Paul Bowles' groundbreaking classic novel The Sheltering Sky celebrates its 60th annivesary this fall and Dwight Garner wrote a very interesting piece about the novel and Paul Bowles and what the book's publication meant in yesterday's New York Times. Reading the piece made me think it would be a great book to introduce at book club, and that reading it, one could discuss the time period in which it appeared as well and how it influenced books that came after it. Ecco Books is offering 5 copies of The Sheltering Sky to give away in celebration of its anniversary. To enter to win, tell me in the comments about a modern classic like The Sheltering Sky that your club has read, or if you've read The Sheltering Sky, tell me about that! I'll choose 5 entries from all those received by midnight Friday, September 4th (US and Can only). Browse inside The Sheltering Sky, check out the reading group guide, and learn more about Paul Bowles.
I have not yet read "The Sheltering Sky" but a good friend is passionate about it so I would like to very much.
Posted by: Anne | September 01, 2009 at 02:11 PM
I have not yet read The Sheltering Sky but we did read The Life of Pi which I was captivated with. Similar in tone and subject. Memorable and special.
Posted by: alissa | September 01, 2009 at 02:21 PM
I also adored The Life of Pi. Made you think and really slow down to fall in love with the book.
JenP
Posted by: JenP | September 01, 2009 at 02:57 PM
The Sheltering Sky could be my favorite book of all time. The alienation of self in travel and within one's own ego while searching the darkest corners and spare open spaces, within and without, for some meaning speaks to me.
Posted by: Natalie | September 01, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Haven't read The Sheltering Sky, but we have read Cat's Eye, The Razor's Edge, The Awakening, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and A Handmaid's Tale.
Posted by: Julie P. | September 01, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Would love to read this novel as it has been on my short list for years since I saw the movie. Went to the film with friend who is huge fan of the book and was extremely disappointed. So of course, years later, I am still curious as to why...
Love in the Time of Cholera was a favorite with my book club. With accompanying tales of another bad movie. Sigh.
Posted by: Frances | September 01, 2009 at 04:37 PM
I read it in college and thought it was magical. For some reason I got rid of my copy and would love to win & read it again! My club has read the wonderful THE TRANSLATOR by Leila Aboulela, which I think everyone would love.
Posted by: Marie | September 01, 2009 at 07:23 PM
The Sheltering Sky is one of my favorite books of all time. I love Paul Bowles' style of writing. I've read the book twice. The movie is good too!
Posted by: vanessa | September 02, 2009 at 10:29 AM
We have read Life of Pi and all hated the ending. We have also read Handmaids Tale. My book club would love to read the sheltering sky!
Posted by: Kelly | September 03, 2009 at 10:09 AM
My book club has recently read I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith. This book was written in 1949, so I don't know if it can be called a "modern classic", but we loved it. We choose it at the recommendation of my teenage daughter.
Posted by: Sandra Furlotte | September 03, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I have not read The Sheltering Sky but several girls at work did read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It was great and we had some great talks about it.
Posted by: Debbie D | September 04, 2009 at 03:54 PM
I didn't know where to find this info then kaobom it was here.
Posted by: Danyon | September 12, 2011 at 04:25 AM