Reading the 20th Century discussion

Having just finished my third novel by David Lodge I feel he's potentially a new favourite. I am also filled with enthusiasm for more Lodge so have just purchased another of his novels....


Therapy (1995)


A successful sitcom writer with plenty of money, a stable marriage, a platonic mistress and a flash car, Laurence "Tubby" Passmore has more reason than most to be happy. Yet neither physiotherapy nor aromatherapy, cognitive-behaviour therapy or acupuncture can cure his puzzling knee pain or his equally inexplicable mid-life angst.

As Tubby's life fragments under the weight of his self-obsession, he embarks - via Kierkegaard, strange beds from Rummidge to Tenerife to Beverly Hills, a fit of literary integrity and memories of his 1950s lost contentment...


I mention all of this to ascertain if anyone is interested in joining me in a buddy read of Therapy

If so, just reply below with a preferred month and we'll make it happen. If not, no worries, and I'll report back here at some point.

I’d be happy to buddy read this or anything else by DL. Anytime.

Hurrah


Which month would suit you? I am good to go anytime

February, March, April - anytime will suit me. If anyone else is joining, I’m happy to go along with whatever suits.

I think it's just you and me but we'll see


Thanks SueLucie

I've scheduled Therapy for March 2025


I'm hoping we might get a few more takers. Come on, you know you want to....


Therapy (1995)


A successful sitcom writer with plenty of money, a stable marriage, a platonic mistress and a flash car, Laurence "Tubby" Passmore has more reason than most to be happy. Yet neither physiotherapy nor aromatherapy, cognitive-behaviour therapy or acupuncture can cure his puzzling knee pain or his equally inexplicable mid-life angst.

As Tubby's life fragments under the weight of his self-obsession, he embarks - via Kierkegaard, strange beds from Rummidge to Tenerife to Beverly Hills, a fit of literary integrity and memories of his 1950s lost contentment...

Nigeyb wrote: "I've scheduled Therapy for March 2025

I'm hoping we might get a few more takers. Come on, you know you want to...."

I kind of want to. I've been meaning to read a David Lodge to honor him after hearing about his death on January 1st. Unfortunately, I already have 3 RTTC books I plan to read in March: the Highsmith the Taylor and the Mishima and have purchased copies of all 3 already.
While I might read Therapy if I feel II can fit in a 4th RTTC read that month, its more likely I'll just read a different David Lodge in a month when I have less planned reads already scheduled. Actually How Far Can You Go? looks more up my alley than Therapy so I may choose that one.

Thanks for update Brian


Please keep us posted on your DL voyage of discovery

Nigeyb wrote: "Thanks for update Brian

Please keep us posted on your DL voyage of discovery"

Will do, Captain! I just purchased the following editions of both:
and
Even if I only read one this year, then I have one for next year.

For 2025 I'm trying to get to read one of my TBR shelf books by such RTTC -discovered authors as: Barbara Pym, Elizabeth Taylor, Anita Brookner, E.F. Benson, D.E. Stevenson and Winifred Holtby, some of whom I neglected in 2024 and 2023. That's in addition to regulars such as Highsmith, Fremlin, Christie, and Wodehouse.

Variety is the spice of life and in 2025 I'm looking forward to some Old Spice varietals.

You know we've been on a Wodehouse odyssey, Brian? In February we're reading Eggs, Beans, and Crumpets if you fancy joining us? There's a thread under Buddy Reads.

Roman Clodia wrote: "You know we've been on a Wodehouse odyssey, Brian? In February we're reading Eggs, Beans, and Crumpets if you fancy joining us? There's a thread under Buddy Reads."

Yes, I had read all the Blandings within the past 10 years so only joined for a reread of "A Pelican" and a first read of Sunset.

I am half way through "Jill the Reckless" but did not enter the discussion because I presumed I'd be late and hear spoilery stuff. But I just looked and surprisingly everyone wasn't finished by the beginning of the month and read the comments until where I am.

I thought I had read Eggs, Beans, and Crumpets the 4th Drone series book but see have not, though I have read the first 3. Sounds like I should join in on the part of your Homeric voyage through Wodehouse so likely will.

I am reading some of the RTTC' books without commenting as I am busy with a backlog of work and am not posting as much for now.

Oh yes, do join us for Eggs, Bean and Crumpets, Bri - you know I always enjoy your unique take on books!

Variety! Wodehouse! Therapy!


🙌🏼