The Readers discussion

Hey everyone. I know many of you are wondering where we have been. There are at least 3 episodes in the can but apparently there are technical difficulties. (Insert French shoulder shrug.)

We are going to be discussing Hot Milk on Sunday, September 23rd with a live audience but we need your questions and comments as well.

Please post away...AND FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE SPOILERS...if you haven't read the book, turn back now

I think it would interesting to hear from other readers how sympathetic they found Sofia: Does she need her mother as much as her mother needs her? Is her relationship with Ingrid just a weird substitute? Is she using her mother to avoid further responsibility (finishing her doctorate, getting a better job, living on her own)? I think the author keeps the reader deliberately off balance.

One thing I really enjoyed is the character having a background of anthropology, female anthropologists being a notable trend in several of my favorite reads. There is something about the approach of anthropology, how it notices, how it attempts to gain an inside perspective, that makes it really work in internal dialogue.

Here's a related quotation:
"If anthropology is the study of humankind from its beginning millions of years ago to this day, I am not very good at studying myself. I have researched aboriginal culture, Mayan hieroglyphics and the corporate culture of a Japanese car manufacturer, and I have written essays on the internal logic of various other societies, but I haven't a clue about my own logic. Suddenly that was the best thing that ever happened to me."

My related questions:
1. How do you see anthropology concepts throughout this novel?
2. Can you recommend any other anthropology related novels?

These are a bit tangential I suppose.

Thomas, this is off topic, but I loved your comment on 'Less' in your last podcast. I didn't think it was that good yet so much buzz around it including award.

Okay....so not a question, just a comment.

This is why I went into science/math. In english, I would be assigned a book like this and be expected to pontificate on what I just read in a coherent essay.

I just don't get it. I feel like I'm in the story of the Emperor's New Clothes.

I didn't hate it. I just didn't understand what I was supposed to experience from this book. I missed the point, unless it was to see how the mother, who when faced with true illness, could find it within herself to walk and enjoy life.

On the other hand, this is why I am reading now for FUN. It is also why I listen to podcasts and read blogs. I obviously miss a lot in reading comprehension. I appreciate the skill in others that are able to pick up on the point of books like this. Anxious to hear the commentary.

Carol, I get it. But, after we discussed with a room full of people who had also read it, so much more opened up about the book. I'd read it twice and had so many "huh?" kind of moments, but the discussion was so interesting it makes me like the book more. When that episode comes out, make sure you give it a listen.

Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "One thing I really enjoyed is the character having a background of anthropology, female anthropologists being a notable trend in several of my favorite reads. There is something about the approach ..."

Jenny, the only two that come to my mind are Euphoria by Lily King, and Satin Island by Tom McCarthy.

Thomas wrote: "Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "One thing I really enjoyed is the character having a background of anthropology, female anthropologists being a notable trend in several of my favorite reads. There is ..."

Okay I've read both of those, also
Mating by Norman Rush
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

And I have Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski on my pile.

I was just hoping there was more!

Also, have you all tried Deborah Levy's autobiographical novels? Whooey.

I seem to remember a smattering of anthropologists in Barbara Pym's books....

Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "Thomas wrote: "Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "One thing I really enjoyed is the character having a background of anthropology, female anthropologists being a notable trend in several of my favorite r..."

Another female anthropologist: Go and Come Back by Joan Abelove. It's been a long time, but I remember enjoying it.

Cindy wrote: "I seem to remember a smattering of anthropologists in Barbara Pym's books...."

I think that one is called Less than Angels.