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Reading now.

Awesome, Michael!

Michael wrote: "I'll try to start at the beginning of June. I'm just finishing up Absalom, Absalom!"

Great book!

I'll start this too at the beginning of June. Can we start the discussion then? Just downloaded the epub tonight. I have to finish this Joseph Kanon book first, then I can dive in. There's nothing like reading Hemingway in the summer.

It will be June for me as well.

Start the discussion , folks,whenever you are ready. ;-)

I'm up for it.

I have read that this book is quite autobiographical. Dividing it up into sections starting with the Bimini section..... the main character's story is heavy on his relationship with his sons....heavy on fishing for sport,and how it goes fishing for big fish in the Caribbean.....seems pretty autobio to me..... other opinions?

I found the pages flying as fast as I could read on the fishing part of the story....it was quite intense. Fantastic writing from Papa, in my estimation.

Other thoughts and ideas on Bimini section?

I just visited Bimini with my daughters and met a few people who knew some Hemingway stories. The old dock that is featured at the first of the story is still there. The area looks much the same as it did in his day as far as the beaches go and other descriptions. There is a famous hotel there that burned down but you can still visit the remains. This is where he wrote much of this section of the book. The places where he boxed for fun is now a memorial to MLK. If you are in Miami take the one day ferry over and back and walk around the island. It is worth the trip.

Kevin wrote: "I just visited Bimini with my daughters and met a few people who knew some Hemingway stories. The old dock that is featured at the first of the story is still there. The area looks much the same as..."

I'd love to go because of Hemingway,and also Twain hung on the island as well.....

so did Gary Hart the politician (remember that picture?), MLK wrote his Nobel speech here, Truman Capote, many others. Un

Martin Luther King? Yeah, I remember Gary Hart and the affair.... did that happen on the island too? LOL.

yep

I had forgotten...man, that's been a long time ago!

Finally jumped in. First thing I noticed right away was the similarity of the first sentences to those of "A Farewell to Arms". It's crazy how much more engaging the first few chapters have been compared to the book I just finished. Even Hemingway's lesser works are better than some writers' best works.

The character of the house boy has jumped out at me; hem does a good job giving him a unique voice.

Adam wrote: "Finally jumped in. First thing I noticed right away was the similarity of the first sentences to those of "A Farewell to Arms". It's crazy how much more engaging the first few chapters have been c..."

Yeah, amazes me how people criticize Hemingway, and other classic literature,and then love the crap most authors put out there these days.....I like the challenge of a very well written book.....

Anyone have any insight or thoughts about Hem's choice to use "Thomas Hudson" throughout the entire text instead of just "Thomas". He's the only character that is referred to by both first and last name through the entire text. Is there something I'm missing here?

Very interesting question, Adam....and I wonder if he did that to take the attention off himself ,due to it being known as autobiographical?? I believe Ernest would have denied it, or because it was published after his death that the editors and his wife Mary, may have done that? Just throwing out ideas here, cause I truly don't know the answer to that one? Anyone? Anyone?

John?

Hi, Gary? Was this message above to me? lol. Sorry, I've just gotten back from a vacation in the Keys and had a crazy week at work, and haven't been on here as much as I would like. I'm going to start coming here more regularly now. I'm reading Hemingway's works chronologically right now, and just finished The Sun Also rises. Ironically, my copy of Islands just arrived in the mail today! Before I even left Key West, I ordered used copies of all the Hemingway books I didn't already own. :-)

I thought I saw some comment from you , John,somewhere, but I guess not here? Anyway, I assume you worshiped Papa at his home in Key West? Petted some kitties.....jumped in the pool? (Do they have water in it....I can't remember? This July , 2014, it's been 10 years since I was there, 2004, the summer I renewed my love of Hemingway,and began to read him again!) Anyway, John, enjoy your Hemingway journey....it's awesome!

I finished the book around the end of May, and even got to enjoy the book while in Cuba. I visited Finca Vigia while there, and even saw the Pilar. The degree to which the book seemed autobiographical was surprising to me. Details right down to the name of Hemingway's pets (as evidenced by their tombstones at Finca Vigia), are accurate. I'll hold off on further discussion until it looks like more people have finished the book. In the meantime, enjoy this recipe from To Have and Have Another:

Tom Collins a la Hemingway:
2oz london dry gin, 3/4oz lime juice, 2-4oz coconut water, 2-3 dashes angostura bitters.

More about the Hemingway Tom Collins:

Papa sure liked his drinks.....strong...lol....I've made Papa Dobles often, Thank God for my Ninja blender.

I hope to do that more this summer....I also grow my own mint...Mojitos!!

My favorite mint to grow is kentucky colonel, perfect for juleps, also great in mojitos.

That is what I have..... :-)

BTW, I have never had a julep......I'd like to.

I'm fairly passionate about juleps...