It's BLOOMSDAY!

 


Today is "Bloomsday," the day on which the narrative of James Joyce's Ulysses takes place.  Called "Bloom's day" because the central character is Leopold Bloom, the day is known throughout the world, as Joyce enthusiasts read chunks aloud.  Some venues have shifting readers, covering the entire book in one day.

Me, I first read it in high school.  I attempted Finnegans Wake the same year, but didn't understand more than a fifth of it.  But I've reread Ulysses several times, enjoying it more with each pass.  Still, I understand why most people find it incomprehensible, too slow, boring or just WTF.

So:  what's the most difficult book you've ever attempted?  Are you glad you did it?  Tell us your bibliophile adventures!!

  The pic above is AlextheKay's personal  first edition copy.  

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