One Classic Book 2008: Selection

[eredien]

So every year about this time I try to pick one large, classic book to read. The first year I did The Children's Hospital by Chris Adrian (it's not a classic yet, but it should be and, I believe, will become one with time). Last year I did Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. This year I have settled on James Joyce's Ulysses, on the assumption that:

1.) I tried it in the spring and it was too hot to keep reading, as my attention span shrinks to a nub at temperatures over 80 degrees F. That will not be a problem now.
2.) I have already done a lot of research into Irish politics, theatre, poetry, and the intersection of the three from 1910-1940. I feel like I should be able to get at least some of the topical references without absolutely wracking my brain.
3.) Since I am planning on spending the rest of my life with raxvupine, I will need to read this book at some point. Why not now?

Keep tuned as things progress.

--

Hung out with twitch124 yesterday at a book signing for Chris Onstad, who does the Achewood webcomic. Saw her new place, met her snake, and had a good conversation all round. I don't read Achewood, but it was still wonderful to see 200+ people in line at the store.

I wasn't planning on buying anything, but I picked up:
- a copy of the shiny new hardcover edition of vol. 1 of Osamu Tezuka's Blackjack manga, a perrennial favorite of mine. I was thrilled; I didn't even know it was out and the previous printings of Blackjack in English are incomplete and almost impossible to find. I didn't even know what it was; I just picked it off up the shelf and then squealed in joy.

- A new Ted Naifeh book in the Courtney Crumrin series, Courtney Crumrin and the Fire Thief's Tale. Posits neat how-werewolves-came-to-be story and develops the relationship between Courtney and her mysterious Uncle Aloysius further. I love these books; they're fun to read and don't insult my intelligence when I'm looking for something a bit lighter. I wish he'd hurry up and write more, though. Naifeh's slow as a teenaged goth trying to get out of bed.

- twitch124: I remembered the title of the webcomic I've started reading. It's Gunnerkrigg Court, by Tom Siddell.

Comments

[sovay]

This year I have settled on James Joyce's Ulysses

Cool! I hope you enjoy.

[rax.livejournal.com]

JoyceJoyceJoyceJoyceJoyceJoyceJoyce!!!

[baniszew.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Gunnerkrigg Court!

I wish they'd hurry up and get the first compilation book shipped out...

[eredien]

It's suprisingly good. I've read a lot of webcomics that are pretty, and a lot that have decent storylines, and seldom do those things converge as I feel they have here.

[eredien]

>3 (it's deconstructed).

[eredien]

You're welcome.

[wormulus.livejournal.com]

I keep wanting to read some James Joyce but am horribly intimidated by him. So I thought I would try to work my way up. Any advice?

Also, along the line of webcomics, I finally made a website! I update it daily (and more on time than LJ). You should check it out and tell everyone that they should be rabid fans. Or at least tell them they should check it out.

[eredien]

Wow, hi! :)

I don't have much advice for you. I am going to echo raxvulpine's advice instead: Try The Dubliners.

However, if you want actual Joyce advice, you should ask her. She's the Joyce fanatic in the house, at least currently.

I will look at the webcomic. Exciting!