Queereaders discussion

Tell us what you are reading this month.

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I'm finally tackling Dionysiaca, Books 16-35, as my access to the Loeb Classics database ends in a few weeks.

It's not the best example of ancient literature, but the first volume wasn't half bad (in fact, the love story between Dionysus and one of his satyrs is better than some modern queer fiction I've read), and I like the way Nonnus tries to weave as many myths as possible into one cohesive narrative. Hopefully the second volume proves to be as interesting, though I have my reservations so far.

I'm also reading The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes: Harnessing Our Power to Change the World for a book club this month. I'm surprised more self-help books don't use superhero comparisons, to be perfectly honest.

Lysistrata wrote: "I'm finally tackling Dionysiaca, Books 16-35, as my access to the Loeb Classics database ends in a few weeks.

It's not the best example of ancient literature, but the first volume w..."

I'm impressed, though. Dionysos is perhaps the most complex of the Greek deities. I had had trouble getting my head around all of his aspects and mythology. Have you made a study of him?

I'm still reading the escapist, '80s fantasy series Guardians of the Flame which I have enjoyed in the past.

Next up will be Jack McDevitt's new SF Thunderbird. He's an I-read-everything-he-writes author.

Then I will tackle Mandy Scott's Boudicca series - historical fiction.

I'm researching an essay on The Epic of Gilgamesh. I know there are those interested in its presentation of love between our heroes Gilgamesh and Enkidu; so why not mention I read an up-to-date article on this question (Were they?) in the book Riches Hidden in Secret Places: Ancient Near Eastern Studies in Memory of Thorkild Jacobsen. Thorkild Jacobsen wrote in the 30s that they were obviously sexual together, but retreated from that position, no doubt under fire. This new article has it an open question. Strong evidence, when looked at without prejudice. Unfortunately my essay topic is not about that question. :)

I am reading now and not enjoying Redemption in Indigo by Karen Lord. I've had a few books in a row that I haven't cared for, the last one I put aside, this short book I will finish. It's based on Caribbean myth, that I don't know.

I've just been to the library where I picked up several books. I don't know what I'll read next.

Kernos wrote: "I'm impressed, though. Dionysos is perhaps the most complex of the Greek deities. I had had trouble getting my head around all of his aspects and mythology. Have you made a study of him?"

He's definitely an odd one! I think the major problem people encounter with his mythology is that so many different peoples and cultures adapted him as one of their own--it's only inevitable that his mythos turn into a confusing mess. I think the most important thing to grasp is that he's not /supposed/ to make sense at the end of day.

One of my friends is a pagan who's very active in a Dionysus-based group, so I've had a lot of opportunities to learn about the philosophical side of his exploits and worship. This is the first time I've ever actually read any ancient literature heavily involving him, though.

Lysistrata wrote: "...I think the most important thing to grasp is that he's not /supposed/ to make sense at the end of day.

One of my friends is a pagan who's very active in a Dionysus-based group..."

Good point. Do any deities really make sense? I also know some Hellenic neo-pagans, but not anyone who 'specialized' in Dionysos. I'd be interest in mythic fiction about him. I'm quite fond of mythic fiction.

Bryn wrote: "I'm researching an essay on The Epic of Gilgamesh. I know there are those interested in its presentation of love between our heroes Gilgamesh and Enkidu; so why not mention I read an u..."

I do love the Gilgamesh epic Bryn, but perhaps that's not surprising as I'm interested by most all fables & myths. Fascinating how it contains many of the classic myths repeated in several cultures such as the great flood, etc. Beyond that, it's amazing how many things I can relate to in such an ancient book as well.

Best of luck on your essay Bryn!

Lysistrata wrote: "I'm finally tackling Dionysiaca, Books 16-35, as my access to the Loeb Classics database ends in a few weeks.

It's not the best example of ancient literature, but the first volume w..."

This sounds interesting Lysiastra! I've read a lot of Greek and Roman classics, but it says this one was composed on Egypt in the 5th century. Was it written by an Egyptian?

Greg wrote: "Best of luck on your essay Bryn! "

Thanks, I just hit the submit button! I like it; but my lecturers don't always like the same essays as I do.

I find it amazingly relatable too; and relevant; grabs me immediately.

Greg wrote: "Lysistrata wrote: "...This sounds interesting Lysiastra! I've read a lot of Greek and Roman classics, but it says this one was composed on Egypt in the 5th century. Was it written by an Egyptian? ..."

I heard a review of a new Spike Lee movie on NPR yesterday based on Aristophanes' Lysistrata. Chi-Raq got a great review. I think you have to know the play to appreciate it. The tag line is "No Peace, No Piece!"

Greg wrote: "This sounds interesting Lysiastra! I've read a lot of Greek and Roman classics, but it says this one was composed on Egypt in the 5th century. Was it written by an Egyptian?"

From my understanding, yes! He was from Panopolis, which Wikipedia tells me was just another name for Akhmim.

I do hope to read his Paraphrase of John as well at some point, just to see how his handling of Christian theology compares to his treatment of Greek mythology.

Kernos wrote: "I heard a review of a new Spike Lee movie on NPR yesterday based on Aristophanes' Lysistrata. Chi-Raq got a great review. I think you have to know the play to appreciate it. The tag line is "No Peace, No Piece!""

I need to check that out! :D

Greg wrote: "...I do love the Gilgamesh epic Bryn,..."

I recommend Stephan Grundy's wonderful take on Gilgamesh and Enkidu's relationship. I also like his takes on the Rhinegold and Beowulf legends.

I finished Jack McDevitt's Thunderbird—loved it though it pissed me off.

I started Justin Cronin's book The Passage. If I'd known it was a trilogy I'd have started something else. Has anyone else read this?

Kernos wrote: "Greg wrote: "...I do love the Gilgamesh epic Bryn,..."

I recommend Stephan Grundy's wonderful take on Gilgamesh and Enkidu's relationship. I also like his takes on th..."

Hi Kernos. Thinking about it, but very wary. I'm too close to Beowulf to stand popularisations. I have his Rhinegold (also am a fan of the originals of that) but didn't care for the random page-test I tried... I am so, so fussy on these matters.

I finished Busman's Honeymoon. The end of a series. It sorta confirmed why mysteries and me don't go together -- I'm too stupid to guess who the killer is.

Am (still) reading An Apprentice to Elves.

@Bryn - You probably wouldn't like his Atilla ;-). I've not read the Beowulf, but did like the Rhinegold. The Teutonic myths are not very accessible to English speakers unless one is academically inclined. I think they should be as well known as the Greco-Roman, Celtic and JudeoChristian myths. One of the best English sources I have found is an English translation of Wagner's Ring Cycle. Still it's readability suffers as a narrative.

Beowulf and even Gilgamesh are a lot more accessible even if translations and meaning are problematic.

I take a position that mythic/legendary fiction is a good way to make these available to the general public.

Kernos wrote: "@Bryn - You probably wouldn't like his Atilla ;-). ..."

:)) I'd probably have a pink fit. Sorry to be so serious; of course it's a good thing these stories find a popular audience. It's what Wagner did with them (I enjoy my Wagner).

Currently reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. Been reading it on and off since July, as I have been writing, setting up a blog, etc., recently. Like other Murakami books, it's a great read with lots of mystical realism connecting the mind and heart.

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. Half way through. Not much action so far.

Kernos wrote: "Greg wrote: "...I do love the Gilgamesh epic Bryn,..."

I recommend Stephan Grundy's wonderful take on Gilgamesh and Enkidu's relationship. I also like his takes on th..."

Thanks for the recommendation Kernos! It does look good!

James wrote: "Currently reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. Been reading it on and off since July, as I have been writing, setting up a blog, etc., recently. Like ot..."

I've only read Kafka on the Shore - a fairly fascinating book. I wonder if the others are similar? Have you read that one James?

Bryn wrote: "Hi Kernos. Thinking about it, but very wary. I'm too close to Beowulf to stand popularisations. ..."

Bryn, my favorite translation so far is the one by the Irish poet Seamus Heaney. I thought that one was absolutely superb. Which is your favorite Bryn?

@Greg I have Tolkien's translation which is old. I got it mainly for the commentary: Beowulf

I have not liked any of the movies, but will watch the ITV miniseries which is supposed to come out next year. I think one of the better adaptations is the movie Outlander, A Sci-Fi Beowulf.

Greg wrote: "Bryn, my favorite translation so far is the one by the Irish poet [author:Seamus H..."

Greg, I'll have to read my Heaney again; I so admired his original poetry and thought him perfect for the job, but when his translation came out I failed to like it: it didn't seem to have the creativity of his original work and I thought the language of Beowulf can justify a more poetic translation than this. So, I felt he had wasted an opportunity. Must add: but at that point I had spent much of my 30s on a translation of Beowulf, that remains unfinished in my bottom drawer. Obviously I had my own ideas. Now, when my attention is on other things, maybe I can appreciate the Heaney. To answer, I collected about 13 translations while working on it; to my mind none of them were doing justice to the poetry, which is the gap I thought Heaney was made to fill...

Tolkien's: I absolutely love his essays on the poem; I've read that this published translation is a rough sketch that he did not intend as publishable - but that, as Kernos says, its value lies in the commentary.

Bryn wrote: "Greg wrote: "Bryn, my favorite translation so far is the one by the Irish poet..."

Greg, I'll have to read my Heaney again; I so admired his original poetry and thought him perfec..."

I know what you mean Bryn. His translation is understated - not quite the verbal fireworks of his poetry in general, but it does capture the sad grandeur of the epic beautifully I think. It has a pleasing gravity and dignity without being at all dry or academic. The other translations I've read (including Tolkien's) all felt (at least intermittently) dry.

In the preface to Beowulf, Heaney gives an excellent explanation of his approach and reasoning in his translation.

I wouldn't mind an intensely vivid, lush & tactile rendering of Beowulf though, which I agree no translator has ever really done.

I just started The Hobbit. It's cute so far, which I would not have expected--the only other Tolkien thing I've read is The Silmarillion, which was super dense. I was really surprised by how different they are.

Also, as a short curly-haired person who does not like adventures, I can really get behind Bilbo as a character. :)

Greg wrote: "James wrote: "Currently reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. Been reading it on and off since July, as I have been writing, setting up a blog, etc., rec..."

Hi Greg. Yes. I read Kafka on the Shore (more dreamy than the others, I think). It's actually my favorite. I've also read Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World (fascinating take on the brain), Norwegian Wood (focused more on love), Hear the Wind Sing (early and more conventional), and The Strange Library (short and delightfully strange). If you liked Kafka on the Shore, I think checking out one of his other titles might be worthwhile. His latest book is Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage. I just started reading this one.

Just finished The Passage by Justin Cronin with mixed feelings. I liked the stories and characters. I felt the book could have been 200-300 pages shorter. And, worst of all I discovered it's a continuing trilogy which I didn't realize at the time, but feel a need to find out what happens.

I'm not sure what I'll read next.

James wrote: "Greg wrote: "James wrote: "Currently reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. Been reading it on and off since July, as I have been writing, setting up a bl..."

James, I will definitely read another by him eventually! I'm leaning toward Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World as my next one. Does that seem like a good choice?

Currently reading Vaneglory an ecofiction by George Turner. Turner is a relatively unknown Australian author who died in 1997. His novels are fascinating an most relevant to today's world.

I've been working on Tea and Transition and also recently started reading The Fountainhead which I suspect may end up taking me a while lol

Greg wrote: "I'm leaning toward Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World as my next one. Does that seem like a good choice?"

Yes, I think Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World is an excellent read. The premise is fascinating. Enjoy!

James wrote: "Greg wrote: "I'm leaning toward Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World as my next one. Does that seem like a good choice?"

Yes, I think [book:Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the Wor..."

Thanks James! :)

This morning I finished Mary Ann in Autumn. In August I read The Days of Anna Madrigal. I'm about to start rereading Tales of the City all by Armistead Maupin for a real life book club.

Julia wrote: "This morning I finished Mary Ann in Autumn. In August I read The Days of Anna Madrigal. I'm about to start rereading Tales of the City all by [author:Arm..."

Oh, Maupin's books are lovely. I have a signed copy of Tales of the City somewhere...

I finished An Apprentice to Elves yesterday and finally started Carol.

Currently reading Theatre of the Unimpressed: In Search of Vital Drama, but feeling the need for some fiction alongside it, so eyeing off the copy of Vieux Carré Voodoo on my shelf.

Alex wrote: "I finished An Apprentice to Elves yesterday and finally started Carol."

I read Sarah Monette's Mélusine series, a complex fantasy with a Gay main character and quite liked it.

Have read that prior series and how does the Iskryne World series compare?

I forgot I've also been working on Speed Demons which has been taking me a while since it's on my nook that I don't use very often since I started having problems with my eyes about a year ago lol

I am a Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear fangirl, minus the stalking; I like their books a lot though. But I didn't care for A Companion to Wolves, the first in the series, and I didn't read further.

Rereading Tales of the City is a hoot. I first read book #2 or #3 in the newspaper, The San Francisco Chronicle, Armistead Maupin wrote his first books as weekly columns in that newspaper.

Kernos wrote: "I read Sarah Monette's Mélusine series, a complex fantasy with a Gay main character and quite liked it.

Have read that prior series and how does the Iskryne World series compare? "

I've read the Melusine series, too. In fact, I named one of my WoW characters after Felix Harrowgate. For some reason, it didn't sell well and now Monette is writing under Katherine Addison...

I like the Iskryne World series. I heard they started the book in response to tropes about sentient animal companions. And there are some gay characters around, too.

Julia wrote: "I am a Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear fangirl, minus the stalking; I like their books a lot though. But I didn't care for A Companion to Wolves, the ..."

Hmm, what didn't you like? I read it quite a while ago, so I don't remember much about it, but from what I can remember, it totally captured my attention.

Alex wrote: I read it quite a while ago,

Me too and I didn't put a review here, so I don't remember. It's the real reason I put reviews here, so I can remember why I liked or didn't like the books I've read.

Julia wrote: "Alex wrote: I read it quite a while ago,

Me too and I didn't put a review here, so I don't remember. It's the real reason I put reviews here, so I can remember why I liked or didn't like the book..."

Me too :-)

I finished Vaneglory which is not Turner's best and covers similar ground as his "Beloved Son".

I'm now reading Blue Remembered Earth by Alastair Reynolds.

As a last hurrah for 2015 I read a Star Trek Trilogy Star Trek: Vulcan's Soul series

Which delves into the history of the sundering of the Vulcans back in the time of Surak and the settling of Romulus and Remus.