Who's reading what,when & the experience

Nick-H

Ah, yes, of course, I'd forgotten that, even though I read it only recently while doing a bit of research the week I thought I had malaria.

Something similar about cholera, I think?

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vistet

Choler apparently refers back to the Greek khole : gall , bile ; disease seen as emanating from organs that represent the different humors . Choleric has the same origin. This view persisted a long time in Western medicine : Freud was ridiculed by colleagues because he described hysterical men : an obvious impossibility since men have no wombs (hysteros), the organ responsible for the condition.

The bad air theory was also the prevailing explanation for altitude sickness for a long time : noxious fumes from the rock faces was thought as an explanation. A rational culture would have given up
that explanation with the first deaths in ballooning , can´t remember if that actually happened.

End rant.

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Aishah

Interesting stuff here for how these words came about - I didn't know the 'bad air' one but recall learning about the humors in years gone by.
Your book sounds interesting, Conor - how did he travel across the Thar Desert? By camel before the Border fence got put up?

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Shiver me Timbers

Not sure, haven't got to that bit yet, I'll let you know...

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Scandojazzbuff

Both the book and the movie were very good, IMO. In case you've never read any Rohinton Mistry novels, he is one of the best. And, one of the most incredible reads I've had is John Irving's 'Son Of The Circus', a book that takes place mostly in Mumbai and is nothing short of amazing. Also recommended is Rushdie's 'The Moor's Last Sigh' and, 'The Ground Beneath Her Feet'. Pure genius.

iwanttogoback

i loved 'son of the circus', a gloriously large story.

machadinha

Loved his A Fine Balance yes. Well, depressing, but a great and insightful read anyway.

Wasn't aware The Namesake had been turned into a movie. Will keep an eye out for it.

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Scandojazzbuff

It's on DVD. Not your typical Bollywood product.

Aishah

Scando. I've got The Ground beneath Her Feet in the cupboard - might read it next. Just now finishing Monica Ali's Brick Road.
I wouldn't mind seeing The Namesake movie - must look out for the DVD (even though I got a bit tired of the book, as a movie it might be quite good. I like her short stories better). I loved The Son of the Circus, in fact a friend has left her copy for me to re-read. (I read it quite a while ago now, but will enjoy a re-read, it is so funny and clever!)
Agree with you Mach re A Fine Balance - the one thing I found interesting were some insights into Indira Ghandi's Emergency and sterilization programmes.

Nick-H

She-who-must-be-obeyed, the Eponimous She, is called Ayesha. It's pretty close: maybe we have a nickname for Aishah!!!!



Unfortunately my moderator rights don't extend to editing the user title.

If they did I'd be sorely tempted to abuse them!

Aishah

Mr K would probably be in agreement with you Nick, but with a real grimace and a growling sound!!!! I have to be very diplomatic and bite my tongue around here sometimes! My nickname one time was Iron Lady!! Not Ironing Lady...

Nick-H

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Passion fruit

I don't exactly devour books, but i am trying to get better in the "reading department".

Anyway, a couple of days I just finished reading "The kite runner" by Khaled Hosseini which was quite a moving story, and I highly recommed it.

The Namesake, I liked too, although at times it was a little slow for me...
Another one i just started and am half-way reading it, but i can say it's a book that really captures you is "Animal's People" by Indra Sinha, which I also really recommend. I am loving it.

Scandojazzbuff

The Ground is a hefty book, but, very rewarding. I believe the book is influenced by Rushdie's association with U2. He is a great fan of rock and roll. His genius shines through and is very readable. The Namesake might be a better film than the book. And, there is another Mistry book, 'A Family Matter' that is also outstanding.

Don't miss the movie Eklavya. The big B delivers.

I loved the Kite Runner and am now reading his latest 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' which is equally as good, so far.

Aishah

Scando - thanks for the Rushdie comment - I thought 'A Family Matter' not quite as engrossing as 'A Fine Balance', good read though. The film Eklavya - is the title for the film based on The Namesake'?