Babble Book Club: Upcoming selection ideas?

That is a good suggestion.

I have always wanted to read her stuff as well, but it is one that always slips my mind when at the bookstore or library. I would definitely be interested in tackle this book -- did you suggest it before?

What is everyone else thinking and feeling? Too much fiction, too much CanLit (never!)?

We have still got lots of time to choose and lots of time to put forth any suggestions for our little club!

Thanks infrancinophile -- definitely on the list; let's see what everyone else thinks!

Looks as though Kevin Chong's Beauty Plus Pity is available in (random) libraries (I searched on the internet), available for purchase from publisher Arsenal Pulp Press (shipped within 24 hours) and at various independents as well, being that he is a Vancouver-based writer (and former UBC student).

This sounds like a great selection (thanks Catchfire!) so let's select Kevin Chong's latest Beauty Plus Pity as our newest BBC book! 

I'll make up a new thread for the selection, but how about we keep this one open to bounce ideas off for all our selections -- seems it could be easier?

Thanks again for everyone's input!

@Caissa -- that is a great novel. Definitely the better of some of Michael Chabon's books. It's a pretty big read, but I found I flew through it because it was so interesting and engaging.

I really like how Chabon weaves Judaism, comics, war history, slang and modernity into his writing. He is really talented (although sometimes a bit wordy, and like, pretensious wordy).

better yet Derrick stay tuned for some surprises.... wink, wink, nudge, nudge!

Also, I was surfing the internet in fits of procrastination (as per usual) and stumbled upon some interesting Kevin Chong interviews, mainly this one from the Montreal Gazette being noteable. The interviewer is pretty candid and relaxed and actually read his works too!

My Year of the Racehorse looks interesting and so does Neil Young Nation -- what a diverse writer, my goodness!

That is an interesting perspective to take. I only become aware of my projections on a book, when that book is (inevitably) made into a movie and the characters aren't how I imagined. 

Actually once or twice, my experience in life have shaped my reactions to the way I perceive characters intents in situations. While some may deem a person one way, another can say the opposite. I guess that is why everything is a crap-shoot. Who knows what you'll like.

I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the book though and your insights make me excited to get reading!

This might be old news to some, but apparently @CBCbooks hosts twitter chats about CanLit (!) and their next one is Thursday June 7 2 p.m. EST. The discussion is on "the future of libraries and the role of libraries in the digital age".

I think I am going to hop on this discussion on Thursday to also mine the conversation for any interesting CanLit gems for our next selection and just general conversation because that is super interesting!

They are using a bit of an ambiguous hashtag (#CanLit), but still, could be cool! Check it out! Babble Book Club mingling with the CBC!

haha.

Just throwing it out there -- what about something by Steven Galloway? Editor Derrick's publishing of apiece by Steven Galloway on the Quebec strikes made him pop into my mind again. Cellist of Sarajevo?

that's a good idea to bring in some non-fiction! 

What do others think about reading either of the books suggested by infrancinophile?

We could also consider more of a Canadian angle to things (I know, I know) -- someone way back when had suggested the recent book on Lester B. I do believe.

Any thoughts on some biographical or fact based readings?

I was thinking West of Here by Jonathan Evison could be a great read.

I picked it up when I was in Seattle for the first time in Elliot Bay Books. It seems like a melding between history and story-telling, and could be an easing in of sorts to non-fiction. The methadone of books perhaps?

But seriously, I have grown to really like this style of blending fact with fiction (in a Lee Henderson "the Man Game" way not James Frey "A million Little Pieces" way) and I think this could be an interesting read.

It is about American Northwest history, but could still be interesting!

Thoughts? 

The Death and Life of Great American Cities!

That's a great suggestion Alex, and strangely enough, one of my co-workers just started reading that as well.

I like that it on the subject of urban planning. I'd be interested in reading that for sure!

What does everyone think?

Also, Cornell West is the coolest -- did you see the Examined Life?

maybe a larger read would be good for the summer because things tend to be a little harder to coordinate in summer.

We could all spend more time on the in between discussion and therefore wouldn't interfere with vacations and moving plans and sun (which is a myth in Vancouver).

It seems to be on at least two people's 'bucket list' so maybe it should be a go?

What does everyone think?

I think reading a non-Canadian author is okay? We have done it before, twice, and might be a nice way to explore other topics too!

Maybe less profile is an option, but we did say this could be a book club where one could finally read those books they have always wanted, high-profile authors included.

I guess summer could flip-flop between either getting into a long book because we all have a bit more time (and hopefully sunlight) to read, or we could also read a shorty so we have lots of time to play in the sun too!

I'm afraid I'm a bit indecisive these days, so how about we narrow it down to a couple options and decide from there.

Cassia you already started reading "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" right? So that option can stay on the table. 

Which others?