June / Greece Reading Poll

[Scheherazade]

In June 2008, we will be reading a book by a Greek author.

Please vote for the book you would like to read

by June 1st.

* Only those books which are available on amazon in English will be included in our poll. *

Note: Only the first 10 books will be included in the poll.




Some information on the books:

1. Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zorba-Greek-Faber-Fiction-Classics/dp/0571203132/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209739401&sr=8-2) .

2. Freedom and Death (Captain Michalis) by Nikos Kazantzakis". (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freedom-Death-Nikos-Kazantzakis/dp/057117857X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209739624&sr=1-1)

3. Odyssey by Homer (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odyssey-Penguin-Classics-Homer/dp/0140449116/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209739970&sr=1-1)

4. Tales From a Greek Island by Alexandros Papadiamontis (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-Greek-Island-Papadiamantis/dp/0801848466/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740037&sr=1-2)

5. The Third Wedding by Costas Taktsis
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/Third-Wedding-Costas-Taktsis/dp/0873760484/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740083&sr=1-2)
6. The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides (http://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Peloponnesian-War-Classics-Thucydides/dp/0140440399/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740150&sr=1-1)

7. Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/Petros-Goldbachs-Conjecture-Apostolos-Doxiadis/dp/0571202039/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740223&sr=1-1)
8. And Dreams Are Dreams by Vassilis Vassilikos
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Are/dp/1888363002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740302&sr=1-1)
9.The Illiad by Homer (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Iliad-Penguin-Classics-Homer/dp/0140447946/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740345&sr=1-1)

The poll will be closed on June 1st!

[Scheherazade]

I would like to nominate Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis.

[NickAdams]

You beat me! I wanted to nominate The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis, but I'd rather see ten different authors and not just ten different books.

PS: I'm really enjoying the voting by country rather than author. I find myself coming back every month instead of avoiding certain months, because of the author.

[Remarkable]

"Zorba" was supposed to be my nomination!...However,here is another one from Nikos Kazantzakis, "Captain Michalis".

[NickAdams]

I nominate Homer's Odyssey. This will also be a great primer for those of us who want to take on Joyce's Ulysses.

[Scheherazade]

Nominations so far:

1. Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis.

2. Captain Michalis by Nikos Kazantzakis".

3. Odyssey by Homer

[manolia]

Hmmm..not sure what to nominate.
I am thinking of "Frogs" because a) it is my fav Aristophanes play (read it countless times and seen it as many times in theater) and b) it is available here on litnet. But if anyone prefers another play from the same author i am willing to switch my nomination ;)

Or perhaps poetry..greece is famous of her poetry actually..care to read some poems from the two nobel winning poets?? Help anyone?

[vheissu]

Or perhaps poetry..greece is famous of her poetry actually..care to read some poems from the two nobel winning poets?? Help anyone?

Manolia, I was thinking of nominating poetry as well! Maybe something by Elytis?
Can't think of many novels that are easily found through in english as well...

[Virgil]

Hey I was counting on you two (Manolia and Vheissu) and perhaps Amalia to suggest something. I was thinking of nominatintg The Last temptation of Christ but Kazantzakis has already been picked for two. There must be something else? Oh and poetry is usually not accpted in this book forum. At least i think that's Scher's policy.

[manolia]

Many really good books come to mind Virgil (not ancient ones) but, like Vheissu said, i am not sure how many of them are translated in english. I'll have to do a bit of research in that amazon site and see ;) (if indeed poetry isn't permited).

[vheissu]

Poetry is not permitted? Oh dear...then I hope amazon is well stocked. Or I could do a search within the uni library, that might give some ideas.

[Scheherazade]

The Book Club aims to read and discuss works of fiction (mostly novels). There are separate sections and threads to discuss poetry for those who are interested :)

[manolia]

Fair enough Scher :) (i wouldn't bring it up if i knew :blush: :D ).

Did a bit of search. I would like to nominate "The Murderess" by Alexandros Papadiamantis. He is a magnificent author and very esteemed here. Many consider him as the best modern greek author (or so my teachers in school used to think).
It is a short novel (about 200 pages).

Here's a bit about his life (at the bottom of the page there is special reference to the book but it contains spoilers).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandros_Papadiamantis

He wrote in Katharevousa which is ancient greek in its essence or if you prefer is the link between ancient and modern greek. Katharevousa was greece's official language till 1976.

[manolia]

Only available from third party sellers. :( I love Papadiamantis' writing and was looking forward to reading this one, whether it won the vote or not.

But please don't discard this great author! If third party sellers aren't acceptable, then take Tales From a Greek Island in it's place, so Papadiamantis is represented.

Ooops i didn't notice this..yeah if "third party sellers" isn't acceptable scher can replace my nomination with yours and i'll nominate something else (i have loads of books in my mind that i'd like to recommend ;) ).

[manolia]

Which one did you have in mind?
The problem is that all the books i have in mind are translated in english but i can't find them in amazon.

[papayahed]

I can't seem to find any greek lit to nominate.

[manolia]

I sent you a PM, manolia. ;)

That's quite interesting. Seeing that the other book i mentioned would be hard to find through amazon (but do read it Antiquarian and everyone else, you won't regret it ;) ) i'll end up nominating

The Third Wedding by Costas Taktsis

ok it is my final word :blush:

[Dori]

Everyone can call me a nerd now. I nominate The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

[manolia]

Everyone can call me a nerd now. I nominate The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

:sick: School days are back :sick: :lol:

[Dori]

:sick: School days are back :sick: :lol:

School days are still in session for me! :D


Nerd! LOL No, just joking. Really, it's a wonderful book, just like all the other nominations.

Yeah, but its chances of being chosen are probably slim to none. :D

[Dori]

But Candide is leading in the May poll, right? And I haven't even voted yet! ;)

By one vote...:( Still leading though. :)

[manolia]

School days are still in session for me! :D


You are a student? I thought you were much older..Anyway we did a lot of the ancient texts in school. Now i can fully appreciate their quality and worth ;) Can't say the same for when i was in high school :lol:

[Scheherazade]

As long as the books are available in English, it doesn't matter whether they are sold by third parties or amazon itself. It is our members' responsibility to get hold of the books that they would like to read. Of course, it might be a determing factor when it is voting time (I.e., people might not like to vote for the books which are not readily available.)

Nominations so far:

1. Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis.

2. Captain Michalis by Nikos Kazantzakis".

3. Odyssey by Homer

4. Tales From a Greek Island by Alexandros Papadiamontis

5. The Third Wedding by Costas Taktsis

6. The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

[Dori]

You are a student? I thought you were much older..Anyway we did a lot of the ancient texts in school. Now i can fully appreciate their quality and worth ;) Can't say the same for when i was in high school :lol:

I've gotten a lot of these lately. I'll take it as a compliment. :D You guys should check out the photoalbum thread more often. :p

I'm a junior in high school, by the way.

[madem514]

Nocturnal Gymnasium, Christoforos Liontakis

Rained Light, Kostis Gimossoulis

Six Nights at the Acropolis, Giorgos Seferis

[bouquin]

I have just received a present from my brother: Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis. So I would like to nominate that title please.

[manolia]

Hey great idea bouquin :thumbs_up I love this book :) Mr Doxiadis is a scholar. If i am not mistaken he is a mathematician and this book is about mathematics (although one doesn't necessarilly have to understand mathematics in order to read the book). He is also involved with theater and cinema

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolos_Doxiadis

[Virgil]

I'm going to try my best to join this read. I'm very interested in several of the nominations. All I can say is that right now, I think this very moment, my mother-in-law is enjoying a cruise through the Greek islands, and I'm really really friggin jealous. :p :D

[Scheherazade]

A cruise through the Greek islands??? Pfftttt! :p

Nothing beats the pleasure of discussing a book with the BC!

[manolia]

I'm going to try my best to join this read. I'm very interested in several of the nominations. All I can say is that right now, I think this very moment, my mother-in-law is enjoying a cruise through the Greek islands, and I'm really really friggin jealous. :p :D

If she doesn't get to visit Crete tell her to ask for a refund :p :)

[Virgil]

If she doesn't get to visit Crete tell her to ask for a refund :p :)

I'll tell her, probably when she returns and has me salivating over the pictures. :D I don't know her itinerary.

[Aiculík]

I'm not sure if we don't have 10 already, but if not, I'd like to nominate And Dreams Are Dreams by Vassilis Vassilikos.

According to Amazon review, "There is a beauty in his words unsurpassed even by Beckett himself."

Now, doesn't that sound intriguing? ;)

[Virgil]

If she doesn't get to visit Crete tell her to ask for a refund :p :)


Santorini shouldn't be missed, either, with it's spectacular sunsets.

She visited both. She visited six islands in total. The only other ones I recall were Mikenos and Patmos. Don't know if i spelled those correctly.

[Scheherazade]

Nominations so far:

1. Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis.

2. Captain Michalis by Nikos Kazantzakis".

3. Odyssey by Homer

4. Tales From a Greek Island by Alexandros Papadiamontis

5. The Third Wedding by Costas Taktsis

6. The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

7. Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis

8. And Dreams Are Dreams by Vassilis Vassilikos

[tractatus]

Helens have great poets, and not in list, is it for only novels?

[Scheherazade]

Tractatus> Please read the previous posts in the thread. This question has already been dealt with. :)

[tractatus]

Thanks, i have read; deal.

No poetry, except Odyssey. ;)
Kidding, it is important work.

[motherhubbard]

no school in June so I could participate. Would it be too dorky to nominate The Republic of Plato?

[Scheherazade]

Would it be too dorky to nominate The Republic of Plato?A little but we love ya for it! ;) :D

[DapperDrake]

Greek lit huh? not come across any before to be honest, apart from the ancient stuff of course. I'll be interested to see what some of the modern novels are like. Nikos Kazantzakis sounds interesting, I might well vote for one of those unless someone convinces me one of the other nominations is better.
I'm a blank slate on this one though so if anyone wants to advocate any of the books it will help me decide :D

[Seabird111]

The Illiad by Homer.

[motherhubbard]

does anyone know what country is on the list for July?

[Scheherazade]

*raises hand, jumping up and down*

Me, me, me!

:D

[Scheherazade]

Nominations so far:

1. Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis.

2. Captain Michalis by Nikos Kazantzakis".

3. Odyssey by Homer

4. Tales From a Greek Island by Alexandros Papadiamontis

5. The Third Wedding by Costas Taktsis

6. The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

7. Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis

8. And Dreams Are Dreams by Vassilis Vassilikos

9.The Illiad by Homer
Will you tell us if we guess? ;)I promise to let you all know latest by tomorrow!

:p

[NickAdams]

Only nine books? I know we can come up with a tenth.

[Scheherazade]

Some information on the books:

1. Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zorba-Greek-Faber-Fiction-Classics/dp/0571203132/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209739401&sr=8-2) .

2. Freedom and Death (Captain Michalis) by Nikos Kazantzakis". (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freedom-Death-Nikos-Kazantzakis/dp/057117857X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209739624&sr=1-1)

3. Odyssey by Homer (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odyssey-Penguin-Classics-Homer/dp/0140449116/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209739970&sr=1-1)

4. Tales From a Greek Island by Alexandros Papadiamontis (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-Greek-Island-Papadiamantis/dp/0801848466/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740037&sr=1-2)

5. The Third Wedding by Costas Taktsis
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/Third-Wedding-Costas-Taktsis/dp/0873760484/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740083&sr=1-2)
6. The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides (http://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Peloponnesian-War-Classics-Thucydides/dp/0140440399/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740150&sr=1-1)

7. Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/Petros-Goldbachs-Conjecture-Apostolos-Doxiadis/dp/0571202039/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740223&sr=1-1)
8. And Dreams Are Dreams by Vassilis Vassilikos
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Are/dp/1888363002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740302&sr=1-1)
9.The Illiad by Homer (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Iliad-Penguin-Classics-Homer/dp/0140447946/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209740345&sr=1-1)

The poll will be closed on June 1st!

[NickAdams]

Go Odyssey, go! :banana:

[_Shannon_]

I already voted- but I'll nominate The Histories by Herodotus for number 10. :)

I voted Illiad...sorry Nick-lol!...although I still have yet to crack open my years old Fagles' Odyssey

[_Shannon_]

Pffft....modern Greeks-who ever heard of them....lol!! ;)

[manolia]

Tales from a Greek Island is readily available from online, ships fast, isn't expensive, and it's a volume of short stories that will give us more insight into more contemporary Greek authors, people who write about modern day Greece. ;)

Hehe you know Papadiamantis isn't that modern after all ;) His books are considered classic greek literature (of course if you compare him with Sophocles he is modern all right :lol: ). I am holding my vote for the moment ;)

[Virgil]

Hehe you know Papadiamantis isn't that modern after all ;) His books are considered classic greek literature (of course if you compare him with Sophocles he is modern all right :lol: ). I am holding my vote for the moment ;)

Holding your vote? I was waiting for your lead to vote. :lol:

[Nossa]

I don't know if I can find it, but Zorba the Greek sounds interesting. I saw it as a ballet, and loved it...if I can find it somewhere here, I might vote for it :D

[JBI]

Hmm, I guess I may try a new translation (perhaps one written by an old poet?) for this if I am to read it. I think I've read my Fagles translation to death.

[_Shannon_]

OOOhhh--you could read Alexander Pope's translation!

Or you could read the Lattimore or Fitzgerald to make translation comparisons...

LOL! I am such a nerd--I actually got excited there for you. I can't help it, though, I went to St. John's College...:D

[manolia]

Holding your vote? I was waiting for your lead to vote. :lol:

Hehe i can't make up my mind. I have read all of them but two (the one by Vassilikos which JBI has nominated) and the Third wedding i have nominated. I have read "Z" by Vassilikos and it was great so i guess this one must be good too.

I am sure you have read Iliad and Odyssey (pleassssseeee not again :lol: done them in school read them again few years ago). The Peloponissian war..no thanks..done it in school (and since i reside in Peloponesse you can imagine how much weight my teacher put into teaching us every detail :lol: :lol: Child trauma :lol: :lol: ).

The first two books are marvelous. I am positive to join the discussion if either one is selected. Ok i am partial to Kazatzakis ;)He was a fine author and a fine thinker ;)

Papadiamantis is one of our classical authors (he was born in the 1850's) and along with Vizyinos and Rohedes are perhaps our best three classical authors. He is our "Dostoyevski" in a sense (but he wrote short stories mostly). I am not sure which stories are in that particular book but i am sure that you'll find them very interesting.

[thelastmelon]

I voted for The Odyssey because that is the only book that I own, plus the only book I can manage to get a copy of, except for The Illiad. A bit unfortunate, since other Greek literature would be fun to read as well, but oh well. Stupid libraries and stores not to have the books that were nominated!

[thelastmelon]

Online bookstores have Tales From a Greek Island and The Third Wedding, but I don't know about shipping to Sweden.

It's usually too expensive, everything is with my economy.

[DapperDrake]

I've got Simon Armitage's verse adaptation of Homer's Odyssey - Would that count or would I have to stick with a pure translation?

If I can read the adaptation I'll probably vote Odyssey ;)

[Chesterfield]

Can more people vote for Zorba the Greek, please? I've already read the Odyssey too many times. ;)

[DapperDrake]

I'll quite possibly vote for Zorba the Greek, I'm keen to read it, but I haven't read Odyssey either..

I'll wait and see how the voting goes.

[Virgil]

Well, now that Mnaolia has voted for Zorba, I may too. But I was wondering what Antiquarian was going to vote for. Problem is if we all split our votes then Oddyssy will win.

edit: Why is it so slow to post on lit net these days?

[DapperDrake]

Sorry folks, I've made up my mind - Odyssey. As I have both the translation and adaptation to hand and none of the other books, it would be silly for me to vote for anything else really.

[Nossa]

I have the translation of Odyssey, but I'm a bit intimidated lol. I wanted to vote for Zorba but I can't seem to find the book. Maybe I'll just wait and see how the poll will end. If it's Odyssey then I might join in.

[Scheherazade]

So many people are saying that they would like to read the Zorba but it has got only two votes... Why's that?

Come on peeps, let's get voting!

:D

[Virgil]

Ooops i didn't notice this..yeah if "third party sellers" isn't acceptable scher can replace my nomination with yours and i'll nominate something else (i have loads of books in my mind that i'd like to recommend ;) ).

OK I was waiting to see how it turned out. ;)

[mickitaz]

I am probably going to vote for the Oddessy. My cousin and I are into reading epics together, and this will certainly help. Plus, even though it is kind of cheating, I know there are cliff notes for this one.

However, I am going to sit down and research all of the nominations this month..then cast my vote

[NickAdams]

A lot of people are disappointed that the Odyssey is in the lead, which I understand, but those reading the Aeneid might agree that Odyssey would be an interesting follow-up.

[Virgil]

A lot of people are disappointed that the Odyssey is in the lead, which I understand, but those reading the Aeneid might agree that Odyssey would be an interesting follow-up.

I didn't vote for the Odyssey and i'm in the Aeneid group. I wanted to venture into something different. But if it's the Odyssey then it will be a fast read for me.

[_Shannon_]

LOL- I think I am the only person in the world who likes The Iliad better than The Odyssey Odysseus annoys me- as does Telemachus. I yell at them :D

[NickAdams]

I didn't vote for the Odyssey and i'm in the Aeneid group. I wanted to venture into something different. But if it's the Odyssey then it will be a fast read for me.


I haven't voted yet, but I reread The Odyssey recently and I'm not up for it again so soon. I want something more modern this time. I don't think I'll get it, but that's what I want. LOL

You people who aren't voting for Tales from a Greek Island don't realize what you're missing. ;) They're such beautiful, beautiful, beautiful stories. :)

With your degree Virgil and your occupation Anti, I completely understand your feelings about the matter. You guys have not only read it a number of times, but have probably done a critical studies. I understand your pain, but I'm excited to be reading it.;)

[Virgil]

With your degree Virgil and your occupation Anti, I completely understand your feelings about the matter. You guys have not only read it a number of times, but have probably done a critical studies. I understand your pain, but I'm excited to be reading it.;)


I haven't done the in-depth critical studies that Virgil has, but I am tired of reading it. Well, I have plenty of other things to read, so it doesn't matter too much to me what wins. Even if I don't read it, I'll drop in to see what's going on. ;)

:lol: LOL, I never did any critical studies on The Odyssey. I don't even think I read in in school. I was an English major and that's not English lit. ;) But I have read it on my own a couple of times. I'll be glad to join the conversation.

[NickAdams]

I haven't done the in-depth critical studies that Virgil has, but I am tired of reading it. Well, I have plenty of other things to read, so it doesn't matter too much to me what wins. Even if I don't read it, I'll drop in to see what's going on. ;)

I'll make sure to make outlandish connections while discussing the book, so you can comment on something.:D


:lol: LOL, I never did any critical studies on The Odyssey. I don't even think I read in in school. I was an English major and that's not English lit. ;) But I have read it on my own a couple of times. I'll be glad to join the conversation.

Then you don't want to know what other accomplishments I've attributed to you.;)

[Scheherazade]

Only three more votes not to read Odyssey, brethren and sisteren!

:D

[papayahed]

I spent half a semester studying the Odyssey, to bad my book with all my notes is buried in my mom's basement.

[Virgil]

I spent half a semester studying the Odyssey, to bad my book with all my notes is buried in my mom's basement.

Well then it wll be a refresher. ;)

[Scheherazade]

Please don't forget to pick up your KitKat as soon as you vote for something other than Odyssey!

http://www.mickaloha.com/mikesheadroom/Pictures/KitKats.png

[AmandaM]

Well, the forum won't let me vote :( but if I could, I'd probably vote for Tales From A Greek Island. I'm trying to learn more Greek folk dance, and I think it would be interesting to find out more about the people who dance it :)

[mickitaz]

While I would like to tackle "The Oddysey" I think to venture into areas of Greek Literature not traditionally tread would be interesting. I am leaning toward "And Dreams are Dreams" myself, though unlikely to win the pole. Nevertheless, I will probably pick it up and read it once I am done with the winner.

[Scheherazade]

Going once...

[NickAdams]

I would have voted for And Dreams are Dreams if I thought it had a chance at winning. It sounds very interesting.

I can't find a synopsis online. What is it about? I read a review, which said the mastery of languge rivals Beckett.:eek:

[Scheherazade]

I would like to point out that those votes cast by members without the required 50 posts will be disregarded.

[mickitaz]

I can't find a synopsis online. What is it about? I read a review, which said the mastery of languge rivals Beckett.:eek:

I did a google search for the books Amazon didn't have a review for. I normally do this anyway, just to get more than one view. A very good, in depth review that made me decide on this book is at the following location:
http://www.sevenstories.com/book/index.cfm/GCOI/58322100220280

[Scheherazade]

Going twice...

[DapperDrake]

Woot! Odyssey here we come! (brushes dust off book)

[Scheherazade]

Heh, it will hard to brush off dust of thousands of years! :D

[Scheherazade]

Still going twice...

[bej6s]

I'm excited! I found this website in February but didn't have time to participate in the Book Club, so I only just signed up. I'm starting Papillon late, so I can't wait to actually read The Odyssey when you're discussing it. Great choice, voters.

[Pyrrho]

To my endless shame I still have not read the Odyssey so I am happy that this book club gives the incentive to finally do so.

[Remarkable]

How did I forget to vote?!I can't believe it!Am I so confused lately?!I should definitely concentrate...Wow!