What are you reading? Options

[0Open Mind0]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/155...5205963-8571858

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[Milla]

To Eva:

Thank you very much for posting a segment of your paper about Felicia's Journey. I have been meaning to respong much earlier, but was very busy and had little time for our board. But Hilditch is still on my mind .

I find both the book and the film fascinating and brilliant, though they deal with the subject matter in a different way and the film departs from the book in some important aspects. E.g., in the book it is very clearly spelled out why Hilditch became a serial killer (his mother was a sexually abusive psycho and a pervert), why he befriends young homeless girls, what he feels when he takes them to cheap restaurants (he gets excited when he sees the bewildered looks of passers-by who first assume that they are father and daughter, and then begin to suspect that they are some kind of a couple) and why he kills them (he thinks that they have guessed his shameful past).

In the film, the mother is a famous TV chef -- this is an addition of Egoyan, in the book the mother is rich enough to not have to work. Although domineering, the mother in the film seems normal and the abuse of Hilditch is not so sinister. I find Egoyan's interpretation intriguing and he makes with it an important point. Evil doesn't always have an external, palpable cause (e.g. a monster mother). In fact, it doesn't have to have such a cause to exist. Our inner demons and complexes are sufficient to breed the most terrible evil.

Another change in the plot is when Felicia escapes. In the film, Hilditch lets her go because she doesn't judge him and doesn't despise him. She knows very well that he wants to kill her and is terrified of him, and yet she doesn't hate him. In the beginning of the film, she gets into trouble because of her innocence and artlessness, but in the end these same qualities are her saving grace. It is a nice take, in harmony with one of the main themes of the film and the book, in Felicia's words: "Even in the man who killed there was a soul like in everybody else".

In the book, Felicia escapes by chance. It's evening and Hilditch is waiting for her in his little car. He has ordered her to come and is sure that she will obey. She is paralyzed like a bird in front of a snake and is only hoping that it won't take long and hurt very much. Then, by chance, she flips the light switch of the entrance hall and opens the door. Hilditch is blinded by the light and closes his eyes because he can't stand it. She walks by him and he doesn't see that she escapes. When he comes to his senses, he assumes that she is already dead and buried, it takes him a few days to remember that she just walked away. His weird inner world is upside down, he is no longer in control of his shameful past because Felicia knows and is still alive. When the fanatical Christians preach to him, it's the last drop and he kills himself.

I think the biggest achievement of the book is entering Hildtich's mind and seeing the world through his eyes. The chapters about the homeless and the fanatical Christians were also genius. The emphasis of the film is on the humanity of evil.

[0ramakesava0]

I've just read Kingsley Amis' The Alteration, Raymond E Feist's Daughter of the Empire, a book on the history of Christian worship, and a book called Windows to the East: Eastern Christians in a Dialogue of Charity. Just now I am tackling Dom Gregory Dix's monumental tome The Shape of the Liturgy.

Milla, have you tried Miss Smilla in the original Danish? I like it.

And for fun here are my five all-time favourites:
Out on a Limb, by Shirley Maclaine
Fire Under the Snow, by Palden Gyatso
Betrayal of the Spirit, by Nori J. Muster
A Child Called It, by David Pelzer
The Seven Storey Mountain, by Thomas Merton

Ironically I only now own the last.

[0talasiga0]

What are you reading these days? This can include books in progress or just finished, books on your  "to read next" list, or feel free to mention favorite books of all time.
..........

I have a collection of books in my little library, some of which I haven't completed reading despite twenty or more year's ownership.

Currently littering my bedside table (and I nibble at them whenever I lie down alone) are (in alphabetical order):

* A History of India - Hermann Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund. ISBN 0-415-04799-4 (Routledge)

* Astrological Aspects, a process oriented approach - Dane Rudhyar and Leyla Rael. ISBN 0-943358-00-0 (Aurora Press)

* Beyond the Information Given, studies in the psychology of knowing - Jerome S Bruner. ISBN 0-393-01095-3 (W W Norton and Co Inc)

* Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill - Udo Erasmus. ISBN 0-920470-38-6 (Alive Books)

* The Cult of the Virgin, offerings, ornaments and festivals - Marie-France Boyer. ISBN 0-500-01988-6 (Thames & Hudson)

[Sonja]

I'm currently reading 'And they lived happily ever after'. It's a dutch book though, I have my doubts whether it's translated into english. It's a historic sociologic studie of family life in fairytales.
The tales say something about life in earlier times. They seem mysterieus inly because the difference between our culture now and de culture and the time of the tales. When you understand the social dynamics of the time you can understand why they told that kind of stories. Then it is clear that the tales are about experiences, fears and wishes of everyday life.It's about problems that didn't have any solutions. Poverty, injustice and maltreatment. Problems that could be solved in tales with the assistance of magic and miracles that brought about the desired solution.
Many western european fairytales go about problems in familyrelationships, obstacles to marriage, powerconflicts between men and women, abondened children during famines. These tales then told stories of overcoming these obstacles and make heroes of little abondened children, goodness got rewarded etc etc.
I find this book incredible interesting.

[Milla]

Milla, have you tried Miss Smilla in the original Danish? I like it. smile.gif

Oh, I wouldn't manage to get much out of it in Danish . I have never studied it. I studied Swedish for a while, both in Sweden and later in Belgium at the uni, but realized that three Germanic languages were more than I could handle, and for the sake of my Dutch I consciously tried to forget Swedish as much as possible. The English translation was good. Truly remarkable book, one more reminder to read more often non Anglo-Saxon fiction.

I am reading now Sex And Social Justice by Martha Nussbaum which Dhyana mentioned in another thread.

[0ramakesava0]

Milla, having studied both Danish and Swedish I think you might not find Danish too hard...

I know what you mean about knowing three Germanic languages too difficult, though. I learned German at school, Afrikaans at home, and Danish at University. Now I have difficulty speaking any of the three!

[angrezi]

Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground 1981-1991 by Michael Azerrad, (2001, Back Bay Books)

My adolescence hit the last half of the '80's so I was fortunate/unfortunate to see the end of some of these mind-blowing genre-breaking bands of the day discussed- Black Flag, The Minutemen, Minor Threat, etc.

I particularly liked the story of the Butthole Surfers' addition of the famous dancer Tah-Dah the Shit Lady into their live shows. Every show since has surely been let down.

[evakurvan]

One of the best books of my adolescence is by the same author: "Confusion is Next: The Sonic Youth Story," which taught me about art more than about Sonic Youth!

Edit: Oops I got confused Alec Foege is the author of the book I just cited not Azerrad! I got confused because the subject matter of both books is similar and I also read a book by Azerrad, "Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana." I never remember authors / titles. I can't say i would call the "Come As You Are" book one of my best books. Amazon says that people who bought your Azerrad book also bought my Foege book.

[evakurvan]

I saw one of the bands that your book dedicates a chapter to, Beat Happening, relatively recently, live, in one of their latest incarnations 'Dub Narcotic.' I had to get a ride out of province to see them since I do not know how to drive. When I finally got there I was almost barred entry because I did not have identification. I told the man it was absurd to ask for identification it would not even cross my mind to bring any because I am obviously not less than 18 years old. He then said, "What kind of girl does not carry a purse?"

Someone then told me that it is true, people are legally obligated to carry ID around in case the police ask them for it. I have never heard of anything like this before. All this for a show that barely 15 people showed up to see and that cost about 5 dollars. I was finally allowed in by letting this man mark my hand with a big black letter 'X" with a big black marker. This X was supposed to indicate to the bartender that I am not allowed to drink alcohol because I am underage, even though I kept insisting to the man that I need no X I am not here to drink.

The lead singer who is probably 40 years old, kept repeating to the audience, this is not a concert, this is a HAPPENING. This was a tiny bar in a dead town with some scattered locals who had no idea who they were there to watch. The singer did not really use the stage, preferring instead to engage in solo-dances with each audience member individually, whether they wanted to or not.

Even the dire ID-checker was having a good time as the evening progressed. To show his appreciation a local left some beer by the stage, but to his bewilderment the singer insisted on only a soft drink. Even though this concert was for their latest CD, I do not think they played one song off that CD or worried themselves too much with the business of song playing when there was so much other randomness to be had. This is what music should be about!

[0Aran0]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/155...5205963-8571858

Dear Open Mind,
I have read this.
Also "THE GOLDEN LETTERS".
There is an interesting article at VAJRANATHA.COM on Wicca, Paganism and Tantra.

[angrezi]

I just started reading some speculative high-browed book about the ancient naga-worshipping pagans of India and their connection to pre-Cambrian fossils found in Tamil Nadu. The only interesting part is the lingustic comparison and manner (s)isms.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...=glance&s=books

[0planetpriya0]

I just started reading some speculative high-browed book about  the ancient naga-worshipping pagans of India and their connection to pre-Cambrian fossils found in Tamil Nadu. The only interesting part is the lingustic comparison and manner (s)isms.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...=glance&s=books

Hey Dude, maybe you should read more universally interesting literature like the Da Vinci Code or Harry Potter. Hope you're very well today, I had a big breakfast and am feeling slightly sluggish, I have learned that feet are not really acceptable on a site that features images divinity so SORRY I will have to remove them, as soon as I figure out how... I can e-mail you more personally if you want though
Take it easy

[Dhyana]

Hope you're very well today, I had a big breakfast and am feeling slightly sluggish, I have learned that feet are not really acceptable on a site that features images divinity so SORRY I will have to remove them, as soon as I figure out how...

Are you talking about THIS site, Planetpriya, or about some other one? If someone told you your avatar is not acceptable here, that would be news to me. We once had an avatar depicting a toilet paper roll (with the paper gently waving in the wind), and I am not aware of any complaints!

[0ramakesava0]

Are you talking about THIS site, Planetpriya, or about some other one? If someone told you your avatar is not acceptable here, that would be news to me. We once had an avatar depicting a toilet paper roll (with the paper gently waving in the wind), and I am not aware of any complaints!

Yes; that confused me too...

[Milla]

Has anyone read Joyce's Ulysses? Is it really the greatest English novel of all time? I tried two times to read it, but couldn't get past the first few pages. Maybe I have read too many thrillers lately....

[angrezi]

Hey Dude, maybe you should read more universally interesting literature like the Da Vinci Code or Harry Potter. Hope you're very well today, I had a big breakfast and am feeling slightly sluggish, I have learned that feet are not really acceptable on a site that features images divinity so SORRY I will have to remove them, as soon as I figure out how...  I can e-mail you more personally if you want though
Take it easy
      

I mostly read only what I am told to. And if a book is a best seller it usually doesn't do it for me anyway unless it's got lots of pictures.

I didn't eat breakfast, but rather a late brunch of leftover beans. I don't know who told you your feet avatar weren't acceptable. Feet are often underappreciated by those of us that have them, in my opinion. I don't really check my e-mail much but you are of course welcome to pm me here when need be

[0planetpriya0]

Hey Dude, maybe you should read more universally interesting literature like the Da Vinci Code or Harry Potter. Hope you're very well today, I had a big breakfast and am feeling slightly sluggish, I have learned that feet are not really acceptable on a site that features images divinity so SORRY I will have to remove them, as soon as I figure out how...  I can e-mail you more personally if you want though
Take it easy
      

I mostly read only what I am told to. And if a book is a best seller it usually doesn't do it for me anyway unless it's got lots of pictures.

I didn't eat breakfast, but rather a late brunch of leftover beans. I don't know who told you your feet avatar weren't acceptable. Feet are often underappreciated by those of us that have them, in my opinion. I don't really check my e-mail much but you are of course welcome to pm me here when need be

I think I will keep the feet for a while, I mean no disrespect but more sign of love and acceptance to all the body parts God has so gracefully granted to us all in this world.They represent (symbolically)to me roots, beginnings and the red shoes are reminisient of Dorothys red slippers and our search for home. If anyone disagrees they can tell me ! I may find something better though. I like the hand Ang, very "accepting and welcoming" which I said you weren't so I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT !!! I judged wrongly perhaps and too soon, exclusive types gatherings of people can threaten one as threatneablely minded... I had brown rice and very nice frozen veggy mix for breakfast, not traditional breakfasting but tasty and healthy and I eat just enough. so I feel ok. I have never read those books either but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is mainstream and really good, and great if you spend large parts of the day thinking about cocolate...Like me ...I can't get any where I am, mainly just ice, where for our Birthdays the sprinkle sugar on and serve on sticks... Sorry you had to give up moderating... You should maybe try it now that everyone knows you better..?

[0planetpriya0]

I am currently reading the manual for my new phone. I haven't spoken to my family in a while. They probably don't care but I would like to tell my Mum I got the parcel and thanks, the clothes are a bit big now but lovely and thanks a billion ... but first I have to read this manual, the pictures are very lifelike but the plot is very predictable. Has anyone recently read anything that ACTUALLY changed their lives.... I' mm holding very little hope for this one

[evakurvan]

hi i consider your foot avatar and all the foot chat it is provoking a magical sign as i have been avoiding looking into my feet. But now the very thing i am avoiding by being here is meeting me face to face.

Forget Ulysses i cant even enjoy Portrait of the Artist despite modernist literature being my focus-literature and enjoying all the other writers of that movement as my top writers of all time. Joyce just gives no joy, unlike his co-revolutionists: Pound, Eliot, Stevens, Yeats. I think part of the upheaval over Joyce is that he was brazen for the time. He once said something like (paraphrase) : Let Yeats write about twilight and dreams, let me write about feces and urine streams!! I think if someone came out writing like Joyce's Ulysses now it would not be such a splash. Plus you don't want to get too lost in that kind of of writing exclusively lest you start writing funny too! There are guides to reading Ulysses if you want to undertake the task like the one by Blamires.

The difficulty of reading Ulysses is part of why it is so lauded. You are expected to be not just a reader but an active constructor of meaning making sense out the nonlinear fragments before you to the tune of your own subjectivity (as it intersects with Joyce's). Some critics describe this as a seduction of withholding and releasing delight by playing hide-and-go seek with the meaning of the text in a playful textual intercourse with Joyce! Even though some of these pieces are practically impenetrable because they are personal references to Joyce’s life that no reader can posssibly know about, outside of Joyce’s inner circle of friends. This is much of what Joyce’s friend Pound did too in the Cantos. Come to think of it is kind of depressing that all of these famous writers all know eachother as though you would have needed to be part of their community to have your voice heard/understood.

This post has been edited by evakurvan: Aug 21 2005, 02:16 AM