The Obscure Reading Group discussion

The front porch of the Obscure Reading Group where folks can stop for a bit and talk about what they're reading during the in-between times.

I haven’t did much reading. My mind wanders away, and I can’t seem to find it. If any one sees it send it back to me. I am useless without it. 😩

Hoping for better things to come after November . Maybe a little sunshine or a nice rainbow after this four year mother of all storm. 🌞🌈

Love the front porch idea!!

I think this is a great idea too!

I am finally reading Sophie's Choice. It seems I am late to the party with this one, never having read the book nor watched the movie before! I love it.

I'm also slowly working my way through David Copperfield. I'm listening to it on audio while following along on my kindle so I can highlight passages. I have the audio version with Richard Armitage as narrator - perfection :)

Carol wrote: "I haven’t did much reading. My mind wanders away, and I can’t seem to find it. If any one sees it send it back to me. I am useless without it. 😩

Hoping for better things to come after November . M..."

I'm glad the group read motivated you, Carol. And not to worry -- your mind is top-notch!

Sandra wrote: "Love the front porch idea!!"

Thanks, Sandra. Especially seeings how most houses have BACK porches nowadays. The front is more social.

Candi wrote: "I think this is a great idea too!

I am finally reading Sophie's Choice. It seems I am late to the party with this one, never having read the book nor watched the movie before! I love..."

I saw the movie the year it came out, I think, and that's got to be forever ago. But the book? Or anything by Wm Styron? Not yet, sadly.

As for DC, he's my favorite CD. (Book and author make a nice palindrome.)

Candi, I love Dickens, so I’m sure you’re enjoying DC. I just started The Lotus Eaters. I see it’s ten years old, but I read a review on Goodreads and realized I’ve never read a novel about Viet Nam. I read Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried years ago, so I decided on this book. I have had a very slow start since I’ve been revising and editing poems for my very first book of poetry, inspired by Ken to finally self publish. Are you still writing your poems, Ken?

Sandra wrote: "Candi, I love Dickens, so I’m sure you’re enjoying DC. I just started The Lotus Eaters. I see it’s ten years old, but I read a review on Goodreads and realized I’ve never read a novel about Viet Na..."

Sandra , two good books about Vietnam are Saigon and Street Without Joy: The French Debacle in Indochina. Covers pre Vietnam War. Saigon is more factionalized, but good . I found Street Without Joy informative .

Sandra wrote: "Candi, I love Dickens, so I’m sure you’re enjoying DC. I just started The Lotus Eaters. I see it’s ten years old, but I read a review on Goodreads and realized I’ve never read a novel about Viet Na..."


Yeppers. Shopping around my 3rd manuscript to publishers right now. As for your poetry book in the making, you should, when it's ready, send it to small, independent poetry publishers first. My first two were accepted by such outfits.

I know there isn't universal agreement on this point, but I consider self-publishing a last resort, one I haven't had to visit. (On the other hand, there are a few cases of authors who self-published and became so successful their books were subsequently bought by big-bopper publishers. They weren't poets, though. Lord knows, if money's the thing, don't let your children become poets!)

How exciting, Ken! You deserve a mailbox full of acceptance letters!

I appreciate the front porch. It feels like a long time til October since I wasn't able to read the last book. I'm currently on an Ireland kick, and am reading Dubliners and Amongst Women. They're weighing me down a bit with Irish angst, but I'm loving both.

Ken, I downloaded a set of William Styron books to my kindle not long ago when there was a really great sale going on. So I hope to read more of his work after Sophie's Choice!

Ken and Sandra -best of luck with the poetry - both the writing and the publishing. Fingers crossed you'll have some good news to tell us before long, Ken :)

Thank you, Candi! Ken, I have very little motivation to contact small book publishing companies...nor any idea how...but good luck to you!

Kathleen wrote: "How exciting, Ken! You deserve a mailbox full of acceptance letters!

I appreciate the front porch. It feels like a long time til October since I wasn't able to read the last book. I'm currently on..."

Very interested in the McGahern because I've never heard of him! Alas, my local library hasn't either. Maybe when interlibrary loan returns?

Candi wrote: "Ken, I downloaded a set of William Styron books to my kindle not long ago when there was a really great sale going on. So I hope to read more of his work after Sophie's Choice!

Ken and Sandra -bes..."

I actually knew some people who knew Styron when he had his Litchfield County digs in CT, my home stomping state!

Angela wrote: "Ken, good luck with the "shopping." I just received "Lost Sherpa of Happiness" in the mail and look forward to reading it. I haven't read a complete book of poetry in some time."

Wow! I hope the Sherpa is to your liking, Angela. If not, keep it secret. ;-)

Sandra wrote: "Thank you, Candi! Ken, I have very little motivation to contact small book publishing companies...nor any idea how...but good luck to you!"


I could show you how, but if you don't want to go that way, go the way you want to go! And who knows, if everybody and her sister rejects my 3rd ms., I may seek advice from YOU on self-publishing (the options, I know, are endless).

It's been a month since I checked in. I've actually written down a few interesting obscure titles, one of which I'll eventually choose as my nominee for October's book (we'll be nominating and voting at the end of August).

I hope everyone is well in these unwell times. I also hope you are keeping one eye on off-the-beaten-path books your GR friends review. Maybe one will prove interesting fodder for our October vote!

I too am keeping an eye out for possible nominations. Making a list and checking it twice. Oh wait! That's another season.

Thanks for the reminder, Ken, and putting that little thought in my head that set me off, making mental lists of books. So fun! I think I have three possibilities as of now, but still gathering ideas. :-)

I actually have two in mind I could nominate, and still time to find a few others.

It's amazing how ubiquitous obscurity is.

😉

lol. Our new group motto!

I have one that was in my other group, but I think this group would go into more depth.

Ken wrote: "The front porch of the Obscure Reading Group where folks can stop for a bit and talk about what they're reading during the in-between times."

I'm reading and listening throughout each day. Television doesn't satisfy me at all these days (well, classic movies are wonderful indulgences), so I find a great many titles to enjoy. I've just finished listening to "Healing the Broken Brain" today. I listened to that over and again, and I appreciate the voices and the perspective of two brothers: one who suffered a stroke as a 10-year who never got to become a medical doctor (but has created an amazing career) and his brother who actually became a doctor. Their examples, explorations, and voices together (both are the narrators) made for an excellent book.

Hi, Jan. Glad to hear you've been reading some good stuff. I don't watch much TV, either. The political ads are especially bad in Maine because of the presence of Susan Collins here. What a waste. I'm sure 99% of people already know how they're voting, not only for Senator but for President.

Hard to believe we're so close to the ORG's next voting session. On August 28th, I'll send out a call for obscure titles via group messaging. Then we'll do a vote so we have most of September to read for our Oct. 1st start.

Who said "Tempus fugit." Such a wise person. Wise in Latin, I mean.

Ken and Jan, thanks for your cheery comments! I’ve been busier than a solo paper hanger since July, when we got the all clear for a lot of normal activities from out very wise political leaders. The months have flown by faster than the second hand of a clock, crammed full with contractors and appointments! And now fall feels imminent in Canada...

As a result of all this - and my septuagenarian Covid shock - I’ve let social activities slide (not much of that now anyway) especially with my GR clubs. I regret that! AND, mailing some good books to one wonderful Midwest GR friend (ahem)... but I’m spending the evenings with Audiobooks.

Looking forward to seeing what titles get nominated for our next read together.

Fergus wrote: "Ken and Jan, thanks for your cheery comments! I’ve been busier than a solo paper hanger since July, when we got the all clear for a lot of normal activities from out very wise political leaders. Th..."

Ah, Fergus,

So good to hear from you! I enjoy reading your posts, and I have a great many books to add to my reading. True, I enjoy the reading, but I need the hope all the more these days. Many friends from my support groups have passed on, and more and more from our city are dying. Even apart from the silent mourning, it's so hard not being out and about in my community. Reading has been a wonderful comfort. Even the stories of great pain and strife help, I think because they can articulate the pain that sometimes seems to gnaw into emptiness.

As always, your comments resound with me or reflect some of my little rituals. Time is always an issue for me, whether it flies or plods along; in COVID it seems to do both. In December 2019 Steve gave me the most colorful and artistic watches for my busy school days, and I have some pendant watches that I discovered while out thrifting. They're all reminders of my days: fleeting moments, months towards a goal, or sometimes just a reminder of what day it is. (smile)

Ken wrote: "Hi, Jan. Glad to hear you've been reading some good stuff. I don't watch much TV, either. The political ads are especially bad in Maine because of the presence of Susan Collins here. What a waste. ..."

Hello, Ken,

How good it is to read this discussion. Look at all you've created among this group. Everyone has enriched my life even though we don't see each other. This summer I read "The Daring Young Man On the Flying Trapeze" and "The Chateau" and enjoyed them -- kudos to those who proffered them. I will read more of those recommendations these next months.

Ken, I miss reading your blog posts, so I'm going to search specifically for those. I may share some with my students, too. Maybe a few will join Good Reads. Who knows? They may follow you, too.

* * * *

"Tempus Fugit" definitely.

Long ago our museum had a remarkable show based on this theme.
https://nelson-atkins.org/exhibitions...
I sometimes understood, found myself wondering quite a bit, but always intrigued. Maybe that marked the beginning of my fascination with timepieces: calendars, hourglasses, pocket watches, and the like. I'll keep my eyes open for works that reflect this theme and send them to you in messages.

Well, school classes begin today, and I'll be teaching via Zoom. I'm looking forward to meeting the many students. We'll see what comes.

Thanks so very much for your warm comments, Jan, so brimming with wonderful and rich humanity. You’re MY teacher!🙏

And Ken, PLEASE post your blogsite again for all of us!

Sure enough! The link is on my profile page up top.

Too easy! TYSM.

Fergus wrote: "Thanks so very much for your warm comments, Jan, so brimming with wonderful and rich humanity. You’re MY teacher!🙏

And Ken, PLEASE post your blogsite again for all of us!"

Ah, Fergus, I look forward to the day we'll meet in person and discuss books, friends, travels -- you know, the fun stuff in life. School started well, but I can honestly say this will be a busy semester -- safe? Yes. Busy? Definitely. Well, keep reading and enjoying what comes!

Ken wrote: "Sure enough! The link is on my profile page up top."

Thank you, Ken!

I’m slowly coming back to my reading world after having had my second back surgery earlier in August. I am finding it difficult to read now but hopefully I’ll have those reading chops back in hand in time to read the book for the October discussion. It’s fun seeing what’s going on with everyone here in this oddest of summers when no one’s usual is normal.

Sue wrote: "I’m slowly coming back to my reading world after having had my second back surgery earlier in August. I am finding it difficult to read now but hopefully I’ll have those reading chops back in hand ..."

Glad you are on the mend, Sue, and hoping you can be part of the October discussion.

Fair warning: in four days I'll send out a request to all members who can, if they wish (it's entirely optional), nominate a book for October.

I know a few of you have had your eyes peeled for what looks like an entirely interesting yet somewhat obscure book that you haven't read yet.

I also know some of you are happy to let others nominate and are willing to read whatever the eventual poll shows as winner. To each his own and viva la difference!

It's nice to hear how everyone is doing, and to know we'll be back to chatting soon! Sue, I wish you a smooth recovery--tough to go through that during this already difficult summer. Your reading self will heal too, in its time.

Jan, I'm so glad you enjoyed my favorite The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze and Other Stories.

I wonder if we could have a thread for all of our recommended books? Or maybe it's here and I can't find it? I would love to be able to revisit people's suggestions and also the ones to come!

I created a thread with the runners-up to Abigail and will add to it when we have runners-up to October's winner.

Easy-peasy!

Love it--thank you Ken! Hoping to fit some of these in between our other reads. :-)

Jan - good luck with the new school season. I admire (and feel a bit in awe of) teachers.

Fergus - how nice to find an old friend here!

Sue - hoping for a speedy recovery for you.

Thanks all. So far, mostly HGTV and mysteries on PBS seem to meet my needs. I’ll know when I’m ready for reading again (I actually did more a week or so ago than now.) I think my energy is going to walking and exercise. But reading will happen.

I’m curious to see the nominations.

Sara wrote: "Jan - good luck with the new school season. I admire (and feel a bit in awe of) teachers.

Fergus - how nice to find an old friend here!

Sue - hoping for a speedy recovery for you."

Ah, Sara, thank you for that encouragement.

I'm finishing my second week of completely online and synchronous classes today. I'm tired but pleased. In March, April, and early May, students (and teachers) were stunned, yet we made it through with a great deal of improvisation and coffee. Now that we're months into this pandemic, my own school has had planning and practice; true, we've worked through many revised plans then differentiated practice, but we've always been safe. These past two weeks, my students have been writing with a sharpened focus and urgency which I'm certain stem from a deeper understanding not only of this pandemic but of themselves. I am very happy to see these men and women learning so earnestly. They span all the political, social, and cultural backgrounds, but those who stayed beyond the second day of classes are intent upon learning.

A good many of my friends in K-12 are scared, uncertain about plan(s) for their schools, and utterly demoralized. Almost all of them are starting back after Labor Day, and the classroom set-up, IT platforms, and teaching systems vary across the different schools. They are facing extraordinary challenges and heartbreaking decisions right now. Please keep cheering them on. Thank you, thank you for your ongoing support of teachers!

Sue wrote: "Thanks all. So far, mostly HGTV and mysteries on PBS seem to meet my needs. I’ll know when I’m ready for reading again (I actually did more a week or so ago than now.) I think my energy is going to..."

Yes, Sue, those are all wonderful. You are creating a lovely home and surrounding yourself with enriching energy. That's wonderful. Trust that wisdom, and you'll enjoy reading all the more when you begin anew. With healing and hope from afar . . . . Jan

Kathleen wrote: "It's nice to hear how everyone is doing, and to know we'll be back to chatting soon! Sue, I wish you a smooth recovery--tough to go through that during this already difficult summer. Your reading s..."

Oh, yes, it was a wonderful read. I'll return to it many times and may develop lessons based on various stories or essays. Students will enjoy them. Thank you.

Thanks, Jan, for being such a devoted contributor, all while holding down a full-time, pandemic-time teaching job! (He says, glad he's retired).

Update on Nominations for October:

I now have FOUR titles. Message door open until Sunday noon Eastern Daylight Time, right coast.

I’m awfully tempted to cheat a little and choose an obscure novel I’ve bought recently and haven’t yet cracked open - I’m sure there are a few! Let me rifle through my collection a bit!

That's not cheating. That's practical. Plus voters don't know who nominated what (as it should be).

Rifle away, in other words!

Hey, everybody. Good to hear you are doing okay during this difficult time. Sue, get better fast! Jan, wow. I am so relieved I am retired, and I hear from my teacher friends that everything is so challenging right now. I also know you are a devoted teacher and will do well regardless of the pandemic! Ken, thanks for your dedication to keeping this obscure group alive. I have been incredibly busy with getting that first book of poetry finished, but it’s finally published, thank goodness. I won’t be offering any suggestions for our next book, but I look forward to reading whichever one we select. Cheers.