NYRB Classics discussion

Which book would you like to read and discuss in November?

I think we have a lot of nominations already, but they were set aside in deference to October/Halloween. At least that's how I remember it. Is there a record of them? I remember there were several Simenon among other titles. Does anyone else remember?

I'll definitely put Simenon's Act of Passion in the poll. Declan has suggested The Vet's Daughter and Irretrievable. We were also talking about The Pumpkin Eater. Am I missing any?

Nick

Both [Book: Irretrievable] and [Book: The Pumpkin Eater] look good to me; I'd love to add [Book: The Invention of Morel],[Book: The Three Christs Of Ypsilanti] and [Book: A Posthumous Confession].

There was a very interesting article by Jenny Diski in a recent issue of The London Review of Books about The Three Christs of Ypsilanti: http://www.lrb.co.uk/v33/n18/jenny-di... .
The simple truth is, I'd be happy to read any of the books mentioned, even the ones I've suggested!

Declan, where are the ones you've suggested? On a different thread, I think.

I suggested two on the Don't Look Now discussion thread Anne, The Vet's Daughter and Irretrievable.

Fontane's Irretrievable looks great to me. Although I may have ulterior motives by nominating Memoirs of My Nervous Illness --it's so thick and daunting, I don't know if I can manage it alone, haha.

Sasha, I am interested in reading Memoirs too and have it listed on my TBR bottomless pit. So, I'm game.

I was thinking more along the line of The Pumpkin Eater and An Act of Passion. or even A Stranger In the House. Dud Avocado was mentioned way back (by me).

Yes, we never managed to fit in our group Simenon read, did we?

Declan wrote: "There was a very interesting article by Jenny Diski in a recent issue of The London Review of Books about The Three Christs of Ypsilanti: http://www.lrb.co.uk/v33/n18/jenny-di... .
The simp..."

Thanks for this link, Declan. An interesting take.

Mikki wrote: "Yes, we never managed to fit in our group Simenon read, did we?"

Nope.

I think we have plenty of good choices here. I'm going to set up a poll now. The first book my mom requested from me was Memoirs of My Nervous Illness. I agree that it would be easier to read we the motivation of the group than by one's self. Still, I'll let the poll decide.

Nick

Of all the books at NYRB your mom requested that one book? HMMM. Was your mother studying psychology? What did she think of it? Had she read Freud's book on the Schreber case?

How quickly the months go by.

Anne wrote: "Of all the books at NYRB your mom requested that one book? HMMM. Was your mother studying psychology? What did she think of it? Had she read Freud's book on the Schreber case?"

Too funny. ;D

Anne, you don't need to tell me. After giving her a copy, I took one home myself, and sat there at staring at it for a few days. I think I somehow missed that (whatever it is) gene.

Nick

Nick, I hope you didn't take my questions as a criticism of your mother's interest. I can understand your desire not to open that book. I can just imagine you staring at it for days carrying on a conversation in your head like, "should I open it? Nah. Oh go ahead. Just read the first page....Nah. Too many other great books to read." D)

It's not a book for everyone. I guess if there is a gene for interest in psychology and psychopathology, then I have it. Though I still didn't vote to read this book.

So it looks like The Pumpkin Eater won. Also has been turned into a movie, and several people have said it would be good for a book club pick. I am happy to extend the poll if people wish though, it was very close.

Nick

I've started reading it on the off chance. I'm liking it.

I finished this yesterday. I don't think we have a thread for discussion yet, but I'm ready when anyone else is.

My book arrives on Monday so I'll start then. It's a slim book, I think.

I'll start reading it soon also.

It is a pretty fast read.