HeatherIlene’s Comments (group member since Nov 27, 2012)

HeatherIlene’s comments from the Classics Without All the Class group.

Martin wrote: "I feel like a complete moron, but I never even HEARD of this book until like two weeks ago."

I heard about it once from a friend back in high school. I don't think it's been recommended to me since. I'm not sure that it's that well known, either. The book was originally written in the 1930's in the Soviet Union but was not published until the late 1960's. It's my feeling that, unless you have some kind of interest or special connection with Russian literature (outside of the likes of Chekhov, Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, etc.), you might not hear of it. I hope you don't feel bad!

Yulia wrote: "I read this book at least 5 times at different ages (12 to 20), and every time I looked it from a new angle."

Me too!

I noticed from your profile that your native language is Russian. I was wondering what English translation you would recommend?

Just started a character in my husband's town (Animal Crossing). Also started The Last of Us this weekend. Both good but for completely different reasons.

I just finished Lexicon and The Year of the Gadfly (really enjoyed it). I am reading Infinite Jest and just about to begin one of the galleys awaiting my attention.

Hello fellow readers! I just wanted to remind you that we still have spots available for the event with Jennifer Miller this Wednesday, July 17th. The event will be online so anyone can join! Learn more and RSVP by clicking here.

LaLaLa Laura wrote: "I got notice that my book shipped! yayaayaaa!"
Me too! I love getting mail. The best is when it's a book!

I'm currently on track: 19/50 -- 38% there. Hooray! Although I feel like I have to finish very soon. I'm pretty sure my recreational reading will come to a grinding halt when law school starts in the fall.

Batgrl wrote: "In Cold Blood: give it maybe another decade and the non fiction classification may be even less firm:

Capote Classic 'In Cold Blood' Tainted by Long-Lost Files
Wall Street Journal, February 8, 201..."

I read that article, too, after finishing
In Cold Blood. And another one. I think, what I've gathered -- is that the final scene was fake and that Capote received special treatment from the KBI in regards to access of files. I'm curious if more information will come to light about additional inaccuracies.

Great idea, Laura! I usually just end up Tweeting words I don't know along with their definitions while I'm reading. I'll try to post the ones that I don't know here.

I didn't know what pecuniary meant either -- glad it's not just me!

LaLaLa Laura wrote: "yeah I found too much drama on Facebook with friends And family. It mainly comes from people misinterpreting each other and it outweighed the joy it had."

And for this exact reason, my husband does not use Facebook and I don't blame him in the least.

I keep making the mistake of reading it when I'm in bed -- then I get sleepy and pass out, book in hand! I'll never make it through at this rate.

Jessica wrote: "I like to read the cliff notes to get an understanding of the symbolism and themes. I do it only because it helps me understand the writer and story's purpose better. "

I'm the exact same way!

How could I have forgotten to include The Odyssey -- one of my favorite monster reads of all time.

Becky wrote: "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind"

Just added to my To-Read list. Thanks for the recommendation -- it sounds great!

Your description kind of reminded me of

Rob Guillory's Chew, Vol. 1: Taster's Choice -- it's not quite the same but if you like graphic novels you might like it.

I've also started readingPractical Classics: 50 Reasons to Reread 50 Books You Haven't Touched Since High School by Kevin Smokler. I hope to finish soon so I can submit some questions for the podcast!

Kathy -- that's a great resource! Thank you for posting. I usually go to SparkNotes for study guides but I've found that spoilers abound in the character summaries and I really hate that.

Laura -- I noticed that as well. And then I remembered when I was in college and one of my professors recommended The Brothers Karamazov. (I promptly picked up a used copy at Green Apple books.) he also said that the secret to reading Russian lit was knowing that everyone has several names/nicknames and trying to keep them straight. That's definitely the case with AK!

LaLaLa Laura wrote: "I might have to sign up for Facebook now haha"

I like that FB keeps me connected with my friends that don't live in my immediate area. Other than that ... pfft! I could leave it!

If I had a tot and lived near you, I would join!

Started reading Truman Capote's In Cold Blood. I really hate putting this one down.