Literary Fiction by People of Color discussion

Congratulations again to Louise Erdrich for winning the National Book Award in fiction for The Round House, and Junot Díaz for making the short list for This is How You Lose Her, our December selection, in the same category.  Literary Fiction for People of Color is frequently at the forefront in selecting award-worthy (& winning) books for the monthly polls and we have William to thank for that.

Our December selection, has nine story selections:
1) The Sun the Moon the Stars, 2) Nilda, 3) Alma) 4) Otravida Otravez, 5) Flaca, 6) The Pura Principle, 7) Invierno, 8) Miss Lora & 9) The Cheater's Guide to Love

In the spirit of the holidays with family and camaraderie and to celebrate another great year of reading with LFPC. I thought it might be fun if we could get a different discussion leader for each story. Remember, there's 9 stories so those who've yet to lead a discussion this would be a prime time to get your feet wet!  I'll lead it off and  take the 1st story (The Sun...)  and if you're interested, please let me know soon which story you can take and I'll make a schedule that would average 3 or 4 day's per story. So, your contribution wouldn't require but a little bit of your time unless you are willing to handle more than one story, of course.  So, come on and join in and let's read some Junot!

Happy Holidays!

Hi Columbus -

I can take the second story Nilda.

Yeh, Beverly! I'm up this morning just starting the story collection bout 10 min ago. I'll put you down. Thanks!

I'd give it a go as well...

Awesome. Can I give you story #3 (Alma), Janet?

got it. guessing you'll give us a heads up when our stories come round?
thanks

Yes, I'll prepare a schedule right before Dec 1st.

Junot Díaz, Live at Politics & Prose

Here is a link to the reading Diaz did a couple of weeks ago. He reads from the first story in the collection and answers some questions.
So entertaining - so personal and really set the mood for me to delve into this book.

http://www.slate.com/articles/podcast...

Beverly wrote: "Junot Díaz, Live at Politics & Prose

Here is a link to the reading Diaz did a couple of weeks ago. He reads from the first story in the collection and answers some questions.
So entertaining - so ..."

Beverly, I just listened to this in its entirety and even had to rewind it back several times. Needless to say, I loved it and will have lot's to say about this when the discussion commences. Thank you so much for finding this and sharing it!

a new article on Junot Diaz and the women who appear in this book. http://www.salon.com/2012/11/22/junot...

Junot Díaz, feminist

Don't be fooled by his protagonist's misogyny. Diaz might identify most strongly with his female characters

I'd be open to leading Miss Lora. I should be done with my finals by the time this story rolls along and I'll be able to focus my energy on it.

Evelyn, great, I'll put you down for Miss Lora and will provide the date for each story in a couple of days. Thanks much....

Still 5 stories remaining to discuss the Pulitzer Prize winning authors gritty stories, so those courageous souls out there let me know soon. It would be great to get more male discussion leaders for that perspective, so come on guys!

I wouldn't mind but every copy is checked out in the DC metro area...and the wait is long. If by some miracle I get my hands on one I'll let you know and volunteer..

William wrote: "I wouldn't mind but every copy is checked out in the DC metro area...and the wait is long. If by some miracle I get my hands on one I'll let you know and volunteer.."

Try some of the Maryland public libraries.

Already have...may have to swim over to Va.

William wrote: "Already have...may have to swim over to Va."

There are eight copies available at AACPL in CD format along with an eAudio version.

Aah...don't do the audio books...did u notice any downloadable ebooks?

William wrote: "Aah...don't do the audio books...did u notice any downloadable ebooks?"

No, I didn't see those.

William wrote: "I wouldn't mind but every copy is checked out in the DC metro area...and the wait is long. If by some miracle I get my hands on one I'll let you know and volunteer.."

Alright, William. Hope you can locate one.

I got on the list about a month ago, so I'm number 10 on my library system's wait, and there are 10 copies available. So, I should have the book in 3 weeks or less, and William is welcome to borrow mine for the purpose of reading and leading his assigned story, so I'm volunteering him for one of the later ones. :D

Rashida wrote: "I got on the list about a month ago, so I'm number 10 on my library system's wait, and there are 10 copies available. So, I should have the book in 3 weeks or less, and William is welcome to borro..."

Rashida, you rock! But, keeping it in a family way that means you'll take a story as well? In fact, I have the perfect suggestion: Rashida take "Invierno" story #7 starting around Dec 21st & Bill "The Cheaters Guide to Love" final story -- start date roughly Dec 27th.

I really should have seen that coming. Of course I will take it. Though, if any discussion leader novices or less heard from male voices feel like they want the opportunity, I would cede my space.

Haha. Ok, it's a deal!

Rashida wrote: "I got on the list about a month ago, so I'm number 10 on my library system's wait, and there are 10 copies available. So, I should have the book in 3 weeks or less, and William is welcome to borro..."

You are certainly optimistic...remember I told you that I finally got N.W. from the same system just last week...some folks do take the allotted 3 weeks to finish a title..we shall see.

about downloadable copies? got one through iBook store. $12? I think

I have NW of anyone needs it. I didnt finish it and do not want to keep my copy.I was on vacation so my hold expired for Lose her, it won't be available till the end of the month, so I might read januarys read and then try again.

William, I'll put you down as tentative or possible if that's alright. Somehow, someway it'll happen. I'm certain.  Hey, your library system allows 3 weeks for book check-outs? Really? Thanks. We get 2 weeks so I'll see if I can use that as leverage in our Pines system here in GA.

Watching Salman Rushdie speak quite favorably about Junot Diaz on Joy Behar's show. Say's he's a brilliant young writer and definitely one to follow. He mentions 2 other writers, one Asian & one from Vietnam that I am unfamiliar with. He spoke quite highly of fiction and said the death of fiction and books is highly exaggerated,

This is How You Lose Her was also just chosen by Slate magazines editors and others as one of the top books of 2012. Another honor given to this book and author. Some good books to add to your list: http://mobile.slate.com/articles/arts...

I’m game to lead a discussion on The Pura Principle. I interviewed Junot back in September and posted our
Q&A on my Goodreads’s blog.

Got my copy from the library on Monday, will be ready to check this author/read out since this is my first time reading his material.

David wrote: "I’m game to lead a discussion on The Pura Principle. I interviewed Junot back in September and posted our
Q&A on my Goodreads’s blog."

Great, David. Maybe you can share some insight on that interview once the discussion starts?

Only two, possibly three stories left..... #4 Otravida Otravez, #5 Flaca & #9 The Cheaters Guide to Love (pending).

Columbus wrote: "William, I'll put you down as tentative or possible if that's alright. Somehow, someway it'll happen. I'm certain.  Hey, your library system allows 3 weeks for book check-outs? Really? Thanks. We g..."

And no surprise This Is How I Lose Her made the NYT List of 100 Notable Books of 2012. (And I suspect will make all of the 2012 lists :)) There are quite a few authors of color on the list.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/boo...

Columbus wrote: "William, I'll put you down as tentative or possible if that's alright. Somehow, someway it'll happen. I'm certain.  Hey, your library system allows 3 weeks for book check-outs? Really? Thanks. We g..."


OK

Columbus, I’d be glad to share some of my impressions from the interview.

For the final month of 2012, Literary Fiction for People of Color will be discussing Junot Diaz's acclaimed new book of stories, This is How You Lose Her . Our discussion outline will be a little different this month in that a different moderator or discussion leader will be assigned to each story. We'll take the stories in the order as they appear in the book with 3 days allotted to each story. Feel free to comment on stories that were previously discussed, but, please hold off on commenting on stories that have not been discussed due to those still reading and for the leader to set up questions and such. There are 2 stories still available (#4 Otravida, Otravez & #5 Flaca) and if no one opts for them when that date arrives its a free for all - anyone can chime in with thoughts or questions. So, here's our schedule:

Dec 1st - 3rd General questions, remarks or thoughts about author and/or book. 

Dec 4th - 6th The Sun, the Moon, the Stars (COLUMBUS)
Dec 7th - 9th Nilda (BEVERLY)
Dec 10th - 12th Alma (JANET)
Dec 13th - 15th Otravida, Otravez (open)
Dec 16th - 18th Flaca (open)
Dec 19th - 21st The Pura Principle (DAVID)
Dec 22nd - 24th Invierno (RASHIDA)
Dec 25th - 27th Miss Lora (EVELYN)
Dec 28th - 30th The Cheater's Guide to Love (WILLIAM-pending)
Dec 31st - Open Forum  Happy New Year!

Let's Get it Started!

I read a review by a Goodread’s member who referred to “This Is How You Lose Her” as a ‘thinly veiled memoir’. This would be like the opposite of the James Frey/Oprah debacle. If there’s any truth to this assertion, would anyone have an issue if it came to light that Mr. Diaz was in fact presenting his real life as fiction?

David wrote: "I read a review by a Goodread’s member who referred to “This Is How You Lose Her” as a ‘thinly veiled memoir’. This would be like the opposite of the James Frey/Oprah debacle. If there’s any trut..."

Short answer = no
Why should I have an issue in how the author wants to write his stories.

Besides Junot Diaz has stated that his writes to give a voice to those who often do not have a voice.
Fiction is a much better way to give a "voice" and also allows for the voice to be broader than a memoir which becomes the voice on one and not of a group.

I'm certain in the many interviews he's given he's certainly been asked how much of this is based on his life. It certainly wouldn't surprise me if it is. Has anyone run across an interview with him about this? A YouTube clip, no?

Has anyone read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao or Drown? What is your impression of these books and this author?

By the way, for the 3 or 4 people out there who are not familiar with the author, here's his bio and website:

Mr. Diaz bio:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junot_D%...

Mr. Diaz website:
http://www.junotdiaz.com/

My first experience with Diaz was when we read Drown as a group read. I hadn't read anything like it and it was my first exposure to short story collections. Drown was impressive and moving writing for me so I took the author as being impressive as well. I had heard good things about Brief Life but haven't read it. I am interested to see how I feel because I have read Drown. I hope it will be just as brilliant and intresting. I believe in Drown that Diaz does a very good job and you will feel the strain of the father and son relationship very much.

Beverly, I appreciate your thoughts. Columbus, I’ve read both The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and Drown. I read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao prior to Drown, and as a result found Drown to be a tad underwhelming by comparison. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a first-rate novel, covering the spectrum of human emotion.

David wrote: "I read a review by a Goodread’s member who referred to “This Is How You Lose Her” as a ‘thinly veiled memoir’. This would be like the opposite of the James Frey/Oprah debacle. If there’s any trut..."

A while back I read an essay Junot wrote about love that was almost exactly the same experience Yunior has in the first story in TIHYLH, so I wouldn't have any issue with him revealing that it was memoir-ish. I just like a good story.

Rebecca wrote: "My first experience with Diaz was when we read Drown as a group read. I hadn't read anything like it and it was my first exposure to short story collections. Drown was impressive and moving writin..."

I read Drown first and then Oscar Wao. I like TIHYLH the best, and then Drown. I prefer his short stories I guess.

I read Oscar Wao first as well and was just blown away. the short stories are great, but don't have the same impact on me.

I read Drown and then Oscar Wao. Oscar Wao would rank up in the my best/fav novels list. I found it amazing. While I appreciated his writing in Drown, short stories are not my fav format. In fact, I only read Drown because of the subject, but since that time with the help of a friend, I have learned to appreciate short stories a little more. So will be interested in my reaction to TIHYLH, though I do like short story collections where the stories are connected.

Evelyn, I agree with your opinion regarding the importance of a good story. They’re a rare find.

Short stories are usually not my cup of tea either. But, I've read quite a few story collections through the years and even selections from the few periodicals that still carry and pay for them such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic & Granta. Actually, I enjoy SS (and novellas for the most part) however, I don't run across many good ones that often. When you find a good one it's like hitting a jackpot.

So, George, Beverly & David what was it about Oscar Wao that you enjoyed so much? This book is much praised, deified even by both critics and readers alike and as it appears the Spanglish and footnotes were no deterrent or hindrance for you. Obviously.

Also, the concept of using Yunior in both story collections to tell and advance his ideas and views. What do you think of that? Is this his alter ego or similar to Updike's 'Rabbit' character?

for me it was a very original experience. very bright, very fresh. Love at first sight for me. I loved the sense of humor that pervaded the entire novel. Oscar himself plays against practically every stereotype one might imagine from the DR, including a substantial portion of the protagonists of almost every short story Diaz has put together. the book is as intelligent and off beat as Oscar himself.

George wrote: "for me it was a very original experience. very bright, very fresh. Love at first sight for me. I loved the sense of humor that pervaded the entire novel. Oscar himself plays against practically ev..."

Thanks, George. Also, I read somewhere that Yunior is in the novel, Oscar Wao as well. At least I thought I read that. Do you recall?

actually, I think Yunior is the narrator, but I could be wrong. it's been a while.

Oscar Wao simply blindsided me. The scope of the story was epic in size, encompassing the history of a nation and family, and still having the time to include moments of quirky humor. I don’t think Junot will be able to top this one. Columbus, it’s been a while, but I remember that Yunior dated Oscar’s sister for a time and did provide some narration in the story.

Hey, thanks guys. I think I'll even splurge, treat myself and even purchase a copy of it. So late to the party.