sirinrob

Just finished reading this, after one false start and on the second attempt putting it to oneside for awhile before continuing. I found the concepts presented are in themselves not that difficult to understand, but the presentation is off putting. Sartre's self-aggrandizement I found irritating. This is very noticeable in the Introduction and Parts 1 and 2. I found that more often than not he would describe a concept which I grasped, then launch into a lengthy exposition why other philosophers were wrong and he was right, then state several pages later the conclusion I had already come to. I found my distancing myself from the text which reduced my annoyance. Part3 and Part4 are better since they are more tentative, but contain some interesting ideas. I intend reading 'The Rebel' by Camus , with a view to seeing how much they had in common, as well as the differences which caused the bitter feud between them

Feel like im going to get flack for this but the plainer the cover the more I'll go for it. in my view its the innards which are more important. If I find a book which really speaks to me then I keep it, rather than get a 'pretty cover' version, my logic being the words havnt changed so why bother. I do tend to seek out less popular authors as well and these tend to be in less pretty covers, but im interested in whats inside not the external decor.

Have started 'Labyrinths' by Borges. From threads on this forum it would seem that this is regarded as difficult. In my view depends on how difficult is defined. I've found the best approach is to read one work in this volume then mull that over, then read another. That way the connections between the works becomes more apparent. Also rereading helps. So far 'Deutsches Requiem' is my favourite - now on third reread.

Right here goes: 'Labyrinths' - Borges 'The book of Imaginary Beings' Borges

This is a list of books I'm reading/intending to read that for one reason or another dont fit into neat categories :roll. List to follow

the 'I'm older than you so im more important' attitude really riles me - especially when its obviously an act. now I'm 55 so from the demographics on the forumj im old lol.

I now live in SW Wales. Originally from Boscombe, but lived in several areas of UK during childhood ans had 3 months in South Africa during apartheid years. Settled in Chatham for 25 years, then moved to Neath, where I live now.

I lived in Chatham for 25 years and where you were born I could see from my house till they 'redeveloped'.

a well preserved 55 here lol

One I would recommended is 'The coming of the Third Reich' by Richard Evans though its not specifically about WW2, it does provide good background into the climate surrounding the establishment of the the Third Reich. It is the first volume of 3 that cover the establishment, events of and demise of the Third Reich. It is written for a general audience, so is accesible. I'm definitely going to get the other 2 volumes

i often find myself researching something thats mentioned in a book. Recent example is history of Roumania, since thats where Hanna comes from in 'The Reader' by schlink. It has proved rather complex , but interesting.

Thought i'd add the 'the Old Man and the Sea' -e Hemingway. beautiful narrative, conjured up for me sublime images ' the thin cry of the birds was too delicate for the sea' as an example.

This and 'Canterville Ghost ' are on my TBR List.

I never set a time limit for reading - most of the time I finish reading a novel fairly quickly - 2/3 days. Sometimes it takes longer if its a complex or really dense novel. The worst case scenario has been 'Being and Nothingness' by Sartre, but thats a special case as I want to be able to read 'The Rebel' by Camus and compare, so I have to go through the torment of Sartre, as the almighty row that erupted between Camus and Sartre rests on the 2 books.

Just to add to this MBTI fun that I'm INTJ - result of 2 offical tests - lol imj an a-social ******.

I've just read first one and thoroughly enjoyed it. I agree its quirky but in a fun way.

Read this fairly recently. The impression I have is that Margarita feels that her life is empty even though she lives a privliged existence. To her the Master represents something meaningful. The novel he is writing is , by its subject and content, against the offical view. The refusal to publish it followed by the attacks in the press was typical of the Soviet system - Bulgakov himself suffered similar attacks.I dont see him a s a loser, more someone following his own beliefs rather than toeing the offical line. His disappearance is likely to be an allusion to be taken away for interrogation, and as seems likely found to be 'insane' and put in a secure hospital. That was one form of punishment meted out by the Soviet government against dissenters.

What did you make of the 'Parnassaus on wheels?. I'ts on my TBR list, so will get read, just curious for opinion.

just finished the first in the TN series and enjoyed it immensely. TBOE looks interseting so its now on my wish list

I am an innocent faced idiot who causes mischief where ever i go

If you want a totally off the wall acount of the WW1 the no look further than 'The Good Soldier Svejk' by Hasek. It is very funny but alaso raises questions about the war and the institutions involved. Already on my reread pile as i9t is so pertinent

It depends on what you mean by rereading. If you mean the whole book then if I feel the book is worth it I'll reread it. However I find myself with ceratin books rereading previous part5s to clarify something that occurs later in the book. Now in this case thats what i term rereading. Yeah im odd, but I've found this methood extracts the most from a book. Agreed rereading a book as a whole yields more, but a litttle rereading previous materuial hellps as well

I'm like Adam, the cover doesn't really attract me - many books I read dont have 'pretty'' covers im more interseted in the innards. The expression 'Don't judge a book by its cover 'springs to mind....

Hope you enjoy

Based on a recommendation on here just read 'The Haunted Bookshop' by morley. Its a good read with elements of mystery/literature/homespun philosophy with a vein of humour as well.