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Monica's avatar

To back up my vote, here is one of my favorite clips of all time, from Burden

Of Dreams (the documentary about the making of Fitzcarraldo): https://youtu.be/dvbxh2rLcdo?si=wTaIcyofKZ2hQINV

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Books on GIF's avatar

Thanks for sharing this, Monica! Regardless of how the vote goes, I want to read this book ASAP.

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Justin Difazzio's avatar

Wow. That was a joyride through a multicolored horror show. 😂

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SOIA's avatar

“Say Nothing” was one of the hardest books I’ve read. And worth it.

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Books on GIF's avatar

Thanks!

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Leslie's avatar

This is a really hard choice! Each has their merits and I would love to read BoG’s analysis of all of them.

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Books on GIF's avatar

Thanks! I definitely want to read all three of these as soon as possible.

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Monica McLaughlin's avatar

Gotta be Fitzcarraldo for me! I’ve read bits about it over the years and it sounds phenomenally bananas. Plus I need something slightly less heavy than the other two these days.

There’s an excellent series based on Say Nothing on Hulu/Disney+. Came out last year, I think, but be warned: don’t watch the trailer! They got the tone entirely wrong and made it look like a sarcastic, slapstick-y show when it’s definitely not.

A Northern Irish friend told me the book is widely regarded by people in NI as the only one that actually gets the Troubles right.

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Books on GIF's avatar

Thanks, Monica! Yes, the Say Nothing show rings a bell, but I haven't seen the trailer and I won't watch it before I read the book. I've heard good things about the book and so far it's running away with the vote. But I want to read all three of these so if Fitzcarraldo doesn't win, I'll circle back to it soon enough.

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Kate G's avatar

I pick Say Nothing, because I have read it and would love to read your thoughts. My grandfather came to the US from Belfast and never spoke about the Troubles, although certain comments led me to figure out which side he was on. The Viet Nam book sounds harrowing and the Fitzcarraldo may have to go on my TBR. Happy Sunday! Enjoy the beautiful weather!!

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Books on GIF's avatar

Thanks, Kate! Say Nothing is in the lead now, and I've also heard really good things about it. But I want to read all of these, so I will likely circle back to one or both sooner rather than later. It's been such a beautiful weekend! We've gone on three walks so far these last two days!

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Patrick Lawlor's avatar

I grew up in Ireland, and "Say Nothing" is absolutely the best book ever written about The Troubles. It's a great mini-history written as a thrilling mystery tale.

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Books on GIF's avatar

Thanks, Patrick! I've heard good things about Say Nothing. It's leading in the poll so far, and I'm looking forward to reading it!

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Petya K. Grady's avatar

I voted for Herzog and see that I am not winning this but may I pull a friend-card and ask that you just do that next?

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Books on GIF's avatar

Ha! For you, my friend, yes, I will do that one next. Look for them in July.

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Petya K. Grady's avatar

Yes!! Ask and you shall receive!

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