Contemporary

[close] Welcome to the Smut Lair… We read, vent, chat and share about our passions and favorite reads.

[close] For those attempting the crazy feat of reading all 1001 books! For discerning bibliophiles and readers who enjoy unforgettable classic literature, 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die is a trove of reviews covering a century of memorable writing. Each work of literature featured here is a seminal work key to understanding and appreciating the written word.The featured works have been handpicked by a team of international critics and literary luminaries, including Derek Attridge (world expert on James Joyce), Cedric Watts (renowned authority on Joseph Conrad and Graham Greene), Laura Marcus (noted Virginia Woolf expert), and David Mariott (poet and expert on African-American literature), among some twenty others. (From Amazon.com)

[close] Get to know Europe through literature! This group is intended for people who want to get acquainted with the different cultures within Europe through books. To do so, we have established a list of countries we are reading . Every year we read classics, contemporary literature and short stories / novellas from six countries in our so-called Group Reads. In 2024, we will also read Quarterly Classics and have an EtL Bingo Challenge. More detailed pieces of information are provided on how to navigate this group. Authors! We kindly ask you to use this folder for (self-) promotion . Promotion in unsuitable places will be deleted. Current banner photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bookstore_(24583248219).jpg

[close] "On paths unknown, we tread with wonder. Through a glass darkly, to brave new worlds and beyond we go." We seek to explore and do critical reading from any genre on challenging literature, both new and established, that links into themes of exploring ideas relating to various aspects of culture, society and technology, as well as what is loosely called 'literary fiction'; and in addition, non-English translated literature from around the world. We also discuss classics as well as avant-garde literature from all eras inasfar as they have challenged the world around them. Wherever necessary to give more background knowledge, discussion of non-fiction books are welcome. The idea is to provide not only a forum for discussion, but a database of book-ish information for the eclectic reader. Our threads all remain open indefinitely, so you can browse through and read and/or contribute at your own leisure.