21st Century Literature discussion

Nominations are now open thru September 24th for the November Open Pick.

Nominating guidelines:
- Fiction (original & translation, if applicable) first published between January 1, 2000 and November 1, 2016. For translations the latter date must be an English edition.
- One nomination per person (please do not nominate or vote for a book unless you are certain you can read and discuss if it wins)
- A book this group has not yet read (see group bookshelf)

If you are nominating, please begin your post by stating "I nominate [name with hyperlink to book]

May the bestest book win!

Thanks Marc. I won't nominate this time.

Sounds good, Hugh, although I always enjoy your nominations!

I nominate The Betrayers by David Bezmozgis.

Interesting mix of setting and plot--thanks, Carol!

Thanks Carol - never heard of the book or the writer but it looks interesting

I nominate A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

Very sorry Sofia, but we can't accept that one because it was first published in 1995. It is a great book though. You are welcome to try again!

Hugh wrote: "Hugh wrote: "Very sorry Sofia, but we can't accept that one because it was first published in 1995. It is a great book though. You are welcome to have another go!""

Oops! I meant Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry.

@marc and hugh, you're very welcome. We (certainly me) read relatively few Canadian authors and it seemed likely to feed the soul and drive good discussions as the weather turns cold..

Thanks Sofia - that one is fine, and might appeal to anyone who is participating in the 2002 Booker shortlist read over at The Mookse and the Gripes - we have a few members in common.

Hugh wrote: "Thanks Sofia - that one is fine, and might appeal to anyone who is participating in the 2002 Booker shortlist read over at The Mookse and the Gripes - we have a few members in common."

Thanks Hugh!

I've heard nothing but good things about Mistry. Thanks for the nomination and welcome to the group, Sofia!

I'd like to nominate Sweetland by Michael Crummey. I first read it when it came out two years ago and gave it a 5 star, one-word review: 'Perfection'. Am currently reading some of his short stories, and would like to revisit the novel.

It feels like a Canadian theme is slowly emerging here--thanks, Doug! 5-star books are always welcome.

Thanks Doug. This is already looking a very strong set of nominations.

I nominate The Girl Who Slept with God by Val Brelinski

Thanks, Ami!

Tonight is the last night for nominations. The poll will go up tomorrow.

I have 2 of the already nominated books in my possession so will not be nominating. I will just have to decide between The Betrayers and Sweetland when it comes time to vote!

LindaJ^ wrote: "I have 2 of the already nominated books in my possession so will not be nominating. I will just have to decide between The Betrayers and Sweetland when it comes time to vote!"

Decisions... decisions.

And the poll is live!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/161843-what-will-be-our-november-2017-open-pick-remember-if-you-vote-for-a

Thanks Marc

Sure thing.

Looks like we've got a tie between Sweetland and Family Matters!

The run-off poll is up here:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/162239-november-2017-open-pick-tie-breaker and will be up through the 6th.

Sweetland has won the poll!

Would you like to lead the discussion, Doug?

Marc wrote: "Sweetland has won the poll!"

Ooops -- I neglected to vote. But it would not have mattered, just made the tally closer.

Oh, Canada!

Marc wrote: "Sweetland has won the poll!

Would you like to lead the discussion, Doug?"

Yes, since it WAS my nomination - and I truly love the book - I'd be happy to! :-)

Wonderful! Thanks, Doug.