buddy read. If not, i can postpone my request, as that is allowed.

Just let me know.

deborah

13- science F/NF

by H.G. Wells
Date: 29. 12. 2024.
Rating: B-
Genre: Science Fiction
Review: Edward Prendick is a young scientist, left to die in a boat by in the middle of the ocean by a drunk captain of the ship he was on. He is rescued and brought to an island where mad scientist known as the Doctor Moreau uses vivisection to create human-like beings out of animals. At first he is shocked, but with time he gets used to Doctor Moreau's creations, although his sense of morality is not letting him rest easily. Eventually, thing will take a turn for the worse (or better, depending on the perspective), and Prendick will be left alone with the creations, trying to survive and escape the island.

H.G. Wells deals with many topics as important today as they were in the late 19th century, morality, humane behaviour of human beings toward other living beings (or lack thereof for that matter), our interference with nature. Although Wells' story is science fiction, the ideas are very much real. We have somewhat evolved in our treatment of animals, but there is still too much cruelty toward them in our society.

The abominable kind of science, but still has elements of it.

Neat selection for the Science prompt, Samanta. I've not read the book myself. Thanks for sharing.

madrano wrote: "Neat selection for the Science prompt, Samanta. I've not read the book myself. Thanks for sharing."

This was my first time, too, although not the first written by Wells. Despite the topic, the story flows easily and it is a fast read.

Samanta wrote: "13- science F/NF

by H.G. Wells
Date: 29. 12. 2024.
Rating: B-
Genre: Science Fiction
Review: Edward Prendi..."

Good choice for the prompt, Samanta. Sorry it was only a B minus.

Alias Reader wrote: "Samanta wrote: "13- science F/NF

by H.G. Wells
Date: 29. 12. 2024.
Rating: B-
Genre: Science Fiction
Revie..."

Given that some books this year didn't even pass the minimum, B- is a great rating. :D

Samanta wrote:
Given that some books this year didn't even pass the minimum, B- is a great rating. :D.."

I hear you. High praise from me is usually 4/5. Seldom do I give a 5.
According to GoodReads my average rating is 3/5. Which is good.

Samanta, just a note to add that The Tunnel--Ernesto Sabato still isn't in for me. It's been almost 2 weeks, so i thought it would be an early return. I guess not! I'll let you know when it comes in, so we can begin reading.

madrano wrote: "Samanta, just a note to add that The Tunnel--Ernesto Sabato still isn't in for me. It's been almost 2 weeks, so i thought it would be an early return. I guess not! ..."

Deb, I created the thread and info for you Buddy Read. Good thing I saved the post to an email to myself as GR right now is not letting me start new threads. GRRRR.

Anywho, I will put it up for you as soon as GR lets me out of jail.

A sad LOL. Thanks, Alias.

No problem, madrano. My January will be quite busy, with real life obligations as well as my reading choices.

I'm sorry to learn this, Samanta. As it happens, my request arrived a day after i posted. I'll return it and sign up again. I don't want either of us pressured for time.