Queereaders discussion

I am about to finish The Quiet American by Graham Greene. Also, I am reading an ARC of If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis. Next up is an ARC of Pierre & Bill: A Love Story by Patrick Doyle (thanks, Patrick).

Partway through Foreign Correspondence: A Pen Pal's Journey from Down Under to All Over by Geraldine Brooks, where I think it would hold interest for a female reader a bit better.

I'm about half way through The Recent East by Thomas Grattan

I've finished Dune by Frank Herbert which, in the end, was a little underwhelming, probably because I have approached the book with the highest expectations.
I am reading now: Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado and Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor. It is quite unusual for me to read more than one book at the time so I am curious to see if I will be able to stick with both.

Also reading The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov.

The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone, which has a lot of gay content.

I'm reading The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

I'm reading Bessie Smith by Jackie Kay about the life of this blueswoman from the early 20th century. It led me to find some recordings of Smith online. Amazing voice and amazing life.

On to Claddagh Pool by Denis Hearn

Finishing up Enemy at the Gates written by Kyle Mills who took over Vince Flynn's "Mitch Rapp" saga when Flynn died. First book I've read not authored by Flynn and I like it - a lot. Mills is true to the voice, adventure and heavy political intrigue the books are know but has let the character, and supporting characters, mature and evolve. They are current with these political times.

The Trial by Franz Kafka.

Reading three different books for group or buddy reads in different groups:

They Called Us Enemy is a graphic novel about Japanese internment. As both of my spouse's parents were interned as kids at Poston, it's pretty emotional for me, even more so than I thought it would be. The first half of the graphic novel made me cry a couple times already. I love that it's not only about the horrors of the experience but also about the human spirit and the unselfish communal focus that allowed these people to survive the unfair and barbarous conditions of the camps. It's a really quick read.

I'm more than half way through the fantasy novel The House in the Cerulean Sea already. This one I'm listening to on audio during my commute on those days I go to work at the office (rather than working at home).

And I'm slowly savoring the short work The Holly-Tree Inn by Dickens according to the reading schedule laid out for that group. This one I'm reading at night before bed.

After I finish the first two of these, I plan to start The Bluest Eye, a classic group read with another group. I like Morrison, and I'm looking forward to it.

I am giving Maurice by E.M. Forster a second reading since I saw a different author has published a sequel to it and I hope to read that soon.

Dracula, there’s an animated version on the kindle that works on an iOS device or a Fire tablet. Very cool animations.

Upon a friend's recommendation, I'm reading Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein.

I just read Tell Me I’m Worthless, which is a brilliantly queer take on a haunted house story.

Kiss Myself Goodbye: The Many Lives of Aunt Munca by Ferdinand Mount

Nothing interesting. I need something different to read.

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin by Yevgeny Zamyatin. Supposed to be the precursor to 1984. Not making any sense whatever.

Natasha wrote: "We by Yevgeny Zamyatin by Yevgeny Zamyatin. Supposed to be the precursor to 1984. Not making any sense whatever."

That's too bad Natasha. I'd heard of it but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. Maybe I should move it down the list?

Still working on The Bluest Eye, which is fantastic so far!

Also, just started The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea. I don't love the translation, but I'm trying to get into it. I've read other works by Mishima that were translated better - much more vivid / evocative with much more mastery of the language.

Greg wrote: "That's too bad Natasha. I'd heard of it but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. Maybe I should move it down the list?"

It’s starting to make more sense, Greg. And it does have some interesting themes (reasons why freedom was such a bad idea hundreds of years ago in the twentieth century). Worth persevering, I think.