The Bowie Book Club discussion

I opened this thread so we can talk about random subjects, not Bowie related...

I would like to start sharing with you this link: http://www.loveaquiz.com/the-big-lite...

It goes for all literature, arts and quizzes fans...

Aha! Level 1: 37 out of 49, that 15/20. Hum...

This is a good idea, Lidiana! We can talk about everything :-)

Level one: 33 out of 49

Level 1: 39 out of 49...

Level 1: 39/49.

Level 2: 36/45

Level 1: 39/49

Level 2: 35/45

Level 3: 30/44

So, according to the test, the higher the level, the more difficult the questions, right? Well, in level 4 I got 30/35, which makes no sense. I felt level 2 and 3 were the hardest. Loads of books I have never heard of...

Level 2: 36/45. Ok, I give up. How many levels are there anyway ^_^ :-)

Four

Spreading the word around...

One of our members, Alex Austin, is an author. His book, Nakamura Reality is on the list of the Goodreads Giveaways.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/en...

From what I read, the book is incredible. Unfortunately (for me), the giveaway is only for US residents.

Lidiana wrote: "Spreading the word around...

One of our members, Alex Austin, is an author. His book, Nakamura Reality is on the list of the Goodreads Giveaways."

Thanks! Entered...

As you know, Umberto Eco has died. http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016...

Have you read any of his books? Which one?

"The name of the rose"...and love it :)

Samanta wrote: ""The name of the rose"...and love it :)"

Thanks Samanta :-)

"Foucault's Pendulum" mysterious and packed with knowledge.

The Name of the Rose and several essays...

I've read The Name of the Rose and Foucault's Pendulum (several times for that one -- I really love it) as well as a few essays. I was in the middle of Prague Cemetery a couple years ago but got distracted (no doubt by various other books) and didn't make my way back to it, so I've put it back on my to-do list. I also just put his most recent novel, Numero Zero, on hold at my library.

I remember the first time I read Foucault's Pendulum: I was on a train from New York to Stamford, Connecticut (where I was briefly living at the time), and I was so engrossed in it that I missed my stop by several towns! Such a delicious feeling when a book grabs you like that, even if it does make you hours late getting home...

Sara wrote: "I've read The Name of the Rose and Foucault's Pendulum (several times for that one -- I really love it) as well as a few essays. I was in the middle of Prague Cemetery a couple years ago but got di..."

Indeed, Sara, amazing novel. I read it about 15 years ago and I'd like to reread it being older and wiser (hum, hum ;-)

Several towns! How many miles was that? :-D

Lidiana wrote: "The Name of the Rose and several essays..."

Lidiana, which essays? :-)

Cynthia wrote: "Lidiana wrote: "The Name of the Rose and several essays..."

Lidiana, which essays? :-)"

I read some of the articles in this book, Inventing the Enemy: Essays, as well as The Myth of Superman and some other articles he wrote about literature that I do not recall the titles...

Hello everyone,

I was in Berlin this weekend. First time ever and this city is quite incredible. Can't wait to go back there and discover more because I just scratched the surface. Of course, Berlin is not like Rome or Prague or Vienna where one says "Wow" at seeing the city's monuments. No, Berlin is a city that invites you to delve in her in order to discover her hidden treasures.
Berlin is all about atmosphere.
Once I get to know her better, I'll follow the traces of Bowie in Berlin...

I was flying back to Brussels on Tuesday morning. Never got the chance to take the plane. I was lucky. I'm back and reunited with my family since yesterday. All our friends are fine.
I still do not fully realise, it feels like a bad dream. There is some sort of protective detachment that I have to deal with it.

This and exams coming up pretty fast, I'm sad to say that I won't be participating at the group and group's reading for the next three months. I do not have the heart to read In cold blood nor do I feel like reading anything at the moment. But I will continue to follow all your posts with great interest. Keep the Bowie Book Club alive and kicking!

Life goes on and she's beautiful!
Stay safe.

Cynthia

Dear Cynthia...

First of all, I am glad to hear that all your loved ones and you are safe. Another terrible event that shocks the world... My heart goes to you and everyone in Belgium...

I understand your decision to distance yourself for some time from the group. You must have so much going on in your mind and heart that you need this time. I just want you to know that your Bowie book club family is here for you, whenever you need. And please, even though you won't be participating on the next readings, send us a few lines whenever you can, so we know how you are... It can be pure "chit chatting"...

Sending you love and hope...

Lidi

Cynthia, your message is both beautiful and poignant. I'm glad that you, your family, and friends are safe. Your decision is very understandable. Looking forward to when you can join the book club again.

"Life goes on and she's beautiful"--wonderfully worded.

Wishing you peace,

Kathi

Glad you are safe, Cynthia!

Thank you for your kind messages :-)

News has come in that Prince has died.
The dark series continues.

If this is confirmed, RIP Prince. Too young. Unfair.

(I was not especially a fan, but who doesn't know Purple Rain?
I loved Sign of the Times).

Cynthia wrote: "News has come in that Prince has died.
The dark series continues.

If this is confirmed, RIP Prince. Too young. Unfair.

(I was not especially a fan, but who doesn't know Purple Rain?
I loved Sign..."

I have just seen it too, Cynthia... Unbelievable! I admired him very much, thought he was a great musician despite not having as one of my idols.

He was a Bowie fan... He played Heroes in some of his past shows after Bowie's death.

Purple Rain will forever be one of my all time favorite songs :(

Oh, come on!!!! This year is seriously starting to get on my nerves. :(

1999 just popped up in my mind.

Lidiana wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "News has come in that Prince has died.
The dark series continues.

If this is confirmed, RIP Prince. Too young. Unfair.

(I was not especially a fan, but who doesn't know Purple Rai..."

He was an uncompromising artist. He did not give a damn about commercial success. A true artist. Like Bowie.

Exactly, Cynthia... Bowie and him had a lot in common, I think. Quite often they were remembered for their eccentricity, and their musical geniality was put on second plan. Both Bowie and Prince were creative and imaginative artists!

http://www.papermag.com/prince-david-...

Here we go... Prince and Bowie <3

Just shocked and devastated. I agree that Bowie and Prince had so much in common -- a singular synthesis of such an extraordinary array of influences; their inspiring, liberating presentation of the fluidity of identity and gender; their artistic integrity and keen wit... it's just too much to lose them both so close together.

So sad to hear we've lost another great icon, innovator, life-changer in Prince. Will we ever see the likes of Bowie and Prince again.....I somehow doubt it.....although we live in a world where communication is almost instant and music is plentiful we are somewhat isolated in the experience of enjoying it too in many ways. There are so many 'famous' celebrities out there now but how many will be remembered in five years time and how much real impact do they have on our lives in the same way as Bowie and Prince.

Sara and Jenny, you're absolutely right.
This is certainly the reason why we are so much touched by their untimely passing.

Hello everyone,

Just want to share this tumblr with the creations of one of the victims of the Brussels attacks, My Atlegrim, so that her work can be appreciated by many of us in honour of her memory.
http://myatlegrim.tumblr.com

Cynthia wrote: "Hello everyone,

Just want to share this tumblr with the creations of one of the victims of the Brussels attacks, My Atlegrim, so that her work can be appreciated by many of us in honour of her mem..."

What a talented artist My Atlegrim was. Thank you for sharing Cynthia. How very very sad that she lost her life in this terrible way.

Just how cool Prince was <3

http://www.bustle.com/articles/156738...

Cynthia wrote: "Just how cool Prince was <3

http://www.bustle.com/articles/156738..."

No words... :(

Hey people...

Does anyone have a Litsy account?!

Lidiana wrote: "Hey people...

Does anyone have a Litsy account?!"

What is that? Never heard of it...

http://bookriot.com/2016/05/12/litsy-...

Celebrity readers :-)
http://forreadingaddicts.co.uk/readin...

Hi, I'm liking the new Goodreads format. Any improvement on the old one has to be good! I hope it encourages some more chit chat and discussions about the monthly readings.

I'm with you:)

It would be great to have some conversations but I'm not even sure how many people actually do read the monthlies to be honest. Maybe some of us could try to commit to one of the upcoming books: to read it and talk about it, and then maybe others would be more interested to join in. At the moment it looks like a completely dead group, so I guess there's not a lot of motivation for people to step up.

I agree. Anyone is welcome to put some animation in here. Suggestions are welcome.