Snapshot July 2016
I was far too excited by the phenomenal success of the Welsh national football team to post my July snapshot on the first of the month. Against all the odds they soundly beat off the favourites Belgium last night (ranked number two in the world) to get through to the Euro 2016 semi finals, the first time we’ve qualified for a major tournament since 1958.
We’re a nation whose passion is normally devoted to a different shaped ball but last night everyone seemed to be glued to the tv screens. Even me whose knowledge of the finer rules of soccer can be written on the back of a beer mat.
Don’t worry I am not about to abandon Booker Talk’s normal fare of literary postings in favour of sports topics but I hope you’ll allow me a little indulgence on this historic occasion.
So what else was I doing on the first of this month??
Just Finished
After months in which my world literature reading project seemed to have stalled, I added one more country to the list – Belgium. That makes 31 countries completed from a goal of 50 by January 2018. Fear and Trembling by Amélie Nothomb was a delight and thanks to sylvie heroux I have recommendations for three more books by her: The Character of Rain,
Tokyo Fiancee and The Stranger Next Door. My review is posted here.
Reading Currently
I have two books on the go at the moment. Having made good progress so far with the 20booksofsummer challenge run by Cathy at 746 books, I’ve taken a pause to dip into my TBR.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is a novel I first heard of in 2013 when I was trying to think of books which had a musical theme (other titles are in this post). It got added to my TBR later that year when I found a bargain copy in a library sale. It’s set in a South American country which is desperate to attract international investment. The president hits on the idea of inviting the head of a powerful electronics corporation in Japan celebrate his birthday in the country with a lavish party at which a world-renowned soprano will perform. The President decides at the last minute he has far more important things to do (namely to watch the latest episode of his favourite tv soap opera). Which proves a problem for the insurgents who surround the birthday venue planning to take the president hostage. There follows a stand off between the terrorists and their hostages. This isn’t an action novel however, but one that looks at the way people react to danger and entrapment and how leaders become impotent while ordinary individuals find new sources of strength. So far it’s wonderful to read.
My other book is also a story of courage in the face of adversity but this is a true story. In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused devastation in New Orleans. The Memorial Medical Center – the city’s premier hospital – endured five days trapped by floodwater. Its back-up generators failed, leaving it without lights, air conditioning, sewer systems and essential medical equipment. Medical staff had to prioritise which patients should be evacuated, and – controversially – which patients to euthanise because their conditions were so poor.
Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink originated as an article which appeared in the New York Times Magazine in 2009 and went on to win a Pulitzer Prize. Fink details the events of those five days and the investigation that followed into the actions of a few members of the medical team. She then goes on to examine the legal and political consequences of the decision to euthanize patients and the ethical issues surrounding euthanasia and health care in disaster scenarios. I’m only a little way into the book but it’s riveting. There is a chilling prologue which sets the scene. In a reception area, patients lie awaiting rescue amid the miasma of the receding floodwaters. Rescue has started but it is painfully slow. A few members of the medical staff begin to prepare a lethal concoction of drugs for the most critically ill. This is not a book you can read quickly but more one that needs to be read in small chunks to allow for reflection on the key issues.
Go Wales! Good job on the world literature reading!
unfortunately the march to victory was denied us.
Well that’s too bad.
You’re so organized, I’m just sort of meandering through my shelves and the library and whatever comes along. I should get back to my TBR soon.
Me organised! That’s a hoot. I have such a butterfly mind that I can’t stick to any plan for long. I’m doing my own meandering in amongst the 20books of summer reading.
Also reading Bel Canto because of its musical theme!
isn’t it wonderful?
Hoping Wales can go all the way. It’s fantastic they are fantastic and everything England was not they are. Good luck to them on Wednesday.
the turnaround in the team in the last 4 years has been remarkable. whatever happens on wednesday they’ll be classed as heroes
Oh you’re Welsh!!
Always thought you were American, haha.
I hope they beat Portugal, go to the final, and beat the other finalist! 😀
its odd but I’ve had a few people in the last year puzzle about my accent and even ask me if I am Canadian. But no I am 100% Welsh
Gorgeous photo of the football team….and I also love the cover on Bel Canto.
Enjoy!
the book is just as good as the cover suggests it will be
Bel Canto has long been on my TBR stack – one friend rates it as her favourite book (high praise!). I noticed that the author has a new book out, Commonwealth, that looks excellent.
Ive not read anything by this author before but based on my current experience i can see me looking for me. I shall have a look out for the new one – thanks for that tip Kate
Exciting! I’m pulling for Wales on Wednesday!
I think the whole country is going to be glued to the tv screens
The football! What a fantastic, nail-bitingly exciting match. Wales seem to be growing in confidence as the tournament progresses, and to be honest, Portugal have been rather lack lustre, so it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that they could be in the final. Dare we dream?
I’m going to be watching but hiding behind the cushion everytime I see Portugal come up our half of the field …the tension is mounting already
Congratulations on the football, it cheered me up. I hope they win the next game.
we needed a bit of cheering up to counteract all the political gloom after the Brexit vote
Well done on making good progress on the 20 Books of Summer and well done Wales, it was a great match 😀 I’ve made slower progress on my 10 Books of Summer list – I’ve finished 2 books and I am currently reading my 3rd book. Happy reading in July 🙂
You still have plenty of time left (2 months I think!) so still doable especially if you get the chance of a few days holiday ??
The schools’ summer break is 6 weeks 😀
I really liked Bel Canto as well, although the ending was… but I won’t spoil it for you. I have a hard time thinking of Amelie Nothomb as Belgian, as she lives and publishes in France now (and of course has connections to Japan), but yes, I suppose she is.
As for the Welsh team, we were pretty excited in our house as well! Great job!
She apparently lives in both Paris and Brussels and seems equally at home in either.