I shall continue thankful.

I haven't been able to post recently for one simple reason, I haven't been reading from the list. For the past several weeks, I've been rather pre-occupied with WordFest and my commitment to reading #61 has been spectacularly dismal.

It has continued however, and I am currently about a hundred pages into Lord of the Rings.  But really, that's pathetic progress considering I finished One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest  over a month ago.  And I'll admit that of those 100 pages, I read about 96 of them last night.  So basically, I took a month off from reading the list, but resumed my journey yesterday.  Hopefully I can continue on a good pace for the next couple of months, and get into the 70's before 2013.

But just because I haven't been reading from the list doesn't mean I haven't been reading. As part of my association with WordFest, I try and read as many books that will be appearing at the festival as possible.  This year included among others, Seen Reading by Julie Wilson, Cures for Hunger by Deni Bechard, and One Good Hustle by Billie Livingston.

Like reading from this list, my involvement with WordFest introduces me to a ton of new books and authors I might not otherwise be aware of.  Hearing authors read from and discuss their books is always very intriguing, as is actually meeting them.  As happened last year, my 'to read' list grew substantially longer.  But, I vow they'll stay on the "to read" list for quite some time, as for the foreseeable future I will be obediently reading #61 and beyond.

WordFest presents Richard Ford

My association with WordFest in Calgary has granted me many great opportunities to hear different authors and artists talk about their craft and their work.  Today I'm happy to report it has had another connection with the list, as last night I attended a reading with Richard Ford, author of my 37th read, The Sportswriter, at the John Dutton Theatre.  Ford joining local author Aritha Van Herk to read from and discuss his latest novel, Canada.

And what an interview it was, I was truly impressed.  Richard Ford was a pleasure to listen to, both as he was reading and as he was answering questions.  With candour and wit, he not only gave thoughtful answers to every question, but also backed them up with stories from his personal and professional experiences.  There weren't any one word or rehearsed answers that so many authors seem to give at similar events.

The reason he wore purple socks was because "his pink ones were dirty."  They didn't title the book Saskatchewan (where it mostly takes place) because "it's easy to draw, but hard to pronounce." And the last book he re-read was The Moviegoer by Walker Percy.

It did take a few minutes to sink in for me once he started talking that he is indeed from Jackson, Mississippi.  Even though I knew he was from Jackson, his Southern accent threw me for a loop.  Eventually it dawned on me; I was under the impression he was from New Jersey by way of Michigan, just as Frank Bascombe, protagonist in The Sportswriter, was.  Of course he isn't Frank Bascombe and nor do they share a heritage.

Richard Ford and 'What's his Face'

I regret that I hadn't read Canada before the event, as if having done so would give me extra insight into the discussion.  But on the flip side, I now have something to really look forward to reading.  So taken was I with the author as a person, and intrigued by what I've heard of the book, I did something I so rarely do; I bought a copy.  I don't remember the last time I bought a hardcover book.  Really, I don't.  But this signed copy will look quite nice on my shelf, as it waits to be read.


But as keen as I am to read Canada, I will not be picking it up for quite some time.  After all, I still have 1300 pages of Lord of the Rings, as well as 38 other books to read.  Not to mention a few WordFest titles to look after too.



    

#60 - 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey

For the second time since I've been reading through this list, I've read a book that I was very familiar with because I had seen the movie several times, but never read the book.  As was the case with Deliverance, two things struck me after reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. First off, the book is almost always better, second, I wish I had read the book before I saw the movie.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is narrated by Chief Bromden, the deaf and dumb, well at least everybody thinks he's deaf and dumb, Indian living in an Oregon Psychiatric Hospital.  The lives of the patients at the hospital follow a fairly mundane routine, that is until the day Randle Patrick McMurphy arrives.  McMurphy, a larger than life character, bucks the trends in the hospital, questions every practice, and isn't afraid to stand up to the powers that be.  Having been transferred from a nearby prison, McMurphy has engineered his move, with the thought that six months in the psych ward would be more pleasant than prison.

Of course he didn't count on being transferred to the ward managed by Nurse Ratched, one of literature's more evil characters.  With the rest of the patients serving as mere pawns in their game, Mr. McMurphy and Nurse Ratched do battle for power within the ward, each trying to show the other who's boss.  But for perhaps the first time in his life, the deck is stacked against him, and almost immediately, we know this will be a battle Mr. McMurphy can't win.

The book works well on so many levels, and made for an interesting and enjoyable read, despite me knowing how it would end.  Chief Bromden provides insight into the goings on at the hospital through his narration, and allows the reader to join him for a front seat to the pending war between nurse and patient. 

While McMurphy is by no means a good person, I found myself cheering for him for a couple of reasons. First off, he isn't nearly as evil as Nurse Ratched, which would make him the good guy in this little battle. Secondly, he finds himself in such a hopeless situation, it is nearly impossible to not only feel for McMurphy, but also the other patients in the hospital.

Author Ken Kesey had a lot of experience with 1950's psychology techniques, having served as a human guinea pig for several years, as well as working in different mental institutions.  He denounces most of their practices, and creates McMurphy into a very sympathetic character, who is caught in the machinery of 'medicine.'  And while Nurse Ratched is pure evil, the entire institution also serves as a worthy antagonist, as we see how the patients are trapped by their surroundings, and are not really offered any help or any cure for their conditions.

Even with such great and iconic characters, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest's greatest attribute is the entertaining give and take between McMurphy and Ratched.  Despite McMurphy's inevitable downfall being so apparent, we're given almost continuous hope with every small victory he has against the nurse.  His ability to stand up to Nurse Ratched, and his ability to have the rules of the ward changed in the patient's favor, create a feeling that maybe, just maybe, things will work out.  Of course this only makes McMurphy's fate that much more difficult to swallow, and reminds us that the house always wins.

While I finished this book over a week ago, I have yet to begin number 61.  Instead, I've been pre-occupied with reading books that will be featured at WordFest.  Currently that would be Cures for Hunger by Deni Bechard, an autobiography of growing up with am ex-bank robber father.  But my reading the list will not be put on hold until after WordFest and I will pick my next book this week.

I'll prove a busy actor in their play.

It's been a busy few weeks for me, which is the main reason I haven't posted anything.  Most of the busy, neh, all of the busy is because I am again blogging for WordFest this October.  Well actually, I suppose I will be blogging leading up to the event as well.  But long story short, I've had to divert a lot of my attention to my duties with WordFest.

    

To begin, I've now been presented with a lengthy list of books to read.  Of course with over 70 authors coming, I'm unable to read even a quarter of them, but I would like to get a few of them in, as it always adds to an event when I've read the book being presented.  What this means is that I'll have less time to devote to my list reading.  In addition, I need to prepare and write a series of blog leading up to the event.  This includes author interviews, a look behind the scenes, and perhaps a couple of reviews.


But WordFest still affords some time for The List.  Last year, Lev Grossman, author of this list I've been devoting so much time to, was in attendance at WordFest.  This year, I am happy to report there are two connections to The List.  First off is Richard Ford, author of my 37th read The Sportswriter, who will be talking about his latest book Canada.  Ford will actually be presenting at a pre-WordFest event later this month, and I would love to be able to read his book before then.  Everybody I've talked to who has read it, raves about it.  The second author, who will actually be this year's "Distinguished Author", is Martin Amis, presenting his newest novel, Lionel Asbo: State of England.  Amis was the author of my 55th read, Money.  I was able to read Lionel Asbo last week, a quick read, and enjoyable for the most part, but a book that falls well short of his list entry.


Concerning my list read, which is currently One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I am still reading and actually nearly finished.  It's a great book, but one that I've been forced to go a little slower than I'd like, to allow more time for some WordFest books.  Hopefully I can get a review up this weekend, and start on #61, which is yet to be determined.


You can follow my WordFest blog right here.    

Trust not my reading nor my observations,

Just as I readied myself to dip into my 49th book, The Sot-Weed Factor, I was presented with an opportunity to again work with WordFest, Calgary's literary festival.  On December 6th, I'll be hosting an evening with recent Governor General's Award-winner Patrick deWitt and his novel, The Sisters Brothers.  Patrick will be reading from his novel, followed by a discussion of the book and the Western genre with Chad Oakes, producer of AMC's newest show 'Hell on Wheels.'

Obviously this is great chance to be able to sit down with one of the hottest authors around, and talk about writing.  Of course it also means I have to read the book, which I started this weekend.  So far so good, but it has delayed my progress, yet again, on The List.  Every time I think I'm going to be catching up to my desired four-year pace, something seems to pop up.  But I'm not complaining, and of course this is a great reason for interrupting my project.

The event will take place in the John Dutton Theatre at the Calgary Central Library, on Tuesday, December 6th, at 19:00.  Tickets are $10, and available at the Epcor Centre Box Office, or on-line right here.  For more information, you can also visit WordFest's website; www.wordfest.com

You peers, continue this united league:

It's been quite some time since my last post, and for that I must apologize.  For the past two weeks I've been quite busy with WordFest, Calgary's literary festival.  My job with WordFest, was as festival blogger, writing about my experiences attending the events.  It was a great experience that I enjoyed very much.

The great part of being involved with WordFest was the exposure I received to others who, like me, love to read, love books, and love to discuss both.  Being the festival blogger allowed me great access, not only to every event I could squeeze in, but also to the authors.  During my week, I was able to hear so many authors read and discuss their latest work, as well as get an interesting take on writing and the publishing world.

Of interest to this blog, I was able to talk to Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians as well as Time magazine literary critic, and co-author of this list I've been reading for almost two years now.  At an event called, 'Writers and Their Collections', Lev mentioned his 'go to book' would be Brideshead Revisited, my second read, as well as one of my favorites.  It seems we both like it for the same reason; the vivid descriptions and character development Evelyn Waugh writes so well.

When I spoke to Lev following that event, mentioning I was reading the list, he said what he doesn't like about book lists, which I think is true of everybody, is that there will always be so many books left off, and so many that perhaps should have been.  But him and I were also in agreement about the positives of reading a book list; it exposes you to so many new things you might not have otherwise read.  This was the case for me with Brideshead Revisited.  He also left me with a parting note, saying I could have a 'free pass' on The Man Who Loved Children. Tempting, but I think I'll read it anyway.

I guess if I was to come up with a negative aspect of being involved with WordFest, it would be the incredible growth my 'to read' list has gone through in the past week.  There were several times where meeting an author made me interested in their books, where I might not have otherwise been.  One author I spent quite a bit of time with, was the Scottish writer Stuart MacBride.  His books could best be described as gritty crime novels, yet he's one of the funniest and most entertaining people I've ever met.  It really took me by surprise!  Now I'm interested in reading his books, to see if his humor does come out, even in the darkest of novels.  I'll also always have his heavy Scottish accent narrating for me.

But back to the reading of these 100 Novels, my progress came to a complete halt the past fortnight.  While I did manage to finish the non-fiction read, Stalingrad, I did not read page one of my 46th book, Go Tell it On the Mountain.  However, I'm happy to report I was reading it today, and have fully resumed reading the list.  It isn't a long read, so I hope to finish it quite quickly.

You must translate: 'tis fit we understand them.

One of the things that appeals to me about Time's list of 100 novels, is the fact that they are all English-language books.  I don't say this because I have something against other languages.  Nor do I think their books to be inferior or anything like that.  But I am always a little leery of translated books, because I'm not reading the author's words.

If translations and languages worked in a simple, linear form, then this wouldn't be a problem; 'A' in this language equals 'B' in this language.  Of course this isn't the case, and as a result, you could be getting two very different books.  Just as we all interpret a book differently, be it the themes, the characters' motives, anything, it would be impossible for a translator not to do the same thing.  Each translation will be different.

I recently finished reading Funeral for a Dog, German author Thomas Pletzinger's first novel.  I found it to be an enjoyable read, following a journalist, Daniel Mandelkern, and his quest to interview Dirk Svensson, a reclusive children's author.  The book has a couple of different story lines, following each man's past, the present and their interview, as well as the story of Lua, a three-legged dog, who's fate shouldn't be a surprise to the reader.

While I was enjoying the story (it starts out a little slow but the second half was quite engaging), and I was enjoying the characters, both of whom had interesting back stories, I always knew in the back of my mind it was a translation.  I know I should be more open, but I fear that I'm not getting what Pletzinger had intended.  When Daniel thinks of himself as Nick Carraway, interviewing Svensson's Jay Gatsby, I couldn't help wonder if Pletzinger originally referred to a notable German novel instead of a staple of American fiction.

I also wonder how much of the word play and language was 'lost in translation.'  I was recently talking to someone about this, when they mentioned there was a line in The Little Prince, which in French read, "tu n'est pas un champion, tu est un champignon."  While it is clever in French, the English translation of "you're not a champion, you're a mushroom" doesn't necessarily carry the same meaning.  It simply cannot be translated without either losing the pun or losing the meaning.

Of course this isn't paramount to the enjoyment or appreciation of the book, but it was something I was always thinking about, and perhaps always distracted by, to some small degree.  This doesn't mean I will shun non-English books because of this, and am sure I will be reading more foreign works in the future.  But it is why I will always prefer to read an English book over one written in a different language.

Yes, I have gained my experience.

When I started tackling this list over 16 months ago, my goal was to expand my reading horizons; to explore books that I wouldn't otherwise tackle. And for the most part, I would say it's been successful so far. I've been able to experience books I loved but had never even heard of, such as The Sheltering Sky and Lucky Jim, and I can now say that although I didn't enjoy them, I have indeed read To the Lighthouse and Infinite Jest. Without a doubt, I'd say I'm the richer for it. But as I near the halfway point (on schedule too I might add), the experience has done so much more than just introduce me to titles or authors I didn't previously know.

This summer I was fortunate enough to talk about these books on the Calgary Eyeopener on CBC radio. Not only was it a fun opportunity to discuss something I enjoy, with others, on the radio, but it was also very educational. Prior to being on the radio, my reading habits as far as this list was concerned were fairly straight forward. I picked a book, read it, wrote a blog, and moved on to the next one. The order or the speed weren't really paramount to anything. And since I was only blogging about them, I could simply spill my thoughts out onto the page and was done.

Being on the radio forced me to not only read quicker, doing a book a week, but also to pay more attention to what books I was reading. I had to make sure I was reading books from different kinds of authors and of differing styles, so as not to bore my listeners with the same thing each week. I also now had to answer other people's questions about these books; no longer was this a one-man show. This offered me a lot more insight into what I was reading, and offered me the chance to see this project from somebody else's perspective.

But most importantly, this reading project has allowed me to become more involved in the book community with people who share my passion for reading. I’ve met others who are reading and blogging their way through this same list (most notably Robert and Matt), and I’ve met people who are simply following my journey because they find it interesting, and hopefully a little educational.

I’ve also now become involved with WordFest, Calgary’s annual literary festival being held in October, as their Festival Blogger. This will give me the chance to work with other avid readers, and expose me to the world of publishing. I’ll be blogging about my experiences at WordFest, offering a behind-the-scenes look, and talking to authors from around the world. It should be a lot of fun, and I’m really looking forward to it!

It also means that I have a few more books to read. While I’ll still be continuing my journey through The List, I’ll also be exploring some of the books from WordFest. I’ve started with Funeral for a Dog, the first novel by German author Thomas Pletzinger. Also attending WordFest will be Lev Grossman, author of The Magician King and literary critic for Time magazine. He’s one of the guys who put this list I’ve been reading for the past year and a half together. I can’t wait to talk to him about it.

As for an update on said list, I have indeed started reading Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry, which will be my 44th book. Again, I don’t know anything about it.