Valentine's Day Reading Poll

[Scheherazade]

http://www.snitchseeker.com/vb3/images/smilies/violin.gifPlease nominate the books you would like to read during the Valentine's Day weekhttp://www.snitchseeker.com/vb3/images/smilies/violin.gif

by

January 20th!

The aim of the Book Club is to read and discuss new books together with other members.

Please try to avoid from voting for the books you have already read and/or do not intend to (re)read with us.

Thank you!



Book Club Regulations (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4104)

[Janine]

I nominate Thomas Hardy's book

Under the Greenwood Tree

I think it's really romantic and funny and amusing. Three men in this small country town vye for the love of a new pretty school mistress. I love the book and own the movie adaptation, which I enjoy emensely. It's not a long book. I would love to read it again and think others on here would enjoy it.

[TheFifthElement]

Victoria by Knut Hamsun. Everyone should read something by Hamsun, he's a brilliant writer. This is a really sweet love story, simple and beautiful and quite short!

[Jozanny]

I believe I read a little Hamsun on Gutenberg Fifth. Think it was him, adequately translated, and I agree with you that he is interesting, a little different--though I know I won't be joining in for February--the old plaint of reading schedules being a double-edged sword... :)

[Dark Muse]

Love For Lydia by H.E. Bates

[TheFifthElement]

I believe I read a little Hamsun on Gutenberg Fifth. Think it was him, adequately translated, and I agree with you that he is interesting, a little different--though I know I won't be joining in for February--the old plaint of reading schedules being a double-edged sword... :)

Oh I know what you mean. I'm waiting to join the Androids debate, but I'm still wading through Independent People by Laxness and I reckon I've got a week's worth of reading to go still. And then January will be over before you know it!

Adequate translation is right. Apparently Norwegian is pretty difficult to translate so I'm pretty careful about choosing the translation (well, except for Victoria which I got as a swap. I don't know if it's a good translation, but it is a good read :D ). He is an interesting read; it took me a couple of goes to read Hunger but it was well worth it. Harsh but brilliant. If you do get chance, and your budget and the Kindle can stand it, I'd recommend that one. It's edgy.

What's Gutenberg, by the way?

[neilgee]

Love For Lydia by H.E. Bates

Another brilliant recommendation, Dark Muse. If that wins I will reread it as it's been awhile but I really enjoyed that one first time round and it's an apt Valentine's Day choice.

[Dark Muse]

Another brilliant recommendation, Dark Muse. If that wins I will reread it as it's been awhile but I really enjoyed that one first time round and it's an apt Valentine's Day choice.

Thank you! I am not one typicaly for romance or love stories, but I heard something about this book which intrigued me.

[neilgee]

Thank you! I am not one typicaly for romance or love stories, but I heard something about this book which intrigued me.

I didn't realise you havn't read it yet. As I remember it [it's been about 15 years since I finished it] yes it is a feel-good love story but it's also damn fine literature and that combination seems to be quite rare.

[Scheherazade]

I would like to nominate Jane Eyre as I have been wanting to re-read this for a long time now.

Nominations so far:

1. Under the Greenwood Tree by Hardy

2. Victoria by Knut Hamsun

3. Love For Lydia by H.E. Bates

4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

[Jozanny]

Oh I know what you mean. I'm waiting to join the Androids debate, but I'm still wading through Independent People by Laxness and I reckon I've got a week's worth of reading to go still. And then January will be over before you know it!

Adequate translation is right. Apparently Norwegian is pretty difficult to translate so I'm pretty careful about choosing the translation (well, except for Victoria which I got as a swap. I don't know if it's a good translation, but it is a good read :D ). He is an interesting read; it took me a couple of goes to read Hunger but it was well worth it. Harsh but brilliant. If you do get chance, and your budget and the Kindle can stand it, I'd recommend that one. It's edgy.

What's Gutenberg, by the way?

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Most sites that offer free e-books follow Project Gutenberg. I think they started digitalizing before anyone else--though I do not know when The Literature Network came online.

I think Hunger was what I read, but I'm not positive, as I know it was some years before I ever heard of LN. Knut is able to get away with the autobiographical acuity which I have only managed in my non-fiction. I have never been quite confident in my fictional slice of life Jozanny story.

Haven't thrown it out (yes, writers do that) but it has never felt 100 percent, though I have been toying with sending it to Granta anyway--haven't made up my mind. But I have suffered with it such a long time perhaps I should throw it out, but this man pulls it off, and that is no small feat.

Most of his major novels are free to kindle except Victoria. I don't know why Amazon does this, as they must earn plenty on compulsive downloaders, if I am any indication, unless this title isn't in the public domain. Gutenberg doesn't list it so I guess it isn't in the public domain. I put it on my wishlist; thank you Fifth, as at least I have an alert to it.

[Scheherazade]

Nominations so far:

1. Under the Greenwood Tree by Hardy

2. Victoria by Knut Hamsun

3. Love For Lydia by H.E. Bates

4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte


The voting will start on January 21st.

[bouquin]

Breakfast at Tiffany's -- Truman Capote

thanks.

[Janine]

Didn't we discuss "Breakfast at Tiffany's" before? I may be dead wrong; I know one year we discussed Capote's novella "The Grass Harp". At anyrate, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" would be a good book to fit the category.

[Scheherazade]

Breakfast at Tiffany's -- Truman Capote

thanks.Hey Bouquin,

You are my new BF on the Forum; you always nominate the books I have been wanting to read! Thanks! :D


Didn't we discuss "Breakfast at Tiffany's" before? I may be dead wrong; I know one year we discussed Capote's novella "The Grass Harp". At anyrate, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" would be a good book to fit the category.We read Glass Harp but not Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Nominations so far:

1. Under the Greenwood Tree by Hardy

2. Victoria by Knut Hamsun

3. Love For Lydia by H.E. Bates

4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

5. Breakfast At Tiffany's by Truman Capote


The voting will start on January 21st.

[Janine]

Hey Bouquin,

You are my new BF on the Forum; you always nominate the books I have been wanting to read! Thanks! :D Oh my, another budding romance on Litnet....I won't tell anyone.


We read Glass Harp but not Breakfast at Tiffany's. Oh good. I just happened to see the film version; however, I know that's quite a bit different than the novella. I think I may have read the book a few years ago; that is why I got it mixed up with the other Capote book....sorry 'bout that.

[Scheherazade]

Oh my, another budding romance on Litnet....I won't tell anyone. Huh? My new "best friend"?

[grace86]

lol Scher...."bf" usually means boyfriend and "bff" literally means best friends forever...so...I'd be on the safe side next time and just put "bff" even if the "forever" part isn't acknowledged. ;)

I think Janine likes to play match maker too....:wave: Hi Janine!

[Scheherazade]

lol Scher...."bf" usually means boyfriend and "bff" literally means best friends forever...so...I'd be on the safe side next time and just put "bff" even if the "forever" part isn't acknowledged. ;)Some more newfangled lingo to keep in mind!

:D

Here we go again:

Hey Bouquin,

You are my new BFF on the Forum; you always nominate the books I have been wanting to read! Thanks! :D

[grace86]

Ah haha Scher I love it! Glad I could help with the clarification!

[Janine]

:wave: Hi grace! Glad you set Scher straight on that one. I was worried for a minute...

[Scheherazade]

You can now vote for the books you would like to read for Valentine's Day 2010.

Some information on the books:

Under the Greenwood Tree

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Greenwood-Tree-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140435530/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264206151&sr=8-3:
The arrival of two newcomers in the quiet village of Mellstock arouses a bitter feud and leaves a convoluted love affair in its wake. While the Reverend Maybold creates a furore among the village’s musicians with his decision to abolish the church’s traditional ‘string choir’ and replace it with a modern mechanical organ, the new schoolteacher, Fancy Day, causes an upheaval of a more romantic nature, winning the hearts of three very different men – a local farmer, a church musician and Maybold himself. Under the Greenwood Tree follows the ensuing maze of intrigue and passion with gentle humour and sympathy, deftly evoking the richness of village life, yet tinged with melancholy for a rural world that Hardy saw fast disappearing.

Victory

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victoria-Condor-Books-Knut-Hamsun/dp/0285647598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264206353&sr=1-1
Nobel literature prize winner Hamsun s plot has more twists than a ball of string... a charming and attentive novel. Oliver Stallybrass s new translation will hopefully heap Hamsun a new generation of readers. --'Big Issue'

Love for Lydia http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Lydia-H-E-Bates/dp/0413776530/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264206499&sr=1-1
Lydia Aspen, a seemingly shy girl from a wealthy but isolated background, is encouraged by her aunts, her new carers, to discover the delights of growing up. They entrust her education to Mr Richardson, the young apprentice for Evenford's local newspaper, who is sent to their house to 'get a story' about the recent death of Lydia's father. Richardson's access to the Aspens is unusual, as they are rarely seen by anyone from the town and hide behind their stone walls and perimeter of trees; introducing Lydia to the town's inhabitants gives Richardson a great sense of pride. Visiting the Aspen estate also allows Richardson the chance to escape from the great engulfing vacuum of Evensford, with it's endless stretch of factory roofs and back alleys. As Lydia and Richardson spend more time together, he realises that his initial concept of Lydia was wrong, that she is far from being shy and is often impetuous and demanding, and enjoys captivating the young men who become her companions. Richardson soon discovers that his promise to love her, no matter what she does to him, is going to push him beyond the pain and feelings he thinks he is capable of experiencing.

Jane Eyre

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jane-Penguin-Classics-Charlotte-Bront%C3%AB/dp/0141441143/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264206578&sr=1-3

Breakfast at Tiffany's

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakfast-Tiffanys-Flowers-Penguin-Classics/dp/0141182792/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264206712&sr=1-1
Holly Golightly, glittering socialite traveller, generally upwards, sometimes sideways and once in a while down. She's up all night drinking cocktails and breaking hearts. She's a shoplifter, a delight, a drifter, a tease. She hasn't got a past.She doesn't want to belong to anything or anyone. Not to 'Rusty' Trawler, the blue-chinned, cuff-shooting millionaire man about women about town. Not to Salvatore 'Sally' Tomato, the Mafia sugar-daddy doing life in Sing Sing. Not to a starving writer. Not even to her one-eyed rag-bag pirate of a cat. One day Holly might find somewhere she belongs. Until then she's travelling.

[Quark]

I nominate Thomas Hardy's book

Under the Greenwood Tree

It's not a long book.

Good idea, Janine. While I love some of the other nominations, I don't think I'm up for anything over two-hundred pages--particularly if it's as demanding as Jane Eyre. The Hardy novella is short and sweet which would make it a good idea for a non-month selection.

[Jazz_]

Thanks for the info Scheherazade :)

I've only read the last 2, so voted for "Love For Lydia" (though wouldn't mind reading Hardy's either)...

[Janine]

Good idea, Janine. While I love some of the other nominations, I don't think I'm up for anything over two-hundred pages--particularly if it's as demanding as Jane Eyre. The Hardy novella is short and sweet which would make it a good idea for a non-month selection.

"Jane Eyre" I believe I have already read twice and I don't have the desire to re-read it again, even though I loved the book. I did like the one I voted for but so far only you and I voted for it, Quark. I had recalled you suggested it to me earlier and I thought it would fit Valentine's Day....although, now that I think of it, a Valentine's card plays heavily into the plot of "Far From the Madding Crowd", one of Hardy's most noted novels. I think that one was nominated for another month. I see more people have voted and not for our choice...oh well, still lots of time to vote I suppose.

[Quark]

now that I think of it, a Valentine's card plays heavily into the plot of "Far From the Madding Crowd", one of Hardy's most noted novels.

A good book, and a particular good romance novel. It probably has the biggest heart of any Hardy work, but it's a bit long for a book club discussion. Under the Greenwood Tree is much more manageable, and it's charming in its own way. I'd come back to discuss it.

[Janine]

A good book, and a particular good romance novel. It probably has the biggest heart of any Hardy work, but it's a bit long for a book club discussion. Under the Greenwood Tree is much more manageable, and it's charming in its own way. I'd come back to discuss it.

Well, even if it doesn't win we should independently discuss it sometime, Quark; especially, since you had mentioned it recently to me. It is a good little story and very charming indeed. I really love the film version by the BBC, too. It makes me want to re-read the book now.

[Quark]

Well, even if it doesn't win we should independently discuss it sometime

Well, no promises on that, but it does sound like a good idea.


I really love the film version by the BBC, too.

Is there a link to that by any chance? Perhaps YouTube has it.

[Janine]

Well, no promises on that, but it does sound like a good idea.



Is there a link to that by any chance? Perhaps YouTube has it.

I will go and check; I think I did see parts of it on there. It's available on DVD now. I saw it on Amazon. I just found a great site - all copyright free 'public domain' readings of many books and poems. I just downloaded "Under the Greenwood Tree". I am in seventh heaven. I am now downloading several of Lawrence's poems. I may download "Sons and Lovers", as well...listened to a little and it's pretty good. Another one I found was "One of Ours"...maybe I will listen to the reading as I read along with the text.

Edit: I am back! Yes, it seems most of it is on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPNi3o6oqlI
At least, you can get a taste of what the movie is all about and see if you might want to see the whole production. I really love it and watch it often. Of course, the actor playing Dick Dewey is quite cute, but Fancy Day, played by Keely Hawkes, is lovely to look at from the male perspective.

[Jazz_]

now that I think of it, a Valentine's card plays heavily into the plot of "Far From the Madding Crowd", one of Hardy's most noted novels.

If it had been nominated I would have been tempted to vote it - I read it a few years ago and really liked it :D

After finishing it, I borrowed the movie, and the line "Don't be a doodle Fanny" (which wasn't in the novel) got me laughing ;)

[papayahed]

Wow. A four way tie.



hmmmmm, I wonder who hasn't voted yet??? hahahahaha

[Debbborra]

I would love to vote, but cannot.

[Scheherazade]

I would love to vote, but cannot.You can as soon as you collect 50 posts :)

Welcome to the Forum.

[Debbborra]

Awesome. Thanks

[TheFifthElement]

A bit of a sales-pitch for Victoria!


When it first appeared in 1898, this fourth novel by celebrated Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun captured instant acclaim for its poetic, psychologically intense portrayal of loveas predicament in a class-bound society. Set in a coastal village of late nineteenth- century Norway, "Victoria" follows two doomed lovers through their thwarted lifelong romance. Johannes, the son of a miller, finds inspiration for his writing in his passionate devotion to Victoria, an impoverished aristocrat constrained by family loyalty. Separated by class barriers and social pressure, the fated pair parts ways, only to realize too late the grave misfortune of their lost opportunity. Elegantly rendered in this brand-new translation by Sverre Lyngstad, "Victoria"as haunting lyricism and emotional depth remain as timeless as ever.

[bouquin]

lol Scher...."bf" usually means boyfriend and "bff" literally means best friends forever...so...I'd be on the safe side next time and just put "bff" even if the "forever" part isn't acknowledged. ;)

I think Janine likes to play match maker too....:wave: Hi Janine!




I can't possibly be anyone's boyfriend, anyway ... because I'm female! :p

[Janine]

Wow, a three way tie now....interesting....

[Janine]

Still time to vote; where is everybody???

[Jazz_]

What happens if it's a tie? We read all of them? I'm up for that... ;)

[caspian]

I will go and check; I think I did see parts of it on there. It's available on DVD now. I saw it on Amazon. I just found a great site - all copyright free 'public domain' readings of many books and poems. I just downloaded "Under the Greenwood Tree". I am in seventh heaven. I am now downloading several of Lawrence's poems. I may download "Sons and Lovers", as well...listened to a little and it's pretty good. Another one I found was "One of Ours"...maybe I will listen to the reading as I read along with the text.

Edit: I am back! Yes, it seems most of it is on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPNi3o6oqlI
At least, you can get a taste of what the movie is all about and see if you might want to see the whole production. I really love it and watch it often. Of course, the actor playing Dick Dewey is quite cute, but Fancy Day, played by Keely Hawkes, is lovely to look at from the male perspective.


I checked out the DVD (UGT) from the library last year and loved it, was looking forward to read the book since then. Hope, my vote will help.;)

By mentioning Lawrence, Janine, I'm going to bother you with my questions about "Rainbow" soon.... of course if you wouldn't mind. Virgil and you were very helpful with "WIL" :)

[Janine]

I checked out the DVD (UGT) from the library last year and loved it, was looking forward to read the book since then. Hope, my vote will help.;)

By mentioning Lawrence, Janine, I'm going to bother you with my questions about "Rainbow" soon.... of course if you wouldn't mind. Virgil and you were very helpful with "WIL" :)

Yeah, we got another vote! Thanks for choicing UTGT. It is a very charming story and both the film and book are fun to read. I like the bits of humor with the choir, really the local band. They are up to some shenigans and I recall when reading the book, actually laughing outloud. It's not a long involved read either which would be great for the Valentine read since we only have a short time. I need to find my book, dust it off and get reading again. I have been in a reading lull lately. Glad you got to see the movie version, caspian. I saw it on TV first and it didn't appreciate it as much as when I saw it again on DVD. I think I was just paying closer attention the second time around and I understood all of the characters better and the humor as well. The more I have watched the movie, the more I have liked it. It's truly a gem.

Virgil probably recalls "The Rainbow" better than I do. I read it such a long time ago it's a bit vague to me. Virgil understands more of the symbolism in the book, also. We had planned on reading it here and discussing it sometime. I hope when we finally do get around to that discussion, you can join in. I bought a new volume of the book not long ago, started reading it, and somehow picked up something else in-between and need to go back to it soon; I probably will have to start all over again because now I don't really recall what I read. It's a great book though. I recall my first reading and how impressed I was after completing it.

[Jazz_]

Under the Greenwood Tree has taken the lead... there's still a week left of voting though, so I suppose anything could happen ;)

I've only read 2 of Hardy's works, but loved them both - so I'd be happy if this won (despite voting differently) :D

[Scheherazade]

I have read too many of Hardy's works to know for sure that I don't like him.

:rolleyes:

[Janine]

I have read too many of Hardy's works to know for sure that I don't like him.

:rolleyes:

If it is any consolation, this one is a bit lighter and different than Hardy's usual tragedies.

[Quark]

Yes! We're winning. My thanks to dfloyd, caspian, and Gladys. Mystery gifts for all of you!



http://www.presentideas.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/mystery-box-300x300.jpg
Who knows what's inside? But if our book wins I'll make it good.

[Janine]

And what about me, Quark? Don't I get a reward, too!?

[Quark]

And what about me, Quark? Don't I get a reward, too!?

Oh we're such good friends we don't need gifts. Besides, you suggested the book. I just voted for it. If anything, you should be sending me a reward. So where's my box of goodies?


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tLE0Uqvk9Lc/R1YhEfekm1I/AAAAAAAABpA/DRUws0GFX1c/s1600/CalvinContractBoy3.JPG
Hobbes hits the nail on the head as usual

[Janine]

Oh we're such good friends we don't need gifts. Besides, you suggested the book. I just voted for it. If anything, you should be sending me a reward. So where's my box of goodies?


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tLE0Uqvk9Lc/R1YhEfekm1I/AAAAAAAABpA/DRUws0GFX1c/s1600/CalvinContractBoy3.JPG
Hobbes hits the nail on the head as usual

:lol: Oh yeah, is that so? I think I deserve a present just for nominating the book!

[Scheherazade]

Oh, come on, folks! Let's read something other than depressing, I-wallow-in-my-own-self-pity Hardy, please! :D

[Janine]

Oh, come on, folks! Let's read something other than depressing, I-wallow-in-my-own-self-pity Hardy, please! :D

This Hardy story is far from depressing. It's quite unlike his others. It has a lot of wit and fun in it and romance. I think, if you give it a chance, Scher, you will like this one.

[Scheherazade]

I think, if you give it a chance, Scher, you will like this one.I think that's what I am worried about, Janine!

:D

[caspian]

This Hardy story is far from depressing. It's quite unlike his others. It has a lot of wit and fun in it and romance.

and has Christmas atmosphere in it too.

Sher, Janine is right, I saw the movie, it wasn't depressing at all.
I don't like much heavy writings, but I like Hardy.

Quark, thank you for 'surprise gift' :)

[Janine]

hahaha...I am yet to get my gift....wa wa....

[Quark]

it wasn't depressing at all.

Rousing praise from caspian.

You're right, though. The tone of the book is much lighter than other Hardy novels. It's a comedy, after all.


hahaha...I am yet to get my gift....wa wa....

Oh, fine. Mystery gift for you too:



http://www.presentideas.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/mystery-box-300x300.jpg
It's a mystery, but it's also probably going to be a baby gift. So it's not really a mystery--more like a baby gift with a vaguely mysterious air about it.

[Janine]

About time, Mr Quark, about time.....thanks!

[JuniperWoolf]

What happens if there's a tie?

[Scheherazade]

What happens if there's a tie?Then, Powers That Be flip a coin to pick one of the books that tie.

;)

[Janine]

Then, Powers That Be flip a coin to pick one of the books that tie.

;)

Not that I don't trust the "Powers of Be" but can we see a video of that?

[Scheherazade]

Going once...

[Scheherazade]

Going twice...