thanks for this 😭😭😭 as a viewer from argentina i’m glad people on booktube are starting to appreciate our literature!! i adore your channel and i hope you keep with this great content
Absolutely, Argentinian literature deserves so much more praise and attention! I am blown away every time. I am hoping that Norah Lange has more works translated into English. She seems like an interesting figure!
South American Literature is a favorite of mine and a major focus of my own work and studies! You've picked some excellent titles here, so glad to see Arlt and Lispector! They're criminally overlooked, though Lispector is finally getting her due a little bit. South America is beautiful! I grew up in Costa Rica and Mexico City, but there's so much I haven't seen. Argentina is at the top of the bucket list. Land of Borges and Casares!
This was great. Thank you so much. I'm doing the read-around-the-world challenge right now and this has helped me discover some new authors from LA countries. Appreciate your reviews so much.
Thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate hearing that. I am doing well, but I've been a bit too busy with work to have much time to read or film sadly! I am planning on returning soon though :)
I'm from Brazil so it was really cool to see these authors that i'm familiar with. If you're still interested in brazilian literature, I recommend Chronicle of the Murdered House by Lúcio Cardoso, it's an intense book like Wuthering Heights, super dramatic, and I recommend also Hilda Hilst books, a really provocative author!
Wow, I just looked up that Cardoso book and it sounds like something I would love! Definitely going to being adding that one to my next book order. It looks like the English translation was made by the same two translators who did the Machado de Assis collection. Thanks for the recommendations (as always!!!) :)
@@Lotta-sk8bi don't panic, I'm sure she's doing fine. I know she'll be back but this is the second time I click on her channel this week; I guess my serotonin levels need a boost😂. Seriously.
I read The Passion According to G.H. earlier this year. Your explanation made sense to me! I found the book so fascinating in how it was written and what the author was trying to tease out, but ultimately I think I disagree with the attitude or quasi-conclusion. You mention so many interesting books here. I want to try Cortazar at some point. A few years ago I tried to do something like the literary vacation but focusing on reading a book from each continent. I started in South America and made it to Antarctica and got stuck in Antarctica. I read Tierra del Fuego by Francisco Coloane for the time in South America and really loved it.
That's fair! I definitely can't relate to the way Lispector describes life, so maybe that's why I find the intensity of her writing so fascinating. And that sounds like a cool reading challenge-- I don't think I've read anything set on Antarctica before! I'll keep Tierra del Fuego in mind for when I am next stocking up on some South American lit :)
You might have prompted me to finally read Zambra. Loved this selection - but still struggling with what books to buy from your amazing indigenous writers recent list:)
With all these challenges, i'm curious what your tbr looks like. Seems robust and full. I love hearing you speak about the books you love. As always many are added my own eventual to read list.
I'm from Argentina and I really love Cortázar, even though many of his stories go over my head. I was trying to figure out which of his collections is the one that you read because the title Blow Up didn't bring to my mind any of the original titles in Spanish, but then you mentioned those two stories (which are also two of my absolute favorites of his) and I realized that Blow Up is probably a mix of stories from different collections, because Axolotl and Carta a una Señorita en París (the one with the bunnies) were originally published in separate collections. I'm curious to know which other stories are part of Blow Up.
Yes it seems to be some sort of mix! Here are the ones included in my copy: Axolotl - House Taken Over - The Distances - The Idol of the Cyclades - Letter to a Young Lady in Paris - A Yellow Flower - Continuity of Parks - The Night Face Up - Bestiary - The Gates of Heaven - Blow-Up - End of the Game - At Your Service - The Pursuer - Secret Weapons (sadly my copy only lists the titles in English so I'm not sure what the original titles are!).
Oh thanks for taking the time to write all that down! Yes, from the titles that I recognise in English it seems to be a mix of Cortázar's first three collections. House Taken Over and Continuity of Parks are some of his most well known stories in Argentina. I still haven't figured out which story is Blow Up though haha, I'll have to Google that.
@@antoneladiana Interesting! Yes, those two stories were iconic as well! I think Blow Up is "Las babas del diablo" (it's the one about the photographer)
Yes, that's what it's called! It had to be a well known one too, to be chosen for the title. A great collection overall. One story of his that is not there that I always remember is called Omnibus (I believe the English title is the same)
Finally reading books I’m interested in reading 😂 So many of these books I’ve read or are on my wishlist. I didn’t have Multiple Choice on my wishlist (I do now) but other Zambra were there. I almost lost it when you forgot to mention Megan McDowell but you recovered. Julio Cortázar is a weird writer, I need to read some of his short stories. I really wish a better translation of The Flamethrowers was released, I want to read it...and reread The Seven Madmen.
I'm excited to continue exploring Zambra. I already have My Documents but I also ordered his essay collection Not to Read after reading Multiple Choice. And yes, Megan McDowell does such good work it would be a crime not to give her credit haha!! I totally agree with you about The Flamethrowers. I feel like my reading experience is so incomplete with only reading The Seven Madmen! D:
Since you like Cortázar, may I suggest reading Felisberto Hernandez? His stories are equally bizarre and disorienting, but sadly much less well known. Piano Stories is a great collection by him. Juan Carlos Onetti might also tickle your fancy.
Thank you so much for the recommendations! I am always game to read more weird short stories. Funnily enough it looks like the book cover of Piano Stories has a Cortázar quotation on it ("Felisberto, I will always love you!")
@@bigalbooksforever That book definitely has some good blurbs. According to the Times Literary Supplement, Hernandez is "a loopier, vegetarian Kafka." I'm not sure I even know what that means, but I agree!
Now that I think of it, that would be a good quote for Lispector, too, though she's not exactly "vegetarian," as readers of G.H. are painfully aware... 😱
Thank you for checking in! I've been alright, but teaching has been taking up all of my time and energy these days. The return to in-person learning has resulted in a lot of changes which we're still trying to work through. I'm hoping to return soon though! I hope you've been ok as well :)
I love you Alex, you video always makes my day brighter, I would like to have a "literary vacation to Japan", I want to be able to read more Japanese authors 🌸
BTW if you’ve ever wanted to learn it, Spanish is one of the easiest and simplest languages out there. That’s why it’s beautiful. A lot of the literature doesn’t read the same in translation but especially magical realism. It’s hard to explain why. I’m only saying this in case you were already considering it but were maybe intimidated by the commitment.
Yes it is definitely a lifelong dream of mine! I speak some French so I think that will help make the language a bit more accessible. It would be so cool to read magical realism texts in the original though! 😍
For a couple years, as a challenge, I read a book set in every country of the world. Going through the process I thought of doing a regional or country study would be great, because one book was never enough. I always wanted more. My problem is which country or region to start. Right now I am thinking of Indonesia.
That is so cool you finished that reading challenge! Indonesia has such a fascinating and complex history, so I imagine that would be a great place to start. I've only ever read Eka Kurniawan, but his books have made me quite interested to learn more! :)
Thank you for mentioning the translators names 🙏 and for your fresh & diverse recommendations and insightful comments
I'm from Brazil and this video is absolutely amazing, thanks for enjoying our literature!
thanks for this 😭😭😭 as a viewer from argentina i’m glad people on booktube are starting to appreciate our literature!! i adore your channel and i hope you keep with this great content
Absolutely, Argentinian literature deserves so much more praise and attention! I am blown away every time. I am hoping that Norah Lange has more works translated into English. She seems like an interesting figure!
South American Literature is a favorite of mine and a major focus of my own work and studies! You've picked some excellent titles here, so glad to see Arlt and Lispector! They're criminally overlooked, though Lispector is finally getting her due a little bit.
South America is beautiful! I grew up in Costa Rica and Mexico City, but there's so much I haven't seen. Argentina is at the top of the bucket list. Land of Borges and Casares!
That is so cool you get to specialize in these fantastic books! If you have any Costa Rican recommendations, I'd love to hear them! :)
I do 'book vacations' too. I like to accompany them by cooking meals to match the area too ...and, listening to music from the area :)
Bringing in the other senses-- that would definitely take things up a notch! Sounds like fun :)
I will never forget The Comemadre, but I did forget that it was two stories! They merged into one in my head.
Yes it is hard to ever forget creepy stories like this! :S
This was great, thanks! Hope your reading is going well.
I love your videos and I am so happy to see you reading South American literature! ❤🥰 love from Argentina
It is the best! :)
This was great. Thank you so much. I'm doing the read-around-the-world challenge right now and this has helped me discover some new authors from LA countries. Appreciate your reviews so much.
That is so cool you are doing that challenge and I'm glad this video could be of some help! Good luck with finding your titles :}
Hey there! long time no see. Hope everything is ok. You are missed in here. Remain blessed.
Thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate hearing that. I am doing well, but I've been a bit too busy with work to have much time to read or film sadly! I am planning on returning soon though :)
@@bigalbooksforever glad to read this! Looking forward to your return :)
☺️ I adore you Alex! This was so cool. I need to read Zambra.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed this! Yes I can't wait to try more by Zambra. I think I'll check out his collection My Documents next! :)
I'm from Brazil so it was really cool to see these authors that i'm familiar with. If you're still interested in brazilian literature, I recommend Chronicle of the Murdered House by Lúcio Cardoso, it's an intense book like Wuthering Heights, super dramatic, and I recommend also Hilda Hilst books, a really provocative author!
Wow, I just looked up that Cardoso book and it sounds like something I would love! Definitely going to being adding that one to my next book order. It looks like the English translation was made by the same two translators who did the Machado de Assis collection. Thanks for the recommendations (as always!!!) :)
@@bigalbooksforever I promise you won't regret it!! People compare this violent book with Wuthering Heights! That's amazing!
@@lsu1222 I'm looking forward to it. Wuthering Heights is one of my all time faves, so if it's anything like it I will love it!
@@bigalbooksforever yeah!!
Yes!!! Multiple Choice is one of my favorite books!
It is so much fun! :)
I miss your videos so much! 😭🥰
I came here to cry too😭 (for the same reason)
@@pincmin do you know anything about her absence? 😓
@@Lotta-sk8bi don't panic, I'm sure she's doing fine. I know she'll be back but this is the second time I click on her channel this week; I guess my serotonin levels need a boost😂. Seriously.
I read The Passion According to G.H. earlier this year. Your explanation made sense to me! I found the book so fascinating in how it was written and what the author was trying to tease out, but ultimately I think I disagree with the attitude or quasi-conclusion. You mention so many interesting books here. I want to try Cortazar at some point. A few years ago I tried to do something like the literary vacation but focusing on reading a book from each continent. I started in South America and made it to Antarctica and got stuck in Antarctica. I read Tierra del Fuego by Francisco Coloane for the time in South America and really loved it.
That's fair! I definitely can't relate to the way Lispector describes life, so maybe that's why I find the intensity of her writing so fascinating. And that sounds like a cool reading challenge-- I don't think I've read anything set on Antarctica before! I'll keep Tierra del Fuego in mind for when I am next stocking up on some South American lit :)
You might have prompted me to finally read Zambra. Loved this selection - but still struggling with what books to buy from your amazing indigenous writers recent list:)
Zambra is definitely worth giving a shot! And that's awesome you are looking to support some Indigenous authors! :)
With all these challenges, i'm curious what your tbr looks like. Seems robust and full. I love hearing you speak about the books you love. As always many are added my own eventual to read list.
My TBR is quite out of control haha... years of used book shopping has caught up with me! But I like having a lot of options around :)
I'm from Argentina and I really love Cortázar, even though many of his stories go over my head. I was trying to figure out which of his collections is the one that you read because the title Blow Up didn't bring to my mind any of the original titles in Spanish, but then you mentioned those two stories (which are also two of my absolute favorites of his) and I realized that Blow Up is probably a mix of stories from different collections, because Axolotl and Carta a una Señorita en París (the one with the bunnies) were originally published in separate collections. I'm curious to know which other stories are part of Blow Up.
Yes it seems to be some sort of mix! Here are the ones included in my copy: Axolotl - House Taken Over - The Distances - The Idol of the Cyclades - Letter to a Young Lady in Paris - A Yellow Flower - Continuity of Parks - The Night Face Up - Bestiary - The Gates of Heaven - Blow-Up - End of the Game - At Your Service - The Pursuer - Secret Weapons (sadly my copy only lists the titles in English so I'm not sure what the original titles are!).
Oh thanks for taking the time to write all that down! Yes, from the titles that I recognise in English it seems to be a mix of Cortázar's first three collections. House Taken Over and Continuity of Parks are some of his most well known stories in Argentina. I still haven't figured out which story is Blow Up though haha, I'll have to Google that.
@@antoneladiana Interesting! Yes, those two stories were iconic as well! I think Blow Up is "Las babas del diablo" (it's the one about the photographer)
Yes, that's what it's called! It had to be a well known one too, to be chosen for the title. A great collection overall. One story of his that is not there that I always remember is called Omnibus (I believe the English title is the same)
@@antoneladiana good to know! I will see if I can find it online 🧐
Finally reading books I’m interested in reading 😂 So many of these books I’ve read or are on my wishlist. I didn’t have Multiple Choice on my wishlist (I do now) but other Zambra were there. I almost lost it when you forgot to mention Megan McDowell but you recovered. Julio Cortázar is a weird writer, I need to read some of his short stories. I really wish a better translation of The Flamethrowers was released, I want to read it...and reread The Seven Madmen.
I'm excited to continue exploring Zambra. I already have My Documents but I also ordered his essay collection Not to Read after reading Multiple Choice. And yes, Megan McDowell does such good work it would be a crime not to give her credit haha!! I totally agree with you about The Flamethrowers. I feel like my reading experience is so incomplete with only reading The Seven Madmen! D:
Since you like Cortázar, may I suggest reading Felisberto Hernandez? His stories are equally bizarre and disorienting, but sadly much less well known. Piano Stories is a great collection by him. Juan Carlos Onetti might also tickle your fancy.
Thank you so much for the recommendations! I am always game to read more weird short stories. Funnily enough it looks like the book cover of Piano Stories has a Cortázar quotation on it ("Felisberto, I will always love you!")
@@bigalbooksforever That book definitely has some good blurbs. According to the Times Literary Supplement, Hernandez is "a loopier, vegetarian Kafka." I'm not sure I even know what that means, but I agree!
Now that I think of it, that would be a good quote for Lispector, too, though she's not exactly "vegetarian," as readers of G.H. are painfully aware... 😱
@@TPoetTwo HAHA those are a bunch of words I never thought could be combined together but I like it! But yeah, probably not super accurate for GH 😖
Hey there. Will we see a wrap of video on Proust? I would love to see your thoughts now that you have reached the end of that epic.
Yes for sure! It sometimes feels impossible to wrap up the experience in a mere youtube video but I will try my best! :)
Hi Alex, how are you? Missing your videos.
Thank you for checking in! I've been alright, but teaching has been taking up all of my time and energy these days. The return to in-person learning has resulted in a lot of changes which we're still trying to work through. I'm hoping to return soon though! I hope you've been ok as well :)
Teaching right now has to be one of the most difficult jobs, thank you for doing it! I have been so blessed to be well.
I love you Alex, you video always makes my day brighter, I would like to have a "literary vacation to Japan", I want to be able to read more Japanese authors 🌸
Thanks for the lovely comment! That is a great country to choose. Japan has so many amazing authors-- it's impossible to keep up with them all! :)
BTW if you’ve ever wanted to learn it, Spanish is one of the easiest and simplest languages out there. That’s why it’s beautiful. A lot of the literature doesn’t read the same in translation but especially magical realism. It’s hard to explain why. I’m only saying this in case you were already considering it but were maybe intimidated by the commitment.
Yes it is definitely a lifelong dream of mine! I speak some French so I think that will help make the language a bit more accessible. It would be so cool to read magical realism texts in the original though! 😍
For a couple years, as a challenge, I read a book set in every country of the world. Going through the process I thought of doing a regional or country study would be great, because one book was never enough. I always wanted more. My problem is which country or region to start. Right now I am thinking of Indonesia.
That is so cool you finished that reading challenge! Indonesia has such a fascinating and complex history, so I imagine that would be a great place to start. I've only ever read Eka Kurniawan, but his books have made me quite interested to learn more! :)
Hi Alex (again)! I was wondering if you intend to (re)read Alice in Wonderland this year?
Yes funnily enough that is one I've been meaning to get back to! I have an annotated edition that I'm quite excited about :)
@@bigalbooksforever Great to hear. I'm looking forward to know your thoughts about it! You intend to read Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell?
I cannot get past the idea that of all of Gabo's novels, you chose the one about the sailor. Que lastima, pana.
My used bookstore really let me down on that one!