IRED Bookclub discussion

For discussing Invisible Cities before we start reading. What expectations do you have? What are your concerns? What have you heard of the book? Etc.

This also means that there'll be no spoilers in this thread!

Personally, I've seen this book under a lot of lists of classic books, but it didn't sound super interesting. But that's what great about this kind of group, getting to experience books that you might not otherwise read.

With a 4.18 average here on Goodreads, I do have high expectations.

I’m currently reading the Complete Cosmicomics by Calvino. I purposely stopped midway because I love it so much that I don’t want it to end - so I have high expectations for Invisible Cities! I’m purposely not looking into the plot just so that I can avoid any spoilers.

I suggest some research into Oulipo (a group of writers that includes Calvino). It’s a very interesting concept that may completely change your reading experience with this novel

Lastly, I recommend watching the Gore Vidal interview on why Italo Calvino is so great (YouTube). I found it pretty entertaining

I'm currently reading If on a winter's night a traveler (the weird capitalization is actually on purpose), and I'm finding it quite delightful. Lots of tongue-in-cheek postmodern humor. I'm definitely going to pick up Cosmicomics when I'm done!

I've never heard of this book until it was recommended. Sounds like something I wouldn't normally read on my own, but it does seem promising!

I've have also never heard of this book. So I did some research on it and it got me really curious. So I'm definitely participating in reading this book with you guys! :)

I had heard of Invisible Cities as one of those classics everyone insists that you read but won't tell you anything about. After reading the Summary, I'm kind of excited to finally read it. It sounds like it could be fun

I have read 'If on a winter's night a traveler,' 'The Baron in the Trees,' and 'The Nonexistent Knight and The Cloven Viscount.' I really enjoyed all of them but 'Baron in the Trees' is one of my all-time favorites.

I am really looking forward to 'Invisible Cities.' Great Choice!

I actually ordered If on a Winter's Night a Traveller a couple days ago without realising it was of the same author as Invisible Cities. Looks like I'll be reading a lot of Italo Calvino next month.

Samanta: I suggest some research into Oulipo (a group of writers that includes Calvino). It’s a very interesting concept that may completely change your reading experience with this novel.
Checked it out, and that's a very cool group. Authors that are writing with certain conditions that they have to follow (which I'm guessing we'll see in Invisible Cities?). I don't think I've read any books that do that, maybe kinda Eaters of the Dead. But thanks for sharing that, that'll definitely be something to keep in mind when reading the book!