Demons--Fyodor Dosteoevsky

Now that temperatures are rising and spring is in the air, there's no time like the present for intrepid MTAP-ers to delve into a dense and convoluted Russian novel. As this is a long and, by all reports, complicated novel, and it is the end of the semester for a lot of us, we'll dedicate two meetings to this book. The first of which is currently scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 28th at The Station. It is possible the location may change, but I will try and keep everyone updated on this. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or drop me a line.

The second concluding Demons meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, May 12 at 7:30. Location TBD.

We're not setting an exact page number for the first Demons meeting, but you should probably strive to get about halfway through, if you're planning on coming to Meeting One. If not, we'll see you at Meeting Two, at which we will discuss the entire book.

As to Demons, we're reading the (reasonably new) Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonksy translation (this one). Though we're not usually picky about editions, since we are reading a classic, that has been translated many times (formerly under the title The Possessed), it would probably be useful to strive for the same edition.

Wizard of the Crow--Ngugi Wa Thiong'O

Our next book is a recent novel by a Kenyan writer, billed as "a modern day folk tale," "an allegory" and a "darkly comic satire" about an imaginary African nation. You can find out more about the book here or here. (There's also a pretty good NYT review, which I'm too lazy to link to).

Current plans are to meet Tuesday, February 12 at 7:30 pm at OCSC. However, if someone would like to suggest a different meeting location, please let me know.

2008 (Insert Your Own Crass Rhyme Here)

Okay, so after a disappointing Autumn for book club, we're back with new fervor in the New Year. For all those who made it out to Hell this past Tuesday for the dazzling conclusion of "A History of God," I think it's safe to say we had a better time with theology than I'd anticipated. For those who didn't make it out to Hell this past Tuesday, I offer my sincere apologies for not doing a better job getting the word out. I will improve.

Here's to the New Year.