tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post4109483221457953987..comments2023-10-22T14:27:21.241+01:00Comments on From the Desk of Bee Drunken: Booker of all BookersBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-73048769419551603792008-04-17T12:56:00.000+01:002008-04-17T12:56:00.000+01:00K,Yes, Atwood is a Canadian and just managed to sl...K,<BR/><BR/>Yes, Atwood is a Canadian and just managed to slip under the old Commonwealth flag. No, you're not an idiot -- you're an American! Not knowing this kind of thing is our arrogant birthright!<BR/><BR/>I'm about to launch a Blind Assassin reading . . . there are several of us planning on reading that one. Want to join us?<BR/><BR/>My review of "Disgrace" will appear soonish . . .<BR/><BR/>BTW, I LOVED "The English Patient" and "Possession" -- but I will admit to skimming some of the Victorian poetry bits in the latter. I liked the sexy bits a lot better.Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-42228515796451190202008-04-16T16:40:00.000+01:002008-04-16T16:40:00.000+01:00i'm totally into this! my yank self has heard of t...i'm totally into this! <BR/><BR/>my yank self has heard of the booker. but i didn't know it was THAT prestigious. <BR/><BR/>i thought atwood was canadian? is that part of the "commonwealth"? am i an idiot?<BR/><BR/>thanks for the link- i own life of pi, blind assassin, & god of small things- but haven't read them. i think i'll plan to read. though, some of them that i've never even heard of. (this is so shameful since i used to run a bookstore!) i think i'll just reserve a bunch from the library and whatever 2 (that seems like a number i can handle) comes in first i'll read. <BR/><BR/>ooh- fun!<BR/><BR/>ps/ the only ones i've read are possession & english patient- snoozers both, imo! :)khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04172344270571916666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-31654872515240491632008-04-10T22:58:00.000+01:002008-04-10T22:58:00.000+01:00Point taken, Audrey!But do you think the National ...Point taken, Audrey!<BR/><BR/>But do you think the National Book Award gets books talked about in the same way that the Booker does?<BR/><BR/>Again, this may be a "small island" -- plus everyone gets the same same newspapers -- issue.<BR/><BR/>I, for one, haven't read "Sacred Hunger."Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-57629132753854784192008-04-10T18:28:00.000+01:002008-04-10T18:28:00.000+01:00Not to split hairs, Bee, but the National Book Awa...Not to split hairs, Bee, but the National Book Award functions as the American equivalent of the Booker. I think that "Sacred Hunger" is a stunning book. Has anyone read it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-85926874891550381772008-04-10T06:37:00.000+01:002008-04-10T06:37:00.000+01:00Bitty,Welcome! This is the most inclusive, easygo...Bitty,<BR/><BR/>Welcome! This is the most inclusive, easygoing "book club" you will ever be a part of.<BR/><BR/>They are supposed to announce the Booker short list sometime in May. When that comes out, I propose we vote on what we think should/will win. I plan on reading all of the short list -- if I haven't already done so -- plus I want to read the five others (all tipped to be in the running), because they are books that I've meant to read for awhile. You can participate in any way that you are able. . . but a few of us want to read "The Blind Assassin" -- so that seems like a good place to start.<BR/><BR/>BTW, Atwood is one of my goddesses, too! She came to my University in 1989 and I was invited to a small cocktail party to meet her! She was very dignified, and her merest utterance seemed incredibly clever. Sadly, I was rather tongue-tied -- but I treasure the memory!Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-82979401394641983702008-04-09T18:58:00.000+01:002008-04-09T18:58:00.000+01:00I meant to say "do I have to be finished by the be...I meant to say "do I have to be finished by the beginning of May?". What I wrote made no sense. Isn't this much like other awards, where there's no set date for the announcement.Bittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13328808801958155196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-85926446655147932852008-04-09T18:56:00.000+01:002008-04-09T18:56:00.000+01:00Yes, I've been familiar with the Booker for some t...Yes, I've been familiar with the Booker for some time, primarily due to Margaret Atwood's frequent appearances on its short lists. Also, my best friend is cousin to 2005's winner, John Banville (although they're not close). <BR/><BR/>Regarding the challenge: It depends. Must I be finished by the end of May or do I have the entire month? My current workload is staggering.<BR/><BR/>I've started <I>Atonement,</I> but found it slow going. I was only beginning to warm up to it when I ran out of reading time.<BR/><BR/>I'll commit to reading <I>The Blind Assassin,</I> since Atwood is one of the gods in my personal pantheon, but I'll do it for love, not reward, as I'm likely not to finish quickly.<BR/><BR/>Another of my pantheon's gods is Kazuo Ishiguro, and <I>Remains of the Day</I> is one of my very favorite books, so if I get through <I>Assassin</I>, I'll move on to <I>Never Let Me Go.</I> (He is also author of one of the most perfectly crafted short stories ever, "A Family Supper.")<BR/><BR/>(I stopped to do a quick search and accidentally stumbled on this conflation of the two: A review of <I>Never</I> by Atwood. Synchronicity. http://www.slate.com/id/2116040/ I only skimmed it, because I fear it tells me more than I want to know about the plot right now.)<BR/><BR/>Time to go shopping for these two books, which I had intended to buy someday anyway. I knew when I applied for that Amazon credit card there'd be trouble. ;)Bittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13328808801958155196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-84577763611227410702008-04-06T04:50:00.000+01:002008-04-06T04:50:00.000+01:00Anne,Good choices! "The English Patient" is such ...Anne,<BR/><BR/>Good choices! "The English Patient" is such a good one; it really is one of my favorites.<BR/><BR/>You and BSR and I should try reading "Blind Assassin" in tandem.Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-44173977039137803412008-04-04T21:30:00.000+01:002008-04-04T21:30:00.000+01:00Sadly, I don't feel that I can commit to reading m...Sadly, I don't feel that I can commit to reading more than two in the next month--maybe three if I am very diligent, or if the shortlist is announced later in May. <BR/><BR/><I>The Blind Assassin</I><BR/><I>The English Patient</I><BR/>If I have time, I'll add <I>The Life of Pi</I>.<BR/><BR/>Happy reading, everyone!Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07338782102030629262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-17627985704682319682008-04-04T00:55:00.000+01:002008-04-04T00:55:00.000+01:00Jenine,Today I was in a Barnes and Noble in Austin...Jenine,<BR/><BR/>Today I was in a Barnes and Noble in Austin and I looked for Midnight's Children -- but no luck. They also didn't have any Hanif Kureshi -- who I am dying to read after reading a fascinating article about him on the plane. Have you decided which three you are going for?<BR/><BR/>Maurinsky,<BR/><BR/>Oh, please join us! Funnily enough, I really remember Roddy Doyle winning that year as well. That reminds me of how much I love "The Commitments." Is your family Irish? (I'm guessing, as you have beautiful red hair.)<BR/><BR/>Anne,<BR/><BR/>My life is a constant story of what I haven't read and what I want to read! I can't wait to see what you will pick! I can recommend Coetzee for brevity -- although it is not "light reading" from an emotional point of view.<BR/><BR/>BSR,<BR/><BR/>Yes, we will definitely tackle that short list together -- in addition to "Birthday Letters." It is supposed to come out sometime in May. I think your "picks" are really good ones -- especially since they already jibe with books that have been taunting you from your own personal to-read shelf.Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-28937168183530557602008-04-04T00:04:00.000+01:002008-04-04T00:04:00.000+01:00My "have read" is Embarrassingly short. (4)I will ...My "have read" is Embarrassingly short. (4)<BR/><BR/>I will somehow manage to read the following by the end of May.<BR/><BR/><I>Cloud Atlas</I> (It was already on my list)<BR/><I>Blind Assassin</I> (I love Atwood)<BR/><I>Atonement</I> (also already on my list)<BR/>And one other, I'm open for suggestions.<BR/><BR/>When the short list comes out, lets try very hard to read them all.Brave Sir Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885043536453757210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-49343812996033552572008-03-31T20:56:00.000+01:002008-03-31T20:56:00.000+01:00I've also only read five of the nominees. Sigh. I ...I've also only read five of the nominees. Sigh. I have so much reading to do! I'd love to join the challenge but will wait to post my books so that I can think on what my commitment will be. <BR/><BR/>Great idea, Bee!Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07338782102030629262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-57920797717176204892008-03-31T20:23:00.000+01:002008-03-31T20:23:00.000+01:00I feel woefully inadequate, as I've only read five...I feel woefully inadequate, as I've only read five of the nominees in the 39 years the contest has existed.<BR/><BR/>I first found out about The Booker Prize when Roddy Doyle won for <B>Paddy Clark, Ha, Ha, Ha</B>, because I'm a huge fan of his work. <BR/><BR/>I will commit to reading one book, and I haven't decided which one, yet. <BR/><BR/>Side note: bad bunni - do you teach French?maurinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04398559432565869750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-10963919467972226612008-03-31T18:51:00.000+01:002008-03-31T18:51:00.000+01:00I'm pleased to find out that I have read a few of ...I'm pleased to find out that I have read a few of the nominees and a whopping three of the past winners. I hope you enjoy <I>Midnight's Children</I>, Bee. I found it disorienting at points but wonderful in total. It is my current favorite book.<BR/><BR/>Just last night I realized that I didn't have a novel to read. So I'll give it a try. Maybe I can finish three books? I'll stay tuned...<BR/>--JenineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-63037863764469993402008-03-30T13:33:00.000+01:002008-03-30T13:33:00.000+01:00Heartsease,You are the Booker Goddess! 25 winners...Heartsease,<BR/><BR/>You are the Booker Goddess! 25 winners!<BR/><BR/>We will definitely have both a "will win" and a "should win" category . . . but you only get a prize for the first category!<BR/><BR/>Lucy,<BR/><BR/>Come back when you have more time! I am going to try and check in -- from Texas -- but my computer time will be scarce.Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-29744962321453144022008-03-30T13:27:00.000+01:002008-03-30T13:27:00.000+01:00This looks interesting... I'm rushing through at t...This looks interesting... I'm rushing through at the moment, but it might be good to have some reading goals; I'll come back to it. Have a good time away!Lucyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09764296105901909328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-31181565387271589222008-03-30T12:11:00.000+01:002008-03-30T12:11:00.000+01:00Ok since I'm older and British I guess I too shoul...Ok since I'm older and British I guess I too should participate, and since I've read 25 of the winners my list will be shorter. But being British, and hence inherently cynical I want to say that we all know the best one won't win, so could we have 2 categories 1)the one "they" will choose, and 2) the one we think should win. (We could also have a category for "Good grief - why did they choose that one!)heartseasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00447819078846015984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-41962785174001810222008-03-30T10:14:00.000+01:002008-03-30T10:14:00.000+01:00BSR and Bunni,I'm looking forward to hearing what ...BSR and Bunni,<BR/><BR/>I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide to take on -- even though I know that neither of you has a lot of free time.<BR/><BR/>I'm taking "Disgrace" with me on my trip . . . I started it last night.<BR/><BR/>BSR, I finished "The Lovely Bones" -- and what a wonderful book. I will write more about it at some future date.Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-5847672259370274732008-03-29T22:02:00.000+00:002008-03-29T22:02:00.000+00:00I'm interested as well even though I have no free ...I'm interested as well even though I have no free time as my french classes begin this week and I'm behind on grading.Bad Bunnihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11041523746463253258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-484915268092812945.post-82970902768020525922008-03-29T19:40:00.000+00:002008-03-29T19:40:00.000+00:00I only have a moment, but of course I'm interested...I only have a moment, but of course I'm interested, and yes, I follow the booker each year,<BR/><BR/>I find it hysterical that one can place a wager on the outcome.<BR/><BR/>I'll follow up in a bit.<BR/><BR/>Count me in.Brave Sir Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885043536453757210noreply@blogger.com