So Ashamed

I have a confession to make. I'm not proud of this.

I've never read "Ulysses."

James Joyce's one, not the one in "The Odyssey", though I've never read that one either. I should say I've never read all of "Ulysses." I did read a half-hour's worth once, at the 24 hour-marathon whole-book out-loud reading that used to be done at the old Bloomsday's Books store in Brookside. Though that venerable bookstore exists now only online, the Bloomsday celebrations they sponsor continue to this very day. In fact to this very week. Tom and Nancy Shawver of Bloomsday Books tell us more:

"A final reminder for the 16th annual Bloomsday celebration this Thursday, June 16.  I recently sat in on rehearsals for the play and the quality of the cast amazed me. 

The reading of the novel starts at 9 a.m., goes to 4 p.m.  It was put together by Professor Stephen Dilks and he has assembled a number of readers originally from Ireland who will provide an authentic Irish tone.  We show the documentary Joyce to the World at 4 p.m.  Since Eddie Delahunt is in Dublin this week, the Three Dollar Band will be performing the live music at 5:30 accompanied by the Driscoll Irish Dancers.  The play starts at 7 and goes to 9. 

Steve Paul wrote a very nice article about the upcoming Bloomsday in last Sunday's Star and Sylvia Stoner, Doug Weaver and Steve Dilks will be discussing Bloomsday on KCUR for the Steve Kraske show at 11 a.m. Thursday.  Because of the good pre-event publicity we are expecting another fine turnout for the play." 


The celebration is being held once again at the Kansas City Irish Center in the lower level of Union Station. Don't miss this great, entertaining event. Even if you haven't read the book.