In which it begins with the book voted "The Greatest Book of All Time" by the Nobel Institute.What was I thinking? I can barely lift this book! Chapter LXXIV? Run away! Run away!
Welcome to our first week! Discussion of Don Quixote (or whatever you are reading) will take place in the comments area of this post.
I put my list in order and made a calendar so if your lists overlap, we can journey together. It's to the left, below the iguana.Hey! Who knew this was where Sancho Panza was from?
Have fun.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Week of May 26 -- Don Quixote
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19 comments:
Okay, I decide I'm not going in order for my book list. I have a copy of Robin Hood (unabridged). It's in my bathroom right now. (was that too much information? It's a very quiet place to read...)
Anyway, I'm struck by the WORDINESS of Robin Hood. Yikes! Wading through the endless use of the word "Marry" is taxing. HOWEVER, the author does cut to the chase and introduces the MC, conflict and supporting characters.
I'm ONLY on chapter 2. MARRY! :)
By the end, you'll quote Mercutio: "Marry, 'tis enough!"
How come nobody told me Don Quixote was funny?!
I had the same thought, Jacqui. It's whimsical, witty, self-important and self-deprecating, all at once -- and I'm only just getting going. I mean, I knew it was sort of humorous, but not like this!
Yeah, I was expecting witty, but not snork-funny. I do hope a story arc that is less episodic starts to unfold soon.
On the flip side, these short lil chapters are momentum-builders. They make you feel like you're flying through the book ... until you look at it edgewise, spy your bookmark, and realize you have multiple inches to go!
True. It's daunting, though, to think, "Only 93 chapters to go!"
Okay, y'all have me wishing I'd started DQ first. I'm so NOT digging Robin Hood. UGH.
Dear Jacqui-
I put my last comment under the wrong header. I meant to put it on this one. Please fix.
AbbaFet
Marry, wordwrangler, that stinks.
abbafet: Yes, of course. I will fix that right away. I know how to do that, of course, since I am the Blog Mistress. I, erm, will just, eh, get right to it...
Sigh. No clue. Sorry.
I will not be reading DQ with you, because I already read it. In the original Spanish. (It was an unofficially "required" class for a Spanish major.)
Okay, and now I confess: I only read the first 3/4 in Spanish. I cheated and read the last 1/4 in English, because I was taking something ridiculous like five lit class that quarter and only so many words can fit in my head in one week. And I read that last quarter so fast I don't remember much. I do remember the first part was funny in Spanish, though.
I am getting ready for Moby Dick to kick my ass, though.
Regarding Don Quixote:
Ever see the John Cusack flick Gross Pointe Blank? Lighthearted and romantic comedy punctuated by sudden bursts of bloody violence ...
I liked that movie.
You classics readers are a brave lot. Truly. I do think reading these books by choice in a pleasant context like this summer reading community can only add to the experience.
Another tip when procuring your summer reading list: There is a cool book (and CD and DVD and vid game) trading site called Swaptree (www.swaptree.com). You make a list of media you'd like to unload and things you'd like to receive in trade and then they match you up for a swap. (Or you can search for your own swap.) You pay the shipping for your outgoing item and your swap-partner pays the shipping for your incoming item. Very easy, and a great way to exchange clunkers (I mean Important Classics) for other books you want to read. Not to mention very tree-friendly. (Some of the books on your lists are LONG!)
Enjoy!
Diane: I am impressed by your Spanish skillz, and your stamina. I will admit to some skimming in my reading and I don't know how I'd do it if I had to be translating.
Thorp, good analogy, I think, though I can't remember if it's Cusack who keeps getting beaten.
lizard: so glad you're back! swaptree is indeed very cool.
Cusack beats more than he's beaten, but he got an earlier start than our hero DQ.
As the son of a man born 200 years too late for his preferred lifestyle, I'm struck by what a fine knight Don Quixote might have made ... were he not aged and mad and living in the wrong era.
I got to stumble my way through this in Spanish 4 Class in high school. I think it was a dumbed down version though. I also read it in English when I was in like 5th grade. In addition to being funny, it's brilliant.
Jacqui and Co., I wish I had the time to join you on your journey, but unfortunately I do not...
Hubba
Hubba, we wish you could join us too, but we're glad you drop by.
Lovin' DQ, but way off the pace. Gonna have to step it up now ...
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