Sue’s Comments (group member since Nov 11, 2015)

Sue’s comments from the "Against the Day", Thomas Pynchon - 2015 / 2016 group.

I really don’t use You Tube much, mostly to watch music clips from bands or artists I like. I know it has much more than that now but I haven’t really gotten into it. Guess I should learn more about it.

Is this still the free part of YouTube that your dealing with?

I really can’t remember the stories from The Dubliners which shows how long it’s been since I read it. I read Ulysses with a group here at GR a few years ago as well as Elliman’s biography.

I loved the use of light in Against the Day. When I wrote my review, I believe I took that as one if not the central theme and also metaphor of the book. Have you read Mason Dixon. That was my first Pynchon. So I have read 2 within the past 3 or 4 years. Not sure when I will tackle him again especially since I have so many other books to read. I might pick one of his shorter books !

I should look that up. I haven read Dubliners for years, probably since college.

And re: Against the Day, I didn’t use any outside sources. Didn’t really know about them to be honest. So I’m sure I missed a lot but I guess I got a “novice’s” read.

Enjoy Allen. I took over a year reading Against the Day but I did read slowly and with many other books along the way. Quite an amazing reading experience.

Connie wrote: "It's snowing outside today so it was the perfect time to start this thick book. I read The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by [auth..."

Totally agree re: Pynchon. I read [book:Mason and Dixon|413] last year which led me to read this book. The man's knowledge base and imagination are amazing.

Ishita wrote: "hey, I'd like to join in on this but I couldn't find a book online. Could anyone please send me a copy? I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks :)"

I found a new copy through Amazon for a good price, under $10 plus shipping but it's hardback and it is heavy. But it is in perfect condition. Are you able to use Amazon? Another place to check for both new and used books is bookfinder.com. They locate copies at all sorts of different websites so you can compare what's available.

Michael wrote: "Sue wrote: "I am quite behind all of you readers and have laughingly enjoyed Franz Ferdinand's visit to Chicago with Lewis keeping a watchful eye. The tempo is now reminding me of Mason & Dixon--in..."

Yes indeed! It's rather fun to take in these times of domestic and international anarchy through Pynchon's strange lens. I can feel the story starting to ratchet up now and I like that feeling.

I am quite behind all of you readers and have laughingly enjoyed Franz Ferdinand's visit to Chicago with Lewis keeping a watchful eye. The tempo is now reminding me of Mason & Dixon--in a very good way.

I haven't read DFW and have only read Mason & Dixon from Pynchon, but my approach to books like this is to try to take them in more by osmosis than by research. I rarely look up references within a novel that I don't know completely offhand. I try to pick up information through the text itself. I think this may be in good part because I grew up well before the computer age and also that this is the way I've read since I was a child. If there is a major reference to something that has me stumped, I may check it out, but I find that the novel itself pretty much always gives me the answers I need and want.

Stian wrote: "Renato wrote: "I'll be starting this tomorrow. Anyone else starting this week? :-)"

Ah, so soon! I am yet to finish up my exams. I suspect I won't be starting before the 21st of December myself.
..."

I just wrote a reminder for around the 15th but I think I'll change it to the 21st to sync with you, Stian. I know you'll get ahead of me quickly, but it will be nice to at least begin together since that's what we planned :-)

Max, nice to know the book is likened to Mason & Dixon in any way. I won't be starting for a couple of weeks but am looking forward to it.

Dustin wrote: "Renato wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Greetings, Renato! Love time no see, my friend! Thanks so much for the invite. It's an honor to be here. I'm not sure if I'd be able to read the book with you all, dep..."

That would be great!

Welcome to all, those I know and those who I will come to know. This looks like a great group developing.

Excellent Stian. I will probably start with you as we discussed earlier, but no way I can read at that speed. Good luck with your goal!

Hi Nicole (waving)

and Amanda, I know I will be taking longer than 2 months since it took me over 2 months for Mason & Dixon which is 300 pages shorter. I don't want to feel rushed.

Renato wrote: "Sue wrote: "What a great group forming Renato!"

Isn't it? How cool! I'm excited about this!"

All this from a buddy read--truly amazing!

What a great group forming Renato!

I'm here, Renato. Thanks for setting up the group.