Six Degrees of Separation for books is a monthly meme hosted by Kate. The idea is to start with a specific book and connect via six links to another book. Feel free to join in and post your link here.
Starting point: Where the Wild Things Are
This month we start with Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, the classic children’s book in which Max goes on an adventure on foreign shores where the monsters live.
1. From Where the Wild Things Are to Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know
Like Max, Ranulph Fiennes does not shy away from adventure. In his autobiography Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know, he elaborates on some of his experiences including the Pole expeditions, Mount Everest, and the 7x7x7 challenge (7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents). I have always been fascinated and inspired by people who push the limits to the extreme and Ranulph Fiennes is up there with the best of them.
2. From Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know to Into Thin Air
Ranulph Fiennes is by no means the only one who has written about Mount Everest summit attempts. My favourite read on this topic is Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, who climbed Everest in May 1996, when eight people died. Krakauer’s account of events is fascinating, horrible, devastating, scary, thought-provoking and absolutely unputdownable.
3. From Into Thin Air to Miracle Creek
One of the many challenges on Everest is oxygen or rather lack thereof. Nowadays, most climbers carry oxygen supplements. In Miracle Creek events are centred around the Miracle Submarine where patients receive oxygen supplement treatments. Miracle Creek tackles a wide range of topics and I enjoyed it very much.
4. From Miracle Creek to Daughters of the Dragon
The Yoo family in Miracle Creek is a Korean immigrant family. American Anna in Daughters of the Dragon also has Korean roots, which she explores. During World War II a large number of women in the occupied areas (including Korea and China) were kidnapped or coerced into being sex slaves for the Japanese soldiers. An estimated 200.000 Korean women were involved. Daughters of the Dragon is really the relatively unknown story about these women. I found it educational and an excellent read.
5. From Daughters of the Dragon to Purge
The themes of occupation and abuse of women are unfortunately universal. In Purge by Sofi Oksanen these themes are covered in a different part of the world. Aliide Truu lives in the Estonian countryside. Through flashbacks we learn about her history which includes World War II, the Russian occupation of Estonia, torture and rape by the new Communist leaders and a multi-dimensional family drama. Purge is a novel which makes a strong and lasting impression.
6. From Purge to A Gentleman in Moscow
In Purge Allide’s sister is sent into confinement in Russia. Count Alexander Rostov from A Gentleman in Moscow is likewise confined in Russia – in a luxury hotel, but still… I am reading this book at the moment thanks to Sue from Whisperinggums who included it in last month’s #6degrees. So far I love it!
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Phew. I wrote a post. It is fair to say, my blog has been quiet for a while, the last post was June’s #6degrees. Sometimes life has to take priority I guess. Hopefully this post will be the beginning of a slightly more regular blogging schedule.
Considering the starting point was a fun children’s book, my chosen titles are not particularly cheerful. However, I can honestly say I have enjoyed all of them very much. Where did your links take you?
Fascinating how you went from one book to another here. Glad you are participating in these, even if you don’t post anything else on your blog in between!
Thanks! I love six degrees and found it easier to motivate myself to this rather than writing a review. Hopefully I will get back on track with the reviews soon.
I look forward to that time!
It’s amazing the way we all make such different chains…
I think I’ve got Purge on my TBR, or something by that author. I’ll check it out:)
Yes, I enjoy reading the other chains as well, they are always so different. I found Purge very worthwhile. Not exactly a feel-good novel, or an easy read, but impactful. If it does linger on your TBR, I hope you will enjoy it.
I love how you’ve explained the linkage between books. These monthly lists always fascinate me.
Thanks. Yes, these lists are good fun, six degrees for books is such a great idea.
Thanks for mentioning my reference to A gentleman in Moscow Stargazer. I’m so glad my 6 Degrees resulted in your giving it a go. Your 6 degrees has intrigued me, particularly about Purge. I *like* reading WW2 stories from different angles and perspectives, and I’ve never read an Estonian book – at least I don’t think so.
Yes, these chains, besides from being fun, also provide good inspiration for further reading. I have a feeling, I am the one who should be thanking you, because although I am only half way through, A Gentleman in Moscow might very well end up being a proper 5 star reading for me.
Estonia was new to me as well, the author of Purge is half Estonian, half Finnish. She manages to give a good insight into the turbulent and troubled past of Estonia and from what I know, she also captures the spirit and mentality of the region well.
I look forward to seeing your review of it. If you’re liking it now I’m sure you’ll enjoy the way it he plots it all out.
Great chain, the books with Russian links appeal to me, I shall check them out.
Thanks. One of the many things I enjoy about A Gentleman in Moscow is the Russian setting. I donβt know much about Russian history and this novel provides some tidbits. It start in 1922 and plays out over decades. The author is not Russian, which some people might find a positive feature. Although dealing with serious concepts, it is still filled with humour.
It’s so strange because I considered assigning Gentleman in Moscow as next month’s starter book and then decided to use it later in the year… might not now given that you’ll be starting your chain with it next month! π
That is some coincidence! Feel free to use A Gentleman in Moscow later this year, I will then have the extra challenge of starting twice with the same book π
Keep some notes on the different directions you might take, in case I set it!
What a great chain! As you point out, quite a departure from a children’s book π but that’s what’s so great about these chains – so many different directions. You have a number of books here which sound fascinating though I’m not sure I have the backbone to tackle them!
Thanks! I feel these chains have a life of their own. They just materialise out of nowhere and you never know where they are going to end up. Only afterwards I realised that most of this month’s books deal with rather serious and tough themes.