Zazie On The Metro, Raymond Queneau - Book Review

[@scarba]

I‘m 55 and have MS so my balance abilities are shot. My husband is the same age and does Tai Chi and his balancing skills are great. Am on the hunt through your channel for another book club idea. We’re reading Flowers for Algernon, surprised you haven’t reviewed such a wonderful classic yet.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello, I'm really not a fan of Tai Chi, but I think that is based on a bad experience with a poor teacher. I would recommend yoga, I think it is the best thing for balance and staying limber, also keeping the muscles strong. I would highly recommend trying to find a good yoga instructor if you are trying to keep fit, especially with MS, and at 55. I have no idea when I'll get round to Flowers for Algernon. My reading list is so long these days, I really try to concentrate on the books I've got on my shelves, and not think of anything else.

[@debpalm8667]

I'm always late reading your blog but find them interesting, funny, and charming for their honesty. Perhaps you will pick up another copy of this book, along with Catcher in the Rye, for Matthew's bookshelf. I'm confident with you as his father he will enjoy the turning of a page.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks Deb, that's nice of you to write. Presently he really likes to play with the books, especially the very large, rectangular, skinny books, with pictures. He doesn't seem to have much affection for his stuffed animals, but he Really likes it when I show him a book.

[@debpalm8667]

I'm curious about the life of the author. Thanks for making me aware of his work. Have a great week, Grant.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks Deb! I haven't quite given up hope on running the Vancouver half-marathon in 2 months. I'm way behind in the training schedule, but not drinking alcohol helps get me into shape quicker without all those extra calories. I hope you also have a great week!

[@the3rdpillblog934]

I will never get too old for Queneau. If I can recommend you 2 other short booky by him that are not as zany as Zazie: A Hard Winter. And (a little bit zany or strange): Saint-Glinglin. Too old to laugh? - I am as old as you (maybe older?), and I have the same problems with socks, haha, and I don't like (my) life (much), but still: What else is there than to laugh?

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks for those recommendations, I would really like to read more Queneau, what I've read about him is incredible. I can still laugh. Unfortunately, all the stuff I like to laugh at has been deemed so politically incorrect, if anyone catches me giggling at what I find funny, they'll probably call the cops. Canada is not much of a place for laughter. Everyone is clenching their anus so tightly, I think they've lost the ability. Hope you are doing well! (I tried to stand up to put on an old, loose pair of socks, but I still had to lean on the table! God-dammit!)

[@the3rdpillblog934]

@@grantlovesbooks If I ignore my boring work and that I haven't enough time for more interesting things, all is okay. I wanted say something to Zazie, don't know exactly how to put it in English (and on YT); Most people say this is a lighthearted, innocent book and nobody talks about a ... theory ... I have, So I guess I am the one who is wrong and have only a dirty mind. For me the metro is a metaphor for "doing it" (for the first time). Like the end shot in North By Northwest (which came out in the same year). I've read this book in 2 German translations - and in both I found things that could hint in this direction (also the movie). Like I said: I am not sure about it. /// For political incorrect humour: Is there something else? 🙂 And now, I have to go to work and waste another 7 hours of my life, haha.

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@the3rdpillblog934 Thanks 3rdpill, that gave me something to think about. I really like your theory. Hope you enjoy your job a little, and it isn't an entire waste.

[@the3rdpillblog934]

@@grantlovesbooksBy the way: Is in the English translation the (not used) chapter of Zazie getting in the metro? - Job: Well, it could be worse.

[@TheSalMaris]

Though I haven't read this title, I know exactly want you mean about the genius of Queneau. I've a copy of Exercises in Style I've never finished--not because it's such a large tome, no, but because he could spin out those many styles on the exact same subject. I was overcome with my own ineptitude; too ashamed of myself to finish his short work. Instead then of becoming hope upon hope a writer, I instead followed the sea. Ah, the wide open spaces . . . Thank you as always for this Grant.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks a lot for that message Sal, I appreciate the sentiment. Nowadays all my spare time and energy go into making the KZbin videos. Which is probably more fun than writing, and it is certainly better for bringing me into contact with other people. I wish I had the tenacity to produce a whole book, do a good job of editing it, and seeing it through to publication. I don't think it happens by slowly chipping away at it here and there. I think one has to really devote a portion of one's life to really produce something noteworthy. Maybe, maybe...