For the month of April we read Lolita by Vladimir Nabakov, which is a controversial and commonly banned book worldwide. I was really excited to read this book, because I knew it was written in a very Russian style (which I am not very familiar with!) and was... well, controversial!
Lolita is about a man that seduces and maintains a relationship with a young girl, whom he calls a "nymphet." The story is primarily about their love and relationship. If you can get past what it IS, it's a good story... unfortunately, I could not. I could not fathom this and I did not really care for the story at all. Much like Middlesex, I thought the writing was phenomenal but I think I knew too much going into the story. I knew what Nabakov was trying to do, and it just didn't work for me. I wish I had gone into the book not knowing anything at all. Maybe then it would have had a chance with me. (Doubtful, though).
Once again, the group was pretty split with slightly more people disliking the story than liking it. The conversation was awesome though, and I loved the different perspectives everyone brought to the table. With uncomfortable stories like this, I think it is necessary to segment the elements out and discuss the writing, the content, the writing style... etc, and I think that is what I enjoy most and take away from books like this. Books, where I don't necessarily enjoy the subject matter, that is.
Besides the book, we did meet at a very popular Beaverdale bar called Goodsons! I had actually never been there! When we're in Beaverdale we usually go to Saints, so it was nice to branch out! My favorite feature of this bar was the chalkboard table tops, and then of course the panini's (I had a buffalo chicken panini, unfortunately I forgot to take a picture).
For the month of April we are reading Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. I am SO EXCITED about this because I read this book in January and absolutely loved the story. It's about the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his first mistress (yes, I said first) Mamah Cheney. The story was captivating to me and I haven't been able to get it out of my head since, so discussing it will be fantastic!
We're meeting on Sunday April 29th at 11am at.... Americana! Sunday Brunch! Bloody mary bar! Mimosa bar! Books! My heart is happy. :)
Check out the invite here. We would love to have you if you are interested! Everyone is welcome!
That book sounds... interesting. I would like to read it but might have too much information now like you did!
ReplyDeleteApril 29th!!!
ReplyDeleteI do not think I could handle reading this book... regardless of how beautiful the writing is, if the story bugs me, I can't get past that! But I commend you for finishing it! And how exciting that you guys are reading Loving Frank. I am so glad you liked that book so much since I raved about it to you. :)
ReplyDeleteYour book club is doing so well - wish I lived closer and could attend!
I like that you are meeting at 11 am next time. That sounds like a lot of fun Amber. I really wish I would have known you when I was in Des Moines! I would have loved to join in!
ReplyDeleteI dont think i will read lolita unless im in a book club that reads it. my mind cant handle heavy stories very well anymore. my brain is mush. ;P but i LOVE loving frank!
ReplyDelete