Voices en Español

There is an unconventional reality TV program that can be seen Sunday nights at midnight in Argentina. It’s called “Ver Para Leer.” Hosted by Juan Sasturain, an Argentine journalist and author, the show revolves around Juan’s daily adventures while he’s out and about living his life in Buenos Aires.

Books are at the center of the action. Each episode Juan has some problem or dilemma that can only be resolved by consulting or talking about a book. He also does interviews with Argentine writers. In the show, Juan “just happens” to bump into some well-known or up-and-coming Argentine author (on the street, in a café, on his doorstep, etc.) and from there he strikes up a conversation with them about their writing.

One interview begins in a public restroom where Juan recognizes the man using the urinal next to his as Martín Kohan, an Argentine writer. (Nobody exhibits a “wide stance” in the video. hahaha)

-¡Martín!, ¡Martín Kohan!
-¿Que haces?
(Risas)
-¿Qué haces acá?
- ¿Qué hago?
(Risas)
-Escuchame, escuchame una cosa…tengo algo que consultarte, me venís muy bien Martín.
-¿Qué cosa? ¿Qué pasó?
-Terminemos con esto y después te cuento...

The (very) brief bathroom meeting turns into a book discussion away from the restroom.

Another amusing video occurs in a city park where Juan is enjoying his daily walk while practicing English phrases for an upcoming trip to the U.S. He happens to cross paths with Luisa Valenzuela, another writer.

-Is very nice to meet you. I’m leaving for New York. So difficult.
-Oh! Shit!
-Oh! Shit!
-Shit!
- Ah, no te puedo creer
-¿Qué haces Luisa? ay, ¡Qué suerte!
-Esta vida te trae sorpresas, shit!
-¿Cómo te va? shit! Puteás en ingles, ¿viste?
- Si viste pero es necesario en las grandes ciudades sobre todo si vas a New York, ¿a dónde vas?
-Y.. no sé, supongo, supongo de algún modo que por ahí voy a poder escribir mejor si estoy quizás por alguna circunstancia, de lejos dicen que se ve más claro, eso…
-Y a veces sí, a veces sí, yo estoy de acuerdo, uno tiene que ir y venir y salir de su lugar, tomar perspectiva, meterse en otros mundos…

As you can tell, Juan Sasturain is no Charlie Rose/Larry King wannabe. But that’s why I like this program. By conducting the interviews away from a conventional TV studio, Juan’s conversations with his writer-friends have a more relaxed, casual and light-hearted feel to them. While the conversation is about literature, the discussions aren’t stuffy and uptight. And that makes the interviews more accessible to viewers.

I had never heard of any of the writers featured on his program but because of the entertaining format of Ver Para Leer, I got hooked in to watching several episodes just to see what gimmick or set-up Juan would use to talk about the next book or author. I think if the show were done in a conventional sit-down-in-a-studio format, it would be far less appealing, especially to viewers like myself who are unfamiliar with the authors being interviewed.

But ¡OJO! Juan Sastuarain speaks very rapidly and he gobbles his words, so initially it may be tough to understand what the heck he’s saying. There are also numerous cultural references, words and expressions particular to Argentina that may go over your head. However, for listening comprehension practice, especially if you’re unaccustomed to hearing an Argentine accent, this is a great resource. Also, there are (free) word-for-word transcripts of the interviews on the Ver Para Leer web site.

Bottomline: If you love the Argentine accent and have an interest in books and literature, this show will be right up your alley. Here’s a 10-minute clip from one episode. Enjoy!