Great interview, so many literary tips. I never read Moby Dick and I wonder why it wasn’t part of the curriculum at school. I had a comparative world literature class in high school. In fact, I don’t remember any American writer on that list…
It's a pretty long one for high school; usually in the US - or where I'm from at least - students study several of his short stories or novellas instead. I read MD in grad school as part of a course where I think we read everything he published. It was mind-blowing! If you haven't read Benito Cereno, Billy Budd, or Bartleby, those are great places to start.
As I prepare to teach in the UK at an internationally minded institution, it still blows my mind how little 'world lit' is on the syllabus. I shall remedy to some extent, but there are certain parameters one must stay in and then there is also the very important task of learning one's local literature in more depth. But what's also interesting to me is that who are the 'key authors' in one's home country might not be the same ones in export. (You got me thinking...)
Really enjoyed. Thanks for the interview. Though, as ever, I'm left feeling I haven't read enough literature. Moby Dick is a book I've never made it to (yet) and it was only recently over on Counter Craft that I realised the nature of the book being unconventional and, well, unique. Puts it higher on the never-ending pile!
Thanks Nathan. We have never read enough! I feel the same. I guess once one expands oneself to 'world literature,' then the must-reads are endless. At the same time, yes, MD I would put high on your list. (see my response to Claudia for more...)
I loved getting this breakdown of your favorites, Kate!
I'm adding my voice to the chorus here who still need to read Moby Dick. Benjamin Britten's opera on Billy Budd was my gateway into that work several years back, but the white whale continues to elude me. This interview has inspired me to get a copy so at least it's in the house when the time comes!
That is exactly how I do books I know I want to read. Then they have to be in the right pile or on the right shelf, so I know it's there...
There is a lot of song and visual art in MD. I think you will enjoy all the layers. I have not seen the Britten opera. Billy Buddy is one of my favorites, so I'll have to remedy that as well. Thanks for the rec. 💙
This is such a fantastic interview! I could make a book list just from your conversation! Wharton, Borges, Sinclair Lewis, Brooks, Frost... yoga, you!
I, too, have found way more than just a writing platform here on Substack. The community aspect of it, the writing, and the consciousness are all so refreshing.
Fabulous interview! Glad to know that Kathleen is also a fan of Orhan Pamuk, who I haven't gotten around to talking much about on Substack but who is one of the few greats left in our shabby world. And of course the mighty Borges!
Thanks so much for inviting me on your newsletter! I love the way you explore so many details of the literary world. A pleasure to be here.
Thank you for taking time to do the interview, Kate!
Great interview, so many literary tips. I never read Moby Dick and I wonder why it wasn’t part of the curriculum at school. I had a comparative world literature class in high school. In fact, I don’t remember any American writer on that list…
Thanks Claudia!
It's a pretty long one for high school; usually in the US - or where I'm from at least - students study several of his short stories or novellas instead. I read MD in grad school as part of a course where I think we read everything he published. It was mind-blowing! If you haven't read Benito Cereno, Billy Budd, or Bartleby, those are great places to start.
As I prepare to teach in the UK at an internationally minded institution, it still blows my mind how little 'world lit' is on the syllabus. I shall remedy to some extent, but there are certain parameters one must stay in and then there is also the very important task of learning one's local literature in more depth. But what's also interesting to me is that who are the 'key authors' in one's home country might not be the same ones in export. (You got me thinking...)
Really enjoyed. Thanks for the interview. Though, as ever, I'm left feeling I haven't read enough literature. Moby Dick is a book I've never made it to (yet) and it was only recently over on Counter Craft that I realised the nature of the book being unconventional and, well, unique. Puts it higher on the never-ending pile!
Thanks Nathan. We have never read enough! I feel the same. I guess once one expands oneself to 'world literature,' then the must-reads are endless. At the same time, yes, MD I would put high on your list. (see my response to Claudia for more...)
Great interview! Thank you both.
Jazz, literary classics, yoga and Maine (natch). You two are speaking my language!
A kindred spirit! Would love to see/hear an interview of yours.
I loved getting this breakdown of your favorites, Kate!
I'm adding my voice to the chorus here who still need to read Moby Dick. Benjamin Britten's opera on Billy Budd was my gateway into that work several years back, but the white whale continues to elude me. This interview has inspired me to get a copy so at least it's in the house when the time comes!
Thanks, Michael!
That is exactly how I do books I know I want to read. Then they have to be in the right pile or on the right shelf, so I know it's there...
There is a lot of song and visual art in MD. I think you will enjoy all the layers. I have not seen the Britten opera. Billy Buddy is one of my favorites, so I'll have to remedy that as well. Thanks for the rec. 💙
This is such a fantastic interview! I could make a book list just from your conversation! Wharton, Borges, Sinclair Lewis, Brooks, Frost... yoga, you!
I, too, have found way more than just a writing platform here on Substack. The community aspect of it, the writing, and the consciousness are all so refreshing.
Thank you, Corie! You're a great part of the community. Such a wonderful voice in your newsletter.
Thank you.
Thanks, Kate & Mike. It was great to hear more about Kate's tastes in poetry, drama and fiction, as well as jazz.
Thanks for reading, Jeffrey ☺️
And lots of favourite writers in common, I see! 😊
Not surprised! :)
Fabulous interview! Glad to know that Kathleen is also a fan of Orhan Pamuk, who I haven't gotten around to talking much about on Substack but who is one of the few greats left in our shabby world. And of course the mighty Borges!
I missed this comment before. Thanks Felix! Yes, I think we have some crossover in our literary tastes!