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Dirda on Books
Hosted by Michael Dirda
Washington Post Book World Senior Editor
Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001; 2 p.m. EDT
Washington Post Book World Senior Editor Michael Dirda takes your questions and comments concerning literature, books and the joys of reading.
Each week Michael Dirda's name appears -- in unmistakably big letters -- on page 15 of The Post's Book World section. If he's not reviewing a hefty literary biography or an ambitious new novel, he's likely to be turning out one of his idiosyncratic essays or describing his travels to, say, a P.G. Wodehouse Convention. Although he earned a Ph.D. in comparative literature from Cornell, Dirda has somehow managed to retain a myopic 12-year-old's passion for reading. He particularly enjoys comic novels, intellectual history, locked-room mysteries, innovative fiction of all sorts -- just the sort of range you'd expect from a Pulitzer Prize winner in criticism (1993).
These days, Dirda says he still spends inordinate amounts of time mourning his lost youth, listening to music (Glenn Gould, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, The Tallis Scholars), and daydreaming ("my only real hobby"). He claims that the happiest hours of his week are spent sitting in front of a computer, working. In the fall of 2000 Indiana University Press published "Readings: Essays and Literary Entertainments," a selection from Dirda's Book World columns. He hopes to bring out a companion volume soon.
Dirda joined The Post in 1978, having grown up in the working-class steel town of Lorain, Ohio and graduated with highest honors in English from Oberlin College. His favorite writers are Stendhal, Chekhov, Jane Austen, Evelyn Waugh, T.S. Eliot, Nabokov, John Dickson Carr, Joseph Mitchell and Jack Vance. He thinks the greatest novel of all time is either Murasaki Shikubu's "The Tale of Genji" or Proust's "A la recherche du temps perdu." In a just world he would own Watteau's painting "The Embarkation for Cythera." He'd also like to spend six months in Florida writing a book that would become a runaway best seller, a critical success, and the hottest cinematic property of the year. A guy can daydream, right?
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Michael Dirda: Welcome to Dirda on books! It continues to be a troubled time here in Washington, but I suppose we must all get used to such emergencies and crises. Right after this discussion I need to scurry to the airport for a flight to New Orleans---normally something I'd be deeply eager to do, but not right now, for more reasons than one. I"m actually going to a conference in Lafayette, and hope that the next three days prove more relaxing than the past stressful three and more weeks.
Anyway, on to happier subjects: Next thursday I"ll be doing two hour-long discussoins here--at noon, I'll be answering questions and talking with readers about Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping, this month's book for the Book World Book Club. Please come sit in, if you can.
THen through November I'll be doing a four-part series on The Lord of the Rings. Site information, I am told, is up and available now. Friday, NOvember 2 at 2PM we'll inaugurate the series with a discussion of The Hobbit. I know a fair amount about Tolkien but I expect that many devoted fans of The Lord of the Rings--called the book of the century--will be setting me right on my mistakes or misrememberings. At any event, it should be a lively series. But now, on with this week's show!
Washington, D.C.:
Saw and enjoyed your Diana Krall review last week; have you checked out any of the jazz CD's reccomended on this chat?
Michael Dirda: Yes, I have listened to Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane, and several others. For a while I was listening daily to the moodiest and bluest jazz I could find. But I guess I've suffered enough and now need to Get Happy. As unlikely a prospect as this seems. A friend recently sent me a tape of Shirley Bassey's A Touch of Class and at least three of the songs made me cry. Old standards: You Made Me Love You, Softly as I Leave You, and I Wish You Love. Ah well, we all mess up our lives one way or another.
Charm City:
Well now THAT's better. Now it's easier to picture you with the lovely lasses about which you dream. Not that I didn't like the old pic....
Michael Dirda: Actually, there's going to be another picture soon--even better. That photo is two years old and I now look even more like Harrison Ford, albeit with Richard Gere eyes. Not to mention a mind to die for. And who says I dream about lovely lasses? What's this dreaming stuff? Wait for my memoirs. Just kidding.
Washignton, D.C.:
Are there any books you can recommend that paint an accurate and scholarly portrait of Islam, fundamentalism, and the Middle East? I'd like to read more, but need to separate the wheat from the chaffe.
Michael Dirda: You're in luck. THis Sunday, directly under my review of Jim Crace's latest book, my colleague Lorraine Adams has compiled an annotated list of some 10 or so essential works on terrorism and Islam. So check out Book world.
Morgantown, W.V.:
Dear Mr. Dirda,
Hopefully life nudges itself closer toward the normal in your neck of the woods? Perhaps to take one's mind off: out here the trees are filled with their yellows, oranges, ambers and brown; the leaves meander their way, earthbound. And, of course, discussions of literature...
I have two questions. First, last week I asked about the Dream of Red Chamber and noted Hawkes' translation. I meant to ask, are there other translations of the Dream that are as good or better than Hawkes' translation?
Second, how would you rate the importance of
good writing and grammar in the writing business? Although I have college students in a department other than English, I stress the importance of good writing and grammar (yes, they have scars to prove it...). How would good writing and grammar benefit the students, apart from getting decent/good grades? I'm sure they'd like to hear from someone other than their taskmaster-instructor.
Michael Dirda: My understanding is that Hawkes is a superb translator, but I only know some of his versions of Chinese poetry; I haven't read THe STory of the Stone. Of course, he only did the first three volumes; it was completed by, I think, John Minton. STill, this is clearly the edition to buy. I have the set in hardcover-it awaits the hour and the day--but I think Penguin did it in paperback.
I think all teachers should emphasize good writing, if only to make the job of the beleagued English instructor a little easier. ARe there any teachers lurking who'd like to comment on this?
Washington, D.C.:
Ooh ooh! I forgot all about the "Housekeeping" book club! How hefty a work is it? Readable in a week for someone with a full time job?
Michael Dirda: Short novel. Very poetic prose. Quite a wonderful book. In other words, you can read it in a week, but you may not want to rush through it.
Baltimore, Md.:
Michael,
What do you think of Peter Carey's The True Adventures of the Kelly Gang being picked for the Booker Prize. My book club read it and while I enjoyed it at first, I thought it dragged on and I got rather tired on the strange idiomatic voice Carey used.
Michael Dirda: That's my view too. I didn't read the book, almost reviewed it, though, and did assign and edit our review, which was enthusiastic but mixed (by the eminent novelist and writing teacher,George Garrett). It may have been Carey's turn to win--but wait, he already won, didn't he, for Oscar and Lucdinda? Frankly, I thought that either two books not on the short list should have been there and eithe rwould have been better choices: Ferdinand Mount's Fairness and Beryl Bainbridge's According to Queeney.
Cambridge, Mass.:
Mr. Dirda,
I'm a twenty-something interested in pursuing the history of World War II. I'm considering "A World at Arms" by Gerhard L. Weinberg and "A War to Be Won: Fighting the Second War" by Williamson Murray and Allan R. Millett as potential reads. Are you familiar with these and do you have any other suggestions that reach beyond the pseudo-history of Brokaw and Ambrose?
Michael Dirda: Certainly the Weinberg is a good choice--I was trying to remember his name last week. There are lots of books about Hitler, biographies, Shirer's old classic The Rise and Fall of the THird Reich. And a good book on the Pacific War called Eagle Against the Sun.
Chicago, Ill.:
Dear Mr. Dirda,
I would like to pose this question to you and the other participants in today's discussion. If you had to devote yourself to one novel a la Farenheit 451, what book would it be? I think if you are going to memorize a book, it should have particularly great writing, but also, it must be a book that you couldn't bear the world to be without. I have been struggling mightily with my choice. My mother says "Pride and Prejudice " and my brother says "Catch-22." I am leaning towards Their Eyes Were Watching God -- one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
Michael Dirda: Fortunately, we don't have to make these sorts of decisions. It would take forever to memorize and recite, but I suppose I'd pick the two novels mentioned in my new bio: Genji and In Search of Lost Time. My favorite American book remains Walden.
Maryland:
Can you tell me about Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman? It's on display at my library for its Halooweenish cover. I've heard that it's funny, but wanted your opinion if you've read it.
Michael Dirda: It's funny. You should read it. In fact, it's probably already too late to check it out, so put yhour name on the reserve list.
Charlottesville, Va.:
I believe it was last Christmas that I recieved a copy of a book entitled, "A Concise History Of The Crusades". In light of recent events it now seems downright apocalyptic as revelation of the fact that we have been down this road many times before. I wondered; could you recommend other books that might help to define the differences in East vs. West in terms of moral and cultural differences? Though much of my time with literature recently seems more designed for escape (I'm re-reading the Aubrey/Maturin series by O'Brien), I keep coming back to the question of conflict between the Muslim world and our own (albeit in the early 1800's along the Barbary Coast). Thanks.
Michael Dirda: AGain, see Lorraine Adams' list in this Sunday's Book World. You might try the great work on the Crusades, in three volumes, by Steven Runciman. Or Peter Hopkirk's classic The Great Game, all about conflict and espionage in Central Asia.
Virginia:
Hello,
Any opinion on Cloudsplitter by Russel Banks? I've heard such great things about it, but I'm having a hard time getting into it for some reason. Maybe it's simply a sign that I need something "fluffier" considering how anxious the world has become these days.
Michael Dirda: Haven't read it. I think fluffy is always good. Which sounds like something Marilyn Monroe might coo.
Buffalo, N.Y.:
I'm a professor of business and I require my students to write term papers (most of my colleagues stick to multiple-guess tests). I tell my students that if you're in business, you're a professional writer. Your career will be affected by the quality of your writing. To reinforce this, I use classic works in my classes. For example, I have my students read BLEAK HOUSE in my Business Law class and THE PRINCE in my Management class.
Michael Dirda: Excellent books, both, but I'm sure your students groan at the length of the DIckens and rejoice at the conciseness of the Machiavelli.
Herndon, Va.:
Mr. Dirda: Time for my semi-annual question -- is anything coming out by the illustrious (and sadly -- aging) George MacDonald Fraser? He's done some "introductions to classics," but nothing new on the fiction or non-fiction front I'm aware of.
Michael Dirda: Yes, I've seen his introductions to several Doyle reissues, mainly for Akadine Press. I don't think there's anything on the horizon. But I do hope I"m wrong. Have you read his excellent Hollywood History of the World? My favorite of his novels remains The Pyrates--a great rumbustious comic novel/pastiche.
Washington, D.C.:
I'm not familiar with "Tale of Genji." Is it a modern work, a classic along the lines of China's "Story of the Stone?" What's it about and why is it so great?
Michael Dirda: It's sometimes called the first real novel, set in Heian Japan (10-11th century), very long, with Proustian like reflections on life and love. In Arthur Waley's translatoin a book of transcnedent beauty. Also it was written by a woman, Murasaki Shikubu.
College Park:
I will soon be taking a class on the lit. of the American Civil War. I don't know anything about who we will be reading. If you had to guess, who do you think the class would cover?
Michael Dirda: I'd go find a copy of Edmund Wilson's Patriotic Gore: Studies in the LIterature of the Civil War. That'll lead you to many of the major texts--and is wonderful reading in its own right.
E-Guy:
Who would you say is the greatest living unknown American novelist? And what would you recommend by this author?
Michael Dirda: Hmmm. Hard to say who's unknown. Steven Millhauser, James Salter, Russell Hoban are all candidates. Try EDwin Mullhouse; A Sport and a Pastime; and either The Mouse and His Child or his more grown-up book Riddley Walker. Certainly the funniest unknown writer, and a superb novlist and essayist he is, must be Daniel Pinkwater.
Takoma Park, Md.:
Back to children's literature (for all ages)
Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series
Madeline L'Engle "Wrinkle in Time" series
Asimov's "Foundation" series
"Artemis Fowle" -- just discovered this.
Walter R. Brooks "Freddy the Pig" series Walter Farley's books are fun
I'm leaving many books out, of course.
Michael Dirda: Good books, for the most part: Artemis Fowle seemed over hyped to me, though.
Washington, D.C.:
Mr. Dirda, as someone who really loves good poetry I'd like to know who your favorite contemporary poets are. I really like Gluck, Haas and Pinsky -- what are your thoughts?
Michael Dirda: What's not to like about these three distinguished poets? But my own favorites are Anthony Hecht, Geoffrey Hill, Richard Wilbur, Tom Disch, Kenneth Koch and John Ashbery. Except for DIsch, all are getting up there in years. I like wit or wistfulness, above all, in my poetry.
San Diego, Calif.:
Mr. Dirda,
Thanks for giving me something to look forward to every week. Hope you checked out the excellent Melville piece by A.O. Scott in the NY Times, it made my day.
Cranky question: Why are you devoting so much time to the Lord of the Rings? I recently reread it and found it very mediocre, compared to C.S. Lewis and my other childhood favorite -- Burrough's Mar series. Both of the latter held up very well when I reread them recently, at the age of 35. The Tolkien series is very sluggish, overwritten, misogynist and downright boring in spots. Not to mention the bad poetry. Why not devote the time and your excellent wisdom to a more worthy work?
Michael Dirda: TWo reasons: 1) I do admire Tolkien; and 2) my colleagues at washingtonpost.com proposed that I do the series, in part because of mounting interest in the Lord of the Rings because of the forthcoming movie. If the series is successful, we might treat other books or authors in a similar fashion.
Writing in the "real" world:
Don't let up on those kids.
As e-mail use increases, being able to construct clear, correct sentences is crucial. It's one of those "soft skills" businesses are clamoring for. And what's the first thing a would-be employer sees of you? Your cover letter!
Also, nothing gives people a better impression of you than your skill with the language. However polished someone appears, when I hear him say "Well, just between you and I,…" my opinion of him plummets.
So learn to write well. It's invaluable in any career. And chicks dig it.
Michael Dirda: Chicks dig it? And I thought it was my Harrison Ford looks. This explains everything.
Arlington, Va.:
I understand Yardley's a jazz fan too. Do the two of you regularly adjorn to Blues Alley and its ilk, light up Gitanes and debate modern French poetry?
Michael Dirda: No. Jon knows jazz far more profoundly than I do. On the other hand, he doesn't know anything about modern French poetry (but I do). Neither of us smokes. Though it would be Gitanes for me, rather than Gauloises, if I did.
Lenexa, Kans.:
Mr. Dirda,
I think the new poetry anthology, Poetry Speaks, with featured essayists and audio CDs from Sourcebooks is as good as it gets. Have you had a chance to hear Edison's 1880's recordings of Tennyson, Browning, and Whitman? The 20th century essays and recordings are also excellent: Heaney on Yeats, Yeats commenting and reading Innisfree. Your thoughts? Thanks much.
Michael Dirda: Yes, I think it's great too. I recently mentioned it in a holiday book round-up I did for a business magazine.
History of the Crusades:
Two novelists who deal with Moslem/Christian conflicts in imaginative and interesting ways are the Serb Nobel-winner Ivo Andric ("The Bridge over the Drina" and "Bosnian Chronicle", aka "The Year of the Consuls") and Portuguese Nobel-winner Jose Saramago ("The History of the Siege of Lisbon"). Three of the best books around, I think.
Michael Dirda: Agreed, though I've not read Andric.
San Diego, Calif.:
Michael, I can't remember seeing Nadine Gordimer mentioned in this discussion. I am a fan and find that I have more of her books than almost anyone else except Calvino and Brian Moore. Right now I'm reading July's People. Somewhere I saw a quote talking about her "timeliness and timelessness". How do you feel about her work?
Michael Dirda: I haven't read much. She always struck me, perhaps wrongly, as too partisan, too political for my tastes. But this could be mere prejudice.
Washington, D.C.:
re: devoting life to one novel.
I would have to pick 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'. I pretty much DID devote my college years to it though!
Michael Dirda: Good hcoice. Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliana Buendia was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice. . . Maybe I should just keep going, having already memorized the opening.
Washington, D.C.:
With the imminent release of Johnny Depp's new Jack the Ripper thriller, I was trying to come up with a few good examples of "Bloody Jack" in literature. I remembered Marie Belloc Lowndes' THE LODGER which first appeared in 1911 and also Robert Bloch's "Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper" (which, along with Alan Moore's graphic novel "From Hell," is one of the best uses of the Ripper in fiction). Didbin's THE LAST SHERLOCK HOLMES STORY is, in my opinion, just a bizarre attempt to deconstruct the Holmes mystique. I think Jack's also in a Harlan Ellison story, but I haven't read it. Do you know of any other effective depictions of the Ripper?
Michael Dirda: I know those books, but can only add Iain Sinclair's very literary White Chappell SCarlet Tracings. There are however a good many Ripper companions and anthologies out there. I'm afraid I'll have to send you to the library.
Virginia:
I feel I need to brush up on my American history. Can you recommend a good nonfiction book that tells the "story" of America instead of analyzing it to death? I'm hoping for something like a high school or college history book, but maybe less education-oriented (i.e. essay questions after each section).
Michael Dirda: Intended for secondary schools, but fun to read by anyone: The Story Of US, in about a dozen volumes, by Joy Hakim. Really a wonderful survey of US history. I reviewed two or three of hte volumes back when I was doing kids books once a month.
Winston-Salem, N.C.:
Interesting to see that you've traded up in your bio, no longer do we have the Simpsons and Edward Gorey, now its Proust and Watteau. Anyway, after your review of his most recent book, I've thought of getting the Iain Sinclair book that included the book scouts for the first time, Whitechapel something wasn't it? I take it from your review that book scouting played an integral part in the plot? Thanks, enjoy the chats.
Michael Dirda: Yes, see previous note. I don't watch the Simpsons much any more. Not that I don't still admire the program and Gorey. In fact, I review a volume on Gorey for this Halloween Sunday.
Arlington, Va.:
To the reader who was interested in books on Islam, I would highly recommend Hilary Mantel's novel "Eight Months on Ghazzah Street" about the wife of a Brit diplomat in Saudi Arabia who tries, unsuccessfully, to understand the Islamic world, particularly its treatment of women. Good story, too.
Michael Dirda: thanks
Takoma Park, Md.:
Re choosing a book to memorize: Every time I reread "Lolita" -- maybe six or seven times now since Mr. Peterson's English 107 at Oberlin -- I try to memorize a little more of the incredible opening. At this rate it will take a long life to memorize the whole book, but I think it's a very worthwhile dream.
Michael Dirda: Ah yes. LIght of my life, fire of my loins, my sin, my soul--great stuff. I also love the final page, the section that beings I am thinking of aurochs and angels, the mysteries of durable pigment. . . ONe of my favorite books.
Alexandria, Austerlitz:
Enjoyed your review of Austerlitz and look forward to reading the book. One question, though: why is it that in commenting so positively about the author's style, you don't mention the work of the translator, which makes it possible for you to enjoy the book in the first place? So often the translator is mentioned only if the writing turns out to be poor -- then it's assumed to be the fault of the translation rather than the author's own style. But in a case like this, I think at least a little of the credit ought to go to the person whose sensitive and thoughtful rendering makes you feel as if you're reading the work in the original.
Michael Dirda:
Sometimes I do comment on translations, especially if I can get hold of the original to check the work. In this instance, I presumed that my quotes would show that the translator did a good job. Incidnentlallyh, I'm going to be on a panel about translation tomorrow morning. ANd it's neat that someone from Austerlitz would write in about Austerlitz.
Washington, D.C.:
Mr. Dirda,
I was very excited to see you were doing a reading at the Folger, but then not so excited when I saw the $30 price tag for non-members. Please allow me to whine on behalf of all twentysomethings who can't afford such things! Do a free reading at Politics and Prose or something, would you?
Michael Dirda: I have done a free reading at Politics and Prose and will likely do such things again. I do a fair amount of speaking around time (and elsewhere). Last night was a kind of fundraiser by the Friends of the Folger.
Kids' Books:
Sorry to submit early, but I won't be in for the chat today.
A week or so ago, a reader requested some suggestions of books that kids could read to take their minds off of what's going on in the country right now. I'd like to suggest The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, The View from Saturday, and From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, both by E.L. Konigsberg.
All three books feature child main characters who are smart, interesting and who solve problems in their our lives that the adults around them cannot. They are all classic underdog characters to whom kids should be able to relate. They are coincidentally all Newberry award winners (although that is not the only reason to recommend them!).
Michael Dirda: Thanks for the recommendations. I'm particular fan of The Westing Game. THough I wish the ending weren't quite so edifying.
Herndon, Va.:
Mr. D: Thanks for the George MacDonald Fraser, and yes, I've read his "Hollywood History of the World." As with anything else he writes, it's superb, and has some fascinating insights on the historical accuracy or lack of it in the movies. He credits "Hollywood" with often being more accurate than the public assumes. His commentary on 1966's "Zulu" (Michael Caine's first starring role) is particularly insightful.
Michael Dirda: thanks.
Seconding Wilson's Patriotic Gore:
I agree, Patriotic Gore is a great read, very intelligently written. Be aware that, written in early 60's, it covers white literature only. Books by black authors such as Frederick Douglass, are mentioned in just about one sentence. A disappointment, because I wanted to know his thoughts on those books too, once I read what he had to say about the white literature of the time. And some black literature did comment on the war, as well as social commentary on other issues besides slavery.
Michael Dirda: Yes, I know this, which is why I suggested it mainly as a place to start. I wish I could recommend a more up to date supplementary volume. Do you know any?
New York:
Michael,
Just ordered a bunch of volumes of the Fu Manchu Omnibus. I'm looking for some escapist, swashbuckling fun. Am I in for a disappointment?
Michael Dirda: Possibly. SAx Rohmer wasn't much of a stylist and his plots were all pretty much the same. Still, The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu, read at 12 or 14, is pretty irresistible. No doubt quite racist, etc. now. But you may still find the series fun. Just lower your critical threshold a bit.
Genji?:
Are you less fond of the Seidensticker translation? That was my introduction to the book and ultimately inspired my decision to become a translator.
Michael Dirda: Just really like Waley--and only read around in Seidensticker. There is in fact now a newer scholarly version by Royall Tyler, but I don't know what it's like yet.
North Tonawanda, N.Y.:
I've reread THE HOBBIT and I'm in the middle of LOTR. Love those spooky Black Riders! Is there anything special we should be focusing on in preparation for your Tolkien Online chat?
Michael Dirda: No, just one book per week, starting with the hobbit.
re: Cambridge and WWII books:
James Stokesbury, John Keegan and Martin Gilbert all have excellent one-volume histories of WWII, all in trade paperback, too, if portability is an issue. Stokesbury is very readable, and the shortest; Gilbert is the longest and most thorough, and probably not very suitable for reading in bed (breaks your sternum). Keegan is the best and most insigtful; may not break your sternum but will bend it a bit.
Michael Dirda: thanks
Washington, D.C.:
Speaking of Louisiana, Michael, a "restored" version of All the King's Men has apparently just been published. I'm thinking about rereading it after at least 25 years. Is it the Great American Novel I remember? Do you know what's been "restored?"
Michael Dirda: Noel Polk has altered Willie Stark's name back to Willia Talos--wasn't Talos a Greek robot or something like that in mythology? My memory is going. I think we should stick with the version that Warren was happy to see in print for at least 40 years, without any indication of dissatisfaction with the text.
Austerlitz again:
Panel on translation? Wherewhenhow?
Michael Dirda: Lafayette, Louisiana
Fairfax, Va.:
Michael - congrats on the new photo & bio!
Question: I've spent much of the summer on fun/out of the ordinary stuff: Pratchett, old Asimov stories I've somehow overlooked, Houllebecq. Time for a change
Is fall the right season for Stendahl? Or should I keep with the prevailing mood and go for Poe?
Thanks!
Michael Dirda: Now is a good time for Stendhal.
Halloween reading:
Hi there,
What books would you recommend for scary, spooky tales? I'm reading Joyce Carol Oates' "Haunted: Tales of the Grotesque," which I find uneven. I'm going to pick up Peter Straub's "Seven Tales," this afternoon, but other than that, I'm at a loss. I do not want to read any Stephen King -- I recently read "Rose Madder," which I found disappointing. Thanks very much!
Michael Dirda: Go back to the classics: M.R. James, Sheridan Le Fanu, Robert Aickman; May SInclair, Vernon Lee.
And with this, I must dash off, my friends, for I have to make the Marc train at 3:35. My travel ordeal starts now. See you next THursday at noon and then again at 2. Till then keep reading!
washingtonpost.com:
Don't forget, Michael Dirda will be hosting a series of online discussions on "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy over the next few weeks. The first discussion, scheduled for Nov. 2 at 2 p.m., will focus on "The Hobbit," the first of Tolkien's books set in Middle Earth.
Michael will also be online for an extra discussion at noon next Thursday to discuss Marilynne Robinson's "Housekeeping".
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