If you use subscriptions...

Remember to subscribe!

Just started The Bastard of Istanbul yesterday.

FYI:For "Miss Julia" fans...there's a new one...Miss Julia Strikes Back.

I enjoyed "The Eyre Affair" by Jasper Fforde. It's a book about books. What happens when famous characters like Jane Eyre, Rochester, Martin Chuzzlewit are stolen out of the pages of their books? It's a wild, fantastical plot. It's a book that's impossible to stop reading. I am waiting for the next in the series.

Hats, I read several of his. The books tend to go up and down. I loved the Jane Eyre, but several of the later just kept going off into space.. Still they are fun.. and the literary things keep me hauling out my reference books on authors.

Stephanie, thanks for telling me. By the way, I loved "The Book of Ruth" too. Good pick.

Judy, I am nearly half way through Emilie Richards Endless Chain. I am really enjoying it - unfortunately I don't have alot of time to read at the present time. It is hard to put down like you said.

Mary

Mary I am so glad you are enjoying the book. Just take your time you know like a good friend they are always there waiting to be picked up.

If you are a fan of the medieval genre, and also love a good mystery (though a bit gory)..........you have to read MISTRESS OF THE ART OF DEATH by Ariana Franklin, The knights are returning from the holy land, children are missing, the Jews are being persecuted, again, and we have a wonderful heroine.......the Kathy Reichs of her day. This books is very well written and is a page turner,.

I just finished Endless Chain. I really enjoyed it and hated to see it end.

I have two other books of hers on order at the Library - Lovers Knot published in 2005 and Wedding Ring which was published in 2004. Hope these books are as good.

Mary

Here is a link to a fine review of Khaled Hosseini's new book A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS (a novel by the author of The Kite Runner, which was on the New York Times Bestseller list for almost two years), which focuses on two very different women in Afghanistan. I thought the new title might be of interest to readers here, whether they are already familiar with Hosseini's work or would like to learn more about Afghanistan. My son, who served as an Army Special Forces Chaplain in Afghanistan during one of his two deployments, mentioned that having a solid cultural background about the country came to his aid many, many times.

http://www.charlotte.com/440/story/127295.html

Has anyone read any books by Sue Miller? I just started The Good Mother and am having a hard time staying with it. Be interested to hear if anyone has read this one and what they thought of it. I"m going to continue for a while. Always feel guilty when I don't finish a book, which I realize is kinda stupid. I just think if that someone went to the hard work of writing it then I should finish it!!

Peace42 - I read "The Good Mother" many years ago, and I do remember the basic plot, but not the details. As I recall, I liked it OK, but it does not stand out as one of my favorites.

However, Sue Miller wrote a book called "Family Pictures", that IS one of my favorites. It's about a large suburban family, where one of the children is autistic. The basic story is about the strain on the marriage, and also the strain on the rest of the children as they grow up It's a wonderful story, and one that I would like to read again. It was also made into a movie with Angelica Houston and Sam Neil as the parents, and Kyra Sedgwick as one of the daughters.

I liked Family Pictures as well, but not The Good Mother. She is an interesting writer. It nags at the back of my mind, that she wrote about the death of a child and what it does to a family years and years ago. Am I right?

Just finished After The Stroke by May Sarton and want to start it all over again. I love her writing, shes the only author that can put me right in the room with her.

Surely one of the 10 great novels of the 20th Century and easily the greatest of the 1990's.

A wonderful read, Charles Laughton led a group of four actors that toured the country in the late '40's and early '50's reading from it.


This long narrative poem contains so much that is germane to our life today. For instance, "It is well that war should be so terrible,
If it were not
We might become too fond of it."

And
"Ave, Caesar, ave, 0 congressmen,
Ave, 0 Iliad gods who forced the fight!
You bring your carriages and your picnic-lunch
To cheer us in our need.
You come with speeches,
Your togas smell of heroism and bay-rum.
You are the people and the voice of the people
And, when the fight is done, your carriages
Will bear you safely, through the streaming rout
Of broken troops, throwing their guns away.
You come to see the gladiator's show,
But from a high place, as befits the wise:
You will not see the long windrows of men
Strewn like dead pears before the Henry House
Or the stone-wall of Jackson breathe its parched
Devouring breath upon the failing charge,
Ave, Caesar, ave, 0 congressmen,
Cigar-smoke wraps you in a godlike cloud,
And if you are not to depart from us
As easily and divinely as you came,
It hardly matters."

JUDY LAIRD: I love the Sarton books - came across her quite by chance some years ago. As you say, one sits right alongside her, I think her greatest asset is the truth of her writing. Whenever she talks about her garden and gardening she almost always inspires me to do new things in mine. I like some of her poetry as well.

Gumtree, I love May Sarton's Journals too. I would love to own all of her journals. She really enjoyed the beauty of the world around her. She also appreciated her especially picked friends.

I have read and like May Sarton, but she has moments of extreme dislike for some people and things.. Interesting to see her reaction to the strangest things.

Stephanie, notice I said "especially picked friends." If I remember she had a small circle of friends.

I am such a fan I know I don't have nearly all her books but I have a good start. I had a lady telling me she always took Plant Dreaming Deep to read at the doctors office. I was looking on e-bay yesterday and found lots of her books and may aquire more that way.

I just read a book that has been out for a while and loved it. The author is Lolly Winston and the book is Good Grief.. It is about a young widow and her first year and her life.. Excellent about the stages of grief and widows.. Dont know if she has written anything else, but will look.

Stephanie, thank you for the recommendation.

I am 1/2 through this book, and I would like to know if anyone else finds it difficult to follow. What I really need is motivation NOT to abandon it.

patcook - I had never heard of "Special Topics in Calamity Physics", but the title was so intriguing that I looked it up on Amazon. They gave it a good review. I'm going to put it on my list for future reading. Keep us posted on whether you finished it and what you thought, overall?

Marilyne - I just read another 80 pages this afternoon of Calamity Physics, and now I have to finish it - another mystery element - AHA! I hope to finish it tomorrow and will keep you posted.

I'm still working my way through The Bastard of Istanbul. It's an interesting story, but slow reading for me. My granddaughter started and finished The Kite Runner in the time I've been reading this one and she highly recommended it to me. She is now busy graduating from HS so guess she is not reading much this week.

Macou, thank you for the title, Bastard of Istanbul.

I am reveling in an old favorite just now.. Not even pretending to any sort of literary ability.. But Charlaine Harris series on the supernatural is just plain fun. Sookie makes me wish I knew her.

Hello. I am new here. I couldn't resist commenting on The Kite Runner. It is a wonderful book but disturbing. I think it also lends itself to good discussions.

I am about to begin Khaled Hosseini's new book A Thousand Splendid Suns. I hope it is as good.

Lizabeth

Good morning all, My Grand D. said the same thing about The Kite Runner.....great book but disturbing. I need to finish this and get that one read so she and I can talk about it more. She is graduating this week from HS so know that her life is busy.

Well, there I am drying my nails this morning after my manicure, beginning to read A Thousand Splendid Suns and bam! at the end of Chapter 5 I felt like I got hit in the solar plexus (spelling?) I had to close the book and breathe. Now you might ask how I read five chapters while drying my nails, Well, it takes me one hour to get them dry enough so I won't chip the polish. That is why I always take a book with me to the nail salon. Anyhow, I really like (if that is the right word) this book so far but we shall see as I continue.

I am also reading Larry Watson's Montana 1948 in preparation for a discussion in another online book club. No comments yet. I have to see how it develops. It is definitely holding my interest.

Lizabeth

I'm starting to think of her as my favorite author right now. She really knows how to get inside the heads of her characters. She is incredible when it comes to knowing the minds of teenage boys - their thoughts and worries. Example being Henry, in Disobedience. I absolutely loved him, and thought the story itself was so good and so different. Now I'm feeling the same way about Walter in The Short History of a Prince. Walter is nothing like Henry, but just as endearing and interesting, only in a different way. I just finished "Prince", and thought it was a wonderful book. I have also read "Map of the World" and liked it too. Most rave about "The Book of Ruth", which I'm picking up this afternoon at the library. I can hardly wait to get into it.

Stephanie - I read "Good Grief" about a year ago and remember recommending it in here. I did like it, and thought it was well done. It did veer off into some silliness toward the end, but I chose to overlook that flaw, because overall the book was quite good.

Macou33 I would love to hear your take on this book. Of course, not all books are for all people, but I found this one well written and interesting.

My friend wrote this mystery and he's done an excellent job. It's not a literary classic but a well honed airplane read. It's ISBN # is 1-59971-344-6 and was published by Alaska Litho, Juneau, Alaska.

Well Jim, This book does have an interesting group of characters. I'm having a little trouble figuring out where it's going....if it is going anywhere, but I'll let you know when I get to the end. The trouble between the Turks and the Armenians is another view on that part of the world. We have a fair number of Armenians in our community so have know quite a few over time but not so much the Turkish.

Marilyne, I loved Disobedience and of course Ruth.. I agree that Jane is an excellent writer indeed.

I still haven't read Disobedience. I loved The Book of Ruth.

I just this minute finished it, and have to post right away as to what a great book I think it is! Before I read it, I said that Jane Hamilton is my new favorite. Now I'm even more sure. She is an amazing writer.

How did I miss this book? I read "Disobedience" at least 5 years ago, and I'm surprised that I didn't get "Ruth" right afterward? Just the type of books that I like the most ... real people in complicated situations. "Disobedience" and "The Short History of a Prince" have some humor, but "Ruth" is serious reality.

Ruth rang some serious clanging in my system. I really got drawn in. I love that in a book and it is so seldom nowadays that it happens. I just finished the Brideshead reading group and it just never happened for me. I never cared a fig about any of the people and could not imagine the nonsense at catholic and not.. But Ruth.. just sucked me into the world of Ruth..Oh well, different strokes.

Has anyone read "The Tree with no Branches" by Ella Race?

It's about nine-year-old Leila who, after witnessing a dramatic event, is sent away on holiday by her parents to stay with her aunt and uncle in the North of England.

As this holiday becomes an annual occurrence throughout her teenage years, she discovers a branch of her family whose triumphs and tragedies are not as ordinary as they appear.

If you like soap operas, you might like this book, because that's what the story seemed like to me. I disliked it, and can't help wondering what in the world has happened to Anita Shreve? Her first three or four books were very good, but since then it's been a downhill slide.

I finished "Body Surfing" today, and have to say that I was very disappointed. Not a believable story. Completely implausible situations, and coincidences that would never happen in real life. Easily predictable ending. I didn't really relate to any of the characters, or care about what happened to them.

Two of her other recent books, "A Wedding in December" and "Sea Glass", were also a disappointment to me. I hardly remember either one, or what the plots consisted of. Funny, because I just loved the first three books of hers that I read a number of years ago, "The Last Time They Met", "The Weight of Water" and "Resistance". I remember those well, and even the names of the main characters. Her writing has lost the punch of those early books.

Marilyn, I had the same impression of A Wedding in December....too much like an afternoon "Soap". Last week at the library I picked up a new novel that is turning out to be pretty good. It is The Camel Bookmobile written by Masha Hamilton.

Macou, I have The Camel Bookmobile on hold. My library is processing the book or books.

Here's a link to more about Masha Hamilton and the Camel Bookmobile that Hats first shared with us in Read Around the World.

Camel Bookmobile

My library had it on order. Now I need to see if they have it. Thanks again for the reminders, Hats and Macou.

Very interesting site! Thanks pedln. As I have been reading and thinking about how the people in those villages regarded the foreigners bringing books and in fact culture from our side of the globe, it reminded me of thoughts I've had of our Missionaries bringing religion, education and health care to natives around the world. Some is a blessing and some a bane. Personally I don't believe I'd want to live in another culture than where I do, but then this is home and it's MY way of living that I know and appreciate and my view is rather biased. Mary

Pedln, thank you for the link to the site.

For me, this is one of those fascinating "what if" stories. What if Hamilton and her daughter hadn't been driving somewhere. What if the child did not have a subscription or access to Time Mag. for Kids, did not read the article and just casually tell her mother about what she'd read. Would Hamilton have ever known? She didn't visit Kenya until after she wrote the book. I'm now next in line at the library. Can't wait to read it.

Everyman by Philip Roth is a book about aging. It is about one man's life from his boyhood to his elder years and finally, his death. Some of the book is very moving: his love for his daughter, Nancy, his brother Howie's love for him and his love for his father, the jeweller. Also, the unforgiving and unhealed emotions with his sons. It is amazing that one man's life is so fully covered in so few pages. There are only a hundred eighty-two pages. If I had to make one negative remark about the book, it is the few pages involving, in my eyes, explicit sex. Otherwise, it is a great book with honest details.

If you're an Anne Tyler fan, or if you're just looking for a good read to blow away the summer doldrums, read on . . . .

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

Has anyone read Water For Elephants -- Our county in MI has a One Book, One County yearly selection and they choose this novel. Because everyone is reading it the libraries are all out and I'm trying to decide if I should buy it. Any input appreciated

Good morning farmgirl and all, This sounds like a good read and I have added it to my always growing list of books to read. Perhaps by the time I get to it, the popularity will wane and it will be easily available from our local library. Thanks for the tip.

I have the book Water for Elephants. I have had it for a long time but its hard cover and I rarely read those. It looks to be a very good book.

I just finished the other two books in her Shenandoah Album Series, Wedding Ring and Lover's Knot.

The same people are in all three books, but each one has a different person and/or plot featured.

All three were very hard to put down. Hope she writes another one in the series.

Mary

Love Emilie Richards' writing. I'll start the Shenandoah Album series. I read The Parting Glass and will now read the first in this series: Whiskey Island. Fantastic Fiction lists another series: Ministry Is Murder with three books: Blessed by the Busybody, Let There Be Suspects, and Beware False Profits. What are the titles in the Shenandoah series? FF doesn't break down the titles for that. She sure has written a lot of books. Lots of catching up to do.

Sandra Dallas has a new one: Tallgrass; I ordered the CDs. Should be great to knit by.

Just finished rereading the long narrative poem John Brown's Body which all would be well-served rereading today. "It is well that war is so terrible, else we would grow too fond of it."

The first book in this series is Endless Chain, followed by Wedding Ring and Lover's Knot.

This is the first time I have ever read any of hers. Am going to check our library for others.

Mary

Just finished The Camel Bookmobile. Many good thoughts througout this story. I will be pondering them for a while.

Started another new one from library called Once In A Promised Land by Laila Halaby....from the book flap: A dramatic tale of the complex and cruel realities of life for two Arab Americans in the wake of 9/11, by an award-winning Jordanian American. Once in a Promised Land is the story of a couple, Jassim and Salwa, who left the deserts of their native Jordan for those of Arizona, each chasing their own dreams of opportunity and freedom. Although the two live far from Ground Zero, they cannot escape the nationwide fallout from 9/11. Jassim, a hydrologist, believes passionately in his mission to keep the water tables from dropping and make water accessible to all people, but his work is threatened by an FBI witch hunt for domestic terrorists. Salwa, a Palestinian now twice displaced, grappling to put down roots in an inhospitable climate, becomes pregnant against her husband's wishes and then loses the baby. When Jassim kills a teenage boy in a terrible accident and Salwa becomes hopelessly entangled with a shady young American, their tenuous lives in exile and their fragile marriage begin to unravel . This intimate account of two parallel lives is an achingly honest look at what it means to straddle cultures, to be viewed with suspicion, and to struggle to find save haven.

About the Author Laila Halaby was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to a Jordanian father and an American mother. She speaks four languages, won a Fulbright scholarship to study folklore in Jordan, and holds a master's degree in Arabic literature. Her first novel, West of the Jordan, won the prestigious PEN Beyond Margins Award. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her family.

During June and July I have recommended that the Book Clubs I facilitate read DEAREST FRIEND, A Biography of Abigail Adams, by Lynne Withey. We are constantly being reminded of our "founding fathers".........why not read about a "founding mother". Abigail Adams was not the typical woman of the Revolutionary War. She was a strong, educated and far-thinking woman, who helped make John Adams the man and President he was. If she were with us today, she would be running for President, I am sure, probably putting our current candidates on guard. Read about Abby........you will learn all about our beginnings, and how she helped shape them. Only Abigail and Barbara Bush has been married to a President and a mother to one.

Isn't there a separate romance section to discuss this sort of garbage?

If you enjoyed the Camel Bookmobile, you might also enjoy The Pilot's Daughter, the autobiography of the daughter of Sadam Hussain.

Zany, my library considers this series General Fiction, not specifically romance.

Mary

What IS the definition of "romance" novels? Someone mentioned to me that Robert Waller's books - Bridges of Madison County et al - were romance novels........i hadn't tho't of them that way, but after they said it, i tho't "well, i guess they are largely about a romance......"....I've also seen Nora Roberts books listed as romance novels......guess i should really post this in the "romance" discussion, but what do you all think about it?......jean

I've always thought of "romance" novels as Harlequin or Silhouette paperbacks and books of that type. You can find romance of some type in any book, even in some mysteries.

Bridges of Madison County is a prime example. It was on the best seller fiction list. Alot of people read it and they wouldn't touch a "romance book" with a ten-foot pole

Mary

There is a fine line between many genres. Many Mysteries have some romance elements, as do SF. Many authors write in different styles. Nora Robert's no longer writes the pure romance novel. Some are stories of interpersonal problems that must be overcome.

Part of the title of this discussion is Best Sellers. Nora Roberts' books are best sellers.

I'm a little more than half way through Once in a Promised Land. It is a good story about a couple who are from the Middle East and found themselves making a good life in Arizona at the time of the 9/ll disasters. You can guess their experiences after those horrific happenings. Anyway I was enjoying the story of them and their lives here in US when I was dumped into what seems to be a necessary evil of good fiction writers. I don't mind references to sexual relationships, but I resent getting wrapped up with a good story and then tumbling into someone's bed (pardon the pun) with explicit descriptions. I'm a grown up person and don't need pictures of what some people do. Whatever happened to subtlety? It spoils a book for me and I spoken to others who have the same feelings. Sorry author, Laila Halaby for the bad press, but those are the facts. Mary

Norah Roberts is an excellent example of a crossover writer. She started writing on the series romance level, then went to historical and modern romance, but has branched into mystery, future type and some excellent novels, mostly written for women. She is not a great writer, ie Atwood,Drabble,Conroy, etc. but is a good one. Much better than Cornwall, etc.

zany: It sounds like you didn't care for Emillie Richards' books. What authors do you like to read? What titles would you recommend to readers?

Read the best books first; there may not be time for them later.

By literary fiction, I refer to novels whose primary focus is character development. (The exception, The Young Lions proves the rule, as the protagonist, a devout nazi, spurns change.) Oops, and two of my ten recommendations are novels in which societies rather than characters develop: both by Iain Pears, they are An Instance of the Fingerpost and Dreams of Scipio.

Grisham's The Firm does not belong in this category. But both The Rainmaker and Skipping Christmas do.

Recommended:
U.S.A.: The 42nd Parallel / 1919 / The Big Money.
Last Angry Man
A Beetle's Leg
John Brown's Body
JR
Human Comedy
V
Sound and the Fury
Instance of the Fingerpost
Dream of Scipio

Fingerpost was a fantastic reading experience that deserves a reread. I regret to say that I have not read any Dos Passos; maybe I should. Didn't Gore Vidal write "V"? A Beetle's Leg is one I've never heard of; tell my something about it. For literature you should check out our Great Books discussion. We are slowly negotiating over what to read next and who will volunteer to lead. You're correct in that Richards does not do "Literary" but she tells a rousing good tale if you like the ones that sprawl over generations and locales of a family , and I do.

Oh me, zany,, cannot say I agree with you at all. Dislike Grisham intensely..Always felt he is a writer who cheats with his set ups for his pet peeves. I like character developement but obviously not the same types. I like a different community.. Margaret Atwood is a writer who always pulls me into a different type of life..Just now I am in the Margaret Drabble discussion here. She is writing of a type of woman and the problems of aging.Interesting discussion going on. I am not a romance reader or a cozy reader.. I listened to Jan Karons stuff on tape, but tried one of the books and could not finish it.. Just a little too happy and sweet for me.

My retirement has been very different from what I expected. Family situations, stressfull ones, continue to be a factor and right now I am in a low place. How this affects my reading has been interesting. Those books which have simple, clear problems which in the course of the book are neatly resolved are my escape. I have a short attention span. So I must forgo the meaty discussions. But I am ever confident that tomorrow will be better.

Jackie - I'm afraid I'm just the opposite. I also have the ongoing stressful family situations, but it depresses me to read books where the problems or dilemmas are clear cut, and everyone acts rationally in the end! Would that it were so, but not in the life I live! So I prefer to read complicated plots about complicated people, where the characters don't necessarily do the right thing or make the right choices. Maybe it's an empathy thing, but makes me feel more comfortable somehow.

Jackie, I'm thinking of you and your situation. Your post rang a bell with me. We went through something similar during the nearly 20 years since we retired. It changes how you think about your retirement.....not all in a negative way either. The reading of good books about people and their lives was a help to me as well. I couldn't concentrate on heavy stuff, though over that time made the effort to get through some. Something kept telling me that I needed to keep reading....maybe an escape!! The knitting and quilting series of books were easy and comfortable as were Sandra Dallas and Jeanne Ray books. Knitting for charity projects also gave me a sense of purpose and helped me to stay connected when I couldn't serve on committees and be involved in other ways. Aren't these the ways that our "foremothers" kept in touch when they were kind of cut off as stay at home Mothers w/o phones and cars? My best to you Jackie. Mary

I've had to rethink my retirement also as my husband has had alzheimers for the last 4+ years and is getting worse. Plus I have health issues of my own to contend with.

I've always been a reader (can include cereal boxes also in my reading repretoire) but now when I get a chance to read, I read light, happy ending books as a means of escape. It doesn't depress me and when I finish, I feel like there may be a light at the end of the tunnel

Mary

When I was going through my breast cancer treatments, I found light, happy ending books were what I needed to read. I remember starting a Patterson book and putting it down because it was about a stalker. Now I am back to reading what fits my mood at the time. I figure I am retired and no longer need to always be improving my mind. However, I still enjoy a well written book, such as The Thirteenth Tale.

Too many ' literate' books are pure depressing and just not worth my reading time.

How comforting to know that I'm not the only one who has found half a worm in the apple I just bit into. Thanks for lifting some of the load. I know that the only way to cope with life's vicissitudes is to just keep going on going on. My fellow Bookies, I love you all.

Isn't this one of the great things about Senior Net. We can network with others who have been and are going through the same or nearly the same things and we can help to encourage each other along the way. Senior Net is probably one of the best things I've found on the Internet.

Still off the subject of fiction, I've just come home from finishing my AARP class in safe driving. It is a good class and is a good self assessment on my driving and reminded me of safe driving habits that should be remembered. Mary

Jackie - i can identify w/ your need for light reading. When i am anxious or depressed, i often put down something that is too complicated or depressing. On the other hand, I sometimes agree w/ Marilyne, if people in the books get too understanding or loving, i think "ooohhh yeah! right! who are these people??" and interesting enough the J.D. Robb books someimes fall into both categories......i love her mystery, but after two or three in succession, i've had enough of the gore, but sometimes also her love relationship.....where are those constantly patient, understanding, loving men???? It reminds me of when i first read Fountainhead. Each man who appeared in the story seemed to be perfect and then she would introduce another that was even more perfect - I know, I know "more perfect" is a fallacy, but it seemed to be true of Rynd's men.....in my 20's, i tho't that was wonderful, if i re-read it today i would probably think "what a fantasy!"........that's why i often stick to light mystery when i'm in a down mood...........jean

I'm reading Cassandra King's "Sunday Wife" now. It's quite good. I hate to say this, because she is important in her own right, but just to add to her identification - she is Pat Conroy's wife.

I could NEVER be a minister's wife!! Altho Dean, the character in the book is like me in a lot of ways and seems to be handling it o.k. The introduction implies, however, that at some point she is going to "run away." I like my privacy too much and going to all those mtgs and being constantly on display would drive me nuts! Let alone my agnostism about religion. Altho' Dean seems to have the same questions i have about religion.......it's an interesting book and for you folks who like books about the South it is set in Florida and of course, King lives in S.Carolina.......jean

From my point of view, I think that being a minister's wife would be like "life in a goldfish bowl". You are dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. No matter which way you jump, someone would find it to be wrong. Your clothes are too stylish, or not stylish enough; you serve on too many committees or don't get involved enough and on and on. Just read the "Harmony Series" by Phillip Gulley. Mary

I finished reading 'Portrait of an Unknown Woman' by Vanora Bennett. It is a wonderful novel. It is Historical Fiction. It involves the life of Hans Holbein, the Medieval artist. Along with Hans Holbein there is Thomas More and other famous people. The book involves mystery, love, family and religious persecution. Family loyalties are tested. It is a book you won't want to put down until you finish the last page. I am looking forward to reading more books by Vanora Bennett. It is a wonderful book for summer reading. Vanora Bennett takes you to another time and place.

Vanora Bennett

Hats: You've found another art-themed book. Starts me on a whole new quest, reading novels inspired by major works of art.

Mrs. Sherlock, you will love this one, Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett. I can't say enough about it. What are you reading now?

I have started 'Alice's Tulips' by Sandra Dallas. It is letters written during the Civil War. The letters are written to Alice from Lizzie. Lizzie lives in Slatyfork, Iowa with her mother in law while her husband fights in the war. There are many quilts made to send to the soldiers.

I loved Alice's Tulips. It made me think of my Grandma and her own Mother who would have lived in that era. When we look at our own lives it reminds us that 100 years is not such a long stretch of time. As a young person I thought of the Civil War in terms of Ancient history even when my Mother told about her Grandfather serving in it. Now I realized that we really weren't so awfully far removed from those times. Those women and men who settled our country back then were really heroes, weren't they? Mary

I have the Cassandra King novel and have not started it. But it does ring a bell. My college roommate broke her engagement when her fiancee decided to become a baptist minister. She said, she loved him, but knew she could never become a woman on display.

Macou, I love your post. Sadly, my mood changed. I'm just not in the mood for 'Alice's Tulips' at this time. I am still trying to settle on a book. There are a lot of good ones listed here. I am in the hunting stage. That's fun too.

The latest Bookmarks is here. Every book sounds enticing. So many books...

Mrs. Sherlock, I haven't gotten a copy yet. Thanks for the reminder.

It's clear that two fiction books nooks are necessary--one for light reading, one for heavy. One notices that although there are many genre-oriented sites on seniornet for light reading, there still are none for heavy reading (apart from Great Books where I was directed to go to the Book Nook instead if I wanted to discuss 20th and 21st century literature). Is Bush lite also in charge of seniornet?

Zany - this is THE site to discuss FICTION - heavy/lite. You were sent to the Book Nook to suggest titles for in-depth discussion, but here you can discuss talk about whichever type of fiction you prefer. This site is open to all readers of fiction. We have no one who sits in judgment over what is 'serious' literature.

Everyone here would be interested in hearing about the titles which interest you - the titles which you call serious literature.
Who wrote John Brown's Body? I am not familiar with the title. Won't you tell us more?

I've just started a novel loaned to me by my daughter called My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. It is about a young girl who was born into a family who already had two children, one of whom is a sister that has Leukemia. The third child was a scientifically engineered baby to become a perfect match for blood and bone marrow transplants for her sister. It sounds gruesome when put like that but the story is quite interesting and provokes lots of questions in ones mind about ethics, love and loyalty. Mary

Zany: I was the one who directed you to Great Books when you said you wanted to discuss literature. Booknook is sort of a common room where we keep up with one another's progress, learn of new authors, etc. Genre discussions are similar; I just finished a CD mystery which I commented on there. For a serious discussion of a particular book we act much like a F@F book club. The title is mentioned, maybe here, with comments by the presenter. As others express interest the momentum begins to build. A discussion requires the commentment by at least three and a leader must volunteer. Because there is much activity (right now we are discussion three books in depth; three more are upcoming; and nominations are in process of being offered for two other sites: Great Books, which are taken from the GB lists provided, and Reading Around the World, books about other cultures written by natives of that culture. So, you want to discuss John Brown's Body. Fine. Tell us about it, persuade us that it would be worth the while of several of us to read and discuss it. Seek a leader or volunteer yourself to lead. We are always open to new reading experiences. Certainly the title is intriguing. We all know who John Brown was. Tell us why you want us to read it and discuss it with you.

Seek a leader or volunteer yourself to lead.

Seek a leader is right. We have several discussion leaders here in Books who are very good at leading book discussions.

When interest is shown in a book, and a discussion leader thinks that there may be at least 3 to make a quorum, she/he will set up a proposed discussion to see who is really interested.

Like "Digging to America" was suggested, several were interested, and Pedln thought it was a good discussion book. The first part of June plans were made to discuss it, a proposed discussion was opened and now Pedln will start the discussion July 1st.
---Digging to America ~ Anne Tyler ~ July Book Club Online

Zany, I don't know what you term serious fiction, but the discussion of "Seven Sisters" - by Margaret Drabble was certainly given the serious attention and deep scrutiny that you would not find in a face-to-face bookclub.

Hello all. A reminder that we have a process for appointing our volunteer discussion leaders so if someone wants to suggest a book title, you can see if a current Books volunteer will agree to lead it, if there is a quorum of interested participants.

Marcie: Sorry I misstated the leader selection process. What a lot of typos I had up above! I felt that Zany was seeking information but was not understanding the complete picture of SeniorNet. Strange that we still know nothing about John Brown's Body.

Macou, 'My Sister's Keeper' by Jodi Picoult is unforgettable. At least, I won't forget it. It causes a reader to look at all points of view as a family moves through crisis.

Stephen Vincent Benet was quite famous for that one particular long poem.. I read it way way back in high school, but cannot remember much except for the title. I lived in a border state (Delaware) and the teacher used it in American History to prove a point..

hats, Yes, it has given me a whole lot of things to think about in respect to having a serious illness in the family. We just came through a long stretch of that knowing what the outcome would be eventually. I could see myself many times in the Mother of the family, setting aside everything because you know full well you won't always have that one child with you. It isn't always fair, but it is just the way you feel. I'm only about half way through the book, but the story really gripped me from the first few pages. Mary

Macou -- re: My Sister's Keeper -- is that based on a true story? I remember reading a few years back about a family that did just that -- had a baby with the hope that its bone marrow would save another child in the family. I've never read any Jody Picoult, but her Plain Truth is sitting on my bookshelf, ready to read.

Pat West -- thanks for the heads-up on Digging to AMerica. JOanK will also be leading the discussion which begins on July 1. And there is a great group of readers who will be there also, sipping Perrier and Pomegranate juice as we talk about Anne Tyler's novel. Y'all come!

I finished Cassandra King's Sunday Wife. It was very good up until the end, About half way thru the book i was pretty sure how the book would end, but it was so pat that it was a let down. Has anyone else read it? .....jean

Mabel, I haven't read Sunday's Wife by Cassandra King. I have read 'Making Waves.' I really enjoyed that book. The story takes place in a small town. It's been so long I might have the title wrong.

I have not read Sisters Keeper, although there have been several storis in the news indicating that people do try this. I have some experience in being the other child when one child is ill almost to death. My brother was hit by a car and gravely injured when he was 8 and I was 15.. He was prounounced dead several times in the next few weeks, lived in a stryker frame for a long long time and was crippled the rest of his life.. For a long long time, I would not admit it, but I now do..My Dad and I were abandoned by my Mom. My brother from then on until the day she died was the focus of her existance. It was almost like she died for me. I was simply never ever very important to her. She wasnt evil or anything,but she simply transferred all of her attention to my brother. Then when he got well,or as well as he would be, she simply could not stop. She always protected him, no matter what. He really had his life ruined, because he was never strong enough to make her back off and then he got so used to it, he wouldnt try. His first wife finally walked away with their son. He just never grew up. Such a shame.. A wasted life..Crippling accidents do terrible things to the person who has them and their entire family.

I am wondering if someone here could recommend a really good read for my F2F library book club, that is light,with lots of humor? (We've done a Fannie Flagg last year!)

Our group has stated they are terribly tired of reading "dark" novels, replete with dysfunctional families, etc. Obviously, we are ready for some laughs. We are primarily an older group, with usually only one or two men as regulars, and the ladies are hoping for some "comic relief". Recommendations please!

The Lost Continent, by Bill Bryson, is very funny. He returns to small town America after living for years in London and takes a tour of the eastern US, starting from his family home in Iowa. Along the way he pokes fun at some American institutions, like the three old men who sit in rockers outside the general store and comment on the passing parade. Very light and upbeat. Bryson also wrote a funny book about hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods. Almost anything by Bryson should be funny. Another author I like is Jon Katz who has written abour his experiences with border collies, dogs who can almost outthink him as he struggles to find accommodation with their instincts. He portrays his trials in a humorous light. A very punny SF book is Spider Robinson's Calahan's Crosstime Saloon, laugh out loud funny if you like puns (and I do).

My first thoughts for light summer reading would be Jeanne Ray's Julie and Romeo. Second is Rococco by Adriani Trigiani. Both great. Mary

Stephanie: I'm sorry for all the pain your family's life...and thank you for sharing

Anything by Bill Bryson makes for a great read. You can't help but smile while reading his books.

Just finished Marley and Me by John Grogan; as a dog lover I, of course, enjoyed it. But folks who do not have pets can take lots of good lessons from this delightful animal. The book made me cry, made me laugh.

One of my favorite books, which might make a good summer read, is She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. I have very few books that I buy and keep...this is one of them

I loved, loved Julie and Romeo. Both Julie and Romeo owned flowershops. The relationship was just wonderful. I loved 'Eat Cake' too. I love Jeanne Ray's books. Yes, these are light and wonderful books for the summer.

Adriana Trigani provides a nice light read.. Just finished one of hers.

I love Trigliani. I have read all three of the Stone Gap series. I haven't read the newest one. I loved Lucia, Lucia.

I am reading A Walk In The Woods now and it is so funny I can't believe it

I want to read that one again. I remember laughing so hard. It's a good summer book. I have never read his other books.

For you travel buffs looking for a 'good read'

I'd suggest John Steinbeck's (I think) "Travels with Charley in Search of America"

The scene where he gets to California, stops at a huge redwood, and tries to get Charlie to use it as dogs do use trees is very funny.

I just checked Amazon, and you can get it used 'cheap'

It isn't fiction, so I apologize for putting this here.

I read Travels With Charley years ago and his trip w/dog always stays in my mind as an idealic way to see this country. Of course that was than and this is now. How sad our innocence lost!!

The stories of four teenagers growing up in America during WWII is an intergenerational winner. Try it. You'll like it. On line at Barnes and Nobel, Borders, Amazon, etc.

I've been kind of hung up on Ann Rule latley and just finished the story about Ted Bundy. Talk about fascinating and she knew him personally even worked a crisis hot line with him here in Seattle, I really enjoyed the book although The Thomas Capano story was riviting.

Iloved the Steinbeck Travels with Charlie, but must confess that Bill Bryson leaves me cold.

Mary Schmich, Chicago Tribune columnist, recently listed her recommended summer reading list: 1.Runaway by Alice Munro 2.One Shot by Lee Child 3.Echo Burning by Lee Child 4.American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Marvin J. Sherwin 5.The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 6.The 911 Commission Report by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon The United States 7.Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama 8.Intuition by Allegra Goodman

Interesting and varied list. Have only read The Grapes of Wrath but do have a copy of the 9/11 Report but must confess have not read it.

Read the Grapes of Wratch and the Oppenheimer book of the list. Have no intention of reading most of the rest.

Ordinarily I choose novels in preference to short story collections, but Runaway by Alice Munro was excellent. I'm now sorry I didn't read it when SeniorNet discussed it. Since then my daughters have given me Munro's Friendship, Hateship, Loveship, Marriage and The View from Castle Rock. I've started Friendship and am enjoying it just as much as Runaway.

What an odd list. I talked Ginny into trying "Intuition" by Allegra Goodman, which I really liked. From the blurbs:

“This intimate portrait of life in a research institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, revolves around a scientific mystery: the groundbreaking, too-good-to-be-true discovery of a virus that fights cancer.”

“Every character here -- even the relatively minor ones, even the relatives of minor ones -- is endowed by their creator with the fullest complements of flaws, tics, vices, strengths, virtues and moments of nobility.”

“With extraordinary insight, Allegra Goodman brilliantly explores the intricate mixture of workplace intrigue, scientific ardor, and the moral consequences of a rush to judgment.”

Allegra Goodman is a powerful, brilliant writer. I have read several of her books, can't remember if I've read intuition. Yes, I loved it. I also read Kaaterskill Falls.

I have read practically all of Ann Rule's books. The 2 latest I've read are "Bitter Harvest" (wow).......and the very latest (now 13th on best seller list).........."Too Late to Say Goodbye". I couldn't put either one down. I like her writings. She's so thorough and none of it is gory.

Betty......

Betty what blows my mind is that they are true stories. When I read the Thomas Capano story I could not believe anyone in true life could get away with so much, especially in a small town. Beleive me I have lived in a couple small towns and I thought everybody knew what each other was doing. I also had never heard of Thomas Capano. I guess on the east coast it was in the papers all the time, but not out here.

Judy.. Thomas Capano.. isnt that the one in Delaware. If so Wilmington is surely not a small town.. He was a very very big deal in Delaware and very political. I love true crime and read it all the time. Ann Rule is one of the best.. And the fact that she knew the serial killer and worked beside him on a suicide hotline is really spooky. Not sure if that is when she started writing about murder or not.

No from what the credits say if thats the word she had written 3 or 4 before that. Pretty close to the begining of her career I think

Judy, I have a good friend who was involved in politics in Delaware.. I was born and grew up there..and it is a teeny place for politics.. She knew the Capano family and was stunned when all this happened. Not that it happened, but that finally the family was not going to get away with stuff they had done. There was a lot of scandal always about them.

''It is well that war should be so terrible; if it were not we might become too fond of it.'' R. E Lee.

Stephen Vincent Benet's ''John Brown's Body'' was written in 1928 as a story in verse to be read aloud. For that and other reasons, it comes resonantly to life on stage. In 1953, Charles Laughton accompanied by Judith Anderson, Raymond Massey, and Tyrone Power, Jr gave formal readings on Broadway (65 performances) and throughout North America. In 1989 at the Williamstown Theater Festival, it was performed by a three-person cast that included Christopher Reeve, Robert Lansing and Laurie Kennedy.

Benet contemplates North and South with a compassionate sense of the losses suffered by both sides as well as the immeasurable gains. With John Brown's raid as catalyst and recurrent motif, the narrative moves from Bull Run to Gettysburg, from home front to prison camp. Through monologues, dialogues, letters home and lyrical descriptions of countrymen in combat, it captures the anguish as well as the panoply of the war.

The poem has two contrasting fictional heroes (three if we count John Brown) - the Northerner, Jack Ellyat, and, Clay Wingate, the Southern patriot who remains equally loyal to his roots as well as the three heroines who loved and were loved by them.

Lincoln is revealed as a down-to-earth man thrust into a position of national morality. Plus we get portraits of the leading generals on both sides to receive a full picture of the turmoil of a cataclysmic event that the author calls ''a crack in time itself.''

I’ve three reasons for proposing that we do a group reading: · To admire Benet’s use of language and his ability to modify cadence and phrasing to suggest the origins of the different characters. · To learn more of Civil War history · To learn why war is so terrible that we ought not grow too fond of it.

Please indicate here if you would like to join the reading or contact me directly at drgood@zanybooks.com

“Ave, Caesar, ave, 0 congressmen, Ave, 0 Iliad gods who forced the fight! You bring your carriages and your picnic-lunch To cheer us in our need. You come with speeches, Your togas smell of heroism and bay-rum. You are the people and the voice of the people And, when the fight is done, your carriages Will bear you safely, through the streaming rout Of broken troops, throwing their guns away. You come to see the gladiator's show, But from a high place, as befits the wise: You will not see the long windrows of men Strewn like dead pears before the Henry House Or the stone-wall of Jackson breathe its parched Devouring breath upon the failing charge,

Ave, Caesar, ave, 0 congressmen, Cigar-smoke wraps you in a godlike cloud, And if you are not to depart from us As easily and divinely as you came, It hardly matters.”

Steven Vincent Benet

I'll read that one. Netflix doesn't have a listing so the preformances with those remarkable actors has not been preserved I guess.

Mrs. Sherlock,

For the movie you were looking for: try doing a Google search on the title. I have found that Netflix does not have some movies, but I can always find them via Google. Also, try Amazon. They sell DVDs and VHSs through their 'used' affiliates.

Thanks, jeanlock. I'll check those sites.

Look what I found: A review in the New Yorker of a new book about John Brown: http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/04/25/050425crbo_books He sounds like a man born before his time.

If I remember (and sometimes I don't!) some of you don't like John Grisham. Well, I'm not one of them! I just started The Painted House and am loving it. Has anyone read this and, if so, what did you think of it? (but don't tell me the ending!)

Also just bought at a yard sale East of the Mountains by David Guterson. I absolutely loved his Snow Falling on Cedars and am looking forward to this one.

Peace -

The Painted House is a completely different Grisham. I really liked it - liked the movie too.

I also really liked Snow Falling on Cedars. But there was something about East of the Mountains that really turned me off. I can't remember what it was now - some snobbishness, I think. Anyway something that I thought was injustice or a putdown to some creature or another. I felt the same way about A River Runs Through It. In A River Runs Through It, it was a callousness toward a girl. All that male bonding - well.

How unfortunate that Grisham had to write so many bad books (The Firm's characters are caricatures and he painted himself into a corner with The Pelican Brief) in order to get a good one published.

At zanybooks.com we say "read the best e-books first, there may not be time for them later," but perhaps one ought write, "read the best books first for they may not publish any more later."

Painted House being a study of character development as well as of a time and place, letting you know the ending won't spoil your enjoyment one bit. Of course, the Painted House is neither Of Mice and Men nor Sound and Fury.

I am reading east off the mountains now I bought it because east of the mountains is something I know about. All my sons have home east and I have been there many times. I am enjoying it so far and when they were young I am sure my boys hunted or somehow went right on the trails he is going. I think I will finish it today so I can give it to #1 son. So far I like it.

thanks everyone for your thougts on my mentioned books...didn't realize there was a movie of Painted House. when was it made and who played in it?

peace, Here is a link to info re: the movie of The Painted House. I did enjoy the movie AND the book. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362001/

Also I really did enjoy Snow Falling on Cedars and wouldn't hesitate to buy another book by that author. I read the review on Amazon and it sounded like something I would like. Mary

Just finished East of The Mountains and I enjoyed it. Not sure I understood it all and I believe the end leaves you to figure out for your self what it right.

I enjoyed the books and the movie so much. Am I wrong in thinking that it is largely autobiographical? I can't recall where I got that impression but it feels strong. The actors chosen for the film were absolutely perfect--not one but fit in with what I had imagined and those fine scenes of the farm, and the charming accents added to my reading. What I hadn't imagined well enough was the city girl who visited and got trapped in the outhouse by a big black snake. She was outstanding; I just loved to hate her.

It is a different theme than most of Grisham's books. We read it here on SeniorNet in Mar '02.

"Painted House ~ John Grisham ~ 5/02 ~ Book Club Online"Mar 2002

I also enjoyed "Snow Falling On Cedars". I was a little disappointed in the movie, but it's been a long time since I've seen it, and I don't remember why I didn't like it. As we all know, very few movies ever live up to the original book, no matter how hard they try.

The only other book I've read by David Guterson, is "Our Lady of the Forest", which also takes place in the Northwest. It's an intriguing story about a young woman who experiences a "visitation" from the Virgin Mary, while she's out picking mushrooms in the forest. After the word gets out, everything changes in this small logging town in Washington. It's not a religious story, but more about human nature, and how people believe and react to what they think is a miracle.

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??

None of them

I started the first one. It didn't capture my interest so I put it down and never read any of them.

There was a discussion here awhile back about putting something down when it didn't do anything for you, or reading something to the end just because you started it and felt you had to finish it.

I used to wade thru books that I really didn't like or hold my interest because I started them. I finally wised up I can tell early on if I'm going to like it and if not, I go to something else.

A friend and I were discussing this subject awhile back and she equated this to relationships that we have hung on to just because we started them....

I have enough stress and chaos in my life right now. So when I pick up a book, I want to enjoy it and escape for awhile.

Mary

I think you love Harry, or have no interest, Mary. 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 reading/discussion 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.

zany - I've never read a Harry Potter book and likely never will. I'm in the minority here, as I know that they are read and are beloved by all age groups. I've just never enjoyed books or movies that deal with fantasy. That includes anything involving witches, wizards, the casting of spells, vampires, angels, time travel or people living in Middle Earth.

I love to read and I adore movies, but they have to deal in reality. Real people, living lives that I can relate to.

Marilyne,

I'm just a curmudgeon. Haven't read Harry Potter; haven't gone to any of the movies, nor bought any of the DVDs. Just not my cuppa. I'm not 'magical' or 'fanciful' by nature and that sort of thing doesn't interest me.

But I have been pretty upset at all the media/commercial hype every time a book or movie comes out. Talk about Pavlov's dog. Just say "Harry Potter", and you'd think it was the second coming. Not criticizing people who enjoy the books, just those media fools who stir up the craze.

Well, I do love Harry Potter! But even more so the Philip Pullman books, a trilogy called His Dark Materials - the first book is the Golden Compass. These books are real literature and quite serious. In England, they are regarded as the best children's books - however they are not just for children by any means!

Can't neglect the Lord of the Rings either!!

I'm with Marilyne and Jeanlock - Haven't read any of the books but did see the first movie - turned me off forever. I really don't like fantasy. I read the Tolkien books but only because one son became simply besotted with them when he was young and I thought I should see what was so entrancing. He is still enraptured - I think he knows the books by heart - but Middle Earth never really grabbed me though I have to say that at times Tolkien's prose is pretty good.

Actually I like fantasy, and have read, and enjoyed, the Pullman books, and Tolkin..But Harry just doesn't seem to appeal to me..One of my granddaughters, now 17 has been reading about Mr Potter from the beginning, and wouldn't think of missing a movie or most particularly, a book...

The Harry Potter books deal with adolescent development from age 11 through 18. The writing is beautiful--the following describes the protagonist's thoughts as he attends his mentor's funeral:

"And Harry saw very clearly as he sat there under the hot sun how people who cared about him had stood in front of him one by one. his mother, his father, his godfather, and finally Dumbledore, all determined to protect him, but now that was over. He could not let anybody else stand between him and Voldemort; he must abandon forever the illusion he ought to have lost at the age of one, that the shelter of a parent's arms meant that nothing could hurt him. There was no waking from his nightmare, no comforting whisper in the dark that he was safe really, that it was all in his imagination; the last and greatest of his protectors had died, and he was more alone than he had ever been before."

Putney, I haven't read the Pullman books. I have always heard about The Golden Compass. I would like to try the Pullman books.

I remember you asking about John Henry. I happened to find this title while looking for another book. I have not read this book.

Colson Whitehead"

Was it John Henry? I hope my memory is working correctly this morning.

Just picked up a Richard Paul Evans book at the library that is new to me. The title is Sunflower and has started out as a good and easy summer read. Our library is having an interesting event this summer. As usual they have the children's summer reading program but this year there is also an adult reading program. Each time you read and return a book you record it on your slip and get a ticket for a drawing similar to a Chinese auction. There is quite a nice assortment of baskets. Most of us don't need this added incentive to read, but it is interesting. We have a new librarian and he is trying out many new programs.

I love fantasy and enjoy Harry. but love alternate worlds and read them as well. Harry seems to be close to an allegory now. She started fairly light, but the books have become darker and darker. I have the last ordered but really wondor if she must let Harry die. Oh well , will find out in a few weeks.

Macou33,

Please post at the end of the summer and give your opinion about this adult reading program - It would be interesting to know if you (and the library director if you know him) thought it was worthwhile. I wonder if it attracted any of the young adult readers?

That adult program and having baskets available sounds nice. What is meant by a Chinese auction?

Our library in this little town of 5,200 is doing a teen summer read program that is based on the children's theme this year of "get a clue" at the library. The teens, among other things, are going to have a treasure hunt kind of thing. In cooperation with some merchants downtown, they'll get a clue from one merchant and have to go to another...with clues like "is someone being framed?" and they'll go to the frame shop...or the eye doctor..etc. and get the next clue. They've had 15 kids sign up, which is great for teens for the summer in this area! It's nice the merchants are cooperating with the Library Asst that's running this program.

jane

Jane, Your library program for teens sounds like an interesting one. A Chinese auction is usually a fund raiser where you buy tickets and place a ticket in a container by a gift basket that you would like to win. At the end there is a drawing for each basket and the winner is the person whose ticket is drawn. In this case though you don't buy the tickets but rather receive one each time you read and return a book in the time frame given. The one thing that caught my eye was tickets to Aida the musical at our Summer theater. Wish me luck!!

nlhome, I will tell you at the end of summer how the adult reading program did turn out in relation to encouraging younger adult readers....and others. I'm sure there will be some report.

The Richard Paul Evans book I mentioned earlier has turned out to be a good story and seems to me to be based on fact.

macou: Thanks for the information on how they're doing the drawing. Great idea!!

jane

a few years ago our local library had a summer adult reading program; we had to read books in several categories. this took me outside of my "comfort" zone of mostly mysteries/cop stuff. it was fun. I do think they had a drawing of some kind but I don't remember..probably because I didn't win! but, again I did win something because I read many books which I would not have otherwise chosen. maybe I'll ask them to do another such event for adults..why let the kids/teens have all the fun

A big THANK YOU to whoever recommended Alice's Tulips, by Sandra Dallas. I enjoyed it so much, and stayed up late last night to finish it because I couldn't wait until today to find out the ending. What a wonderful book, filled with many strong, likeble female characters. I just loved the way it was written in letter form.

I'm always attracted to any book written about the Civil War, and especially fiction, with the war as the backdrop for the storyline. Although this story is unique in it's style, there were certain things that reminded me of "Cold Mountain" and "Gone With the Wind".

I've read all Dallas' books and thoroughly enjoyed each one.

For those of you who like Ann Rule and her true life stories her latest "No time to say Good bye" is a good and fast read.........

Thanks tigerlily for the tip on Ann Rule. I'm adding it to my list. Mary

my list keeps growing and growing since I started posting here! and I love it!

I'll need another lifetime for all the good reads offered here. Hope my eyes and mind hold out when I get to "the home" and have lots of time to read. Mary C.

we'll all be "rockin'" on the porch at the home as we read...maybe in large print, maybe audio, maybe someone will be kind enough to read to us...as long as there are books, I will be happy

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

Er, uh, Pacific, we do not welcome authors to this site. There is a specific place where authors may tout their works but this site is for objective comments by readers only. I, speaking for myself only, am not interested in an author who has intruded on this site so I will not be reading your book.

I think we should give "Pacific" the benefit of a doubt...perhaps she did not realize that she should post in another discussion......if I knew the link I would direct her to it.....Imagine writing a best selling book at or after the age of 65.....just wonderful...........

Thank you very very much, tigerlily3, you are very nice, and I'm sorry I offended you, Mrs Sherlock, too bad you won't enjoy Paradise.Of course I didn't know, it's my first time here, Indeed, as a senior (I'll be 70 September 1) I would love to hear about any book published by someone late in life for the first time, and discuss books with him/her, and thought other seniors felt the same way. Sorry, I won't "intrude" again. Thanks

Tigerlily - you can read of all about Pacific's book, Paradise, in Authors' Corner.

Pacific - please feel right at home here...you are very welcome.

Pacific I welcome you here we are glad to have you. As I see from post # 167 you are enjoying this site. As you know by now there is a author's corner when you are discussing books you have written. BTW way to go!!!! Please feel free to tell us what you are reading and reccomending.

Judy Laird DL

Pacific: Pardon me for being so touchy. Instead I must laud you on your achievement. We have had authors "drop in" before whose only intent was to seek buyers for their books. SeniorNet is a very warm and supportive community and we bookies feel especially close so I hope that you will stay and I can get to know you better. Opinions are sought here, not discouraged, so the more the merrier.

The author is Khaled Hosseini.....He wrote the bestselling "Kite Runner" which I liked so much......This is another book that will stay with you long after you read it....to think that others are suffering so much is more than I can get my mind around.......

I am glad to see that you liked Hosseni's new book. I heard that it was very hard to read. Did you find that true?

I cannot imagine why anyone would think Hosseni's new book is hard to read.......I have not finished many a book just for that very reason Ann....No..it's just another book which is staying with me . I am thinking of the lives women live in other countries and how fortunate we are to live here with plenty of everything.....we may not think we have plenty of everything, but we do.....and those that do not may not be aware of how to get to get it......

I will try to read it later after we discuss "The Luncheon of the Boating Party". Thanks for the recommendation!

I have sure read a lot of books in July. One I really liked by Sandra Dallas The Diary of Mattie Spenser. This is not a book I would usually read, somebody says joural and I go ugh. Except for my beloved May Sarton. This journal was fantastic and I intend to find all her books.

Also Kat Martin who I enjoy I read the Summit, now there is a book you don't know when to put down.

Don is in NY of course there was something big going on here and so her flew the coop. MY MISS EMMA WAS WITH CHILD AND NOW A HAVE 2 ADORABLE LITTLE PUPPIES. THEY ARE THE BEST. THIS IS MY FIRST LITTER HAHAHA

Congratulations, Judy! I bet they are so adorable. I drove past the cutest white and beige chihuahua yesterday. He was in his mommy's arms as she drove. You know how they enjoy looking out of windows. He was getting the scenic view and all that lovin'.

I just got three new Sandra Dallas's books and that should keep me busy for a while, along with the new puppies.

I just finished The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber. You've all talked about it on here and on the Knitting site and i enjoyed it. I understand she's written some others in this series, so i'll be looking for them.......jean

Just finished "The Sunday Wife" by Cassandra King. Interesting although somewhat overplotted.

I am into Richotte or what even by Sandra Brown it takes place in Savannah and I am in heaven. Yeah Georgia

Oh, I really want to read Ricochette by Sandra Brown. I had it checked out of the library. I didn't have time to read it. I can't spell the word either.(:

Judy, I hope one of your new Sandra Dallas books is Tallgrass, which I think is fairly new. I just finished it and loved every minute -- couldn't put it down. It's set in a small farming community in SE Colorado during World War II, told from the point of view of a teenager. A wonderful sense of family and goodness.

Now I'm reading a stand alone by Margaret Maron -- Last Lessons of Summer -- set in North Carolina just like her Judge Deborah Knott series. And this one too has a family tree at the beginning, and I'm always referring to it as new characters pop up. Guess I'm partial to strong family books, probably because mine is spread out so far away.

Pedln, I loved Last Lessons of Summer. I would like to read Tallgrass.

Pedln I have yet to read they sure are pretty. The Persian Pickle Club, New Mercies, and Alice's Tulips. Am just finishing Richotche or whatever, its a very good story. Tonight I will begin the PPC.

I loved The Persian Pickle Club.

I l ove Margaret Maron and have read and reread her several series and stand alones. She is an interesting writer.. Her characters end up as people I would love to know..

I want to definitely read her other books.

Stephanie I don't believe I have heard of that author. Will have to look her up. Finished Ricochet last night and loved it. Am now on PPC which Persian Pickle Club will now be refered to as----PPC hehe

Judy: I think you'll enjoy Margaret Maron..good, tight writing, wonderful characters...I'm a fan.

I did notice that in Maron's stand along Last Lessons of Summer that Dwight Bryant, Deborah Knott's husband, is a minor character. Funny. I guess if you've got a good man around you might as well use him.

Judy, I think you'd like the Judge Knott series too, and you might as well start with the first one -- The Bootleggers Daughter

O.K. I will.

Judy, I did read the PPC and it was fun.. I agree that with Maron's Judge Knott series, you must start with the first one. They are a continuing series of her family and her life and really neat.

I'm about half way through The Quilter's Homeoming, another of the Elm Creek Quilt novels by Jennifer Chiaverini. It is a good yarn. I have been a little "put-off" by some of her characters in the other books (some a little too good to be true?) and even in this one but the story is good and worth the time.

Speaking of quilts ... did I mention "Alice's Tulips" in this discussion? Pardon me if I did, but it's worth mentioning again anyway. A good Civil War novel by Sandra Dallas, with talk of quilts and quilting woven into the story. I had checked it out at the library, but liked it so much that I bought a copy for my dil's birthday. I'm wondering how she'll like it.

Our birthdays are two days apart, so we always celebrate them together, and we always give books as presents. Besides "Tulips", I gave her "Water for Elephants". Lo and behold, she also gave ME "Water for Elephants"! LOL The other one she gave me is "Dream When You're Feeling Blue", by Elizabeth Berg. It's one of the few Berg's that I haven't read. I can't decide which of the two books to read first!

I am presently reading Water For Elephants and thoroughly enjoying it. I don't think you can go wrong choosing it. JOY

Has anyone read TALLGRASS??????I have been notified by the library that it is available-----I had heard about it on one of the Book Boards. I think it is about internees during WWII?????? JOY

Joy - I took your advice and started "Water for Elephants" last night. I can tell from reading the first chapter that I'm going to love it!

Yes, I've read Tallgrass. And, yes, it is about the Japanese internees of WWII. Dallas' stories can really hop around but somewhere there will be a thread connecting them all. Buster's Midnight Cafe was really off-the-wall but I couldn't quit reading it.

Finished PPC and loved it, never saw the ending coming. That really sneaked up on me.

Joy, I just finished Tallgrass -- couldn't put it down. It does focus a lot on the internees, but is told from the point of view of a teen-age farm girl.

Thanks, Pedln, for your assessment of Tallgrass. I am picking it up today at the library where it is held for me. JOY

Right now I have 2 books waiting to be read. They are both from the library. Sandra Brown's Play Dirty and Steve Hamilton's A Cold Day in Paradise. Ray picked them up or me when he was returning a book he had read. Has anyone read either of them?

Hamilton's book was very good. I had forgotten his name and will have to put him back on my list. Quirky characters I care about. Good story.

Mrs Sherlock ~ Thanks for letting me know how much you liked Steve Hamilton's books.

I am just finishing the final book in this series. It has been quite an experience, living in the wet, cold trenches of WWI--and me in my nice warm dry bed. Wonder what she'll do next.

HAPPY BIRATHDAY ANN ALDEN

joy: just as you said I would, I LOVED "Water For Elephants"! I'm going to post this on the new site also, in hopes that you'll see it.

The new site hurts my eyes really bad, so I'm not sure if I'll be posting there very much from here on out. Maybe I'll get used to it? This old SN seems so calm and easy on the eyes and on the nerves!

I TOTALLY agree w/you, but what can we do about progress????? JOY

I am now reading Tallgrass. Had I mentioned that before? It is the story of our (USA) incarcerating people of Japanese heritage during WW2. I read a similar story years ago, and this one is interesting so far (not in the category of Water For Elephants) but it tells a story that NOT a + in America's history. This one concerns a camp in Colorado.-----Interesting--- JOY

The Sheriff of River County has passed an initial editorial review at http://zanybooks.com but we aren't yet committed to its actual publication. We're looking for outside feedback first, so we've posted the text at http://zanybooks.com/sher01.htm in the hopes of receiving some reviews, yea or nay.

P.S. Like most zanybooks, The Sheriff of River County set in modern Arizona crosses genera, so either it's a crime fiction/police novel or it's literary fiction, or something in between.

Please post your ad messages in "The Authors Corner". They are inappropiate in any other discussion.