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Aha,, first man in... Cannot miss being subscribed. Summer is upon us and I have way too many books here, not read, but .... is there a good summer read coming up? Nice juicy gossipy nonsense.. Time to clear the decks for trivia..

I am having fun reading Marley & Me by John Grogan. Someone here recommended it. It's a laugh a minute.

yes yes yes
Hats ~ I did recommend Marley and Me. It's a hoot! Especially for dog owners!
John Grogan used to write for our local newspaper, and a few items which appear in the book were in his columns.

We have a dog who read the book (not) and got some bad ideas from it!

I am not a dog owner. I have a cat. My cat is laughing at all the booboos made by Marley, nothing like a dog, to her, acting like a bull in a china closet.

It's really a great book!!

I loved it too! Anyone who has ever owned or been around a Labrador Retriever will recognize many (all?) of Marley's personality "traits".

Labs are so incredibly lovable, kind and loyal. No better dog around little children.

I did get that impression in the book. I have heard friends talk about the Labs as very loving pets, just full of joy and love. I would you think they would need plenty of space.

Jon Katz, who has written some funny mysteries about a suburban house husband (Murder by Station Wagon), has also written about his adventures as owner of Border Collies. A Dog Year is the one I've read and it was just great. Border Collies are smarter than humans, it seems, and his struggles to learn his dog are funny and evoke pathos.

I have been confined to barracks with an attack of Shingles, and to avoid cabin-fever I have been re-reading books from my own collection (when I am not playing with my computer and discovering new SN sections). Just re-read 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime' by Mark Haddon which I again enjoyed. For serious reading I have been thinking of Simon Winchester's non-fiction books.'Krakatoa' is one of his best. For very light reading: Dick Francis' mysteries and the 'Dangerous Davies' humourous mysteries by Leslie Thomas. When I can get to the library again I will look for 'Marley and Me' which sounds like fun.

Cindy: So sorry to hear you have shingles. I've had it and it left me miserable. My very best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Cindy ~ shingles aren't fun. Get well quickly.

Thursday evening Ray and I were at an appreciation dinner. At our table was a young man who had a Marley experience. He left his lab puppy out of the crate when he went out. He came back to a disaster. His apartment had been 'trashed'. He kept the dog

any way.

Oh Cindy, I am so sorry. I have shingles problems off and on and they are truly not the tiniest bit fun.. Take care..

Cindy, I hope you will get well very soon. Take care.

Welcome, Cindy, we are delighted to meet you, hope you feel better soon, that is NO fun.

Did you all hear about the new shot for shingles? I am half afraid to get it so am waiting to see how it affects others I have seen get it? What do you know about it?

Hats, I have heard about Marley and Me, I'm so glad so many of you are enjoying it.

Thomas Wolfe! Look Homeward, Angel is another book we've never read here. I loved it but they say you can't understand it. I wonder why?

I'd like to read it again, I had no idea an editor had pieced that together, what interesting things we learn here!! Thank you for that. Evergreen!

We've got a really interesting thing coming up here in the summer, but I would not have put Look Homeward, Angel, on my list, I had forgotten it, to tell you the truth. That's the joy of a large group of readers, all of whom are very well read in all different fields, I think.

I finished Shopaholic and Baby and loved it, it's cute.

Now I'm in that awful Limbo of Between Books, like Entr'acte, it's a bad place to be! Hahahaa I'm torn between so many choices, I liked Stephanie's thought on a nice gossipy summer read.

I really love a trashy summer read. To me a real "beach book" is a book which you carry (when you had the figure) hahaha TO the beach and it got all swollen with sand and water (a paperback), and it was about the rich and famous, and how they mess up their lives, but in the end integrity wins out. Meanwhile you're off on an adventure!

If you want trashy, how about Butterfly by Katherine Harvey? Recommended to me by a collegue I was blown away by it and must confess that I couldn't put it down. She found the book in a cabin at the beach, couldn't fit your definition better.

Remember "Forever Amber???" I bet that use to be thought of as "beachy and trashy."

Ray and I both got the shingles vaccine last October after we saw the suffering by family members who had shingles and never really got over it. There were no reactions, aside for a bit of site injection redness for a couple of hours.

I love summer "beach books"...reading some now by Jennifer Crusie. VERY light and definitely "beach books," by my standards.

jane

After reading last fall about Jane and Ray getting the Shingles vaccine, I contacted my HMO and they paid for it. My doctor gave me a prescription, I picked it up at the drug store, took it right to the doctor and had it administered. It comes frozen and must be administered as soon as it thaws.

I am nowhere near a beach. My backyard hammock books will be a re-teading of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe.

Ah....great hammock reading.

jane

You made my day. Thanks so much for the distant hug and I feel less prickly for it. I will look into getting a shot to avoid this happening again. One good thing: I can read, read, and watch tv morning and afternoon with a clear conscience, and even forget household chores. I dont have any beach books handy (even Harlequins) that dont need concentration, but I am for now enjoying "Wake Up" by Tim Pears.

Ginny, Just to clarify something: Look Homeward Angel was published while Thomas Wolfe was still alive, and the writing is entirely attributable to him; You Can't Go Home Again was published after his death by his editor.

Looks like I'm going to have to read Marley and Me. I love labs.

My summer "beach books" are light, funny detective stories. That's when I read "Fax me a Bagel" or "Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon" by Donna Andrews. Or of course Janet Evanowich. Or Ann George's "Southern Sisters" series. (I'm still trying to figure out which sister is me and which PatH).

Or the "Shopaholic" books, that Ginny turned me onto. I'm waiting for "Shopaholic and Baby" to come out in paperback.

Actually I was hoping for a Pat Conroy novel or Anne Rivers Siddon.. Something southern and glorious and long and not anything like my life.. That to me is a good beach book.. Plus Pats beaches and mine are the same. I am still hesitant about the shingles vaccine. My doctor is not in favor, so I have held off.

Curious Minds starting new topic. Please join us with your knowledge! Welcome to a new CM! While starting a new topic, I am always hopeful to find new news on the subject that will either be uplifting or useful info on a timely topic. Today, we can read some of the links above and see what we perhaps didn't know about the crime of Identity Theft. For instance, imagine what a nightmare it would be not to be able to prove your own identity and therefore have your bank accounts frozen and probably your credit cards. How devastating to have to beg for a loan from a relative just to get along until you have proved your innocence in this kind of theft. The average time it takes to retake your identity is two years and that still doesn't mean you are out of the woods as Social Security offices can drag this out much longer. In one of these articles, #2, one young mother has still not found the perpetrator, cannot apply for a job and her SS# is still being used by several different illegal aliens. After reading this, I took myself to the Federal Trade Commission to see what their advice would be in this seemingly hopeless situation. Back later!

Here's a short cut to Ann's new Curious Minds:

Ann Alden, "---Curious Minds: Identity Theft click here

For those who have been reading the series set in Botswana that began with "The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agancy," there is a new one out, "The Good Husband of Zebra Drive." Precious Ramotswe is one of my favorite characters, and this one promises to be as engaging and uplifting as all the rest.

Another wonderful book that I just finished is Alice Hoffman's "Blue Diary." This story has so many terrific insights into human nature and relationships, you won't be able to put it down.

I love the Alexander McCall Smith series. I didn't know about The Good Husband of Zebra Drive. Precious is precious, I think. I like her secretary too. Remember she opened the typing school for young men? She made that 98% in Secretarial school. Thank you for the new title.

I loved "Blue Diary" by Alice Hoffman. It's been a long while. I don't remember much of it.

Are we still going to have a Bookmarks club? I have the new magazine. It takes a long while to read the magazine. I miss some articles and have to go back and reread over and over.

The Bookmarks club sounds great. Did not realize we had discussed having one. I found a beach book.. Written by Pat Conroys wife.. The Same Sweet Girls.. Just started and it seems like fun.. Nothing seriouis at all..

Stephanie, I hope my dreams aren't leading my down a garden's path. Did I hear about a Bookmarks club??? I hope my brain isn't on stop mode again. I love Pat Conroy and Anne Siddons too. I would like to read Mary Alice Monroe's new book. I can't remember the title. I think it's a sequel. Can't remember. Ginny will know.

Swimming Lessons is the title of Monroe's sequel to Beach House. I liked it but Beach House is my favorite.

Mrs. Sherlock, thank you.

Hats, The secretary graduated with 97%, but I'm certain she would be happy to have you give her the extra point.

I'm new to the Book Nook. What is the Bookmark club?

Is there such a thing as Bookmark club?
I've been reading these posts for a long time, and never heard of it!
How could there be a club about a magazine, if that is what it is?
Anyone know?

Mippy, I don't know. It's my mistake, I guess. Sometimes I read the wrong thing. Excuse me for causing the confusion. I'm suffering with pollen. Maybe that's why my ears and eyes aren't hearing or seeing well.

Hats and all, I think there was some discussion a while back in the Book Nook about getting together a group to select and discuss books that are described in issues of Bookmark magazine.

I read you are reading and enjoying "Marley and Me" in our recent Book Bytes from PatW. I loved that book and have given it to three relatives who love their dogs so much. I must warn you to get out the tissues towards the end. I must have used up a box of them!! Still, its a wonderful story of a family's love for their big old hairy fella! Sniff, sniff!

Marcie, thank you. I didn't want to make a booboo in the Book Nook with so many newcomers and guests and old friends too.

Hi Ann, I am at the last three chapters. My tissue box is being used. I had to stop reading for awhile and pick up something else to read. I had to get my nerves together to stand what is coming. I know it's coming. Oh me!!!!!!! Pets are part of our family too. Whether dog, cat or goldfish their love is so free and unconditional, just wanting to please us.

John Grogan deserved an award for this book Marley & Me is unforgettable.

I have not read Marley and Me because I know how it will end. Having owned lots and lots of pets my entire life, their short lives always leads to grief. Just now I have a 12 and a half year old corgi.. Bridget is reaching the end of a life span. She has slowed enormously is deaf and has cataracts. Still for now she is loving and gentle and loves walks and being with us. It is so very hard to say Goodbye to your very best friend.

I am reading a new book by Susan Vreeland, who wrote Girl in Hyacinth Blue. The book I am reading is "Lucheon of the Boating Party". It is based on Renoir's painting and is a fascinating book. Have a look at it here Lucheon of the Boating Party

Ann Alden and I will be leading discussion of it in August. Hope that you will all join us.

Joan Grimes

Stephanie your Corgi is the same age as my two old girls. How it will break my heart when they leave me. They have brought me through the premature death of my husband at the age of 49. I picked up Zoe the night of the funeral. My sister had taken me to see puppies the morning after my husband died. That wee bundle of fluff saved my sanity and eased my grief. Penny was a rescue when she was around 5. A pet I think is essential for anyone who is forced to live alone.

Carolyn

I read "Marley and Me" some time ago and just loved it. It was very, very funny and then bittersweet. My lab/hound mix is named Maggie; she is a rescue. My beloved Molly had died and I mourned for some months and went to the Humane Society looking for a young dog and instead came home with Maggie. She was an old lady and older still now, but that's okay. So am I. We stroll down the road every morning, don't have to worry about a leash. She's not going anywhere fast and neither am I. She has been a delight, but lacks a few brains. Loyal and steadfast. Makes no demands. But a watchdog? No way. She's too busy sleeping or just staring into space. Verry laayed back. But as I said, an absolute delight.

I saw today that The Kite Runner is being made into a movie - to come out in the fall. On the news an Afghanistan kite maker was interviewed.

Will it be an American movie?

My sister, an inveterate gardener, has gifted me with a bonsai maple tree. Does anyone have a suggestion about books for caring for bonsai? This is a bonsai in training so she says the leaves need to be pinched to make them smaller; it is in a plastic pot so I'll need a nice container; and what about watering? Any help will be appreciated. She will be a help but she is slightly ditzy if you know what I mean.

Jackie, my son makes bonsai and we have given him bonsai books as gifts over the years--but for the life of me I can't remember a name. Maybe google bonsai books or check out Amazon or your local big box store. Here our Books-A-Million has a help desk where they can look up topics, book titles, authors, etc. Of course you won't know if the ones the store recommends are the best. Try one of SN's gardening discussions. Someone there might know. My favorite online gardening store is http://www.Gardener'sSupply.com. I'm not sure if that is the correct URL. It might be Gardenerssupply.com. Sue

Sue: I love Gardener's Supply, too. I'll check there for books. My library has a slew of them and I don't know where to start so thought I'd ask for personal reccommendations. Thank you.

Cassandra King.. who turns out to be Pat Conroys wife has written a neat beach book.. The SameSweetGirls..Just finished it.. She is not Pat, but the book is fun and has several very feminine points.. Nice writer and new to me. I am trading for another of hers since I liked that one.

Hi Everyone,

I am now reading Mary Alice Monroe's latest book, Swimming Lessons. I am listening to it on cd and really enjoying hearing her lovely ,soft, gentle voice reading to me. I remember her nice voice so well from the Books Gathering at the Beach in South Carolina where we met her.

I have just finished listening to Luncheon of the Boating Party, about the Impressionist artist, Renoir. It is a good book too. It involves many interesting characters. Most of the characters are in the painting, Luncheon of the Boating Party. It also involves some interesting historical events of the 19th century. It is written by Susan Vreeland who wrote The Girl in Hyacinth Blue which had to do with Vermeer.

Ann Alden and I want to discuss Luncheon of the Boating Party with all of you in August. We now have a proposed discussion open for you to visit and indicate your interest to us.To get to the proposed discussion just click on

"---Luncheon Of The Boating Party by Susan Vreeland ~ Proposed for August 1"

We hope to see you there soon.

Joan Grimes

Ann: I looked up info about the film The Kite Runner on the web and found this:

"The Kite Runner is a 2007 film directed by Marc Forster based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini. Though most of the novel is set in Afghanistan, these parts of the movie were mostly shot in Kashgar, China due to the dangers of filming in Afghanistan at the time of the making of the movie.[1] Filming wrapped up on December 21, 2006 and the movie is expected to be released on November 2nd, 2007. The film's dialogue is in Dari (with English subtitles), and most of the actors involved with the film, including the child actors, are native speakers."

Distributors: Paramount Vantage

Production Co.: Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Participant Productions, Neal Street Productions, Wonderland Films

Studios: DreamWorks SKG

I have always heard of the "Chicken Soup" books. I have never looked through one. Are any of you familiar with these books? Gilead is an inspiring book isn't it? I haven't read it yet. I know it's been read here on Seniornet.

I think The Kite Runner is a very inspiring book about strength and survival.

Hats: I've never read the Chicken Soup books but my cousin loves them; she has mentioned that she spends time regularly reading one or another of them. This is a lady who regularly attends church, too.

I understand the 'Chicken Soup' books are similar to daily devotionals, in that they have small, encouraging, thoughtful messages that one can read in the same way. The first was so successful, more were published directed at different groups of readers.

Babi

I received a good Chicken Soup book when I was recovering from heart surgery and it was very uplifting to peruse a few pages every day.

Curious Minds is still with us discussing Identity Theft. Come see what big business and small time criminals are doing to the elderly who are lonely and bored so send in their info to many illegal scams just to get mail or phone calls. Is there anything that we as SNers can do to help stop this awful insult to becoming a senior citizen?

Theresa Bloomingdale, who used to post here in Books, wrote for one of the first Chocken Soup books. She wrote humorous books similar to Erma Bombeck.

this is a riot that I have to share - I receive a daily vocabulary email - today the word is - Panjandrum - it seems that there was an 18th century English actor, Charles Macklin, who claimed he could memorize anything. Well a Samuel Foote wrote this bit of nonsense for Macklin to memorize that was later published as a picture book for children.

Here's what Foote wrote:

"So she went into the garden to cut a cabbage-leaf to make an apple-pie; and at the same time a great she-bear, coming up the street, pops its head into the shop. 'What! No soap?' So he died, and she very imprudently married the barber: and there were present the Picninnies, and the Joblillies, and the Garyulies, and the grand Panjandrum himself, with the little round button at top, and they all fell to playing the game of catch-as-catch-can till the gunpowder ran out at the heels of their boots."

Amd here on Gutenberg is The Great Panjamdrum himself

How cute!

I too get two different daily vocabulary emails. This week we get words from the Spanish language such as peccadillo (pedal, impeccable, podium, octopus, and impeach come from the same root!), ramada (An open shelter roofed with branches.), armada, cabana.

It's fun learning more.

For getting the info on "The Kite Runner". I only hope they go to English subtitles or even English over?????, whatever. I would love to see how they handle such a good book.

Marni, I have just seen your post about The Kite Runner. I didn't know about the movie. Thank you. I can't wait to see how it's handled. I have yet to see Ghandi. I am going to put it in my queue again.

The Kite Runner author new book is title "A Thousand Splendid Suns." I love that title.

NOW you tell me, BUBBLE. 'Ramada' turned up on a crossword puzzle yesterday, and I had to work it out the hard way.

Babi

I heard the author of Kite Runner interviewed last week about his new book A Thousand Splendid Suns. And, of course, I have no memory of what was said about the new book beyond the author's name which I have now forgotten!

I need a cup of caffeine--tea or coffee, anyone?

I just had my one cup of real coffee that I have each morning. How I love it! I have it first thing and make it in a cafetierre. Making coffee this way makes pure uncorrupted coffee. It tastes so good!

Carolyn

After going caffeine free for a while I went back to the real stuff. I, too, have one cup a day, though I may sneak in a coke sometimes for lunch. It's a small vice but an important one to my quality of life.

NPR's Fresh Air had an interview today with David Talbot, founder of the ezine Salon. He has written a book about John and Bobby Kennedy which I am dying to read. It is called BROTHERS: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE KENNEDY YEARS. The interview is available on their website. http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=13 For the first time the idea of a conspiracy to kill JFK begins to seem plausible.

I just finished Patrick O'Brian's Richard Temple, a novel about an English artist who is captured by the Germans during World War II. This is the first O'Brian novel I've read outside of the Aubrey/Maturin "Master and Commander" series. What a wonderful writer he is! I could hardly put the book down.

Mrs. Sherlock, thank you for the link. I would love to hear the interview. I love those interviews on NPR.

Marni,thank you for the title of the book. Have you seen or read this new title? I would love to read it with the group. Maybe you as DL??? Is this where to place my recommendation? What do any of you think of this book for NonFiction?

Presidential Courage

I only drink one cup of coffee too. That's enough to wake me up.

I drink decaf, but then I came to coffee in college. My family were tea drinkers. My husband however is a serious coffee drinker, who hates Starbucks..

Kiwi: Please explain cafetierre. That's a new term for me. JOY

Cafetiere is the French term for a coffee pot where you brew it.

Anita Shreve's latest book reviewed in the Globe and Mail

Body Surfing

MarjV, I want to read that one so badly.

Hats: The book you nominated above sounds very intriguing. I'll check to find out where to nominate non-fiction.

Hats: Please post your nomination for non-fiction in the Non-Fiction discussion. That way, the discussion leaders and others interested in non-fiction will all be sure to see it.

Thanks, Hats!!

Marni

A cafetierre is a plunger pot if anyone does not know. You put the coffee in the bottom of the pot ( Mine is a pyrex one) the lid has the filter etc attached. You pour on water which has been boiled but allowed to stand for two minutes. Then you put the lid so that attachments rest on top of the liquid. Leave for around three minutes and push down the lid and plunger. This makes perfect coffee. In other words coffee that has not been cooked to death.

Carolyn

Bubble and Carolyn, thank you.

Carolyn & Bubble: American advertisers, in order not confuse the great unwashed, call that appliance a French Press.

In Australia we call it a 'plunger'

Here a plunger is the thing you use to unstop the kitchen sink when the drain does not perform as it should! ah ah ah!

Websters explain it as "a device consisting of a handle with a rubber suction cup at one end, used as a force pump to free clogged drains and toilet traps"

Bubble, That is what a plunger is to me to. Thanks for the laugh. I do have both the coffee plunger and the sink one,

Thanks to all of you, I will now get a laugh every time I drink coffee made with a French Press, thinking of the toilet plunger, but it won't make me enjoy it any less. I make my morning coffee with a Melitta filter, which doesn't overcook and makes clearer coffee than the French Press, but perhaps doesn't extract quite as much flavor.

couldn't one Melitta it a second time? It would be stronger then.

I would like to recommend Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. Is anybody interested?

Scarlet Pimpernel

Loved Scarlet Pimpernel; I would read it again anytime.

But it is much more than one volume, isn't it?

I thrilled to the "Scarlet Pimpernel" when I was barely in my teens. I've seen at least two movies made from it. No, BUBBLE, it's one volume, and not a very big one either, as I recall.

Babi

I would love to read this with a group here! I think it is less than 300 pages.

(Hats, you beat me! LOL!)

Now what kind of serendipity is this, that HATS & LAURA both are reading an old books like 'The Scarlet Pimpernel'. I believe JOAN has been looking for a book discussion for mid-summer. I'm sure she would be delighted if this one takes hold.

Babi

Laura D, I know! I knew you were coming behind me. I always get so excited. You know how that goes.

You made me doubt that I read many stories...

"Orczy went on to write over a dozen sequels featuring Sir Percy Blakeney, his family, and the other members of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, of which the first, I Will Repay (1906), was the most popular. The last Pimpernel book, Mam'zelle Guillotine, was published in 1940. None of her three subsequent plays matched the success of The Scarlet Pimpernel"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroness_Orczy

Bubble, thank you. That's very interesting. Thank you for the link too.

Babi, I hope Joan is reading this now. It is serendipity or is a fairy doing tricks with a wand???

If I 'see' Joan today, I'll tell her to look into 'Book Nook'.

Babi

Jackie and JoanG, thanks for the info on Mary Alice Monroe's latest, Swimming Lessons. I was unaware of the title, and that it was out. After reading her others and meeting her in SC, I certainly want to read this one.

Glad to know the official name of the French Press/plunger coffee maker. I have a small one, but have always called it a Bodun-- which is really it's brand name. My daughter makes her coffee in a big one and then puts the rest in a thermos. Of course, I managed to break the plunger/lid while visiting her last week.

Marni, thanks for the update on the Kite Runner film. I'm delighted that it will be in Farsi, with English subtitles. It's the only way I can understand films. The theatres in my town show one foreign film every five years or so, but since Kite Runner was such a popular book, maybe they'll break down. (It was a treat to see the German film, Lives of Others, in NY last week.)

Have about three or four books open right now including Alice Munro's Loveship, Hateship, Friendship, Marriage. I love her writing, and will follow that with her View from Castle Rock.. Last night I started Steve Berry's Amber Room, next month's local f2f discussion choice.

Jane and Pat, interesting info about the shingles shot. A friend suffered for almost a year with shingles and still has bouts of pain. I've never had chicken pox, and she tells me that if you've never had chicken pox you can't get shingles. Is that true?

I fell in love with Alice Munro after reading Runaway. I love short stories. Are there any other good short story writers?

I have read 40 pages into this new book by Elizabeth Gilbert and find it VERY interesting, light reading, and holds my attention. I have never read anything by Elizabeth, but see on the book's jacket that she has been a finalist for the NBA and the National Book Critics Circle Award. JOY

I have read reviews about Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I have this one on my library list. Summer is a good time to read travel books for fun. I have been thinking about reading "Travels with Charley" by Steinbeck.

Well I am back from the parade, it all went good. We don't pass out candy any more due to some children being diabetic but we has small flags to wave so a gal came up to the float and took mine but one of the gals behind me said they were't to be given away so she returned it but next year I think we will pass out small flags next year. We all had a good time. Hope you did too.

familydoctor.org states that shingles is the virus that causes cicken pox, herpes zoster, which has lain dormant. Those who have had either the pox or the innoculation retain the herpes zoster and are subject to shingles if their immune system is weakened, espefcially after 50. I knew a 27-year-old who had it and my case was when I was 45. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/infections/common/viral/574.htm

Ginger, I remember the time when Memorial Day was all about "remembering" - with parades, wreath laying, etc. Am glad to hear that your town still has the parade. Remember when the Vets used to sell poppies? It seems that when Memorial Day was changed to a Monday holiday, it turned into just an extra day at the beach.

It seems that reading Le Rouge et le Noir has created interest in the French Revolution - and the effect it had on the French people.

"In the year 1792, Sir Percy and Lady Marguerite Blakeney are the darlings of British society—he is known as one of the wealthiest men in England and a dimwit;she is French, a stunning former actress, and “the cleverest woman in Europe”—and they find themselves at the center of a deadly political intrigue. The Reign of Terror controls France, and every day aristocrats in Paris fall victim to Madame la Guillotine. Only one man can rescue them—the Scarlet Pimpernel—a master of disguises who leaves a calling card bearing only a signature red flower. As the fascinating connection between the Blakeneys and this mysterious hero is revealed, they are forced to choose between love and loyalty in order to avoid the French agent Chauvelin, who relentlessly hunts the Scarlet Pimpernel.

First published in 1905, The Scarlet Pimpernel is the best-known novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, a prolific author of popular fiction and plays. The novel pioneered the tale of the masked avenger and paved the way for such future enigmatic swashbucklers as Zorro, Superman, and the Lone Ranger. Repeatedly adapted for stage and screen—most recently as a successful Broadway musical—The Scarlet Pimpernel is a relevant and enormously entertaining tale of survival and pluck during times of widespread fear, hypocrisy, and corruption."

How about we get a Proposed up and see how much interest it attracts. Maybe we can watch the movie too - after reading the book.

The paperback is not long - not quite 300 pages. I think we could read it AND discuss the movie in a month - or less. I'll be away in August It would have to be September as our summer offerings filling up fast.

Will get the proposal up soon.

Ahhhh -- The Scarlet Pimpernel! I read it as a kid and fell in love with it. Then the movie came out with Leslie Howard -- I had the biggest crush on him! Sigh...

Leslie Howard, I never understood why Scarlett O'Hara thought she loved Leslie Howard and not handsome Rhett Butler. I suppose it was Leslie Howard's so honorable and gentlemanly soul. I can't remember Leslie Howard's name in the movie. How could I forget his name?

I am soooo excited about Scarlet Pimpernel. What a nice Memorial Day surprise for us. Where are you Laura D?

Joan P. Thanks I kinda like the way my home town does too. I actualy posted in the wrong discussion by mistake.

AAAshley! Ashley Wilkes! hahahaa

You beat me to it! How could one ever forget Scarlet pleading to Ashley, Ashley!

JoanK,

I alway wondered about Scarlet's attachment to Ashley instead of Clark Gable too. Does this make us fickle and prone to liking handsome and daring men rather than those milksops like Ashley? Maybe! Hahaha!

I love that JoanP has picked up the Scarlet Pimpernel and will propose it. You are too good at this, Ms Joan!

Ginger, your Memorial Day sounds like our 4th of July parade. I do wish they would stop the candy here too. If not because of diabetic children, at least to save the small ones' teeth. Too much sugar!! I just asked my husband when we went to pick up some garden stuff at Home Depot whose parking lot was just packed full, what happened to pausing to honor our war dead and visits to the cemeteries by the local high school band and the selling of poppies by the local vets?? Both of my sons were band members and they always went around to all of the local cemeteries to play a little music and of course, TAPS every year.

The Scarlet Pimpernel, here we come!

Which the Senior Center f2f group is reading for next months discussion and I really enjoyed it. It is entititled "Snow in August" by Pete Hamill. I have never read one of his books but he certainly did his homework concerning the people in this story. The book is not only very interesting, its written about another time in our country, right after WWII, and is about the people who lived in Brooklyn in neighborhoods where much happened to the different ethnicities who lived there. The author did a lot of homework concerning the Jewish faith before writing it and I truly liked it and will look for another title by Pete Hamill

I couldn't remember. I could see his face. I couldn't hear his name. How in the world could I forget Ashley's name? I remember the women sitting around the table reading David Copperfield, "I was born." Only Mellanie could say those words. Then, Rhett and the others brought Ashley in like he was drunk. He had really been shot trying to protect ole Scarlett's reputation out on those bridges. What a movie! What a book!

I wonder, did Margaret Mitchell, while writing realize she was writing the the Great American novel? Did she just snuggle down and have fun writing just for the heck of it?

The only way I remember it is because it's a girl's name, to me: Ashley. aahaha And he looked kind of effeminate compared to Clark Gable, but who didn't? Yes I agree what a movie, one of the all time greats. I liked the book better, myself.

But speaking of great movies, we're going to be talking about one in kind of an extended Books into Movies experience here on May 30 (gosh that's TOMORROW) for a week: Brideshead Revisited, which was originally serialized in 11 parts for television and which most people agree is ...well...maybe you don't agree?

Let's find out! It's just had its 25th Anniversary reissue and would you believe they've just made a NEW one? We can talk about that, too.

Rent a copy if you can of the sumptuous, rich, and as the critics said "virtually flawless" Brideshead Revisited, the Movie, and join us May 30. The cast alone is worth commenting on, along with the production values, performances, you name it. Lavish, beautiful, sumptuous, do come join us!

Bring popcorn! The house lights will come up on May 30, and we'll (in my increasing case) struggle out of our seats hahaha and leave the theater, what will YOU say?

Ginny, I loved the book the best too. I read as a teeager sitting on the porch in the swing in the summer.

And I have my own copy of "Brideshead Revisited" copied 15 yrs ago off the PBS offering that year. Shall I watch it?? Its really long! Hmmm, we'll see.

hahah Hats, me too.

Ann should you start it? hahaha If you start one you'll be hooked, be warned!

But more on it tomorrow.

I was hooked the first time I saw it and spent a few days watching the tapes. 'Twas beautiful!

I was trying to remember who starred in the first 'Scarlet Pimpernel' movie; I thought it was the best of those made from the book. Thank you one and all for reminding me it was Leslie Howard. Which movie are you-all thinking of using? I doubt if the Leslie Howard version has many copies floating around.

ANN, I read the "Amber Room" and has mixed reactions to it. While I loved the thought of finding the missing amber, my eyebrows were up over the indiscriminate---and unconvincingly explained---slaughter that went on.

Babi

The Scarlet Pimpernel DVD, with Leslie Howard, is available from Barnes & Noble for $5.99.

We're getting together a little book discussion/movie party down in The Scarlett Pimpernel. Will you join us in September?

Oh wonderful!! I 've heard of that all my life without knowing what it was about, what a great September offering! And what a gorgeous heading!

We've got another Books into Movies party going on right now, and you can bring your popcorn while still warm to the brand new Brideshead Revisited Movie Party starting today, and tell us what you thought and who wins YOUR Best Actor Oscar for their performance: The SeniorNet Oscars or...SNTers? hahahaa

Starting Monday we'll read The Seven Sisters together, and we may not have any questions. We may try something new and different, come on down! It's about…er…..well you'll have to tell us.

Carolyn had an idea some time back of doing a discussion of a movie which had come from a book. I talked to Bill who is not able to take it on at this time but who thinks it's a great idea, as do I, and so we'll give it a liminted try in August.

The idea is to vote on a movie which we'll then all get from a rental, or the library or Netflix, etc., and then discuss it for one week: the last week of August. The discussion will take place in its own area and the only criteria will be that it is the film version of a book. Those who have read the book or would like to can also talk about that aspect.

It's a clever innovation and one I am excited to try for 2007, thank you Carolyn, and stay tuned, we'll begin nominating in August. Bring popcorn!

I love the blue color. Yum.

Many of the subscribers to Book Bytes, with AOL addresses, did not receive Book Bytes, because AOL refused it.

If you are one of those, be sure that the address -- BookBytes@seniornet.org --- is in your address book.

You can read the latest Book Bytes HERE

Where is Marni? Marni is here. I just had not begun to read the posts in one of my book groups. Excuse.

Revving up to leave tomorrow in our motor coach. Look out middle of the country north. We are going up up up from Florida to upper peninsula Michigan, then over the top and down through Wisconsin, Minnesota, etc.. Will try the Mall of America.. just because its there..Hunting for cooler weather, great used book stores.. quaint byways,, etc. Suggestions welcomed. Got a bunch on Wisconsin from Pedlin and have that pinned on my go to board..The first few days.. with wifi ( mostly).. Alabama,, then Nashville for a few days, then Louisville,KY for three days ( new town for us), then north in Indiana, but not sure just where. On the way back we will dive over to the southwestern border in Indiana and go to New Harmony since I have heard wonderful things about it, but going up..staying east of that..Taking books,,to read and to trade..hope to participate in the Seven Sisters.

Stephanie, have a great time. Think of me while visiting the Mall of America. Keep safe and have fun.

Ooo the Mall of America! Sounds like a super trip and do come into the Seven Sisters, we're counting on you.

Be sure to have lunch at that jungle restaurant at the Mall of America, it's a fun experience.

Safe trip!!

I was missing Marni, too, Hats, but she is here, it's amazing how you miss members of our community here in Books.

Great new Bytes, Pat, with lots of great things coming up for the long hot summer, everybody join in!!

Stephanie, have a wonderful time. Watch out for trolls, eat kringle, and see a bit of Frank Lloyd Wright.

What can feel more like summer than lying in a hammock or sitting on the front porch with a tall glass of lemonade, leisurely reading a good book. JoanK and I have found one that's perfect for those lazy afternoons -- Anne Tyler's Digging to America -- her delightful novel about two families who each adopt a baby girl from Korea. One family is Iranian-American, the other borderline supermom (and dad)-American, who, along with their extended families find that they all have many cultural likenesses and differences. We both hope you'll come by and say you'll join us in July for this fun read. Digging to America

Final Tally on the returned Book Bytes. 92 were returned from AOL -- all of the Yahoo email addresses were retryned (43) saying they would keep trying to deliver.

I love the clicking red shoes on the homepage. You have to remember Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz played by Judy Garland. I have always meant to read a biography of Judy Garland. She sung her heart out when she sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." I wonder, what exactly was Judy Garland thinking about when she sang that song? Do any of you know who wrote Somewhere Over the Rainbow?

I also loved "The Candyman" by Sammy Davis Junior in the same way. My sister read his autobiography "Yes I Can." I remember she was thrilled by the book.

Hats: Interesting article on Over the Rainbow which they say is the actual title...[I didn't know that!] and talks of who wrote it and how it became so popular:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over_the_Rainbow

Jane, thank you! Will read it now. Isn't it amazing what we don't know? It's something new to learn everyday.

"Along with Irving Berlin's "White Christmas", the song was adopted by the American troops in Europe in World War II as a symbol of the United States, the faraway land that, after long years of war, seemed like a dream beyond the rainbow."

I know Frank Baum wrote Wizard of Oz. Is Wizard of Oz a series? I have only read the one Wizard of Oz. There have been times I've heard of more books in the series, I think. Not sure. Now I feel like seeing Auntie Em and ToTo all over again plus, Dorothy's three friends.

Stephanie - We went on one motor home trip from here in California, to Chicago, and on to Minnesota. I look back on it now, as one of the very best vacations we have taken in 50 years of marriage! After we left Chicago, we stopped at House on the Rock, outside of Madison. (I think?) Someone had recommended it to us, and it was definitely worth seeing. My husband liked it better than I did. A unique place indeed.

After we left there we took a route that was off the main interstate on our way to Minneapolis. We accidently came upon Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. What a pleasant surprise, and what a beautiful place to visit! One of the highlights of the trip for us.

Also I enjoyed Red Wing, Minnesota. I'm a collector of dishes, dinnerware sets and pottery, so I enjoyed the Red Wing museum and all things related to the old pottery company.

PAT, I added the BOOKBYTES mailing address to my address book, so your future send-outs should go thru' w/o any trouble. I always check my 'spam' sheet before deleting, just to be sure I don't miss something like that.

Babi

I am looking forward to Frank Lloyd Wrights buildings. He was always a hero, although he designed unlivable houses for the most part.We are in Nashville and are going to Belle Mead tomorow. It has always been on our list and each time we are here, we get tied up and dont get there. So we are going for Breakfast at Loveless Cafe and then back down the road to Belle Mead.. Hooray..

Hats, there was a whole string of Oz books. When I was a child we used to trade them around. Only the first few (3 or 4 I think) were written by L. Frank Baum. There were several other authors, a main one being Ruth Plumly Thompson (not sure of spelling). They didn't all have Dorothy in them, but had a lot of different characters, some of them one-time, and some reappearing in several books.

Pat H, thank you. Now if I can find the name of all the books. So, not all are written by Frank Baum? I bet Amazon will have the list. I am only interested in the ones written by Frank Baum. I know nothing about Frank Baum's life? I bet reading about the lives of the most famous children writers is exciting. What were they like as children? Why did they choose to write children's books?

Is Philip Roth a good author? I have started "Everyman" by Philip Roth. From the first page, I am hooked. I hope my feelings don't change.

I only read Roth's Goodbye, Columbus and of course Portnoy's Complaint which made such a splash in the early 60s. There was a film based on it if I remember correctly. I think he is good!

For all of you KITE RUNNER fans you might be interested in comparison shopping for his latest - A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS - by Khaled Housseini. The book received a grand review in TIME this week and the author was on C-Span. Barbara did a splendid job leading the discussion on the KITE RUNNER, wasn't it a great book? And this new one promises to be every bit as good, if not better.

I first priced the book at Meijers (a midwestern discount store) for $25.95 and then at B&N for $18 and finally purchased it at Amazon for $14.

Personally, I am not a Philip Roth fan. I thought the movie "Goodbye Columbus" was good, but did not read the book. Having read "Portnoy's Complaint", I was so thoroughly unhappy with it that I decided not to read any more of Roth.

Babi

Babi, "Everyman" is a small book. It is highly emotional. Of course, I am only at the beginning of the book. I have never read Roth. This, Everyman is a very small book.

I am loving Margaret Drabble. I am looking forward to reading more books by her.

Ella, I have brought Rivers of Doubt home from the library. I hope to have time to read it. If not this time, next time.

Let me know what you think of 'Everyman' when you're done, HATS. I don't question Roth's writing skills. It's just his entire outlook on life depresses me.

Babi

Babi, I did hear an interviewer allude to the same thing you just wrote. So, I see where you are coming from.

I also am tremendously enjoying the Margaret Drabble (7 Sisters) discussion, it's...I love it. Hahahaa It's fun, it's different, I love it.

I also started last night (I have heard a LOT about the Roth, Hats, didn't he just win the PEN/ Faulkner for it?) I loved Goodbye Columbus, let us know what you think?

But on my trip I saw the latest Jo Dereske Miss Zukas Library mystery in paperback and bought it, it's called something like Catalogue of Death? Or Evil? or something and let me tell you, it's magic. It's absolutely wonderful. I love it. Shows an old card catalogue on the cover too through a snow covered window, and a cat with bloody footprints (did you all see that cat on television playing the piano? Actually playing it? Amazing_) walking on it.

I reported on one of her books here which I also loved, and said they reminded me of Jane, our own librarian par excellence and ran out and bought her others and they were, especially the beginning ones, awful!

I was embarrassed. Poor Jane, except for that one book. Well this last one, just out in paperback in 2007 is just a gift. It's just come out in April, it starts in a snowstorm, I can't recommend it too highly, it's just magic. So far. I hope whatever muse has hit her stays. Of course I'm barely into it but I love it. Just love it. Nice cool mystery for the hot hot summer.

I also picked up a new one recommended by the NY Times about a boy's school in England by the author of Chocolat: Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris (Paperback - 5 Jun 2006.

Do any of you know it? It looks smashing, and I'm in that kind of mood: English schoolboys. She also has another hardback just out. I've never read one of hers so am looking forward to it.

We're holding the discussion of Brideshead Revisited: The Movie over so that more people can get the movie, so if you're interested, do get popcorn and come on down and of course you're welcome in The Seven Sisters, which began today.

Hats,

I think Philip Roth is a great writer. Many people do not like him but I find him very readable and intriguing.

Ginny, I love Joanne Harris. I will have to look for her new book.

Joan Grimes

Hats and Joan - I agree on Philip Roth. I read "Everyman" and thought it was excellent, with incredible insight as to what it's like to grow old and lose the ones we love. The book is full of feelings that I could relate to. Recently someone wrote about it in here, and said that there was no need for the "gratuitous sex". I agree that it was unnecessary, but that's Philip Roth's writing style. He tends to go overboard when it comes to sexy passages. Don't let that stop anyone from reading it though, as the basic theme is very good for seniors! I plan to read it again.

Thanks Marilyne for that post. I am going to look for "Everyman". It sounds like something that I need to read.

Joan Grimes

Having said that, I will admit to having seen "Goodbye Columbus" and liking it plus the one about the man who was professor and didn't want to admit to his black ethnicity. I liked both but couldn't stand "Portnoy's Complaint". Too much angst! I might look for this latest since it applies to seniors.

Now I know about Philip Roth. Ann, I think this one is turning out well because of the senior aspect. Ginny yes, Phillip Roth's writer awards are numerous including the Pen Faulkner.

Ginny, I've got to try one of Miss. Zukas books. I am going to look at the library for the newest one you have gotten to read. I have one or two here. I have never read either one. It really sounds like something I am in the mood for. My bookshelves are in order by genre not by author. I can never find anything without taking a year out of my life to look.

My library only owns two of her books. Neither one is the title you have Ginny. I will read whatever I can find. I haven't read Gentleman and Players by Joanne Harris. I loved the book Chocolat and the movie. I have one of her books titled Holy Fools. I haven't tried to read it because the plot sounds a little complicated. Maybe my mood was wrong the day I read the back of the book. Joan Grimes I like Joanne Harris too.

Gentlemen and Players sounds good, and my library has it -- in. Says it's a mystery. I like English schoolboy stories -- just finished watching The History Boys last night. Could they spout poetry at the drop of a hat!!. I liked Harris' Five Quarters of an Orange, so admirably led by Barbara a few years ago.

Stephanie, if you're near Belle Meade, aren't you also near the Maxwell House coffee mansion -- can't remember the name. We lived not too far from there when I was in library school a million years ago. (Miss Zukas is not one of my favorites, but maybe things have improved. I thought she was kind of prissy.)

Things are a little tense here, as the plumbers have been knocking out walls trying to find a water line leak. Gulp. Ah, the bill -- probably very bad, but I mainly want everything back together again.

Oh! Pedln, No fun at all and rather expensive I suppose. Yikes.

Pedlin, asked around and got blank stares on the Maxwell House.. They also chanted that Al Gore lives close to Belle Meade in a 10,000 square foot moose.. Belle Meade was lovely.. The stables were spectacular.. And breakfast at the Loveless Cafe was a hoot. I read the Early Philip Roth, but he is pessimistic, sexually charged and just plain depressed for me.. Gave him up and dont intend to try him again. I will find others to speak to my condition as I grow older ( whenever I decide to)

Stephanie, I knew that would bug me. It's called Cheekwood, and is now a Botanical Garden and Museum. Cheekwood .

Glad you are enjoying your travels and also glad that you are keeping all of us posted about them. I never visited Belle Meade mansion during my two-year stay in Nashville, but drove through the area daily which was between grad school and our apartment. Stopped at the Belle Meade police station, panic-stricken one night after getting a call that one of the children was missing. Didn't know that it was a private police station for the residents of Belle Meade only. They called the city police and all was well when the little mound at the end of her bed proved to be the missing child.

I hated "Portnoy's Complaint", and never tried any of Roth's other books.

I got Catalogue of Death from Amazon new for $3.20 + shipping ($7.19 total).

I love Miss Zukas. She is not a typical librarian by any stretch but her bumbling reluctance to embrace life in the form of Boy Cat Zukas, for example, is very amusing. Plus I am in love with the Pacific Northwest and have driven through her town which is called Bellingham im real life.

a book you might enjoy is PUBLIC COWBOY#1 the life and times of gene autry by holly george-warren

Mrs. Sherlock, if you love Bellingham and the Pacific Northwest, you might like Annie Dillard's novel The Living, about the settling of the Bellingham area. Dillard is a wonderful storyteller.

Yes I am so enjoying the Catalogue of Death, we've moved out into the snow, it's great. I'm sorry your library does not have it yet, Hats, but the paperback is new, just out last month, perhaps they can get it later on. It's good.

homesteadOK, I love Gene Autry. When we were children they did a coloring book of his life, it's quite something else, and of course after we were children he went on to greater heights, thank you for recommending it.

I also want to read Chevy Chase's new book when it's in paperback and the one about Doris Day. Poor Chase, what an awful childhood, it seems so many comics come from or have such unhappy lives. But he's made good.

Interestingly enough, Carolyn sent a new link to Sunday's NY Times about the Waugh family autobiography and it shows a different side than our former review does, of the "beast" in the family as well, very positive and very complicated group of people. I think I may like to read it, see the completed Brideshead Revisited discussion for the link.

I would like to read about Doris Day. I remember her in "Pillow Talk" and other movies with Rock Hudson. Is Doris Day still living?

Aha.. Did not do the botanical garden, but since we visit Nashville about every other year, will put it on the long long list. TheBelle Meade area is just glorious. There is a small street right to the side of the plantation. It is brick townhouses on zero lot lines, too large for us, but just glorious with brick front yards and small flower area.. Really nice and I suspect way too pricy.

Hats - Doris day was my mums favorite actress. I had freckles when I was little and my mum would always tell me. "Doris Day has freckles just like you!" Mum would often take me to a matinee to see Doris Day. She was lucky because I would sit through an adult film when I was a preschooler. (my two would not!) I can remember Matt forcing us to leave "The sound of Music" because he kept running up and down the stairs in the movie theatre. It was years before we ever got to see the end of the movie! I don't know if Doris Day is still alive she would be quite elderly today. I bet if you Google Doris Day you will find out in a few minutes.

Carolyn

Pricey is the correct word for that area. I drove a group of women whose husbands were attending the bi-annual aerospace meeting to see Cheekwood and just as we arrived, my car went kerplunk and I had to call AAA. I sent the ladies out to enjoy the gorgeous grounds and flora and fauna while I dealt with AAA and a mechanic to get my car repaired. Having no idea where they might be, I drove around the Belle Meads area waiting for them to finish their jaunt. Lovely homes and way over my budget.

I have a neighbor whose daughter lives there and my neighbor just returned home from spending a month with her while recouping from a long hospital stay. She says it was a beautiful spring this year.

Our F2F just finished discussing "Snow in August" by Pete Hamill. If you haven't read it, give it a try. Very interesting and so well written. We all liked it which is not the usual state of affairs in this group.

I just saw an interview with Cormac McCarthy who won the Pulitzer prize for his book The Road about a father and his son, Oprah says it's a masterpiece.

Oh, boy, I've been reading, reading, reading. Can't stop. I'm on a reading jag! Mostly novels. I read some novels about Roman Britannia that were fun, several novels by Frances Sherwood that were extremely interesting, and am making my way through a bio about Robespierre. Now I have to run off and catch up on The Red and the Black. Oh, boy, what's next?!!

I had an interesting experience this week. Took myself driving to the historic district of South Windsor, CT (just across the CT river from my town of Windsor - It used to be part of Windsor) and looked at the old colonial houses. They have the most beautifully preserved Old Main Street! There are several houses built in the 17th century plus many from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Suddenly, I came to a plaque that said I was at the house where Jonathan Edwards was born in 1703. What a surprise! (Famous minister, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," president of Princeton, Aaron Burr's grandfather.) Across the street was an old burial ground. One building was one of the first post offices in the country.

On Saturday, I brought Bob and some relatives to see the street and we walked around the old burial ground. Old old gravestones. We couldn't read many of them. Some were engraved with the war that the dead had fought in. I didn't even know 2 of the wars. Some fought in King George's War and some fought in Queen Anne's War. I had to go home and look them up. Turns out they were 2 of the 4 French and Indian Wars in America. (I had only heard of one French and Indian War!) Live and learn!

Eloise, I watched Oprah's interview with Cormac McCarthy. He seems very shy, gentle and kind. I have begun reading The Road. I am not finished yet. It is a magnificent book. The major theme that sticks with me is the love between the father and son. The willingness of a parent, under any conditions, to keep his child safe and help his child to survive. I also see the child's love for his father. If his father says we will not die, the child relaxes with only his father's words as his guarantee. It's just a beautiful story.

Marni, I am glad you enjoyed your reading jag.

Carolyn, thank you for sharing your "Mum's" love of Doris Day. One of my sons loved going to the movies. He would go by himself when he got older. I remember going to the movies with a nephew. To keep him quiet, you had to buy lot of buttered popcorn and candy. The only movie he would ever talk about was something about "Patton." I call it an army movie. My father's favorite movie was Casablanca.

"..it seems so many comics come from or have such unhappy lives." Interesting observation, GINNY. I wonder if finding a funny side of things was their way of coping? They certainly took a bad hand and turned it into something they could build on. More power to them.

"The Road" sounds like something I definitely want to read. Just recently there was an excellent movie on the same theme. A man struggling to make a living and acquire skills that would enable him to better himself. His wife leaves him and his young son whom he loves dearly. The struggle to take care of his boy and still prepare for a better life was intense. It was based on a true story. Forgive me, but the name escapes me at the (senior) moment. Hopefully, one of you will know which movie I mean. I'll ask my daughter, too. (Hmmm. I wonder if it was "The Road"?)

Babi

Babi, The Road by Cormac McCarthy takes place in a postapolyptic world. My spelling is off. Sorry.

Okay, thanks, HATS. Different book then, similar theme.

Babi

Hats, I've begun The Road too. It's beautifully written, isn't it? I've read only the first 50 pages. My youngest son - nearly 30, says he cried - and doesn't remember the last time he cried reading a book - if ever. That made an impression on me.

Second son says that it is not McCarthy's usual Faulknerish style - neither is the next one he wrote. The Road is more ecomomical Hemingway - as if he is experimenting with something new. (Andrew liked the Faulkner style better - probably because he likes Faulkner.)

I'm trying to decide if this is a book we might want to discuss here on SN - or if it is a book one prefers to read and savor privately, personally? What do you think?

JoanP, I think it would make a lovely book to read here at Seniornet. The writing is beautiful. This is the first book I have ever read by Cormac McCarthy.

What a wonderful son!

I think that the movie that you saw was entitled "The Road To Happyness" with Will Smith as the father. It was a pretty good movie and his success was phenomenal.

Does anyone remember the movie with Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman of many years ago about her leaving him and the son and all of his problems taking care of the boy, losing his job and the court case for custody. Talk about cry! I was sobbing all over my husband's shoulder. It really hit me hard.

I will try to get the library copy of "The Road" sometime this summer. I did like his book, "All the Pretty Horses"? Was that the title? And the movie,too.

Here's a link to a biography of Cormac McCarthy

I had no idea of his many books or how long he had been writing. Wow!

I may try the new Cormac McCarthy book. I had tried to read several earlier and simply never got into them.. Not sure just why, but this one sounds really nice.

You like crying over a book? Who does? Hahahahaaa

I've started reading Hosseini's second book (the KITE RUNNER was his first), A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, and it is so depressing and sad I had to go to the library for a mystery to counteract the emotion! The author, who was born in Afghanistan, has written this book to inform us about the plight of women in this country!

There but for the grace of God!

Hats, Joan, I have to read The Road after what everybody said. That movie was Kramer vs Kramer and we get it often in Montreal. I cry every time even if I know it by heart. Those two actors are so good you can't help it. The dialogues were excellent.

I have been wanting to read McCarthy; The Road sounds like a good place to start.

I've just returned from a visit to Scotland. I stopped in several charity shops just to look at used books. I found one of Smith's 44 Scotland Street series books. I started it on the airplane home and was giggling aloud between 2 young men who were trying to sleep. I had spent the last 2 nights in Edinburgh and that made his writing very real to me--and oh, so funny. Sue

Ella: I just bought Hosseini's new book. Oh, dear, that depressing and sad? Well, I should not be surprised after the first being so sad. But I loved it so much. One of my favorite books. I hope I love this one, too.

I also just bought the new biography of Aaron Burr - Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr by Nancy Isenberg. I hope it's good. Has anyone read it?

http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Founder-Life-Aaron-Burr/dp/0670063525

Ann, thank you for Cormac McCarthy link. Marni, you sure are reading some good books. Will you continue to share your list? Eloise, I am glad you remembered the title of the movie. I haven't seen that one.

Alexander McCall Smith The second in his Edinburg series is Espresso Tales and it is just as good as Scotland Street. I listened to the audio version while knitting and my needles just flew. I believe there is a third one.

ANN, yes, "The Road to Happyness",..that was the movie. And I remember the Streep/Hoffman movie also. That was "Kramer vs Kramer". I believe that was an Oscar winner.

Babi

I think the movie, with Kevin Costner(?) is Pursuit of Happyness. It's on my Netflix que.

Sue and Mrs. SHerlock -- I picked up a copy of 44 Scotland STreet at NY's Strand's 18 miles of books (after being alerted there by Joan Roberts), an interesting book store. But I can't read it now because I promised it first to a friend as I thought I was already involved in too many other books. HOpe I remember I've lent it out. Usually I don't care whether they come back or not. Are there just two books in this series?

My husband and i are both reading John Lewis' autobiography Walking With the Wind.....very, very good. Most of the info we all know from the news reports of the Freedom Rides, the bombings, the marches, the violence, the deaths of civil rights workers, etc., but he puts you right into the mix and the discussions. It feels like he's sitting in the room telling you his experiences that are historic. All of those people involved in anyway with voter registration or integrating facilities were SOOOO brave. I don't know if i would have been so brave even tho i supported them from afar and believed they were absolutely in the right.

Marni - you go to so many interesting sites, how do you get your husband to go? I got mine to read Lewis' book, but that's about as far as i can push him on history.....

......jean

The McCall Smith book I bought is The Espresso Tales, the middle one of 3 I think. I'd like to read the first one and also the last. He is one talented writer--and I love his characters. I am in full sympathy with the child, Bertie, whose mother is a pretentious twit, IMO. Bertie is super intelligent, but isn't permitted to have a normal 6-7 y.o. life--but he manages to get around some of it. Too funny! Sue

Mabel, I would like to read that one. I am going to look for it at my library.

Yippee! I have just put it on hold. Thank you.

Mabel I will try to find that book at the library. I think we all tend to forget that to enjoy life as it is for us today many brave people were in the front line and some even died for our democratic rights. I also think of those who fought for women to get the vote. They went through some really terrible times. I don't think our generation is anywhere near as brave in standing up for what is right. I am grateful to all those who died for things like decent working conditions, the end of slavery, there are so many more issues over the last two hundred years that we forget about.

Carolyn

Jean: I am lucky that Bob goes to historic sites with me. He enjoys it, too. He's very good about going places as long as he doesn't have to come up with the ideas or do the planning. He doesn't always enjoy things as much as I do!

He makes his silent protest by finding a bench and sitting quietly waiting for me to finish looking at something. I think the only place he has absolutely refused to go with me is the ballet. He will not go to the ballet. I got him to go to the opera in Hartford for 3 seasons, but never the ballet. Sigh.

Recommended:

HATS, you might enjoy this one: The Known World by Edward P. Jones. It's an unusual description of slavery, including stories about blacks who owned slaves. The author's style is conversational and simple. I feel as if he's talking to me. I am learning things I never knew from a different point-of-view.

I have also been reading some of Anthony Bourdain's books, and can recommend an inside look at the restaurant business with Kitchen Confidential. Another of his books, A Cook's Tour is a behind the scenes view of the TV series this chef wrote and appeared in. In it, he eats his way around the world, ending up enchanted with the East, especially Vietnam.

Tony Bourdain is not only the head chef at Les Halles Bistro in Manhattan, he's a very good writer. Your mouth will be watering one moment at the description of food, and you'll be cringing at the thought of eating a cobra's heart the next. These books of his are fun books. I think you'll enjoy them.

Mal

Mal, I have read The Known World by Edward Jones and loved it. I want to read his new book. It is a book of short stories, " All Aunt Hagar's Children."

All Aunt Hagar's Children

In doing some research on the NJ Women's Heritege Trail i found an interesting tidbit that those of you who read about the Dutch in NY/NJ might find interesting......

"Lenni Lenape chief Oratam granted to Sarah Kiersted (17th century), a Dutch settler of New Amsterdam, 2260 acres in what is now Ridgefield Park, Bogota, and Teaneck for her assistance to him as a negotiator and arbitrator when the Dutch were in control of the colony."

AND IT TOOK ALMOST 3 CENTURIES for the country to decide that a woman could be SEC of STATE!!

I love studying women's history, there is so much that we have let slip away. And both girls and boys need to know that woman have done it ALL, even if they have not heard it in their classrooms.

Carolyn - you are so right about the fight for women's suffrage. I am a founding member of the Alice Paul Institute here in NJ, so i am very familiar w/ the struggle, pain and danger that those women, and women around the world,went through. We were fortunate enough to be able to buy her family farmstead in Mt Laurel, NJ and are operating a center for leadership for women and girls and a women's history center........

We owe so many people of the past for the freedoms and rights that we have, it makes me sad to see how this administration has attempted to erode them........but that's a subject for another discussion site.....

jean

FYI: The topic for 'Curious Minds' this month, starting 6/15, will be "Pain". This is a subject that absolutely everyone knows from personal experience, and we will have some good links for additional input.

Babi

One is "The Mephisto Club" by Tess Garretsen. This one was well written and kept my interest except for the cornoner or medical examiner scenes which I just flew right by.

Another, "The Last Templar" by Raymond Koury. On looking for the correct spelling of the author's name, I found another book that might be interesting, entitled, "The Last Templar: A Knights Templar Mystery" by Michael Jecks. He also has another interesting title of "The Traitor of St Giles" The Medieval West Country mysteries. I will look this author up just to see if his writing is good. I do like English mysteries.

These are all light stuff to me but makes the time pass while I am laid up with two painful knees. I got too ambitious and felt so good and overdid last week in the garden and am now paying for it. Its arthritis and the dr injected it with cortisone and after two days, its already getting better.

Book Description The Knights Templar

They had all joined taking three vows: poverty, chastity, and obedience…for they were monks: warrior monks, dedicated to theprotection of pilgrims in the Holy Land -- until stories spread by anavaricious king who wanted their wealth for his own destroyed the order.

There was one knight, however, who escaped the stake, vowing justiceas he watched his innocent brothers die. In the Service of the Lord

Simon Puttock has not been bailiff of Lydford Castle long in this year of 1316, when he is called to a nearby village to examine a burned-out cottage and the dead body within. But it is the newly arrived knight, Sir Baldwin Furnshill, who discerns the deceased was no victim of a tragic mishap; he was, in fact, murdered prior to the blaze. Simon would be well-served by accepting further assistance from this astute, though haunted and secretive stranger. For a second fatal burning indicates that some harsh evil has invaded this once-peaceful place, and its hunger has yet to be sated.

About the Author

Michael Jecks gave up a career in the computer industry when he began writing the internationally successful Templar series. There are now twenty books starring Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock, with more to follow. The series has been translated into all the major European languages and sells worldwide. The Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association for the year 2004–2005, Michael is a keen supporter of new writing and has helped many new authors through the Debut Dagger Award. He is a founding member of Medieval Murderers, and regularly talks on medieval matters as well as writing.

I've reserved Last Templar. Want to start at the beginning.

MARNIE, I loved the KITE RUNNER too, and his latest book - A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS gets better. Keep reading, I have an idea we will both love this one also! I'm past the teary part and into other characters. Houssinni (sp?) said on C-Span that it was a love story, so............still those women lead an awful life and have for centuries. When will they wake up; have a sit-down, refuse to work until some restrictions are relaxed. Do something???????

Ann - i love you quote line

"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth." Robert Southey"

Reminds me of the john adams/thomas jefferson friendship in their latter years......jean

and of course, of SeniorNet......jean

Mabel, thank you for that quote. It is beautiful and true.

Thanks for liking my quote line. Evidently, I do also, or I would change it. Its how I feel about having friends from different places who keep in contact. And, its why I love Seniornet!

Ann, I'm sorry. I am a bit off this morning. It is a beautiful quote. Thank you for sharing it.

Golly I am so glad I heard all the great conversation here about The Road, I think Pearson talked about it way back there, initially too, you all are always so UP on things, and I did not know what she or you were talking about. I was in B&N Wednesday and the buzz there was unbelievable, apparently Oprah had just had two days of shows on it, it won the Pulitzer, it was a finalist for this and that and it...I love that type of book, with that sort of premise so I bought it, too. WHEN I'm going to read it I have no idea, but it looks fabulous. Thank you all.

Half way through the Catalogue of Death, I think you'll really like it, Jackie and Hats, if you can get it, it's not disappointed one bit. It's a "cozy" mystery, I guess, lots of snow, but you grab it first thing in the morning when you wake up and you hate to see the pages disappearing. She's really hit her stride with this one.

I also bought the new Gene Autry book, it was the last one on their shelves, a hardback and if you open it you can't put it down. I appreciate that recommendation, OK, because I really liked Gene Autry, it's full of interesting bits and quotes. I guess those days of the cowboy hero are gone forever, the singing cowboy particularly. I was really stunned when an old Hoppalong Cassidy appeared on television the other day, having just seen a long bio of William Boyd. That character changed his own life and it amazed me what it was ABOUT: character, doing the right thing, restraint, good and bad, those old shows are amazing, they really are.

Gene Autry did very well for himself, I can't wait to read his story. As I said it had sold out at B&N so somebody out there remembers him!

I also got John Berendt's The City of Falling Angels I think it is, about Venice and I like it, also. It's non fiction like his Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Just looking at this sea of unread books shining with promise makes my day. I must, however DO something with them before they take over the house. haahaha I have to tell you, there was a movie about a murder and they went to an old professor's house where stacks of books and stacks of books and stacks of papers were everywhere and the professor's wife (he had died) made no apology and they had to remove stacks of books or papers from this or that chair to sit down and as they left they said have you ever seen anything like that? ER.... ah..... hahahaa Yes? hahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I've just finished Evelyn Waugh's Scoop and it is very funny. He holds up his mirror and the focus is the Press. It is almost marxian, as in Marx Brothers. There are two rival newspapers named respectively The Beast and The Brute. Subtle this is not. I'll read other Waugh books but this may have been his funniest.

Jackie I think I'll order that too, on your recommendation, I've got a Handful of Dust, which I am also looking forward to. I think I would like a funny book, frantically looking for another Shadow of the Wind to take on my trip in July!

All these books sound so very good and I dare not go to B&N for awhile until I finish a few around here! I'm a slow reader these days.

MARNIE, let me know what you think of the Aaron Burr biography, please.

The Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is fiction??

Midnight is sort of inbetween fiction and non fiction.. Savanah holds it as holy truth, but I suspect the truth is sort of halfway on the book.. Still interesting. I have looked at his new one on Venice, but have held off buying it. He is a good writer however.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt - is non-fiction --- Dewey# 975.8724

Publishers' Review

Well I would have fought long and hard for that being true. Have read the book been to the cemetary twice met some of the people in the book and been on the Midnight tour two times.

But of course I am ready to fight about most anything these days. Apparently this car wreck I was in is not going to be the walk in the park I thought. My neck is messed up apparently forever. I have pains up the back of my neck and dizzy spells that make driving a little iffy. I have had MRI;'s PT doctor after doctor. But what really piss--------me off is I was dropped from My sons insurance policy as a risk because of my age and the "accident" that I did not participate in at all. In fact I was sitting still waiting to make a left turn. The icing on the cake is the $10,0000. repair to the back of my rig incuded a new back door which I can now neither open or close. All from an irresponsible 16year old breaking everylaw known to man. bitch bitch bitch and I deserve it. BTW I have driven for 55 years and have a stearling record.

Judy, I have had pain in back and neck for a long time. It was suggested that I go to a particule chiropractor and did, pain in back gone will go one more time for the neck (shoulders). This will be only the thrid time to the office and feel good. A rearend accident agarvated it so never having been to a chiropractor decided to try them and am surprised at how it has worked for me.

Judy... acupuncture did wonders for my neck and upper back. Insurance companies seem to hate us older people.. But then I had a minor accident about 5 years ago and the people who hit me are still claiming medical bills. It was my fault, but they were not even sent to the hospital.They hired an attorney that afternoon and have just billed and billed and billed for the last 5 years, This was when we lived at the beach and I was warned by several people that these guys made a career out of minor auto things.. I do know I was in the middle of the left turn when they came tearing around a corner, but since I was in a left turn, it was my fault.. Sigh.

I know, Stephanie. (sigh) I was hit by a guy who turned into me w/o looking where he was going, but since I had entered from off the street, it was claimed to be my fault. Some of these laws really cut off common sense.

Many years ago we had neighbors who had a reputation for supporting themselves with law suits. The lady of the house was so hostile, even toward the local children. I quickly learned to avoid even setting foot in their yard. I couldn't help seeing, tho', how miserable it must be to live like that.

JUDY, I'm not one to advise people to take up litigation, but all things considered, it might be a good idea to consider suing that kids parents for the very considerable dmage to you and your 'rig'. (Of course, the family might not have enough money to your lawyers.)

Babi

PS: This months 'Curious Minds' discussion is going to be on PAIN. We all certainly have some experience in that. B

Judy I am sorry for your pain after the awful accident, AND I am sorry for the actions of the Insurance company. I did not mean that Midnight was fiction, my sister in law was related to the piano playing character, actually. Joe, was it? I had thought the Venice book was fiction and was surprised to find it's not so.

I hope you all will be OK, it's scary out there. I can speak to the Sewers of the world, that's what we called the guy who made his living suing others, including me. He THOUGHT I was pulling out so he cut a doughnut in the road and showed up with a back brace , neck brace, etc., while playing drums locally and carrying heavy equipment with the back and neck brace. They would not allow his concurrent suits against a grocery store, a department store, another driver, and his wife's tunnel carpal syndrome suit to be brought as evidence in the court. Something really must be done.

Pain sounds like a timely topic, Babi! So does the over litigation of our society.

Excellent idea, GINNY. Why not suggest over-litigation as a future 'Curious Minds' topic?

Babi

Say, GINNY, do you think it might be possible to set up a website identifying people who have multiple lawsuits going on at all times? People can access a site that alerts neighborhoods to the presence of sexual offenders. Why not warn people of the cut-throat professional suers? (I like the 'sewers' bit.) I wonder how many such litigators could be named by people right here on SN?

Babi

It wouldn't do any good, Babi, but it's a good idea. The court won't allow evidence of prior offenses by constant litigation by the perp to be brought unless something has changed in the last 10 years and I sure hope it has. Too late for me, I'm lucky it did not go on 5 years like Stephanie's has.

The court may not allow it, but I wasn't thinking so much of that. I was thinking that people would be interested in knowing that sort of thing, (and some of them sit on jury panels). It might also provide warning to neighbors to be cautious, and just maybe prompt one's attorneys to seek evidence that the suer is lying! Nothing like a picture of the guy in the neck and back brace out mowing his lawn.

Babi

I did not at any time consider sueing until they cancelled my insurance and I cannot open the rear end of a bran new Chevy Tahoe which I could operate perfut before the wreck. This is also an L&I claim ( my first). His parents are wealthy as are my sons so and they had good insurance so I am going to sue at some point. Must wait and see if the pain in the neck is permanent but am more worried about the dizziness. I got a letter yesterday from L&I telling me they were going to be monitering me carefully to make sure I didn't try to slip in ospeoporosis, probably won't because I don't have it.

What is L&I? And, how can they threaten to accuse you of maybe claiming osteoporosis being caused by the accident? How insulting! Brain dead is what I would call them.

I have had four whip lash injuries to my neck and I know its no fun. I, too, turned to help from a chiropractor and was satisfied with the results. Sometimes it takes many visits but its worth it. One of the worst injuries to my neck gave me a headache for 6 months and that one was my fault. I was covered by my auto medical coverage insurance. Ain't life grand!!

Judy, I'm so sorry you've had all these troubles -- the physical, the mental, and the insult of being dropped from your son's insurance for an accident caused by another driver. Aren't they (the ins. co) the ones who should be fighting for you? I hope you do go ahead and take the young man to court.

Guess there's a lot to be learned about insurance tactics. I always thought it was the companies that would duke it out, as to who was paying what. And I didn't know that the person making the left-hand turn is always? guilty?.

We don't have the law suits that you have thank goodness. Its because we have a Universal compulsory accident insurance. It saves all of that nuisance type law suit action.

Carolyn

Pedlin my Accident was a rear end. Kid hit me going 35 and I was stopped makeing a left hand turn into the P.O. I'll have my day Pedln you know me that well friend.

Ann L&I is Labor and Industries here. If you have an motor vehicle accident while working you must put your claim through them. It is not possible to use your private insurance as I already tried that. L&I is for workers injured on the job in any capacity. My sons all pay many thousands of dollars a year to L&I and everytime somebody puts in a claim it costs them more. I swore I would never do that but Billy insited that I do it so I did. You sure do understand Pedln the insult in being dropped from Insurance for something that was not your fault is very hard to ignore, and live with.

So sorry about your ordeal Judy, what an unfortunate thing to happen to you. When I am driving in traffic 3 lanes wide all cars going 75 mph, I often pray for my safety while I am driving.

Does anyhone know about this book and the movies made from it?

"Book Description In Jean de Florette and Manon of the Springs, Marcel Pagnol (called by Andre Malraux "one of the great writers of our generation" and by Jean Renoir "the leading film artist of his age") achieve the fullest and most satisfying expression of a story that haunted him for years, a Provencal legend of vengeance exacted by a mysterious sheperdess. Pagnol brings to his treatment of this powerful, moving story his dramatist's sense of place, ambience, and character and his keen understanding of the Provencal countryside and its people. Rich with twists and ramifications, Jean de Florette and Manon of the Springs sets an idealistic city man against two secretive and deceitful Provencal country men in a superbly realized story of a struggle for life, of crime and punishment, of betrayal and revenge, and of judgment and forgiveness. In this edition, illustrated with images from the acclaimed film adaptation by Claude Berri, North Point presents Pagnol's enduring story in W.E. van Heyningen's exact and sensitive translation."

It is interesting that Pagnol starts the book using almost the same technique as The Red and the Black. Probably Stendhal was Pagnol's mentor and many times we can feel S's influence in the style of writing.

Eloise: I know the movies. Saw them perhaps 10-15 years ago? They're were both excellent and made me want to read the stories. Somehow I have not done so. In fact I don't think I've read anything by Marcel Pagnol though I do know of him and his reputation.You've rekindled my desire to seek him out.

I am very sorry to hear about the accident. Hoping and praying you recover soon.

Judy, my wishes for a speedy recovery. The jury will probably be more sympathetic than the insurance company, which is in business to make money, not to help us recover from disasters.

Eloise: Jean de Florette and Manon of the Springs were excellent movies starring Gerard Depardieu who is a fantastic actor. In fact I'm putting them on my NetFlix list.

Thanks for the kind wishes everyone.

Simon Schama is starting a series on PBS.

"SIMON SCHAMA'S POWER OF ART EXPLORES DRAMATIC TURNING POINTS IN THE LIVES OF EIGHT CUTTING-EDGE ARTISTS AND THE MASTERPIECES THAT CHANGED THE WAY THE WORLD LOOKS AT ART."

He will talk about 8 different artists.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/powerofart/

The season's premiere is June 18, 2007. You will probably have to check the schedule of your local PBS station for the time.

That sounds great! Too bad the PBS program club is no longer with us -- one of those shows would be perfect!

It's not listed on channel 11.

I saw Jean de Florette when it came out, and was much impressed by it. (I had already had to read Topaze for French class.) One of the big factors in Jean de F. is the harsh beauty of the countryside, and Pagnol's love for it. Another movie of Pagnol's makes even more of this, without the darkness of J. de F. "My Father's Glory" is autobiographical, telling the story of young Marcel, born in Provence, living in Marseilles, and his rediscovery of the Provencal countryside on summer vacation.

It's a very gentle movie, with a slight, rambling but engaging, plot, and the lovingly filmed beauty of the countryside to make it memorable. A plus for semi-French-speakers like myself is that the French is very clear, so that with the aid of subtitles you can think you are understanding it in French. I really enjoyed it.

A sequel, "My Mother"s Castle", is more of the same, not as good, but worth a try if you liked the first one.

Netflix has My Father's Glory so it's in my queue.

Portland Museum has Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art Treasures from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam saturday jun 2, 2007 – sunday sep 16, 2007. The Rijksmuseum is undergoing renovation so they sent out lots of their treasures on tour. This is the only West Coast appearance. Needless to say I will be attending. There are also several other programs and lectures in addition to the exhibition. Here is the website for anyone who may be interested: https://tickets.spotlightmobile.com/purchase/step1.rails?organizationID=3

MrsSherlock, thanks for the reminder of the Portland exibit. Since my daughter is now based there, I may well get a chance to see it in between the Japanese Garden and Powell's Books. If, after you see the exhibit, you are in the mood for extraordinarily high quality Swiss chocolates at extraordinarily high prices, Teuscher Chocolates, 531 SW Broadway is, I think, somewhat nearby. You can buy single pieces for not too much.

Thanks for the notice re. the new PBS series, PATWEST. I hope it's going to be available locally. And I like your description of the 'gentle movie', PAT H. I'll be adding that to my Netflix queue also.

Babi

Thanks Pat! Did those of you in Rembrandt's Eyes see Rembrandt is one of the 8 programs? Should be very exciting, Schama is a LOT younger looking than I had thought. Now that I have a satellite ISP I can really see online interviews and videos, it's great fun,

I read yesterday that they are making a MOVIE out of "Revolutionary Road," by Richard Yates, now I can't imagine that. Do any of you remember when we read it here? I wonder why they are suddenly moved to make a movie of it.

The particular quality of Yates' book might be hard to get on film or might not. I can't wait to see what they do with it.

We read it here in connection with Jonathan Franzen's book when it came out.

I also read yesterday that the island of Ischia was the site for the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley, I love that series in the book and I thought they did a super job in the movie, too. Wonderful cast. I wondered where that was.

I started The Last Empress but had to abandon it, apparently she's gotten rave reviews for the prequel and other books so I need to read them first, I think.

I finished Catalogue of Death and I loved it right to the end. It has nothing to do with card catalogues tho but I think she has really hit her stride, I had no idea hu dun it, at all. (But I never do) hahahaa Good cozy mystery set in a snow storm and a library.

What are YOU reading?

Right now I'm reading Jeffrey Archer's "False Impression", and finding it holds my attention beautifully. I'm also working on Anne Tyler's "Digging to America" for the upcoming discussion. I think two at once is enough for right now.

Babi

Our Writers' Conference finished on Tues. Amy Tan was the keynoter. She gave several workshops and a public reading. I am not a fan of her books, but was quite impressed with her. She is an outstanding speaker and ever so gracious. She fell in love with Homer and appeared on stage with her brand new pair of Xtra Tuffs (rubber boots). The nest day I saw her strolling to her workshop still wearing these boots. Next year's keynoter will be Anne Lamott.

Kathy

I loved Amy Tan's first book "The Joy Luck Club", but her others less so. She sounds like quite a character!

Oh lucky Kathy, The writers conference sounds neat. I get a newsletter from Dana Stabenow and she did some writing on both that conference and another one that is ( I think) sci-fi.

Please come and join us in this discussion. You don't have to be knowledgeable about art to participate; all you need is the desire to learn. We will all be learning about art. So come and join the discussion. Click here to get to the discussion "Simon Schama's Power of Art ~PBS Program Club ~June 18" .

The first presentation will be Van Gogh followed on the same night by Picasso.

Hope to see you there!

Joan Grimes

I was just wandering around the Internet poking into corners and found some young people talking about how to pronounce Aenead. Is it een-ee-ud or uhn-ee-ed? That led me to a classics pronunciation site and they have Valhalla as Val-hal-uh but I've heard it said on radio with a W as Wol-harl-a. Which is right?

Not that they come up much in general conversation, but should the occasion arise one wants to at least sound intelligent

My local station (kcet) has the two programs Monday at 9.

Gee, JAN, I've always said 'a-nee'-ud', but then I know nothing about Greek. I pronounce words the way they look until I hear someone pronounce them correctly. If I recognize them.

I think what English speakers pronounce as 'V' is pronounced as 'W' in Germanic languages, so either would be correct, depending on who was talking.

I love words. And names. Names can be fascinating!

Babi

I do too! I read the English Women's Weekly and they were asking readers to suggest words for 'A Word A Year', the word that sums up a year.2006's was bovvered, which is uniquely British, of course. The word for 2001 inevitably, was 9/11. '91 was ethnic cleansing-1980 was nip and tuck(not quite one word?). 1959 was hairspray, 1971 was breakfast television. Should be phrase of the Year.

30,000 languages have disappeared. Only a few-Basque, Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Persian, Sanskrit and Tamil, have lasted more than 2,000 years. 10 languages die out each year, that's sad.

Okay, I'll ask. JAN, What is "bovvered"?

One word for a year? 'Digital' ought to be in there somewhere. And which year..American, anyway...would have featured "Not!"? A challenging idea, to pick one word that sums up a year.

Babi

Jan that's an excellent question, on how the Aeneid is pronounced in English. I'm in agreement with Babi and have always pronounced it as uh KNEE id. The name Aenēas is Greek in origin, not Latin, so the word is actually Aenēas, ae, m, (which will surprise Latin students) but the name of the hero himself in Latin is pronounced Eye NAY ahssss. In English we'd say uh KNEE us. That's about as close as I can get.

What horrifying statistics you quote:

30,000 languages have disappeared. Only a few-Basque, Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Persian, Sanskrit and Tamil, have lasted more than 2,000 years. 10 languages die out each year, that's sad.

Makes you kind of proud that we're studying two of them here on SeniorNet: Latin and Greek.

I have started and put down more books in the last weeks in disappointment than I can count. The last one, picked up last night, was a garden mystery by Elgin I think, was awful, I think he used an outline and followed it, very formulaic. (Is that a word?) I lasted 2 chapters.

I used to force myself to read 100 pages, I am not sure why I no longer do that, how many pages do you read before you throw it down for good?

I don't want to start Shantaram because it's an epic and I know I don't want to lug that on my trip, it's much too big, but that's the kind of book I would like to read: one that you get INTO and can't get out. I also started and disliked Rachel Cusks's Arlington Park and I LOVE Rachel Cusk. I dunno, summer doldrums? Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. I've put it back on the shelf for later on.

Are any of you going to read Tina Brown's book on Princess Diana? I must admit to being tempted, there are so many interesting excerpts out there from it.

GINNY, I understand perfectly your reluctance to waste time on books you are not enjoying. The older we get, the less time we have to waste!

I don't plan to read the book on Princess Diana. I've never liked books that trash well-loved and/or respected figures. Shucks, I already knew they weren't perfect! Who is? But trying to tear others down has always seemed to me the occupation of envy.

Babi

Babi: I'm with you; I prefer to remember her as a flawed but magical princess although I'm fascinated by her. I don't need to know the details. Interesting article about Harry; to me he looks much like Major Hewitt but the article states that he resembles Prince Phillip and the the Spencers. (I can't find the reference.) Ironic that her husband and her brother are both named Charles.

Ginny: Is Tina Brown's book a Tell-all? Does it trash Diana?

I wouldn't read the Tina Brown book if someone gave it to me. That's entirely enough about the late Princess for me. And also, Tina Brown ruined the magazine, The New Yorker.

BaBi, sorry, I forgot I'd been here. Only temporarily though. Does everyone have that experience of waking up in the middle of the night and having a missing word or name pop into your head?

I think "bovvered" is just a mispronunciation for bothered, but it comes from a cult British show called Little Britain, where a character always says "Am I bovvered?". Well I hope that's it, or I'll have egg on my face!

PS: Ginny, can't you tell I've been hanging around in the Seven Sisters Discussion

. I had a light bulb moment in bed last night while I was reading that book. Can't wait till the discussion reaches that point, to see who else notices.

Personally, I've come to think that, like the runner in that paper chase game, Drabble leaves false trails to intrigue the reader, because quite a few leads go absolutely nowhere. I've scoured her words for answers but they aren't there.

"Like you know" should have won one year!

Jan, get yourself in there and talk! hahahaa I thought I had one too but time will tell, do not let us go away at the end without saying something!?!

I wasn't intending to read the Diana book but I read some excerpts from it and it did seem good, the reviewes have been not particularly good. It also had several things in it I did not know, like the bicycle the night before the wedding.

However Friday's Wall Street Journal has one I'm not passing on and that's the House of Mondavi I think it's called, by Julia Siler, just out, about the struggles to keep that winery afloat. I think there is a previous book about the family as well. Very interesting article, takes a whole inner page, I'm still reading it.

The California Wine Industry fascinates me. I've got a book I started but never finished, tho I enjoyed every word, called Napa by James Conaway. Very will written, the subject: the establishment of different vintners and wineries, billed as Falcon Crest meets Barbarians at the Gate. I keep meaning to finish it, I think now would be a good time. It's yellow with age.

Then there was one called Blood and Wine or something like that, I can't remember if it was about the Gallos or not but it was also fascinating. That whole industry to me is fascinating.

Back in the '40's the Basil Rathbone/ Nigel Bruce Adventures of Sherlock Holmes on the radio had as sponser Petri Wine: their slogan: "from father to son, from father to son."

It took me forever to find out who they were and it was ironically in the Mondavi gift shop I found a book on the beginnings of the industry in California. The Petri family, or and one of them, went on to form a Cooperative and become the Italian Swiss Colony Wine among others, and the biggest and most powerful cooperative of growers. I am not sure if it was Louis Petri or whoever.

Anyway, I think that entire industry is fascinating, but I used to like Falcon Crest, too, silly as it was. Remember Fernando Lamas's son in that one?? What was his name??

Lorenzo? Lorenzo Lamas??

Bingo Ginny. Lorenzo is a much married son of Fernando and I think maybe Esther Williams..I am not a Diana admirer..She was old enough and social enough to know exactly what the royal family was like and then she just did not want to play. He was an adult and made no bones of his love for polo, etc. She loved being a princess, but did not love duty.. Sorry,, I just flat out dont like women like her and Sarah.. Still on the road and heading for Marquette, Michigan this morning.. Still cannot believe, but we are actually going to stay at a campground called Gittche Gummee.. Whew..

I started the latest Hamish McBeth mystery series last night before turning in and actually read longer than I had planned. It's Death of a Maid, it's good. All of MC Beaton's myseries, whether of Agatha Raisin or Hamish McBeth are light, put it down pick it up and enjoy types of things. I'm enjoying it.

Still looking for the perfect travel book, something to pick up in the airport, put down, pick up in the line or on the plane put down pick up in the hotel and enjoy. One book that's really good for that type of peripatetic of reading is Peter Mayle's books, especially the one on the art fraud, Chasing Cezanne or something of that kind? That one got me through a wet dreary London one year. I have several I'd like to take but they are gigantic and I don't want to lug them all over the place, trains, etc.

Ginny,, I like to theme my books when traveling abroad..Actually on the trip in the coach, I haunt book stores and ask about local authors.. Some good, some not so. I note that the latest Stephanie Plum is now in paper.. Will pick it up soon, since she has the ability to make me laugh out loud.. Dont know where you are headed, but some fiction about that country might be fun.

Ginny, did you enjoy "Chasing Cezanne?" From your post, I think you liked it.

Stephanie! By the shores of Gitchiee Gummee!
By the shining big sea waters
Stood the wigwam of...er...Nikomis?
Daughter of the moon, Nikomis!
Everybody recite! hahaha Er....(is that right? Children don't memorize poetry, or so I hear, any more).....

What are you reading on your trip besides Seven Sisters?

Beach reading and trip reading are two different things, or so it seems to me. I can NEVER figure out people on a plane with a 5 inch thick book. How on earth do they ever carry it thru all the changes and trains, etc. Maybe they are not going on European trains. Every ounce is like 100 pounds, to me.

Hats, yes, and I'm not a big fan of Peter Mayle, but I sure liked that one, it MAY have been the trip and the London weather, raining every day. But like EF Benson's Lucia series, it's easy to pick up and put down. I have actually thought of reading it again now at home to see the fascination.

I will give it a try.

I am almost finished with MaryAlice Monroe's Swimming Lessons. It's not as compelling as Beach House even tho it's a sequel with the same characters, but it's entertaining......good summer reading.....jean

Kristy Kiernan's first novel, Catching Genius, is a very satisfying, nuanced story of a woman coming to terms with her family, her past and her future. Genius is a thread running through the generations of this Florida family as they gather to dispose of the old family cottage on the beach. Connie, her mother June, her older sister Estella (a math genius) and her sons: Gib, 16, and Carson, 8, have to come to terms with their frailties and strengths. I'm looking forward to Kiernan's next book.

That does sound interesting, Mrs. Sherlock. I'll put that one on my list.

Babi

Actually I picked up at a used book store, a Dana Stabenow that I had somehow missed.. And since somewhere here, I believe Michigan, there is a Debbie Stabenow who is a Representative, I thought it appropriate,, since we are staying at the Gitchee Gumee Campground in Marquette.. and the Hiawatha national forest is all around us, the poem is appropriate. Cold here this morning. Our corgi have thin Florida coats and decided to come visit us and our electric blanket early this morning. A queen bed is not big enough for two humans and two dogs burrowing for under the covers.

Stephanie, that's what pets are for, for a lot of loving.

Would you ask the age of Gitchee Gummie campground? I would swear that my parents and uncle went there on a fishing trip back in the 30's when my uncle was attending Marquette. Is that possible? I even have a picture somewhere of the two men fishing in a lake in Marquette? Is this possible?

I picked up a mystery yesterday and am more than halfway through it. Pretty good and about the Ohio Amish community its entitled, "Blood of the Prodigal" by P.L. Gaus. Easy read but very interesting about the different sects of Amish.

Stephanie, You have me LOL, two humans and two dog in a queen size bed. I can picture it Heheh.

Ann.. This is a truly old campground that has been updated. The owner Ranger Jeff and his wife Mrs. Fudge ( I know, but people seem to be very cutesy up here).. Anyway he is a decided eccentric.. seems to be related to Eric Weiss, who was Houdini.. He is a sculpter in stone and is also an inventor. There are all sorts of half built sort of objects here. One of the other campers says that his parents started coming here in the summers and now he does and he was in his 70's, so it is certainly possible your parents did as well. It is directly across the street from Lake Superior, so fishing is all over the place.. Wow.. put my hand in the water yesterday. I would not want to get into that Lake. It is truly cold..

And put them up in the photos section when you return. I have always wanted to up there but just can't get my husband interested.

I have just a few more pages before I finish A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Housseini and it is nowhere (is that a word?) near as good as THE KITE RUNNER. Has anyone else read it? What is your opinion? We know the conditions of the women in Afghanistan and other Islamic countries and that is the theme of this book - heavily written on that subject.

A much better book (of course, my own taste) is Aaron Burr, Conspiracy to Treason by Buckner F. Melton, Jr., covering the famous duel and the man who committed treason or did he?

Now am going to be searching for another good book.

Have a great time on your trip, Ginny, and I hope you find just the right book to occupy your hours in the evenings or whenever.

ELLA, I had already read one or two other comments on "A Thousand Splendid Suns" that had decided me not to read it. Another bonus from SN,..ie., finding out which books not to spend my time on!

Babi

Hi, can I jump in here? I've been wanting to, but wasn't sure how much of the conversation I needed to be up on.

"I used to force myself to read 100 pages, I am not sure why I no longer do that, how many pages do you read before you throw it down for good?"

"GINNY, I understand perfectly your reluctance to waste time on books you are not enjoying. The older we get, the less time we have to waste!"

I used to be the kind of person who thought she had to finish every book. Then I became acquainted with the Nancy Pearl formula for deciding whether a book is worth reading: give it 50 pages. That's all. And in fact she says the older you get, the easier it is to know, so for every year over age 50 you are, subtract a page. So if you're 65, you can decide by page 35.

Nancy Pearl is a cult librarian, if I can use my favorite oxymoron. She is the author of Book Lust and More Book Lust, which are compilations of book recommendations, organized by topic. Somebody gave my husband a Nancy Pearl action figure, which is why I know she's a cult librarian. She appears semi-regularly on public radio.

I love Nancy Pearl. She really loves to read. You can hear the enthusiasm in her voice. I have heard her on the radio talk shows.

I love it - an action figure of a librarian. How I wish I had followed my plan to become a librarian. My 'satiable curiousity kicked me into sociology instead.

the Simom Sharma show on art last night for the first time. I noticed in the credits at the end that the professor not only is the host, but he also wrote the script.

His language is still a litle too convoluted for me, but, I have to admit that the show last night on Picasso was well done and quite interesting.

I liked the way he used the events of the Spanish civil war as both a parallel and contrast to Picasso's life.

Rich

Hi, Rich...

I hope you've joined the discussion of that series with Joan Grimes in the PBS discussion. It's here:

"---Simon Schama's Power of Art ~PBS Program Club ~

I'm sure Joan would love to have you join with the others there about these shows.

jane

Ginny: I just read Intuition by Allegra Goodman. It's excellent and a page turner: "the intricate mixture of workplace intrigue, scientific ardor, and the moral consequences of a rush to judgment." I see that it's available in paperback.

Welcome, Christine!! We are so glad to have you here! I have not heard of that book or read it but based on your own incredible posts in the Seven Sisters, I am definitely going to look it up on Monday! It looks just the thing I need.

I desperately need a good travel book for 4 flights in Europe in the next month, I hate sitting on my hands in the airport. Of course I guess I could get those download readers they keep touting, you know, "Flight Late? Good thing you have 800 books to choose from." Or something like that.

I have decided I don't want to read a book from a computer screen. I think my hours and hours into Eusebius last night looking for the original of the last line in The Seven Sisters in connection with the Cumean Sibyl (the line itself occurs so many times in literature it's not funny in many different paraphrases. I guess if you had time on your hands you could find the oldest iteration. I guess Vergil is the oldest... unless he took it from Homer. I think it IS in the Odyssey, come to think of it. I'm not going back to look! hahahaa ) It cured me of it forever. I just don't like the feel of reading a book off a computer screen, even one I can hold in my lap. I am not sure what that says about me, it's probably something extremely negative. hahahaa

Thank you Ella. Good to have you back.

What's everybody reading?

Just choose your genre and jump into any of our discussions. We do have a fine time here.

Ginny

Have a wonderful trip. I have become interested in Tess Gerritson's mysteries. Similar to Patricia Cornwell. I am reading "The Apprentice" right now plus-------get this, Leave Me Alone, I'm Reading" by Maureen Corrigan who is NPR's Fresh Air book critic. Also on the cover, it says, "On Life As An Obsessive Reader". So far, delightful! Also, I am listening to "What do you care what other people think?" by Richard P. Feyman on audio tape. The reader has a slightly boring voice so I only listen now and then, as he puts me to sleep.

Ella

Did you read "Burr" by Gore Vidal when it came out in the '70's? Its quite good,too.

Ginny reading about lab-rats (mice) is just too funny to believe Christine.

Oh? I'm new to this group. I thought it was a good book, lab mice and all.

Christine,, most of us bookies think that Ginny uses us as lab rats to read stuff and report back to her.. But we have fun with it.

Alf, Stephanie, lab rats for Ginny Heheheh.

Ginny, next book for me is Digging to America by Anne Tyler. Then The cat who dropped a bombshell by Lillian Jackson Braun. Have both ready to go.

I read Feynman's "What do you care what other people think" and enjoyed it thoroughly. I don't remember if it's that book or his other one ("Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman") that tells of his experience on the panel that investigated the Challenger Disaster? That's well worth reading as a short course in how buroucracy works.

Phooey I just lost a giant post here! WHAT WHAT? I love medical thrillers, I keep a stash of Robin Cook hidden for just such occasions and the NY Times review of Intuition sounds fabulous!

THANK you Christine! It's first on my list in the morning. I had a whole bunch more in my post but lost it going to look up Sinclair Lewis. Shame nobody reads him any more, I think he's really good. I guess he's dated in language.

Travel reading seems to be a rara avis. People have sat down next to me with the most HUMONGOUS books you have ever seen, strange books. I think maybe people like to read about something completely different from what they are going to see and experience, I do..

Here we are in the airports and on the planes all reading. We should get up an Airline Book Club hahahaa

Still moving slowly thru MC Beaton's newest tho Hamish is definitely getting a tad waspish.

I had to read parts of both Robert Frost last night (for the Seven Sisters discussion) and Everitt's Augustus, I wonder sometimes if...do we have an equal among our present authors with those of the prior generations? T.S. Eliot? Frost? Sinclair Lewis? Upton Sinclair? Buck? I don't think we have read any of those here except Eliot in a Poetry Course we offered once. So Big, who has read Edna Ferber's So Big? She won the Pulitzer Prize for it, who of us has read it? VERY powerful book about a mother's preferring one son over the other. Possibly dated now.

At least we did read Yates and his Revolutionary Road, and now they're making a MOVIE out of it. I can't believe that. It will be interesting to see what they make of it film wise.

When you consider what you are reading now for relaxation, how do you think the authors of today compare to those of the past?

When I think about reading older books, I know that I have to change my pace—to slow down and let the prose speak to me. I often feel too impatient to do that. I’d rather have something closer to my own idiom, reading to get shortcuts to understanding the way life is right now. Life before cell phones? What’s that? I love Henry James, but I don’t often have the patience to read him.

I've read just about all of Edna Ferber's, as well as Pearl Buck's, books. As the song goes,...'but that was long ago..'.

Babi

I read Henry James biography recently and I really enjoyed it. He was not as popular as his contemporaries but his popularity grew posthumously much like Jane Austens. We are getting a treat. One of our free to air TV channels begins a Jane Austen season shortly. What a treat!

Carolyn

Carolyn: a treat indeed!! I'm an Austenophile. What is a "free to air" station?

We should read Austen here.

I am a hopeless Austenophile. Benjamin Disraeli (who wrote novels in addition to his better known role as England's Prime Minister) said he had read "Pride and Prejudice" 17 times, and in the course of a long lifetime I think I have beaten that.

We had a very lively discussion of "The Jane Austen Book Club" here a few years ago, with participation of the author, Karen Joy Fowler. If we read Austen here, I would certainly join.

Carolyn, that series could be great. There are a lot of good Austen films. My favorites are the lengthy BBC "Prode and Prejudice" with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, and "Persuasion" with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds.

I love Jane Austen too. Is that alright??? I would love to have a Jane Austen club. I think her characters may have a chance at being as complicated as Candida Wilton in Seven Sisters.

Listening to the talk of Jane Austen, I'm remembering our discussion of Karen Joy Fowler's The Jane Austen Book Club, Pat. It was a month long discussion during which we, PatH, Maryal, myself and several others met the author for tea in Washington DC. Wasn't that fun? During the month (or was it 6 weeks), several of us read the six Austen novels in conjunction with KJF's book.

What is funny is that KJF was inspired to write her book when she happened into a bookstore and saw a sign "Jane Austen Book Club" - and was quite disappointed to learn that it really was a book club that met at the book store, rather than a book title. By the time she drove home that evening, she had already planned out the book she herself went on to write.

Right now we are in the nomination stage for our next Great Books discussion - in Great Books Upcoming - (won't vote until August.) Already there is one Austen nominated. Please feel free to nominate your preference.

Jackie, I keep meaning to ask how your Shakespeare project is going. Which play are you reading now? I've just started Nigel Cliff's The Shakespeare Riots- enjoying the history of Shakespeare in 19th century America. Right now am reading about the popularity of Shakespeare with the pioneers in the midwest. I think you'd love it.

We haven't read a Shakespeare play in quite a while...NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!

I loved Edna Ferber and read everything I could find of hers. Also Sinclair Lewis.. I tried to reread him last year and he is definitely a slower pace, plus the times have changed so much, you love patience with the more restrictive times for women.

Joan, I'd be interested in making a nomination, perhaps of one of the Henry James novels that I haven't read--or maybe The Portrait of a Lady, which I have always loved. If a book is on one of the lists, do you just mention it in the Great Books discussion to nominate it?

I am listening to Feynman's book on tape and I just heard the part about the Challenger Diaster and just couldn't believe that he didn't raise -ell when they didn't listen to what he kept telling them. Did they just not appreciate his abilities or was he just there for them to say they had a Nobel prize winner on the panel?? How frustrating!!

Ah, yes, my Shakespeare Project. It is on hiatus. As I mentioned here and elsewhere my retirement has not met my expectations, to put it mildly. A vexing family situation has disrupted my concentration, my mentation basically. As many of us have experienced similar bumps in the road, I, like they, are in a holding pattern, waiting for events to overtake me since I have not been able to effect a solution. SeniorNet has been my solace and my salvation. I am ever confident that this temporary glitch is just that, temporary. Meanwhile Will patiently waits on my bookshelf.

Ah, yes, Mrs. Sherlock. "The best laid plans of mice and men", etc. One never knows what tomorrow will bring. [I have a few more cliches, but that will more than suffice, I'm sure.] I hope your life settles down soon, and you and Will can get together.

Babi

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow...

I am in the mood to read good mysteries for the summer. Any titles?

Hats - the Margaret Truman mysteries are great fun.....no gore, just a good story

I was reading an essay by Carrol Smith-Rosenberg (professor of women's history at U of Pa) about women's friendships in the century from 1760's to 1870's. She said "this was a female world in which hostility and criticism of other women were discouraged giving women a world in which to develop a sense of inner security and self-esteem." ..... Smith-Rosenberg was talking about American women and society. I tho't "what a difference from the impression we get in the English novels (Austin et al) and wouldn't that be a good way for us to behave today"........jean

Mabel, thank you for the recommendation. I have always wanted to read those Margaret Truman mysteries. I don't like gore.

Henry James "Portrait of a lady" reminds me of Flauberts writing. Its also not unlike that of Du Maurier. Henry James IS quite hard going, you have to concentrate. He uses a LOT of words when fewer would suffice sometimes. Maybe thats just my taste showing through. Sometimes writers try to be so clever they irritate me. What a Philistine I am!

Carolyn

hahaha, no you're not, Carolyn! I know exactly what you are saying! (Maybe that makes me a Philistine too?)

Christine, yes, that's all there is to it - type in your suggestion in the Great Books Upcoming site - it will go into the heading. When we get ready to vote, we have a pre-vote to see which are the top contenders, and then we vote for the one that most want to read.

Happy to see you here - look forward to getting to know you in Digging to America. (I have no idea what the title means, have you?)

Currently reading "Heyday," a new book by Kurt Anderson. It's an historical novel about life in New York, London, and Paris in the early to mid 1800's. "Heyday" is the first fiction I've read in years, (my taste goes to non-fiction) but it's so well written I can't put it down.

The library just called to tell me that my reservation for "Sacred Causes" (The clash of religion and politics from the Great War to the War on Terror.) is in. Looking forward to getting to that one.

Looking for a Senior Net book discussion to join, but, currently, nothing represents the type of book that interests me. Maybe something will show up later.

Rich

I’ve been thinking about Henry James. Carolyn is right, it is hard going. That’s why I thought it would be good to do it as a group. I read today that James himself thought The Ambassadors was his best novel. But he really considered himself foremost a literary critic. And he wrote a LOT of criticism.

Maybe since I’m new to SeniorNet and these discussions, I will go with one of the books already nominated. I’d be happy with the Austen, Melville, or Thackery—not so much the Koran or Huckleberry Finn. That’s too much like school for my taste.

Yes, I know what the title “Digging to America” means, and you will too when you get to that page. (This is so delightfully straightforward, after Drabble.) I will be one of those who reads the whole book before the discussion gets too far along. I think it changes your perspective completely to have knowledge of the entire book from the beginning of the talk.

Did you see my question to a poster named Persian in the Great Books forum? She would be a great addition to the discussion of this book.

ANN: on Feynman: yes, Feynman does seem to think he should do what they are supposed to be there to do, find out what happened, and insists on ignoring the many hints that he should just relax and enjoy himself at the taxpayer's expense. Don't worry: in the end he makes them listen to him! (at least about the o-rings. I don't know if they ever understood his point about the basic flaws in their procedures).

Christine -- your husband has a Nancy Pearl bobblehead!! I'm jealous. I've been wanting one of those. In the meantime I make do with her Book Lust and More Book Lust, which my Seattle daughter has given me. Sure do love that new Seattle Public Library.

Jean, thanks for the heads-up on Mary Alice Monroe's Swimming Lessons. I've just put a hold on it and am next up at my library. I'm really looking forward to this Beach House sequel after meeting her at the beach house in Isle of Palms. She is a lovely person.

A thumbs up for Joann Harris' (Chocolat) Gentlemen and Players. I've been pining for a book that will really absorb me, and this does the trick. The author unravels just the right amount with each chapter. A bit darker and deeper than your usual boys' school story.

Goodness - what a choice! What would YOU do? At 6:30 this evening, Susan Vreeland will present a slide show related to her new book, Luncheon of the Boating Party, which we will be discussing here in August.

This will take place at Chapters Bookstore across from the Harrington Hotel on 11th St. - A number of you will remember our stay there for the National Book Festival in 2000/2001.

At 7:00 pm, Joyce Carol Oates will give a talk at another book store across town on her new book, "The Gravedigger's Daughter." Has anyone read it? I've read a number of JCO's books, but not lately.

Which would you attend, if given the choice? This is Joyce Carol Oates - who never gives interviews. The Gemini in me wants to do BOTH, but I recognize that is impossible. If only there was an hour between the two book signings!

I don't know WHICH I'd go to, Joan P, aren't you lucky to have such exciting venues near you!

Am very much enjoying the new Tina Brown Diana, it's well written and an excellent book, it's kind of hard to put down actually and is full of things I did not know. I LOVE the paper it's printed on, is that stupid? It's like….I don't know how to describe it but it's fine paper, sort of thick and…it's a nice book.

No photos! I can't get over that. One of the most photographed women in the world and not the first photo!

Also the Mondavi book is likewise on this type of paper, it makes a nice change. They are both good books both MUCH too big for an airplane. Our local B&N did not have Intiution yesterday but I'm going to Greenville SC tomorrow and they have two B&N's I'll call them first, I am sure they have it, they are huge.

What to read on the plane?
Since my Amazon order is not going to arrive in time for my trip this week (always a delay, then the order-shipped-email comes the day before the trip) I drove to an real B&N store this morning.

I bought Harvard Yard by William Martin, which appears to be a sequel to his Back Bay.

Back Bay is an entertaining and light historical novel about the disappearance of the valuable Paul Revere Tea set
(was it buried in Back Bay?) lost when the British were about to storm the White House in 1812. Fun!
I'll let you know next week if the sequel is also good.

Everybody else probably knows this already, but I just discovered that my public library's online resources include a Literature Resource Center, which the library subscribes to. Through it I can "access biographies, bibliographies and critical analysis of over 90,000 authors (novelists, poets, journalists and others) and their works from every age and literary discipline, with in-depth coverage of 2,000 of the most-studied authors."

I'm sure this resource is meant for high school and college students, but it's also great for someone a LONG way out of school to brush up on the basics, as well as stuff I never knew. I wish there had been an Internet when I was a student.

Christine: Even the small libraries here in the Midwest have such resources available. I don't know how I ever managed before the Internet access.

Go see Susan Vreeland and invite her to join our discussion in August. By the by, the title is "The Luncheon of the Boating Party" and I truly enjoyed it.

JoanK

I'm glad to hear that they finally listen to Heyden after all of the work that he did to find an answer to the cause of the Challenger crash. Another very interesting book, after the first few chapters and getting past the reader's voice which I have.

oh to see and hear Joyce.. I love her books and she rarely tours..You are so lucky, After Seven Sisters, I wanted light light light and so I am ready.. Adriana Trigani..the first of her books.. I am sitting in the lobby of a KOA campground, their wifi is limited to put it mildly, so I will guess the title is something like Big Cherry Hollow or something. It is interesting in a mild sort of way. And light.. And it has a plot.. all the things SS was not.

I just received a notice from my library suggesting "HeyDay" which does interest me. I think I will put it on reserve and maybe we can discuss it later in the year.

Hi! Whatever happened to the discussion of "The Three Junes", by Julia Glass? I've been watching for it but it seems to have vanished. Or did I just make it up? I read it some long while ago and thought it was an excellent book, really enjoyable. Julia Glass wrote a sequel which was almost as good. "Peace Like a River" is another terrific book, probably one of my all-time favorites -

Oh Mippy, I read Back Bay a long time ago. I had forgotten about it, I liked it a lot. I'll have to get Harvard Yard.

I just found a great music site on NPR. Apparently sometime around the trun of the century All Things Considered did a feature each week of one song of the 100 most important songs of the 20th century. "Important" is defined as music that was important to American music history. Some of the ones i have heard so far are Fats Domino's first cross-over hit, Ain't That A Shame, Copeland's Applachian Spring, Coleman Hawkins' Body and Soul, Dylan's Blowin in the Wind, Bill Monroe's first "bluegrass" hit Blue Moon of Kentury, etc. On this site they are all listed by alphabetical order and you can listen to any one or all that you chose. Each commentary is about 10 or 12 minutes long. I'm still in the "B's" as you can see. I'm really enjoying it.......

http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/vote/100list.html

Jean

JEAN, it sounds wonderful. What a shame I can't understand most sounds that come over mechanical/electronic speakers. I'd love to hear some of those again.

Babi

Oh it wasyears.. I read BAck Bay and then at least one other by him set in the Boston area.. Good writer.

Jean: Thanks, what a treat. There is a program on OPB on Sundays called American Routes. It originates in New Orleans and plays original recordings when they are available. Features interviews with notable music creators. I don't know how widely available it is; didn't hear it in SF. Here is the website: http://www.americanroutes.org/

Yes, I listen to American Routes when i can, love it......jean

Someone asked on one of the book sites "where are our poets today?" I know where at least one of our great poets is - in the music industry - Paul Simon! If you get a chance to see the PBS program where Paul Simon is given the new Gershwin Award by the Library of Congress, WATCH IT! It was on many stations this evening, but not all of them. I gurantee you will have one of the more pleasant evenings of tv you have ever had........and it dawned on me as i listened to his fabulous lyrics....."here's where our poets are today, some place they can make some money on their poetry." Of course, Simon just doesn't write great poetry, he can also write great music, interesting music to listen too.......WOW! It was wonderful!......jean

Oh I agree Jean, 100 percent! BIG fan of Paul Simon here. I only caught Lyle Lovett and Bob Marley and Ladysmith Black Mombazo before I had to stop, but boy that one is one for the books, I must see the whole thing!

I did get Intuition yesterday and it looks the very thing! Most beautiful striking cover I ever saw on a paperback book, started reading it in the bookstore and was riveted, I guess people thought I had never seen a book! Good thing there was no chair near. hahaha THANK you Christine, definitely THE book to take on the plane!

Still reading the huge Diana which I am enjoying, I really like it. I watched again on Netflix The Straight Story, it's not a new movie, with Robert....Farnsworth? and Sissy Spacek. He was 78 when he made the movie. It's a true story of Alvin Straight who at 73 drove a lawnmower from Iowa to Wisconsin to see his older brother who had suffered a stroke. It made quite a hero of Mr. Straight who declined to go on national television and talk about it.

Slow, lyric, and very powerful movie, too bad nobody has written a book on the original story, here's more about him: Famous Iowans

Showed the greatness of the heartland of America and America, beautiful movie.

Speaking of movies, don't forget, we're going to TRY Carolyn's idea of a Books into Movies movie chat the last of August. We'll vote on a movie made from a book the first of August and then we'll discuss it for a week the last week of August, after everybody has gotten a chance to rent it or see it. You need not have read the book, but if you have read it or can read it in 3 weeks, you can talk about that, too.

This is a first for us in the Books, bring popcorn, we'll be selling those $30 dollar Pepsis they sell in the theaters, hahahaa, come along and help us make it work on August 1. A new discussion will appear then for this purpose.

What are you reading?

Off today for a tour of Talesin.. Both my husband and I are fans of his architecture and are looking forward to where he worked and lived. Finally cooler here in Wisconsin.. Wow.. Living in Madison would be fun except it gets cold.. We were downtown yesterday and at lunch they had a free concert by the state house.. Earlier there was a small farmers market on the green. Lots of day care and nursery schools bring the little ones, so there were little parades of teeny tiny ones in the same type tshirts.. Then funky State Street with all of the items that are treasured by college age.. Lots of skate boarders ( in the street?.good grief??). All in all we are enjoying Madison a lot.

I am reading 'The Bridges of Madison County'. It is a small book, but so packed with feelings. I wonder how they managed to express all that in a film.

I see there is a sequel, now to look for that!

BUBBLE, I read the book and saw the movie. I'm happy to say the actors presented the characters so well that I liked the movie even more than the book.

Babi

Ginny, I am looking forward to Books into Movies. Fun.

Bubble, I loved the movie Bridges of Madison County. I didn't read the book.

Oh, you should, Hats... and it won't take you more than a day to read it I am sure. What a book!

Would the new generation act the same way?

Bubble, I will put it on library hold.

Stephanie, glad you're having a good vacation and getting to see a lot. If you come into southern Wisconsin on I-94 it's worth your while to come into Racine (on Lake Michigan) to see the Johnson Wax office building, designed by FLW. I think they still give tours. ANd Wingspread, the home he designed for the late Herbert F Johnson family, now a conference center. There is a book, Wright in Racine, available in any local bookstore.

And if you want to venture further to Kenosha, it's new public museum has the most fantastic collection of ivory pieces, collected by a local doctor. The most unbelievable chess set with each piece carved differently. I saw it last week. I'm glad you're keeping us posted on your whereabouts. Enjoy.

I am reading a rich novel entitled Moloa'i by Alan Brennert. It was recommended by my daughter's neighbor. It is set in Hawaii more than a century ago. It is about family love, desperation and faith. A child is sent to a leper colony on the isle of Molokai. Here her life is supposed to end BUT instead she discovers a beginning. I have only readabout 150 pages. Playing at the pool with all of the kids and trying to get a novel read has proved "challenging" to say the least.

What have I been reading? Currently, I'm reading The Diana Chronicals by Tina Brown, a different look at Duana from her butler's.

I've slso started Anne Tyler's Digging to America, and, of course, I continue five years' reading and discussing of Will and Ariel Durant's Story of Civilzation with Part V, "The Renaissance."

Recently I read one of Anthony Bourdain's novels and Alice Hoffman's Turtle Moon. I also read Colin Dexter's The Dead of Jericho, an Inspector Morse mystery. I've started Jonathan Kellerman's Time Bomb. That kind of book is good for the long waits I have for the Shared Ride bus to and from doctors' appointments.

Mal

"Sometime around the turn of the century???" I loved it! Immediately I wondered what NPR was doing on non-existent radio in 1900!! Well, then I remembered where I was and what century we are now living in! You have given me a good laugh for today. The joke is on me but worth every giggle! Thank you, thank you!

Ginny, I'm glad I didn't send you on a wild goose chase.

I'm reading Haweswater by Sarah Hall, but I'm going to have to apply the Nancy Pearl test--it must delight me in 50 pages or I'm outta here. I loved her second novel, which I read first, The Electric Michaelangelo. It's about a tattoo artist at Coney Island. (I have a thing for books about circuses and theaters and the like.) In that her prose was jewel-like. In this first book, it's murkier.

Molokai, and its heroine Rachel will stay vivid for a very long time. A great book.

I remember reading 50y ago a biography of Père Damien who went to live in Molokai so as to help those that were segregated from society because they were lepers.

TG that terrible illness has been eradicated.

Right now I am reading Thomas Perry's Nightlife; he's my favorite noir author. Also reading Sherri S Tepper's The Margarets (SF). Listening to Margaret Truman's Murder at the Washington Tribune and just finished listening to Kate Wilhelm's Defense for the Devil (both on new version CDs, 13+ hours on one disk!). Last week I read Minette Walters' The Devil's Feather and listened to Maeve Binchy's Whitethorn Woods. Coming up on CD is Patricia Highsmith's Strangers on a Train. I listen to audio books while I knit.

How do you like S Tepper's The Margarets, Jackie? Tepper build always such believable sthat it is very easy to become engrossed in her stories.

I've just barely started. Will keep you posted. She is one of my favorite authors, right behind Connie Willis, whose To Say Nothing About the Dog is also laugh out loud funny. Willis' The Doomsday Book, about a time travel program at an unnamed British university that goes seriously awry through the machinations of academic bureaucracy as it sends its lovely graduate student back to the 14th century, is outstanding; it won both the Hugo and the Nebula awards.

Stephanie, I don't know you, but I thought of you today because I actually drove past Taliesen and the FLW visitor's center. Not able to stop, but it's an interesting drive in that area.

Re # 327.
JOAN ROBERTS, you are right. A while ago there was mention of Three Junes (2002) by Julia Glass, but no follow-up that I saw.

I discussed that book with a local live book group to which I have belonged for years. We also discussed the latest by Glass, The Whole World Over. Most enjoyable. One of the characters in "Three Junes" actually makes an apprearance in her last book.

GINNY, "The Whole World over" by Julia Glass has just come out in paperback. It is excellent and the perfect read on the plane and in airports, but not only there! You would not be disappointed, I predict.

Don't forget to check out The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Road discussion, slated to start in september.

Hope you get to see Talesian and the Johnson Wax Building as they are very interesting. I went to an exhibit of the history of Wright's designing of the the Johnson Wax Building in the Cornell Art Museum many years ago and it was fascinating. He designed not only the building but all of the office furniture. When he attempted to get permits to put on the incredible roof, which was supported by high pillars with lily pads on their tops, the inspectors weren't buying his explanation of how well it would work and how strong it would be. After much wasting of time by the inspectors, Wright finally demonstrated its soundness to their satisfaction. I think that he never finished that whole complex as there was a part of it left out and he died before he could get it done or the company ran out of the necessary funds to complete it. Must go look that up! I'm sure its covered here on the net. Yes, here's the link Johnson Wax Building Take a look, the photos are worth it!

What a summer reading project it would be to wade through this one! When I say HEAVY, I'm talking weight!

Vincent Bugliosi's new book, Reclaiming History - The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, weighs a whopping 5 lbs 7 oz, is 3 inches thick and has 1518 pages of SMALL print!

I heard Bugliosi interviewed about this book on a local radio talk show a few weeks ago, and it sounded like a factual and fascinating account of the Kennedy assassination, so I put my name on the waiting list at the library, and was looking forward to getting it. I picked it up yesterday and could barely carry it to the car. Then when I got home and took a look at the small print I knew that I was never going to read this one. Undoubtedly it's an excellent book, but It would be exhausting to sit with it on my lap or even on a pillow, plus I would need a magnifying glass to read the fine print.

However, my husband is intrigued by the sheer SIZE of the book, so he's going to tackle it. I'll let you all know what he thinks if he makes it through to the end.

Stephanie, more links, if you're looking. This site states that now they only give tours on Fridays. Also, no photos of the interior, since 9/11. More pictures of Johnson Wax building
The Golden Rondell Theatre shown here was designed for the New York World's Fair, and then brought back to Racine to be part of the Johnson's complex. When I would come with the kids to visit, my mother would always try to get tickets (free) so we could see the award-winning films (documentaries) shown there.

FL Wright Buildings in Wisconsin
It appears there are several houses in Madison. I remember the Hardy residence (Racine) listed here. It overlooked Lake Michigan and right below it was the 14th St. Beach (no longer available.) Out-of-towners would attempt to enter it, thinking it was a bath house. One could well understand why they thought so. It was very different from the others houses in the area.

I'm glad to hear about the new Bugliosi, one of my sons is interested in this subject, it might make a good gift, thank you Marilyne!

We are talking about a book and movie I never heard of showing now on some cable channels, The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio, (I hope I got that town name right). It's quite a movie, and I hear people loved the book as well. You can join that discussion by looking for the Books Into Movies area.

This will be on our ballot of our new Books Into Movies discussion, we'll begin nominating the first week in August, then vote and then discuss the last week in August only. This idea is Carolyn's (Kiwi Lady) and I think it's a super one.

That's one contender. You need not have read the book to participate but of course you'd want to see the movie. Bring popcorn! I hate popcorn but most folks think THAT is necessary for a movie experience. I'd rather hear nails on the blackboard, myself.

I am loving The Diana Chronicles, by Tina Brown. It's VERY well written. Right now we are talking about the Fermoys and how Johnnie Spenser, Diana's father grew up, and the great connection between him and the Queen Mother and the Duke of York, Edward VIII's younger brother. They actually lived on Sandringham on the royal estate because of the friendship. It's fascinating. It explains the Churchill- Spenser connection. Poor Lady Fermoy, the truth is always stranger than fiction.

The Spensers go back farther than the Windsors in English history, to 1450. It explains Vicounts and Earls. I like it. It was George III who made a Spenser an Earl. The Spensers were rich and supported the monarchy and their reward was titles and estates. The Spensers had 14,000 acres in addition to Althorp, that's 21 square miles.

There ARE black and white photos on the inside book cover, but only there and in the back cover, the same ones, but I am now interested to see the real people, it's quite good. I am tempted to take IT on my trip, I could always use it for weight lifting in the mornings,

but every ounce on a trip is murder, especially when you are climbing up and down those European train steps with your luggage. ESPECIALY EuroStar, the ONE train you'd think would have good access, perhaps it's the Eurostar Italia that's the issue. At any rate, I must travel light.

Thank you Traude, I have not read any Glass, do you suggest I begin with an earlier or plunge right in? I have it on my list now, many thanks.

To add to the delicious turmoil, I have started Shantaram, I said I would not, I am hooked. Also a giant book in paperback.

Thing is, on a trip, your books get knocked around and pretty scuffed up, and on the way back you really need that space, and lightness, so I tend to leave my books in a place where I hope somebody will enjoy them, sometimes with a note.

In 2005 I left one in a pricey hotel in Albuquerque NM, a brand new hardback large best seller which I really could not get into, had read about 5 pages, left it with a note. Guess where it ended up?

In the hotel gift shop! hahahaha For sale! hahahaha

I'm saying Shantaram, tho I'm only a few pages into it, and Diana are keepers and I don't want to leave them behind. Intuition is light enough and slim enough to bring home.

AND there's a Whites right down from the Louvre and a new bookstore in the Termini in Rome, so I have a feeling I will be adding and discarding as I go.

I noticed several books of the same kind left behind for new readers in the beach house we rented at the Isle of Palms, in our Books at the Beach a year or so ago, and when renting houses from the National Trust in England you always find the nicest notes and books. It's fun, sharing books.

Our Book Exchange in the heading here is reaching nearly 4,000 books of all kinds yours for the Media Rate postage or a good place to see those books you have which you no longer have room for to find a good home. Chack it out if you have time!

I have met the author of "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" and several of her sisters and one brother. They all came to our library while she talked about her book and the movie. Our f2f had read the book earlier and I have seen the movie. Her mother was quite a lady! And so were the other prize winners of Ohio whom she finally got to know. Some folks just amaze me!

I am just finishing a new book for our library f2f group entitled, "A Sudden Country" by Karen Fisher. Quite enticing. About a group of pioneers who leave Iowa and move to Oregon in 1847. Its historical fiction and very well done. What hardships those people faced and lived through. Amazing!

My 2 cents on Julia Glass is that Three Junes is a much better story than The Whole World Over, so I'd start with that. And that's even though there's a chef in TWWO, and I love books about chefs and restaurants.

Ginny

I just joined BookCrossing. The point is to register a book (give it a number from the web site) and then leave it somewhere or donate it. I imagine that our Book Exchange would be entirely appropriate. Then, if you are lucky, the finder/recipient goes into the BookCrossing web site and gives them the number of the book. When that happens, BookCrossing sends you an email telling where your book is traveling. It sounds fascinating to me. I once found a Belva Plain on a train in Italy. I'll bet whoever left it/lost it would be interested in the fact that it ended up in Ohio. Here's their web site: http://www.bookcrossing.com/ in case anyone is interested. I haven't tried it yet, but sounds like fun.

Marjorie (Harper)

I belong to Book Crossing. I have had 3 books picked up and acknowledged. One I left in London Heathrow, was picked by a student from Germany, but he didn't find it in London, he found it in Frankfort at the airport.

patwest -

I think that is so exciting. I hope somebody finds my beloved books and lets me know. I don't get to be a world traveler very often. Maybe my books will.

You don't have to be a world traveler. I leave books all over. Like Paneras, Macdonalds, and Pookie's Coffee House (local).

Oh - I know, Pat, I intend to leave them wherever, too. I'm really looking forward to this. And, if I never hear about them again, I can only hope someone enjoyed them.

Christine, that being the case I think I'll hold on the Glass. I once had a positive OBSESSION with books about the circus! Have you read (I'm sure you have) James Michener's The Fires of Spring? It's sort of autobiographical, and I THINK tho I may be wrong, that it has a lovely small bit about a traveling circus or fair he joined.

It's quite old and I expect very dated, I absolutely loved it but I read it as a youngster and I'm afraid to read it again lest it has not held up.

Harper and Pat, yes I'm familiar with Book Crossings, I love the premise. However I think our Book Exchange, while being a tad more trouble than putting down a book with a note in it (nobody knows that better than Pat and Marjorie) ensures your book does go to a good home. I never put down a book in a public place with a note that I wanted to keep or that I cared about, I've seen too many of them picked up and thrown in the trash. In airports, in train stations especially in Europe where it could have a bomb in a hollowed out place and in public.

The cleaners of the world, at least those I have seen in public places, don't seem to be readers, they don't even pause: into the trash it goes, so choose your place wisely, and I guess the book, too. Still it's a charming premise. I like the Book Exchange better, many times the book is commented on and put back up; you know its gone to a good home where it will be appreciated. I like the "note in a bottle" aspect of Book Crossings, tho, seems fun.

Malryn, I read Anthony Bourdain's first one, he seemed a bit overblown to me, but then apparently all those chefs are, I read the Kitchen Confidential. He looks an unlikely subject for a Lothario. Do you watch his program on cable? I guarantee you his charms are wasted on me.

How are you enjoying Diana, I love it? I need to SEE all these people, I kept confusing Lady Shand Kydd with Fergie's mother who ran off to Argentina and married was it Hector Barrentes? But I have to say it REALLY explains what happened in real life to the Brideshead set, doesn't it?

I was stunned to see we get the national TV program of China on our cable? It's CC something. Not on all the time. Amazing. They are teaching Chinese in part of the program, how anybody learns to read Chinese and speak it is WAY beyond me. They are very patient, lots of film examples and excellent visual aids, and it's an excellent way to learn but the calligraphy, the letters, are WAY beyond me.

They spent one entire segment explaining the "big or not so big" concept: you'll see the same figure, like the Chinese figure for heavy, say and then it's repeated and in between it is one figure that means "not so," so you get what they used to say in old Philly: are you wise or not so wise? It's quite interesting. I wouldn't mind taking a 10000 year course in it to try to learn one word. hahaha

ANN~!~! I have met the author of "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" and several of her sisters and one brother. They all came to our library while she talked about her book and the movie. Our f2f had read the book earlier and I have seen the movie.

!!!!!!! Her daughter wrote it? Do you suppose that she might be interested if we read it here, to talk to us online about it? Does she live anywhere near you? I would read the book and do a Books into Movies on it in December if she were interested. It's quite a premise. I must live under a rock, I had never heard of it!

Oh boy today is the NY Times Book Supplement! I can't WAIT to run down to the mail box and immerse self in it!

I love all the different books we are reading here, what else have you found you are enjoying this VERY hot summer?

Can anyone tell me how they rate the movie version of "Prize Winner of Defiance, OHIO"? I haven't read the book, but I'm thinking of checking Netflix for the movie. What is is about, anyway?

Babi

Hi Ginny - where are you going on your trip?

How is Shantaram coming along? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There was a point where it slogged along, but then picked up speed again. The author, in my opinion, is not quite in the league of Mistry (A Fine Balance).

Kathy

Seems to me that our Book Exchange would be a great place to "leave" books that have been registered at Book Crossing.

BaBi - Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio was maybe not the worst movie I've ever seen, but close.

hahah well then, Harper, I guess it might make a provocative movie TO discuss, huh? I would like someday to DO a list of the Worst Movies actually. Maybe we could do the Worst (since we're really not the movie section here) Movie Adaptation of a Book.

We also have a Best Books list coming up at the end of this month I think.

I can say the Worst Broadway Musical I Ever Saw was Cats. And I guess I can say that here because it was based on T.S. Eliot. I bet I am the only person in the history of that show to give up their seat to another at intermission. Of course I loved Bombay Dreams (saw it 5 times in London and NYC) and Starlight Express (ditto) so my taste may be suspect.

I did not see all of the Prize Winner, only saw about 10 minutes but what I did see what odd and unusual and quite a few people in our Books into Movies discussion seemed to love it, so there you go~! Hahaa Sounds like a movie (and possibly book) which might provide a rich platform for discussion.

Babi, it's based on a true story of a woman who has 10 (so they tell me in the Books Into Movies) children and whose husband (played surprisingly well by Woody Harrelson) was a ne'er do well ...sort of ineffectual person with a drinking problem. The mother augmented the family income by entering and winning contests, back when you had to have a jingle, remember those?

I would have to see more than the 10 minutes I saw of it but apparently it's a book also and Ann has read the book with her book club and met the author.

In the part I saw the woman had to have a whole lot of grit and determination to survive, how she did that alone might make a good discussion, I know I couldn't have the way she did, and apparently she had a lot of dignity, I am, again, not sure how it ended (or began) so I would need to see it all.

I hear the book is quite good. The movie is fairly recent, it came out in...was it 2006 or 2005 and I had never heard of it.

Kathy, I'm leaving Friday, and you have returned! How was your trip? I'm so glad to see you back here! I am very much enjoying Shantaram but am not far enough into it to say at this point, but it IS good.

Today's NY Times Book Review has a giant full page ad for something called The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud, "One of the slyest, most intelligent and entertaining novels of the year,"

Called Best Book of the Year by the NY Times and 6 others including the Washington Post.

Now in paperback. I don't see a mention of it here (did a search), and am wondering how this thing escaped my notice. The New York Times book Review said, "Splendid, a masterly comedy of manners….A novelist of unnerving talent."

Golly moses, what IS this thing? How have I missed it? Have you all heard of it?

Also "Perfect for your Reading Group" (it's a Vintage with all kinds of reading group aids). What IS it? Check out the cover Also check out LOTS of negative customer reviews!

I trust our readers here more. Anybody read it?

Worst Movie Adaptation of a Book: still thinking about that one.

I don't recommend the movie either. Its not that good but since we had met some of the family, I thought it would be fun to see. I think meeting the author helped us understand what those children had to put up with while maturing. IMHO, the mother should have left that man. He was an abuser. She just stuck it out and made lots of lemonade out of the lemons the gods handed her.

Where in Ohio do you live? Ella and I are in the Columbus area. If you want to use my email rather go public, feel free. Its up there under my user name.

Well in that case I'll skip the idea, thanks Ann. We can still put it up for nominations in Carolyn's new Books into Movie discussion but since you've read the book and seen the movie AND met the author it sounds like possibly something to skip over, I did not see the abuse part!!! Uggg~

I read it, Ginny. It got a rave review from Meghan O'Rourke in the NYT last summer and was on the notable books list and 10 best books last year. In my personal review system, it got an A for style, an A for story, and a B for overall effect on me. I hate it when books get so hyped that my expectations are too high.

It's a New York novel--and I think the NYT gives extra credit for these. It's a 9/11 novel (I avoided those for a long time). It's good, but it's not great.

I'm a tough sell, I guess.

Worst Book into MOvie -- Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe.
They took a perfectly decent novel and tried to make it a comedy, which it certainly wasn't.

Runner-up -- that Ya-Ya Sisterhood thing made from two of Rebecca Wells' books.

GINNY, Anthony Bourdain and Lothario in the same sentence struck me funny. Kitchen Confidential is a backstage and not always pretty, unstarred look at what happens in restaurants. My kids all worked in the restaurant business, and my son here in PA knows many of the people Bourdain mentions, since his work takes him among restaurant suppliers. It can be fascinating stuff.

I've never thought Tony Bourdain was charming. He has a bit of deviltry in him that I could see on TV and liked. I am surprised about what a good writer he is. I want to get one of Thomas Keller's books. Like Bourdain, I have great respect for Keller as a chef.

I love to cook. Can't any more, so do it vicariously through books. Bought Bourdain's Bistro cookbook. His recipe for stock looks great. I really enjoyed his A Cook's Tour some of which was shown on the HGTV and the Travel channels. Sadly, I can't afford those any more.

Reading the Diana Chronicles is like reading history. I don't like the absence of pictures, either. The book is very different from Paul Burrell's book about Diana. Tina Brown's version is a big book, and takes a while to go through, especially if you check her many, many references. Diana had been portrayed as such an ordinary girl that her family's high place in society came as something of a surprise, when I was reminded of it again. Despite her lowered eyes and demure poses, I think Diana had been a celebrity-seeker since she was a child.

Mal

Ann - Thanks for the offer of the use of your email. I just clicked on my name and saw that I had requested that my email not be listed. I didn't know that. Maybe I'll have to go into - what? and tell "them" it's okay to show my email address.

We lived in Cincinnati for about 30 years, but 5 years ago retired to Florida where my husband can play golf to his heart's content all year. I don't play, but don't know what I'd do without golf. My daughter went to school at Ohio State, but I didn't get to know Columbus very well. Seemed like a really nice city.

Oh, yes, I would have kicked out the husband in Prize Winner way before I had so many kids. He was totally obnoxious and no one can do that better than Harrelson. Is someone who tolerates such a husband to be admired??

Anyway, if I can put in my vote for the book most ruined by making it into a movie - City of Joy by LaPierre. I loved that book. I'm still bitter about the movie. Has anyone seen it? Read the book? They are from a long time ago. But the book still haunts me (so does the movie, but for different reasons).

Mal: I share your interest in reading about chefs, restaurants, cooks, etc. At your suggestion I checked Kitchen Confidential out of the library last week, although I haven't started it yet. I have a medium sized list of this type of book that I've enjoyed, if you're interested in more of them. Did you read Julie and Julia? That was a great surprise.

Worse movie made from a good book? I agree on "Bonfire of the Vanities" as #1.

Second worst would be, "The Prince of Tides". I was absolutely crazy over that book. Then came the movie, which was a total disaster. Hard to forgive Barbra Streisand for ruining it ... she bought the rights to the book, and then changed the story to make herself the star.

<grinning. HARPER, thanks for the warnng about the 'Prize Winner' movie. I can not only skip that one, you evoked a bunch more I can now avoid. I was esp. pleased to read MARILYNE's pan on 'Prince of Tides', since a friend of mine kept pushing me to see that one (she loved it) and I simply did not want to. I suspect she had not read the book, and didn't know it had been re-written to suit Streisand.

Babi

I am not much of a moviegoer, but I loved Garbo Laughs by Elizabeth Hay. It's a Canadian novel about a family of cinephiles. Maybe it would put you all in the mood for your discussion in August.

What a good idea? A book about ciniphiles! I will look it up at my libary.

I am getting so disgusted with the movies made today that I am afraid to see a new one anymore. Nothing but junk is coming out of Hollywood lately. Some of the Sundance movies have been okay. But between the crass violence, crassly written lines, I get more and more disappointed.

We did watch "The Great Year" and liked it. A pretty gentle movie with Russell Crowe. Has anyone else seen it?

This link is to movie site Rotten Tomatoes. There you can find many reviews of a movie, and can get a pretty good idea of whether you'd enjoy the movie. I taped it recently, and really enjoyed it. Brought back many memories and sensations of those days.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/prize_winner_of_defiance_ohio/

Thank you Jeanlock, for that Rotten Tomatoes review, they seem along the lines of what I thought initially tho it's hard to judge anything by a few minutes viewing.

I remember those old contests, I actually won one. Mine was not a jingle (and I had no idea that groups of people met and formulated the jingles) but it was naming a race horse and I won a... I guess it's a consolation prize, but it's very set of nice large glasses, quite big, sort of bowed out, strange shape, with a horse and the logo and the name of the contest on it.

Quite nice, really. I was just a child, the horse's name I chose was Cicada. I am sure it won no races. Maybe I will look it up! hahahaa

Christine, I appreciate hearing from somebody who has read The Emperor's Children. How odd that you give it two A's but the characters did not grab you, that's what a couple of the reviews said, too. You may be right about the NY Times liking NY books. It was the "comedy of manners" which really hit me, I love those things.

I'm glad to hear from somebody here whose opinion I trust.

I am LOVING everybody's Worst Movie Adaptation of a Book!

Malryn, I can also talk about working in restaurants, I did that my entire high school life, after school and activities, until 10 pm and all weekends. I've seen it from the inside. All I remember of Kitchen Confidential was sex sex sex and ..oh ...other unpleasant things.

Don't like the guy but that does not mean I don't like restaurants. I'm not wild on Mario Batali either, did not like the book on him by the older guy apprenticed to him, but do like his restaurant in NYC. We went there once with Helen Shiffman who used to be in our Books and her marvelous husband Jerry, boy that was a long time ago, I think his first book had just come out.

I'll tell you a cook whose book I'd like to read, who was that young man who was on a tv reality show and opened his own restaurant? I found that series fascinating. Can't think of his name to save my life. Was always....Rocco! Rocco deSpirito. I wonder what happened to him, that was a GOOD show, showed what it's really like in a kitchen. It was called The Restaurant I think. I wonder if it's in DVD!!

Did you all see a week or so ago on the NY Times there is a hotel workers blog site where they talk about the guests? I have been there several times and now it's more or less for those newly looking in, it's got a very self conscious air now, but the older posts are interesting: the types of behavior hotel staffs hate.

I'd like to read one by Cruise staffs!

I'm going off to look up some of this stuff!

My favorite comedy of manners in recent times is The Hills at Home by Nancy Clark. It got an A+ A+ A+ from me. Too bad her second book, A Way from Home, wasn't on the same order. But I shouldn't believe everything I hear from the NYT and really give it a try. Her writing is dazzling.

My system is three separate gradings: style, story, and overall. And the last is the most subjective of the three.

I thought that you readers might be interested....

Among the activities in studies about prevention of dementia, "reading" seems to prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

See an article about the latest study: http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Alzheimers/2007/7-06-27-TeamThatInspired.htm

Thank you, Marcie.

GINNY, speaking of sex, have you read Tom Wolfe's I am Charlotte Simmons?

Today is my birthday, CHRISTINE, and I just ordered Julie and Julia to celebrate. It sounds like fun. Thank you for mentioning it here.

I am alone today, just like nearly every other day. I went outsude to the front of the building to wait for Meals on Wheels (Thank you so much, but yuck! I love good food.) When they came, I was given a birthday card, and wasn't that nice? One of my neighbors told me I "sure as hell don't look 79." That was nice, too.

Especially, since I woke this morning with some terrific pain, and had to lie there awhile before I could coax my aching bones and muscles to get me out of bed. My cat, Bibby, formerly Vivian, jumped up and gave me a piece of her mind about her breakfast, so I made it to the wheelchair and out to the kitchen to feed her and then to the living room where I keep my magic Go Away Pain Pills.

My son called me while I was still in bed thinking I don't have much of anything to look forward to. That's too close to giving up, so I quit it after a brief chat with Christopher, whom I won't see until the weekend. It's been three weeks since he's been able to come over, one big reason why I've felt so alone..

My daughter sent me two instant messages from North Carolina, and later there was a phone call from a florist for directions -- she's sent me a bouquet of flowers.

In between times, I've been reading Digging to America, which like all of Anne Tyler's books is not as simple as it appears.

So, you see, if you push yourself to keep going, there are things to get out of bed for, even though I'd have probably punched anybody who dared say that to me this morning smack in the nose.

Mal

Happy Birthday, Mal!

Mal: I'm so glad that you've made it to 79. What an achievment. I look forward to reading your words here in SN Books. Although you may not have our physical presences I'm sure that the SN bookies are sending you positive thoughts. Never have I known such caring folks. It may be a day for you to reflect on the obstacles you've overcome in your life. Times when I am low it's easy to dwell on my faults, my lacks. I forget to count my coups. I'd pat you on the back if I could.

I just finished reading "The Children's Hour" by Marcia Willet. It was so moving, that I actually teared up and cried a little. My thanks to whoever recommended it.

Last week, I read "A Summer in the Country" also by Marcia Willet.

Both of them were so moving and throughly enjoyable. Both started out slowly, but soon I just didn't want to put the book down.

Marcia Willet writes like Rosamund Pilcher. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Evelyn

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAL!!

You keep on keeping on, Malryn. Keep reading, keep posting!

Happy Birthday, Mal! I will never forget our meeting, and how your daughter took such good care of you like I did my mother.

Happy Birthday Mal.

Carolyn

Happy Birthday, Malryn, and many more!

I have not read I am Charlotte Simmons.

Marcie what an interesting study, I always knew there were a lot of good reasons to read.

And I like the sub sites, too, there's one talking about rote memorization followed by a 6 week rest, making great headway in cognitive development, that's good news for our Latin and Greek classes, NOT that the dreaded word "memorization" would darken our lips, still.

Christine, thank you for The Hills at Home, I had never heard of it, I'll definitely look it up!

EF Benson is the best comedy of manners writer I have read so far, but my Mapp and Lucia series and the two Tom Holt sequels have literally fallen apart with reading. HE'S good for a trip, but I think I have him memorized. hahaaa

Well we have a cat too but after today we may have to change his name, he was an absolute NINJA CAT at the Veterinarians! It was not his usual vet as ours is on vacation but golly moses, she said she has never seen the like. all I did was apologize, haahaa, we are NOT cat people and as one of the technicians said, he was a perfect pet when he came in, she cuddled him and carried him around but boy howdy don't let a vet get near him, he goes ballistic!

I Am Not Kidding Ballistic. I hope this is not a reflection on me as cat owner, we have 3 big dogs and I KNOW behavior like this is a reflection on the dog owner, (our dogs are wonderful) but how do you tell a CAT his behavior is not good?

Too bad Cesar Milan does not do cats.

Ah Ginny cats are NOT like dogs! One of my ferals who can be handled was annoyed with me one day for going indoors and not staying out with her and petting her so she lunged at me and hooked me in the leg. Ye Gads! I ignored her for three days and she has never done it again. Shows they are smart if they want to be.

Carolyn

EF Benson is the best comedy of manners writer I have read so far, but my Mapp and Lucia series and the two Tom Holt sequels have literally fallen apart with reading.

I will look into this. I love comedies of manners; it's probably my favorite genre.

Finally.. I have been cut off from wifi.. in Amana, Iowa.. Their wifi worked, but the phone company messed up their isp.. Sigh.. I feel so cut off when I cant get wifi.. We are now in Independence, Missouri and very excited about Fourth of July where Harry lived. Worst Movie from a book. How about John Grishams first book, where they changed the ending to suit Tom Cruise.. Boo... Hiss. Came out of a restaurant in the stockyard district, fell.. banged up my forehead, nose and upper lip.. Both knees. What a mess. I will soon go into the shower and hope for the best.. I have things to see here in Independence..and the fourth is having serious concert and fireworks so close to the coach that we can see and hear from here.. Pedlin.. We did not get to Racine, but I promise next year to go by. We loved Taliesen and want to see more.. Still the house he designed are beautiful, but not particularly liveable.

Did you like the Amana Colonies? We have had our Thanksgiving dinner there a couple of times. Touring the woolen mills and the furniture factories is interesting, as well as the wine and cheese shops.

In the Master and Commander 20-volume series the protagonists are two men: ship's captain and ship's doctor in the British Navy 1800 to about 1850. The lives of these men revolve around their essential selves, of course, and the movie maker changed one man drastically, I suppose the character as described in the books did not seem the stuff of Hollywood heroes. I read the books slowly, continuously, I'm on my third round. I recommend them with all my heart and I also recommend that you skip the movie.

"So, you see, if you push yourself to keep going, there are things to get out of bed for, even though I'd have probably punched anybody who dared say that to me this morning smack in the nose."

Oh, MAL, how true! Nobody likes to be preached at, esp. when they're aching. Let me work it out for myself, right?

And a 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY, too.

Babi

Haha, BaBi, what you said reminded me of a time when I was in the hospitsl. I was standing, talking to a doctor, who trying to get me to wear a nicotine patch in order to stop smoking. He was sitting near the door when my leg brace collapsed, and I fell in a heap. I could tell from the pain that my leg was broken. The doctor jumped up, and I said, "Don't do anything before I assess the damage!"

I did stop smoking, in my own way later, without the nicotine patch. I'm a stubborn old bird sometimes, I'd say!

I'd also say I'm thoroughly enjoying Digging to America, a book I heaitated about because I thought I didn't want to read it.

Mal

"Don't do anything before I assess the damage?" Oh, I would have loved to see the doctor's face when that one registered!

Babo

Christine,

Ah yes, Mapp and Lucia. How I love those books. And have never got out of my mind the picture of them on the upturned table during the flood. Guess I'll have to get that book out again, and reread it. I don't know about the Tim Hold you mentioned. Who is he?

Mal,, Now that is funny and I too would have liked to seen the doctor. My fall was pretty bloody, but I seem mostly scratched and a very swollen forehead and nose today. Not attractive to put it mildly. I liked Amana Colonies very much. Their history is quite fascinating. The rv area is lovely, no trees, but large sites with lots of room for the corgis to roam.. We would take them away from everyone and let them romp to their hearts content. Independence looks really interesting. We are just in back of a wild looking spire building, that seems to be a church. We are going to go around to the front later and see if our suspicion is true.. I think either Mormon or Church of Christ since they both have a large church here.

I don't know about the Tim Hold you mentioned. Who is he?

It was Ginny who mentioned both E.F. Benson's Mapp and Lucia series (6 books) and what she called two sequels by Tom Holt. I found these titles and will start with Queen Lucia next time I'm at the library:

By E.F. Benson:

Queen Lucia

Lucia in London

Miss Mapp

Mapp and Lucia

Lucia's Progress/The Worshipful Lucia

Trouble for Lucia

By Tom Holt:

Lucia Triumphant

Lucia in Wartime

There they are! Oh golly did I type TIM Holt? Lucky for me the I is next to the O nhahahaa no it's Tom and he wrote only those two sequels, his mother is the mystery writer and she urged him to do it. I think he writes SciFi.

I think they are all good, but when I reread them I start with Mapp and Lucia but I would not want to miss the background of the first ones!

I hope you enjoy them, let us know what you think of Emmeline Lucas. hahaahaa

I've read all 20 of Patrick O'Brian's series about Aubrey and the doctor, but I wouldn't have if I hadn't seen the movie first. I agree that the 2 hour movie didn't portray the characters exactly as O'Brian does, but oh, what a sea story. The depiction of the storm and the battles really inspired me to read the books. Which character do you feel was misinterpreted? The Captain (Russell Crowe) or the Doctor? Sue

Sue, I was really happy to see your message and I won't complain about the movie anymore. If seeing it convinced you to read the books then it serves a good purpose. I was so looking forward to seeing Dr. Maturin portrayed: Who could act the part of a small, thin, homely, always unkempt man who has a creaky laugh, no kind of singing voice, the stare of a snake when he's infuriated--and still is fascinating and loveable? On screen, I saw a tall gorgeous creature and I was really disappointed. Elizabeth (I'm not 78 any longer!)

Elizabeth: Maturin is my favorite, too. I was disappointed that his role was so small even though I know Crowe is the big name. That is what can happen to a good book when the movie is being written for a particular star.

The movie Master and Commander got me to read the series also, along with the Horatio Hornblower series. I loved the movie, bought it, and have watched it about 5 times already. (My husband thinks I'm nuts.) It was certainly different from the books, but I loved it anyway. The cinematography was spectacular and the music was breathtakingly beautiful. The sailing scenes were so wonderful and the battle scenes seemed very realistic. I must say that the books are about my all time favorites. I'm going to read the whole series again. I'd love to see more films made of the series, too.

I've found that if I read the book before seeing the film, I'm almost always disappointed in the film. When I really enjoy a novel, the characters seem real to me and I have a perfect picture in my mind of their looks, mannerisms, etc. Then I see the movie and the actor is all wrong for the part.

I read Gone with the Wind when I was about 12 or 13 and did not see the movie until it came back about 4 years later (first time around children under 16 [maybe older] weren't allowed into the theater. So I had Scarlet pictured as a red haired Irish colleen--and was so disappointed in her. Seeing her selfishness on film was so much more devastating than reading about it. She seemed like a better person in the book, at least in my mind.

Marni, I thought "Master and Commander" was beautifully done. The colors, music, and drama of waiting for the French and the battles seemed so real to me. I cried during lots of it. I'd gone with my brother-in-law and it was not more than 6 months after my Naval Officer husband had died. Very emotional--and pretty embarrassing, too!

Well, all of the above is to say that the movie made me eager to read the novels--and I wasn't disappointed, although I couldn't read all of them in order as other people were reading them, too. I haven't read the Hornblower series, but I'd like to. I've also seen another Naval series at the library by Dewey Lambdin. They have only a few of them but have ordered the rest. I want to read them in order, so I'm waiting to start. Sue

Look out for the naval novels set in WW2 Sue. They are British and super to read. I loved them. I can't remember all the names of the authors but will have a look next time I am at our library.

I am reading the last book of the Clan of the Cave bear series. I love these too. I am reading fantasy as well these days. Never thought I would like this genre. I started in desperation as there was little left in the library I wanted to read. They are a great escape! I am going to the Harry Potter movie in a week or so with my daughter, SIL and Brooke. We have to find a babysitter for Grace. She is terrified of the special effects in Harry Potter movies. Ian is actually going to find out a bit more about the movie before he confirms if Brooke can accompany us. He will ask someone who has already seen it.

Carolyn

I loved Lucia and Mapp and all of the others. The adventures are so funny and so evocative of small towns everywhere. Sea Novels turn me off, so I have been read any of the Master and Commander stuff. I loved Bounty stories and particularly liked things on Bligh who was truly an interesting human being.

I finally gave up on a book. I usually don't - thinking I want to finish and be done with a book I'm not enjoying. (I know, makes no sense.) But this one was boring, boring, boring. I read almost 200 pages and found I had to drag myself back to it. So - I QUIT. Was Sabbath's Theater by Philip Roth - was supposed to be so good. Did I miss the whole point of the book? Was there a point?

Don't know, HARPER. I read one Philip Roth book and decided I never wanted to read another!

Babi

Carolyn, I read the first 3 books of the Clan of the Cave Bear when they came out and then read a newer one after moving here. That's not my usual cup of tea, but I really enjoyed them. Jean Auel writes well, kept my interest and the bits about climate, glaciers, basic survival, and early prejudice and ostracism were fascinating, IMO. Sue

I also read the first three "Clan of the CAve Bear" novels and was fascinated. She describes everything in such meticulous detail, that you learn an awful lot (although sometimes the detail gets a bit much in the sex scenes says prudish me).

And I've read all twenty "Master and Commander" books, thanks to PatH's urging. Before she says it, I'll suggest that you read the biography of the real life person that Aubrey was based on -- Admiral Cochrane (I've forgotten the author. Most of Aubrey's exploits were really done by Cochrane -- including the first sea battle that makes his reputation and liberating Chile (book 19 or 20 --he's a national hero down there: Pablo Neruda wrote a poem to him). After that, he went on and liberated Brazil. That would have been book 21 if the author hadn't died.

I was disappointed in the movie Maturin too. But I think Pat and I decided that it was the book's fault: he has too many pieces that don't really fit together. It would be impossible to give a portrayal that gets them all!

Well everybody, you've convinced me! I'll watch the movie again, leaving my disappointment about Maturin aside, and I'm sure it will become one of my favorites.

Speaking of naval sagas, did anyone see the obituary of WWII naval hero "Lucky Fluckey" a couple of days ago? It was in The Hartford Courant. I had never heard of Fluckey. Apparently, he was an aid to Nimitz in the Pacific venue. Fluckey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and is supposed to be the most awarded naval man in American history. His story is absolutely unbelievable - better than a novel. I wonder if a film has been made about him or a book written about him?

I'll see if there is something on the web.....Oh, it says in this newspaper obit that Fluckey wrote "Thunder Below!" which won the Samuel Eliot Morison prize for naval history.

obituary of WWII naval hero "Lucky Fluckey"

Philip Roth is an acquired taste. I read two of his and swore off him forever..

And, I just read reviews of his books, and decided not to bother.

Marni: There's only one word: Awesome!

Yesterday, in honor of July 4th, I rewatched on TCM, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and once again truly enjoyed it. I had forgotten how many songs Cohan had written that we were taught in grade school during WWII. "Grand Old Flag", "Over There", "Harrigan". Such fun we had singing them. I love old musicals and see them often on TCM plus others from my library.

Am not a Roth fan since his "Portnoy's Complaint" was published and I found him a whiny writer. Having said that, I did enjoy the one about the professor who was black and never wanted to admit it. I read the book and saw the movie. Those are the only two that I have bothered with.

Stephanie

Hope you are feeling better. My sister, Mary, whom you have met, took quite a fall in her upstairs hall and banged her face and head on the trim around a doorway. Left her face multibruised and her head mushy for several weeks. Hope your recovery is quicker. Well, was the building behind you a church?

I'm pleased to hear that not everyone thinks that Philip Roth is the greatest living American writer. (Maybe that's just his opinion.)

I ended up really liking Haweswater by Sarah Hall. It's her first book, and it wasn't published in this country until her second book, The Electric Michaelangelo, was short-listed for the Man Booker Prize.

Haweswater is based on a real event that happened in 1936. The Manchester Water Works came to England's Lake District with plans to build a dam and a reservoir, with the consequence of drowning the tiny village of Mardale. The book is very lyrical and the love story is a bit over the top, but I liked it anyway.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria/features/photos/2003/mardale/mardale.shtml

Good News from today's NY Times (in the Arts, Briefly section):

No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, is to be adapted by the award-winning director Anthony Minghella (The English Patient) ... with the American R&B singer Jill Scott to play the detective. The film is being shot in Botswana with the backing of (that) government, and ... is designed as a television movie.
No release date was mentioned.

I've also read all the Patrick O'Brian books, and despite the weird choice of the actor to play Maturin, I enjoyed the movie (once), but not sure if I liked it enough to see it twice. But I do love the novels!

I can't claim to be a Rothophile either, yet recognize that many (besides the author himself, Christine!

) think he is first-rate. For example - highly respected Pen/Faulkner Foundation...housed within the Folger Shakespeare Library in DC where I work on and off (mostly off these days

- Pen/Faulkner is one of the Library of Congress's Reading Promotion Partners, as is SeniorNet. They annually donate the submissions for the Fiction Award to SeniorNet's Prison Library Initiative. (I wonder whether they sent any of Roth's submissions to the prisons? Each publisher submits multiple copies each year.} "The PEN/Faulkner Foundation will announce today that Philip Roth has won its 2007 award for fiction for his novel "Everyman" -- making Roth the first writer to receive the award three times. He won in 1994 for "Operation Shylock" and in 2001 for "The Human Stain." For Roth, a 3rd PEN/Faulkner Win
I had thought Everyman was something that might interest our readers here...a kinder and gentler Philip Roth - mellower, perhaps.
NPR review of Everyman plus an excerpt

Hmm . . . Joan, that excerpt may force me to reconsider my opinion and read Everyman. And I've been so comfortable for so long having written off Roth with Portnoy's Complaint!

The graveside scene is very moving, perhaps because I lost my father earlier this year. And I just finished writing a letter of condolence to my 92-year-old neighbor's son. Roth certainly captures the moods in the air around an elderly man's burial.

I guess that I,too, might try to read "Everyman" also. The little bit that was in the link was certainly tempting. And beautifully written. Something that many of us with the talent could have written about funerals that we have attended. Hmmmm!

Thanks for the link to Lucky Fluckey--a real 20th Century hero. I've forwarded the link to a couple of Navy friends who will be interested, also. He'd retired after my husband went on active duty and I hadn't heard of him, but he was a remarkable person.

Joan, the passage from Everyman is beautiful--and does make one want to read the book. I've had mixed feelings about Roth's themes, but have always felt he has a gift for writing stories. Sue

I watched Yankee Doodle Dandy, too, and was impressed again by James Cagney (have always been impressed by Cohan, he was unbelievable in talent).

You'll all be pleased to know that the 2007 PEN/ Faulkner books as Joan P says were sent this year to the York Correctional Institute in Niantic, CT, where Wally Lamb volunteers. I can ask them if there were any Roth in them. I've heard that's a great one, myself.

I watched the last 19 minutes of the Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio this morning again in passing and bawled like a baby. This movie is profound at least at the end, and the author as well as the grown children (quite a few of whom did very well, State District Attorneys, valedictorians, PhD's). I think we really must nominate this movie for our Books Into Movies in August; it's about strength. Not everybody reacts the same way to the same situations, I think it would make a superior platform for discussion. And POSSIBLY the book and the author. I'll get the book and see for myself what it says, before contacting the author who looks our age. The movie blew me away.

Wow--I'm absent for a week, and there are so many things I want to comment on that I don't know where to start.

Stephanie, are you healing OK from your fall? Quite a number of SeniorNetters watched me do the same thing last October at the conference here--what my daughter calls a "face plant". So instead of continuing on a tour of DC monuments, Ginny and Judy Williams got a detailed tour of the Georgetown University Hospital emergency room, when they came with me to hold my hand. It was very bloody at the time, but there were no consequences except for a barely detectable scar and a slight wiggle in my nose. My face was a spectacular symphony of purple, fading to green, though.

Kiwi Lady, if you are starting to read fantasy, you should check out the Science Fiction discussion group here--it's fantasy too.

Sci Fi site

It's not a very active site, but if you post a comment you will usually get some response and some helpful comments. There is a link in the heading, called "Fantastic Fiction, 10,000 Bibliographies", which gives what seems to be a complete bibliography of any author you can think of. The information on each book is minimal, but it's great for figuring out what other books someone has written and what the order is.

Pat H, Your colorfull detail of your fall is funny now but not then, I remember your fall well. Ouch!!!

Stephanie: My sister, my cousin and I have all had falls within the last 4 mos. We have few reminders; my hip is very achy but since it was not broken, I can cope. Hope you fare as well. Your motor home trips every year make me long for making such a tour. We have 2 cats and wonder how they would adjust to the constant movement of the coach. We'd have to have some way to screen off the driver from their attentions. What do your corgis do while you are driving?

The biography JoanK mentions is "Cochrane the Life and Exploits of a Fighting Captain" by Robert Harvey. Cochrane was the model for several literary characters. Frederick Marryat, who served under him, was the first to use him as a model. Cochrane was also the model for Horatio Hornblower, and later, of course, for Jack Aubrey.

Patrick O'Brian lifted many incidents directly from Cochrane's life, and some of C's exploits were even more improbable than in the books.

The movie: I really enjoyed it, and have watched it a number of times on DVD, but indeed, I have a lot of quibbles. I agree that Paul Bettany was all wrong for the part of Maturin. They chopped and changed the plot a lot (fair game if you are going to make one movie from a 20 book series). In fact the main thing left from the book is the route of the Surprise, plus the shards of some personnel problems.

They worked very hard on authenticity. HMS Surprise, Aubrey's ship, is actually a replica of HMS Rose, now docked in San Diego. The French ship Acheron is actually "Old Ironsides", USS Constitution. It's still commissioned, docked in Boston, and supposedly still ready to sail, though the sailors I talked to when I toured it had their doubts. For the movie, they filmed the interior in detail and made computer simulations. The business of Acheron's invincible double hull is a reflection of Constitution's live-oak hull, which was almost impervious to shot. They also did some totally unnecessary bits of authenticity. Ropes in those times were twisted the opposite direction from now, and all the ropes on the set are twisted that way. On the other hand, they couldn't be bothered to notice Aubrey's wife's hair color. She only appears in the movie as a miniature portrait gazed on by her husband. In this portrait she is a brunette, whereas in the books it is mentioned many times that she is blonde.

Pat H: I don't think I realized that the Acheron was the Constitution. That's pretty cool.

I've probably mentioned this, but a really good book (I got it for Christmas) is Six Frigates by Ian Toll which is the history of the six first frigates (including USS Constitution) commissioned by the U.S. It explains how they were built and their missions. I read that "live oak" was actually a type of super-hard oak tree found in swampy malaria-ridden Georgia. The ship builder couldn't find men willing to go down to cut down the live oaks because it was such a difficult and dangerous job. Finally, the 90 men who volunteered, it turns out, were from my home town of New London, CT. Almost as soon as they got down there, most of them came down with malaria. A number of them died. The rest went home. But, as we know, the trees were finally cut down.

I am starting to heal and do thank all of you for your kind words. I still feel such a fool.. Both eyes are black and the nose is swollen, but I dont think it was broken. Mostly bloody. I do look spectactular as you say.. Black,blue,green,yellow and scabs peeling. Not someone to take home. Motorcoach. We are in Branson, MO just overnight..Not really our kind of place, but they do have a new outside center called Bransons Landing down by the river. Had dinner in a spectacular steak house ( my scallops were divine) and then outside by the river watched their hourly fire and water show. REally fun.. Cats might have to be caged in the coach, but the two corgi have their spots. Our girl waits until her blanket is placed on the sofa and then crawls up, grabs her pillow and sleeps when you travel.. The boy is a worrier, he spends the time under my chair in the front supervising the driving of my husband. Wont sleep a wink.. So they are in one spot and pretty much stay that way when in motion. I will admit to being shaky about falling again. Must really put that thought away somewhere.

Since falling was sooo easy, I try to be more careful, always aware where my feet are and where my next step will be. No sudden turns, watchful of the height of curbs, steps, etc. Such a bore...

Hi Folks: Thanks to SeniorNet, I've just learned about Bookmarks Magazine--and not the other way around. Sorry. Do any of you subscribe? Do any of you like it? I'll take a look at it at the library tomorrow, but I wonder if anybody has a personal recommendation.

Oh my yes, there are plenty of us that subscribe to BookMarks magazine (especially after being featured there ourselves in the January issue.) I buy the subscription yearly for all of my kids as well as myself.

Holy smokes, I just read the most bizarre novel, entitled Double Bind. Has anyone read this story by Bahjerein? (?sp)

Is the story about SeniorNet available anyplace on the SeniorNet website? I can't find it.

Deja vu, ALF. I just this morning checked 'Double Bind' in at the library on my volunteer stint. I noticed the unusual name..Bahjerein..and wondered if anyone here knew that author. Other than "bizarre", can you tell me more of what the book is about? Bizarre is not sufficient to motivate me to read it.

Babi

Hello, Christine. Thanks for asking. The Bookmarks article can be found here: http://www.seniornet.org/php/default.php?PageID=8378

Babi-to tell you why I felt it was bizarre would give away the ending. I didn't see it coming. It is a story about a young woman who was attacked. It was a very good read but something seemed off kilter as I was reading it. The spoiler ending is why. It is an easy read. This author also wrote Midwives.

Thanks, Marcie. I never would have found it.

I loved Midwives, so have that new one on my list.. Think his first name is Chris.. I get Bookmarks and love it. We are on the road, but when I get home, it will be on the top of the list to read..

Steph- let me know what your opinion is when you finish it. I am going to start the Water Buffalo next.

Oh, well, ALF, I have so many books on my list now, I think I'll skip the easy read with the spoiler ending. If I didn't get stiff sitting too long, I'd probably spend way too much time reading and never get any chores done!

Babi

I bought the issue the SeniorNetters were in, and immediately subscribed. What a fantastic magazine for people who read a lot, and love books.

Yep, we hooked another one didn't we? I love it too.

babi- it really is a good read. It took 200 pages to ascertain why it was entitled Double Bind. It's a mystery with all of the psychological puzzles inherent in a good story.

This afternoon I sat in the library with a stack of magazines and was delighted. I'm subscribing immediately!

I was in a bookstore yesterday and looked at the jacket on 'Double Bind.. REally interesting.. But as always I save them until they become paperbacks or I can pick a hardback up in a used book store. Cheap Cheap Cheap.. Book marks is fun in that you pick up things you will not find anywhere else.Talk about light reading. I picked up another Elaine Viets. This time she was working in a high end pet boutique.. It is a funny light series and she nails the grooming and high end stuff of the pet world..

Stephanie, I think Elaine Viets is from St. Louis and used to have a column in the St. L Post-Dispatch years ago. A very funny lady.

Christine, Alf introduced me to BookMarks when we were at the beach a few years ago, and I've been hooked ever since. It's fun to go back and read them and I've kept every one. Since I'm a movie buff, I love the section where they pick up on books being made into movies. Enjoy.

Elaine Viets: She has three series going, Dead End Jobs, Francesca Vierling, and Mystery Shopper. My library doesn't have all books in each series. Are they best read in order? Which series do you like the best? We all need laughs these days, don't we?

Some of you have read the book 1421. I just heard an ad on TV. Tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. EST, the History International Program has a 2 hour program about Zheng He, the Chinese eunuch admiral featured in 1421. Here's a blurb from their website:

"Zheng He: The True Discoverer of America? Zheng He was the most famous Chinese explorer. On March 8, 1421, the largest fleet the world had ever seen set sail from China. The ships were under the command of Emperor Zhu Di's loyal eunuch admirals, led by Zheng He. Their journey would last more than two years and circle the globe. When they returned the emperor had fallen, leaving China in chaos. The great ships were left to rot at their moorings and the records of their journeys were destroyed. Lost in China's long, self-imposed isolation was the knowledge that Chinese ships had reached America seventy years before Columbus and circumnavigated the globe a century before Magellan."

I can't wait to see it!

Books are the compasses and telescopes and sextants and charts which other men have prepared to help us navigate the dangerous seas of human life.
-Jesse Lee Bennett

How true is that statement? I love it, thank you.

Alf, I agree. Bubble, what a wonderful quote. Thank you.

Dead End Jobs is sort of best rest in order. She tends to get involved with various people in her apartment complex and it would be confusing to jump around so much. Yes, Pedlin, I think she comes from that area since th protagonists is running from that area of the world and ended up in Florida.

Bubble - thanks for the good quote. I have copied it down.

Kathy

Bubble: Well, I might want to quarrel over the noun "men" but other than that it's right on.

With the latest Potter about to be released, it's time we polled the group on which is their favorite in the series. Lest someone suggest that the "Potters" are not serious literature, let me note that not only are they widely imaginative but they are dead on in their descriptions of adolescent fantasies and fears. Which is why I rate "Goblet of Fire," the number two position. First place, of course, goes to "Sorcerer's Stone," because it was first. Last place is "Order of the Phoenix" because it rambled so. And your choices are??

Thanks, Bubble, for posting the good quote.

I have printed and put it up on my wall.

Evelyn

Hats: The other day on vacation, I found a discarded copy of Vanity Fair, July issue, which was devoted to Africa! There was a wonderful article on African authors in it called "The Continental Shelf" by Elissa Shappell.

I saved the pages for my own information and I tried to find it on the internet so I could give you a link. I know you'd love it! But when I went to the website, that particlar article was listed in the table of contents but not highlighted thus not available! Phooey!

There is another article on some of the newer African authors, however, that would be clickable. Do check this stuff out! If the magazine is physically available in your local library, you are in luck.

If not, I can always copy the pages I saved and mail them to you. I would be happy to do it!

Maybe I should have posted this in the Round the World discussion spot.

I think you love Harry, or have no interest at all, Zany. Not much room in between. I read the first three here on SN when we discussed them years ago - but didn't love them enough to want to read more of them -
Archived Harry Potter Discussions

I came in to see if there is interest in a discussion of Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" which earned the Pulitzer for Fiction this year. If you are interested, please let us know in the discussion - The Road

We'll discuss it in September ONLY IF we make quorum. Since words fail me in describing this book from what I have read so far, I'll post some of the reviews - in case you are considering reading this much-talked about book -

"Ask any literary critic -- and most discerning readers -- to name the greatest living American novelist, and Cormac McCarthy is sure to surface as a major contender.

The Road traces the odyssey of a father and his young son through a desolate landscape of devastation and danger. Powerful, moving, and extraordinary by any standard, this is McCarthy at his greatest and gravest. " Barnes & Noble

"His tale of survival and the miracle of goodness only adds to McCarthy's stature as a living master. It's gripping, frightning, and, ultimately, beautiful. It might very well be the best book of the year, period." The San Francisco Chronicle

"It makes the novels of the contemporary Savants seem infantile and horribly over-rated. Beauty and goodness are here aplenty and we should think about them." The Guardian ~ Alan Warner

"The Road is a dynamic tale, offered in the often exalted prose that is McCarthy's signature, but this time in restrained doses—short, vivid sentences, episodes only a few paragraphs or a few lines long…the most readable of his works, and consistently brilliant in its imagining of the posthumous condition of nature and civilization—"the frailty of everything revealed at last. Old and troubling issues resolved into nothingness and night." The New York Times Book Review ~ William Kennedy

"The love between the father and the son is one of the most profound relationships McCarthy has ever written, and the strength of it helps raise the novel - despite considerable gore - above nihilistic horror." Christian Science Monitor ~ Yvonne Zipp

"One of the saddest, most desolate, most horrifying books I've read in years...It's so good that it will devour you, in parts. It is incandescent." Daily Telegraph ~ Niall Griffiths

I've read McCarthy's The Road, and I'd be interested in discussing it. I'll also be reading and joining in the discussion of The Scarlet Pimpernel in September. I can't think of two more different genres to discuss simultaneously.

Babi

Yes, I would be interested in discussing The Road - I have the book already and certainly intend to read it - preferably with the group!

He's a much revered author although most of his books are hard to take, Blood Meridian for example. I know it's a fabulous book - one of the very best -but I simply can't read it - not so tough I guess.

"THE ROAD" did seem pretty hopeless, and I found that hard to take. I would like to think that people would do more to help each other, but when it gets down to basic survival, I fear McCarthy's view may well be all too true.

Babi

Zanybooks, I certainly agree that the Harry Potter books are serious writing. Not only do they speak to what adolescents feel, they have a good sense of the power and uses of myth. And the details! all those wonderful florid little squiggles she puts in! And most of the details are based on "fact" in the sense that she didn't make them up. Nicolas Flamel was a real person, most of her monsters are in the literature, bezoars were really thought to have the properties described, etc. The other day I saw a description of Kappas in an article about a museum exhibit. They are a Japanese water sprite, and have the characteristics she describes. Plus, she knows how to keep a story going, and does a remarkable job of avoiding inconsistencies.

I've read all the books several times, plus I read the first 4 aloud to my husband when he was sick and needed amusement (they read very well aloud, a good test) plus I read 1 1/2 books in Spanish when I needed to review my skills (all of "El Prisionero de Azkaban" and half of "El Caliz de Fuego").

I don't think the first is the best. She starts off slower and simpler, and really hits her stride in "Azkaban". From there on I'd have a hard time picking a favorite, leaving out "Phoenix". She needed an editor with a handful of blue pencils there.

If you really want to spark a discussion, you might try the Sci Fi site; I will repeat this post there. I am assuming that any discussion of the books will be taboo on SeniorNet starting toward the end of next week, to avoid spoilers. Certainly anyone who interferes with my chance to find out the ending for myself risks my strangling them with my bare hands.

JoanRoberts, thank you for thinking about me. I do know about many African authors and have websites too. What do you think? Should I just read African authors? I would like to address this question to everybody. Thank you for the advice.

HATS, you know perfectly well you're not going to confine yourself to African authors only. Think of all the great books you're reading that you'd miss by that 'rule of thumb'. Of course, you'll let us know about African authors we wouldn't want to miss.

I checked your links, and "Knots" sounded so sad. More 'bad news'..and I find all too much of that.

Babi

Babi, I understand. Unfortunately, many parts of Africa are facing hard times. You are right. I could never box myself in and read one genre or books written by one ethnic group. I would strangle or choke like too much candy and no vegetables. I need variety in my books.

Hats, I think you were the first one who mentioned Masha Hamilton's Camel Bookmobile. My library has it, and I'm reading it now -- a novel about an American librarian working with the Kenya National Library to bring books by camel to remote rural villages. At first the writing seemed wooden to me, but now I'm totally caught up in the story line. It parallels "Digging to America" in that ones sees not only the differences between cultures, but also the conflicts within one culture, the conflicts between generations, and most importantly the coflicts between those desiring and those resisting change. What problems arise when one only wants to be fair, just and do good.

And Hats, I agree with Babi. You'd miss too much if you limited yourself to reading only books about Africa. In library school years ago there was a classmate who read only books about the Holocaust. It's good to have a specialty, but I've often thought of her and wondered if she broadened her scope.

Reading about Africa, I would have missed knowing that the Afican percussion band at the local World Beat Day was from the people in Nigeria I read about in Half a Yellow Sun. It was so exciting to think of what their history encompassed although I knew just a smidge from reading the book. I wondered if their parents of grandparents had been victims of the suppression following the revolt. We were fellow victims of the muslim movement although the brief reign of Biafra had occurred decdades before the US attack. I wondered how they saw the spectators; were we "them" and the band was "us"? Reading brings many such unanticapated consequences. I would never have read Half a Yellow Sun without you, Hats, making me/us aware of African authors. Have you ever read science fiction? There is a series of books about a female in a space navy named Honor Harrington; she comes from a large family and she has black skin. This is not a major element of her personna, just casually mentioned as she peers at herself in the mirror, etc. Space Opera a la Hormblower or Aubrey/Maturin. (I've read them all!)

Has anyone read Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah? Or Knots by Nuruddin Farah?

In the PHiladelphia area, the author of The Kite Rider is going to be on the Charlie Rose show on Thursday night......tho't some of you might want to check it out......jean

Gentleben, I am reading Gifts by Nurrudin Farah now. He is a wonderful writer. I am looking forward to reading more of his books.

Mabel, I haven't heard of the book 'Kite Rider.' What is it about?

Pedln, I can't wait to read Camel Bookmobile by Masha Hamilton. I don't think my library owns it yet. If so, it's probably on the seven day list. All new books go on a seven day list. Then, in six months, they change over to six months.

I am reading Digging to America. I love it. It's hard to stop and comment in the discussion because the book is so good.

Mrs. Sherlock, I loved Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Adiche. I heard you recommend that one. I especially remember the relationship between the sisters. You know what happened there. Their love overcame that situation. Then, an unsurmountable obstacle came their way. I won't say more because of failures. Also, the people went from strength to strength as they fought for independence. Great book.

I think there is a new book published by Chimamanda Adiche. I just can't find it on the internet. I am going to look again.

I had something else to write. Now, I have forgotten. Don't you hate when that happens?

This book is soooooo good. Have any of you read it? It's for people our age. It's about the Art in the Russian Hermitage during WWII. It also is about one woman living with Alzheimers. Her mind rapidly lives from past to present and back again. She relives the days of the war in her mind. If you love Art, you will love her passion for Art.

I also want to read 'Molokai.' Alf mentioned this one. This is the one about the leper colony.

Gifts

Gentleben, I am glad you mentioned him. I think 'Gifts' is part of a trilogy.

Mrs. Sherlock, you introduced me to Science Fiction. I did read 'Kindred' by Octavia Butler. What a book! The heroine time travelled back to the days of the Civil War. This is a magnificent book. She time travelled with her husband, a Caucassian. I will never forget this book.

Kindred

Is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Science Fiction? Have I read it or not read it? I can't remember. I wish we could read it here in a discussion.

HATS: yes, it is science fiction. Very good, but depressing: predicts a future for women that you wouldn't want to live in. I don't know if it was ever discussed.

Hats, it's been a while since I read The Handmaid's Tale, but while it's futuristic, it's not a hard core/ hardware type of SciFic. If you read it, you would probably see parallels in present day societies -- Afgahnistan, for instance, and perhaps other political resemblances.

Pedln, I have been thinking about The Handmaid's Tale. I am sure there are important lessons in it. Also, parallels to other countries around us. Even in our country life hasn't always been easy for women. For a long time women were second class citizens.

LOOK -- The graphics are back!!

I want to order some books online from the library. Can you give me the titles and authors of the best book you have read in the last two weeks? I am running out of ideas. I would be really grateful for your suggestions. I will find it hard to get to the library from now on but can get my daughter to pick up my reserved books as she is a librarian. She does not have time to choose books for me as she is a night librarian and stays to work til closing time. She has a lot of kids to help in the I/T unit and with her other duties there is just not enough time to scour the shelves for me.

Carolyn

Carolyn - have you read the Kite Runner by Housseni? He has a new one out A Thousand Splendid Suns. I read it in two nights. Talk about the wow factor. Another 2 good reads - Snowflower and the Secret Fan and Suite Francaise.

Take a look back through this discussion and those on fiction and non-fiction. You will find many fine recommendations.

Kathy

Yesterday, I finished Engleby by Sebastion Faulks, a 2007 book too. A coup for me to score such a recent book from the library! Usually, they're a couple of years old before I can get my hands on them. I couldn't put it down for long and I'm still thinking about it, which I think is the sign of a good book. I'd love to know what others think of it?

CAROLYN, I've been spending the last two weeks reading a series by Lois McMaster Bujold, and finding it hard to put the books down. I love everything she writes. I don't know if you care for the sci.fi/fantasy genre, but if so, Bujold is one you definitely don't want to miss.

Babi

Carolyn, I haven't read anything of consequence in the last 2 weeks, but Hats just mentioned "Kindred" by Octavia Butler. I strongly recommend it if you like that sort of thing. The sci-fi/fantasy component is a device to get the narrator, a modern-day (1975) black woman writer, probably modeled on Butler herself, back to the times of slavery, where she eventually figures out that she is being brought back to keep her ancestor, the slave-owner, from being killed before he can conceive the next generation. It's very well done, and very powerful, but I warn you, you won't get the characters out of your head for a long time.

Carolyn: I've just finished my second book by Marcia Willett and I've got another on reserve. They're great tales. The Knitting Circle is another I enjoyed, can't remember the author. Ann Rule's And Never Let Her Go is a true crime book I heard about here. The Power of One by South-african turned Australian author Bryce Courtenay; I understand he is a best-selling author in Oz. Giles Blunt writes a crime series about a small town in northern Canada; great characters and nifty mysteries. Jennifer Chiavarinni writes a series about quilters I really enjoy; The Quilter's Legacy is one I listened to on Audio this week while I was knitting. Also listened to Karen Fisher's A Sudden Country, a very different take on the 1847 trek of a family to the Willamette Valley in Oregon, where I live now. Hope there's something here that catches your eye. Look at the SF discussion for some other book recommendations about SF.

Thanks everyone! I like the sound of the suggestions. Now to go online and order!

Carolyn

Another good pioneering book about Oregon is "The Jump-Off Creek" by Molly Gloss. It's a short, spare account of a lone pioneer woman settling in a mountain area in the 1890s, based partly on the stories of the author's own grandmother. Not a lot happens in the book, but it really catches the spirit of that time.

I may have mentioned this before, but another good book about pioneering in the Pacific Northwest is Annie Dillard's novel The Living, about the settling of the Bellingham, WA area.

Pat H- I love pioneering stories about ordinary people. I think I have read all of the NZ ones and quite a few American ones too.

Carolyn

Pedln: Thanks, the Dillard title had drifted into some hidden corner in my so-called brain but it is safely on my reserve list at the library. I found Bellingham to be a charming city and hope to get back there soon. And PatH: Gloss' book sounds fascinating. I'm eager to find out what mountains she settled in.

KiwiLady: Have you tried Secret River by Kate Grenville. She examines the first settlement on the Hawkesbury River out of Sydney with the convict history, aboriginal displacement etc. It's based partly on one of her ancestors who settled there. Has good contrasts and similarities between working on the Thames and then on the Hawkesbury as well as truly great descriptions of that particular Aussie landscape. The book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize last year. There is a companion non-fiction volume Searching for the Secret River which outlines her search for her ancestors and the way she came to write the novel. I enjoyed both.

Kate Grenville can be dark, she scared me with one book! I can't think of the name, but it's set in a small town. Right now I'm reading Alex Miller's Journey To The Stone Country, have you read it? I'm getting so much enjoyment from it, because these are places I've lived in or around for years. I see it won the Miles Franklin, a second for Miller. I enjoy Bryce Courtney, but feel his characters lack some depth, especially Jessica.

Last week I finished Revenge Of The Middle Aged Housewife by Elizabeth Buchan, and just from the title I thought I knew what sort of book it would be. It wasn't though, it was sweet and poignant and gentle, and I was sorry when it ended. Besides, she wasn't strictly a housewife, she was a book editor on a newspaper. Unfortunate title, I thought. Also read The Good Wife by Buchan. The perils of being an MP's wife, "wear tights" "smile more", every day planned for her, poor thing.

Jan: I know what you mean about Grenville being a bit dark. Secret River is not so though it has moments. Did you read her Lilian's Story or Joan Makes History I didn't much care for Joan but Lilian was brilliant - true story too...

I haven't read Miller but will find the one you mention and let you know what I think - don't hold your breath though.

Your library system worries me. Ours is so good here in WA but even in FNQ you should be able to get anything within a reasonable time frame if you fill out the request form or request online. Alternatively you could complain to Peter Beattie.

Um,GUMTREE, may I ask, who is Peter Beattie? (I hope I'm not going to be too terribly embarrassed at my ignorance.)

Babi

BaBi: The gentleman in question is an Aussie politician...unheard of beyond these shores...was just joking with Jan.

I've been trying to read Margaret Atwood's Oryx & Crake but can't get into it. I know she probably has important things to say but...almost 100 pages into it and I'm struggling. How did others find it?

Thank you, GUMTREE. I am relieved. I can't identify most of our American politicians, so I happily excuse myself from knowing anyone else's.

Babi

Eleanor Lipman
Maive Binchey
Kit Reed
Faye Weldon

Eleanor Lipman rings a bell? I've enjoyed Maeve Binchy. I have periods where I read an awful lot of some author, and then get a craze for another, or a completely different genre.

Gumtree, I can't remember if I read those Grenville books I'd have to see the covers, I'm afraid. There was a time when I was shocked and horrified to hear that someone didn't know they'd already read a book, but now I've joined their ranks! Ah well even the PM can have his little lapses. Yes, I could order books, I keep forgetting, besides I have all these books from a few years back to read.

I couldn't get into Oryx and Crake but the Handmaiden's Tale haunted me for a long time.

Beattie is much too busy with things like would be terrorist doctors and water cheats

My daughter brought it over this week for me to read. I want to pull into that memory bank of mine to compare it to something--- what??? Kahil Gibran? the gospels? What is tugging at me? It is more than a simple thought triggered by one of the protaganist's questions.

Doesn't sound like anything I've read. Who is the author?

I've read "The Alchemist", but don't know the comparison you're struggling with. It is mythic, though. Perhaps you're thinking of a myth.

So many books here that I don't know!

The Alchemist author is Brazilian: Paulo Coelho. He also wrote The fifth Mountain, By the river Piedra I sat Down and Wept , Veronika decides to die ... and more.

"The Alchemist was one of the most important literary phenomena of the 20th century. It reaches the first place in bestselling lists in 18 countries, and so far has sold 30 million copies. "

http://www.paulocoelho.com.br/engl/index.html

Mythical Joan? Not really, it is more enchanting I think- this story of a shepard boy in quest of a "treasure." It still pulls at me as if I have read it somewhere before. It does put me in mind of the Celestine Prophecy which I really liked but this story is more magical.

Have you read it, Bubble? Sounds like it could be added to our Reading Around the World nominations. We haven't read anything from that part of the world yet.

Yes I have read it and I saw interviews of Coelho on the French television. He is a very interesting man and his writing stays alive a long time after reading his books. The alchimist is very special,

I think it touches people differently, according to their experiences in life. Some of my library readers don't seem enjoy him and others take that book two and even three time out to read again, telling me that each time they see more to it.

I haven't read "The Alchemist", but I did read "The Celestine Prophecy" and found myself most dissatisfied with it. Many people found it very spiritual, but I found too many flaws, IMO, in the hero's (author's?) premises.

Babi

I read The Alchemist's Daughter and really enjoyed it.I think it was set in Elizabethan England, a time when women were still men's possessions. The Alchemist wanted his daughter to be his successor. I wonder is there a connection?

JAN: I don't think so. They sound too dissimiliar. But that sounds interesting.

Jan - I read both of the first two books you mentioned.

Carolyn

Jan, no connection what so ever between these two books, both good but totally different genre.

Babi, I haven't read "The Celestine Prophecy". Coelho is an author I read in very small doses: I need to reflect long on those pages. It's a personal ... mmm... characteristic of mine, alike ruminating!

Carolyn do you mean the Elizabeth Buchan books, or The Journey To The Stone Country? I'd love to hear someone's thoughts on it. I can't believe that I've lived in the same little ghost town written about by a prize winning author. Literally stood in the footprints of the main character! The places road building will take you.

The stones in the book though were sacred Aboriginal stone circles and a place in our hearts.

Oryx and Crake.. I love Atwood, but that one defeated me.. Finished it and threw it at the wall and I generally do not treat books badly.. But most of Atwoods others are super..

STEPHANIE, I probably would have thrown it at the wall much earlier. I commiserate with you over the time lost.

BUBBLE, I know what you mean about the books one takes in small doses, in order to really think about what you've read. Too valuable to hurry through.

Babi

Glad to know others didn't care for Oryx & Crake - I've read 100 pages but there are just so many other books out there just waiting that I won't bother anymore and just throw it at the wall right now

Ah! I feel better already.

I really am enjoying Jackson's Dilemma one of Iris Murdoch's later novels though I'm not very far into it yet

What do the words Oryx&Crake Mean? The words kept me from trying the book. Is it a Science Fiction novel by Atwood?

I read Oryx and Crake. It was not as good as The Handmaidens Tale but it was OK.

Jan - No I have not read the prizewinning one. I might look out for it though next time I am searching the library catalogue.

Carolyn

I don't know if it has any bearing on the book but the crake is a bird apparently, any of several short-billed rails, esp. the corn crake.

The oryx on the other hand is a large African antelope. The Oryx gazella, grayish with black markings and having long, nearly straight horns is an endangered species.

Hats,, I would guess it is sort of a fantasy future type book, but it just flat out made no sense. Very disjointed. Her other books make sense, dark sometimes, but sense. The Handmaidens tale should be read by each and every female in all the world.. It gives you a shivery feeling as to what could happen if we are not all vigilant. She also wrote a super one about a servant who murdered her employer,, or did she.. Canadian and really fun to read.. Messes with your mind.

Bubble and Stephanie, thanks for all that good information.

It is interesting to me to find US folk who like this author. She is a Canadian and I haven't yet come across a Canadian who can read her books!! She has won many awards for her writing but .... Perhaps I should try again.

I am one of the Americans that doesn't care for Atwood and never have been able to finish one of her books. I tried three times but finally gave up.

Cindy, I think that's interesting that Canadians don't like Atwood. Why, I wonder. I liked "The Handmaid's Tale", haven't read the others, though the descriptions of "Oryx and Crake" convinced me I shouldn't try it.

My favorite Canadian author is Robertson Davies. I've read all his novels and many of his collected little pieces (lectures,ghost stories, etc). The best are the Deptford trilogy (Fifth Business, The Manticore, and World of Wonders), but I also like "A Mixture of Frailties". His last book or so seems like bits of earlier books chopped up and rearranged.

I would welcome suggestions of your favorite Canadian authors.

Isn't Carol Shields Canadian? Or am I thinking of someone else? I remember a funny little book about an American/Canadian married couple, one working in the US and one in Canada, who couldn't co-ordinate their time off so they could have sex. I think she alternated chapters with another author?

Isn't Yann Martel Canadian? The one who wrote Life of Pi which was discussed here/

Canadian Authors

Hugh MacLennan is one I liked. His Two Solitudes comes to mind. It covers the period from WWI to outbreak of WWII with all in between - the Depression, the 1920's etc. the mixed cultures Irish/French Canadian, the effects of colonisation. Good book

Farley Mowat wrote some stuff about messing about in boats in icy conditions.

Isn't Michael Ondaatjie regarded as Canadian these days

Pat H

Goody, another Robertson Davies fan. I, too, have most of his books. Enjoy the novels, but also his interviews and musings such as "The Half of Robertson Davies". Also, The Collected Papers of Samuel Marchbanks". Some of his interviews are especially interesting to me because they explain how the Canadian cultural scene is so different from the US.

Mordecai Richler was Canadian. I remember the film, The Apprenticeship of Dudie Kravitz, which was based on his novel. I'll have to check the library for his works. Robertson Jeffries' trilogy was quite an interesting reading experience.

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned reading William Martin's recent book, out in paperback: Harvard Yard.
IMO, don't bother; I couldn't finish it.
His earlier books were better, I think.

The Devil in the Details - Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood, by Jennifer Traig.

Anyone who has ever lived or dealt with someone with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) or with an eating disorder, will relate to and appreciate this book! It's a true story, written by a young woman about her struggles with not only those two disorders, but with an excessive amount of religious fanaticism thrown in as well! I know it sounds like it would be a somber and depressing story, but it's not!

What makes it so readable, is the clever and humorous way that she describes and writes about these serious health issues and personal struggles, and how they affected her childhood, her teen years, and her family. The book is genuinely funny, and never turns into an exercise in self pity or hopelessness. Her parents were wonderful. They accepted her strange behavior, with love, concern and lots of humor. You will like Jenny, and will also like her family.

Margaret Attwoods books are popular in NZ. The Handmaidens Tale got rave reviews. I heard her interviewed once on Radio NZ. She is an intelligent woman. She is very interested in social issues. That comes through in her books I think. She makes you think about how easily our society could change.

Carolyn

I love her radio interviews. She has an interesting timbre to her voice and she is witty, intelligent, very lively conversaitonalist. Except for Handmaiden's Tale I have not been captivated by her writing.

I have never heard her voice. I would like to hear her speak. I couldn't finish Blind Assassin. Now, I would like to try it again. There is a new book out by Margaret Atwood titled Body Surfing. I think she is good about writing how quickly society can change. I loved 'Cat's Eye.' I wouldn't call it a book about social change, not sure.

Zanybooks, I am very aware of Stephen Leacock as a Canadian humorist. We used to read him aloud when I was a child, and I thought he was pretty funny. I bought "Laugh with Leacock" a few years ago to see what he seemed like to me now. Some of it hasn't worn well, or seems pretty dated, but at his best he is still pretty darn funny.

Robertson Davies is a humorist too, although that isn't the main thrust of most of his novels.

In genre fiction there are some excellent Canadian authors. Robert J Sawyer has written an exciting trilogy about the intersection of parallel universes, one human, the other Neanderthal. Giles BLunt's detective series has vern engaging characters as well as neatly plotted mysteries. The first has an intriguing title: Forty Words for Sorrow.

I'm sorry. I believe 'Body Surfing' is by Anita Shreve. Memory lapse.

Yes, all the authors you all mentioned are/were (deceased) Canadians and I loved all their books except Atwood. A note: not ALL Canadians dont like Atwood, just the Canadians I know here on Vancouver Island. Carol Shields, who used to live up the road from me (but in a more elegant abode) is much loved by the Islanders. It was sad when she passed away. P.S. Canadians are NORTH Americans, not Americans!!

Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is undated still.

Giles Blunt' book has been mentioned here before and I am interested in reading it. Unfortunately, my library doesn't have it. I'll have to ask my daughter to check hers.

I have started reading Connie Willis' "To Say Nothing of the Dog". Within the first chapter, I had discoved - "Oh, it's not what I thought it was..", and "Oooh, that's who....". By the end of the chapter I was grinning, and knew I was in for a good time.

Babi

I love starting a book with mixed feelings and then fall right in after the first couple of chapters? I am now reading Water Withches, by this Chris Bohjalian that wrote Double Bind. Has anyone read that one?

I want to read Double Bind by Bohaljain. Alf, let us know about Water Witches. Midwives is good.

Hats I am halfway thru Water Witches and it is just beginning to drag (It couldn't be me dragging, now, could it- playing here in the north with all of the grand kids.)

I'm not worn out enough but today Bill wants me to golf with him. I could live forever if I didn't golf up here in the north, although I will admit it is a grand day. The temp is about 75 degrees and there is a balmy breeze blowing about. that is why he insisted that we bring our clubs. The son in laws are both working today.

I am currently reading Typhoid Mary by Anthony Bourdain. Those of my generation in the Northeast heard a lot about this woman, cook Mary Mallon, who was jailed because it was believed she was a carrier of Typhoid Fever.

I am also reading Garbo Laughs by Canadian Elizabeth Hay. It's a good look at people who are addicted to old movies.

Speaking of movies, I've been tryiing to analyse the making of "Benny and Joon." I think it's a fascinating, wonderful movie, especially interesting to me because my poor son's accident-caused schizophrenia, though I admit that Johnny Depp's multitudinous and amazing talents have something to do with this project. Mary Stuart Masterson's portrayal of a schizophrenic was astoundingly close to what I have seen. I want to figure out how such a difficult subject could lead to the very charming "Benny and Joon."

Last night I watched a DVD called "Decoding Ferran Adria" with Tony Bourdain as host. Adria has devised a new and different way of cooking. Some of his menus were developed in his own laboratory in Spain.

Today I'm ordering some paper, charcoal and pastels online. I miss doing artwork, and decided that I can probably turn out a picture or two even with this badly crippled, arthritic hands that aren't able to hold a brush or pen very well any more.

Mal

Mal, Typhoid Mary by Anthony Bourdain. sounds good hope to remember to order it from the library. I just wrote it down so as to remember.

Canada's leading humorist, Seymour Blicker. World War II and anti-colonialism, Norman Friedgut. Phillip Good's novels (though perhaps better known for his stories about Pinkie, the homeless Man).

We Are All Welcome Here, by Elizabeth Berg, is fiction but is based on the life of a real woman who was stricken with polio shortly before she gave birth to a daughter. She was the first to give birth in an iron lung. The story is told from the 13-year-old daughter's perspective; she is very human and one result of the intimacies is that the reader feels like a member of the family. Anyway, she (the mother) can move only her head but she was an artist so she paints with a brush held in her teeth. She writes that way too. I was fascinated to learn the many ways her medical condition was accommodated in the performance of everyday activities, hygiene becomes a major issue, of course, but is treated in a pragmatic manner.

I loved Benny and Joon.. I had forgotten all about it until you mentioned it. I think it may have been my first exposure to Johnny Depp and he blew me away.. Giles Blunt is really good. Somehow he takes his detective and then sneakily brings the weather in until you realize it is part of the plot.. Fascinating. Atwood.. I know within pages which ones I will love and which ones to toss..

I'm back and I want particularly to say that Intuition by Allegra Goodman I think it is, is wonderful, and I appreciate Christine's mentioning it here. It's somehow got a pure sharp focus; you feel as if you have entered another world where you fit but where everything is smarter, sharper, brighter. It's about doctors and "postdocs" trying to find a cure for cancer in a laboratory and what happens when the results seem too good to be true, on all sides. What happens to the whistle blowers after the fanfare is over, it's got fabulous reviews and ratings. Good good book.

It's beautifully written and perfect for travel because no matter where you are, the minute you pick it back up you're swept back into it. I could not resist and finished it on a train platform at Campi Flegrei in Italy and I was sorry I did. Hated to see it end. I loved it, and I'm going to get her other books, one of which I have heard about: Kaaterskill Falls.

On the plane back, having read all my available books in my carry on luggage, I saw three movies, the ridiculous Will Ferrell skating one which WAS funny, I have to admit, awful but funny, Premonition with Sandra Bullock which I replayed several times at the end but never quite understood the point they were making, I have a feeling that one's from a book, and a Danish movie After the Wedding which was extraordinary. I really like "foreign" films, this one was not only subtitled but you could choose to listen to it in English which was a big help.

Don't forget our first ever "movie discussion" of a movie made from a book in a one week outing the last week of August: Books into Movies: we need a clever title for this. We'll vote on it in that discussion starting August 1.

LOTS of great titles being mentioned here!

Welcome Home Ginny

You were missed

Hats - i owe you an apology from way back in last week......the title of the book that the author was going to be on the Charlie Rose Show was, of course, The Kite Runner, not Rider......to many wedding plans in my head, i guess. ....... jean

Good thought, MAL. Charcoal and pastels would be easier to hold. I have no artistic skills at all, but I know I've missed being able to do some of the things that once gave me pleasure. Let us know how it goes.

Babi

I am glad you enjoyed "Benny and Joon". I thought it a fascinating movie and have watched it several times just because of Depp's acting. I also like "Edward Scissorhands". Does anyone here remember his part in "Chocolat"??

We are reading in an f2f group "The Mermaid Chair" by Sue Monk Kidd. Its okay but not as good as "The Secret Life of Bees" IMHO.

In an another f2f group, the book of the month is "Comfort Me with Apples" by Ruth Reichl who also authored "Tender at the Bone" which I notice in the book flap notes, we should have read first. Well, maybe I can get the other book this week and read it now and this title next week. I've got to get out of one of these groups but I like both of them quite a lot and truly enjoy the discussions that we have.

Benny and Joon is playing on "On Demand." I'll have to take a look.

I just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns. Wonderful book. Hosseini is such a story teller. And what a story. He includes such amazing details in his characterizations. I could barely put the book down. However, if I had to choose between it and Kite Runner, Kite Runner is my favorite.

Welcome back, Ginny!

Hi Ginny!

I knew "something" was missing here in the last many days, I was puzzled... Now I know: It was your enthusiasm . Welcome!

Hi Ginny,

Welcome back! When you are gone, you are always missed. I hope everything went well while travelling. I would love to hear about your travels in Italy.

Ginny, Welcome back. Dont envy you the plane trip at all. I love Europe and hate the planes to get me there. Did you revisit Pompeii. I did so love it last year and long to go back and look and look again.

Thank you all, it's nice to be back. Actually it was 7 plane trips in 10 days in three countries, now you KNOW what with the new security especially in the UK what that meant. hahahaa

Nothing whatsoever to envy, but I did enjoy it.

Yes Stephanie, I went back to Pompeii which surprised me. It was the middle of July, should have been hotter than Hades, but I took my new thermometer clock, love that thing, and even tho it was 90, there was a cool breeze, how can that be? It was quite pleasant, actually. And a lot of shade to sit in. I just could not get over it, it was dry, it's hotter here in SC, MUCH hotter. It's unbearable here, the humidity and the heat, in comparison.

The Circumvesuviana train however, as per, was not air conditioned, and it was 95, as it sat on the tracks, so that was a slightly different experience. I was amazed at the temp in Pompeii in July! Every other time I've been there it was unbearable, I can't quite understand why this time? No wonder they complained of their wool togas tho, unless wool absorbs heat well?

Yes I loved it, and even tho it was my 10th time, I saw all kinds of new things I had not seen before. Despite spending 6 hours there did not get in the newly opened Brothel tho, they were lined up, what few people were stupid enough to go in July, I loved the entire thing. I think I'd go in July again, just to avoid the crowds.

Also there were groups who had paid entrance fees to the different houses which were opened for that purpose but such is the devil may care attitude of the Italians that I was able to waltz right in, also, to the House of Menander, for instance. Just loved it.

Did you get to Oplontis last time Stephanie? If not you really want to go next time, it's just up the tracks and an easy walk from the station, the most amazing thing you ever saw.

And I also went to the new "little Pompeii" under the Vatican, that one was hot. They said it would be, and it was, we were all soaked at 9:15 am. Reminded me of Highgate in London, they're still working on presenting it, it was quite impressive.

And finally after 10 years waiting for it to open, and walking 2 miles plus in blistering heat of the city, I got in the Ara Pacis in Rome. I was shocked when I finally arrived, to find it full of a Valentino fashion show, I resented that till I started marveling at what he had done. He had made the mannequins dressed in what I thought were red robes, but which in reality were his different gowns in red, on either side of the entrance to the Ara Pacis, holding up their arms in sort of greeting as if watching a procession and those entering he had put in white, some of the gowns with trains, it was really something else and so is the Ara Pacis.

There was a festival of music in Sorrento and so from the balcony every night I saw and heard opera and folk singing and dancing, in addition to the yachts and the...it was magic, the whole thing. Thanks for asking.

Are you back, Stephanie? I meant to say before I left but was distracted, I was sorry for your injuries, hopefully they have healed now? I hate falling and seem to do it a bit more than necessary lately. haahhaa

I also could not help but notice that the mannequins which Valentino had put his gowns on were about 6'3" and had waists of about 20", and you can really SEE what a designer intends. Just beautiful beautiful clothes.

Downstairs he had the actual dresses this or that person had worn, what a difference, shorter, squatter, more....whatever. Oh to be 6'3" and with a 20" waist. hahaaa

Ginny ~ How great to hear about your trip! Do tell more! Welcome Back!!!

I love your posts especially when you have been traveling to places that I will never see.

Wow, I have such a list made for the library with all of these titles listed here. Seems that no matter what is going on, we all find time to read.

Ginny: What a joy to have you back. You are truly indespensible. Your joi de vivre brightens every page you write. About the wool togas, my FIL, in his younger days (1906), was a drop out from engineering school in Reno. He dropped out to go gold humting in the Nevada desert. He claimed that wool was cooler because it increased persperation which fostered evaporation, thereby reducing the body's temperature.

Wool is like cotton its a insulating fabric. You don't sweat in summer with a wool underlay over your mattress. If you had very thick wool it would be hot but there are some very very fine wool fabrics which are quite cool.

Carolyn

Thank you Mippy, Ann and Mrs. Sherlock, how nice of you. Thank you Jackie and Carolyn for information about wool, that makes sense.

I actually wore wool or a wool blend so it says, slacks with a lining and of course the ancients would have an inner garment as well but there are records showing some of them DID complain about the togas which must have weighed as much as QEII's robes, that was a huge garment.

Speaking of QEII, I am almost thru the Diana Chronicles and I know some of you are reading it. With only 1/10th of the book left I must say I am disappointed in the extensive coverage of the Press Angle, although I realize that Tina Brown herself is of this ilk, still, I am not sure I care, actually, about the inner workings and machinations and jealousies of the various press people. I think the Press is too much with us, a strange thing to say when reading such a book, but many too many pages on the inner workings of the press. I don't care. A bit of ...what... if I could spell liege majesty I would... using the author's privilege to justify and explain the press.

Really too much given. She DOES clear up the feud between Diana's brother and her at the last however, points for that.

On the trip I also read a short story by Edward Marston, who writes period mysteries, of several different periods. I really enjoyed his story set in the 30's I think it was, it was literate and clever, and have never heard of him. Have any of you read anything of his? I think I'll see what else he's written. That's one thing I really like about Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine , it has short stories by authors you may not know, which then inspire you to look out their books. There was also one, a first short story by Victoria Weisfeld which was really excellent, about a traveler in a tour group in the Mediterranean who THOUGHT a person was trying to get her to take something for him in her suitcase. I thought about it all of the trip.

Yesterday I also got Kaaterskill Falls which was a finalist for the National Book Award and The Family Markowitz which appears to be a prequel so I will am looking forward to both of those by Allegra Goodman who wrote Intuition..

Don't you hate to see a good book end? Now I'm back I want to start Shantaram in earnest, Kathy! What's everybody reading??

Oh Ginny, you make me wish I had book into Pompeii this fall instead of Paris.. But we want to do the river cruise in France and a bit of Paris before and that will suit us this year. MDH hates the constant pack and unpack, so I promised this year, he had to only do it twice. One in Paris and then the riverboat and that was it. He is wild about riverboats and prefers that to any other. I have healed , but still have a painful forehead with a lump and a nose that is not quite happy. But allof the spectacular stuff is gone.

The authorities who run this website are totally unwilling to set aside a separate area for the discussion of serious literature.

That's not true, zany. The second book discussion on SeniorNet was of the Odyssey, surely anybody's nod for "serious" literature. We've read plenty of "serious" literature here in the last 10 years.

Stephanie, I am glad you are feeling better and I think the French river cruise sounds wonderful. I think Joan G went on one last year, and loved it.

Have you really looked at what's been discussed and is on the table to be discussed here, zany?

Check to see some of what's been discussed. Surely some of those discussions would qualify for whatever it is you define as "serious literature"?

Books Discussed: Nonfiction Archives

Books Discussed: Fiction Archives

Zany - I expect you mean 'discuss literature seriously'? If, like me, you look for book discussions only, check into the Non-Fiction and books around the World sections for interesting discussions and referals.

Zanybooks, I don't know what you mean by the discussion of serious literature, but in the 2 or 3 years I have been on SeniorNet, I have participated in:

A really intense analysis of "Iliad", using an exciting translation by Stanley Lombardo, with useful input by Lombardo himself.

A detailed analysis of T. S. Eliot's "Waste Land", led by a literature professor.

A discussion of "Don Quijote", which some of the participants were reading in Spanish.

A discussion of Camille Paglia's "Break, Blow, Burn", which is an analysis of a number of important poems.

A discussion of Stendahl's "Le Rouge et le Noir", which I dropped out of because I can't stand Julien Sorel.

A discussion of Evelyn Waugh's "Brideshead Revisited"

There was a discussion of "Middlemarch" which I didn't participate in, and many other discussions of lesser books, such as Wilkie Collins' "Woman in White", and Bligh's description of the mutiny on HMS Bounty.

So, what do you mean by "unwilling to set aside an area for discussion of serious literature"? Have you tried to get a book discussed and failed? Casual comments about books can be handled by the Book Nook. If you want to hold a full-blown discussion of a book, you can propose it and it will be taken seriously. It's not as easy as you might think to get a good discussion going, because you need a critical mass of participants, plus a Books volunteer has to be willing to agree to monitor the discussion, feed in leading questions, and referee if there are problems, but my impression is that there is a great willingness to do anything that people want.

So if you say more specifically what your problem is, it could be solved.

Zany: I was really startled to read your comment about serious literature. I have been able to participate in so many deep, serious, intellectual, stimulating book discussions on SeniorNet - both fiction and non-fiction - in just the several years I've participated. I feel extremely fortunate to have stumbled upon this website. The level of discussion and selections are very motivating for me. I'm sorry you haven't found what you've been looking for.

Zany: I feel you have wronged us. We do discuss literature, but it sounds as if we are not meeting your needs. There is a process and it may seem to be slow to react but the bottom line is that all the discussions are led by volunteers who must fit their SN activites into their busy lives. You suggest a book. If others are interested then a discussion can be scheduled once there is a leader available who cares to lead it. Lacking interest by others and a leader the proposal dies. It is very democratic.

I have one personal quibble about the discussions and it is that Nonfiction seems to be mostly history and biography. It is a popular discussion so obviously it is what people desire. There have been few science books discussed and that's probably because most bookies are lit and history readers.

Oh me,, what is a serious book or alternatively a serious discussion. WE have had both here and generally there is something of that going on all the time.. Robbie has been working for years now on History of Civilization. We worked on Brideshead..Suggest a book and see if you can get enough people. You cannot force people to read something they dont want or or discuss it.

Why in the world would you dare presume to come into this site and criticize 10 years+ of hard work by our leaders?
What is your purpose here?
Have you viewed any other discussion areas on Senior Net?
Do you an ulterior motive?
If so, step right up and let us know!
I speak for myself but when someone new comes into a discussion and criticizes without knowing what they are talking about, I take umbrage.
Zanyb*** is an advertised site isn't it? Could that be the ulterior motive?

Alf, I am with you 100%. There are some odd goings on here. Suspicious. Not nice.

You have wronged our wonderful book site by making an untrue statement about our DL's and the wonderful posters in each discussion.

Discussion leaders are all volunteers and have accomplished wonderful things with many discussions over the last ten years.

Are you referring to your advertising site and its online ebooks when you say we don't want to discuss serious literature? Is it because none of us have purchased one of your books?

Oh boy, then, Zany you will never find satisfaction. If you want satisfaction, everything you could want is here on Seniornet. Have you spent time looking around at the site?

I just have to mention that we did enjoy your contributions to the discussion of The Red and the Black, Zany. Your edgy posts added another dimension to what many of us considered to be a "serious discussion" of Stendhal's work.

JoanP,

I definitely gained a lot from Zany's posts in The Red and The Black. Zany, thank you.

If SeniorNet books is not serious literature, I don't know what is, perhaps Zanybooks could explain what he means.

Eloise, that's a very good idea.

I'll second that????

I forgot to say I am really enjoying listening to what appears to be a new Audio CD collection called "The Early Poirot," tho you know it can't be new. It's read by David Suchet, Poirot on TV and his sidekick Hugh Fraser ( Captain Hastings). I am really enjoying them, they are short stories and very clever indeed.

The thing that really stunned me about them was the voices. Captain Hastings sounds just like himself, but can do Poirot and a woman and any other person, he's a born minic, but SUCHET!@! That little prissy Poirot is a put on, he's got a DEEP aristocratic English voice, he sounds like nobody you've ever heard.

This is currently being sold under the recent Audio CD's in B&N and it's delightful. Absolutely wonderful for driving in the car, they are so clever, she was SO clever, even now I can't figure out hu dun it.

B&N, the bookstores. also is featuring a marvel of a book if you are even remotely interested in Pompeii, the Nappo Pompeii: a Guide to the Ancient City. I was stunned to see it on their sale rack for $9.95 and it's all I can do to stop buying them. It's wonderful, just the BEST book, full of things that are not well known and reconstructions and the history of the excavations, art. oh it's well worth every penny if you are remotely interested in the subject.

I used IT this year before I went in order to be sure I saw what I wanted to see this time.

And because I a currently obsessed with books about Africa, I'm trying AGAIN (is there a record for how many times a person starts and stops a book? I swear this ties my previous record of The Great Gatsby, hahahaa anyway...) Out of Africa.

I wish I could get, was it Meryl Streep's voice? Out of my mind.

I also just bought Skinner's Drift by Lisa Fugard, who was born in South Africa, and is about an expat returning to South Africa on the occasion of her fathers dying. They say it's fabulous, have any of you read it?

What are YOU reading? What have you picked up again to try this summer? How many times DO you try before you give up? Famous Books I Know I Should Read But Which I Can't Seem to Get Thru Department: do you have one? I have two: The Great Gatsby and Out of Africa.

GINNY, I well remember making three tries to read Plato's Republic. On each occasion I would read to a certain point, not exactly fully understanding all he said but at least managing to grasp some of the principals. Each time I bogged down in the same place, unable to make sense out of what he was saying. After the third time I sat back, thought about it carefully, and came to the conclusion that it didn't make sense and Plato was off base. (How's that for chutzpah?)

Babi

I've read "The Great Gatsby" twice--once a REALLY long time ago, and once 5 or 10 years ago to see if my opinion had changed. Almost everyone I know is highly impressed with it, but it leaves me completely unmoved. I can see what he's driving at, but It totally doesn't work for me.

Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" is another book like that for me. Again, I see clearly what he is trying to make me feel, but he doesn't make me feel it.

zany--Though I've only recently begun participating, I've been impressed with some of the books discussed here in recent years. Some I'm not sure I'd care to take on in these golden years, even with two degrees in literature. (I also taught it at a university for awhile.)

Perhaps you're thinking of books such as John Updike's? Foucault's Pendulum? Books on philosophy and/or physic? Theoretically, it would be possible to have a group reading only books reviewed in "The New York Review of Books." (Not the "New York Times Book Review" but the other one favored by some academics. You could float the idea, but it probably appeals to a rather narrow group of readers. I think most here enjoy a cocktail in our reading--a few bitters with something mellow, and a cherry on the top.

When I finished college, I was shocked, absolutely shocked

, that faculty wives--and few faculty--were reading the kind of "serious" books I'd been introduced to as an undergraduate. In my narrow experience, the reading level (of those who read at all today) has improved, and more books clubs are willing to look past Oprah, at least in a few selections. The SeniorNet book clubs certainly do.

Zany, maybe SeniorNet can be your "dessert." And as for the more ponderous books you enjoy, follow Mother Theresa's advice on being good--if no one else is doing it (reading those books) or appreciating them, read them anyway. Also, it's possible to search for a reading buddy online. A web moderator on the old NYTimes abuzz once asked me if I'd read some scientific books and discuss them with her. I was too busy to take that on. But it's a possibility for you--just ask on a discussion site.

Stick around!

Ginny - "Out of Africa", is truly much better understood and enjoyed as a movie rather than as a book. The movie was adapted from two of Karen Blixen's (Isak Dinesen) books - "Out of Africa and Shadows on the Grass". It is rare when I think a movie is better than a book, but this is a case in point. I had read both books years ago and found them tedious, and forgot all about them. Then I saw the movie recently, and was absolutely crazy about it!! So I checked out both books again, and read them from cover to cover, thinking that I would now enjoy them. But, I still found them rather bland and boring.

The movie sticks with the facts in the books, but it is done so beautifully and with so much skill and emotion, that it makes the story really come alive. Maybe it was Merle Streep as Karen, that I thought was so wonderful? I do think she's a marvelous actress, and was perfectly cast in this film. Robert Redford, and all other actors in the film were perfect as well.

I am reading Gifts by Nuruddin Farah. The story takes place in Mogadiscio. The style of writing is simple, beautiful and exciting. Gifts is the winner of the Neustadt Prize. Duniya is a senior nurse with a family. She is a single parent.

I am also reading Digging to America and Ghost at the Table by Susan Bern. Ghost at the Table is great!

I'm reading American Prometheus, a biography of Dr. Oppenheimer by two authors whose names I don't remember but it won a Pulitzer Prize last year. It's wonderful history--the inside story of many names and events of the 30's and 40's--Upton Sinclair, Neils Bohr, Albert Einstein, Dr. Lawrence (Lawrence Laboratory), Dr. Heisenger (his cat?) and all about the Communist Party in California and how it happened that so many wonderful people were in it--and all that turned sour. Great stuff.

It's almost Harry Potter time. I'm going to go to bed early, then, if I can make myself get up, go get my reserved book from Barnes and Noble at midnight. I probably won't be on line for a while. I know none of the SeniorNetters would give away plot points, but there are an unusually large number of malicious people this time, already flooding the internet with spoilers (some books have leaked out) See you in a few days, and I promise, no spoilers from me.

Pat H, you lucky!! I'm going to have to wait a bit for mine - but not long!!!

I've been reading a bunch of historical novels and just picked up Al Gore's latest.

Al Gore now writes historical novels???? Wow! He's become talented since he left the White House! Heh, heh, heh!!

I am listening before I drift off every night a completely different audio book for me. Entitled "The Greatest Course That Never Was" by J. Michael Veron, this fictional book is about an old Augusta National caddie from Scotland and his ties to the great golpher, Robert Jones and a secret golf course out west. I started to return it to the shelf of the library and then thought that my golfing brother might enjoy it. I always read whatever I send to him just to make sure its going to be a book he will enjoy. So far, with the last three that I have sent, I'm battin' a 100 per cent! Very different but enjoyable if one likes golf and its history here in the states. And much fun to read.

Out of Africa. I loved the movie, but the books left me cold. But I did enjoy Beryl Markham, who lived in Africa, was a pilot and an adverturess(is this a word). If you are into Africa she was great and there are also some books written about her as well. I saw an interview years ago on PBS when she was an old lady and she was still lively and a study in independence. Gatsby, I loved it when I was younger, but I think it is a book for people in their 30's.. not our age. All passion and longing for what isnt going to happen.

Adventuress is a word, Stephanie.

Babi

Thanks Babi, My fingers slip and I forget to reread..

I've just finished a lengthy biography of Aaron Burr and starting the huge biography of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. While exercising I'm listening to an audio of collected columns by Anna Quindlen titled LOUD AND CLEAR. I have two slim mysteries on my bedside table by Darcy Deere, which I will read in due time to get them back to the library. Also, I have three books I purchased on my last trip to B&N that are awaiting fingerprints.

All of that keeps me mentally challenged and, hopefully, stimulates a few brain cells. Keeps them from getting rusty, maybe? Do you think so? Are there any studies showing that readers stay mentally healthy - mentally alert - in comparison to those who do not?

Someone posted a message about the lack of science nonfiction books and I admit that is true. The participants in that folder seem to be, for the most part, history buffs although we have had a number of discussions on other subjects, particularly adventure; see the Nonfiction Archives: NonFiction Books

Make suggestions and perhaps we can get enough people interested in a science discussion. We are motivated by reader interests.

I meant to say thank you to ELIZABETH78 who mentioned the book about Oppenheimer; a man I've always felt steeped in mystery somehow. I've read here and there about him but now a book and a good book. It's unbelievable today that a country, any country, could keep such a secret as we did with the atomic bomb. Have you been to Los Alamos? It's worth a trip if you are ever in that vicinity.

It's at my library and I intend to read it and where I will find all this time to spend reading I don't have know, but I'll get to it, GOD WILLING AND THE CREEK DON'T RISE!

Does the number "78" hold special meaning to you? I had to add a number to my name for email purposes and I chose one my birth year, what significance does the number hold for you?

Hi Ella, When I first signed on here I was 78 years old but as they say--That's one for the history books now!

Thanks Ginny for your marvelous notes on your travels.

I am reading a book called "You're Lucky You're Funny How life Becomes a Sitcom" by Phil Rosenthal. Rosentahal was the creator and executive producer of "Everybody Loves Raymond". If you liked the sitcom you will like this book.

I am addicted to the sitcom and watch every re-run that I can find. I have seen them all so many times that I can almost quote the lines.

Joan Grimes

Beryl Markham--As I recall, she was an adventuress in every sense of the world, a liberated lady. It must be exciting--and vexing--to read of her edgy life.

When I went to the library on Saturday I got my usual bunch of audio books for entertainment but also got two biographies. One of Flora Thompson a British author who wrote in the late part of the 1800s and into the nineteen hundreds. She wrote about the English countryside and village life. One of her books was "Lark Rise to Candleford" I enjoy books about the English countryside particularly in the period in which she wrote so I am enjoying the biography. I have a biography of Charles Dickens too by Jane Smiley. I have to say one of my favorite genres are biographies and autobiographies. I particularly enjoyed a biography of Henry James recently. I also love autobiographies about ordinary people. The autobiographies of ordinary people are often far more interesting than those of celebrities.

Carolyn

Ann: I didn't word that very well did I! hahaha!! No, I'm not reading a historical novel by Al Gore. (I don't think?! I didn't start it yet!!)

Pat H: We just picked up a copy of the new Harry Potter at Stop N Shop, of all places! I thought I'd have to wait to get my hands on one.

I just read a novel about Marco Polo and his travels. He wrote a huge best seller - Il Milione - known in English as The Travels of Marco Polo - in the 13th century after he returned from the Orient. I was thinking it might be interesting to try to read. Has anyone read it?

Marni, believe it or not I read Marco Polo when I was young. It isn't hard reading. I got lost in his travels and all the beautiful and exotic sights. I would love to read it.

Have any of you read Louis Auchincloss' books? I started The Rector of Justin over the weekend. He writes beautifully.

Louis Auchincloss

Ginny, may we pick and read one of his books here?

He seems to write about those high society New Yorkers like Edith Wharton wrote in her time.

Laura Bush

Ralph Ellison Recommendation

"Auchincloss has provided readers with insights that transcend the boundaries of class and religion, region and race, focusing on the conflict between America's ideals and its chaotic reality. His is a society in which even the wealthy are harassed by its swiftness of change, its shortness of memory, and the ongoing conflict of moral identity that marks its history."(Quote from above article)

I never heard of him, Hats!!! Is he related to Jackie Kennedy? Wasn't she an Auchincloss?

I've never heard of the book, but it sounds super. I will try to find it, I have two Marstons on the way, I hope it's the right era, I did like his myteries set in the 30's, but when you go to Amazon you can't tell which is which by looking at the titles unless you read (and I did) every long description.

(Did you all know Amazon sells EVERYTHING? Shoes, clothes, you name it, Amazon sells it).

Great stuff here! What a variety of subjects you're all reading and I am SO glad to hear that some of you found Out of Africa somewhat…er…I liked the movie also but will thankfully put it away once again. I love Huxley on Africa, and as I've mentioned before she had a somewhat quizzical couple of comments on the Baroness Blixen. I think I’ll reread Huxley again instead.

Marco Polo! Gosh, I have read nothing of his, that sounds very interesting!

I started Berendt's book on Venice, the City of Falling Angels and already dislike it heartily. It has wonderful maps and purports to tell us about real people. It's non fiction: all the people and places in it are true, just like his Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil but he's pushing it, I think. The reviews say it's a finer book, and that may be, but the prologue is off putting.

We're walking with a Count we just happened to meet on a street of Venice (yeah, right), who philosophizes about truth and how every time you cross a bridge in Venice you change, and what is reality? If you have a tromp d'oeil painting and the light hits it, and then reflects on something ELSE, which is the truth? Which is the true light?

Er…the one coming from the sun? I have a feeling this is wasted on me? Pearls before Swine? Philistine alert!

Then I had to laugh at the you must take your time crossing a bridge in Venice because you're going to change. He's got half of that right, hahaha. If you've ever been in Venice in tourist season you sure do take your time, you can't help it, you cross those bridges slowly, inch by inch, walls of tourists, you can't move a foot. Up the stairs one by one, takes an eternity.

And then they cross a bridge and the prologue ends with the statement from our Count that nobody in Venice ever states the truth, they mean the exact opposite of what they say.

Er? ….all RIGHTIE then.

I feel I just wasted my time reading a bunch of claptrap about the light and the bridges only to find it MAY be a lie? Please.

Have any of you read this? WOULD any of you read this? Hahaaa Does it get better?

OK Pat H, tell all. What was it like at the Harry Potter Night, were there many adults there? What was the scene like?

Going back to Shantaram and this time I'm going to immerse self in it, I'm home, it does not matter how big it is, I know Kathy loved it, I'll let you know. Just finished the Diana book, such a shame, the death scene was really quite sad. I did not realize the scum photographers took so many photos of those in the car, a disgrace. Not what people have reported, but there was a real doctor on the scene with oxygen in a minute I think who had been in the tunnel so everything that could have been done was done. Awful thing. Going 75 miles per hour but if you've ever ridden with a European driver, in France or Italy, you know that's how fast they drive anyway. I could not believe the speeds in heavy traffic we went this last time in Naples. Or in Paris. Such a shame.

Ginny, did Diana say anything during her last moments??

Not what's been reported, apparently that was all made up. Things like oh God what's happened and things like she was in pain and things like that. The direct quotes are about what's happened and the rest is indirect like being in pain and and so forth.

Oh, what a sad night. I don't know about those conspiracy theories. Those seem pretty far out. I guess those weren't mentioned in the Chronicles.

They were mentioned, actually. It was extremely sad to read about it, I found. Tina Brown's consensus seems to be on the conspiracy theories that Mohammad al Fayed, in his grief, needed to pin the blame on somebody other than his own organization (Henri Paul was one of his employees) but the driver Henri Paul had not been expecting to drive anybody, he was off duty. A sad combination of events all around. Brown keeps saying if Diana had not refused Royal police protection she would not have been in the hands of these drivers in the first place. Paul was off duty, he should not have been called and if called he should have refused. Apparently his judgment was impared. None of the passenters was wearing a seat belt, so many shoulds. It makes you timid about setting out in a car, anything can happen.

A dear friend of my husband's set out with his wife about a month ago in broad daylight to go out to eat and a drunk driver hit them broadside, killing her instantly and he's been in the most horrific condition ever since, injuries beyond belief. Be careful out there!

Not to worry. I think I met all of the crazies on the road yesterday, while driving the jersey Turnpike. Yikes!
And everybody complains about the Floridian drivers- they should visit Jersey.

Andrea hahaha that's where I learned how to drive, in NJ. I still have nightmares about the famous Bristol Burlington Bridge. This bridge was a two laner going from NJ to PA, but it was old, it rose horrifyingly up and up and up but curved!! IN a couple of places!! It CURVED as you entered it from NJ, and in order in the 50's for a "modern" tractor trailer to come into NJ, it HAD to come into your lane. I mean it HAD to come INTO your lane! I had nightmares for years about going UP onto a bridge which went nowhere.

When I took the kids back to old Philly and NJ I went on so about this bridge that the kids thought I was nuts when they saw the fine new span, but you know what? I thought they'd leave the old one as one way traffic. Wrong. They took it down (any of you here from that area? Jean? Living there now?) and the NEW bridge is as claustrophobic as the old one or so I think.

THAT'S why when we went to Charleston for the Books at the Beach Pedln and the others from other parts of the country weren't the only ones bug eyed at the Cooper River Bridge, I thought I would faint, no joke.

I did find tho and I do have to say that in Philly for the Classics Convention in 2006, the Philly drivers while driving like maniacs were very nice to scared to death me and allowed me to get away with all kinds of awful things, very polite. The City of Brotherly Love. I even went out on the Sure Kill Freeway with no bad events. Miracle.

About this time of year, every year, I miss Philly and NJ. It usually lasts long enough for one trip haahhaaa

A short homesickness that pushes one to visit one's old town where one grew up happens to all of us, I'm sure.

Louis Auchincloss?? Isn't he the husband, brother, or son of one of Jackie O's relatives? I see from Hats link that he was born in 1917. Hmmmm! Will see what more I can find.

I will try again here. I just lost a long post.

Ginny, I could not read Berendt's book on Venice. I even went to a library book signing and met him, had a little conversation with him about research in foreign languages and had him sign my book. I tried but I could not read the book. I thought it was because with aging I had become afflicted with some condition which seems to be making me into a lowbrow reader. However since a highbrow reader like you could not read it either maybe I can relax a little bit about that. Of course if it were in large print or if I had on audio cd I might be able to make it through it but am not interested enough in it to purchase it in another format. There are so many others out there that I would like to purchase and read.

Joan Grimes

Here's a link to Louis Auchincloss bio in the NY Magazine.

Louis Auchincloss,the Last of the Gentlemen Novelists

hahaah Joan G, GOOD. That makes two of us but what's with this "brow" business? Don't you see me reading populist trash here? hjahahaa I read everything but Berendt (what's he like in person?) was too much.

If it all MAY be a lie then I'd rather read fiction, and maybe lowbrow trashy fiction at that. hahahaa

Ann, that's what I'm thinking, a Jackie O connection. Her father was a Bouvier, Black Jack Bouvier, it's amazing even now what the press has done to us.

Ann, thanks! Ginny, I didn't know the answer to your question about Jackie O. I ducked away and kept silent.

I think it's the name Auchincloss. Hats, NEVER be siilent!

Apparently Jackie O's father, Black Jack Bouvier, was a bit much to live with, they divorced in 1940, and....

On June 21, 1942, her mother married the wealthy, twice-divorced stockbroker Hugh D. Auchincloss II, heir to a Standard Oil fortune.

From Notable women or something blog

Oh Ginny,

Berendt is such a snob and I think he is a fraud too. He told me that he learned Italian just to be able to write the book and according to him he did it in a very short span of time. Now I know better than that. He could not learn Italian well enough to translate complicated historical documents that quickly. He is not young and a those of us who have studied languages in our old age know language acquistion it much more difficult as you get older. He said he had not studied foreign languages before. I thought maybe he was a Latin student and maybe that was the reason he was able to do the translations but he said no he was not. He also said that he did his own interviews of Italians who spoke no English. That was what made really doubt him. Learning to read and translate is so much easier than learning to speak the language. Italian is easy for me to read but I really don't think I could speak it well enough to be understood. Berendt said oh it is easier to speak than French but he is wrong.

Joan Grimes

Joan G, that fits, actually. I saw the movie again the other night of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, his character there seems always...sort of....wary or something. I loved the movie and Kevin Spacey but especially The Lady Chablis.

I wondered if Berendt's fame had gone somewhat to his head. I guess it's hard to deal with such a bestseller experience and a hard act to follow. I don't think he followed it with Falling Angels, but that may not be fair.

Italian that fast? He's a better man than I am! hahaaa

Ginny, thanks. That's so interesting. I won't. That means so much.

Seems like I tried reading Marco Polo around the same time I tried to read The Prince. Couldn't make it through either. I must be one of those low brows since I like fiction of all kinds.

Oh, I loved Midnight, the movie and the book. However the book was better I thought. But I guess it appealed to my deep down desire to read trash. My eyes were also better when I read it. Loved it though and I was so disappointed with the new one when I could not read it.

Joan Grimes

We need another opinion here. I read and loved The City of Falling Angels. It was certainly fictiony nonfiction, but I'm not a purist. Thoroughly enjoyed it, but I must have skipped the prologue - luckily, it seems. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is one of my favorites - book and movie. One of the few DVDs I own.

On the other subject I'm catching up on here - Floridians never saw a red light they recognized. If you stop for one, someone will go around you a go through it. We are used to it by now, but when the kids come to visit I cringe.

I am going back to Georgia home of everything wonderful. I will go on the Midnight Tour with Miss Martha it will be my 3rd time

I found an interesting site of free online books about exploration and travel. Check out the long list of available books. It includes fascinating-sounding things like Sir Walter Raleigh's The Discovery of Guiana and Hiram Bingham's Inca Land. Here's the site:

http://explorion.net/index.html

I want to recommend two autobiographies which are two of my favorites of any books. They are Henry Adams' The Education of Henry Adams and Vladimer Nabokov's Speak Memory. The Education is on every "best" list and deservedly so. After reading it I went on to read his other books and THAT was an education for me.

Nabokov who wrote Pale Fire, Pnin and Lolita writes of his life before leaving prerevolutionary Russia (when he was 20). His family was upper class but not royalty. A beautiful house in St. Petersburg and a country place, 100 hired help, a French governess, an English tutor. When they escaped his mother had the family jewels hidden in the baby powder. (No pun intended.)

Ginny, Harry Potter night was a happy, excited zoo. They had a big party starting at 9, which I didn't go to, then a little before midnight they kicked the partygoers out (I'm not sure all of them) and they lined up outside, along with walk-ups like me. They let us in in numerical order in batches. We had gotten the numbers either by going to the store earlier in the day, as I did, or at the party. I was number 128, and I was out of the store, book in hand, by 12:15. There were over 900 numbers, plus some more people without numbers. The majority were teenagers, with parents with children (not many very young ones) a close second. I only saw one or two other crazy seniors like myself, but I felt very much at home.

I strongly urge anyone interested in this book to read it promptly, in the meantime avoiding any source of information about the complex, superbly crafted plot. All I will say is that the quality is as good as any of the books.

I'm a crooked brow. It's high in places, low in others.

Elizabeth, that's terrible. I'll bet you didn't mean it.

For some reason I enjoyed reading "The Prince". There was some of the fascination of a bird staring at a snake. It's full of those awful, convoluted Italian Renaissance politics that are impossible to keep straight. His point of view is deplorable, of course.

Marni,

Thank you for that site. I love it. All those books on the site you found are on the net. I can't believe it. There is another site like that one about books around the world. It's called Longitude. Maybe I can find it.

Longitude books

Hats, thanks for the Longitude link. I'm going to check it out.

Marni, are we going to read Marco Polo?

Isn't Jackie O's sister married to a Hugh Auchincloss?? I look it up!!

I bought "The City of Falling Angels" on the discount shelf at B&N for $4.95. That should have been a clue to me! I TRIED to read it, and couldn't believe how bad it was. I just couldn't concentrate on it long enough to get past the first couple of chapters.

My husband tackled it after I gave up, and he DID finish it. His comment was that there was some interesting historical stuff about Venice, but overall, he would never recommend it to anyone. Our library has a rack out in the lobby where you can leave books and people can just take them for free. I'm sure Berendt would be insulted, but we left his book there. LOL!

Oh yes, I did like "Midnight in Garden, etc.", but disliked the movie.

On June 21, 1942, her mother married the wealthy, twice-divorced stockbroker Hugh D. Auchincloss II, heir to a Standard Oil fortune. Jacqueline and Lee resided with them at Auchincloss’s two comfortable estates, Merrywood in McLean, Virginia, and Hammersmith Farm in Newport, Rhode Island. Janet’s second marriage gained her and her daughters unlimited access to polite society and produced two half siblings, Janet (1945) and James (1947). Jacqueline’s combined families provided a powerful social network that she utilized successfully throughout her life.

So, her step father was Hugh Auchincloss. Now, was he related to our author, Hats? Your turn! Tee hee!

Ann, Ginny wrote about Hugh Auchincloss too. I can't answer your question. It seems so. I can't say for sure. That doesn't have to be the case. Maybe we need more research.

I think we do need more research about our author's life. This seems like a question the Blue Wiz could answer. It's now over my head.

Jean here, Ginny! You are right the "new" Burlington-Bristol Bridge is almost as narrow as the old one. It's still a little hairy to drive over. But i love watching the center section go straight up and down as ships come up the Deleware River....."sure kill expressway!"LOL, LOL, I loved that term and it sounds so much like you! My family lives in south-central Pa and my son coached at Gettysburg and then Bucknell two years ago. He got married this past Saturday at the chapel at Bucknell and his wife is from that area......sooooooo we spend sev'l times a year riding the Sckulkyll Expressway - i kn ow that's not spelled correctly, but it i go look for the correct spelling right now, i'll lose this message and have to write it all over again......anyway, I hate that Expressway as much as you hated the B-B Bridge.

(O.K., i looked it up and it's Schuylkill)

Hats - I've read some of Auchincloss' books. I too enjoyed them. He sort of reminds me of John O'Hara's books and characters. I see you've all figured out that he's related to Jackie thru her step-father.......Louis Auchincloss, Gore Vidal.....Jackie had a lot of writers in her connection. .......jean

Ann, read Mabel's post. She confirms what I couldn't confirm. Thanks, Mabel. Mabel, do you remember Ten North Frederick Street by O'hara? My sister and I read it. She recommended it to me. Now, I can't remember what it was about. I just remember I liked the novel. John O'hara was another good writer. Is Ten North Frederick Street a movie?

Marilyne, is Ten North Frederick Street a movie? Do you happen to know? Oh, that's another good book by O'hara. Mabel, do you remember From the Terrace? Was that a movie? I did read the book ages ago.

Yes Hats, both of those books were made into great movies......or at least in my late teens, i tho't they were great movies, now when i look at them, they are a little soppy, but you can't beat a movie w/ Paul Newman in it!!!! They were typical 40/50's books and movies. Great clothes, good actors, dramatic love stories......Ten North Frederick is about a father having an affair w/ his dgts' college roommate - seems risque for the time, doesn't it? And of course, From the Terrace was the typical poor/hard-working/great-looking man goes to work for the rich employer and falls for his dgt.......love it, love it......not "serious literature" but great fun!.......am i remembering those stories correctly, gang?............I know someone will tell me if i don't - and that's o.k..........I love the knowledge of all of you SN's........jean

I know American Tragedy is a movie. I have never seen it. I haven't read the book. American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. I think he wrote about a true story using fiction. Is that called Historical Fiction?

Wasn't Elizabeth Taylor in "From the Terrace"? I don't remember seeing the movie, but I do remember some of the ads featuring the gorgeous Elizabeth.

Babi

For anyone who wants to check up on "wasn't that a movie?" or "who played in that?" internet movie data base http://imdb.com/ is a valuable site. They have all this stuff, with a wide variety of ways to search, and once you find the movie you want, they will give you a lot of information about it.

I just finished The Inheritence of Loss. I disliked it immensely. I know, I know- it is a critically acclaimed novel but after the first 4 chapters I wanted to pitch the story. It is the story of generations of Indians (from India- not native American.) It reminded me of The Good Earth. Very depressing, for me at least. I'm still trying to finish the The Water Witches and much prefer the one that I just finished, by the same author, Double Bind.

I have finished the Scarlet Pimpernel and loved that story. I can't wait for that one to start.

On the road, coming and going to the Jersey shore, I aptly read The Road. This story tugs at your heart, is depressing but a wonderful and warm testimony of the love by a parent for a child. the story should generate a wonderful discussion when we open it in September.

Hats: I was getting all excited about reading Marco Polo's account of his travels. I browsed through a couple of online versions. It looks really discombobulated! There's all kinds of extra info such as notes intermingled with text. Maybe I'll see if the library has a hard copy to see if it's any easier to follow.

Alf - what a beautiful week to be at the Jersey shore.....don't you love that that's what we call it....and that we say "down the shore?" .....do you remember that Ginny?.....jean

Marni, good luck with the research.

Loved Auchincloss. Read everything of his back a while ago along with all of O Hara.. One wrote of New York and the other Pennsylvania, but basically the same type of world. Moneyed, priviledged..Interesting writers..There is also a current writer..whose name just went out of my head who writes a bit in this line.. His last book was about OJ Simpsons trial and he did a good job. Anyway they all write of a world we dont really inhabit.. Louis wrote a good deal about not only money, but old money..

Down the shore! There is Jean!!! Yes, indeed. Burlington Bristol Bridge? Not Bristol Burlington, I think you are right!

Ann, hahaha yes this time of year, the feeling of wanting to go "home" is quite strong. I wonder why. It's no longer HOME. Takes 1/2 day to get over it when the reality sinks in. Big thing on the CBS news last night about the inner city of The City of Brotherly Love, not good. Gang shootings and chaos. Not good.

I wonder, too, if I will EVER EVER stop running red lights in Philly. Their red lights are over the SIDEWALKS not the streets, I never see them. AH nostalgia. I'll probably need to take one of those cheapo weekend flights to Philly the next time it's offered, you know the ones where to go for a 1 1/2 hour flight you first go to a HUB and then stay there for 6 hours? Or two hubs? hahahaa

Love hearing all the book comments here. I must try Auchincloss, he's new to me, I'll give him a shot tomorrow, hopefully the Rector is available at B&N, thank you for recommending him, Hats.

Christine, how did you fare with EF Benson??

Stephanie - Dominick Dunne??

Marjorie

Elizabeth ~ Thanks for the reminder about Vladimer Nabokov's Speak Memory, which I read many years ago. Excellent, and time to re-read if I can find it on my overflowing shelves.

Just finished another fine Anne Tyler: Back When We Were Grownups (2001), which is a great light read for a
summer day. It's a novel with more character development than plot, about family life in a Baltimore row-house. Just my cup of tea!

I always really enjoyed his books. And in the same ballpark, there is J.P.Marquand.

JeanLock,

Thank you for another new author.

This November 1st, if I get a quorum, I plan on leading a discussion of "The Picture of Dorian Gray"–Oscar Wilde. It will be moved out to "Proposed" September 1st for readers to express their desire to join the discussion. AFTER the novel is discussed, I would like to compare it to the movie of the same name.

And that is the reason I bring it to your attention at this time. You see, TCM ( Turner Classic Movies) will air the movie September 8th at 11:30 P.M. and October 9th at 2:30 A.M. If you are interested, this will give you an opportunity to record the movie. However, the times I listed are for my time zone (Eastern Standard Time) yours may differ. Here is a link to the TMC site.

http://www.tcmdb.com/title/title.jsp?stid=2821

Please check your TV schedule for the airing of the movie in your time zone.

By the way, this novel is one of Barnes and Noble's classics and carries the great introduction associated with their classics along with a mini biography of Oscar Wilde. I purchased my copy at the local Barnes and Noble book store for $4. 95. It can also be purchased on line at the B&N site for the same price.

Bill H

May I ask if anyone here uses the eBooks or Audible.com to download books. If so, Please email me with a sort of "tutorial" as I am not sure I am understanding their website details, i.e. you pay a monthly fee, and then pay for the books too? Is that correct? If you use either of these, or have used both, please give recommendations as to which is best!

BillH: I will be very interested in reading Wilde. How one mind can create Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest boggles my own mind. Is it the 1945 movie we will be discussing? Lots of familiar names in the cast. See at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037988/

Hi, Mrs. Sherlock, good to know you are interested. Yes, that is the movie I had in mind. However, it is not limited to just that one. I believe there are others as well.

But the movie discussion only comes into play after the book discussion. Hope it is fun comparing them.

I have the B&N classic edition and the introduction is outstanding. Hope you sign up in September for the discussion in November.

Bill H

I see that Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were the stars of the 1960 movie, "From The Terrace".

BillH: Thanks for the opportunity to read Dorian Gray with SN. I have a copy of the book somewhere - probably lost among the dreaded double shelving. But I'll find it so please add me to your list of starters. I still remember the 1940s film with George Sanders - great actor and how I loved to hate him in the roles he played. I wont get your TV programme here in Australia but will look around for a video or DVD -

Probably your local library has a copy of the movie but if not there's a site entitled "Movies Unlimited" which handles many old movies. Maybe this one might be there. I don't know if they ship out of the US though. Just a thought for you.

BillH,

I will probably also be here with the book in hand if I can get a cheap copy from B&N. Sounds like a fun discussion.

Yes,, Dominick Dunne. He did several books on roughly the same sort of people that John O Hara and Auchincloss wrote about. O Hara was a passion of mine for a long time. His characters were soooo devious..

I seem to connect Dominick Dunne with a different type of writing. Maybe scandalous situations? I don't see Louis Auchincloss in this light. Of course, I am newly meeting these authors. I have never cared for Dominick Dunne's writing.

Some of Auchincloss was supposedly taken directly from scandals he knew about. He was high society himself and he wrote in many cases about people he knew.. The Rector is a good example..So that is what I was referring to. Dunne does this as well, although originally Dunne wrote just of high society. After his daughter was murdered, he has been writing about murder and injustice in her memory.

Stephanie, thanks. I figured it was a lot of facts not known by me.

gumtree, thank you for considering to join in. The official sign up time will be in September. Hope you find the video.

Ann, good to know your coming aboard.

Bill H

Bill H: Will sign on at the appropriate time. Just wanted to let you know I was interested. Thanks.

Ann alden: Thanks for the info on movies site. I should have no trouble locating a video here but have noted the site details just in case.

I read The Rector of Justin and at least one other many years ago. I'm surprised I let the others pass me by, because they were beautifully written, fascinating reads about high society and financial misdeeds--not technical--in NYC. I just saw Auchincloss featured in a press (Emory or Indiana U.?) catalog, featuring a new biography.

Dominick Dunne focuses more on high profile crimes as such. I've always meant to try one ofhis books. My mom loved true crime stories. That's an entire genre I always meant to visit, but I'm now looking for less violence, except for an occasional detective or mystery novel.

Al Gore's daughter has another novel out. Wonder what those are like? The newest takes place around the Vice-Presidency. (You know these famous names usually get lots of editorial help. I just read a news article that said virtually ALL of the top musical performers have their so-called compositions written for them by professional song writers. I'd wondered how so many of these performers could write so well. One songwriter asked how they--Celine, etc. have the nerve to say on TV that they wrote the music. I guess the ching-ching of the cash registers is louder than their consciences.)

Our PBS station is showing a program on J.J.Audubon tonight at 9:00. I know some of you who were part of our discussion on JJA might be interested in seeing it.....the "intro" on my e-newsletter asks "hero or villain?" I'm curious what they consider his villainy........hope some of you get to see it.....jean

I believe there have been at least two mainstream film versions of Dorian Gray. A much earlier one--in the forties or fifties--had an oddly handsome actor such as Hurd Hatfield. They were very different. (Answers on imdb.com.) It seems I read at least some of the book many years ago.

The book is kind of an allegory of Wilde's life. Interesting to know at what stage he wrote it.

I'd forgotten those wonderful O'Hara books and movies. Elizabeth Taylor was in "Butterfield Eight." I didn't read that book but saw the movie. She played a very high class "working girl"--mink coats, etc.

A few years ago, I discovered a couple of her films I'd missed--worth it just to see her.

Who in the world is that?? Never heard of him! I remember George Sander being in the 40's movie. Am I wrong?

Here's a link to the movie of 1945 with George Sander and Hurd Hatfield. Picture of Dorian Gray-1945

And who did Hatfield play? Dorian Gray?

Yes, he did. (I looked it up on imdb).

Oh I remember that movie so well. It was really a good one.

Joan Grimes

I'm not sure, but I think he might have killed and stuffed birds (like a taxidermist) in order to get the details right. Some might think this was villainous. Sue

Jean: I'm watching the Audubon right now as I write! It's so good! And the author Rhodes is interviewed. Yes, perhaps he was considered a villain because he killed the birds to paint them. Also, he left his wife for so long and after he died she had to sell his copper plates to live? For many years of their marriage he couldn't support his family and she had to work? I'll keep watching to find out more. (I'm using my laptop.)

"Audobon's villainy?

I'm not sure, but I think he might have killed and stuffed birds (like a taxidermist) in order to get the details right. Some might think this was villainous. Sue "

I haven't seen the show yet, but I doubt that that was considered "villainous" at the time, when everyone routinely shot animals for food. My understanding was that it was then taken for granted that in order to study birds in detail, one would need to kill them. Samples of previously unknown birds would be taken in the same way as samples of new plants.

Not until the middle of the20th century was there a movement to study animals in their natural setting, with as little disturbance as possible. At that time, many pioneers began developing techniques for studying animals in the field

The modern pastime of"birdwatching" or "birding"as I understand it started with Roger Tory Peterson. He was an airplane spotter during WWII, and decided that if planes could be recognized from afar with binoculars, so could birds.

Now, we take it for granted that animals should be studied in the field, but to criticize Audubon for not being several hundred years ahead of his time seems a stretch.

Oh, the Audubon program was excellent. It reminded me of our wonderful discussion of the Rhodes biography here on SeniorNet.

Bob and I saw one of the double elephant sized Audubon Birds of America in the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library in New Haven, CT. It was thrilling.

Yes, the Audubon show was very good. I thought I was taping it, but something went wrong, and I didn't get it. I hope they rebroadcast it, so I can get it.

Yes, that biography was good, wasn't it. I'm not sure the PBS show quite captured what Audubon had to go through to find some of the birds that he painted -- the extent to which he was a pioneer, not just in the quality of his art, but in finding the birds that he painted. He really relied on his gun to keep from starving and to protect himself: no wonder he felt differently about shooting animals.

"I haven't seen the show yet, but I doubt that that was considered "villainous" at the time, when everyone routinely shot animals for food. My understanding was that it was then taken for granted that in order to study birds in detail, one would need to kill them. Samples of previously unknown birds would be taken in the same way as samples of new plants."(JoanK)

I feel the same way. I think a reason or reasons were given in Rhodes' book, these words comforted me. I realized Audubon painted and studied these birds in their habitat in the only way possible during that era.

Barbara65b,

I really enjoyed your post about Louis Auchincloss and Dominick Dunne. I see a definite difference between the two. Your post was of great help to me especially since I have no interest in high profile murder cases accept as clips on the news.

Pat H, thank you for that description of Harry Potter Night. Based on your own recommendation I bought the last book. I have never read one of them but have seen all the movies. I was immediately caught up IN the book, and read quite into the night, but since it's in medias res, I thought, look what you have missed, and so now am going back to the beginning and starting over.

I love the way she dedicates the book at the end to all those who have stuck with Harry to the end. Love it. I haven't but I'm going to.

I really like the format of the books, so nice and large, I really love the way they are printed, and it's a pleasure to think of all the children of the world curled up in a corner enjoying reading them. I'll start on the first two (which I had bought for my future grandchildren when they came out in hardback) today. I love the visceral feel and look of the books and I like the way she writes. It's one of the most interesting books I've picked up this summer.

Thank you for talking about it!

Ginny: Welcome to the fold. HP fans are all ages, all kids at heart. A friend's daughter wasn't interested so she asked me if I wanted the first two books her daughter had received as a gift. I had been wanting to "see" what all the excitement was about but felt reluctant in my dotage to be seen buying them! After I read those two there was no turning back.

Ginny, I am glad you are here. With all the practice stuff going on, I thought I had lost some of my old friends.

No we're still here in the Books, Hats, but I have trouble personally accessing the new site, that is speed wise. I'm sure it will all work out. Still here.

Jackie, I am excited about HP, better late than never! hahahaa

I love Harry Potter. I am almost finished the first book. I am very far behind. I refuse to look at the movies until I finish the book. J.K. Rowling is going to be on Dateline, I think.

Mrs. Sherlock,

I see you have read two Harry Potters. I am soooo jealous. Hurrah for you. I am nearing the end of book one.

Hats, it's good you are reading them in order. Try not to find out later plot points. There is no harm in seeing a movie once you have the book it's based on, as the movies don't jump ahead.

PatH, thanks for the pointers. I am going to try and stay still to finish my first one this week. I'll let you know.

Hi Folks: I've been down for the count with a buggy computer. But now I have a shiny new one, including Windows Vista, which has all kinds of security precautions built in.

E.F. Benson: I read Queen Lucia and enjoyed it--and now I'm ready for the next one.

Ella, is it too late to suggest a book to answer the question if it's possible to keep the brain limber? I just read "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" by WSJ science writer Sharon Begley. It's about the latest developments in neuroplasticity of the brain, which is fascinating and very hopeful research. I think it would tell you to keep reading, especially things outside your comfort zone.

Dorian Gray: I'd like to read this, although I'm not a big movie person.

J.J. Audubon: There is a novel about him by Katherine Govier called Creation. I liked the sound of it but have not yet read it. I'm saving it for my vacation in September.

What I'm reading: Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. I'm almost done, and I'm happy about that. I don't plan to join the fan club.

I love Harry Potter. I ordered the book but have til Aug 3 to pick it up. I have to wait for someone to take me to Whitcoulls our biggest book outlet chain.

My friend Ruth who is a real intellectual also loves Harry Potter. We have followed his life avidly since we discovered we liked the first book. I am not ashamed to enjoy Harry Potter and his adventures! I saw the latest movie with my daughter and SIL who are also Harry Potter fans this last Tuesday. We all enjoyed it very much.

I saw on the latest advertising blurb I got from Whitcoulls there is an adult edition of the latest book. It shows the cover with "adult edition" shown prominantly on the cover.

Carolyn

Joan K, I was posting in a response to someone who'd seen a teaser about the PBS program--which said something about Hero or Villain? I have not seen the program so don't know what the writer said on this topic. My response was the only thing I could think of that would make someone think he was a villain--I certainly don't!

BTW, for those who did see it, was there a controversy about him shooting the birds? Sue

Carolyn, I wonder what they added to the "adult edition"? I can think of things, but none of them would have any real point in the story or add anything useful.

An adult edition of Harry Potter? Maybe they changed some of the sadder outcomes for the children's version. (That's just a wild guess; I haven't gotten the book yet.)

Babi

Some of you may remember during the Audubon discussion that I tho't he was very selfish about doing what he wished to do and left his wife to take care of the family and then insisted - even tho' she was petrified to sail the Atlantic - that she come to Europe, and that he may had an extra-marital relationship. This was not an unusual behavior for men who have been supreme in their field, especially artists and creative men. Even tho John Adams loved Abigail dearly, he seemed to have no qualms about being away from his family 14 out of 20 years of their marriage..........to get your name in the history books, it seems you do have to be obsessed.

I don't think that's what the promo for Audubon was alluding to, however, i do believe that they were looking back from a 21st century perspective at the destruction of the birds. I agree w/ those of you who spoke to that. However, it's not a valid argument to say that now. I constantly warn my students about not taking that 21st century perspective when trying to assess the behavior of people in another era of history. There were millions of birds at the time, there was no danger that he was depleting the number by killing some of them to study. He did not torture the birds to study them. I would not call him a villain based on that behavior..........maybe it was just a marketing strategy......jean

Welcome back, Christine! I wondered where you were.

Oh I am SO glad you liked Queen Lucia, I will hold my breath until you finish Mapp and Lucia!

At one time we did have a discussion here of Harry Potter. Since we have so many here familiar with it it might be fun to make the occasional comment, those of us reading it from the beginning, what do you think? Or would we need a specific Harry Potter discussion, just a general one for that? I can't think what an adult version of Harry Potter would be, Carolyn, how interesting.

I could discuss EF Benson too, at the drop of a hat. hahaa But we've done two of his.

Interesting, you all on the Audubon. He sounds quite a figure. Jean, this was interesting ..........to get your name in the history books, it seems you do have to be obsessed.

What happens when you are obsessed but the history books pass you by? hahahaa

Ginny- my BILs best friend is obsessed with Archeology. He has made some very controversial discoveries. He has lots of degrees but Archeology was never one of them. Now he writes books and lectures at University. He is the most obsessed person I have ever met. However if you get inherited money you can obsess, many people cannot indulge their obsessions. He did nothing but digs and writing for 10 years. His wife left, she could not handle his obsession. (away at digs and shut in the study writing)

I just got back from the library with a pile of recreational reading- nothing heavy. I could not find any book I really liked although I did take out "A Beggar at the Gate" by Thalassa Ali.It is the sequel to "A Singular Hostage" Its in the style of "The Far Pavilion". Lots about the Muslim religion in the book and Quotes from the Qur'an. Set in pre partioned India.

Carolyn

Thinking about the effect on one's family whenone is an obsessive, my thoughts leaped to a comment I read/heard about many top executives being sociopaths. Obviously my mind links obsession with sociopathy, the compulsion of the driven to satisfy their needs at the cost of others' needs/desires. (If they are even aware of other's?) Wonder if researchers have published about this? What fun it would be to "diagnose" leading sociopaths in today's news.

Sociopaths have no conscience. Well that could describe quite a few Kings of Industry who seem to have no conscience! I had a friend who was married to a diagnosed Sociopath for five years. ( she did not realise when she met and married him). Sociopaths are monsters.

Carolyn

I would love discussing Harry Potter and Rowling, h is creator. I have read all of them and have seen all of the movies. They do quite a good job of translating the books into movies. I cannot imagine an adult version. Frankly Rowling never wrote down for children, so cant see the point.. Sex is sort of set aside other than falling in love sort of feelings in the Potter books. She is extra careful to keep it age appropriate for Harry and friends. One of the things I like the most about her. On line, I got a 5.00 gift certificate from Amazon for preordering my book so long ago.. Sort of neat.., since I only paid 17.00 for it, that brings the price down to 12.00 whew.. considering the size of the book, that is more than reasonable.

I'm in to the first one now and there's quite a difference in size in the texts, and I agree she does not talk down, neither does that Lemony Snicket guy, how nice it is to see books with a plot and with a vocabulary.

If you've ever seen the First McGuffey reader you can appreciate what these two authors have done. I'm just starting the first Harry Potter and Hats is ending it so I guess we could generally discuss the first one or?

I love the way it starts, very Stephen Kingish, really. He wrote a story once, I think it was under Richard Bachman's name, about a man who goes to the supermarket with his son and what happens, the sort of aura is very similar. Of course, being Stephen King, had a lot of stuff in it Rowling will leave off. I love the story of how she got started too, the prize or grant she got, love it.

Yesterday's USA Today has a front page article on Rowling called A Fond Look Back at Harry, which does contain spoilers and it might be of interest to those of you who enjoy the series. It is online.

I have four of the first five books and have ordered the audio versions from my library just to see and hear if all the kudos about Jim Dale, the only reader of the audio versions, is as good as he seems. They interviewed him on TV and he is so popular with the kids. They showed him at a reading where the children were simply awed and insisted that he sign their books. He says that he used 134 different voices to read the last book. There is a lot to say for audio books. One can listen to them on a trip or at night when trying to go to sleep. I really enjoy listening to them in the car.

I have seen the first two movies only and didn't particularly like the second one. Must borrow the third one from my grans to see what it is like.

Rowling is a super writer, isn't she? Like the way she doesn't talk down to her readers.

Harry Potter

It was my understanding that the only thing they changed for the adult readers was the cover. Figured adults would rather not have the childish cover.

The narrator in the Harry Potter audio books is absolutely awesome! I have listened to all of them as well as reading the hard copies. I enjoyed the audio books just as much as reading the hard covers. I love the films too and have watched them all more than once. (with a gap of around 12 mths between them). Harry Potter is amazing to watch on my sons giant home theatre screen with all the movie theatre sounds around you. I am going to stay with my son and his family for a couple of days. They are picking me up on Sunday. They always get a couple of good movies in for me for a treat. ( and chocolate for me to munch) I'm spoilt!

Brooke my eldest grand is 10 today. I cannot believe it! She is coming to visit me this morning and I will give her her present. (A high school musical T Shirt) She has just got into pop music and loves High School Musical. I am quite proud to also say that her choices of pop stars all come from the Disney Channel! Long may she stay with wholesome entertainment.

Carolyn

Quite a lot of research has been done on sociopaths, I believe. They are not easily identified by the public at large, as they are usually intelligent and tend to be quite charming and apparently friendly. There is simply no reality behind that facade. They do not care about others; they have simply found it is easier to get their own way by acting that way.

Babi

Just finished Evanovich's last book "Lean Mean Thirteen." I read it in 24 hours while having company and making dinner for 8. It was HILARIOUS! I laughed out loud more often than i have since i read the first one! .......A few years ago they were asking on her website for people to suggest who should play the roles in a movie.....i wish they'd get it produced, altho, after all these books, i think they should do a tv series........jean

Babi: I've always been fascinated by the people on the margins of society. One of the reasons I was attracted to Sociology. I felt marginal myself, a girl when boys were what was wanted, too bright, too fat, too ugly, too nerdy, family of alcoholics, an immigrant from the south when Californians called anybody with ah accent "Okies", not flattering, and worst of all, I wanted a career in medicine and my family was violently opposed to anything but typist, maybe teacher, maybe nurse. Of course their predictions were correct. But I was helpless to resist the urge to study, analyze, identify others like myself but different. Hence, sociopathy.

"I was helpless to resist the urge to study, analyze, identify others like myself but different"

JACKIE, that sounds like a calling to me. That was your field and where you belonged. As for your marginal self (

), I seldome met a young girl who did not consider herself either too fat, too thin, too ugly, 'out of it', nerdy or dumb....or something. Teens are so insecure. I wouldn't want to relive those years.

Babi

Harry,, Yes I love the beginning of Harrys adventure. Both the book and then the movie did an excellent job at introducing characters. I have never heard the audios.. Have all of the books, and have seen all of the movies thus far.. But maybe it is time to try for audios.. My new MP3 player is awesome for music. Now if I want to nap ( one of my favorite secret things to do), I plug in the player and boom.. drift off to my favorite music from the 60's.. Sociopaths.. Not a favorite of mine, my brother was quite close to this and I know how hard it is on the family and wives.

Half way thru the Sorcerer's Stone. Somewhat concerned that at one point Harry was a baby left on the doorstep and now we find he was one year old. There is a difference? Minor thing.

Reading into the night, getting up reading. USA Today yesterday listed something like 5 Harry Potter books on the best seller lists, looks like a lot of people want to know what the shouting is about.

By the way wanted to thank whoever it was that talked of the book written by the autistic women..It is downstairs, but it is something with gorilla in the title. I am halfway through and awed by her ability to make you understand her and then gorillas. Wow.. This is one awesome book.. So Thanks.. someone here mentioned it.

It wasn't me but I did see her picture with her family in USA today in the dr's office on Thursday and was amazed at what she has accomplished. Actually, I believe, she has been diagnosed with Ausbergers??? Disease, right?? It is a form of autism. Due to reading the article, I found another form of autism mentioned. Can't remember the name though. I didn't know that there were degrees of the disease but I did see a program or section of Sunday Morning about 3 yrs ago where they featured an Autistic(their description) couple who now are married and living in the desert in the SW and doing very well. Lovely story and sweet couple.

I mentioned the book, it is Song of the Gorilla Nation....glad you like it, i tho't it was very interesting......jean

Behrendt's "The City of Fallen Angels" was not the record-breaker that "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" was.

For a concept different from that of John Behrendt, I suggest reading "Serenissima" by Erica Jong (1988). It is a very imagnative work with a connection to Shakespeare, who set seven of his plays in Venice. Jong wrote another novel about Venice in 1995, "Shylock's Daughter". (Who could forget Erica Jong's "Fear of Flying" all these years back?)

Then there is "A Thousand Days in Venice - An Unexpected Romance" (2003)by Marlena De Blasi. According to The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, it is "a little cioppino of a book, a tasty stew with equal parts of travel and food and romance, spiced up with goodly amounts of fantasy-come-true." Some recipes are in the back.

I was glad Robertson Davies was mentioned here recently (first by gentleben/cindy, I believe). After Davies died in Ontario in 1995, I heard a Boston radio talk show host, a widely read, serious man, confess that he had never read anything by Robertson Davies, and I thought, how sad for him.
Judith Skelton Grant wrote an excellent biography of the Canadian author, "Man of Myth", it's a heavy tome, hard to balance in bed. haha

It surprises me a little that the Isabel Dalhousie mysteries by Alexander McCall Smith have not been mentioned here -- unless I missed it.
The Scottish author is best known, of course, for The No. 1 Ladies'Detective Agency", which is still gong strong with volume # 8, "The Good Husband of Zebra Drive.
Edinburgh is the setting of the Dalhousie mysteries. Volume 3, "The Right Attitude to Rain" is now available in paperback. No. 4 with the title "The Careful Use of Compliments" will be published in August.
All volumes of the ongoing series are addictive - to me.

Traude, I agree. I stopped at Blue Shoes and Happiness. I try not think of the new books until caught up with people like you. It is a wonderful series. I hope Alexander McCall Smith never stops the series.

Still working on Songs of the Gorilla Nation. She was diagnosed with Asbergers syndrome which is a form of autism as an adult. A most interesting woman who could not relate to humans, but could with gorillas at the beginning. I was especially interested in that she sees numbers as colors. I have a son who has severe math problems and always complained of the same thing..Never knew anyone else who did that until her.

Thanks, Traude. I had neglected McCall Smith of late. There are 2 more in the 44 Scotland Street series, which my library does not have, and the Professor Doctor Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld has other titles as well. Portugese Irregular Verbs, The Finer Points of Sausage Doge, and At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances, the titles alone make me smile. How I missed the Isobel Dalhousie series I can't say but I'm embarking now with The Sunday Philosophy Club.

I've been on a figurative trek to the Pacific Northwest lately. A Sudden Country, Karen Fisher, took me from the midwest to Oregon. I was a woman travelling with her family, gives a good feel for the daily minutiae as well as some unexpected encounters. In The Jump Off Creek I was a woman who sent out to become a solo rancher on the east side of the Cascades. Again, a quiet story with a great deal of impact. Lastly, The Living, by Annie Dillard, is giving me the life of Bellingham Bay in far north Washington state. Family saga by family saga, the area's development grows through the efforts of settlers, Native Americans, miners. The land is a Presence, completing a circle. I am an observer of the ant-like community as it scurries to and fro. Serendipitously, the audio of Mayflower, by Nathaniel Philbrick, added the preface. It has been quite a ride.

I have a Trivia question which is driving me insane and one I hope you all can help with.

I am watching a splendid movie at last after resisting for several years, I don't know why, but it's the Emperor's Club with Kevin Kline, absolutely wonderful. Was that a book? I can't find one by that title. I absolutely love it.

But in the course of watching it, the subject came up of beloved teachers and I simply can't remember the name of the old I think it was a movie but may in fact have been a book, instead, about a beloved teacher...Mr....

MR............?

It's driving us all nuts. It was almost a cliche? not Mr. Peepers, not Call Me Mister, not Mr. Roberts, who on earth was that beloved old teacher?

MRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

I hope everybody is trying out the new website because this one will be closing on September 30. If you go here New Website: Practice Discussion #2 the second one down, things do not look much different. You can choose the Graphic intensive one if you'd like to try more adventures in graphics.

You can ask questions here. I hope we can get up some information soon in the heading here about it.

Essentially:

1. You have to register there, no matter how long you've been here. This is a new site, and it won't know you, even if you founded SeniorNet. You can have no spaces between your screen name so ginny anderson would look like ginnyanderson. Your password needs to be 6 letters long.

2. After you register, login. You POST by hitting the word REPLY which is in tiny blue buttons on the bottom.

3. You get AROUND by clicking on the underlined page numbers on the bottom 3 4 etc.

There are no Subscriptions. Do NOT select NOTIFY unless you want your email box crammed to the gills with emails. That's about it.

I have seen some of you over there, if you feel confident please help the next person, because when we move we'll want to be able to do our book discussions seamlessly. If there are a LOT of people helping whom you are familiar with it will go much faster.

Ask any question here, or in any of the SN discussions for that purpose out on the main menu.

Ginny,

Goodbye Mr. Chips?

If you like that, you should also enjoy The Browning Version (the first version with Michael Redgrave), altho the newer one is also pretty good.

YESssssssssssssssssssssssss!!! Yes yes yes!!

THANK you! Who on earth could ever forget Mr. Chips!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK You thank you!!!

GINNY, the movie is based on a short story by Ethan Canin titled "The Palace Chief".
He was born in Michigan, has an engineering degree and went on an Iowa Writers' Workshop. Then he studied medicine at Harvard. He stopped practicing after the publication of his fourth book. He's now on the faculty of the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

TRAUDE! You guys are better than Google for finding something out! Thank you! I love the story and now am going to read the short story and THAt one when we get our Movies From Books up is first on my list, have you all seen it?

THANK you!

I'm almost thru Harry Potter I and am going out tomorrow to get II and III. I think there are 4 or 5 of her books on the Wall Street Journal Best Seller List.

Ginny,

Who on earth could ever forget Mr. Chips!!!!!!!!!!

Apparently, you could.

hahaah My husband did, too, we nearly went nuts, I think if I had stopped saying Mr. Rogers and Mr. Roberts and Mr. Tibbs and all the other Mr figures people know we'd have had it (either that or we're both too far gone to care.) hahhahaa

Ginny - at our age our "computers" - read "brains" - are just so full of knowledge, it just takes a few minutes.......days? to dredge up that specific fact! ........ that's what i've been telling my children for years! It's my story and I'm sticking w/ it!.....now we have our SN friends "computers" to help us out, isn't that wonderful!!!.......I find if i just relax, sometimes the fact will surface easier...... a little peach schapps helps......or madeira if you prefer........teehee.......jean

GINNY, forgive me. The correct title of Canin's short story is "The Palace Thief". It's the title story of a collection of short stories. My apologies for my typo.

I added a lot of information about the new SeniorNet site at the bottom of the heading so it can be used as a reference. You can thank JANE for putting that information together.

Your individual questions may not be answered by what is in the heading but there are some good links there. The Help on the new site is quite extensive. Good luck.

Sidney Poitier's They Call Me Mr. Tibbs was a logical association with the Mr. part of the title but even deeper than that is his great movie, To Sir With Love, another beloved teacher movie. When I think of Mr. Chips I do not have one actor to connect with the title; that makes it harder for my brain to recall it. I'm eager to check out Canin's works and the movie. Thanks, Ginny

Mrs. Sherlock, I loved To Sir with Love. Of course, Sidney Poitier is just a wonderful actor. I think, I read the book too. I loved Goodbye, Mr. Chips too. There is another teacher too. I can't remember her name. Her name Good Morning, Miss Dove or Good Morning, Miss Jane something or other. I might have the whole name wrong. I remember the movie. She walked to class. She was very straight backed, good posture. She was never late. She was never absent. She wasn't married. Teaching was her passion. I would like help remembering.

What if there wasn't a teaching profession? It might make a good Futuristic novel. The world would lose its grip. Our teachers are the best of the best and so totally taken for granted.

Jackie you said, "When I think of Mr. Chips I do not have one actor to connect with the title;" Goodbye Mr. Chips is one of my favorite movies, Walter Pidgeon played that part. Perhaps you are too young to remember Walter Pidgeon, he was a fine distinguished actor.

Marjorie, the heading is very informative and the secret to learn this new software for me is to read and try everything often so it will stick. I started to practice as soon as the news came out that we were going to get a new software. I know how hard it is for me learn new things on the computer and I didn't want to take any chances.

The 1939 movie starred Robert Donat. In 1969 a remake had Peter O'Toole, and Masterpiece Theatre had a version with someone named Martin Clunes.

As for Walter Pidgeon, it was that deep voice that really got me.

Thank you all!

Thank you Marjorie. I like it? We're finding with the Latin students that those who read the instructions first are going thru the basics without a hitch.

This site will not be here October 1, please go over and you can help the next Bookie who comes in. All of our Books Discussions WILL go over there but the software IS different, learn now and you can help the next person in.

Register first. This is one time you do want to read the manual first, it's all in the heading? And then you can relax. Just REGISTER first.

No spaces in your name. 6 characters or more in your password. Do not click on NOTIFY. See above?

Help us out here? Ask questions here or there.

BE SURE TO LOGIN after you Register or you are sunk?

The directions must be printed out for me and put beside my computer. I think I can do that.

Since I came from a home built computer in 1978, where one had to write their own programs and no, I didn't do that, (Husband and sons did that) then went to a MacPlus for a few years where I used Compuserve as my server when there were no ISPs or internet. After that to a Mac 2cII, where I learned a cad program for designing houses and helped my husband design our new house in Atlanta, then I bought a Mac Performa while my son helped me get on the internet (where I immediately found Seniornet, that's the truth, the first day I used the internet, I searched for senior citizen sites that up came this wonderful village) and from there we were into the Mac G3's and G4's where new applications abound, so I hope I can figure out this new site.

I understand it was really needed as many things were going wrong and being fixed with duck tape and bailing wire over the last few years, so I will get used to the new site in time. Thanks for all of your help.

Ann, if you start with the text only site where a lot of us are, and REGISTER first and then be sure to LOGIN, I truly don't think you'll have a problem, and it's pretty much like posting here actually, once you get used to it.

People who would like to try the bells and whistles, not all of which will stay, can try out the Graphics site later if they wish (or first if they like), but the text area is not intimidating, at all.

I'd take along the instructions and consult them before I did something and you'll find it's really easy.

I actually have been signed in since the first day but since I don't care for what seems like threads of conversations, I don't go back often. Can't wait to see what they tell us about using graphics. In the meantime, Text it is!

We are going on a brief break today. Leaving for Oglebay Resort in West Virginia and will be back on Wednesday night. See you all then!

Have a wonderful trip, Adoannie, you deserve it! The "threading" is turned off so now it's exactly like it is here.

Librissime (book shop), Montreal, Quebec

To me the new SeniorNet site is easier to maneuver than this one is, especially since one doesn't have to type in html coding in the message boxes. It's getting acquainted with the neighborhood that's the challenge. Click Community at the top of the page. Scroll down to Discussions, and you're there. It will make much more sense when the discussions appear on the new SeniorNet site.

What am I reading? Well, I finished a paperback I picked up in the lobby of this apartment building about the film industry called "Palaces". I imagine, as is the case a lot of times, that there's a good deal of truth in it, despite its type.

I am also reading Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri right now. I think she's an excellent writer, who gives a good view of Indians in America.

I've developed an interest in India, which is helped along by two doctors I see who are from that country. One, especially, suggests Indian movies and books to me. He's been an enormous help, and we have some good chats while he pokes me (ouch) and injects me full of Cortisone. If you're interested, please get a DVD called "Water" about a nine year old Indian widow who is sequestered with other, much older widows. It's fascinating stuff. Also, there is a film called "Black" that is well-recommended. I haven't yet been able to find it. "Water" is part of a trilogy -- "Earth, Fire and Water."

GINNY, if you haven't seen "Best in Show", a spoof on the annual big dog show, please watch it. It's a howl.

Mal

Me too, Malryn, great minds run together, I'm so hyped up on India I can't stand it,just bought a new book on it and have put Water on my Neflix queue.

Best in Show? I am a rabid fan of Christopher Guest!! I've got all of his, Waiting for Guffman (just watched that again the other night) A Mighty Wind, and wasn't there another one too?

Love that ensemble, and loved Best in Show!

Ingmar Bergman has died.

"Once, when asked by the critic Andrew Sarris why he did what he did, Mr. Bergman told the story of the rebuilding of Chartres Cathedral in the Middle Ages by thousands of anonymous artisans.

" 'I want to be one of the artists of the cathedral that rises on the plain,” he said. “I want to occupy myself by carving out of stone the head of a dragon, an angel or a demon, or perhaps a saint; it doesn’t matter; I will find the same joy in any case. Whether I am a believer or an unbeliever, Christian or pagan, I work with all the world to build a cathedral because I am artist and artisan, and because I have learned to draw faces, limbs, and bodies out of stone. I will never worry about the judgment of posterity or of my contemporaries; my name is carved nowhere and will disappear with me. But a little part of myself will survive in the anonymous and triumphant totality. A dragon or a demon, or perhaps a saint, it doesn’t matter!'”

New York Times, July 30, 2007

I think that the new site will be easier to navigate when there are more than 2 practice discussions for us to use. Each time I go over there there are so many posts since I was there last because everyone is in just a couple of places. I am looking forward to seeing more of "our" discussions over there.

I love Best In Show. My parents were show breeders and I showed as well for the first 10 years of my marriage. Soooo Best in Show seemed like a documentary to me.. But oh me, I did laugh. I too like and try to see every single documentary of Christopher Guest.. He is a funny funny man.

A good quote, MALRYN. I'm not an artist myself, but it does seem to express the very core of what makes someone become an artist or artisan. I do think, tho', that most artists want to become known for their work. Schama's Power of Art has reinforced that perception.

Babi

Just when you think an author's works have all been discovered, along comes something new. It's not a major work, but some memorablila, kind of fun when it comes to your own backyard.

Handwritten Faulkner manuscript donated to SEMO State U

Pedln--Thanks for that link. I'm a Faulkner fan and I'd like to take a look at it. Hello everyone and I've missed you all. I've been devoting the summer (since I got back from Maine the end of June) to getting several important things accomplished.

Number one was a will. I've never had one and felt like a nonadult. Now I have seen a lawyer, and he is working on it. I rather liked him and now know someone to recommend a criminal attorney just in case I ever need one. I also have to get the gutters on the house replaced. I'm expecting a fellow to give an estimate tomorrow. Hope not to have to gulp too hard. A number of other such items have been accomplished and I now feel like almost an adult.

I like the new site even though we can only practice over there, and I think once we all adjust, it will seem familiar again and friendly. It is certainly easier than having to do all the html coding. And there are even about 40 of those odious little smilies (apologies to those who love them) to choose from.

Way back (I've been reading lots of messages here) Pat H mentioned not admiring either The Great Gatsby or Heart of Darkness. Agree, agree, agree! Yes, they are classics, but, well, I'd rather not. I've taught them both. Even typing their titles brings back all sorts of memories!

Anyhoo, I'll be around more now that I have accomplished many of the items on the ToDo list. I have almost earned my Adult Certificate.

I'm currently reading Elizabeth George's latest, What Came Before He Shot Her, having just finished its predecessor, With No One As Witness, a really good book with lots of character development. Both are mysteries. You can tell that it's summer and I'm taking a break. Oh, I did read one serious book, a study of Islam--title escapes me at the moment, but it's wonderfully written. Ah, there it is--No god but God.

Maryal

Thanks for the link to the Faulkner article. I am also a fan, like Deems. What a nice thing for the man to do for one of his daughter's friends, even though the young lady didn't realize what he'd done! Sue

This may be open only to TIME subscribers (not sure). Catch it if you can to see what our writers are reading while on vacation, and the pictures of Will Shake on the beach reading "DaVinci Code" and Jane Austen with "French Women don't get fat." Fun.

"Reading is like eating. Our consumption patterns are erratic. We eat psyllium husks not because we enjoy them but because we need fiber. That's like reading textbooks. We prepare elaborate dishes because ultimately they will be delicious. That's like reading Fyodor Dostoyevsky or Cormac McCarthy--a little work but so worth it. Sometimes we eat to show off, trying jellyfish or zebra meat just to say we've done it. That's like reading A Brief History of Time. But lots of times, we don't give a fig about nutrition. We want easy, fun and familiar: Chinese takeout, Mom's chili. And just as chefs know the best comfort foods, authors are pretty good on guilty-pleasure reading. We asked a crew what they read when they were looking for pure pleasure. Any era, any genre. Here's what they fessed up to."

From What would William read?

Among others, Tina Brown is reading Holly Peterson's The Manny. Alexander McCall Smith, escapes into Dick Francis, and Pete Hamill, Bomba the Jungle Boy

Thanks again. Great article and what a pleasure to see that these authors enjoy beach reads, too (except for the one that likes Don DeLillo and Cormac McCarthy--NOT beach reads IMO!).

I checked out the article, PEDLIN, (fun) and found myself stymied by Tina Brown's word "bloviating". New one for me. I found this definition:

bloviate \BLOH-vee-ayt\, intransitive verb: To speak or write at length in a pompous or boastful manner.

Shucks, I've known people who bloviate. Who woulda thunk it?!

Babi

BaBi, my today's Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day is

"deliquesce \del-ih-KWESS\ verb
*1 : to dissolve or melt away
2 : to become soft or liquid with age or maturity -- used of some fungal structures (as the gills of a mushroom)

Example sentence:
Someone forgot to put the butter back in the refrigerator, instead leaving it to deliquesce on the kitchen counter."

I had never heard of that one either!

Bubble, that's because you're not a chemist. I've used "deliquesce" a lot. I never heard of "bloviate", though, which my dictionary says dates to 1879.

You learn so much just by being here. I love it, I can be like a fly on the wall and just listen to others talk. BUT

I don't think I can use "bloviate" nor do I feel like using "deliquesce", unless it becomes popular with the populace, then perhaps.

Maryal, mon amie, welcome back! Why is it that I have the feeling that it may not be too long in the future that we may have to call on your new best friend- a criminal lawyer. That just cracked me up. Good for you. We always feel so much better after accomplishing that dreaded task. Am I to assume I am with Susan as beneficiary? Oh thank you dear. just for the record- I am told that being an adult is not at all what it has been cracked up to be. I would not know, myself, so you have plenty of company.

Bubble Allow me to try the new word of the day. I returned home from 18 holes of golf, in the 90+ weather and began to deliquesce before I removed my shoes. HAAAA love it.

Pedln- OUR Cormac McCarthy book, The Road which begins on October 1st isn't a lot of work. Come join us.

Alf, you make me think of ... ripe cheese! lol

Like Alf----it is so hot here today that I am beginning to deliquesce. And if you let me I shall bloviate about it all day.

What wonderful words! I love them!

Good use of words, Phyll. I couldn't of anything besides melting in the sun or deliquescing in the sun today. We had temps in the 90's. Too hot for me.

Our daily thunderstorms and rain have had one major benefit; it has not been as hot as usual here on the Texas Gulf Coast. A blessing which carries over to a somewhat lower electric bill. No opening of windows here; only air conditioning makes life livable in the good old summertime.

Babi.

I'm all confused! Last night I read An Accidental Terrorist by Steven Lang and the whole time I was reading, I was thinking, there's a pole dancer in this, when is the pole dancer going to appear? I finished the book very puzzled, but then realised I'd thought I was reading Richard Flanagan's The Unknown Terrorist. All was clear-terrorists everywhere!

It was a good read even if Accidental versus Unknown. I couldn't put it down till it was finished, jumping from Darwin to Victoria? to the USA. The sole reviewer on Amazon said exactly what I was thinking! Great minds

.

I read in a magazine today that Engleby(Sebastion Faulks) was "edgily entertaining". It certainly was that! I still think about it and shiver or speculate depending on the time of day or night. It got under my skin.

It's 27 degrees here, which would be about 80 your temps. Not bad for a winter's day, although we had a chilly patch for a couple of weeks.Winter is usually very mild, thank God.

Central Florida has cranked up, so yesterday it was 93 and today it is scheduled to hit 96.. Needless to say the feels like temp is much much higher. I just stay in the air conditioner except for my early morning walk and two short ones for the dogs later in the day.. However with a grandchild arriving for the next 10 days, I am sure we will be up at the community pool in the afternoons for her.Sigh..

The Blue Moon Circus

While visiting my daughter we took all of the kids to see circus that was presented by children and young adults. These kids are international kids and study with the "best." They then tour all over the country. What a fabulous job they did. I miss the old ring-side circus performers.

Me too! I remember those days. We took our grandchildren to see Walt Disney on Ice but that wasn't the circus. They have been to the circus too. International? That must have been great!

We always get tickets to the Barnum and Bailey circus that is still traveling across the US BUUUT about 8 years ago we saw one of the last small circus troupes,maybe the last, I can't remember, right here on our home soccer fields. It was a small troupe and there were lots of acts but the same people were in many of them. When it was over, those same people struck the tent or returned the animals to their cages. The grans all rode the elephant who had to be tired since he was the only elephant in the show. We were surprised at how long the show was since there werern't that many people available to do all those acts. I loved it, we sat on bleachers(no seats)and ate lots of popcorn on beautiful summer evening and just enjoyed watching the kids excitement and pleasure over seeing this circus. Wonderful night!

A few years back my good Wisconsin friends took me up to the Circus Parade in Milwaukee. We had a scrumptious brunch at one of the hotels on the main parade route, and then ringside seats for the parade. It was magnificent and what a thrill. It had been going on for years, but I don't think it's done anymore. The circus was housed for years at Baraboo, WS, but I don't know if that's open to the public anymore or not.

There was a place here -- 5-H ranch that raised exotic animals and held an auction every year, drawing crowds from all over. Mr. Hale from the ranch always supplied the camels for the Milwaukee circus parade.

Many years ago I reviewed a book about the circus for the library. There were many things contributing to the demise of the circus as we know it, but some of them were the increase in automobiles, and the rise of suburbia. Too bad.

Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is open to the public. It's one of the state's historical sites, lots of history but also a circus performance. They have something like 200 old circus wagons. It's someplace I'd like to visit again.

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/circusworld/

These posts about the circus remind me of the time the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus came to New London when I was a little girl and set up their tents on the property right across the street from my home. My dad took me and my sister to the parade and the circus and I will never forget it. They still had the outdoor tent circus in New London even after the great circus fire in Hartford in 1944. The circus was banned from Hartford after the fire til about the 1970's. Gosh, there are still articles in the newspaper about that fire - one of the worst fire disasters in US history.

We have since been to that circus in Hartford but it was indoors in the Civic Center. I think a law was passed so no big top circus is allowed to perform in tents in CT.

Actually Ringling is not a tent circus any more. They only do indoor venues as far as I know. They need the much much larger crowd.

I liked circuses outside not inside these huge arenas. It doesn't feel like the big top.

NLHome,

Thank you for the link.

Have you seen Cirque du Soleil's wonderful performances in their own big tops that they put up wherever they go. The whole venue is under several huge tents and just great fun to attend. We have been twice,here in Columbus. First they put the tents down at our huge Nationwide arena, out in the parking lot, but there was still lots of parking available. This year they were at the state fairgrounds. Its, of course, not our Barnun&Bailey Ringling Bros circus, quite different but excellent. The B&B Ringling Bros. circus is quite good but it appears inside the Nationwide arena which, I agree, is just not the same as a tent venue.

I went looking for tent circus in the US and found this wonderful site which I haven't read all of yet but its such fun to open because there's circus music. You might want to read the News site as it talks about a group here in the US that are circus fans and they seek out the different circuses here. This couple met the Zoppe patriarch and really had a fun day at their circus in Mahoning County which I think is in Ohio. The Zoppe Family Circus

A Continuing Tradition

The 'Big Top' tradition is still maintained by a number of smaller circuses, like the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus. The circus is transported on large motor trucks as is, the Al G. Kelly & Miller Bros., King Bros., Mills Bros., and Hunt. Fraternal organizations like the Shriners and the Lion's Club began to sponsor these circuses and as a result they were able to survive.

The little one that we saw was brought to our town, Gahanna,OH, by the local Lion's Club. I thought someone in here might like to know that there are some more around. One just has to look for what's out there for them, in their area.

Ann Alden,

Yep, Mahoning County is, indeed, in Ohio. That's the county where I was born and brought up---til age 17. I lived in Struthers, a small town outside Youngstown.

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows announced it was abandoning its tents and the 'Big Top' tradition in 1956. On June 16, 1956, this circus gave its last performance under the 'Big Top'. Everyone thought it was the end of the circus. However, it turned out to be the cost cutting measure needed to keep the circus alive. Such large crews were not needed for setting up. Performing in auditoriums increased the number of shows performed yearly. Revenues increased and costs went down.

This weekend we went to Vermont & New Hampshire to watch a French & Indian War battle re-enactment that a friend was participating in. We ended up visiting a place that had much more to offer than I had expected - "The Fort at No. 4." It's a reconstructed colonial fort/village built in Charlestown, NH right on the Connecticut River. Very interesting place. Kind of like a Sturbridge Village smallscale. My favorite thing was to see how they spun flax into thread for linen - displayed from start to finish, how they treated the flax to prepare it for spinning etc. Here's info about the fort for anyone interested:

http://www.fortat4.com/history.php

I went to the site and read about Ft #4. I was particularly struck by the map of the site. When one reads how it was built and how it worked, it reminded me of a commune site in Ithaca,NY that exists at this time. These folks share the fields and farm animals but live in separate homes. They home school their children just like the folks in Fort #4 did. Amazing, that some of us go back to the way we did things much earlier in the US.

Ann: The reconstructed fort looks much like the map. It would have been good protection in that dangerous territory.

In my town of Windsor, CT, our historical district is on a street named Palisado Avenue. I only found out recently (duh) that it was named that because the first settlement was built like a fort - surrounded by a palisade so it would be protected from the indians.

Several weeks ago Bob and I toured the Deerfield Museum in Deerfield, MA where they had a famous indian massacre during the French and Indian Wars. Fascinating info about what happened to some of the colonists who were captured by the indians and killed or taken to Canada. There's a door in the museum that is the original door from one of the houses. It's full of indentations and holes from where it was struck by tomahawks as the indians tried to get in.

I was flabbergasted recently to find out that there were 4 French and Indian Wars - not 1. I had always been taught it was a war from 1756 to 1763. But there were earlier ones. And apparently up in New Hampshire the last one actually started in 1754, not 1756.

I am a passionate fan of Cirque de Soleil.. Have seen the permanent shows, the touring shows and the tent show.. Still have about 3 left in Vegas to see. They are wonderful examples of a different circus with an underlying theme. Cole Brothers is close to where I live and they generally tour all summer under tents. Fun, especially for the young ones. Much more upclose and personal then the big stuff.

I always thought there was only one French and Indian war, too. Maybe each occurred in different states and each state had their own to comment on during our "State History" classes in grade school. Tee Hee!

I just have to ask in here as I have been asking for the last few days in many other sites. Has everyone gone to or at least, bookmarked or made a favorite of the NEW SENIORNET SITE?? If not, please do as this one will be gone on Sept 1st.

Marnie: Roger Wilco OVer and Out.

Duly registered, ANN. And newcomers or latecomers can still get to the new site by typing in 'seniornet.org.' in their address bar.

Babi

I'm not going to use the new web site until I have to. It is not as visually uncluttered and clear as this old web site. I just feel like SN caved and started using the format that so many forums do, and I don't like them.

One forum has these blimy blinking smilies right to the left of the post area. Sometimes I cover the smilies up so I won't be distracted by the movement and can think.

I'm not going to apologize; I am a single task focused person. The pressure to be a multitask person is terrible.

My feelings are coming out because I just found out that in order to keep a vital disability service I will have to go in for a personal interview and I'm terrified and have been crying all afternoon.

Oh, JEANE, I'm sorry this upcoming interview has you so upset and frightened. Can you find a friend or family member to go with you, for moral support?

Actually,you know, women are natural multitaskers! We automatically function on many levels at once, whereas men focus on one level at a time. [One of the things about us that confuses the poor dears so much.

] It's true! Studies have proven it.

Babi

Oh, Jeane, my sympathies. It is hard to prepare yourself for such an ordeal. Remember that the whole of SeniorNet is behind you 1000%. Think of us when it gets tough, maybe that will help you keep on keeping on. Wish we could be there with you, you'll just have to accept our support long distance. Also, it is not your success or failure, it is merely some beaureaucrat filling out the boxes on the form.

I'm sorry, Jeane, that you have to undertake that ordeal.

On the new discussion site, if you are logged in you can set your profile to not see the photos or other graphic that some people have listed below their usernames in the left column or the "signatures" at the very bottom of some people's post that may contain graphics.

Know that we will all be thinking of you and keeping you in our good thoughts while you are going through this nonsense which was dreamt up by a dumb bureaucrat to justify his existence.

My social worker will be going with me. The appointment will probably be the week of August 20th.

I only recently discovered this discussion. This one suits me better than most of the other book discussions.

I read nonfiction mostly psychology, spirituality and esoteric subjects for the purpose of my own healing. Right now I'm rereading a trilogy about Hawaiian shamanism with the intention of doing various metaphysical tools for self understanding and healing.

Re multitasking I'm the woman who's the exception to the rule. I never married so I don't have the experience of juggling many things at once. I only do well if I can focus on one thing at a time.

Blessings, Jeane

Jeane, it's very worrisome when so much is riding on an interview. I assume your social worker will know how to present things to give you the best chance of success. I'm pulling for you, too.

I find the new site very irritating, and it makes me cranky every time I go into it--somehow it takes all the joy out of SeniorNet. I keep reminding myself that I'll get used to it, and it's still the same wonderful people using it.

Jeane, I am glad that you will have someone to go with you to the interview. We will be wishing you the best results and "may God hold you in the palm of his hand until we meet again."

Hang in there Jeane,, we are all thinking of you and will send many thoughts of success for you. I am all registered at the new site, but cannot say I like the format. I will do what is needed, but as much as I love senior net, if it decides to get way too complicated, I will just have to disappear.

Well JEANE, every 'rule' must have its exception. And you are quite right...there's nothing like marriage and kids to hone multitasking skills! Peace and quiet do help one to focus!

STEPHANIE, as troublesome as I find change, I also know that once I get used to a new routine, it is no harder than the old one. We'll settle in quickly enough once we start working with it. Don't you dare think about running off and leaving us!

Babi

{{{{Jeane!!}}}} Just consider all of us standing by your side ready to rip out her hair, that should do it? Or his hair. Report back what happened?

I've finished the first Harry Potter and now am going to watch the movie before beginning the second one, I love it.

In the interim I am reading Four Seasons in Rome, a delicious small hardback from Scribner (you know how they mount their books) about a couple with baby twins who spent a year at the American Academy in Rome. It's wonderful, the writing is super. I did not know what the American Academy was, tho I had heard of it. I do now. He talks of Pliny the elder and climbing up inside Trajan's column and the Pantheon; he's not a Classicist but I can see it's got a hold on him. Recommended for before sleep reading, really projects the love of Rome. It's really enjoyable.

What are you all reading?

Stephanie: I hope you reconsider. I do so look forward to you comments. As fond as I am of this site the difficulties are very real to me since I have had to work with systems that had exceeded their shelf life and were littered with bandaids, bubble gum and bobby pins. Additionally, I have had to adjust to pokey Windows software that does not yet do things my old MAC did in 1985! After we adjust to the change the new ways of getting around will be so much better because there will be less need for conscious brain control. Learning SeniorNet's ways was difficult for me as I was used to navigating with many of the tools in the new stuff. Navigating will recede to the background leaving more brain to focus on the content which is why we are all here. Last of all, I am addicted to SeniorNet. If you are, too, you will have to get frustrated along with the rest of us in order to keep your habit fed!

WHAT? Where is Stephanie saying something is amiss? I did not show it and the Internet is so slow for me it must have blipped, and I can't go back and see it, what's wrong Stephanie?

Stephanie ~ your post #803 was a valid comment. So far there is not enough to do on the new site to be worth going to every day, IMHO.
Perhaps when all these boards are appearing on the new site, and the old site is taken down, all of us will easily make the transition.

I finished the new Harry Potter. Oh, I loved it! Now I've read them all and have bought all the DVDs out so far. I've been a fan since the first book came out.

I just finished Fallen Founder, a bio of Aaron Burr. I'm looking forward to the book discussion in the fall when Ella and Harold lead it. Meanwhile, yesterday I picked up Gore Vidal's Burr. I checked out the book at the library and the gal there got all excited when she spotted the book. She said that she had read it and loved it so much she bought it and read it again. So far it's very good.

I also started Woodward's State of Denial a couple of days ago. it grabbed me right away. But I put it down to move to something else now and then because it's a political book and I can only read so much til I have to switch to something else for awhile.

It does look like I am yelling but this is pretty important as we have some folks who don't understand that we are closing this site. I promise not to yell anymore if you will still speak to me. Hahaha!

Remember Mozart being told "too many notes"? Well, that's the way I feel about our future home - too much stuff! I love this comfortable, uncluttered format that we have now - it's so readable. And of course I don't like the fact that I haven't been able to enlarge the font in the new site! I wish everything was in the same readable size rather than mostly tiny words in messages interspersed by individually created large type in some others. I don't think it helps to have all the pictures and info down the right hand side either.

I hope I can get used to it - maybe our book groups and Latin classes won't be so cluttered up.

I just read a terrific article in the Hartford Courant by Chauncey Mabe, Books Editor of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. It's about what Mabe calls "The 10 Commandments of how to turn your kids into lifelong readers." I found the article on the web:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/booksmags/sfl-bkmabekidsreadnbaug05,0,523621.column

That's a good article, Marni, and I'm happy that my kids with kids are pretty much following the author's advice, especially about reading with their children every day. BOTH parents. When she was about 12 my granddaughter gave her father The DaVinci Code for his birthday, then they read it out loud together, alternating chapters.

Sandra DAllas -- I didn't much care for Buster Midnight's Cafe, but I'm now reading Tallgrass and it is truly a pleasure, and hard to put down. Set in a small Colorado town during WW II, it is such a good change to read about truly good, noble people who cope well with bad things.

With all due respect to the programmer/systems types who have worked on the new site, add me to the list of those who prefer the current format. It's so easy to use, and with few distractions. As a former computer tech person myself, I can understand the urge to 'create', but also, as the 'go to' person in my retirement residence for computer things, I know that we older folks find it unsettling to be confronted with a new interface. It seems to us as tho the ground were shaking under our feet (and depending on where we are, it may very well BE shaking).

I agree, jeanlock, and as Ann Alden points out, some people still don't realize how fast the move is coming up. I'm afraid they won't be led into the new site gently enough, and we will lose them, possibly the ones who need SeniorNet the most.

Stephanie's post:

"Hang in there Jeane,, we are all thinking of you and will send many thoughts of success for you. I am all registered at the new site, but cannot say I like the format. I will do what is needed, but as much as I love senior net, if it decides to get way too complicated, I will just have to disappear."

We have to keep up our spirits as we all know how important SN is to so many people who are as attached to it as we are. The new format is the new format. The other old SN required many constant repairs with "duck" tape and baling wire and occasionally, the old girl, would just not accept anymore repairs, and she would crash, leaving us all hanging in the wind.

On my Mac, I was advised by a new person, on the new site, to push down the "Apple/pretzel"(my command) key and while holding down that key down, to click, one click at a time, the plus key, top right of the keyboard. If the font gets too large, still holding down the "Apple/Pretzel"(command) key(but how would one know that, its not marked), click on the minus key, one click at a time, to return the font to the size one wants. If you can do this, you are telling your own computer what font it is to use everywhere.

Now, having said that, what directions can you PC users give to anyone who want to enlarge their font? Do you have a similar "Apple/Pretzel" key? Yes, you do! I looked it up! Its called your "control key".

I'm not sure how much time I'll spend in the new site. It was so relieving to come into old SN because of the simple uncluttered screen that I don't have to strain my macular degeneration left eye, double visioned, heavy vitrous windshield wiper floaters filled eyes to read.

In the old SN,the print is large on a white contrasting background, the text fills the whole width of the screen, just one line separates the posts, and the next line is the poster's name, the time, date and post number. That's it. Some posters have their discussions listed below, etc, and interests or quotes and that's ok. Those lines are right below the name. I don't choose to read them.

There's a nice downward flow for the eye. In the new screen one's eye will have to jump to the left to see the name of the poster.

It seems like some comments that are being made about people with challenges around the new site are a little judgemental implying that some of us are unwilling to change. I will be able to figure out the technical aspects.

My strong feelings are about being able to read the posts comfortably without straining my eyes - plain and simple.

When I go into forums with formats that are similar to the new SN website, the main problem is always the visual not the technical.

Eventually I know I am going to have to go to the Lighthouse for the Blind. The social worker said I qualify. They will help me with tools that will improve my visual function.

I know I keep harping on the visual, but I can't help it. I am really going to miss this screen.

Aloha Jeane

PS I will miss SN's smilies. I have them taped to my monitor.

I'm copying Ann's quote: ""No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth." I think the same thing should hold for Seniornet. It is too important to let this #$%^& site take it away from us.

I hate it too. But I make myself go into it at least once a day, and try at least one new things. By doing this, I've gotten to a point where I'm beginning to feel comfortable, and look forward to going into it.

I'm talking to a friend who I introduced to Seniornet, and dropped out because she found THIS site too difficult. We have forgotten that it was difficult at first.

I will wait until the new site is set up and then waddle through it. Right now the instructions alone have made my head swim. I already need to rest my brain.

That is absolutely right and every change that was made in color or size or anything we thought it was difficult to make the adjustment at first. But we all made it and we can make it to the new one, too. Your idea of going to the new site and trying one new thing at a time is a really good way of doing it. I think one of the problems with some of the people is that they are trying to do too many things at once and understandably, are feeling overwhelmed by it all.

I have some vision problems, too. They are very minor compared to what Jeanne has to put up with but I find that I have to enlarge the font in the new format in order to read it comfortably. Just clicking Ctl and the + keys together lets me make it as large as I want. That eases my eyes a lot. I hope that Jeanne can find a way to help her problem. We would hate to lose anyone from Senior Net. Everyone who comes here is important.

Slow down, folks, before you jump ship. It's my feeling that not too long from now you'll discover that the program on the new website is a lot easier than this one is. As with any move, the first thing you have to do is find out about the neighborhood. The one place I've been to that interests me right now is the open discussions that are going on.

Go to COMMUNITY at the top of the screen. Scroll down and click DISCUSSIONS, and there you are. I believe that finding the discussions that interest you will be just as easy as that.

Without html to bother us any more, posting a message will be a lot easier and quicker. Forget about posting graphics for a while, just get in there and say hello!

Love to all,

Mal

I Kinda got away from my point in the last post. i think it's important to take advantage of this testing period. I noticed that a lot of people who have registered in the new site haven't posted or have posted only once. I'm afraid Seniornet will lose those people when this site disappears. We need to brave the new site while we still have the old one to flee back to for comfort.

STEPHANIE: WE CAN'T LOSE YOU! If you can face the Indians in old Manhattan, are you going to let a stupid computer program defeat you? There are ways to cut down the clutter, and after awhile, it's like the clutter in my house when I don't have time to clean -- I train myself not to see it.

I get more and more used to the new site every day. We have learned bit by bit how to make the screen fit our individual needs - whether making the print larger, eliminating busy signatures and photos, widening the page, or whatever.

I think that once we actually have real discussions and classes going on it is going to make a big difference. People will have a bigger reason to join in. They will be interested in the topic and maybe won't worry so much about the appearance of the page. Maybe worries will disappear as time goes on.

I think I agree with Marni.. Right now the new site is truly not that interesting. Part of the problem for me is that I prefer uncomplicated things on the web. I am not a member of the smilie or picture or unnecessary information group. I love senior net and I am sure will be able to cope with what is happening to the site.. I am just saying that I am not sure I want to make my life overcomplicated just now. My life is sort of more interesting than I want it to be just now. I want it to calm down as well. I feel like I am living in the old chinese curse. " May you live in interesting times".. Boo.

Speaking of interesting Chinese things, have any of you seen last year's Curse of the Yellow Flower or whatever it's called? I became interested in it because of the Academy Awards, and got it from Netflix. I love foreign films. It's about the Tang dynasty and it's pretty incredible, especially the war scenes. The behind the scenes Director explanations are pretty fabulous too, it's all in Chinese and is subtitled, so that's nice.

Chow Yun Fat (sp) plays the Emperor and in the additional bonus material talks about how difficult it was to speak Mandarin. He's apparently Cantonese and had a great deal of difficulty getting the dialogue right.

I have never seen battle scenes like it, and it's quite a story, quite Shakesperean in its scope, reminds me of MacBeth actually, I am going to read about the Tang dynasty to find out more about it.

Apparently it's actually based on an older movie which MAY be based on a book, but it's a period piece, and sets and the costumes are simply out of this world, the costumes weighed from 50-60 pounds each and the golden headdress of the Empress weighed 12 pounds I think they said. It's about favoritism among 3 sons and a lot lot more. Very powerful. It won for best costume which is no surprise.

I am a "visual" movie watcher. When i watch foreign films the narrative dubbed in English distracts me from enjoying the film and the surroundings. My daughter is a huge foreign film spectator and I got so frustrated when I went north watching them with her. I am too nosey. I like to enjoy the view too much.

Andy, I love many of the foreign films and am always watching with captions or subtitles, even English language films. Truth is, you get to a point where you don't even realize you're reading.

My f2f Mystery group meets today, discussiong Joanne Fluke's Lemon Meringue Pie Murder -- as fluffy as it sounds, but fun. Last month I found it to be the perfect hospital book, unless it made you think about your next hospital meal. The great thing about this group is that one of our members is a caterer, and every time we read a book with food and recipes and chefs -- she invites us all for lunch. Yay!!

MARNIE! I am so happy you are reading Gore Vidal's book about Aaron Burr; do remember it when we start our discussion of Burr which is coming up this winter sometime.

We will have book discussions on the new site.

I think, perhaps, that is what we are all missing right now on the new site. Book discussions where we meet old friends and new ones.

I have no idea how this will be set up but am asssured we will have our space where we can talk books.

Ginny,

I'll have to remember to add that to my Netflix list. Was amused about the difficulty of learning Mandarin when one speaks Cantonese. Reminded me of my one great international trip--to the far east after my husband died. A friend had recommended a specific tailor in Hong Kong, so I went and ordered some clothes. When I returned to pick them up, they invited me to go out for dinner with them and some friends. That was a real experience. I spoke only English. There were some who only did Mandarin, others only Cantonese, and one lonely Japanese. However, we did manage to communicate and I enjoyed the experience.

I was at first confused and worried about the transition. I am one of those people who handle change badly but as SN is very important to me I gritted my teeth and perservered. The new site is great, REALLY! I love the little profile pictures alongside each post. I can visualise the poster now. Much friendlier.

As Mal said once you get to grips with the new software it really is easier than our present set up.

I hope everyone will take up the challenge, bite the bullet and make the journey to the new website.

Carolyn

If you have trouble posting your profile picture go into Photos discussion here on the old site and ask one of our capable volunteers to help you or they will actually post it for you if all else fails.

Carolyn

ANN, I'm happy with my font, but just out of curiousity I tried manipulating my font size using the 'control' and '+' keys. What I got was the 'favorites' window! Huh???

Babi

Duh??? is right! Go figure! I have no idea except I have a MAC and you most likely have a PC and they just don't do the same things with same keys.

Glad you like my quote under my name as I thought, immediately I read it, that it definitely applied to SeniorNet and all of the good people who come in here to talk to each other. What a huge support group we have become.

Mar

Your post belongs in the Authors Corner as that is where we allow folks who have published books post. Thanks!

Those of you who like Sandra Dallas, don't miss "Alice's Tulips". I read it a couple of weeks ago, and mentioned it in the fiction discussion. I'm partial to Civil War stories, and this one is excellent I thought. Although the story is unique in it's style, there were certain things that reminded me of "Cold Mountain" and "Gone With the Wind".

I've been reading the Fluke mysteries, too (e.g. Lemon Merangue Pie Mystery, etc.). Fluffy and fun, but definately fattening! The detective owns a cookie store and the books are full of descriptions and recipes for cookies. Just what I needed, going through a busy time in my life.

Ginny and hats: I posted this in the Name That Book site because that's where your comments about Harry Potter 1 were, but I repeat it here to be sure to catch you. I have nothing but awe for Rowling's ingenuity.

Ginny, the first movie is a bit sugary, but still a very good job of capturing the book.

Ginny and hats: Nicolas Flamel was a real person. Whether or not he was an alchemist, it was thought later on that he was. There is a street in Paris named after him, crossing a street named after his wife Pernelle. This is just one example of Rowling's attention to detail. The sorcerer's stone is also "real"--it is the philosopher's stone that alchemists searched for, and had the qualities described in the book.

Yes I answered you there but I will here too. Flamel is REAL? wow, wow. When I came upon that riddle almost at the end of the book I really did have to sit back on my heels, that's some book. I knew about the Philosopher's Stone but it's very interesting reading and I did NOT know about Flamel!

Pat H,

That is really interesting. Thanks. I didn't know about Flamel or the name of the street or about the Philosopher Stone.

I knew about Flamel, but not the street. We are going to Paris later this year and I have put in on my list to see if I can find. Rowling is a thorough woman with a talent for throwaways.. Great fun. You can reread and realize that something else is happening all the time.

Wow! Stephanie, you will have to come back and tell us all about your trip.

Hats, this years Europe trip is going to be fun. We are first going to Paris for a few days and then will embark on a French river cruise. My husband is extremely fond of never having to pack and unpack a lot, so he loves the river boats. They are small and accessible. You really are in a plush floating hotel that stops each day and lets you explore the countryside. Great fun. We have done several of them.

Stephanie, it sounds yummy to me. Have another great year on your travels. I am anxious to hear about the trip to Paris.

Stephanie, that sounds like a magnificent vacation. I've always wanted to go on one of those river trips.

The rue Nicolas Flamel is on the right bank, close to the Chatelet Metro stop (which has multiple exits). It's 2 blocks north of the Seine, 1 block east of the Boulevard de Sebastopol, and only 2 blocks long. There is nothing interesting about it except the name. It wouldn't be worth taking any time on a brief visit to see it. I had located it on my Michelin map, and bided my time until we were within 5 minutes walk of it, then dragged Cathy and Erick to see it (daughter and SIL). They were tickled. Rue Pernelle crosses it.

Thanks Pat,, I will try if we get near to get a picture of the street sign, just because. Our Time will be limited, but we have been to Paris before. We do want to do a few museums, that we have never had time for and of course Fauchons because, they are just like going to heaven for a foodie.

The NEW site is open...

come on over and continue the Book Nook here:

http://www.seniornet.org/jsnet/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=293.msg5247#msg5247

and then scroll down.

I'm getting a message that the Book Nook (and discussions) are off limits to me on the new site.

Mal

I linked over from the SCI=FI forum, and found I could not back-up to this site. Had to start over with the old address to get back here.

Babi

Mal, you should be able to get in now.

BABI: I found the same thing.

Can you all now get to the new place to continue our Book Nook talking?

Book Nook at NEW site

click here for TIPS for getting around this new site

Thank you, MARCIE.

I went to the new site. It is very pretty...however, where does it say "post a message"? This is very confusing. And does it have a place to "delete a message" if you goof up?

I'm still undecided whether or not I like this new stuff. Also, post your answer on this old site, or I may not be able to find it! LOL

You don't "post" a message, you "reply" even if you're not really "replying" to anyone in particular. There is a menubar below the last message which includes "reply", and below that there is a "quick reply" box you can just type in. There is a post button at the bottom of this box. Once your message is posted, it has buttons on the right to delete or edit it.

I found the new site horribly confusing at first, but am getting used to it. Even though its layout is less suitable for the sort of discussions we have, I think we will eventually end up with the same sort of good experience on the new site as we have on the old.

I worked my way through the index at the new site, leaving a post in my favorite forums. The 'quick reply' is very convenient; I'll just have to remember to click on 'reply' instead if I want to use the bells and whistles.

Babi

You can also type your message in "quick reply", then hit the "preview" button and it will take you into a screen where you can add the bells and whistles.

Neat! Thanks, PAT.

Babi

I went, I hated.. Oh well. I am a minority.. I want favorites. I hate the fumbling around and the blinking and flashing stuff hurts.. Boo.

I hate to disillusion anyone, or maybe I'm just incredibly stupid, but on the various boards (can we still call them that) I have visited, there is NOT a "Reply" or "Quick Reply" button, either at the top or bottom of the page.. So now what?

I posted in the new site, Yeaaaa! So you all can ignore my last question. I figured it out. There are lots of things Yet to figure out, but maybe I'll make it!

Tomereader

tomereader good for you.

Stephanie, most discussions do not have blinking or flashing graphics.

A shortcut for getting from one discussion to another: at the bottom of a page of discussions there is a box labeled "jump to". In it you see the next level above the discussion you are in. If you click on the little arrow at the right of the box, you get a pop-up list of discussions. select the one you want (you may have to scroll to find it)and it will take you there. It's quicker than backtracking through layers.

Stephanie, I don't care much for the new site either, but I'm getting used to it. My big complaint is that all the fancy format wastes too much space, so content is diluted.

I think if I had vision problems, as many of us do, I would find it difficult.

You can go into your "Profile" and elect not to see Avatars(pictures) and "Signatures" which should aleviate most of your problems. I believe these choices are under "Layout and etc". Let Jane know if you need anymore help. She's the chief techy in here!

Folks, as some of you already know, in November, we will be doing a discussion of Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray." . After the novel, we will discuss the movie of the book.
Turner Classic Movies will be airing this movie on September 8, at 11:30 pm. And again on October 9, at 2:30 am. You can record this movie on your recording device. Here's a link to the scheduled showings.
http://www.tcmdb.com/title/title.jsp?stid=2821
Please bear in mind this schedule is for my area in Pittsburgh, PA. TCM may have a different scheduled showing in whatever area you are in. Please check your TV schedule. I entered the Zip Code for my area.

Bill H

Thank you Bill for that link. I've marked it on my calendar.

Alf, please make sure of the schudled starting time in your area.

Bill H

I am brand new here and see that you have a book forum, and I have often wanted to ask this question, but never knew where to ask, so I will ask you.

I love to read, but rarely try new books because I figure that they might portray sex scenes, have too many dirty words or take Jesus's name in vain.

Here are the kinds of books I enjoy: Louis L'Amour, Tony Hillerman, (mysteries in NM) Lillian Braun (The Cat Who . .) Jan Karon, (Mitford) Ellis Peters (Cadfael.)

Can you suggest some other books? I love books where the bad guys and good guys are obvious and the good win. And I love books that leave you up, if you know what I mean.

I hope you can help me. Martha

Martha, welcome to SeniorNet! Unfortunately, one of the first things you will have to do is register on the new website, as we are moving completely in a week. There are directions in the header here, and a link to the new Book Nook. You have to register again, even if you are registered here. Most of us hit one snag or another, and came back here and whined at each other and helped each other out. So try it, and if you have problems come back here and someone will help you out.

To answer your question: if you like the Cadfael mysteries, you might enjoy the mysteries written by Sister Carol Anne O'Marie, in which the detective is a nun. The mysteries are not too profound, but they are quite charming, and there are a lot of repeat characters that you come to like. There is implied sex in some of them, but no actual sex scenes.