This is the official announcement of our Ulysses readalong…Jousting with Joyce.
James Joyce’s Ulysses has a reputation of being difficult (hence the joust), confusing, smutty, and the epitome of the Modern Novel (Modernism?!? oh god…shoot me now).
We will begin reading this famous book on February 1st. The plan is to read 3 chapters (aka episodes) a week. And since there are 18 chapters (more on that in a minute), we should finish in mid-March.
If you’re lucky, you have an edition that indicates the chapters, which have been named thusly (note the connections to characters and events in the Odyssey)…
Part I: The Telemachiad
- Episode 1 – Telemachus
- Episode 2 – Nestor
- Episode 3 – Proteus
Part II: The Odyssey
- Episode 4 – Calypso
- Episode 5 – Lotus Eaters
- Episode 6 – Hades
- Episode 7 – Aeolus
- Episode 8 – Lestrygonians
- Episode 9 – Scylla and Charybdis
- Episode 10 – Wandering Rocks
- Episode 11 – Sirens
- Episode 12 – Cyclops
- Episode 13 – Nausicaa
- Episode 14 – Oxen of the Sun
- Episode 15 – Circe
Part III: The Nostos
- Episode 16 – Eumaeus
- Episode 17 – Ithaca
- Episode 18 – Penelope
I say if you’re lucky, because Joyce didn’t include the chapter breakdowns or names in his original edition. And the copy I have seems to be faithful to Joyce, dagnabbit. I see some quality time with page flags in my future. If you’re wondering how to figure out where the chapters start, supposedly the first line of each episode in the novel appears in small capital letters. This is true for my copy, so thank god for small favors.
So. Because some of us are lacking the chapters and may get lost, and we’d like to check in with everyone occasionally (we’re gonna need lots of support to get through this puppy), the plan for posting on your progress/thoughts is as follows:
- End of week 1: thoughts on Section 1, chapters 1-3.
- End of week 3: this is midway through Section 2, through chapter 9.
- End of week 5: thoughts on Section 2, through chapter 15.
- End of week 6: Section 3, end of book.
So…are you feeling crazy? Or, want to be driven crazy? Or, think we’re crazy but you’re still willing to read along with us because you think book bloggers should stick together? Then you should join us! It’ll be good times! Trisha (and if you want to point fingers, this was HER idea, which she suggested as we were reading the Odyssey), Trish, Joanna, Jason and I will be diving in on February 1st…if you’d like to play along, you can sign up below the cartoon.
This sounds like quite an undertaking.
Ann
I take it that’s a no?
Good luck! This took Jason like three months to read in 2009!
Ack!
I’ll use the TBR Dare as my excuse… don’t have a copy on my shelf, so I’ll join you next time around
JoAnn´s last [type] ..The Sunday Salon- Still snowing
Chicken!
Gee… that linked list is… er…. sure empty…
Jason Gignac´s last [type] ..Vindicating Rights is Messy Business
I know. Oh well, I’ll just have to gloat a lot when we finish.
I am not sure I am going to join this readalong, because I don’t think I am up to the challenge, but it will be fun to see what you all think of it.
Don’t make me call you a chicken, too!
I’m quite curious how much you are going to hate this book. (And I’m pretty confident you will hate it … but I could be wrong.) I’m curious how it stacks up in horror compared to The Brothers Karamazov. I, however, will not be drinking of this particular Kool-Aid!
Jenners´s last [type] ..Review- The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer
Yes, but this one was banned! For smutty stuff! That means it’s got to better. Right?
I’m so sorry I haven’t responded to the email chain yet–I’ve been at my mom’s most of the weekend because she had knee surgery and trying to respond on an iphone sucks. Anyway, I think I have the same edition as you–no chapters. Vintage International? Last page 783? Good, glad we’re together on our chapterless misery.
WAHOO! LET’S GO!! (thinking you should have also put up signups for our personal cheerleaders…thinking we’ll need them!)
Trish´s last [type] ..Sunday Salon 34- Processing Reading
At the rate the sign-ups are (not) going, I think the whole blogosphere will be available to cheer us on.
I attempted this on my own last year and all I can say is Godspeed.
Suzanne´s last [type] ..War & Peace – Done!!!
You should try it again with a group! I’ve heard that’s the only way to read this one…
I might be silly enough to sign up, and if I stay that silly, I will come back and actually. I reserve the right to quit after the first hour of reading though.
Awww, come on! You know you want to…
Also, you have to pinky swear to read through Chapter 4, ’cause I’ve heard that Chapter 3 is the kiss of death for about 90% of those who quit.
Yeah, it’s like Odyssey – the beginning you’re like ‘WTF, this has NOTHING to do with, like, Cyclops and Scylla and all that stuff you hear about in school.’ Then, in Chapter 4, he eats a kidney. Then it gets awesome.
Jason Gignac´s last [type] ..Vindicating Rights is Messy Business
Better y’all than me – good luck! I think reading this one with a support group is probably the right approach. I’ll check in to see how it’s going, though.
Florinda´s last [type] ..Sunday Salon- Abandonment Issues
But won’t you have some time on your hands, recuperating from shoulder surgery?? It’s perfect timing!
Why am I getting the idea that I should have read The Odyssey first? WELL… I have downloaded the freebie version to my iPad so what the hell. I only really need to commit to the first 4 chapters, huh?
Care´s last [type] ..Fearless Poetry Challenge
Just read the Cliff Notes. (I can’t believe I said that!)
Great, already found a word that is not in the dictionary…
Care´s last [type] ..Fearless Poetry Challenge
And another…. (untonsured, ouns) Guess I will stop and wait until we officially start.
Care´s last [type] ..Fearless Poetry Challenge
Ah, I guess Joyce made up words… I didn’t know that.
Care´s last [type] ..Fearless Poetry Challenge
*laugh* Look on the bright side! You could be reading Finnegan’s WAke! Like 90% of the words are made up in there!
Jason Gignac´s last [type] ..The Relationship Between Significance and Nonsense
Okay….I have this one on my shelf and I eventually have to read it anyway. The only problems are these:
1. I just started a new job and my reading time has already shrunk.
2. I will be finishing War and Peace in February as well.
3. In March I am starting Atlas Shrugged. I am sure that one is going to be difficult.
4. I really want to join in.
I’m going to think about this for a couple days and see. If I can make a lot of progress on W and P before the end of January, I’ll probably join in.
Allie´s last [type] ..Oliver Twist Giveaway Winner
Join Join Join Join!!! We’re more fun than Ann Rand! and Tolstoy! (by “we” I do not include Joyce…).
And I don’t have chapters in my book. I do have those small capital letters…but I’m not sure about this. Oh boy.
And I will not cave to peer pressure Trish!
Allie´s last [type] ..Oliver Twist Giveaway Winner
I have the chapters marked, if anyone needs page numbers. For the Vintage international edition, that is.
Oh crap, what have I done? I’m only in if my library has a copy on the shelf (surely they do?) because my budget is $0 for books. Actually, less than zero, anyone want to buy some books? I think I’ve lost my mind.
Lisa´s last [type] ..Random post for a birthday
That’s okay, we’re all looking for our minds, too.
I’ve read the first chapter of this so many times I think I have it memorized. We’ll see if I can make it any further this time! And possibly understand it, but I’m not holding my breath.
Shelley´s last [type] ..Ulysses Readalong
Yay!
Mm, page flags. Tempting, but no. I’m still not crazy enough to read Ulysses. I will, however, enjoy reading about all of you slogging through it, I’m sure.
Erin´s last [type] ..Birthday Giveaway Winner
Bock bock bock.
I officially joined. I’m probably going to regret it, but why not? I only live once.
Allie´s last [type] ..Book 68- Finished
You really are a classics junkie, aren’t you?
Yes I am. You said you know where the chapters are in the Vintage edition? Want to share with me?
Allie´s last [type] ..College English Classes- Post 1-Intro to English
You are all so brave! I can’t commit since I’m already involved in too many readalongs, but I will love reading the posts on this.
Oh sure, make us do the hard work.
You all are sort of nuts, but I love it. Joyce intimidates me, but I cannot wait to hear how it goes
Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)´s last [type] ..Monday Tally- Cyborgs- Piracy- and Digital Divides
It’s never to late to change your mind…we need a dork on board.
I have Allie to blame for this one, but I think it will be a good think. ‘Ulysses’ has been lurking threateningly on my shelves for years, so it will be great to finally have an encouragement to get it read. I may have to reread the ‘Odyssey’ alongside it as well. Look forward to getting started.
I loved the Odyssey, so at least one of the books should be fun for you!
Have lots of fun.
It’s been decades since I read and studied Joyce. I’m glad I read him but I have no desire to return to his works.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Todays Read- Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt
I’m just going to focus on the “I’m glad I read him” part of your statement.
I’ve decided to join the fun… I hope it will be fun. Honestly, I’m a little scared, although I read better when I’m scared.
Two Bibliomaniacs´s last [type] ..Ulysses Readalong – Jousting with Joyce
LOL. We had fun moaning about the misery that was Brothers Karamazov, so we should be able to squeeze a few laughs out of this one.
How I wish I could join! I’ve been thinking about reading this one for a while, and I do believe readalongs help me pace myself better. However, I am already doing another readalong and trying to finish a Zola novel, not to mention dealing with hectic life. I almost signed up, nevermind all these reasons, but remembered that I wanted to refresh my memory with a re-read of Odyssey first. I guess I will have to try to tackle it alone at a later date… Good luck and have fun!
We’ll pave the way for you.
Came back to check if anyone else signed up. OMG! We’re gonna have a party!
Care´s last [type] ..Vocabulary in The Sea
Those scaredy cats don’t know what they’re missing!
Oh I’m not sure what made me sign up for this but I’ve been wanting to read the book for ages, and I think it’s easier to read books like this together with someone else … So here goes nothing
Christina Rosendahl´s last [type] ..Review- Doctor Who- The Coming of the Terraphiles
Right through college and till date this book has haunted me because I have been told how daunting it can be to read. But I really liked your intro and reading proposal. So here goes