Literary Fiction by People of Color discussion

Greetings!

Our October discussion is Long Division by Kiese Laymon. Here's the authors website http://kieselaymon.com that includes book reviews, a short bio and a blog with an extremely enthusiastic following and a lot of feedback.

Has anyone started the book yet? The book is in "in process" status at my library which means the book can arrive next week or next month sometime. Anyone else with library issues?

Were any of you aware of this author before this book or his incredibly popular blog?

I read the free sample (on Kindle) and think it is interesting. I am still deciding on whether to purchase though.
I never heard of this author before this group.

My library (of course!! >:O) does not have this book and I procrastinated on putting in an inter-library loan request because school started :\ I've done it by now but might not have it for a couple weeks... I'm excited to read it though, it looks quite good.

I love his work. Here are some great articles/podcast featuring Kiese:

http://newblackman.blogspot.com/2013/...

http://thefeministwire.com/2013/03/bl...

http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/0...

http://gawker.com/5927452/how-to-slow...

I had never heard of this author before I saw his book offered on a goodreads giveaway, and then it seems I started hearing his name everywhere. Melissa Harris-Perry mentioned his book on her MSNBC show and I heard about it somewhere else soon after that.

I put the book on hold as soon as I saw it on the poll here, and luckily was able to get a brand new copy (love that!) from my library.

I will start reading it this weekend. Can't wait!

I think I'm going to buy mine via Kindle. Will be back to discuss

Tia wrote: "I love his work. Here are some great articles/podcast featuring Kiese:

http://newblackman.blogspot.com/2013/...

http://thefeministwire.com/2013/03/black-..."

Tia, thanks for sending this. I just listened to the NewBlackMan blog spot hosted by Mark Anthony Neal and loved it! Never heard of Either of these brothas before this book but will be following them now. I also want to read Laymons book of essays as well How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America.

Sure! The podcast was great. I love hearing the stories of his mother and grandmother. He does a great job at writing female characters of their generation. He touched on that in the Colorlines article.

I've finished the book. Its certainly quite different from the groups usual fare. Really anxious to hear our members opinions. I liked it. Laughed a lot but will need some other readers help in answering questions and plot points...

William wrote: "I've finished the book. Its certainly quite different from the groups usual fare. Really anxious to hear our members opinions. I liked it. Laughed a lot but will need some other readers help in ans..."

William, what do you mean by it's "quite different from the groups usual fare?" Different in that it's satirical (which I just presume it to be just from the description) written like what you'd expect from a Percival Everett or Victor Lavalle? Laymon sort of insinuated in interviews that publisher's preferred a more linear (my word not his) approach to this novel. I gather they were not expecting something so complex coming from an African American author.

MM wrote: "I think I'm going to buy mine via Kindle. Will be back to discuss"

I just purchased a copy through Amazon. $6.99 + $3.99 shipping. The iBook copy through Apple is $14.99.

The Kindle one is $8
:)
I just bought it and will be back with some of my observations. How does the discussion go? Should I put a spoiler warning (or with the title Long Division Discussion, isn't spoilers a given?)
Never done this before.

MM wrote: "The Kindle one is $8
:)
I just bought it and will be back with some of my observations. How does the discussion go? Should I put a spoiler warning (or with the title Long Division Discussion, isn't..."

MM, thanks for joining in the discussion. Typically, the first couple of days we discuss the author, her/his body of work (if any), and other general stuff. Then we get into the actual discussion itself with a general outline and timeframe when each part of the book is discussed. And you're correct, if you jump ahead and want to reveal something further along in the book, then indicate it with some **Spoiler Alert** designation to make the group aware. Glad you could join us!

Hi All - Here are some more Kiese links:
http://gawker.com/the-worst-of-white-...
http://thefeministwire.com/2013/08/bl...
http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2...

Reading a couple of his essays and interviews provided some insight about his writing style and how that came to be. I also just love reading about southern writers. Jesmyn Ward is another favorite.

Columbus wrote: "MM wrote: "I think I'm going to buy mine via Kindle. Will be back to discuss"

I just purchased a copy through Amazon. $6.99 + $3.99 shipping. The iBook copy through Apple is $14.99."

As I posted in the poll discussion, I ended up buying it from a reseller at Amazon for $6.90. I'm very excited about reading something by a fellow Oberlin alum (although it looks like he started there 4 years after I graduated so our paths never crossed).

I will check out these links and start reading this weekend.

Michael wrote: "Columbus wrote: "MM wrote: "I think I'm going to buy mine via Kindle. Will be back to discuss"

I just purchased a copy through Amazon. $6.99 + $3.99 shipping. The iBook copy through Apple is $14.9..."

Michael, I may have purchased mine from the same reseller.

Hopefully, it'll be here soon. I may have to look through a copy in the bookstore just to determine how to set up a discussion schedule.

The copy I received had some interesting inserts, I will take a look at them again to see if they might be relevant to the discussion...

Columbus wrote: "William wrote: "I've finished the book. Its certainly quite different from the groups usual fare. Really anxious to hear our members opinions. I liked it. Laughed a lot but will need some other rea..."

Where to start...? The book has a young teen protagonist but its not a YA book, unless the reading YA is really sharp. It's lingo (?) skews really young so you may have to ask your teenagers to interpret some expressions. 2013 is the main setting but time travel is frequent. Its science fiction but not quite, folk/fableist but not quite..and yes far from linear... just make sure you understand the meaning of the word niggardly before you start...(small joke) you'll see.

William wrote: "Columbus wrote: "William wrote: "I've finished the book. Its certainly quite different from the groups usual fare. Really anxious to hear our members opinions. I liked it. Laughed a lot but will ne..."

Ok, now I can't wait to start this book!

The insert in my copy of Long Division had a brief and interesting Q&A with Kiese Laymon. I uploaded it to my profile pictures (wasn't sure how else I could share it). You can read if interested here:

Page One
Page Two

Michael wrote: "The insert in my copy of Long Division had a brief and interesting Q&A with Kiese Laymon. I uploaded it to my profile pictures (wasn't sure how else I could share it). You can read if interested ..."

I found it interesting that he pointed out that he was hypercritical of black, Southern writers. His discussion on writing scenes that evoke laughter inspired me a bit in my own writings. The book does seem very promising just from this interview. I am expecting great things ahead.

Columbus wrote: "Greetings!

Our October discussion is Long Division by Kiese Laymon. Here's the authors website http://kieselaymon.com that includes book reviews, a short bio and a blog with an extremely enthusias..."

He accepts submissions. I am seriously considering turning in an essay or article to his blog.

MM wrote: "Columbus wrote: "Greetings!

Our October discussion is Long Division by Kiese Laymon. Here's the authors website http://kieselaymon.com that includes book reviews, a short bio and a blog with an ex..."

Go for it!

Here is another interview with Kiese. He talks about his critique on American lit., among other things.
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/20...

Thanks for sharing the info.
Understanding "why" an author is writing a book helps me "adjust" my mind to what the author is saying and why he is saying it in a particular manner and who his audience is.

I did start this book a little while ago and it was not speaking to me, so I returned to the library.

Based on the information provided, I am willing to give the book another try. Not sure how much I will be able to participate as will be out of country the second half of month but am interested in the discussion.

Columbus wrote: "Were any of you aware of this author before this book or his incredibly popular blog?"

I hadn't heard of Kiese Laymon before, nor of his blog. I'm quickly becoming a fan of him though. I rarely read non-fiction books, but I've requested a copy of his essay collection from my library.

Columbus wrote: "Greetings!

Our October discussion is Long Division by Kiese Laymon. Here's the authors website http://kieselaymon.com that includes book reviews, a short bio and a blog with an extremely enthusias..."

I started and finished reading the book recently, though need to read it again to understand it better. There are three copies at the library where I work and all of them are checked out.

Katrina posted it on another thread, but I wanted to be sure that everyone saw that Kiese Laymon's book of essays, How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America, ia available for Kindles today for $1.99.

http://www.amazon.com/Slowly-Yourself...

William wrote: "Where to start...? The book has a young teen protagonist but its not a YA book, unless the reading YA is really sharp. It's lingo (?) skews really young so you may have to ask your teenagers to interpret some expressions"

I see you what you mean about the lingo. Nothing worse than having a dry sack through tenth grade... < ahem > (or has that been around for a while and I am just out of touch??)

p.14 - love this - "She's old now, in her early thirties,..." - ouch!

Michael wrote: "William wrote: "Where to start...? The book has a young teen protagonist but its not a YA book, unless the reading YA is really sharp. It's lingo (?) skews really young so you may have to ask your ..."

I am relatively young (I think...) anyway I'm in my early twenties and some of the lingo was difficult for me.
I didn't get the 'dry sack' thing at first either but quickly figured it out based on context, lol.
I'm glad you mentioned the narrator believing being in your thirties is old. I found that VERY realistic, as this was how I felt when I was younger.

Here's a podcast of Laymon at Enoch Pratt: http://www.prattlibrary.org/booksmedi...#

MM wrote: "Michael wrote: "William wrote: "Where to start...? The book has a young teen protagonist but its not a YA book, unless the reading YA is really sharp. It's lingo (?) skews really young so you may h..."

Yes, I didn't get the dry sack at first either and then I eventually figured it out when he said something about doing a lap dance or something on his dry sack. Funny!

I read the sample copy of this book (first chapter) on iBook and now waiting for my copy ordered from Amazon. Quite interesting so far. Anyone else have any thoughts on the book so far?

Columbus wrote: "MM wrote: "Michael wrote: "William wrote: "Where to start...? The book has a young teen protagonist but its not a YA book, unless the reading YA is really sharp. It's lingo (?) skews really young s..."

I like how City and LaVander battle each other with dynamic sentences.

I don't like all the posturing and "bullying" although I realize it is a part of that competitive culture, but I do like that it is based on the dynamic sentences, continuing the tradition of rap and spoken word as a way to excel at creatively conveying ideas. I thought it was curious that he brought up how a student (Toni Whitaker) resents the boys' fame because she is better at reading and writing than both of them, but didn't make any analysis (yet) of how there are no girls from their school representing.

I'm warming up to City, and I am finding the book very funny. I was dying during the principal's written test, and during that insane contest. Also, I'm a big time travel fan and I love the references to 1985 because that is when Back to the Future hit the theaters.

MM wrote: "I'm glad you mentioned the narrator believing being in your thirties is old. I found that VERY realistic, as this was how I felt when I was younger."

Yes, when I became an adult and found out how young my teachers had been, my jaw dropped! (And how short my sixth grade teacher was!)

I just got the Kindle version. I wasn't going to read this one until the price dropped.

Now I need to stay away from this discussion until I catch up.

Sarah wrote: "I just got the Kindle version. I wasn't going to read this one until the price dropped.

Now I need to stay away from this discussion until I catch up."

I paid $11 for a hardcover copy through Amazon (still working its way to my home). Wish now I had picked up the $8 Kindle copy. I'm still trying to find a good balance between ebooks and physical books. I still prefer the physical book over the e-reader by far, but in most cases ebooks are more practical -- as in this instance.

Columbus wrote: "I'm still trying to find a good balance between ebooks and physical books. I still prefer the physical book over the e-reader by far, but in most cases ebooks are more practical -- as in this instance. "

Yeah, that's a conundrum. ebooks are so convenient, but I find I do miss the experience of physical books. And here's a puzzle: if I like hard copies better, does that mean I will rate them higher?

Michael wrote: "Columbus wrote: "I'm still trying to find a good balance between ebooks and physical books. I still prefer the physical book over the e-reader by far, but in most cases ebooks are more practical --..."

What's been your experience in the past rating hard copies over paperbacks? Do you typically skew more towards rating hard copies higher? I buy hard copies for: an author autograph (as in this instance); notable non-fiction books (I'm gonna purchase the hard bound copy of Stanley Crouch's new book on Charlie Parker); and, coffee table/art books. Only!

going to try to keep up with the discussion on this one. Our past months' selections have been so popular that I haven't gotten them from the library and read until much after, if at all. Still want to jump in to the Americanah discussion.

But, anyway, about a 1/3 of the way through this and I LOVE it. But if I'm reading it in public I find myself wondering if people are looking over my shoulder and thinking, "what in the world is she reading?" Could you imagine just seeing some snippets of the language without actually being immersed in the reading?

Very funny, and I'm loving the set up of the mysteries.

I'd not heard of Laymon prior to this, but I will be investigating more based on what I've read so far.

I LOVE this book!I'm more of a creeper on this site/in this group than a commentator but I can't keep how I feel about this month's selection to myself. I'll be checking in to see what you all think

Evelyn wrote: "Columbus wrote: "MM wrote: "Michael wrote: "William wrote: "Where to start...? The book has a young teen protagonist but its not a YA book, unless the reading YA is really sharp. It's lingo (?) ske..."

I, too, enjoyed the battle, Evelyn. I was surprised this book was readily available at my library. (I just finished "We Need New Names" & who knows when I'll get "Americanah".)

I just started the book and I'm looking forward to reading his blog, essays & articles. Looks like I'll have to recommend him to all my friends.

Since there doesn't visibly appear to be a dedicated mid-point in the book or broken off into dedicated sections, we'll have to make our own. Unless someone has a better option, we'll just divide the reading section in half.

If you have a paper copy of the book, we'll discuss up to page 123 - titled Quarter Black for those ebook readers. Discuss thru October 18th.

Beginning October 19th the entire book is open for discussion with no spoilers. The book has about 268 pages, however, it reads pretty fast.

Columbus wrote: "What's been your experience in the past rating hard copies over paperbacks?"

Well, I was talking about paper vs electronic, is that what you mean? It was just a feeling I had; if I actually look at the last year, I see that I read 30 electronic and 21 paper/hardcopy, but the average ratings for both were 4 stars (4.0 vs 4.1). I don't know if this says anything since I can't compare the exact same books. But there is nothing to compare to having the latest book from an author I love heavy in my hands so I can feel the slick surface and smell the pages! The main reason I want them on my bookshelves is to lend to people, or as a show of support, or to read again (which I'm likely to do for 5 stars).

Columbus wrote: "we'll discuss up to page 123 - titled Quarter Black for those ebook readers. Discuss thru October 18th."

Still loving it, but I definitely had to reread the chapter titled "Baize..." because my head started to hurt with the time thing. I'm trying to figure out (view spoiler)[if 1985 City is talking with 2013 Baize before she disappears? Since she had the book (before 1985 City took it) maybe she is going to go on a little time trip of her own? (hide spoiler)]

****Spoilers****
***Special Game Section***
So I just finished reading the special game section, and have a couple of questions.
Can someone break down why LaVander first started to act sad after they saw the Mexican girl and boy?
And I don't understand why they took the trophy back from him?
I do get why the girls on the bus stopped looking at him and smiling after those weird white guys approached him to basically mock him.
I have a feeling the Special Game section was deep, but I'm not getting all of it.

Michael wrote: "Columbus wrote: "What's been your experience in the past rating hard copies over paperbacks?"

Well, I was talking about paper vs electronic, is that what you mean? It was just a feeling I had; if..."

Sorry, yes I meant paper v electronic. Funny, when I travel with my tote bag full of books in one hand and my e-reader in the other, I get some funny stares from people. I typically carry the iPad just for playing words with friends, doing crosswords or searching for entertainment events in cities. Prefer iPad over phone for this.... But, nothing beats holding and turning the pages of a book in my opinion. Or, Indie and used/dusty bookstores and libraries for that matter. Love them!

MM wrote: "****Spoilers****
***Special Game Section***
So I just finished reading the special game section, and have a couple of questions.
Can someone break down why LaVander first started to act sad after they saw the Mexican girl and boy?
And I don't understand why they took the trophy back from him? ..."

I think LaVander was sad because as soon as he saw the other contestants in the room, many of them representatives of some stereotype, he realized that he was not going to get to compete fairly and prove himself. That he and the other contestants (but especially he and City) were just a joke to the judges and the people they represented.

They took his trophy away because he continued on with his dynamic sentence and purposely used 'chitterlings' incorrectly.

Rashida wrote: "going to try to keep up with the discussion on this one. Our past months' selections have been so popular that I haven't gotten them from the library and read until much after, if at all. Still w..."

Welcome back, Rashida! I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on Americanah. It was my favorite book this year.....a little birdy also mentioned you worked with Angela Davis @ Stanford Law. Cool! So if you happen to find your way over to the Virgin Soul thread we would be anxious to hear about it. No hurry, whenever you get around to it. :)

MM wrote: "****Spoilers****
***Special Game Section***
So I just finished reading the special game section, and have a couple of questions.
Can someone break down why LaVander first started to act sad after t..."

I felt like I didn't get all of that section either. Thanks for asking for someone to break it down.