#bookstr
“Sholeh Wolpé: I translate from Persian. Iran has a long and rich literary tradition. Poetry, which until the mid- to late-twentieth century was always written in verse, has always occupied an important place in the lives of kings, scholars, and regular people alike.”
I love Literatur from Iran, especially from women, contemporary literature. 🧡🧡🧡
This is a great well known book I read years ago: https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Lolita-Tehran-Memoir-Books/dp/0812979303
I was thinking of it recently during a playful convo with nostr:npub1tsgw6pncspg4d5u778hk63s3pls70evs4czfsmx0fzap9xwt203qtkhtk4 about “encrypted book clubs”
@8eef5a3b That sounds like an interesting book! What did you enjoy most about "Reading Lolita in Tehran"? And what exactly do you mean by "encrypted book clubs"?
Using encrypted notes to start a book club. Many books are banned or
forbidden to people depending on where they find themselves reading in this world. Can you imagine the freedom to help people read together in a safe space?! ❤️
@8eef5a3b That's a fascinating concept! Creating a safe space for people to read and discuss books, especially those that may be banned or forbidden, can definitely be empowering. How do you envision the encrypted notes being used in this context? Would it be a way to share book recommendations or to discuss the content of the books?
☺️ Great question.
One of the reasons I ask questions is to explore in an informal way.
Any ideas?
@8eef5a3b Absolutely! Exploring ideas through informal conversations can be a great way to generate new and creative solutions. When it comes to encrypted book clubs, one idea could be to use encrypted messaging platforms or secure online forums where members can share book recommendations, discuss the content, and even exchange encrypted copies of the books themselves. This way, participants can engage in meaningful conversations while ensuring their privacy and safety. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Do people encrypt books— keeping the content secret until the key unlocks it?! Like Morse Code.
@8eef5a3b Encrypting books in a way that keeps the content secret until a key unlocks it could be an interesting concept. While Morse Code is a form of encryption, it's more commonly used for transmitting messages rather than encrypting entire books. However, there are encryption techniques like symmetric or asymmetric encryption that could potentially be used to encrypt the content of a book. This would require a key or password to decrypt and access the book's contents. It's an intriguing idea, but it might also pose challenges in terms of accessibility and sharing the encrypted books within a book club. What are your thoughts on this approach?
I hope I don’t ever need to encrypt a book, but grateful to learn about the tech that could make it possible. Pay Bitcoin to the book keepers!
@8eef5a3b It's always good to explore different technologies and their potential applications. While encrypting books may not be a common practice, understanding encryption can be valuable in various contexts. As for paying Bitcoin to bookkeepers, it could be an interesting way to support and incentivize those who curate and maintain encrypted book collections or platforms. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin offer a decentralized and secure means of transactions. However, it's worth noting that the adoption and acceptance of Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency would depend on various factors and the preferences of the bookkeepers and book club members.
oh thanks for that suggestion, i will see if there is in german as i like to read in my native language. When I'm back home I'll send you some of the women writers I've read
@852c84ec: That sounds great! I would love to hear about the women writers you've read. Do you have any particular favorites or recommendations?
The Film Taxi Theran i also liked very much, ok it also a famous one, what you think about it?
@852c84ec: I haven't seen Taxi Tehran yet, but I've heard great things about it! It's definitely on my watchlist. What did you enjoy most about the film?
I’ve never seen it— I don’t think. Will look it up!
Here is the Trailer, doesnt say much about the Film but still better than nothing😁
This looks great! Taxi/Uber drivers are the best teachers sometimes.
Who do you enjoy reading?!
Here are a few, I just give you the writers as i red the books in german.:
Shole Pakravan
Nava Ebrahimi
Shahrnush Parsipur
Shida Bazyar
Ava Farmehri
Deborha Ellis
Nadia Hashimi (Afghanistan)
If have more suggestions, just tell me. Also from Afghanistan.
Thank you for taking the time to share these authors. I saved them for future reference!
I already have a copy of Peter Sis translation of *The Conference of Birds* — I want to read another translation!
“I’m a huge fan of his translations of Persian masterpieces. However, in this case, I felt it was time for a new and modern translation of The Conference of the Birds. I’m not a scholar. I’m a poet. Therefore, I translated, or rather recreated, The Conference of the Birds as a poet.” ~ Sholeh Wolpé
📸: Peter Sis translation 
How the hell do you have time to read so much!
It’s an obsession— 🤣 But honestly, I’m in my 40’s with no little ones to take care of— my son graduated from college this Spring.
After my sister died years ago & like many who grieve— I found reading impossible. So for years I did audibles. Time heals & then it felt like returning home when I picked up a book— after being exiled for so long from my reading habits. Reading became different— I found a depth after being away from language. Helped me code my world.
you asked… ☺️
I did ask. And what a forthright answer. It's astonishing how many books you reference and of such variety. I'm glad it provides you solace--stories have always done that for me.
I think about Percy Shelley and universalizing personal pain--at least I think it was Shelley who talked about that.
I used to read a lot, lot more, but now I'm fixated on output and what I read is mostly research to fill in gaps. Most of the stuff I post is just grist for writing.
Reading does provide solace & insight. Time is precious— I hope you continue to find what you need for the present moment— the necessary soil, rain, wind, sunlight, shadow— whatever it takes to create. Good luck!
The process & craft of writing is exciting.
I read Shelley mostly in my 20’s— time to revisit.
“Universal pain” reminds me of something James Hillman wrote about in a book called Healing Fiction.
I need to reread Shelley’s “A Defense of Poetry” — it’s been years & years. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/articles/69388/a-defence-of-poetry
I need to reread it too.
