Pearlin Lim Lim itibaren Mahni Sial, Pakistan itibaren Mahni Sial, Pakistan

Kavalier & Clay, I think, obtained its popularity by being many things to many people. To some, it's a story about escaping hate and oppression, and about how futile the efforts are. To others, it's a story of one man's liberation from the early stigma of homosexuality. And to the wide majority, it's a wonderful romp about comic books. There's also the great love story of family and romance, the story of corporate rebellion, and the story of finding what matters most. But Kavalier & Clay is all of these things, and so much more at the same time. For that, I declare it one of the best books I've read in my life. It's got excellent characterization and a remarkable ability to manipulate language like, well, clay. Highly recommended to anyone who appreciates reading.

Chekhov is a master. Carol Rocamora rocks. I had her as a professor twice. She is so extraordinarily passionate about Russian literature that she seemed to become 30-40 years younger while teaching...and when she talked about Checkhov's dacha, I was able to "see" it. The only thing I don't like about this translation is that though Carol retains Chekhov's poetry, her translation is a little too "American colloquial" at times. If I spoke Russian, I could explain this in detail, but as my only claim to being Russian is my deceased great-grandparents, I am just left with the genetic-coding feeling of being Russian, and visceral sensation of being able to quickly judge an authentic or not authentic Russian translation. Like any author translated often, I would compare the versions of different plays. Example: Carol's translation of "The Seagull" is better than Laurence Selenick's translation of "The Seagull". However, Laurence Selenick's translation of "Uncle Vanya" is better than Carol's translation of "Uncle Vanya".