{"id":28642,"date":"2024-06-08T07:38:24","date_gmt":"2024-06-08T06:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peterlang.com\/?post_type=article&p=28642"},"modified":"2024-06-08T07:38:25","modified_gmt":"2024-06-08T06:38:25","slug":"peak-reads-and-playlists-dulce-maria-scott","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.peterlang.com\/de\/article\/peak-reads-and-playlists-dulce-maria-scott\/","title":{"rendered":"Peak Reads and Playlists: Dulce Maria Scott"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Inspired by BBC Radio’s “Desert Island Discs,” the Peter Lang Group presents \u2018Peak Reads & Playlists\u2019.

Join us on a journey to the mountain peaks near our Lausanne headquarters where we speak with our esteemed series editors.  

In this interview format, our guests share the books, music, and food that would keep them company if they were whisked away alone to this beautiful mountain setting. They\u2019ll explore the reasons behind their choices, revealing the impact and influence each has had on their lives. Get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the Peter Lang community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Name:<\/strong> Dulce Maria Scott
Job Title: <\/strong>Professor, Department Chair, Social Work and Criminal Justice
Series:<\/strong> Interdisciplinary Studies in Diasporas<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

> Which FICTION title would take the coveted first spot on your list?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet<\/em> (Livro do Desassossego<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Atop a mountain, one often finds themselves in a state of contemplation, pondering the essence of human existence and feeling a spiritual connection to the wider universe. It was a challenging task to choose from the renowned Portuguese poets and writers from my earlier years in Portugal, including E\u00e7a de Queir\u00f3z, Fernando Pessoa, Florbela Espanca, Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, Miguel Torga, and Aquilino Ribeiro, among several others. Ultimately, I decided on a work by Fernando Pessoa that transcends both place and time, making it universally resonant. Livro do Desassossego<\/em> is a thought-provoking and deeply poetic exploration of the human condition. I first read it in Portuguese, but it has been translated into several languages, including English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    > If you were offered the chance to take a NON-FICTION title, which would you choose?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During a difficult chapter of my graduate school experience, while sharing a living space with Indian roommates, I found solace in Indian philosophy. Its profound deconstruction of the human ego deeply resonated with me. Eventually, I came across Sri Aurobindo: The Life Divine<\/em>. This masterpiece not only deepened my understanding of spiritual philosophy but also fascinated me with its engagement with the Western thought I was studying in graduate school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sri Aurobindo: The Life Divine<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    > We\u2019re feeling generous so we\u2019ll allow you one more book, your choice of FICTION or NON-FICTION \u2013 which one makes the list?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hermann Hess, Steppenwolf<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Selecting among numerous wonderful novels was a challenge, yet I felt compelled to include Steppenwolf<\/em>, particularly as I envisioned reading it while experiencing closeness to nature atop a mountain. Steppenwolf<\/em> is a precursor to existentialism, foreshadowing Jean Paul Sartre\u2019s exploration of \u201cbeing and nothingness.\u201d The novel delves into the struggle between the human ego, socially constructed within the confines of specific cultural norms, and a primordial state of being, free of the ego. Its beautiful prose and profound message left an indelible impression on me upon my first reading.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Music<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    > The mountain ranges have spectacular acoustics. Which 5 MUSICAL RECORDINGS would you take to enjoy whilst up on the summit and why? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Vangelis, Mythodea Movement 9 With Lyrics <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        When at the top of a mountain, one can be overtaken by a deep sense of transcendence\u2014a connection to something greater than oneself, to a universal and primigenius state of being. This musical composition amplifies such feelings, evoking a sense of transcendence and tapping into that primordial essence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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