Voice of a generation?

Interesting article in the July 10^th edition of Time magazine that asks: “Who’s the voice of this generation? Hemingway’s rose like the sun. Kerouac found his on the road. So why can’t today’s young novelists express the essence of their era?” 

I’m not sure I even identify with the concept: A lone voice or collective of like-minded writers who can provide context for my generation?  Can we start with a definition of “my generation?” I’m 31 and too old to be included in the “Y generation,” and while I technically fit the definition of “X” given my 1975 birth date, not having some sort of connection to cultural icons has never caused me great angst. That may be a simplistic way of looking at gen X, but other than accepting that I’ll never receive a government pension, I’ve not felt overwhelmed by baby boomers.

With an abundance of voices across various mediums, is the solitary act of writing still transformational for an entire generation? Is it the author who has the power to change opinions and prompt discussion or is it the act of marketing the book that’s really the flashpoint?

Amy

Finding Ulysses

Seems like I may have to borrow Ulysses from someone (…Joscelyn?). I popped into Coles bookstore this afternoon with the misguided hope of buying a copy so I can start reading this weekend. According to the sales clerk, there’s one copy left at the World’s Biggest Book Store and that’s about it as “everyone who listens to CBC has already bought us out.” My local library isn’t really an option as it’s closed for renovations, though I might try Nicholas Hoare or the independent bookstore on the Danforth on my way home.

If anyone has a favourite bookstore, especially in downtown Toronto, I’d love to include a running list on the site. I tend to frequent the big chain as there are three stores within five minutes of where I work, but I would happily walk a little further to support an independent.

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Tried to find Ulysses on the Danforth and was told that three copies were back-ordered. Seeing as how I have yet to find a “damn, I loved Ulysses” comment anywhere, I grabbed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Will work my way through that until I can grab Joscelyn’s Joyce. 

Amy

Ulysses Challenge

Jian Ghomeshi, summer host of CBC’s Sounds like Canada, has thrown down the summer reading gauntlet … with nothing less than James Joyce’s Ulysses.  After reading about The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie on Bookworm and Kate’s Book Blog, I was going to tackle it next but think I might give Joyce a go.

There’s a reader review of Ulysses on Chapters.ca that mirrors what CBC listeners said during yesterday’s interview: “…Ulysses is required reading. Of course, you’re not required to enjoy it.”

Now, that doesn’t exactly scream “summer read,” but there’s no shame in having several books on the go at once and I figure I can always put Joyce down and enjoy a less dense read if needed.

If anyone has already accepted Jian’s challenge, I’d love to know how it’s going …

Amy

Working on the razzle dazzle …

As soon as I can figure out how to upload photos and include links in the posts, the jazz factor will be blinding … suggestions are welcome.

Am currently working my way through the accidental by Ali Smith and would love to hear from anyone who’s actually made it past page 73. According to the publisher, it won the Whitbread Novel Award (never heard of it), was shortlisted for the 2005 Man Booker Prize (feel like I should know that one …) and received praise from every newspaper reviewer in Britain.

Apparently, I’m too easily swayed by a good cover and third-party tributes …