Moby-Dick Big Read - Chat discussion

Moby-Dick Big Read
Chapter 30: The Pipe
http://www.mobydickbigread.com/chapte...

Read by David Cameron
Artist: David Austen

Here's a link to an article from The Guardian about David Cameron recording this chapter and about the project generally.

ETA. Just in case anyone doesn't know this, Cameron is the British Prime Minister. I thought he read the very short chapter quite well. Being used to public speaking is an advantage!

That was good. Too short. I can't remember where I saw the article about this; it described the difficulties of choosing the right chapter for Cameron. Couldn't be one with Ishmael and Queequeg cavorting in bed, nor about the slaughter of the whales... The trials and tribulations of political correctness.

ETA: two more articles about Cameron at ahistoryofnewyork.com

http://www.greatwhatsit.com/archives/...

And a great bit here from Prof. Patell's blogging partner, Bryan Waterman.

Here's The Blagger's Guide to Moby-Dick in case you missed it. Wow: 460,000 folks have listened so far. That's simply amazing.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-ent...

@Hayes, I think we've already butted up against Waterman's first bit of advice about the book being two novels. That may be why there are two Knights and Squires and account for a few other things we've discussed.

I think it's interesting how Melville compared reading to diving. Stephen King often compares his writing process as a deep dive, too. I like that term "thought-divers." Many's the morning I've woken up to those "blood-shot" eyes after a midnight dive into the book of the moment.

Lots of good tips for things to come as we continue our "big read."

Another super short chapter from Mellville that has Ahab tossing his pipe overboard. It clearly ties in with the info we received in the previous chapter on how Ahab leaves his bedding every morning. This is a man who finds no solace in sleep, no serenity in smoke. So, what's ahead?

Loved listening to Cameron. He did a great job.

Oy! A frustrated man indeed!