Post by: ClassicsAdmin on December 16, 2008, 08:57:56 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4d.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Post by: JoanP on December 18, 2008, 07:12:49 AM
It's such a busy time of year with not much time to sit down quietly with a good book. I've several on my wish list I hope to read in the coming year, among them, the international bestseller, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. Have you heard anything about it? What's on your list?
I'm really looking forward to hearing from you. I've missed you and this gathering place.
Post by: ginny on December 18, 2008, 09:15:20 AM
Let's talk all things books here.
I've just finished Nelson DeMille's new one The Gate House, and to read it, since it's a sequel I also read again his Gold Coast , which remains fabulous. Not so the Gate House, he spends too much time rehashing The Gold Coast. So if you're going to read the Gate House you really don't need to read the Gold Coast which is just a fabulous book, but the Gate House does not live up to its promise.
I've got the new PD James and so far it's excellent, just wonderful.
Welcome home, it's so good to have our Books back!
PS: One super thing about this site is that when you post a note, as you're writing you can see ALL the posts which went before!!!!
LOVE it!
What's in YOUR wallet....er.. on your bedside table?
Welcome!
Post by: Babi on December 18, 2008, 02:49:03 PM
Hurrayay for you precious people for coming to our rescue!
Babi
Post by: JoanK on December 18, 2008, 03:43:26 PM
I've mostly been reading mystery stories, and feel my brain is turning to mush. I need you guys to keep me on my toes (figuratively, not literally).
Would the book you mentioned make a good discussion, Ginny?
Post by: pedln on December 18, 2008, 04:00:18 PM
Like Babi, I like the ‘Library’ too. Joan, just last week I asked my library if they would order Elegance of the Hedgehog. From the reviews I’ve seen, it just sounds very appealing, and I think it made either the NYT or WashPost list of 10 Best Books. Anyway, I look forward to reading it.
A few weeks ago I finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schafer and her niece. It’s a wonderful book, about the island of Guernsey and how its people coped with the German occupation during WWII. Highly recommended. (I don’t remember the niece’s name, but from what I understand, she finished the book when Schafer became ill.)
I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, and have been falling asleep every time I try to read, but am finally recouping. So now I can join Ann at the Thousand Splendid Suns discussion. Along with that one, I’ve also been reading Whiskey Island – can’t remember the author. The local f2f group was going to read it, and then that fell through. I thought it was going to be about one of the islands off the outer banks or Georgia, but it turns out it’s set in Cleaveland, Ohio. It’s interesting -- lot’s of Cleaveland history, relationships, family, abandonment.
Babi and JoanK -- so good to see you again.
Ginny, Joan, Jane, and Pat – thank you so much for putting this in place.
Post by: fairanna on December 18, 2008, 04:20:28 PM
Post by: jane on December 18, 2008, 04:34:54 PM
jane
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 18, 2008, 05:59:22 PM
YOU HAVE COME TO THE RESCUE OF ALL OF US WHO HAVE MISSED OUR DISCUSSIONS. I AM SO DELIGHTED TO READ YOUR POSTS! I CAN'T BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW I HAVE MISSED THEM.
I am slowly making my way through TOO CLOSE TO THE SUN by Curtis Roosevelt, FDR's grandson, it's very good, but I do like memoirs. He must be about our age but remembers such details of his life with his grandparents. At this point in the book, he is hinting that all that power and prestige has ruined his life and he is just now beginning to understand that.
I've been reading lightly also, mysteries, fiction. I did see a DVD that I recommend highly; the title is IRON-JAWED ANGELS and it is the true story of Alice Paul, one of the early suffragettes. I must read more about her somewhere. They imprisoned these women and forced fed them as they had gone on a hunger strike. Very graphic in the movie.
So, thanks so much again and JANE AND PAT - many thanks to you too, also.
I've been in the hospital, an awful place to be and I hope I can forever stay out of it!
Cheers to you all! I raise my glass in joy!
Post by: PatH on December 18, 2008, 06:24:29 PM
Goodness, Ella, I hope your ordeal is over. Hospitals are no place for sick people.
Post by: ginny on December 18, 2008, 06:44:17 PM
At any rate WELCOME, ALL!
Ella, I am so glad to hear you're out of the hospital!!!!!!!! Worried us there, you did! I've heard about that book but have not read it, I'm still plowing thru Indian Summer about Nehru and the Mountbattens, very topical still today, unfortunately.
Do you all SEE the string of previous posts under your compose a post box? Isn't that fabulous? No more conversations where you have to take notes or wear out your clip utility, all the thoughts are there!
Like a real conversation, resonating still in the room, love it!
Anna I am so glad your health issues are much improved! Hurrah! I keep my 2 year old grand bab (who was sick today) so I know busy. I have to laugh, I agree with you that we thought WE were active (but didn't I walk 8 miles thru the snow to school?) hahaha
JoanK, I agree, I am looking forward to some scintillating conversation, and since our Books discussions here are SO easy to find I predict tons of new members to talk to, too! Which book, the PD James? I've really just started it, but I have to say I'm impressed with her, I know everybody has known about her for ages, but I'm a slow study, sometimes.
The Gate House, no no....no. It's all you can do to read it. And I LOVED the Gold Coast.
Pedln, I've heard nothing but raves about the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, do you think that would be a good one to discuss? I'm glad you and Babi like the name. I think the heading Pat did is the prettiest thing I ever saw.
Babi and Everybody, we're so glad you approve!!! This time of year all I read are mysteries, am looking at the MC Beaton new one right now in front of me, A Spoonful of Poison. But Barbaraians at the Gate was on the sale table with a new update of all the characters and I could not resist, it will be my third time reading it, have you all seen the movie with James Garner?
THAT book is a keeper you can read it over and over and how topical now!
I also hear Anne Perry's new Christmas book is readable in one sitting and very good, but I've never read her.
Don't forget Carol Goodman in June, her book, the Night Villa, is a mystery/ history with a classics professor as protagonist exploring an ancient villa, with lots and lots of new info stuck in..it's very Indiana Jones type of thing, I loved it and you can learn a lot from it (I sure did) and SHE is just wonderful and is excited about participating in the discussion. June's the month!
Seeing you all is a nice holiday gift! Happy Happy!
What are you reading??
Post by: ginny on December 18, 2008, 06:47:00 PM
Did you all see that Revolutionary Road is now a movie? Love Richard Yates.
It is GOOD to talk Books again!
Welcome, All!
Post by: Eloise on December 18, 2008, 08:14:31 PM
At this time of the year, there is not much room for reading I am afraid as I'm getting ready for family get togethers and visits from out of town.
Post by: fairanna on December 18, 2008, 09:36:01 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on December 18, 2008, 11:42:08 PM
Is this site and Pat's site going to blend or how is that going to work?
Post by: JoanP on December 19, 2008, 07:08:11 AM
Oh wow! You all made it in! Wow! Wow! and Wow! It's as if we've never been away. I gather no one stopped reading in the meantime! What a group!
Ginny, it is so good to hear that PD James still has it...she must be near 90 now. Does anyone know what the P.D stands for?
Babi and JoanK - oh yes, it is good to be back. I've thought of you two often, wondering what you've been reading. And PatH, Joan's twin - reading science fiction. (Not surprised.) Welcome to the Library!
Pedln - I am really looking forward to Elegance of the Hedgehog centering around Renée Michel, "the dumpy, nondescript, 54-year-old concierge of a small and exclusive Paris apartment."
Eloise, good, you found us! Muriel Barbery wrote Hedgehog in French, you might enjoy that - (what is the French word for "hedgehog"? The English translation is a 300+ page paperback ...and I'm sure it is going to be a best seller here in the US as it has been in Europe. Am thinking of nominating it for the Feb. discussion. I'll look for Michael Dirda's review I read recently.
If you wish to nominate a title, we'll take that information in the Book Club Online discussion - please let us hear from you.
Fairanna, back with us and feeling fit and ready to go! Terrific! It is a busy time of year - especially with the growing families. I think we'll be ready for a good discussion in February, And Ella's here too - great! - All better, now?
One of the things I like about these discussions, is the diversity in our reading habits. So many titles are discussed that would never have occurred to me, Ella.
- Ginny says - "let's have a year of living dangerously and reading something new!" What do all you think?
Such an odd title, it got my attention! Can we hear more about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? And what about Suite Francaise? Would it make a good discussion, Eloise? Could you tell us more about it?
Barbara, good you found us! We'll look for you after your visit. No plans in the works to blend with any other site right now. We're just concentrating on Books and Latin here. Maybe someday someone will figure that out.
We have a lot to thank Pat and Jane for, don't we? We wouldn't be here without them. I love Pat's "Library" graphic too, Ginny. She's working on something to add to it - you'll like
, I'm sure!
Off to the ...mall again! I thought I'd be finished shopping, but so many interuptions. The last minute shoppers are getting fierce these days too! It is such a relief to come in here to unwind with all of you.]
One of my favorite critics, Michael Dirda on Elegance of the Hedgehog - I hope you can view it -
http://http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/11/AR2008091101955.html
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 19, 2008, 08:46:16 AM
THE GUERNSEY LIBRARY sounds very good and, Ginny, is the title of the book about Nehru THE BARBARIANS AT THE GATE? That sounds good and, as you said, very topical. I think we mentioned Mountbatten when we read Ghandi's autobiography, didn't we? Anyway, let me know.
I've bookmarked this site and will be back Monday after a weekend in Amish country. My daughter is afraid of me now as she was the one who called the ambulance for me and stayed with me all night in the hospital.
NO PLACE FOR SICK PEOPLE OR WELL ONES EITHER!
Many thanks again to Ginny, JoanP, Jane and Pat! You all deserve our gratitude!
Post by: Eloise on December 19, 2008, 11:31:48 AM
http://7decade.blogspot.com/2006/11/suite-franaise-by-irne-nmirovski.html
WW2 itself has been written about so much that it's not new anymore but the way she relates to events and she describes situations and characters is simply exquisite. She wrote a biography of Anton Chekov which tells a bit about her writing skills. I feel it might become of of the great novels of this time.
More about her here:
http://practicing-writing.blogspot.com/2007/05/from-my-bookshelf-suite-franaise.html
A Hedgehog is an Hérisson. We sometimes say that about people difficult to approach, sort of prickly. I have never seen one in my life, city born and bred I am.
Post by: Deems on December 19, 2008, 12:01:40 PM
Hi Everybody! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka, and any other Festiveses you celebrate. I for one celebrate the Winter Solstice (this Sunday) every year because at that point every day get a little teeny bit longer instead of shorter. I think of it as going toward the light.
I read the president of Harvard's wonderful book on the problem of dealing with the dead in the Civil Wat, This Republic of Suffering, recently. It is on the NYTimes best books of the year list now. It's wonderfully written and illustrated. Why can't I remember her name? Freud? I'll risk opening another window and look it up.
Her name is Drew Gilpin Faust. I was close. At least the last name begins with F.
Hi to all my old friends. It is good to be back together.
Post by: joangrimes on December 19, 2008, 03:43:16 PM
It is wonderful to be here.
Eloise, I loved Suite Français. It is so very good.
I want to read The Elegance of The Hedgehog
Joan Grimes
Post by: Babi on December 19, 2008, 09:25:10 PM
Okay, what is "Elegance of the Hedgehog" about, other than a 'dumpy' Paris concierge? I love the title. Same with the 'Potato Peel Pie'; only in wartime, right. Actually, my grandmother could make a mock apple pie, using Ritz crackers, that actually did taste exactly like apple.
And is "Barbarian at the Gates" an old movie, Ginny? I love James Garner, but I can't really visualize him in a movie about Nehru. Or Ganhi either, for that matter. Tell me more about that, please.
Ah, I can feel my brain coming awake again!
Post by: ginny on December 20, 2008, 09:33:41 AM
Quote
Ah, I can feel my brain coming awake again!
Me too, and it's lovely to see all of you, and since all i have to do is scroll down here below this compose post box, I can go back and see what you've said as I type!
Welcome, Eloise, Deems, Joan G and Babi!
I love that feature.
Ella, and Babi, no the Mountbatten bio is called Indian Summer. It's new. Barbarians at the Gate is old but the James Garner movie is as good as it ever was. It's about the RJR Nabisco take over by KKR, (someething like Kravitz, Kohlberg and Roberts)... leveraged buyouts? I have no idea.
Interesting that Henry Kravitz (KKR), who makes something like $51, 369 an HOUR, but pays less taxes than somebody making $30,000 a year, is the subject of a new indie movie from warongreed.org, comparing his lifestyle with that of average Americans. It's on [html] You Tube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8RsFwsODzE)
I think the combination of the book, and the old movie and this thing would make a powerful discussion sometime, from the responses of the people viewing it: why penalize somebody who embodies capitalism? OR...how dare he live in 5 (or 6) palatial houses with 26 rooms and pay less taxes than I do?
Interesting!
It really WOULD make a fascinating discussion someday, it's old but it's really germane to the current subject of the economy.
I've put Olive Kitteriege, by Elizabeth Stout in the Book Club Online for consideration, it's on People Magazine's best books of 2008 along with Edward Sawtelle and the Guernsey book.
Quote
She's gruff, impatient and unwilling to suffer fools, but the aging Maine schoolteacher at the center of these keenly observed stories will ultimately win your heart.
White Tiger is also on People's 10 Best list, kind of a Slumdog sort of thing, or so I understand:
Quote
A riveting rags to riches novel about a penniless driver's ruthless rise to power in modern India.
Have any of you read it? Or seen, is it, Slumdog Millionaire?
Looks like there are a LOT of good books suddenly out there that people are reading and want to discuss!
Eloise!! Suite Française!!! Yes. And you know that would be a smasher! We could even try out (don't groan now I well remember your superhuman patience in our last French book effort Les Peregrines, but you know what? I absolutely loved it, every bit of it and I REMEMBER it, that was one of our best, unheralded but best discussions.)
Pedln, another smashing sounding book: forward to Elegance of the Hedgehog centering around Renée Michel, "the dumpy, nondescript, 54-year-old concierge of a small and exclusive Paris apartment."
I'm feeling dumpy lately, sounds like something out of Extras with Ricky Gervais whom I also like, on the list!
Oh boy, start the fire in the fireplace, and let's talk all things books!!!
Post by: joangrimes on December 20, 2008, 10:21:40 AM
I do know that there is a movie of it but I haven't seen it.
Joan Grimes
Post by: pedln on December 20, 2008, 08:28:18 PM
That KKR, Ginny, they also took over/bought out Dollar General, which was a public company and is now private. So the book updated the characters. Interesting.
Olive Kitteridge sounds like a winner. It would be interesting to see People's List of 10 Best.
Bookmarks came today and I'm waiting to settle in to read about what they say are 10 books to start off the new year.
And now we know where Inspector Adam Dagliesh came from. Thanks for that tidbit, JoanG
Post by: Gumtree on December 22, 2008, 10:00:39 AM
I guess we've all had withdrawl symptoms. I felt as though part of my family we're missing - the worst part was not knowing what was happening or how long we would be cut-off from the book-talk.
It's so good to see the posts that I'm just skimming quickly - wanting to read the next post before I've read the last one -
Deems - Winter Solstice? it's the Summer one here!
My reading is focussed on study groups and F2F coming up in the New Year. One is a series on books written during or set in the first half of 20 Century - very British authors - Forster, Sackville-West, Bennett, Hartley etc. It's interesting re-visiting some of the titles -one of which is Waugh's Brideshead Revisited which we discussed on SN earlier this year.
JoanP - so good to see you again - I'm going to include extracts from Don Quixote in a Summer School programme I'm organising for January. I couldn't do it justice during your discussion(time constraints) but am deep into it again. - I'm using the Grossman translation. Wish me luck!
Post by: Eloise on December 22, 2008, 10:57:33 AM
This author is a Nobel Prize winner. We discussed his "One Hundred Years of Solitude" on the old site as Joan P mentions.
Hi! Gumtree, long time no see, it's good to see you again, what have you been up to?
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 22, 2008, 12:55:56 PM
Thank you all for your suggestions!
I am reading AMERICAN LIGHTNING, a history of labor against capitalism beginning in the 1900's, by Howard Blum. Not the best, but tidbits such as the birth of Hollywood, and the early pioneers - D.W.Griffith, Harry Warner, others - is interesting. None of them had any idea what they were starting when they played around with a movie camera.
Post by: ANNIE on December 22, 2008, 06:51:55 PM
Well, the drs have told Ralph that he is not a candidate for the stem cell procedure but they did offer him two other options---a heart pump or an aortic pump. He does not want anything that is going to mean carrying around a battery so we will see what the surgeon has to tell him in January when he goes to talk to him about the aortic pump.
Thanks for all your prayers and good thoughts. We did feel like we were being hugged!
Post by: pedln on December 23, 2008, 11:23:28 AM
Ella, my F2F Mystery group, which reads ALL things, including non-fiction and non-myteries, read Timothy Egan's The Worse Hard Time a few months ago. (I think he writes for the NY Times.) The book is about the settling of the Great Plains in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma up through the 1920's and then on into the Dust Bowls during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Our group found a lot of parallels between the economic situation then and the one now. I think you would like it.
Post by: Persian on December 23, 2008, 01:29:39 PM
Thanks to some of the best folks in the world for creating, launching and maintaining this wonderful site, open to dear friends and new ones yet to meet.
As I've posted in another site, I'm getting ready to participate in a discussion of Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea at our local library. My responsibility is to discuss Afghan culture, drawing on my own experiences and those of my son when he was deployed a few years ago.
It's such a pleasure to be among friends again in such a cozy atmosphere discussing one of my favorite topics: BOOKS!
Happy Holidays to all,
Mahlia
Post by: JoanP on December 23, 2008, 02:35:36 PM
Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out.
Do come in from the cold and join us.
We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now.
Let the book talk begin here!
Everyone is welcome!
Post by: maryz on December 23, 2008, 04:42:33 PM
Post by: CubFan on December 23, 2008, 04:53:47 PM
I feel that the sun is shining (actually it is grey and snowing and blowing outside) knowing that I can once again check in daily to see who is reading what. It's been a long time. Thank you for getting us up and running again.
I thoroughly enjoyed the The Guernsey LIterary...
Those who enjoy Civil War books might find They Fought Like Demons interesting. It is written by archivists at the National Archives about women who fought in the Civil War. Not as well done as I would have liked by was still very interesting.
Right now I'm rushing through On the Hunt: The History of Deer Hunting in Wisconsin. Bought it for a Christmas present and after meeting the author and hearing his presentation on Thursday I became fascinated with the history. I may not need to be finished by this Thursday as it looks like the nearly daily snow will postpone our Christmas Eve/Day plans.
Looking forward to seeing what everyone else has been reading the last two months. Mary
Post by: JoanP on December 23, 2008, 05:38:41 PM
Books make great presents, don't they?
Welcome everyone!
Post by: pedln on December 23, 2008, 06:33:16 PM
Mahlia and MaryZ and CubFan, welcome. So good you found your way here. The History of Deer Hunting in Wisconsin -- that's about as specific a title as I can imagine. CubFan, one of my uncles would have just loved that. We lived in Racine, and every year he went deer-hunting, but just where in the state, I don't know.
I panicked this morning. On my son's computer, typed in SeniorLearn and up came some strange page I'd never seen before, telling me all the stuff that had to be done before I could log on. But then fortunately I found the little cheat sheet in my suitcase, with the "List of Important Places" and it gave the full URL, and all was well.
Post by: Phyll on December 23, 2008, 06:39:47 PM
Quote
Ginny, it is so good to hear that PD James still has it...she must be near 90 now. Does anyone know what the P.D stands for?
Just breezing through and quickly reading the posts that have been made so far.
Joan P.. P.D. James' real name is Phyllis Dorothy James, the baroness James of Holland Park. Doesn't that sound elegant? My husband read The Private Patient and liked it though he didn't think it was as good as some of her earlier ones. However, he allowed that perhaps he just wasn't in the right mood at the time.
Post by: Frybabe on December 23, 2008, 06:54:10 PM
I'm here. Where's the Latin?
So this is what you have been up to Ginny. I wondered where you went.
We started on "A Thousand Splendid Suns" on Seniors and Friends with Adoanne.
Right now I am reading "The Ice Limit" by Douglas Preston and Lincloln Child. A duo I had never heard of, but I have heard of "Relic". It's the move title I remember, never saw it. I also started Maxine Hong Kingston's "The Woman Warrior". So far, I am finding it quite interesting.
Post by: jane on December 23, 2008, 07:08:14 PM
The public Latin discussions are located right below this Library:
Welcome to SeniorLearn Classics is the blue category bar and under that are the two public discussions:
The Classics Forum
Classics Bulletin Board
The Latin classes are, as always, open only to those who are registered for the class. Those students have received emails from Ginny about their registering, etc. If you are continuing and didn't get one, email Ginny and she'll get the email to you, I'm sure.
jane
Post by: Frybabe on December 23, 2008, 07:23:19 PM
Post by: jane on December 23, 2008, 07:38:38 PM
Post by: maryz on December 23, 2008, 10:35:27 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4d.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
jane, I'm getting e-mail notifications about new postings, and I'd rather not get them. I keep changing various things in my profile, but obviously I haven't hit the right one yet. :-\ Please help.
Post by: jane on December 24, 2008, 02:50:42 AM
Untick and unsubscribe here:
Profile/ Notifications and Email
Then click on Save Settings.
jane
Post by: maryz on December 24, 2008, 06:48:49 AM
And Merry Christmas to all!
Post by: Steph on December 24, 2008, 09:57:59 AM
Post by: Gumtree on December 24, 2008, 10:04:47 AM
I would like to nominate Love in the Time of the Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Since about a month I have watched that movie a few times it is so good. I have not read the book yet, but I will.
This author is a Nobel Prize winner. We discussed his "One Hundred Years of Solitude" on the old site as Joan P mentions.
Hi! Gumtree, long time no see, it's good to see you again, what have you been up to?
Hi Eloise - Isn't it great to be back again - I really missed everyone and the chatter about books, books and books but in another context I was thinking about you in particular a couple of weeks ago.
We went to see the Met's Damnation of Faust HD screening at the movies and as you mentioned attending the Met's previous HD productions I wondered whether you had seen the Faust as well - and what you thought of it. I had mixed feelings - the tenor was pretty wooden but OK- Susan Graham was great - but I found the background 'virtual world' rather intrusive in that it tended to distract me from the music and Berlioz' brilliant orchestration... if you did see it, what did you think? I guess this is Off -topic - sorry folks.
I haven't seen the Marquez film but have read the book and think it would make a great discussion. Nobel Prize and all that aside, the man can really write.
It's 12.02 am - so already it's Christmas Day here
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Post by: Babi on December 24, 2008, 11:04:56 AM
"MERRY CHRISTMAS!****
Post by: GinnyAnn on December 24, 2008, 11:28:04 PM
Post by: maryz on December 25, 2008, 11:15:09 AM
Post by: joangrimes on December 25, 2008, 11:37:58 AM
Cannot stop for long since all my family will be here this afternoon for Christmas Dinner and I am in the process of cooking it. There will be at least 30 of us.
Merry Christmas to All!!
Joan Grimes
Post by: Phyll on December 25, 2008, 12:55:31 PM
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanuakkah to All
Post by: Deems on December 25, 2008, 01:24:34 PM
Merry Christmas to all from me and the Jack Russell terriers, who both got presents.
Post by: Brian on December 25, 2008, 01:44:34 PM
Do you think we could get Robbie over here?
Hope everyone is having (has had?) a wonderful Christmas (Happy Holiday?)
Brian
Post by: JoanK on December 25, 2008, 02:54:50 PM
Post by: EvelynMC on December 25, 2008, 03:34:02 PM
It is wonderful to be back and read all your posts. I have really missed discussing books and finding out what you all are reading. Just received the email today informing me of this site. Thank you, thank you for starting this up.
I have been reading a lot of mysteries and light fiction. I just read the Hound of the Baskervilles as that was going to be discussed on the old SN website and in the same volume is "A Study in Scarlett" which I just started yesterday afternoon. But then our company came, so I will possibly be able to get back to it tomorrow. I had never read it before and it tells of how Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson met, took rooms together, and now their first mystery together is about to begin. I am enjoying it.
Anyway, good to be back. Merry Christmas to everyone. This is the best Christmas present!! By the way, I changed my user name from Evelyn133 to EvelynMC.
Evelyn
Post by: Persian on December 25, 2008, 03:54:27 PM
I'm laughing about a phone call from my son in Germany a few minutes ago. When I answered, he said "MOM, I can't access SeniorNet. What did YOU do?" Although David (fondly known as "Chaps" in the former SN) has been busy with his duties as a Special Forces Army Chaplain, he was fully aware of my "second family" at the former SN and was startled when he tried to check in (as he used to do occasionally) and was unable to access the former SN site.
I calmed him down and explained the latest news. He listened, but then wanted to know "what about all those really great photos the SN folks always posted? And what about the Books discussion? How could anybody cancel such an active Books group?" When I heard his voice change, I instantly replied "Stand Down, Chaplain! Help is already on the way."
Many of us who were notified about the new sites have already expressed our gratitude for the new ones, but I thought you might get a chuckle that the 82nd Airborne is also relieved to know that there has been a "deliverance" and we are able to enjoy sharing our Books discussions again. During David's two deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan a few years ago, he (and many of his soldiers) knew that SN folks were keeping them in prayers. It meant a lot to them then and still does.
Post by: ginny on December 26, 2008, 08:15:24 AM
I can't find Cub Fan's post but I did want to say: Preston and Childs? Love them, just absolutely addicted to them, everything they say positively about them is true. Brilliant, compulsive reading, you can't stop, you just can't stop. The perfect books (especially the Pendergast series) to take you away from any situation you'd like to get out of including long airport waits. :)I guess you could call them escapist reading, Michael Crichton type stuff, always with a scientific background (they used to put a coda at the end of the books relating it to current findings, they've quit that in the latest ones).
I didn't realize Pendergast WAS a series! That was news to me. I had read Relic years ago and Reliquary and loved them both (am a fool for books with a mystery about the inner workings of museums, etc. and one of the two worked in the Museum of Natural History in NYC so their books always seem authentic), but just read The Wheel of Darkness.
In the forward they mention that even tho it is a series it's not necessary to read them in order, and I thought SERIES? There are MORE of them?
So then I read Dance of Death, talk about reading things backwards!
LOVE IT!@
Type of plot: Mysterious box sent by ocean liner from Egypt to museum, etc., love it. What's in it, museum decides to do a grand opening, shades of Relic again without all the blood. (Relic and Reliquary are kind of hard to read tho both based on fact which surprised me) but as they go in the series they get so much less gory.
HERE is the series!
RELIC
Reliquary
Cabinet of Curiosities
Still Life with Crows
Brimstone - Part One of the Diogenes Trilogy
Dance of Death - Part Two of the Diogenes Trilogy
Book of the Dead - Part Three of the Diogenes Trilogy
The Wheel of Darkness
So I'm going to start with Brimstone, which I have not read, read the rest and then start over with Relic.
AND!!! There's a new Pendergast about to come out this summer! YES! Here's their website and one can read a couple of chapters of some of the books: http://www.prestonchild.com/books/index.html
So tho I have Ice Limit I'm going to start over and lose myself in Relic, as the same characters emerge in The Wheel of Darkness and you are so glad to find out what happened to them.
I am glad to find another enthusiast!
Phyll this is my first PD James, would you ask your husband which of hers he liked the best? I'll try it next.
Gum, we get those here, the Met are they simulcasts? We get live roadcasts in theaters, but you saw it on HD? I have not seen Faust in AGES! Audiences are funny about things like that. I drove 250 miles once to see Aida, and the principal woman was just out of this world, her voice, but such a prima donna, she sulked and pouted thru the curtain calls, actually shooting the audience awful looks just because they applauded more for the ....tenor? Can't remember but I remember her sulking, she needs to get over that while people still want to clap.
By contrast the production of Spamalot which some of us saw for our 10th Anniversary Bookfest in NYC this past September had a woman with the most glorious voice I have ever heard, just soaring, but she got almost nothing in the way of applause next to Clay Aiken, whose own verbal performance was nothing like hers, and she was gracious about it. What a voice!
Brian, so glad to see you here. [In Edit] I have heard from Robby and I think, as EF Benson said, we may be encouraged to hope as regards The Story of Civilization and Robby. More later! :D
I used to read Donna Leon, back when you could not GET here here in paperback, now I'm glad to see she's everywhere, her books have a certain ambiance I don't see in others, but it's been a long time since I read her.
Have also got the new MC Beaton, this one's about a poisoned jam pot, sounds lke her first one, huh? Still am hooked on her Agatha Raisin and Hamish McBeth series, never miss one.
AND White Tiger! Will discuss that one in the Book Club Online, everybody come on over there and what did YOU get for the holidays, tell all!
Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't? What are YOU reading?? What was in YOUR holiday gift box?
Post by: CubFan on December 26, 2008, 09:34:47 AM
I was post 32 - Rushing my way through On the Hunt. I did finish the book. Had plenty of time as the snow and slippery roads kept me home this week. Hopefully Sunday will get to pass it on.
Also had time to watch Book TV and will now order Lincoln President Elect by Holzer and Alphabet Juice by Blount. In the meantime have five other books started - all non fiction that I digest in small portions. Need to find some new fluff/no brainers for dessert.
In the meantime, I hear the plows coming through again - so time to move some more snow. It's a good thing I like to read as that provides good recovery from the almost daily physical activity.
So wonderful to know that the communication lines are open again between readers. I enjoy hearing about what others are reading and getting new ideas. Mary
Post by: Phyll on December 26, 2008, 09:48:56 AM
We share your liking for M.C. Beaton, Hamish more than Agatha. I find myself getting a bit out of sorts with Agatha often. Also, I am beginning to get a little irritated with Beaton and her growing "bashing" of Scots and Scotland. We love the country and the people there. Don't know why she keeps putting it down so much but maybe she is just trying to keep the tourists from overrunning that beautiful country.
Post by: Frybabe on December 26, 2008, 10:20:13 AM
I am beginning to feel like a mini library. Not only did my Raj Quartet disappear, but now I can't find my "Bookseller of Kabul". I am going to have to start writing down to whom I lend books.
Aside from "Ice Limit", I am reading "Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston. "Lost Christianities" is started but has been neglected of late. Just finished "A Thousand Splendid Suns".
Post by: Babi on December 26, 2008, 10:38:31 AM
Just finished an Anne Perry, one of the William Monk series. She is always good!
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 26, 2008, 02:42:05 PM
Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out.
Do come in from the cold and join us.
We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now.
Let the book talk begin here!
Everyone is welcome!
Wonderful to sit and read all the posts - and about books! I have so missed this in my life lately.
Ginny, you paid to have this site? What can we each contribute if we so desire? I would very much lilke to help as this is such a great place to relax and enjoy conversation; yes, we do feel as though we are conversing with friends.
Let me know.
PEDLIN, I got the book you mentioned, THE WORST HARD TIME, by Timothy Egan and, although, we all have heard of the Dust Bowl I don't think we realize how terrible it was, the ferocity of the storms. On one Sunday, Black Sunday, April 14, 1935, the storm carried twice as much dirt as was dug out of the earth to create the Panama Canal. The Canal took seven years to dig; the sorm lasted a single afternoon.
Pace yourself, Ella. I keep telling myself that, knowing full well I cannot read fast enough for all these books on my list.
But I am so happy to hear of the new M.C.Beaton book; I, too, have been a fan for years.
JoanG, what does one cook for 30 people?
Post by: pedln on December 26, 2008, 03:31:10 PM
OK Ginny, I think now I’m beginning to get it – Preston and Childs are the authors of a series called Pendergast. And they’re (the books) are all mysteries about museums? Sounds terrific.
I was wishing for one book and got three – a Jonathan Kellerman, a Debra Ginsberg – am not familiar with her at all, and I don’t remember either title (they’re downstairs right now.) But the one I’ll start first --- Fieldwork, by Mischa Berlinski. Any why is the name Mischa Berlinski so familiar. He’s a journalist, and this is his first book. (2007) Takes place in Thailand. The blurb was not familiar, the interview I read last night was not familiar. At first I thought I she’s (but he’s a he, as DIL pointed out) the one who wrote The Camel Bookmobile, but that’s my MASHA Hamilton. But MISCHA has a sister who is also a novelist. Ah, a conundrum.
Post by: joangrimes on December 26, 2008, 03:33:57 PM
JoanG, what does one cook for 30 people?
Hi Ella,
Well I served a 15 lb turkey, cornbread dressing,a ham.mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole greenbean casserole.creamed corn casserole, asparagus casserole, several pies and a cake. I did not cook it all myself. I only cooked the turkey, the broccoli caserole, corn bread dressing, the mashed potatoes,and a couple of the pies. My kids brought the rest of it. Most all of that food was eaten as we have several teen age boys and they really can eat. Oh my this way off the topic of books but needless to say I have had very little time for books in the last few days. But it was worth all that I put into it because we had a fabulous time.
Joan Grimes
Post by: GinnyAnn on December 26, 2008, 03:39:50 PM
Post by: Phyll on December 26, 2008, 03:44:46 PM
Good gracious, Joan G. You must be exhausted today!
Post by: joangrimes on December 26, 2008, 04:25:09 PM
Good gracious, Joan G. You must be exhausted today!Hi Phyll,
Yes I am exhausted today. I don't think I have ever been as tired as this in my whole life. Put I will make it fine and it was such fun while it was going on. It really was worth all the tiredness.
Joan Grimes
Post by: Gumtree on December 27, 2008, 12:35:35 AM
Post by: Gumtree on December 27, 2008, 01:17:38 AM
I don't read many mysteries but am a sucker when they come onto TV - I never could read Agatha but watch the series even though I get annoyed sometimes - saw one last night which was pretty star-studded with actors we all know and love including June Whitfield ( a long time favourite of mine)- Charles Dance (Jewel in the Crown)- and would you believe Anthony Andrews - he of Sebastien fame in Brideshead. He's no longer the golden boy but has maintained that air of superiority he does so well - he's taller than I thought and carries himself well...
I'm going to look for one of the museum mysteries - Prendergast? series by Preston and Child ?- my tame librarian will probably have a coronary when I check it out...
I've been given a new Morte d'Arthur - edited by John Matthews with modern English orthography. It's well illustrated too with paintings and black and white drawings by Anna-Marie Ferguson (of whom I've heard but know little). It runs to 1000 pages and is heavy to hold - I guess I'll read it but I do love Mallory's classic text. An accompanying volume is more intriguing - it's again John Matthews The Grail, A Secret History which traces the 'idea' of the Grail throughout history. Glossy paper, beautifully illustrated with art and artifacts dealing with the symbology of the Grail throughout the ages...As you would guess. Matthews is something of a Grail scholar and has an easy-to-read writing style. I think I'll enjoy this one.
Post by: ginny on December 27, 2008, 09:31:45 AM
At least you all know you stick in the memory! I am interested in hearing what you think of Alphabet Juice by Blount, I watch Book TV when I can tho it took me ages to realize it's only non fiction (why is that?)
I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the way when I am typing this in the compose box I can SEE you all below! Yes all of your posts, I love it. But even so, I have to mess Cub Fan up just for old times sake (or something!) hahaaa
Joan G, what a mammoth dinner!! and here I thought I cooked a lot! hahahaa However I was tired along with you, but definitely worth it. hahaa
Phyll, thank you for the Lighthouse and Black Tower recommendations, I'll get them next.
Ella, I am so glad you are enjoying the site, I am, too, it's the marvelous conversation here, I've really missed that. There will never be an appeal for donations on this site nor any accepted, but I appreciate your spirit: the tuition of the Latin classes pays for the website 100 times and more over.
These websites are a lot cheaper to run than people realize. The SMF software is free, all you need is a server, and we went with the best in the business, which the courses pay for. Of course we are dependent on the generosity of those who volunteer their incredible gifts, if we started paying salaries then we would need a lot more money. But we're so lucky here in so many ways, for the gifts of talent given here: thanks to ALL of you!
And we've got the best readers in the business so how can we not go anywhere but UP?? I love it here.
I'd like to read The Worst Hard Time, too. That and the Irish potato famine have always been of great interest to me.
GUM!!
Quote
I've been given a new Morte d'Arthur - edited by John Matthews with modern English orthography. It's well illustrated too with paintings and black and white drawings by Anna-Marie Ferguson (of whom I've heard but know little). It runs to 1000 pages and is heavy to hold - I guess I'll read it but I do love Mallory's classic text. An accompanying volume is more intriguing - it's again John Matthews The Grail, A Secret History which traces the 'idea' of the Grail throughout history. Glossy paper, beautifully illustrated with art and artifacts dealing with the symbology of the Grail throughout the ages...As you would guess. Matthews is something of a Grail scholar and has an easy-to-read writing style. I think I'll enjoy this one.
OK I want to hear about both of those as you go? Chapter by chapter, that sounds too delicious, love it!
On the Pendergast novels they are:
RELIC
Reliquary
Cabinet of Curiosities
Still Life with Crows
Brimstone - Part One of the Diogenes Trilogy
Dance of Death - Part Two of the Diogenes Trilogy
Book of the Dead - Part Three of the Diogenes Trilogy
The Wheel of Darkness
Those are the titles in order. It's an acquired taste but I think YOU would love Pendergast, and his private library and books such as you just wrote about. I loved The Wheel of Darkness and Dance of Death, but the entire thing starts with Relic, which will scare you to death. hahahaa
Hahaha Pedln, did I make a point? hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa What interesting books you got for Christmas, have not heard of any of them but would like to hear more, Camel Bookmobile? Thailand?
Thank you Ginny Ann and the same to you! One of my students in Ireland observed that the Irish call Boxing Day St. Stephen's Day, I always learn something every time I come in here. Already!!
Babi, I agree, lots for our lists.
Speaking of lists, I read Bookmarks too (and have since we appeared in them), and they really have some books I would never have heard of, like: Death With Interruptions (the Saramago) and The English Major by Jim Harrison. Plot: Vivian leaves Cliff, her husband of 38 years, and takes most of the proceeds of their cherry farm, so he takes to the raod with an old geography jigsaw puzzle from this childhood and throws out one piece for every state he passes....I like the sound of that one.
Entertainment Weekly (I know I know) has ranked Olive Kitteridge as the third best book of the year.
So what are you reading? What are you going to buy with those B&N gift certificates, or what's on your table? What's the most guilty pleasure you have had in reading lately? Has anybody read Rowling's latest about the Beadle?
Post by: maryz on December 27, 2008, 09:36:02 AM
Post by: Steph on December 27, 2008, 09:44:01 AM
Still reading the Alex Kava thing. It is about a serial killer working on killing off the priests involved as pedofiles. Very interesting in an odd sort of way.
Post by: EvelynMC on December 27, 2008, 11:32:07 AM
Thanks for the book recommendations. I really missed having these suggestions for the past few months. I'm going to see if the local library has some of these when I go there on Monday.
Thanks, Ginny, for the list of Pendergast books. I love a good, well written mystery, but don't know if I'm ready to be scared to death. ;)
Evelyn
Post by: Tomereader1 on December 27, 2008, 11:53:21 AM
Joanne
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 27, 2008, 12:19:27 PM
Me, too. Isn't technology wonderful?
I would love to be "scared" so I will try the Preston and Childs books when I finish about 8 books on the list.
The nonfiction book, THE WORST HARD TIME, was a National Book Award winner and is very good; it would make an interesting discussion.
You didn't know, GINNY, that Book TV was nonfiction? Okay, you don't turn on TV much apparently. I don't either anymore, except in the evening to get the news. All the programs seems to be the same and certainly are geared for younger people. Occasionally there will be a good movie on.
Why is Book TV nonfiction? We could discuss that between us for quite awhile. I remember, Ginny, years ago we differed in opinion about Brian Lamb who begat the program. I still like him.
Post by: CubFan on December 27, 2008, 12:30:28 PM
Does anyone know of a good writer of family dynasties? Years ago I just loved the authors Taylor Caldwell and
Delderfield. Barbara Taylor Bradford is the closest I've come but her books just don't hold me the same way the former authors did. The Caldwell and Delderfield books took time to read and I felt had some depth to them. Some of the John Jakes books - bicentennial and Civil War series - were good - others weren't as well done. I looking for something fiction to sink my teeth into during the next couple of winter months and have enough non fiction going.
Yes, Ginny, our communication skills feel like "things are back to normal and all's right with the world". How's your little grandson?? The holidays are such great fun with little ones around.
As to why Book TV is only nonfiction - I don't remember Brian Lamb's explanation. But my personal thought is that since it is broadcast from Washington DC maybe the station decided that they deal with fiction 24/7 and were looking for an escape. Kinda like the reverse of our reading fiction to escape reality.
Happy Holidays. Mary
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 27, 2008, 12:50:54 PM
An author is talking about Lincoln on Book TV today, but I don't have time to listen and must run. There are more books about Lincoln on my Library shelves than any other person I believe!
Does anyone know what person holds the honor of being the most published personality?
This reminded me of a good book I finished a few months ago:
THE LAST LINCOLNS by Charles Lachman.
"This absorbing American tragedy tells the largely unknown story of the acrimony that consumed the Lincolns in the months and years that followed the president’s murder. This was not a family that came together in mourning and mutual sadness; instead, they fell out over the anguished mental condition of the widowed Mary. In 1875, Robert—the handsome but resentful eldest Lincoln child—engineered her arrest and forcible commitment to an insane asylum. In each succeeding generation, the Lincolns’ misfortunes multiplied, as a litany of alcohol abuse, squandered fortunes, burned family papers, and outright dissipation led to the downfall of this once-great family. "
Post by: Brian on December 27, 2008, 01:59:14 PM
venue. The Story of Civilization has been a subject for study by my peers for over six
years, and I shall be more than pleased to return to it.
I will send Robbie an email to let him know that if there is anything I can do to expedite
the return of the SOC discussion, I am willing to help.
Brian.
Post by: Persian on December 27, 2008, 03:08:31 PM
Mahlia
Post by: JoanK on December 27, 2008, 04:33:10 PM
If you're investigatinf PD James, don't forget "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman". Both that detective (Cordelia Gray? My Senior memory strikes!) and Dagliesh led to BBC series. I confess, Dagliesh always irritates me for some reason, but the books are very good.
I haven't read much non-fiction lately. But I am reading "Manhunt: the 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson. It's quite interesting.
Post by: Phyll on December 27, 2008, 05:01:01 PM
If you're investigatinf PD James, don't forget "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman". Both that detective (Cordelia Gray? My Senior memory strikes!) and Dagliesh led to BBC series. I confess, Dagliesh always irritates me for some reason, but the books are very good.
You made me laugh, JoanK! I agree with you....maybe because he is always brooding about something. It would be nice if just once he would smile and tell a joke!
Post by: JoanP on December 27, 2008, 05:20:46 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4d.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
I love reading Sharyn McCrumb. Her Ghost Riders, is an account of the Civil War in the Appalachians. I loved it!
Hey there, Phyll! I am still amazed the PDJames continues to turn out mysteries - one has to be really sharp for that - and she still is at 88! Do you think her book characterization of Dagliesh is as dark as his portrayal in the BBC series? The actor's choice? Sometimes actors don't read the book!
Some exciting news - our sharp octogenarian will be back with us by popular demand as soon as he finds his place in Story of Civilization. You will be hearing more about that very shortly.
Brian, as soon as Robby's discussion opens, you might email some of his former participants with the url to this site...still www.seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php until we get the homepage up. We'll send out a message in Pat's Book Bytes too, but a personal invitation just might bring your old group together sooner.
By the way, just to be clear, contrary to what others may suggest, we plan to stay right here forever, no matter what. We're putting in too much time and effort to ever turn back.
Post by: Robby on December 27, 2008, 07:24:21 PM
I feel great and am continuing my practice as a Clinical Psychologist. I see patients every hour from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. five days a week. It increased to that amount since the economy downturn - depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc. But as good as I am (notice my usual humility?), there is something even better than coming to see me. It is being active here in Senior Learn.
Robby
Post by: Persian on December 27, 2008, 10:01:55 PM
Robby, take as long as you like. We'll wait right here in the Library.
Post by: Steph on December 28, 2008, 09:30:57 AM
Post by: Robby on December 28, 2008, 12:21:29 PM
Robby
Post by: EvelynMC on December 28, 2008, 01:01:39 PM
So glad you may be starting the Story of Civilization discussion again. I will probably join you again.
I am a fast, accurate typist and will be glad to type the portions being discussed as you need them, if this will help. Just let me know.
Joan K. and Phyll - I agree, the actor who portrays Adam Dagleish on TV is handsome, but sooo broody. I didn't notice that he was so sad in the books.
Evelyn
Post by: Robby on December 28, 2008, 02:32:14 PM
Robby
Post by: ALF43 on December 28, 2008, 02:47:32 PM
Evelyn that is so thoughtful of you to step up to the plate for Robby, if he needs you. Thank you.
Post by: straudetwo on December 28, 2008, 04:00:03 PM
With the help of kind and patient old friends I have come back to the fold and want to thank all those who have alerted and led me here. First and foremost my gratitude to Ginny, JoanP, Jane and Pat for the arduous work this must have been. I have in turn alerted Bubble (ET) that Robby is here and SoC on is going to be resumed.
It's so good to see so many familiar names!! The library exchanges are as lively as ever. It is pure joy. We have come out of the wilderness.
Great suggestions.
The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Preel Society by Mary (Mary Ann?) Shaffers and Annie Barrows (an aunt and niece team) is an epistolary novel based on Shaffers' papers from 1946 about the war just ended.
Love in Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez was written in 1989 and should be available in public libraries and paperback, not unimportant in these penny-pinching times.
I seem to have missed the name of the author of Indian Summer . There are six or more books with that title. (My notes are incomplete, I was so anxious to first read what everyone had to say.)
The local group is considering Oivia Kitteridge, a novel of stories (all about Olivia) by Elizabeth Strout, a fellow New Englander who lives in Maine. Olivia too is a Mainer, by turns crotchety and kind.
In January the local group will come to my house to discuss Loving Frank, a historical novel about Frank Lloyd Wright by Nancy Horan. I have recommended it warmly elsewhere and will report how the discussion went.
The Elegance of a Hedgehog should be amusing. It's a little in the vein of the 44 Scotland Street series b Alexander McCall Smith. "Elegance" is about a Paris apartment house and the people who live there, among them a 12-year old girl wise beyond her years, and said dumpy concierge who misses nothing.
My son and daughter gave me generous BN gift cards for Christmas and I am compiling my list now. Alphabet Juice is definitely going to be on it.
Donna Leon has a new Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery coming out in April, the title is About Face . The first Donna Leon I stumbleld on wasDeath in Venice first and I have not missed one since.
However, since the days of Dorothy Sayers and her Lord Peter Wimsy (sp) I have read few mysteries. Donna Leon and an occasional Sharyn McCrumb yarn are the exceptions that confirm the rule. (McCrumb's I Should Have Killed Him when I Met Him was fascinating., though.)
The title of Barbarians at the Gate (heard about it but did not read it) reminded me of a similar title, different subject matter: Vulgarians at the Gate, one of the last things Steve Allen wrote.
So many books to mention, so much to catch up on ...
I'll be glad to commit to leading discussions again- health permitting., and to help wherever I can -- tech help EXcluded, of course.
Post by: Gumtree on December 28, 2008, 10:42:33 PM
Maryz : Sorry, the Agatha I referred to was Agatha Christie and the series of TV films based on her mysteries. I enjoyed the Hamish McBeth too - the added bonus there was the Scottish accents and scenery. Another favourite of mine was Inspector Lynley - I don't read much mystery but have been tempted to read the Lynley books - maybe this summer...
Traude: How good it is to see your post. I so enjoyed your commentary on the Raj Quartet - though I'm still slowly working through Volume 4. It is such a satisfying read and has such resonances today. Bearing in mind Scott's uneven patches thoughtout the novels, to my mind he still remains an much underrated writer - perhaps his day will come once sufficient time has elapsed and the events he depicts have faded more into the past and gain greater historical perspective. Thank you keeping the discussion alive with your posts - I was sorry I was only able to lurk about -
I agree wholeheartedly on the debt we all owe to the Fantastic Four Ginny, JoanP, Pat and Janefor their efforts in getting this site up and running for all of us to enjoy. It's such a boon to have the book-talk active again that I can't thank them enough.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 29, 2008, 10:11:34 AM
I love the open door heading in this Library and we all entered so enthusiastically. What a great world this is when a Library never closes.
Traude - I read LOVING FRANK and enjoyed it very much. Let me know what your book club thinks of it, I may recommend it for my f2f book club.
Post by: JoanR on December 29, 2008, 12:22:50 PM
Everyone comes home here for the Holidays - not all at once but in waves. The house couldn't hold all our children, their spouses and children all at once!
Right now all is quiet and I can come in here to post - 4 people have gone to the beach to say hello to the waves, 1 sad soul is ill in bed, her mother is staying by her, and my husband is in the cellar making strange noises.
I can't begin to say how much I appreciate having real book talk again! I may not say much but I sure do listen!
All of the books up for vote for the next discussion are great choices. I would vote for"The Elegance of the Hedgehog". I read it last month and liked it so much that I bought a second copy to give my sister for Christmas! Usually I pass on to her the books I think she would like but this time I felt I had a real keeper and had to get her another copy.
Right now I'm reading "Crossing to Safety" by Stegner. I never read his prize winner "Angle of Repose" but now I think I'll have to transfer that one from the bookshelves to the tottering pile by my bed!
As they say - "So many books, so little time" .
Now must head to the kitchen and try to decide what to do for dinner that will suit both the vegetarians and the carnivores!!!
Post by: JoanP on December 29, 2008, 12:57:19 PM
Again, welcome! I know what you mean about trying to feed carnivores, vegetarians - and how about picky toddlers, all sitting around the same table!
Post by: Brian on December 29, 2008, 06:50:03 PM
Quote
By the way, just to be clear, contrary to what others may suggest, we plan to stay right here forever, no matter what. We're putting in too much time and effort to ever turn back.
This is an important statement by JoanP and I think that we should endorse its sentiments.
I am still extremely keen to return to the Renaissance period of the Story of Civilization, and am not prepared to wait for SeniorNet to drag along its Discussion Groups in its own sweet time.
So be it - - - Amen.
I have tried to get back into the archived discussions without avail, and I can see no wrong in moving SoC to this site, as JoanP suggests FOREVER - - - though I may not be around that long ::)
Brian
Post by: EvelynMC on December 29, 2008, 07:18:34 PM
Regarding the Story of Civilization, you asked if I have Vol. Five, yes I do. I have the first nine volumes. As I said, I'll be glad to type any portion whenever you need it.
I really enjoyed the discussion before and will be glad when it starts up again.
Thanks again to the Fabulous Four who have made this site possible. I looked forward all day to getting to my computer to talk books. :)
Evelyn
Post by: Gumtree on December 29, 2008, 10:50:43 PM
Post by: straudetwo on December 29, 2008, 10:56:19 PM
It's a pity we could not finish the summarization finish the summarization of Volume Three of the Raj Quartet nor go on to Volume Four A Divison of Spoils. That is the summation of the simmering conflict between Hindus and Muslims; the unbridgeable gulf between the rulers and the ruled; Whitehall's refusal to consider even moderate form of self-rule; and the abrupt announcement that he subcontinent would be partitioned within a few weeks into India and Pakistan.
The two nations have fought several wars after Partition. Both have nuclear arms. Tensions are at an all-time high, the fate of Kashmir hangs in the balance.
Yes, the Raj Quartet is still relevant.
At the end of WW II Britain was exhausted, and not Britain alone. Rationing continued for a time, thousands upon thousands of Indians from the former Empire poured into the homeland. Nobody was interested in past history. Scott's literary achievement was not recognized until the publication of the shorter novel Staying On. For that novel Scott won the Booker Prize in 1977. He died a year later.
The radio dramatization of the Jewel in the Crown and the subsequent TV programs finally brought posthumous fame.
The author's personal life remains in shadow. No biography has yet appeared. He is believed to have been bisexual. At the time of his writing the Raj Quartet, such inclinations were never named. Even so there is little doubt about the proclivities of Captain Ronald Merrill, who appears in all four volumes of the tetralogy.
Gum, I noticed with interest your mention of Sackville-West. Would that be Vita Sackville-West, intima of Virginia Woolf and other women of the time? She had an open marriage with Harold Nicholson, I believe.
Post by: Gumtree on December 29, 2008, 10:57:25 PM
Post by: straudetwo on December 29, 2008, 11:19:52 PM
the photos of dark-haired Vita and of her mother, who was part Spanish. I have forgotten the details. Something about illegitimacy of the mother.
A few years later I read Virginia Woolf's Orlando and did not understand why the protagonist changed gender in the middle of the book. Many years after that I learned that Vita Sackville-West was the inspiration for Woolf's gender-changing protagonist. Then a coin dropped :) Oh my!
Post by: Gumtree on December 29, 2008, 11:36:04 PM
You're right about Sackville-West - I was referring to Vita - She wrote a few novels -( perhaps not top echelon but good enough of their kind) as well as The Land - her more famous response to T.S. Eliot's Wasteland My study group will read All Passion Spent as part of a series of books written during or about the first half of the 20th Century - Passage to India is one and Wharton's Age of Innocence and - Lady Chatterley's Lover I always get a kick out of going back to reread books I've enjoyed in the past.
Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson did have and 'open' marriage which worked for them and of course together they created the garden at Sissinghurst Castle - which has become something of a lasting memorial to them. I have a couple of books about the creation of their garden - something of a horticultural biography, a volume of their letters (? Portrait of a Marriage ), and Harold Nicolson's wartime diaries - The letters and diaries are very revealing. And there is the biography Vita by Victoria Glendinning (I think). Lots of material available for anyone interested - I came to her long ago through Virginia Woolf and Sissinghurst. She was a strong woman with decided ideas.
Post by: Gumtree on December 29, 2008, 11:51:30 PM
Vita's mother was Spanish and illegitimate which prevented Vita from inheriting Knole, the ancestral home of the Sackvilles, which went to a distant cousin- there may have been some consideration also regarding Vita being female which precluded the inheritance. She never got over being denied Knole. I have sometimes wondered if her sexual proclivities were influenced by the loss of what she saw as her rightful inheritance and that she was trying to prove something - to herself or to others.
Post by: Frybabe on December 30, 2008, 12:21:11 AM
I thought I saw the other day that you will be moderating another book discussion in January.
Post by: JoanK on December 30, 2008, 01:55:58 PM
Post by: Marjorie on December 30, 2008, 02:36:09 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on December 30, 2008, 03:15:16 PM
Those of you who were in the Audubon discussion may remember that Ed Harris of Moorestown, NJ spent some time w/ JJA and worked w/ him on some trips and gave some finances. You may be interested in knowing that the Moorestown Historical Society is having a 6 month exhibit about EH and JJA and their friendship. I would never have known about Ed Harris if i had not read the bio in order to participate in the discussion w/ you all. I haven't seen the exhibit yet, but intend to go over - a few blocks from my house and in a house owned by EH - after all the holiday fanfare is over. I'll let you know if they have anything of interest that we talked about in the discussion.
Jean
Post by: Robby on December 30, 2008, 07:10:48 PM
Are you interested in history? Do you love non-fiction?Are you interested in the accomplishments and foibles of mankind? Are you a pop psychologist and interested in comparing societies and individuals in the past with our society and people of today? Are you intrigued by the era of the Renaissance?
You will want to click onto The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant. We were deep into Durant's fifth volume, The Renaissance, when the SN software crashed. HOWEVER, be of good cheer. In just a couple of days (don't go away now) we will return to this fifth volume. Those participants who were not with us at the time will be able to ease into the discussion as we pick it up. We will hold your hand. You will not be a stranger looking on.
Stay tuned to the date when we will be open for participants to join us.
Robby
Post by: PatH on December 30, 2008, 07:41:31 PM
The book has several scenes I found so memorable that I continue to think of them. One is the freezing of the Thames in Elizabethan England, and the resulting skating, setting up of pavilions, etc. Another is the coming of Victorianism, which starts out as a blot of ink, and spreads to take in the stifling fecundity and elaborate ornateness of Victorian England.
Post by: Babi on December 31, 2008, 09:43:54 AM
Straude, I'm a Sharon McCrumb fan, too, but there doesn't seem to be very many of her books about. Has she written any new ones recently?
I am reading "Relic" now, and sometimes it rings a note that make me think I read it a number of years ago. I didn't know there was an entire 'Pendergast' series, and I plan to read more of them. I know the library has the second book, "Reliquary", and some others. I've also put a hold on the "Guernsey Literary, ...etc" book, when it comes back in. Meanwhile, I have an intriguing, apparently somewhat Gothic book waiting to be read, "Four and Twenty Blackbirds", by Cherie Priest. I'll let y'all know what I think of it in due time.
Babi
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 31, 2008, 01:00:34 PM
I was not in the Audubon discussion, consequently I don't know anything about Ed Harris and his connection to JJA. Can you tell us more about him; his home and how he made the fortune that helped him contribute to the Audubon Society?
The discussion was led by my nonfiction partner, Harold, if I remember correctly! He and I did a number of books together and I hope he finds this site soon so we can continue with another history discussion or political discussion possibly. Now is the time like no other to discuss history and try to learn from it!
A new president, new ideas, news from Washington! I hope it is all good news for all of us!
GOOD NEWS!
The nonfiction folder will be opening soon and those of us who enjoy reading books of that genre will have a place to discuss them in length and we may possibly decide to discuss one in the near future.
HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN! As we begin, or should I say continue, with BOOK TALK!
Watch for the Nonfiction Folder to Unfold soon!
Post by: mabel1015j on December 31, 2008, 01:02:57 PM
i don't know why that didn't "link" in "blue" but you can copy and paste the stite
Post by: mabel1015j on December 31, 2008, 01:25:43 PM
From the site: In 1975, Fleming began blending his novelist's skills with his historian's insights. The result was Liberty Tavern, which one reviewer called "the Gone with the Wind" of the American Revolution. He followed this with Dreams of Glory, which Delaware historian John Gardner calls "the best spy novel ever written about the American Revolution -- and that includes James Fenimore Cooper's The Spy."
In these two novels, Fleming introduced the Stapleton family, a powerful New York-New Jersey clan that he has followed through American history in four other highly praised novels -- The Spoils of War, Rulers of the City, A Passionate Girl, and Promises to Keep. In September, Forge Books, a division of St. Martin's Press, published another novel in this series, Remember The Morning.
Remember The Morning describes the founding of the Stapleton clan in the tumultuous decades before the American Revolution. The story revolves around two extraordinary women (Stapleton women are frequently strong willed and intelligent) Dutch-American Catalyntie Van Vorst and African-American Clara Flowers. Linked by a girlhood as Seneca Indians -- they were captured in an early frontier clash -- they return to the white world and fall in love with the same man, a massive would-be soldier named Malcolm Stapleton. The narrative carries the reader through Indian wars and a Scottish rebellion in England and a slave revolt in New York to the eve of the Revolution. It is simultaneously a profoundly moving love story.
Margaret Truman says Remember The Morning "helps you discover the very essence of what it means to be American." Max Byrd, author of the bestselling Jefferson, calls it "an American panorama that I read with admiration and delight." The Library Journal declared it "a marvelously fresh interpretation of an era."
Ella - Ed Harris was heir to a Quaker farm family who owned a lot of real estate here in South Jersey. He was a business man and introduced Percheron horses to the U.S. He traveled w/ Audobon on one of his trips thru the South and over into Louisiana - it's been a few years since we read the JJA bio, but i think that i'm right about that destination. I'll fill you in w/ more info after i've seen the exhibit at the historical society. ............. yes, Harold did lead that discussion. ............. jean
Post by: Tomereader1 on December 31, 2008, 01:46:32 PM
Clubfan, I haven't heard(?) anyone mention Taylor Caldwell in years. She was a great favorite of mine; her books always had a ethical depth to them that I really appreciated.Is "Four and Twenty Blackbirds" about Civil War ghosts that appear to the main character? If so, I have read and enjoyed it, as well as her other books.
Straude, I'm a Sharon McCrumb fan, too, but there doesn't seem to be very many of her books about. Has she written any new ones recently?
I am reading "Relic" now, and sometimes it rings a note that make me think I read it a number of years ago. I didn't know there was an entire 'Pendergast' series, and I plan to read more of them. I know the library has the second book, "Reliquary", and some others. I've also put a hold on the "Guernsey Literary, ...etc" book, when it comes back in. Meanwhile, I have an intriguing, apparently somewhat Gothic book waiting to be read, "Four and Twenty Blackbirds", by Cherie Priest. I'll let y'all know what I think of it in due time.
Babi
Post by: CubFan on December 31, 2008, 02:12:03 PM
In the meantime I will stay the course and try to finish up the rest of the non fiction books from this year. I have several going in different parts of the house and then in December try to finish them so I can start a new batch in January. So far this week finished the Marx/Engels' Communist Manifesto, and An Army at Dawn by Rick Atkinson. Today I think I'll finish Everything Miscellaneous by David Weinberger, and tomorrow - Jacob's Well by Joseph Amato. That will leave me with American Sphinx by Ellis about 2/3 finished, and Halberstam's The Coldest Winter just started. I have the next Rick Atkinson here waiting.
Am really looking forward to some good historical fiction. The fluff/no brainers show up all on their own. Generally fiction books don't get set aside. Everything else gets put on hold.
What a way to start a new year. A new book/reading web site and a new author. Now I don't care how much it snows!!!
Happy New Year All. Mary
Post by: BillH on December 31, 2008, 02:38:50 PM
(http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/8950/holmes/fh-nava2.jpg)
Just a reminder for those who signed on for The Hound of the Baskervilles. The book discussion will open January 2, 2009.
I do hope you are still interested in joining in. I'll post a link here to that discussion as soon as it is moved out.
Bill H
Post by: Judy Laird on December 31, 2008, 02:48:19 PM
I am looking forward to the opening of new and old fiction shortly.
I see Steph in back I am sure glad to see you Steph.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on December 31, 2008, 03:29:39 PM
I have never known any people of these two religions; the only reference that comes to mind is Richard Nixon, who was a Quaker and I'm sure the Quakers would like to bury that information!
Perceron horses: http://www.percheronhorse.org/
MARY, I hope to see you soon the nonfiction folder.
Post by: JoanK on December 31, 2008, 03:41:03 PM
Post by: ginny on December 31, 2008, 04:41:11 PM
Tome, I know a lot of people who can't watch Psycho to this day! hahahaa
mary (Cub Fan) let's see if our jinx still holds, hahahaaa YES I know a good writer (or I used to think so ) of dynasties, Stephen Birmingham, I wonder if his books are still good or dated, have not read him in years. He writes about Jewish immigrants, and his books I used to think are very powerful. I think I've got them all, real dynasty things.
I love it here.
Ginny Ann, I have heard of Meyers, but never read anything by her, and she set off the teen age frenzy of reading? What sort of plots, teenage girls? Or? Kind of a Nancy Drew (or does that date me?)
Eragon is very big with teenagers I hear.
Jean, THERE you are, and this is high praise:
Quote
Moorestown Historical Society is having a 6 month exhibit about EH and JJA and their friendship. I would never have known about Ed Harris if i had not read the bio in order to participate in the discussion w/ you all.Thank you for that, just for that you may have a cream doughnut from.....from....the bakery on Main Street...what are they called? Boy I miss them.
hahahaa
What are you doing New Years? (Remember that old song?) New Year's Eve? I have such an exciting venue planned you better sit down? We're going to build a huge fire (with the yule log we have every year) and go to sleep watching it, like always. Boy the country life! hahahaa
We'll eat herring with onions in sour cream (good luck) and my mince tarts which I absolutely ruined when the people delivered the new freezer to replace the one in the barn which totally destroyed everything in it this afternoon. I have been trying since Christmas Eve to bake my mince pie for Christmas and of course it did not get done and you do know the old superstition about mince pies so did some tarts today, eat a little mince every day of the 12 Days of Christmas.... and the people came to get the old freezer out of the barn and they burned up into mince nuggets. Look like coal actually. I think I'll read a good book instead. Read a page a day? I need a New Year's Resolution, never make them. Do you?
Can you stand all this exciting talk?
But on to the subject: I started reading John Grisham's The Appeal last night as I saw it in paperback in the grocery yesterday. It's GOOD. He's GOOD. I really feel an insider in the world of trial law today, it's that good. He really creates atmosphere, just what I was in the mood for!
Oh boy and there's Robby with his new SoC about to come out and Bill with the Hound, what a super beginning for us here and many more on the way, exciting exciting!
Thank you all for your good will and wonderful thoughts, great conversations here!
Happy New Year! We've got a new site, a new homepage (hahaha wait till google picks it up: http://www.seniorlearn.org), a new attitude and a new year, what more could you want?
Happy Happy!
Post by: EvelynMC on December 31, 2008, 05:58:31 PM
We're building a fire too. I made hot and cold pick and nibble (meat balls, shrimp cocktail, roll ups, etc) and we'll have that instead of a regular dinner meal along with some champagne. I haven't stayed up until midnight for years. So we are also having a nice quiet country New Year's. Happy New Year.
And I agree this web-site is fantastic.
Happy New Year Everyone!!
Evelyn
Post by: ginny on December 31, 2008, 06:34:15 PM
Happy Happy, Everybody!!
Post by: JoanP on December 31, 2008, 10:40:47 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4d.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Post by: Gumtree on January 01, 2009, 01:48:08 AM
To the Orlando fans, I strongly recommend the 1992 movie. It does a surprisingly good job of visualizing the book. Tilda Swinton is superb as Orlando, and Quentin Crisp is hilarious as Queen Elizabeth.
The book has several scenes I found so memorable that I continue to think of them. One is the freezing of the Thames in Elizabethan England, and the resulting skating, setting up of pavilions, etc. Another is the coming of Victorianism, which starts out as a blot of ink, and spreads to take in the stifling fecundity and elaborate ornateness of Victorian England.
PatH I was trying to think of Swinton's name - she was just brilliant in all the incarnations - though I had trouble with the modern Orlando. I had forgotten about Quentin Crisp - what a role to ham it up!
I think Tilda Swinton played The White Witch in the adaptation of C.S.Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The conversations on this site bring back so many memories of 'Books Past & Present' and the promise of many 'Books Future' Love It!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Post by: Steph on January 01, 2009, 10:19:59 AM
I still belong to the paperback book swap.. Great way to get a variety of books. Am trying all sorts of new authors through that.. Ones that you are not sure whether to buy or not.
For vampire and werewolf fans.. Patricia Briggs who writes sci-fi has an excellent three book series on a shape changer who is a coyote..and a mechanic and female.. Fun..
Post by: ANNIE on January 01, 2009, 10:44:32 AM
Steph, you are new name to me. Did you go by something else on the SN?? Anyway, welcome back to most happy site on the net. Hope your New Year's Eve was joyous.
We were actually able to stay up to watch the ball fall! But, I wouldn't want to be in the that crowd at Times Square. We had pork roast and sauerkraut(one must have pork and cabbage to have good luck in 2009) for dinner at our son's home and then played a bunch of games. Mexican Train dominoes is our favorite and takes awhile to finish. The children even play.
And the kids played their newest x-box or Wii with much enthusiam. They have formed a four piece band and do a play along with the Wii. My BMI was presented to me after some small tests on the Wii pad such as balance and age and height. I am told by the Wii computer, that I am in pretty good shape for the shape that I'm in!!!
Post by: PatH on January 01, 2009, 11:29:25 AM
Post by: Robby on January 01, 2009, 12:12:13 PM
I just finished listening to the Diane Rehm show on NPR. Are you acquainted with Spencer, Iowa, and the book about Dewey, the library cat?
Robby
Post by: Judy Laird on January 01, 2009, 12:38:03 PM
Post by: CubFan on January 01, 2009, 02:17:51 PM
Happy New Year to all. Mary
Post by: mabel1015j on January 01, 2009, 02:24:41 PM
Ginny - sorry to have to tell you that the Peter Pan Bakery is no more....boohooboohoo. The owner retired about 2 yrs ago. His dgt has continued the gift shop, but has closed the bakery. Our family had every birthday, wedding and celebration cake from Peter Pan for 33 years and we had our last one last Memorial day for our dgt's birthday celebration and we all cried in our sweet tea! :) There is no cake like Peter Pan's.
On to more pleasant things - this is not about books, but it was so good i must past on the info .......... CSPAN1 is repeating it's White House series tomorrow afternoon and evening. If you didn't see Laura Bush's tour w/ Brian Lamb of the family quarters, try to see it. It's just wonderful! They also showed a video of Harry Truman giving a tour after the renovation and Jackie Kennedy's tour, which i'm sure many of you saw on first presentation. And they have a tour by Lady Bird, much of it had not been shown on tv before. ...........they are also repeating the Lincoln series today, if that's your interest...................Good Luck to the Nittany Lions (Penn State - for you non Pa folks) and their fans!............Happy New Year everyone.......................jean
Post by: Aberlaine on January 01, 2009, 02:36:37 PM
I'm looking forward to the February book, whatever it may be. I'm hoping for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society because I'm reading it for my f2f book group. It's so popular here that I can only keep the book for one week. Will probably purchase it since one week is never enough time for me to read a book.
It's so nice to be home!! Kudos to Ginny, JoanP, Jane and Pat for giving us such a wonderful place to meet - forever!
Nancy
Post by: Brian on January 01, 2009, 02:36:57 PM
Oh yes, we have a place to verbalize our feelings, and we have people who can help us to channel our thoughts, right here on the net.
Any day now we will have our Story of Civilization going again, and Heaven can wait.
Brian.
Post by: mabel1015j on January 01, 2009, 02:53:12 PM
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 01, 2009, 03:11:18 PM
I'll have to go turn it on. I've been listening to Book TV; two authors were very good. FOUNDING FRIENDSHIP by Leibiger about the relationship between Washington and Madison. I must look it up at the Library.
And then Timothy Egan came on to talk about a series of photos on the depression and he talked about his award winning book, which I just finished, titled THE WORST HARD TIME; the worst environmental disaster of our country and entirely man-made. A very good book.
I just wish I hadn't heard him refer several times to the financial crises we are in now!
Post by: CallieOK on January 01, 2009, 03:14:05 PM
Most recently, I've read Helen Mirren's autobiography In The Frame, am trying to work my way through the "Alphabet Mysteries" by Sue Grafton (I'm up to 'H' :)) and am ready to start Too Close To The Sun by FDR's grandson, Curtis Roosevelt.
Post by: straudetwo on January 01, 2009, 03:38:09 PM
The south Shore of Boston was hit yesterday by a tremendous snow storm and I became unwittingly stranded in it. The highways were passable at the end dof the day, not so the quiet area where I live. In facy I had to wait to be shoveled out before I could get into my long drive and into the garage. By that time it was near midnight. Not such a good omen, ha!
Today, on the first day of the new year, I am happy to be the bearer of wonderful news:
The discussion of The Raj Quartet will be resumed here in our SL in a folder specifically created for it. I am grateful for this opportunity to see this project through to the end, as was the plan before the SN crash stopped us cold.
I hope the participants in that earlier discussion are as excited as I am. And I invite all of you out there to join us, irrespective of whether you've read the tetralogy or not. Some of you may remember the multi-episode BBC Masterpiece Theatre production.
The Raj comprises four volumes, all have their individual title :
1. The Jewel in the Crown
2. The Day of the Scorpion
3. The Towers of Silence
4. A Division of the Spoils.
The Raj Quartet is a multi-layered epic. The narrative of British and Indian history is quite detailed, yet it lives and breathes through the characters - both major and minor, good and bad. Some have questionable motives, a few have the courage of their convictions; one inspired loathing; all engage us; one might move one to tears.
To facilitate recall and understanding, an outline will be posted of volumes 1-3 (including the last part of volume 3 to which we could not get due to the SN crash). Depending on the number of participants, I'll arrange the most appropriate m.o. for the discussion and ,ay propose a tentative schedule. Before, we had no schedule, no time limit, but may want to change it.
Please make your interest known here, our voice heard.
I'd like to start on January 9.
Many thanks in advance.
Traude
Post by: Frybabe on January 01, 2009, 03:48:03 PM
Post by: JoanK on January 01, 2009, 03:59:50 PM
I had a wonderful New Years! My daughter and family came over, and we all worked a jigsaw puzzle together. We do that every year, but this was the first time the kids were old enough to stay up and help.
Post by: pedln on January 01, 2009, 05:24:07 PM
Happy New Year everyone. So good to see old and new faces – er, names.
Jean, interesting that you mention Thomas Fleming. I really knew nothing about him and had forgotten all about his Officers Wives, into which I escaped some 20 years ago after a particularly trying session as mom of two stubborn teenagers. Your comments make me want to look into his other works of fiction.
JoanR, Crossing to Safety is another title I had forgotten all about, and I think the only Stegner I’ve read. I bought it in Dec. 1990 at a bookstore in Berkeley, while visiting the teenagers who had by then matured into grad students in the Bay area. Please tell me if I’m remembering it correctly – a wonderful story of friendship.
Ginny, re: The Appeal. It’s amazing the things one learns from fiction. We all know that money begats power and power begats money, but I was really surprised at the control that poured out of that book. Grisham is GOOD, indeed.
Steph, it is so good to see you. I didn’t recognize you until you and Robby started talking about South Carolina. Can’t believe it’s been almost four years since we were all at Isle of Palms. Are you still travelling around the country in your RV?
Adoannie, I’ve never seen a Wii, but my son said they’re being used in Senior Centers and Assisted Living places because they get folks moving. Glad to hear you’re in good shape. The grandkids (18, 16, and 14) got a rockband program/game to go with the x-box. Everyone got into the act, dad, the aunt , the grandma. Drums are hard – can’t keep up the beat, I found the guitar much easier, but please don’t ask me to sing – I can’t see the words.
Ella, perfect timing for you with the Worst Hard Time, to have Egan come on TV and talk about it.
JoanK, are you allowed to look at the picture while you put the puzzle together? Years ago, friends in Nashville always did a puzzle on Christmas night, but they would not look at the picture!
Post by: straudetwo on January 01, 2009, 05:47:48 PM
JoanR - Wallace Stegner is a favorite of mine too. The local book group and I greatly enjoyed Crossing to Safety , which (I believe) dates back to the author's own experiences at the U. of Wisconsin, at Madison. Angle of Repose was discussed in SN Books some years ago. The discussion was lively, very satisfying, but, alas, all things have to come to an end. :)
Babi , as far as I know, Sharyn McCrumb's last book was St. Dale about NASCAR driver Dale
Earhardt (sp). I have not read it.
There is such a benefit from mentioning book titles in a forum such as this - or in a f2d group. That is how the local group discovered McCrumb, the ballad series first: the novels which
deal with the history of the Appalachian Mountains and the people who lived and live there now. She Walks These Hills is one of those our group discussed. Ditto for The Ballad of Frankie Silver and The Rosewood Casket.
The Elizabeth MacPherson series is different, and very enjoyable even for one who is not so attuned to and interested in mysteries or (heaven forbid) thrillers.
Isn't it marvelous to come here and talk about our preferences?
Post by: Robby on January 01, 2009, 06:36:07 PM
Robby
Post by: jane on January 01, 2009, 07:52:15 PM
re:
Quote
Jane:
I just finished listening to the Diane Rehm show on NPR. Are you acquainted with Spencer, Iowa, and the book about Dewey, the library cat?
Robby
Yes, I've been to Spencer, Ia...on the opposite side of the state from me...it's in the NW corner, and I've heard of the book about Dewey, though I've not read it.
Post by: Pat on January 01, 2009, 10:03:30 PM
I don't think they realize that most of the Online members were not close to any Learning Center
Post by: Gumtree on January 01, 2009, 11:51:18 PM
The proposed continuation of The Raj Quartet is simply the best news I've had today - I'll be there but you already know that!
I'm now about halfway through the fourth volume but think I'll stop there and save the last part of it until we get to it. I'll go back and refresh the end of volume three....
I'll be happy with whatever m.o. you decide. Thank you for taking it on again.
Post by: Brian on January 02, 2009, 01:13:32 AM
The SN homepage makes it sound like they are more interested in Learning Centers than the Online community that we had.
That's what happened to the last "senior group" that I joined at its inception. They received a grant from the government to start a website that would encourage computer-illiterate seniors to understand the computer, and to enable these seniors to read gov. originated bulletins.
For this "help" all the members paid a yearly fee, and paid a little less in addition for attending the classes on computer subjects. Eventually, all the peripheral "meeting places" were shut down, and all the "activity" was carried out in one central place.
That was the time that I quit and joined SeniorNet. I hope history will not repeat itself now.
Brian.
Post by: pedln on January 02, 2009, 11:04:47 AM
I finally got settled into the current issue of Bookmarks yesterday afternoon. Has anyone read Anita Shreve’s Testimony? It sounded like a good one. As did Telex from Cuba. I don’t read much non-fiction, but The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, about successful people, sounded very interesting. And for mystery lovers a reader had sent in her list of Mystery in History. Lastly was their overview of books and events of 1951 – the Dow closed at 269.
Which reminds me, Suze Orman was on CNBC this am, she said don’t buy her new book – 2009 Personal Plan – save your money and download it – available Jan. 8. From where, I’m not sure.
Post by: Judy Laird on January 02, 2009, 12:10:10 PM
Thanks Judy
Post by: Steph on January 02, 2009, 01:56:33 PM
I have a brand new Wii, but not the fit yet.. I go to the gym, but I have hopes that on non gym days I can do the fit.. A friend has one and she does say that it scolds you and talks a lot in the fit section.. Hmm. just what I need another nag..
Post by: JoanK on January 02, 2009, 03:24:43 PM
Mystery lovers: the Mystery Corner will be open soon. Watch for a notice.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 02, 2009, 06:39:25 PM
I have been lax in going to the YM for my weekly "fit" lately, but will get back into it soon I hope.
I went to the Library today and brought back some good books and have been browsing through them deciding which to read first.
I think I'll start with THE WHITE TIGER, looks very good!
GINNY, I think you suggested that one and I believe it is a nominated book; I'll have to see. Gosh, have I had experience with those techologoical-oriented people in India; twice I have been on the phone with them for various problems with my computer and had a long talk with a woman at one time as her computer was down and she asked me to wait. Very interesting!
CALLL ME TED by Ted Turner looks good, also. He was on BookTV a few days ago and wasn't he on 60 Minutes? What a success story he is!
GINNY, if you are around, I also got the book INDIAN SUMMER, which looks very detailed and long. Did you read the whole thing? I think a book just about Mountbatten or Mountbatten and Nehru would be good. I might read it if I get desperate for reading material.
Post by: PatH on January 02, 2009, 08:10:02 PM
Here's the link:
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=56.0
Post by: Persian on January 02, 2009, 09:24:37 PM
Mahlia
Post by: Robby on January 03, 2009, 07:42:55 AM
Robby
Post by: Steph on January 03, 2009, 09:09:31 AM
You can also get programs for music and bands.. A young friend also told me that I can use a game cube game and play games.. But the explanation of what type of games was sort of 11 year old confusing..Something about a turtle dude, etc. Still it is fun. I love tech and also got a photo printer to take with me in the rv to see the pictures as I take them with my digital camera. Since my birthday is in December, I tend to get a bunch of things at once ( I would vote for July if I had only gotten a vote). Also a picture frame that displays lots of pictures, but that is a bust, since it only works with the little stick and I want one I can use a thumb drive on.. Now if only my big pc would stop getting slower and slower..
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 03, 2009, 10:35:35 AM
The exercise called Wi Fit that is based on age, gender, etc. sounds right for me as I am 80 and although I can still swing a bat I don't think the ball would go very far, hahahaa
CALLLIE! I didn't know Helen Mirren had written an autobiography. I'll get it my next trip to the Library; I last saw her in the movie, The Queen. She was wonderful. I think we discussed it on the old SN......
And I am hoping with BRIAN that this site continues forever. As you said, Heaven can wait!!
Too many seniors, when learning the computer, discover email and their little bit of knowledge of the Internet ends there. I learned this by volunteering at our local Senior Center and I was very dismayed. What a great experience they are missing!
Post by: mabel1015j on January 03, 2009, 12:44:12 PM
It's title is An Illuminated Life: Belle da Costa Greene's Journey from Prejudice to Privilege. Belle Greene was born Belle Marian Greener. Her claim to fame is that she became at a young age (early 20's) the librarian of J. P. Morgan's private library and eventually was the buyer and curator of his rare book/manuscript collection. She had a "dusky" complexion and as an adult stated that it was a result of Portugese ancestors, but her father was Richard Greener, the first person of mixed European/African-American ancestry to attend Harvard and who was the Librarian at the University of South Carolina in the late 19th century. The U of SC was actually integrated after the Civil War and became re-segregated after the 1880's. Belle had a fascinating life, being a librarian at Princeton University during the first decade of the 20thc. While there she met J.P. Morgan's nephew, who was also a librarian at Princeton and he recommended her to his uncle. As Morgan's librarian she became a part of NYC society, and the rare book community of the world, in the first half of the 20th century.
So far i'm finding it very interesting. ............
Also, for history fans - CSPAN1 is playing the White House series right now (1:12pmEST) - don't know for how much of the day - in case any of you are interested...jean
Post by: Robby on January 03, 2009, 02:35:01 PM
Robby
Post by: jane on January 03, 2009, 03:50:28 PM
Quote
Will someone please tell me how you place quotes in those blue boxes?
You can do it two ways, Robby...
1--You can click on QUOTE on the post you want to quote and it'll open in a new message area with the tags there. You then need to post your reply below the closed quote tag.
2-- I prefer to copy what I want to quote and then paste it into a new message box and then highlight it and click QUOTE button up above the posting box...2nd one from the right. OR you can put the tags in manually....use [ quote] before the words and then end with [ /quote] without the spaces I put in the tags to show them here.
Post by: ginny on January 03, 2009, 04:37:32 PM
SHRIEK!!!!! Say not so! Are you serious? Peter Pan is dead? How can that be?!!!! Nobody made cream doughnuts like they did, nobody. I can't believe they quit the bakery. Well that saves me taking a cooler the next time I go to NJ.
I always thought it was strange they added the gift shop hahahaa I guess bakeries don't do that well tho you had to fight people to get inside, I hate that. Another old memory gone. Dadgum it! That's depressing!
Cub Fan, let us know if you even like Birmingham, I think Ella actually got him to attend a Bookfest of ours, that is he was willing but I think it was too far, I think he lives out of Chicago now. I used to love his books but I used to love Revolutionary Road and Richard Yates, too. Have any of you seen the movie? I can't see the cast as the people I imagined so long ago for some reason, maybe I need to SEE the movie first and THEN comment!
. Cub said:
Quote
What a way to start a new year. A new book/reading web site and a new author. Now I don't care how much it snows!!!
Yes!!! Good quote! Aberlaine had one too: forever!
Ann, OK, I'll bite what IS Mexican Train dominoes ? You always know the best games, what was that one we played at the beach, you all are such killer sharks! I must say I was appalled. :) Here I am, nice, quiet, but at the same time, used to winning, sitting down with killers, and I do include Pedln in that , honestly! What was the name of that thing?
snort
Pedln, me too,
Quote
I was really surprised at the control that poured out of that book.Really almost puts another strange dimension to the world (we're talking about John Grisham's The Appeal), still reading it, good book. Keep thinking Barbarians at the Gate, (yes, Ella that one's about RJR Nabisco's take over by KKR).
Traude, on the Raj, two weeks ago I guess it was there was a huge article in the NY Times, whole page, on India and it went right back to the partitioning, and how some Muslims were trapped IN India then and what it's like today to be one. I was very surprised to find that Amir Khan whom I admire, an actor (Lagaan) and producer was a Muslim living in India, it's a good article, I put it aside to think about and need to pick it up again, but it's amazing how many modern day events keep relating right back to those fatal days that you're all reading about in Paul Scott's novels.
Ella somewhere you asked about Indian Summer. yes that's the one, supposedly the be all and end all bio of all of them and what really happened: Nehru, Mountbatten and his wife, it's quite interesting, to me. I think it IS the latest somewhat incendiary details that make me rather read it than individual older biographies, tho I expect they would all be good to get the complete picture. It's amazing, biography. Look at Anna and the King.
There are such divided ideas about Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam, it's unreal.
What's the truth? I remember Franklin D Roosevelt and Warm Springs and Sally something? People talked about it for decades before it came out, the Indian Summer is like that.
I'm really getting some great ideas here for reading, everybody here reads such different things! That makes the conversation so alive!
Post by: Babi on January 03, 2009, 05:23:12 PM
Tomereader, "Four and Twenty Blackbirds" is about a young girl and three ghoses from a past life. I haven't gotten far enough into the book to know they are from the Civil War period, but it does sound like the same book.
Thanks to whoever discussed Thomas Fleming. (I forgot by the time I got to the end of all those posts!) His books sound interesting. I'm going to start with "Remember the Morning", since that one goes back to the beginnings of the family. I do like to start at the beginning.
Babi
Post by: Judy Laird on January 03, 2009, 05:28:22 PM
Ann, OK, I'll bite what IS Mexican Train dominoes ? You always know the best games, what was that one we played at the beach, you all are such killer sharks! I must say I was appalled. Here I am, nice, quiet, but at the same time, used to winning, sitting down with killers, and I do include Pedln in that , honestly! What was the name of that thing?
Post by: pedln on January 03, 2009, 06:17:32 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4d.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Post by: JoanK on January 03, 2009, 07:08:11 PM
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=82.0 (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=82.0)
Post by: serenesheila on January 03, 2009, 07:10:56 PM
I look forward to coming back here with all of you.
Sheila
Post by: JoanK on January 03, 2009, 07:14:18 PM
Post by: pedln on January 03, 2009, 07:43:09 PM
Post by: CubFan on January 03, 2009, 08:26:46 PM
I started Remember the Morning today. When I started looking up Fleming's books I first checked my shelves of unread books (mainly non fiction) and found that I had that one. I too decided to start with the beginnings of the family even though it was the sixth book written. Besides now I don't have to wait for the others to come. I'm finding it interesting in that it takes place during a period of our early history that I haven't read much about and it also takes place around in the area that my ancestors settled and they were there at that time. They arrived in New York in 1709. I'm really looking forward to reading this series. Mary
Post by: mabel1015j on January 03, 2009, 09:58:19 PM
Mexican Train can be played w/ a lot of people. Each starts their own "track" of dominoes based on one of the doubles. We start at 12 and each round drops down to 11, 10, 9 etc. Each person can play on their own track, or if someone couldn't match their own track, then all others can play on that track and the Mexican Train track. The more people who play the more options each person has. And from that point it plays just like a regular dominoes game and the first person to play all their dominoes wins. There is some strategy of blocking others and keeping your own track open. .............that's the way we play, but i know that some people play it differently. The nice thing is that there can be conversation and eating while some other person is deciding how they ar going to play.............not like some serious, stratigic game where you constatnly have to be paying attention and every one is very serious! ;D................at least at our house, even tho we have some very competitive people in our family. ................jean
Post by: maryz on January 03, 2009, 10:36:51 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on January 04, 2009, 12:16:41 AM
While driving through Mississippi I heard on NPR a wonderful interview and reading of Mercy by Toni Morrison - just ordered it - I Loved that she explained the kernel of truth the novel is getting at is that real power and all power is within each of us and that no community, organization, government or other powerful individual can give us power. Saying that from a slave's point of view in this book has to be powerful.
I gifted my grand, who is a senior this year and loves bantering with words, two audio sets of Wodehouse's Bertie Wooster and Jeeves along with 2 of the books - the drawing room comedy and farce of these stories with the upper class English dialect is right up his alley as his life is all smiles and fun just now. Listened to one of the tapes and decided it was just too much fun and so I found used copies of the 2 audio books and ordered them for me.
Will be busy busy for the next few days and then it will be time to get back to books - I know Fairanna and I cannot wait to get the poetry discussion going again - Anna had chosen a couple of great poets to focus our attention on in November and February - and was going to do January but it was all disrupted so we need to regroup - looking forward again to my daily pickmeup with this new version of Seniornet.
Post by: joangrimes on January 04, 2009, 08:56:57 AM
Some of my friends and I play Mexican Train about the same way that you do. I love playing it.
Maryz what is the Website where you can play Mexican Train? Please tell us. I would love to be able to play it online.
Joan Grimes
Post by: Pat on January 04, 2009, 09:40:32 AM
Quote
Barbara in Post# 168 -- looking forward again to my daily pickmeup with this new version of Seniornet.
SeniorLearn is not a new version of SeniorNet.
(We are using the same free software that SeniorNet used. Ours is more secure because we are using the latest update and will update frequently)
It has NO connection whatever with SeniorNet.
We are interested in providing a good learning environment for the Latin Classes and a friendly environment for people interested in reading and discussing books.
Perhaps at some later date other areas of interest could be added, but at present there are no plans for that.
Post by: Steph on January 04, 2009, 09:48:11 AM
Just finished "Tell me Where It Hurts".. by Dr. Nick Trout.. A surgical vet at Angell in Boston. Excellent book on pets, people and vets.
We picked up our latest Rescue Corgi yesterday.. Her name is Miss Gracie and she is shy and gentle and very afraid. We hope that within a month or two, she will blossom.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 04, 2009, 11:05:05 AM
COME JOIN IN!
SHEILA, so sorry you are no well! No fun! Come into the Nonfiction discussion and tell us about the depression and your opinion of the book. I just finished a good one also about the depression called THE WORST HARD TIME. It received the National Book Award and was very good.
Post by: nlhome on January 04, 2009, 12:25:14 PM
N
Post by: Babi on January 05, 2009, 10:22:50 AM
MARY, I'll let you know when I get "Remember the Morning". We can compare notes and opinions.
BARBARA, I'll be interested to learn which poet you and Fairanna pick for February.
Post by: LarryHanna on January 05, 2009, 07:45:56 PM
My wife listens to many books on CD and is always interested in new titles to request from our wonderful library system. I sent her an e-mail with the link to the discussion and one of the title I saw mentioned.
I am going to try to stay up-to-date in this discussion. Not sure I will participate in any of the book discussions but might be tempted to do so. I used to spend a lot of time in the background in setting up new discussions in the early days of SeniorNet but unlike so many of you who have stayed with the Books Discussions I sort of fell by the way in terms of active participation.
Larry
Post by: ANNIE on January 05, 2009, 10:00:57 PM
Welcome back, Larry! Its good to see you posting here. I seem to remember that you took care of our books exchange. Hope you will soon join us here in a book discussion or just continue leaving messages in the Library.
Has your wife finished all those quilting books that I sent to her?? Hahaha!
Post by: Robby on January 06, 2009, 08:01:53 AM
Please spread the word, Library visitors - we welcome everyone to SofC where we examine where we came from, where we are now, and where we are headed. Since we started seven years ago, we have discussed the first four volumes by Will and Ariel Durant - Our Oriental Heritage, Life of Greece, Caesar and Christ, and The Age of Faith. We are now in the middle of the fifth volume, The Renaissance.
We are an informal group who do not pretend to be experts. We would like to have you with us. Just click onto "Story of Civilization."
Robby
Post by: Steph on January 06, 2009, 08:33:21 AM
It is so nice to come up in the morning after breakfast, click on and be with a lot of old friends indeed. I missed you all on senior net when I dropped out, but the headaches from the flashing and color were just too much for me. The new site is wonderful. Uncomplicated and lovely.
Post by: Gumtree on January 06, 2009, 09:21:17 AM
Post by: pedln on January 06, 2009, 09:47:13 AM
Welcome back, Larry. I remember the book exchange. Such a big help for so many folks.
Books Into Movies (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=77.0) is now open. Do drop in and tell us what you think of this current crop of films that are based on the book. Or maybe you’ve found a sleeper on DVD. We’d like to hear about that, too.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 06, 2009, 10:18:47 AM
How nice to see you posting here; I remember all the help you gave me when I first came to Seniornet in 1997 or perhaps it was when I first attempted to get a home page. I never mastered that. I think the hours I spend here in the Books are enough time in front of the screen and I never went any further than that.
I hope you stay with us and discuss a book. Do you like nonfiction? Take a look into that folder, we have many suggestions for good books to read.
Post by: PatH on January 06, 2009, 02:01:55 PM
Post by: Robby on January 06, 2009, 08:06:44 PM
Robby
Post by: Steph on January 07, 2009, 07:52:42 AM
Post by: straudetwo on January 07, 2009, 10:11:21 PM
As promised, here's a short report on our local group's discussion yesterday of Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. We've been meeting for years, we know and enjoy each other, and our monthly discussions, because they are enriching and, literally, good for the soul.
Given all that, yesterday's discussion was exceptional.
People voiced different opinions and reactions and defended them passionately. But all agreed that the book is beautifully sensitively written. We also lingered over a heavy tome of the work of Frank Lloyd Wright (for he is the "Frank" of the book's title). Words fail me to adequately express the satisfaction I felt.
Let's not forget that shared joy and pleasure (in anything, especially books), doubles it.
PS After seeing the plight of people in the state of Washington I am little worried about Judy Laird.
Post by: Babi on January 08, 2009, 08:56:41 AM
Babi
Post by: jane on January 08, 2009, 08:59:52 AM
jane
Post by: Steph on January 08, 2009, 10:30:30 AM
Wisconsin several years ago in the rv and went to Frank Lloyd Wrights house. Gorgeous.. totally impractical, He disliked giving space to hallways, bathrooms, anything he did not like. Whew.. And I gather that water leaks are always a problem with his work. Still it is so very lovely..The book, Loving Frank bothered me . Not sure why.She was sensitive and caring. I would guess the basic premise bothered me. Just walking away.. I simply cannot imagine.
Post by: ANNIE on January 08, 2009, 11:16:58 AM
Judy called me yesterday and she said their weather was cold, rainy, dark, icy, etc, etc. And the traffic in Redmond has gotten much worse. Says she asks everyone she knows, "Why are we living here?" and they all say the same thing, "I don't know!" Judy is all for moving to Georgia, some place that is warm and has sunshine during the winter. ;) :o
Post by: Maryemm on January 08, 2009, 11:45:10 AM
I've made my way here as I want to make a list of recommended books I can seek for, either in the Library or on line.
Ginny : I have never heard of the Pendergast series and can't wait to get started on them.I enjoy stories about relics, and/or Egypt and one of my easy-read favourites is Robin Cook's "Sphinx". I caught this on TV once and quite enjoyed the part I did manage to view but I like the book best of all. The author usually writes medical thrillers but this book isn't one.
I enjoy books with a "re-incarnation" theme : "Katherine" by Anya Seton; ""Green Darkness" also by this author both come to mind. I enjoyed these books and have read them many times.
Barbara Erskine writes on similar themes. Her "Lady of Hay" was/is a best-seller and she has written many equally enthralling stories since. Several of them include Celtic/Roman characters.
You may recall my obsession with Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. Sadly that lovely author was diagnosed with the start of a rare form of Alzheimer's in 2007. He donated £500,000 to research as our Government donated so little. Anyway he was awarded a well-deserved Knighthood in this year's New Year Awards. Well done, Sir Terry!
The author P.D. James and her detective-character Adam Dalgliesh were mentioned in earlier posts. I liked the first one I read, "Shroud for a Nightingale" (1971), but don't Google the title as there are spoilers around which divulge the name of the murderer!
Oh, and I mustn't forget to mention Joanne Harris who wrote "Chocolat" and "The Lollipop Shoes".
So many book ; so little time!!
Post by: pedln on January 08, 2009, 12:20:37 PM
Steph, somewhere I read that Mrs. H.F. Johnson (WAX) did not think that Wingspread, the home in Racine (my hometown) that Wright designed for the Johnson family, had enough closets. But no one lives there now. It’s more of a cultural center. I have Loving Frank, but it’s not at the top of my “to read” list.
Post by: mabel1015j on January 08, 2009, 03:07:38 PM
http://www.ussgames.com/playgame-406-Mexican-Train-Dominoes.html
jean
Post by: EvelynMC on January 08, 2009, 03:13:18 PM
It is so nice to see you here. I haven't read Anya Seton in years, but I always enjoyed her books.
We visited Frank Lloyd's House in Spring Green, Wisconsin many years ago. At that time it was a school. It was a week day and we went up to the house and asked if there were tours, and a student took us around. The house was lovely and I enoyed it very much.
Evelyn
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 08, 2009, 04:18:17 PM
I've been to two of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes; Fallingwater in PA and the one in Chicago and I wouldn't live in either! Who would? They look so uncomfortable with built-in furniture that resembles boxes in ways. Perhaps I don't understand architecture as he is so well known and so revered. The book, Loving Frank, was good reading even though the characters left me cold. However it would make a very good discussion.
Post by: nlhome on January 08, 2009, 08:17:31 PM
From what I hear, Mr. Wright was arrogant and not particularly well liked by the locals. However, he was very talented. His style of architecture seems to have been a starting point for others. Like much of today's architecture, I think the designs did not not take into consideration the practicalities of actually using the buildings.
Post by: maryz on January 08, 2009, 08:54:07 PM
http://www.allgamesallfree.com/games1592-mexican-train-dominoes.html
Joan, have you ever been to the FLWright home in Decatur, AL? It's the Rosenbaum House, and is really neat! And we have one here in Chattanooga, too. I don't think Wright himself was ever at either building site, though. The one in AL is a much more liveable house, IMHO, than the one here. But the one in Decatur is now open to the public as a public site, and the one here is still a private home.
Post by: EvelynMC on January 08, 2009, 09:46:36 PM
I see you live in Chattanooga. This is off the subject, but I was wondering, have you ever visited the new aquarium there? And if you have, how would you rate it?
Thanks,
Evelyn
Post by: maryz on January 08, 2009, 10:38:28 PM
Where are you from? You should come visit us sometime. I'd love to show you around. :D
Post by: joangrimes on January 09, 2009, 12:24:53 AM
Joan G
Post by: JoanP on January 09, 2009, 07:31:06 AM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4d.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Post by: MarjV on January 09, 2009, 07:56:07 AM
There is humor in there also.
NYT review link: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/books/review/Carlson-t.html?_r=1 "> FINE JUST THE WAY IT IS [/url]
Post by: Steph on January 09, 2009, 07:59:14 AM
Oh heavens, I loved Anya Seton, but have not seen anything of hers for years. She would be a fun read back..
Post by: Babi on January 09, 2009, 09:29:53 AM
Post by: Maryemm on January 09, 2009, 12:10:18 PM
Quote
The valley in which Taliesin sits was originally settled by Wright’s maternal family, the Lloyd Joneses, during the Civil War. Immigrants from Wales............
Ha ha, Ginny. I said we get everywhere!!
Post by: ANNIE on January 09, 2009, 12:44:29 PM
I have always understood that Frank Lloyd Wright's genius was in fitting a house into it's surroundings, so it seemed to belong. No structure sitting like the proverbial sore thumb, awkward and jarring. From the descriptions in these posts, I suspect he had little appreciation of the details that make the interior of a home a comfortable and practical place to live.
HI Babi!
I would disagree with your opinion about his appreciation of the details that make the interior of a home a comfortable and practical place to live and I might add a place to work in.
Back in bygone days, when I frequently visited the Cornell Art Museum while visiting my daughter and grans in Ithaca, NY, the museum had a fine exhibit about the planning and building of the Johnson Wax Building in Wisconsin. And from that exhibit, I went to see the one permanent one at the Met Museum in NYC.
Not only was he very caring about the interior of each of his designs but he usually designed all the furniture that went in each of his buildings. I wish you could see the Johnson Wax building as it is outstanding architecture. And the chapel that he drafted in Chicago.
One opinion of a friend of mine was that he hated hallways and stairs and really made them too narrow. She had just been to see Falling Water in Pennsylvania.
Now you've got me going so I will see what links that I can bring here for you to peruse.
Post by: EvelynMC on January 09, 2009, 01:16:54 PM
Thank you for the quick info on the aquarium. I have been wanting to go there since that new building with the salt-water tank opened.
We live in Hot Springs, AR. So it isn't far, but more than a day's drive for us. Lately I been having difficulty getting around, so until this is resolved, going anywhere is problematic. But thank you for your kind invitation, if/when we go, I'll let you know.
Evelyn
Post by: JoanP on January 09, 2009, 02:48:55 PM
I love to visit the FLW homes, but agree with you, they aren't comfy-cosey. They do have nice views from every window. They seem to be very easy to keep clean and neat - although I'd probably clutter mine up in no time if I lived there. It was the chairs - so unfortable! I'd have to bring in my own furntiure and work around those built in chairs...
Post by: ANNIE on January 09, 2009, 03:29:10 PM
So, here's a link with many pictures of the Johnson Wax Building in Wisconsin plus the story of the job done by Wright. He even designed all of the office furniture that went into it. Amazing tale! Also, he never finished it.
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Johnson_Wax_Building.html
Post by: PatH on January 09, 2009, 08:15:38 PM
Post by: straudetwo on January 09, 2009, 09:04:07 PM
Wright's mother was Welsh, and 'Taliesin' the name of an eminent 6th (?) century Welsh poet, pronounced "TALLY-ESSEN", according to the Frank Lloyd Foundation.
My report on the f2f discussion of "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan was deliberately brief iso as not to influence (or 'spoil' , as we call it) the experience of future readers of this excellent book, which is a skillful, sensitive reconstruction of facts and based on diary entries, letters, and includes samples of the contemporary press as narrative proof.
Frank Lloyd Wright met Martha (Mamah) Cheney when he was commissioned by Edwin Cheny to design a house for the Cheney family. A passionate love affair between Mamah and Wright ensued and became the talk of Chicago. When both sailed for Paris in 1909, leaving behind their spouses and children, public outrage was vehement and temporarily stopped Wright's career. Yet it resumed after 1916 and his greatest work was still to come. Mamah's reputation, on the other hand, was irreparably destroyed.
After their return from Europe, Wright built Taliesin in the hills of southwestern Wisconsin as a safe haven for him and Mamah, but it was not to be. Edwin Cheney agreed to a divorce, Catherine Wright (the mother of actress Anne Baxter) did not.
The author of "Loving Frank" seems to raise an uncomfortable question : is a woman who puts her passion before her children an unnatural mother? And that is the question we debated vigorously during our discussion.
P.S. The Edwin Cheney House in Oak Park, Ill., built in 1903, is still operating as a B&B, but I was unable to access a photo of it.
Post by: Pat on January 09, 2009, 10:06:22 PM
http://www.peterbeers.net/interests/flw_rt/Illinois/Cheney_House/Cheney_House.htm
Post by: maryz on January 09, 2009, 10:41:29 PM
http://www.wrightinalabama.com/
Post by: pedln on January 09, 2009, 11:07:19 PM
Here's an excerpt.
Quote
In 1936, Herbert F. Johnson Jr., a third-generation scion, sought to extend this paternalism to a new headquarters that would centralize disparate administrative functions and staffs in a way that was both humanitarian and distinctive. Wright, then 69 years old, had built few structures during the Depression, and he needed a commission..
The two men of great accomplishment clashed at first but then became fast friends. Site aside, the project largely became an expression of Wright's ideas. For the most part, Johnson just kept accommodating him, even though the eventual cost of the building was about $900,000, several times Wright's original $200,000 estimate
Post by: CallieOK on January 10, 2009, 12:40:47 AM
Click here The Price Tower in Bartlesville near Tulsa (http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Price_Tower.html) to see pictures and learn about the only skyscraper he designed that was actually built.
A year or so ago some friends and I stayed in The Inn At Price Tower. It's an interesting place.
Post by: straudetwo on January 10, 2009, 12:58:32 AM
Thank you, Pat, maryz, and pedln, for the links. Simply super.
Pat, I don't mean to change the subject but had meant to say this days ago :
The horse-drawn sleigh at Christmas you told us about brought to mind the title of a book by Per Petterson. Its title is Out Stealing Horses and it established this Norwegian author's reputation beyond Scandinavia. The English translation came out in 2005 and was a pleasure to read. Interesting (but not really strange) to learn that Scandinavians differentiate between loneliness and solitude.
There is, I believe, a special luminous quality in the work of Scandinavian authors :
Knut Hamsun (yes, he was a Quisling and controversial),
Sigrid Undset, who won the Nobel Prize in 1928 (for Kristin Lavransdatter),
Novelist Trygve Gulbransson,
and playwright Henrik Ibsen, all Norwegians.
Then there are the Swedes, author Selma Lagerlöf (Gösta Berling) and playwright August Strindberg (Miss Julie) among others, and I devoured them all. All are part and parcel of world literature and a treasure to behold.
Per Petterson is continuing the tradition. His most recent book is To Siberia. No, it's not about Siberia, really. :)
P.S. Allow me to say that I am tickled pink because I (hahaha) finally(!) managed to get my beloved, absolutely essential PopChar back and the diacritical marks are exactly where they should be.
Post by: JoanP on January 10, 2009, 08:01:48 AM
I'm going to read it when he's finished - but this morning what caught my eye was mention of my all-time favorite coming-of-age books, Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter. I'm wondering whether they have withstood the test of time...
Remember to vote for the Feb. discussion in Book Club Online, everyone. You have until Tuesday pm to make up your minds.
Post by: JoanR on January 10, 2009, 08:46:06 AM
Post by: JoanR on January 10, 2009, 08:54:48 AM
Post by: Babi on January 10, 2009, 10:18:35 AM
I love the flowing lines of the Johnson building you posted. The interior spaces are huge. I'm sure it would be a wonderful place to work. The concept would have to be greatly scaled down to make a comfortable home. I like spaciousness in a home, but not to excess.
STRAUDE, you really should share that post about the Scandinavian authors with the Reading Aroud the World site. It's still in the planning stage at present, but I hope you will bring that list when it opens.
Post by: Steph on January 10, 2009, 01:16:34 PM
Taleisen is interesting indeed, but I stick by my original opinion. The hall ways are truly truly narrow. The bathrooms are rudimentary and the guide was telling us that day, that the house has problems with heat in the winter. The views are spectacular however. There is one room ( his office) that is so glorious. Even dont mind the uncomfortable seating. It just has a wonderful feel to it.
We didnot yet see the Johnsons Wax building, but I heard wonderful things about it. We are considering visiting Arizona again this year in the rv and if so will visit the West edition, which I gather is more of a school.
Post by: pedln on January 11, 2009, 10:21:35 AM
I emailed my good friend JudyB from Wisconsin about our FLW discussion here and she came here to lurk and then sent me the following, which I have edited. She grew up in Racine and worked in the Johnson Wax building.
Quote
1939 - My parents took me to the grand opening of the Administration Building. I do remember it well, and I rode on my father's shoulders. There were many people, and Life magazine ran a big article about it. I remember my mother commenting that not everyone would be happy about Life's comments about the building's location. It was a middle class/working class neighborhood of proud people. My grandmother lived a block away. Life inferred that it was "slum" area.
Dick's (her husband) family lived across the street, and he has clear memories of the test they ran on the cantilivered pillars of the Great Workroom. There were many dignataries, and they kept piling on the sand far in excess of what was required. He personally observed it.
1953 - I enjoyed working in the Great Workroom when I first started at S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. It was fabulous. In those days, everything was typed by secretaries. The FLW desks were very convenient, but the 3 legged chairs were not comfortable. You had to have perfect posture and balance. They have been replaced with 4 legged chairs.
The Chicago Art Institute has an original desk and chair on display. The desks varied slightly.....depending on their use. A secretary's desk had an arm for a typewriter, while an executive desk usuually did not.
Wright was very concerned with how things looked. He was not always
concerned with comfort. (The fireplace at Wingspread was designed to hold full length logs -
vertically, and Sam Johnson is quoted as saying that the first time they had a fire in it, they had to take the logs and throw them outside.)
Later I was transferred to the Penthouse (where the executive offices were, including H.F., his private secretary and a small office for Sam, who was at Stanford during that era.). Occasionally I was asked to give tours.....I remember one from N.D. The mid level of the Administration Building contained an employee cafeteria and a bridge to other offices in the P.R. Dept.
The building did leak, and the pails and rags used for wiping up the water were Cherokee Red. I believe the building leaked because the pyrex tubing that provided light did not have modern caulking materials. Wright was ahead of his time. Later they replaced the original tubing
with a facimile that did not leak. You probably recall seeing maintenance men working on the building for years. Usually they werecaulking the tubing.
The Tower was originally used for research and development, but it is now primarily used for archives, according to what I have heard. There is only one central elevator in the building, and I believe it did not meet codes.
Post by: Babi on January 11, 2009, 10:51:19 AM
Post by: Steph on January 11, 2009, 12:12:48 PM
That part of Wisconsin where Taleisen is is truly lovely in the summer. Dont think I would like winter there, but oh my, it was green and lovely.
Amazing.. Had one of our sons, and wife and two grandchildren. The 13 year old Girl is and always has been a quite gentle girl who struggles with reading. I told her that I had read Twilight and left it in her room if she wanted it. She was funny. First she came and told me, the book looked way too big and she thought she wouldnt.. Then about an hour later, checked in wondering where she was and she was curled up onthe bed deep in the book. She has carried it everywhere to read and they left about an hour ago and she asked if she could take it home. I told her that had been my intent and she lugged it in to the car, still reading. Her Mom was most amused..
Post by: straudetwo on January 11, 2009, 01:11:38 PM
Well worth waiting for.
Post by: nlhome on January 11, 2009, 02:25:36 PM
Steph, the forecast for the Spring Green Wisconsin area this week is (after several inches of snow Friday) 2-4 inches of snow tomorrow, high Tuesday of 1 degree F, a little more snow on Wednesday, and a high on Thursday of 1 degree F, a low of -19. So, yes, it's lovely in the summer, not counting the mosquito population, but right now....better to be somewhere warm!
Post by: pedln on January 11, 2009, 05:15:43 PM
And I'd say you're one smart grandma.
Post by: jane on January 11, 2009, 07:02:23 PM
jane
Post by: JoanK on January 11, 2009, 07:41:35 PM
Post by: MarjV on January 12, 2009, 07:32:24 AM
Post by: Steph on January 12, 2009, 08:00:41 AM
Post by: pedln on January 13, 2009, 09:54:36 AM
Do come and join us and let us know what you’ve found from other parts of the world.
Post by: Steph on January 14, 2009, 07:48:13 AM
Post by: JoanP on January 14, 2009, 11:38:21 AM
A TIE! CLICK HERE to Break the Tie! (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dtgDE8Lk3QhGYT2GKtL9cw_3d_3d[/url)
Post by: bellemere on January 14, 2009, 11:06:25 PM
The best I have read in the last year was The Gathering by Ann Enright, and the worst was The Friday Night Knitting Club. Would love to find something set in Mexico.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on January 15, 2009, 12:02:02 AM
How about a Carols Fuentes to take with you - The Years with Laura Díaz sees the twentieth century through the eyes of a woman who becomes as much a part of our history as of the Mexican History she observes and helps to create.
For me the work of Haruki Murakami is fulfilling and compelling - reality and fantasy have no separation. His work is read and admired by men as well as women usually with some connection to WWII - by now Kafka on the Shore should be in paperback. Certainly The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles is in paperback.
Post by: Gumtree on January 15, 2009, 07:25:25 AM
Post by: Babi on January 15, 2009, 09:00:08 AM
Post by: bellemere on January 15, 2009, 10:18:20 AM
Someone just gave me a copy of The Death of Artemio Cruz. But the Laura Diaz book sounds better. For a New England Great Books institute a couple of years ago, we read The Hummingbird's Daughter - a great evocation of Mexico's history and struggles. Not coldly factual by any means and very gritty, with just enough of Mexico's magical realism.
Post by: ANNIE on January 15, 2009, 12:14:20 PM
Babi,
I now understand what you were talking about when it came to FLW interiors. I thought you meant that he didn't care about the interiors of his creations. Not how uncomfortable they may have been.
So, many of his interiors leave me feeling chilly. And, his buildings did leak and were hard to heat. But, the history of this man and his career has always interested me, so I will go find "Loving Frank" and see how well the book reads. It sounds fascinating.
About Talisen West, I read or saw on a TV biography that when FLW moved in there with his mistress and her children he hired a man and wife to do the serving and cooking for them. FLW went back to his business in another state and while he was gone, a tragedy occurred. One day, the mistress fired the couple over a theft or somthing, and told them to leave the next day. The husband was so mad that while his wife served them their dinner, he prepared to burn the house down by sealing and locking all the doors and windows. After the family was bedded down for the night, he and his wife set fires all around the building and burned it to the ground, killing the family that slept.
Post by: Steph on January 15, 2009, 03:04:19 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4b.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Steph: Just got a copy of "The Elgance of the hedgehog" and The Glass Castle.. The Jeanette Walls book looks fascinating. I will not bother to mention how many books are now in my toberead bookcase.. But the basket is overflowing. I may have to make a second basket.
Post by: Judy Laird on January 15, 2009, 03:09:08 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on January 15, 2009, 09:57:27 PM
Post by: PatH on January 15, 2009, 10:14:14 PM
Depending on your Spanish skills, my following comments may be totally inappropriate. If you know any Spanish, it sometimes puts you in the mood to read something good in that language. If space is limited, there are dual-language books and paperback dictionaries. For myself, with a minor knowledge of the language, a combination of something very easy with something that takes a whole day to translate a page is good. The key is to get something you will like.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on January 15, 2009, 11:01:32 PM
Post by: fureteur on January 16, 2009, 06:09:51 AM
For those of you that might enjoy e-books, e-books that don't cost any more than the time necessary to download them, and for those not already familiar with this resource, perhaps you might like to know about such a site.
There is on the Web a site called The Gutenberg Project and you will find their home page here (http://www.gutenbergproject.org/). Literally thousands of books, most of them not protected by copyright in this country, can be found at Gutenberg. There are books available in many languages other than English, although most of them are either English or English translations, and the titles that can be found there will amaze most of you. Many of the works are generally classified as “classical,” although by no means is contemporary fiction excluded. Some of the better known works of Shakespeare are available in either English or French, and of course there are a dearth of books in German, Italian, Dutch, etc.—even some in Chinese! Oh, yes—there are sound books available there, too (read and recorded by human beings!)
If you were to want, for example, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) you would find it in their catalog page at:
Code: (php) [Select]
ftp://gutenberg.readingroo.ms/gutenberg/7/76/76.zipThat happens to be a mirror site for downloads in Seattle, but any of a number of international mirrors can be chosen from Gutenberg's main catalog page.
Almost all of the books are made available as plain-text documents, with some formatted as HTML, RTF, etc., also. And almost all of the books can be read in a standard e-book reader, or as I do, as plain-text documents on your computer. They come as zipped files and in the case of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the downloaded size of the file is approximately ¼ of a megabyte which, when expanded, is something less than ½ a megabyte in size. And that's for the full, unabridged text of Twain's original.
If you choose to, you can download a copy of their catalog for browsing at your leisure and fetch the books that you desire as you please. In any case, I think the site is worth your time and attention and I believe you will be delighted with what you'll find there.
Happy reading to all of you!
Post by: Steph on January 16, 2009, 08:19:37 AM
Post by: Babi on January 16, 2009, 09:20:24 AM
FURETEUR, I believe a number of the readers here use e-books. I find it a bit too much of an eyestrain, but it certainly is cheaper than buying books!
Post by: joangrimes on January 16, 2009, 09:34:04 AM
Joan Grimes
Post by: Frybabe on January 16, 2009, 12:35:26 PM
I picked up an old volume over the summer which includes The Vicar of Wakefield. It is in one of my piles somewhere yet to be read. I have not heard of The Preaching Fox: Elements of Festive Subversion in the Plays of the Wakefield , but will look it up.
Fureteur, I have used The Gutenberg Project on occasion. It has tons of good books to read. Some of them I have downloaded, but for the most part, I just can't get comfortable reading a book on the computer. I prefer to stretch out on the sofa. The cat likes it too. Especially when I am trying to work on my Latin. It is amazing how fast picking up a book can attract him. Nothing like a good book, a nice cup of tea and a cat purring.
Whatever happened to those little hand held things that you download a book to and read from a screen? I like the idea, but when they first came out they seemed so expensive. Now I don't see any mention of them anymore.
Post by: mabel1015j on January 16, 2009, 04:22:41 PM
I am reading James and Mary Beard's History of the United States on the Gutenberg Project. I was happy to find it since it's out of print. I like Mary's books that she's authored by herself better than when she writes w/ her husband: On Understanding Woman is a great women's history book.........jean
Post by: mabel1015j on January 16, 2009, 04:31:37 PM
Post by: bellemere on January 16, 2009, 09:13:29 PM
re Spanish
You just reminded me that I was halfway through "Yo!" by Julia Alvarez, who is Dominican,not Mexican, but a terrific author. (In the Time of the Butterflies) and I looked for it and found it upstairs, so i am taking that with me vowing to finish it;. it is a funny charming book.
I am volunteering at a little school that teaches English to Mexican adults and children, so i will have some help. My spanish requires a dictionary right at my hand while I read. My husband's Spanish is limited to "la cuenta, por favor."
Post by: maryz on January 16, 2009, 10:44:26 PM
Post by: fureteur on January 16, 2009, 11:43:14 PM
And I suspect, Frybabe, the reason we don't see the small hand-helds anymore are because of precisely the reasons we're talking about here. While I don't use Microsoft's software, I do know that their PocketPC® program, which comes with a lot of the desktop assistants sold now, does include an e-reader but that seems the least practical way of all to read a book; perhaps something akin to using a laptop as a personal website server.
Nevertheless, it's hard to beat the accessibility and cost of the books at Gutenberg, and I can spend some time with an e-book version and then decide that it's time for a trip to a used—or new—book store for the real thing. I have a pack rat's approach to books and have stored boxes of them that there is no earthly reason to keep, but dumping any of them seems like a sacrilege and I can't bring myself to do it. I don't have any such compunctions about dumping a file from the computer, even that of a book, if it isn't worth keeping.
Post by: pedln on January 17, 2009, 12:11:30 AM
Laptop Laidback (http://www.pbcentral.com/columns/hildreth_moore/beddesks.shtml)
This one is called Laptop Laidback and holds books, too (see the bottom picture)
Lapdawg (http://www.lapdawg.com/)
And this is the Swiss army knife of laptop stands -- books, too
Post by: maryz on January 17, 2009, 12:19:41 AM
Post by: pedln on January 17, 2009, 12:23:42 AM
Post by: Babi on January 17, 2009, 09:29:52 AM
Mary, maybe Amazon would have those 'Laidback' laptop holders at a lower price. I don't have a laptop, but I'm always interested in finding a better price on anything! ::)
Post by: Steph on January 17, 2009, 09:33:04 AM
Post by: maryz on January 17, 2009, 10:12:18 AM
Post by: PatH on January 17, 2009, 11:18:20 AM
I have a pack rat's approach to books and have stored boxes of them that there is no earthly reason to keep, but dumping any of them seems like a sacrilege and I can't bring myself to do it.
That sounds exactly like me: I don't dare buy hardbacks if a paperback is available. I can't afford the space.
Post by: JoanP on January 17, 2009, 11:28:13 AM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on January 17, 2009, 11:51:11 AM
oh yes, as my daughter said - I may live in an old house without modern insulation but I took care of that the expensive way with printed paper between paper and cloth covers. :D I bet Pat has a similar story
Post by: Tomereader1 on January 17, 2009, 12:09:04 PM
Post by: Frybabe on January 17, 2009, 12:44:18 PM
Quote
what do you do with the books you really can't keep? Where do you "place" them?
Joan, I like to pass my books around to my Mom, sisters and several book readers at work. We trade back and forth, so my books, if they come back, have been through three or four readings at least. Those that I just don't want anymore or are not of interest to others, I take to my local used bookstore which gives me a small credit for each book to use toward the purchase of another used book. I've traded up from paperbacks to hardcover that way, and bought some very old volumes still in good shape.
fureteur, I agree with you about the advantages of the e-book. I had considered getting a hand-held, but at the time the price seemed too high and I hadn't heard whether they truly worked well or not. I haven't looked into them lately. They certainly seem more convienient than carrying several books when traveling. Some of my books won't fit in my purse.
The other comment I have about reading via computer monitors or e-book readers is about how one reads on screen as opposed to reading a book. My eyes skip around more reading from a screen and I get tired of reading long passages faster on-screen. Some years ago, I remember talking to my best friend about my observation. He agreed with me, and in fact, had come across some studies/lectures/observations of others during his doctoral studies in education with a specialty in reading. Also, one of the girls at work is dyslexic. When I talked to her about onscreen reading, she said she actually reads better onscreen than with standard print material. The other neat thing about onscreen reading is that it is easy to magnify everything if needed.
Post by: maryz on January 17, 2009, 01:20:19 PM
We try to keep our book supply to a minimum. Our family and friends have an annual get-together at the beach, and we all bring books for a book swap. That gets rid of some. And, from time to time, we take batches to our local used book store for credit. Of course, we usually get some different ones, but they're at least recycled. Also we donate to the library book sales.
Post by: ANNIE on January 17, 2009, 01:30:01 PM
Pedl'n has one but I haven't heard her mention it lately. Not since the THE CRASH!!!
Post by: Tomereader1 on January 17, 2009, 01:40:41 PM
Post by: joangrimes on January 17, 2009, 02:26:06 PM
Joan Grimes
Post by: pedln on January 17, 2009, 11:54:54 PM
Also, didn't someone say you could make notes -- that would be great, and would get me over my librarianisms about writing in books.
One thing about reading online, and I haven't done it often with books, but you can keyword search, and find specific passages easier. There have been so many times in a book discussion that I've wanted to go back and find things like "what did so and so say about him or her, etc."
Actually, I wish that a CD-ROM or something would come with a hardcopy book -- sometimes that happens -- not only can you keyword search, but you can add graphics and other enhancements to accompany the book.
The one thing that bothers me about the Kindle and other electronic readers is compatability. If you purchase an electronic book, can it only be read on one type of media player? Just the other day I saw headlines somewhere about "books for your cell phone" -- but that's probably audio.
I think in time, electronic downloads will become much the norm. And hopefully cause books to be less expensive, though really, they're a pretty good bargain right now. Many many years ago, an MIT professor, Nicholas Negroponte, wrote a book Going Digital, in which he claimed that the biggest expense for textbooks was the storage and distribution of them. He was a strong advocate for electronic texts and of course the big advantage there also, was the ease in updating. (And this would no doubt save the students' backs as well.) In the future both print and electronic forms will be the norm, with pros and cons for each format.
Post by: Frybabe on January 18, 2009, 01:26:10 AM
Quote
I think in time, electronic downloads will become much the norm. And hopefully cause books to be less expensive, though really, they're a pretty good bargain right now. Many many years ago, an MIT professor, Nicholas Negroponte, wrote a book Going Digital, in which he claimed that the biggest expense for textbooks was the storage and distribution of them.
Generally speaking the more books and magazines that are printed, the lower the cost it is to print each volume. Then you must take into account papers used, inks, binding styles. So,the fewer the books that are ordered the higher the cost for each book. With the newer technologies in presses and Computer-to-Press workflows I would hope that the cost to print will stay low.
Speaking of new print technology, there are presses now that work something like your inkjet printer. This cuts out the need to make plates to hang on the press for printing. Plates are a fairly big expense in the printing process. Oh yes, this also cuts out the platemaking machines and the people that run them. Nowadays, the publisher can send files over the net and the computers can process the files and place them such that they are ready to print making many of the prepress jobs are becoming obsolete too (including mine - not to happy about that :'( ). Storage and distribution remain a big expense. I don't know how much the newer automated warehousing systems have reduced costs at that end.
Post by: winsummm on January 18, 2009, 04:11:29 AM
the big print editions are big and heavy for old folks. complaining.
claire
Post by: joangrimes on January 18, 2009, 08:12:27 AM
Joan G
Post by: Gumtree on January 18, 2009, 08:16:38 AM
I think in time, electronic downloads will become much the norm. And hopefully cause books to be less expensive, though really, they're a pretty good bargain right now.
Ah, Pedln you don't live here in Australia where new books are still rather expensive and even secondhand ones can be 2/3rds new price. It pays to watch out for remaindered stock. Whilst they may not be hot off the press I do get some great bargains...sometimes.
Post by: ANNIE on January 18, 2009, 08:41:32 AM
Post by: joangrimes on January 18, 2009, 08:53:17 AM
I understand the missing holding a book but that is something that I have had to give up as my eyes continue to get worse and I cannot hold a very heavy book because of my arthritis.
If I read a large print book I have sit at a table and put the book on the table because I cannot hold it. So I cannot cuddle up with a book. Sounds lovely if you can do it though.
Joan G
Post by: Steph on January 18, 2009, 09:22:52 AM
Post by: Babi on January 18, 2009, 10:36:34 AM
Post by: PatH on January 18, 2009, 11:34:05 AM
Post by: pedln on January 18, 2009, 12:14:53 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4b.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Post by: mabel1015j on January 18, 2009, 01:26:17 PM
(the original link i gave to the exact page didn't work, just try www.Levenger.com and then click on "reading tools.)
They also have more expensive "reading tools." I love my two, i use them all the time. They can be tilted and adjusted for different size books, and they sit on the table.....................no hurting hands..........jean
Post by: maryz on January 18, 2009, 01:59:28 PM
Ours is a city-county library, so is funded (and criticized) by two government entities. Last year, the city set up a task force to look at the library system and make recommendations. Over some mild protests, the task force hired some consultants for an outside evaluation. The report was published today, and it is scathing!
The opening line in the story is "Hamilton County's public libraries are ugly, irrelevant and mismanaged..." Wow! Click here (http://www.tfponline.com/news/2009/jan/18/hamilton-county-library-faces-daunting-list-proble/?local) to read the whole article. It'll be interesting to see the response from the gov't bodies.
Post by: mabel1015j on January 18, 2009, 02:09:58 PM
Post by: maryz on January 18, 2009, 04:07:08 PM
Post by: pedln on January 18, 2009, 07:42:48 PM
Post by: maryz on January 18, 2009, 07:52:27 PM
Post by: EvelynMC on January 18, 2009, 08:27:37 PM
JoanP - I give my books to the library and they either put them in the library book sale or they end up on the library shelves.
We have a very good library for the size of our town. We are very fortunate that we have a very progressive library director. When we moved here 15 years ago, the library was in a very old building, bulging at the seams and very limited. Then very forward thinking people banded together, formed the Friends of the Library, and it took off from there. We have a new library built about 10 years ago and now they are building on an addition. I don't know how it all happened, but I sure go there all the time and support it whenever, where ever I can.
Evelyn
Post by: pedln on January 18, 2009, 10:36:36 PM
Post by: kiwilady on January 19, 2009, 02:49:16 AM
I read one print book every couple of weeks and the rest of my books are on CD. I will get a print copy if I am joining in a discussion.
Carolyn
Post by: Steph on January 19, 2009, 07:37:08 AM
Post by: CubFan on January 19, 2009, 10:04:22 AM
I would also think that statistics would show that as the economy worsens library usage goes up. It is really difficult to keep libraries funded because those controlling the finances aren't the users, libraries do not generate income, and other than circulation records their impact on society is difficult to measure.
Since it is early in the day, the sun is shining and I want to keep a positive outlook on life I won't get into the politics and attitudes of funding for public libraries and school library/media centers. Mary
Post by: Babi on January 19, 2009, 10:08:50 AM
I have no idea. Has anyone here any knowledge of how this would work?
"It's my understanding that none of the county commissioners even has a library card."
That would explain a good deal, MARYZ. :o :(
Post by: LarryHanna on January 19, 2009, 10:09:28 AM
Post by: Babi on January 19, 2009, 10:14:38 AM
Post by: ANNIE on January 19, 2009, 11:52:26 AM
http://www.as-seen-on-tv-products.ws/store/porta-book-multifunctional-book-laptop-stand-p-2307.html
And its not expensive either!
No I am not a salesman, this just popped up at the right time!
Post by: Tomereader1 on January 19, 2009, 12:18:57 PM
Post by: ANNIE on January 19, 2009, 01:44:04 PM
My husband made a laptop holder for me to use while I was in the hospital last year. The saavy folks who worked on that floor wanted to know where to get one. Ralph could have stood out in the hospital parking lot and made a small fortune.
"Having said that" ??? ??? ???, I will admit that his was not so diversable in use as this one is and I going looking for this for traveling. Looks good to me!
Post by: nlhome on January 19, 2009, 01:53:49 PM
It's important to support libraries, but it is also important to let those who represent us in our local governments know how important the library is.
Post by: maryz on January 19, 2009, 02:08:46 PM
Post by: jane on January 19, 2009, 04:10:22 PM
THANKS!!
jane
Post by: maryz on January 19, 2009, 05:00:17 PM
Post by: jane on January 19, 2009, 06:23:07 PM
Gee...no joke! Some of us wondered in private if he could even read!
If it's not road graders and buying gravel for the county roads and fixing bridges, they don't want anything to do with anything. Luckily, he's now gone and some new faces are on the County Board.
jane
Post by: pedln on January 19, 2009, 06:54:24 PM
I must say that I'm delighted for our public library here. For years they'd never been able to pass an increase in the library tax levy, but a few years ago the board, the staff, the community put on a very well-planned drive, and passed a substantial increase. So now we look forward to moving in April from our temporary library to a newly renovated building almost double in size with lots of new amenities.
Post by: Robby on January 19, 2009, 09:19:06 PM
Robby
Post by: EvelynMC on January 19, 2009, 10:01:07 PM
There are many programs for children, young people, adults and also movies at different times. They also have chamber music from time to time, blue grass, country, etc. Many different progams going on. It's a very busy place.
Post by: Steph on January 20, 2009, 09:03:37 AM
I am reading Waiter-Rant.. written by a waiter, who blogged and then decided to write about his experiences. It is good in some ways. I dont always agree with him.. but I see where he is mostly coming from. The only doubt I have that he would never understand... I notice as we get older, that we are always led past all of the front tables and put somewhere in the back. We have learned to simply say.. no..Up front or not at all. He talks about being put where they want you, but I dont agree.. Anyone else feel that us old guys get stuck in the back.. As I live in Florida th e great majority of people eating out tend to be older people..So maybe the restaurants will wise up on this.
Post by: marcie on January 20, 2009, 02:15:38 PM
I thought that President Obama's inaugural speech was superb and struck the right balance between formidable challenges and hope for our future if we work together. I thought that the poem by Elizabeth Alexander caught the right spirit too and spoke of the power of the written word. There is an interview with her at http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1872643,00.html?iid=tsmodule
I think that each of us in our community here at SeniorLearn can make contributions to studying and sharing the power of words to better understand one another and our world. I'm glad to have this place to learn and share.
Post by: Pat on January 20, 2009, 02:45:45 PM
Our local library in our village - Altona - is very small -- but the librarian will send for any book you want.
Cards are free and are accepted by any library in the Alliance System -- which includes Peoria, Knox College Western IL, and 24 counties in west central Illinois.
I volunteer with Friends of the Library in Galesburg, serving as treasurer, our memberships includes about 100 people who contribute about $3000.00 a year. We have 2 book sales a year and raise another $6000.00 -- all of which is returned to library in support of many projects.
But we are in trouble too. Our building is bursting at the seams. Our local economy has been terrible for the last 3 years when Maytag and Butler Bldgs closed their plants.
We're hoping for passage of a referendum to increase the Library tax.
PS. Obama's speech was very good -- giving hope to a change.
Post by: LarryHanna on January 20, 2009, 03:12:25 PM
Post by: Robby on January 21, 2009, 06:41:46 AM
Robby
Post by: Steph on January 21, 2009, 07:51:06 AM
Post by: Babi on January 21, 2009, 10:05:25 AM
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 21, 2009, 10:23:17 AM
http://www.columbuslibrary.org/docs/ebranch/2007AnnualBudgetReport.pdf
As you can see a large portion of its expenses go toward personnel; almost 50% of its income is from property taxes. We have always supported our public library, with its numerous branches. I am a Friend of the Library.
Post by: JoanK on January 21, 2009, 03:21:03 PM
The first time we went, my caretaker said she would wait outside -- that she didn't belong there. I said it's a public library, it belongs to you. She had never been in a library before, and now she is learning how to draw using the books on drawing that they have. She can't wait to go.
Post by: marcie on January 21, 2009, 03:46:52 PM
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 21, 2009, 03:56:44 PM
However, I think I know. Books are getting less space in libraries and I do hate to see that. For one thing, shelves are full of movies (which I don't think belong in libraries), audio books, tables, and loads of tables with computers on them. But as Marcie said, we can request any book online and it will be sent to our branch from our main library and our universities.
JOANK, will you email me, please. I have a question.
Post by: pedln on January 21, 2009, 07:03:46 PM
Books are getting less space in libraries and I do hate to see that. For one thing, shelves are full of movies (which I don't think belong in libraries), audio books, tables, and loads of tables with computers on them.
Ella, libraries are the information hub of the community, which includes a lot more than books. And good libraries are responsive to the media needs of their patrons. Our library has had a good collection of music CDs for years -- classical, rock, pop. At one time people could check out framed pictures to hang on their walls for a month at a time -- I don't know if they still do that. Children can check out toys. Today I picked up several tax forms. Some libraries have media equipment to check out, and no doubt there are some that check out laptop computers. (I don't think ours does.) As formats and interests change, libraries change. They have to.
Post by: nlhome on January 21, 2009, 08:52:02 PM
The top article is the one I refer to, but there are other studies done as well.
Wisconsin libraries are supervised by the Department of Public Instruction, and there are state regulations to follow, including some funding requirements.
Post by: jane on January 21, 2009, 09:04:04 PM
jane
Post by: maryz on January 21, 2009, 10:40:34 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4b.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Maryz: Thanks, nlhome. I passed that link on to my friend who is immediate past chairman of our Library Board.
Post by: BooksAdmin on January 22, 2009, 08:48:26 AM
It is listed under the General category
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=41.0
The plans are to continue with volume three - Towers of Silence - where the discussion left off at the old site.
Post by: Babi on January 22, 2009, 08:54:28 AM
PEDLN, I had forgotten about the pictures 'on loan'. I enjoyed that feature, as it allowed me to enjoy some excellent prints for a few weeks at a time. We had some paintings of our own, of course, including one from a great aunt who ws the only artist our family ever produced, as far as I know. I remember my favorite 'loan' print was "Nude Descending a Staircase". A beautiful thing, altho' with the way the image flowed, it always looked to me like a nun descending a staircase.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on January 22, 2009, 10:41:09 AM
But books should always be their main focus and in these times of economic crises, when libraries might be impacted, what better focus could they have? We need to impress upon our young people the need to READ.
Post by: Steph on January 22, 2009, 12:46:48 PM
Post by: Robby on January 23, 2009, 07:02:44 AM
I still remember that snowy day as I walked across a field near Syracuse, my mind trying to find that elusive source, when it hit me. The library of course! And the measuring system I used was the Dewey Decimal system.
Robby
Post by: Steph on January 23, 2009, 07:51:42 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on January 24, 2009, 03:04:38 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/soldonsong/songlibrary/bridgeovertroubledwater.shtml
Post by: catbrown on January 24, 2009, 05:19:56 PM
Since I'm very late to the party, I have a question. Has there been any discussion of Mary Renault's books in the past? I'm currently rereading "The Last of the Wine" for the umpteenth time and it occurs to me how great it would be as a book for discussion. Ditto for "The King Must Die" and my absolute favorite "The Persian Boy."
Post by: PatH on January 24, 2009, 06:21:43 PM
Post by: Steph on January 25, 2009, 09:21:01 AM
I just finished "The Pages in Between" by Erin Einhorn. Interesting indeed. It is non fiction. The writers mother was a baby in Poland when WWII started. Her father placed her with a polish family and paid them to take care of her during the war. Her parents were sent to a concentrationi camp and the Mother died. She was cared for and lovingly raised by a Polish family. Then after the war, was reclaimed by her Father and eventually ended up in the US.. Married and produced two children. Erin, her daughter wanted to find out more about the polish family.. And then amazing things happened. Loved it, but dont think I would like to live in Poland.
Post by: Babi on January 25, 2009, 10:47:11 AM
Post by: Steph on January 26, 2009, 07:52:56 AM
Post by: Babi on January 26, 2009, 10:37:07 AM
Post by: Steph on January 27, 2009, 09:51:58 AM
Post by: jane on January 27, 2009, 10:53:52 AM
I continue to think using credit cards where you hand them to people who disappear with them is where much of the fraud takes place. They can make as many copies of the receipt or copy the numbers and the "magic number" on the back..and they have it all.
If people can doctor and make fraudently passports, etc. and counterfeit money, making fraudently credit cards with other people's numbers on it can't be that hard.
jane
Post by: Judy Laird on January 27, 2009, 02:17:02 PM
I said I don't know who those people are I bought nothing I SCREAMEAD.We talked for a while and he said your sure and a light came on before I left for my trip I was reading about acai berry and here on the internet there was a big deal about it. It said do you want a free sample 2 bottles just pay the postage
OPRAH'S FAVLORITE. Although I can do with out Oprah I thought such a deal and never gave it another thought. Well I didn't read all the pages and if you didn't say you didn't want any more you were on their authomatic list. Beware free samples. They took it off and I thought I was all done. Dammed of they didn't do it again. I closed down the account..Called American Express and USAA and got their cards. I will never buy anything that says free sample (Oprahs Favorite) again.
I am afuly olld to have to be learning these type lessons now. hehe
Post by: PatH on January 27, 2009, 08:33:49 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on January 27, 2009, 09:06:51 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on January 27, 2009, 09:16:22 PM
Post by: JoanP on January 27, 2009, 09:20:02 PM
Quote
"One thing that's given me courage in writing," says Updike, "has been this belief that the truth, what is actual, must be faced and is somehow holy. That is, what exists is holy and God knows what exists; He can't be shocked, and he can't be surprised" (Plath, ed., 203). He says, "My books are all meant to be moral debates with the reader" in which the fundamental concern is to get the reader to ask the question, "What is goodness?" John Updikefrom John Updike and Religion (http://www.gracecathedral.org/enrichment/excerpts/exc_20000628.shtml[/url)
Post by: PatH on January 27, 2009, 09:23:16 PM
http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?action=forum (http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?action=forum)
Post by: maryz on January 27, 2009, 09:27:15 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on January 27, 2009, 11:00:43 PM
We also have a poetry page on Senior and Friends that has no monthly focus - more of a chat room about poetry that includes poems.
Post by: Frybabe on January 28, 2009, 12:33:45 AM
Post by: ginny on January 28, 2009, 07:12:10 AM
Put it down and hope returns... Supposedly the last one was on his own life, I wish I could get to it, through the others. It's interesting to hear he was a religious man, Pearson, hopefully it ended with a positive note, but one tires in the early books of waking up jaded, depressed, and cynical.
That bit about his debate with the reader on "what is goodness" is very provocative. Sometime when I'm feeling VERY up, (after all a lot of time has passed since I read the first Rabbit), I may try again to see if I feel the same way.
I didn't about Revolutionary Road. I wish Richard Yates were alive today to see his work lauded in the new film or what they have made of his work anyway. That was a great book discussion we had in the Book Club Online many years ago.
Great stories here, sorry for the credit card snafus! What a mess. (Judy one way or another that juice is going to kill you, but we've had this discussion). hahahaa I wonder too about them taking off the card, Pedln, I've also heard that when doing transactions in person you should never allow them to do the imprint thing, either, only electronically in your sight.
Post by: Steph on January 28, 2009, 08:02:59 AM
Judy, I have sympathy, I once clicked on a site that promised a gift card for Target. About 20 pages later, I realized that all they really wanted was more and more information, that I wasnt giving them. I still however get spam from that one time and that was well over a year ago.
Post by: Babi on January 28, 2009, 10:14:08 AM
I finally wrote them a letter, telling them I had not ordered any books and had no intention of paying for them. I further reminded them that I was not obliged to return unordered merchandise, and that in future I would not. If they continued to send me books, I would consider them free gifts and act accordingly. Well, that stopped the books. Needless to say, I never subscribed to their magazine again, either.
Post by: Deems on January 28, 2009, 10:59:13 AM
One other incident that happened recently. I started getting US magazine every week. I never asked for it. And after a couple of looks, I didn't read it. After about 8 weeks I got a bill. I sent the bill back explaining that I had not subscribed to the magazine, that I didn't want it and wasn't planning to pay for it--ever. The magazine came one more week and then stopped.
John Updike--I once took a course in grad school devoted to Updike and Mailer. We read all the books they had published at the time. The subtitle of the course was "an author with style in search of a subject and an author with many subjects in search of a style." If anyone wants some good Updike, read the early short stories and his prose. He wrote some wonderful articles and book reviews. He died, by the way, of lung cancer. Back in the day most writers (and journalists) smoked and smoked a lot. A lot of people, including me, smoked. Sometimes I still miss it.
Post by: mabel1015j on January 28, 2009, 12:54:59 PM
Post by: Judy Laird on January 28, 2009, 01:30:17 PM
I am very sad to announce that my street side yellow tea was not
on the road to Pine Mountain this year. Broke my heart. hehe
Post by: ANNIE on January 28, 2009, 03:22:45 PM
About John Updike, I too found his books depressing and truly boring. We carried them in our book store and most of the ones that were delivered to us, were on "reserves" for men in the community. Never a woman that I can recall.
I liked John Cheever's short stories so might try Updike's sometime. I first read Cheever in the New Yorker magazine.
Post by: straudetwo on January 29, 2009, 12:17:38 AM
Re your mention of Mary Renault. We discussed The King Must Die in August of 2007 in the Books of the former Seniornet and I was the DL. Prior to that we had a lively discussion of Edith Hamilton's Mythology and someone there suggested that "King" was a logical followup. The author had an interesting life.
On one of my visits to California when my daughter lived in the Bay area, she took me to Berkeley. It was love at first sight - an epiphany really The very atmosphere made me comfortable as if I had been there before. And I would have been very happy to stay on ...
A friend of mine, a foreign language teacher, had her email account stolen a week ago. All her contacts were lost. She was afraid of what might happen and informed all of her friends and associates of the theft. Nothing untoward has happened - so far. Knock on wood.
To lose my wallet or indeed my pocket book is apparently a serious subconscious worry of mine because I am haunted by periodic dreams (nightmares, really) of just that. Grrrrr
Couples was my first experience of John Updike (in 1968 or 1969). Frankly, the book made me uncomfortable, it acatually shocked me though I am certainly no Puritan. After all, twenty-odd years earlier I had read "Lady Chatterley's Lover", for heaven's sake!
There was something unpleasant for me about "Couples", and I felt a whiff of that again years later when I saw the movie adaptation of "The Witches of Eastwick". The theme seems to have stayed with Updike: Knopf published a sequel to it late last year. I read the review.
I tried one of the Rabbit books, the second volume I think it was, but did not manage to "connect".
Post by: Steph on January 29, 2009, 08:11:50 AM
Post by: maryz on January 29, 2009, 08:28:37 AM
Post by: Babi on January 29, 2009, 09:24:07 AM
Post by: jane on January 29, 2009, 10:38:31 AM
They get those which have been weeded from the library as well as donations...hardcover and paperbacks, children's books, cookbooks (very BIG sellers), games, etc. The Friends of the Library run it..[because otherwise the $$ would go to the city's general fund, not the Library] and they then buy things for the Library...esp. the Children's room. They've paid for a loft that the kids love, new shelving there, the summer children's program's guest speakers/attractions, food for the summer program, prizes for the reading summer program, etc.
Post by: EvelynMC on January 29, 2009, 12:39:21 PM
Well, I started listening to it. The reader is very, very good and gives you a "you are there" feeling.
It is a compelling story and had me spellbound.
Then I started having trouble sleeping and became more and more depressed. The more I listened, the more depressed I became.
So, after about 12-13 hours, I simply stopped listening and returned it to the library.
That's the first time, this feeling from a book has ever happened to me. As I said, the story is compelling. But this woman's post traumatic stress syndrome and the repercussions to all the families involved were too much for me.
So, I understand how Ginny felt about Updike's writing.
Evelyn
Post by: catbrown on January 29, 2009, 01:31:08 PM
Except of course, that I avidly read some sci fi and fantasy that is generally considered the preserve of teen-age boys, hate the genre of film I call "female-bonding" (an example is "Joy Luck Club"), but then, just to be contrary, I adore "Sex and the City" and, to keep it literary in the library, I also adore Georgette Heyer. But, then add Patrick O'Brien's naval adventures to my "adore" list and things get even more confused. I could go on, but my point is that we are all very complicated beings in the way we respond to art of any kind and our gender is only one part of it.
Any thoughts?
Post by: Frybabe on January 29, 2009, 01:41:43 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on January 29, 2009, 01:55:59 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4b.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Barbara: Evelyn I purchased the book and after the first chapter put it down - the characters are not folks I can get into - the guy is a jerk - it is a thick book and I think I "should" read it but I am not enjoying it - there are other disagreable characters in books but for some reason I just think these are not made likeable - I cannot have compassion for them or something - I keep thinking it is my fault I do not like them and now after reading your post I am thinking maybe it is OK to let this book go by the wayside - too bad since I paid full price and only purchased it on the strength that Wally Lamb was such a friend of SeniorNet Books & Lit
Updike - I like his poetry and essays - prefer the books as movies that are over in 2 hours.
Post by: maryz on January 29, 2009, 01:56:49 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on January 29, 2009, 02:18:09 PM
I so miss our library's book sales. They used to have 2 a year also, but last spring there was a fire in the town hall admin building which is just across the parking lot from the library. So, some of those offices have moved into the library facility and there has been no room for the book sales, so i've been "on the wagon" for three seasons..........i've having w/ drawal! They did put out two book carts that constantly have books for sale on them.........but it's not the same.......................ooooohhhhhh...........jean
Post by: maryz on January 29, 2009, 02:32:55 PM
Post by: PatH on January 29, 2009, 04:03:10 PM
Catbrown, I, too, like Patrick O'Brian--have read the whole series. Have you read C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower stories? They aren't as good as O'Brian, but they are based on the same real life character as Aubrey--Thomas Cochrane. Cochrane was an extremely colorful and daring character, and some of Aubrey's most outlandish exploits are lifted almost intact from real life.
Which sci-fi and fantasy do you like? You never came back to the Sci-Fi discussion to tell us. We like the more masculine stuff too--we're just not talking about it at the moment.
Post by: nlhome on January 29, 2009, 08:11:43 PM
Post by: jane on January 29, 2009, 09:19:59 PM
Quote
something wrong with that picture!
Not really! You're a good library supporter! ;)
Post by: Pat on January 30, 2009, 11:16:36 AM
Call -- write -- or fax your senator -- with this message.
On behalf of the (name of your Library), please add " and public libraries" to S.1, page 396, line 13 to read as follows:
SEC. 1402. State Uses of Funds
(b) Other Government services
For each fiscal year, The Governor may use up to 39% of the State's allocation under section 1301 for public safety and other government services, which may include assistance for elementary and secondary education, public institutions of higher education and public libraries.
By including the words "and public Libraries" to this legislation, libraries would have access to funding that is critical to libraries' continuation of the of the services that our communities so desperately depend on. Many thanks for your consideration of this request.
Post by: jane on January 30, 2009, 11:21:18 AM
Emails on the way!
jane
Post by: bellemere on January 30, 2009, 02:45:03 PM
The Leopard by diLampedusa; The Thirteenth Tale, by Setterfield (my March Book Club choice), The Death of Artemio Cruz (my Mexican choice) and Yo! in Spanish, with dictionary to go along. Also maybe some poetry by Derek Walcott. Plus a couple of New YOrkers to catch up on. Plus "Flowers of the Caribbean" identification book.
That should do it.
Post by: PatH on January 30, 2009, 03:14:45 PM
Post by: Babi on January 30, 2009, 05:21:03 PM
Post by: Persian on January 30, 2009, 08:00:57 PM
I hope to slip in and out of The Library on a regular basis, interspersed with travel to Washington DC while Mohamed is in the US - he returns to Egypt on Feb. 18th. In March, I'll be preparing to welcome my son (formerly known as "Chaps" in the SN Gratitude Discussion) and his family back to the US in connection with his recent reassignment from Germany to help prepare Army Chaplains at a large base to counsel with their soldiers and help prepare them (and their families) for deployment to Afghanistan in the Spring.
It's really great to have this site operational and to interact again with good friends.
Mahlia
Post by: Babi on January 31, 2009, 08:39:12 AM
Post by: bellemere on January 31, 2009, 09:55:56 AM
Such a contrast with our local bright star, Bilqis, who just broke the high school women's basketball scoring record; she wears a head scarf and long sleeved shirt and pants under her ;uniform which bears the number 1. She is first in her class academically too, and wii graduate with a full scholarship to University of Memphis next year' where she will be playing Division 1 Women's basketball And oh, yes, she is all of 5 ft. 3 inches tall. Her career interest is medicine, especially cardiac surgery. Any Memphis people, keep an eye out for her!
How many young women like her are being lost to the world?
Post by: catbrown on January 31, 2009, 01:51:15 PM
Catbrown, I, too, like Patrick O'Brian--have read the whole series. Have you read C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower stories? They aren't as good as O'Brian, but they are based on the same real life character as Aubrey--Thomas Cochrane. Cochrane was an extremely colorful and daring character, and some of Aubrey's most outlandish exploits are lifted almost intact from real life.
Which sci-fi and fantasy do you like? You never came back to the Sci-Fi discussion to tell us. We like the more masculine stuff too--we're just not talking about it at the moment.
Pat, thanks for asking. I read Hornblower as a kid and have been meaning to reread one of these days. You're not the only one to recommend them. Meanwhile, I've enjoyed the BBC versions.
As for sci-fi and fantasy, some favorites are: Robert Jordan, George R.R. Martin, Neal Stephenson (particularly his most recent books, with the sad exception of his newest), Susannah Clarke, and Guy Gavriel Kay (his earlier books).
Let's see ... other favorites besides sci-fi or fantasy ... oh, of course, Dorothy Dunnett (many, many obsessive rereads of the Lymond series), early Cecilia Holland, Mary Renault, Iris Murdoch,Trollope, Dickens, Dumas, Sabatini and so on ... and on.
O'Brien makes me think of Bernard Cornwell, who's not a stylist like O'Brien, but captures the spirit of the age in the Sharp series and who can make a battle scene vivid and clear in a way no other writer can. His novel about Waterloo, which consists largely of the battle itself, is a tour de force. Have you read him?
Post by: Janice on January 31, 2009, 04:58:09 PM
Post by: straudetwo on January 31, 2009, 05:18:22 PM
Seniors and Friends is down for maintenance and moving to a new server. It will be back.
Traude
Post by: kiwilady on January 31, 2009, 05:52:58 PM
I am reading foreign authors at the moment.
Carolyn
Post by: Persian on January 31, 2009, 09:27:40 PM
BELLEMERE - I just passed along your comments regarding the collection of pennies for the Central Asia Institute to the Head Librarian at our local branch. Since the books discussion group will undertake to read and discuss Three Cups of Tea in March, I thought they might be interested in following your group's lead. I'll mention it again when I join them for two sessions to discuss Afghan culture.
Indeed, young women like Bilqis are too few, but they DO exist. I've met several in Charlotte, NC, who also enjoy sports and are very adept at excelling in sports, while also keeping their eyes on their future professional goals. When we used to live in Washington, I worked with several families whose daughters were similar to Bilqis in their determination to "help others" via professional commitments. These young woman always serve to remind me that those of us who have already "walked the path" in our earlier professional lives now have an opportunity to support and encourage them as they prepare to take over the reins in their chosen professions.
Post by: Steph on February 01, 2009, 06:34:29 PM
Yes, the library here is a temporary one. They are building a permanent one now. I used to run the used book store and sale in Bedford, Ma, many years ago. I loved it. Got first dibs on all of the stuff coming in..Neat..
Post by: maryz on February 01, 2009, 07:16:49 PM
Post by: Deems on February 01, 2009, 08:13:45 PM
Post by: pedln on February 01, 2009, 09:25:27 PM
Post by: Steph on February 02, 2009, 07:41:50 AM
He is just fine. He did not eat anything before he went to the gym, which is a nono and probably had low blood sugar.. thus, the collapse..
Post by: Babi on February 02, 2009, 09:55:11 AM
Post by: ginny on February 02, 2009, 12:41:15 PM
My goddaughter, an omnivorous reader, has sent me Eragon and a Stephanie Meyer, the one with the apple on the cover. I was determined to read a chapter of each for her enthusiasm and found both of them appealing, particularly the Meyer. She writes well, I can remember going to a new school and how it felt and she's spot on. Of course the 4 strange beautiful people in the cafeteria one of whom seems to hate her seem strange and unfortunately I read the back cover so I know what HE is anyway, but I can see why the young people are quite caught up in them. I've seen several mentions of her also here on SeniorLearn. I found it quite interesting and the Eragon (which is a favorite of the prisoners in the PLP) also quite inventive.
Am almost finished the Grisham Appeal, it's something else. I had no idea money could buy so much. Or could. I have a feeling that there must be some truth to it or he would not have written about it.
Some Super Bowl, huh? When Bruce Springsteen came out and said put that guacamole dip down, put the chidken fingers down, and turn up the volume of the TV, I turned mine up so loud my husband left the house for the half time but he never watches them anyway, some game! hahahaaa
Love that E Street Band, yay NJ! I thought he was great, one of the best half times, his 12 minutes flew by and sometimes the 12 minutes are awkward, anybody see him?
Love that Little Stevie Van Zant, they're going to make a movie of the Sopranos, supposedly when David Chase saw him he said, that is the face of NJ. hahahaa
Just joyous. Man sings his own songs triumphantly. I don't always like his politics but I do love his music.
Post by: JoanP on February 02, 2009, 01:33:50 PM
My DIL gave me Eragon - she loves Meyer. Haven't started - it took a while to get through Philip Hencher's Northern Clemency. I know it was a Man Booker finalist, but not sure yet how I feel about it. I just finished - the ending didn't do it for me. I know you shouldn't judge a book by the ending...still thinking about whether I would recommend it to a friend. Did anyone read it?
I really hate to disagree in the face of your enthusiasm, Ginny. I'm a Jersey girl myself- and thought Bruce was just plain awful. I thought he was trying too hard, maybe. The crowd was happy though, I'll say that. Do you think I'm getting old? I'll join W. on the back porch.
Post by: mabel1015j on February 02, 2009, 01:51:12 PM
So there are at least 3 Jerseyites on this site - you, Ginny - who spent some of her young years in Moorestown, where i have lived for the last 30 yrs. - and me. Maybe we can improve NJ's reputation to the rest of the world as we talk about it. I love living in NJ, it's close to everything - PHilly, NYC, Baltimore, WAsh. D.C., the shore (as we call it), the mountains........what else is there? Those poor folk who know Jersey only by driving the turnpike or the parkway have missed it's beauty, it's culture, it's diversity (in every aspect of living). We're not just the corridor between Phila and NYC. And every town i'm familiar w/ has a good, if not great library!
jean
Post by: Babi on February 03, 2009, 09:00:12 AM
Post by: Steph on February 03, 2009, 10:00:49 AM
Have not tried Aragon.. I would guess I have been reluctant since Anne McCaffreys dragons are my dragons. I have always adored hers..
Twilight, Read it and found the alienation quite real. I have the third around somewhere and need to get the second before I read the third. Found the third in a used book store. I also haunt thrift stores. Amazing the books you can find there.
Post by: LarryHanna on February 03, 2009, 10:20:57 AM
Steph, glad to read that Tim is doing fine. I think it is much better to have low blood pressure than high blood pressure. I have low blood pressure so hopefully don't have to worry about a stroke.
The other day at the library I picked up a Joseph Wambaugh novel and when I started it realized I had read it not very long ago. I always liked his books and still do.
Do any of you like Vince Flynn books?
Post by: mabel1015j on February 03, 2009, 01:45:37 PM
Post by: Janice on February 03, 2009, 07:07:34 PM
Post by: Staz on February 03, 2009, 08:02:47 PM
It about 3 ladies a christian, a jew, and a muslim who discuss beliefs and become friends.
I appreciate your help.
Thanks
Post by: Janice on February 03, 2009, 08:08:23 PM
by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, Priscilla Warner
Post by: Staz on February 03, 2009, 08:29:03 PM
Staz
Post by: JoanP on February 03, 2009, 09:02:55 PM
Larry, you can join Winston and me on the back porch. I've heard of Joseph Wambaugh and Vince Flynn, but don't go for the thrillers these days. Gee, no thrillers, no Bruce...I am showing my age, aren't I?
Post by: mabel1015j on February 03, 2009, 09:52:55 PM
Post by: GinnyAnn on February 03, 2009, 11:21:30 PM
My husband loves Vince Flynn. I think I may have read one of his books, and plan on trying him again.
Just finished Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton. I loved it lightness and the wonderful descriptions of the people that filled the book. She has a way with words that I love. An example:
Quote
It was like being trapped inside a snow globe inside a Hallmark ad inside a Disney movie.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on February 03, 2009, 11:57:12 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4b.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
This is a wonderful site with interviews with various current authors - including an interview with Wally Lamb - you have to scroll and see all the pictured links along the side of the web page
http://fora.tv/channel/Books_Authors
Post by: Steph on February 04, 2009, 07:52:29 AM
Post by: Babi on February 04, 2009, 09:01:58 AM
Staz & Janice, "The Faith Club" sounds interesting. Thanks for mentioning it; I'll have to see if my library has it.
MABEL, I like that quote. I'll have to look up Barbara Bretton, too.
Post by: maryz on February 04, 2009, 01:43:49 PM
Post by: ginny on February 05, 2009, 07:14:27 AM
LARRY! PEARSON! JEAN! Honestly, when I saw your reactions to Springesteen, I took a poll in my face to face Latin classes, and they LOVED the half time show. hahaa I guess you're either a fan or you're not. I wonder what people are saying about it in general? I did think perhaps the fireworks were not as they have been, but I wasn't there to experience it in person. Loved the choir and the little lights.
I hated the commercial that won best commercial or whatever, the two brothers and the vandalism of the snack machine? Hello? One small backward step for man...er..
W was not sitting on the back porch, hop up out of those porch chairs, he was splitting wood behind the barn.
I'm hearing that in this recession (depression?) that the library IS the place to be but unfortunately they are cutting funding, what a time to cut funding when people are flocking TO the libraries!
What are you reading??
Post by: maryz on February 05, 2009, 09:08:33 AM
Post by: joangrimes on February 05, 2009, 09:34:44 AM
Isnit it amazing that a book can be downloade so quickly. Check and see if the instruction manuel is on the Kindle...that is where mine is.. They did not send a hard copy of it but it can be printed out. In my usual way I did not read it ...but just started using the Kindle. I have not printed it out as I should have done but just go looking for it on the Kindle when I have a problem. I called Amazon one time because I could not do anything with it and they were very nice and helpful.
I am reading the current Bookclub on line selection on it and will soon start my f2f bookclubs selection on the Kindle also.
Joan G
Post by: maryz on February 05, 2009, 10:15:00 AM
Post by: Steph on February 05, 2009, 12:16:59 PM
Eventually I will try Eragon.. It took me forever to try Charlaine Harris and her vampires and now I adore them.
Post by: joyous on February 05, 2009, 01:11:09 PM
Ginny: I win the prize for the most technilogically challenged :-[
At present I just wanted to read something that did not "tax" my brain ::)-------just light and entertaining, so have started Grisham's -The Appeal. All of his books have a long wait-list at
the library, so managed to borrow it from my grandson. Grisham is a Southern writer -
Mississippi- and is very popular here (Louisiana), hence the LONG wait at the library here.
Anyone in here a fan of his books????
JOY
Post by: maryz on February 05, 2009, 02:13:00 PM
Post by: PatH on February 05, 2009, 07:20:37 PM
Post by: PatH on February 05, 2009, 07:22:44 PM
Post by: Steph on February 06, 2009, 07:48:18 AM
Post by: pedln on February 06, 2009, 02:43:15 PM
Joy, I've like all the Grishams I've read -- the last one was The Appeal, and I couldn't put it down. Yesterday, someone in my f2f group raved about his latest, The Associates.
Post by: maryz on February 06, 2009, 03:59:59 PM
Post by: pedln on February 06, 2009, 10:00:13 PM
Post by: ALF43 on February 07, 2009, 09:27:52 AM
Post by: Babi on February 07, 2009, 10:23:42 AM
Post by: Steph on February 07, 2009, 12:56:13 PM
Post by: catbrown on February 07, 2009, 01:41:19 PM
Dan Simmons has written some absolutely brilliant sci-fi and some not-quite-so-brilliant horror. Most of his work that I've read has some literary and historical angle. For example, Keats was a major character in his greatest sci-fi series and his most recent sci-fi series was centered on the Illiad and the Odyssey. I think that "Drood" probably falls into his horror genre, which I'm generally not that enthusiastic about, but the combo of Dickens and Dan Simmons has me mighty interested.
Post by: Steph on February 08, 2009, 09:29:30 AM
Post by: Babi on February 08, 2009, 10:51:16 AM
Post by: catbrown on February 08, 2009, 01:00:48 PM
And, Steph, what's the name/ author of the "Dickens" novel?
Cathy
Post by: EvelynMC on February 08, 2009, 05:23:33 PM
The story is very riveting, but I became really, really depressed listening to it and just couldn't handle anymore of the post traumatic stress syndrome these victims went through and the effect on their families.
I think I posted that here before, but this is just my opinion and someone else might have a different take on it.
Evelyn
Post by: straudetwo on February 08, 2009, 05:47:09 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on February 08, 2009, 05:50:55 PM
Post by: EvelynMC on February 08, 2009, 06:44:58 PM
I am with you Evelyn - not only the issues they were dealing with but the choices they made in their lives I just could not embrace them as characters but sort of kept them at a distance - why I cannot tell since I have embraced some real villains in many a story - or at least wanted to know what came next.
I agree, I just didn't care what happened to them. And I wanted the audio book out of the house and back to the library. Very strange reaction for me.
Evelyn
Post by: Steph on February 09, 2009, 07:46:32 AM
Post by: JoanP on February 09, 2009, 08:46:35 AM
His modus operandi - he researches famous authors, (he majored in literature at Harvard, taught at Harvard, graduated from Yale Law School) and then writes his fiction based on his research. The Last Dickens is based on Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drood. We read and discussed Dante's Inferno, while we read Matthew's THE DANTE CLUB....he participated in both of these discussions, some of you may remember that. We could do the same with Edwin Drood and The Last Dickens if there is interest...
Post by: ALF43 on February 09, 2009, 09:08:47 AM
I would love to discuss another Pearle novel. I loved the idea that we were able to coincide both Dante's Inferno along with the Dante Club story.
I have had my laugh of the day. Thank you Evelyn and Barb for your "take" on Mr. Lamb's new book. I ordered it a couple of months ago and haven't gone near it since. It just sits there. If it is that depressing I think I will hold off for another month of so but I do SO love that man, I had to buy his book. I'm going to play devil's advocate when I read it, remembering what you ladies have warned.
haaaaaaaaaaa Barb can't understand WHY she didn't like the story as she "has embraced many villians." That is a riot! ;D
Traude, how are you? It is just so good to be back in and able to greet you all.
Post by: pedln on February 09, 2009, 10:04:38 AM
Quote
Amazon.com will announcing a new version of its Kindle e-book reader on Monday. And, in a sign that the electronic book is gaining clout in the publishing world, Amazon is also expected to say it has acquired a new work by best-selling novelist Stephen King that will be available exclusively, at least for a time, on Kindle.
Post by: marcie on February 09, 2009, 11:50:37 AM
It would be great to read Matthew Pearl's The Last Dickens and the Mystery of Edwin Drood together. I have a recording of the Broadway musical by Rupert Holmes, The Mystery of Edwin Drood (http://www.musicalheaven.com/m/mystery_of_edwin_drood.shtml), with Cleo Laine.
Post by: Steph on February 09, 2009, 01:49:21 PM
Post by: joangrimes on February 09, 2009, 02:16:38 PM
Just received an announcement from Amazon about the Kindle 2. Thye would be giving me a priority place in line for a new one since I already own one. Since I have not used mine much I think I will stick with it for awhile....just not ready to spend that much money another one at this time. I wonder if they will sell an original one at a lower price now.
Joan G
Post by: Tomereader1 on February 09, 2009, 02:17:57 PM
Post by: catbrown on February 09, 2009, 03:07:28 PM
I had not heard about Matthew Pearl's latest novel, The Last Dickens (http://www.matthewpearl.com/dickens/reviews.html) - Matthew has been a great friend of ours in the past, actively participating in our book discussions of his first two books. I'm sure he would participate here if we were to invite him.
His modus operandi - he researches famous authors, (he majored in literature at Harvard, taught at Harvard, graduated from Yale Law School) and then writes his fiction based on his research. The Last Dickens is based on Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drood. We read and discussed Dante's Inferno, while we read Matthew's THE DANTE CLUB....he participated in both of these discussions, some of you may remember that. We could do the same with Edwin Drood and The Last Dickens if there is interest...
Hmmm, and maybe include Dan Simmons' latest novel, "Drood"? ... although I don't yet know if it's any good. When I finish "The Line of Beauty" (which I'm not finding exactly compelling), I'll read it and report.
Thanks, Steph, for the name/ author research. I'll check that out on Amazon. Sounds promising!
Post by: BarbStAubrey on February 09, 2009, 03:10:32 PM
Quote
haaaaaaaaaaa Barb can't understand WHY she didn't like the story as she "has embraced many villians." That is a riot!:D In more ways than you can imagine... ;)
Post by: joangrimes on February 09, 2009, 03:13:02 PM
What price is the new one, Joan?The price of the new one is $359.
Joan G
Post by: maryz on February 09, 2009, 04:46:17 PM
Post by: Steph on February 10, 2009, 08:16:05 AM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4d.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
The new kindle speaks to you?? Do they mean it reads the book to you? That could be useful on our long rv trips..
Post by: Babi on February 10, 2009, 08:43:58 AM
Post by: maryz on February 10, 2009, 09:22:01 AM
Post by: Judy Laird on February 10, 2009, 05:16:25 PM
Post by: Judy Laird on February 10, 2009, 06:03:10 PM
He also says that the books on my Zire can be moved over to the Kindle
Post by: joangrimes on February 10, 2009, 06:38:45 PM
Joan G
Post by: maryz on February 10, 2009, 07:18:42 PM
Post by: patcook on February 10, 2009, 07:59:41 PM
Just a few replies to what I have been reading here in your wonderful Library section of Senior Learning. At our last Bookies meeting one of our member brought her Kindle that she had received from her husband for Christmas. We had discussed the Kindle at our last Renegade meeting and agreed that we didn't think we would like not having an actual book in our hands. After her demo, we were more receptive to it because it had a cover like a book and felt like book. One feature we particularly liked was the ability to enlarge the font and of course, we are all about to be run out of our house by all of our books. Anyway, 3 of us including myself ordered one the following week and were delighted to learn that we were going to receive an updated Kindle 2! They are scheduled to be shipped the 24th of this month; we are so excited. I am happy to know that it will read to me when I am in the car. With daughters in NM, OH and PA, I am on the road a lot and have relied on audio books on my IPOD; now I can use the Kindle!
AND, I loved The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. I picked it up at B&N right after it came out at 50% off having read all of his other books. This, to me, was his best; I read it in less than a week - couldn't put it down. Being a teacher and having a daughter who lived in Highland Ranch, CO during Columbine gave me two reasons for being drawn into the story. My daughter actually worked with Eric's mother when the shooting occurred. I think Wally wrote a credible fictional account of the incident with enough factual info to make one feel like you were there. His account of teachers living with the horror was extremely sensitive and realistic. While I was a high school principal, we dealt with a favored teacher's suicide and it is something that haunts you for a long, long time.
Sorry to go on and on! I promise not to occupy so much space in the future, but one last thing - even as a CA girl, I LOVED Bruce's performance at the Super Bowl so well, I downloaded his Working on a Dream CD which I am listening to as I type. It is excellent, and I, too, have it at a volume that drives my husband to his shop outside :).
Love your discussion, and I hope you will allow me to keep in touch. Pat
Post by: PatH on February 10, 2009, 10:11:00 PM
As you have seen, in addition to this general discussion and the current specific book discussion, there are Mystery, Science Fiction, Fiction, Non-Fiction, etc departments. Something for everyone. But we're pretty casual about what gets talked about where.
Come in and chat whenever you feel like it.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on February 10, 2009, 11:58:05 PM
Post by: Steph on February 11, 2009, 07:59:11 AM
I really must look into the kindle.. I use cassette audio books in the gym and walking and they are getting harder and harder to find. The CD type make me lose my place, since the player I have returns you to the beginning each time you start it and I cant make it stop.
Post by: ALF43 on February 11, 2009, 09:58:59 AM
Please feel free to encourage your friends and family to join our discussions. We are an eclectic group of readers and love to share opinions and thoughts about our "chosen" book. We will be reading Classics, fiction, non-fiction, bios, or anything that seems to garner our attention.
Please feel free to ask any questions or voice any concerns. We would love to share our space with you.
Welcome.
Post by: Babi on February 11, 2009, 10:02:39 AM
Post by: Tomereader1 on February 11, 2009, 12:25:20 PM
Post by: patcook on February 11, 2009, 05:32:16 PM
Our Bookies are reading The Reader this month which I found well written deep "read" - one of those books that you have to read every word. 3 of us finished it in just a couple of days just prior to the movie coming to our area, Brawley CA in the Imperial Valley on the Mexican border. So, we went to see it together and had a great time comparing it to the book - favorable, I must say. Our Renegades read Revolutionary Road last month and did the same thing - saw the movie and compared it to the book. As a reading teacher, I managed to convince most of my students that the book is always better and it was the case 90% of the time then, but I find them doing a much better job of representing the book these days. Before that we read Things Fall Apart which none of us particularly enjoyed so we had one of AP English teachers from our local high school who teaches it to his seniors come and talk to us. WOW, what a difference it made to his reasons for appreciating the book and the author. Now we are going to read the other 2 in the series! Our Renegades group likes to read books from lists like the must reads for all going to college and the Times 100 best novels, etc. hence Things Fall Apart. This month we are reading The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, a super ghost story written in the '50s and A Prayer for Owen Meany which I am finding good but long and drawn out. So, I read half of it and have put it aside to read a short memoir entitled Hurry Down Sunshine by Michael Greenberg about his daughter going mad at 15, and then I'll go back and finish Owen. Have a beautiful evening, all!!! Pat
Post by: ANNIE on February 12, 2009, 08:34:04 AM
I am leaving this message for all who know that my husband is struggling with congestive heart failure and the challenge is becoming a true heartbreak for both of us. So, I searched on web and found out what research was being done and we have checked out several things like stem cell implanting and these pumps plus something called a "C-clamp" but this pump seems to be the only device that they would offer Ralph.
So, we went to the heart clinic yesterday and met two delightful couples. Both husbands had received a heart pump and were very satisfied with them. In fact, their enthusiasm was unbelievably infectious. One had had his since April 2008 and the other, in November of '08. They were both hearty and happy and thankful to be alive. They were promised at least another two years of feeling much better. No one mentioned, what happens after the two years. I am still leery of this but feeling more inclined to listening to the drs and nurses while they show us what it possible for Ralph. I believe the next step will be for them to run the pre-surgical tests to make sure Ralph is absolutely qualified to have this device implanted. Then, if the tests go well, we will have a decision to make.
Thanks for all your good thoughts and prayers. They do help, believe me!
Post by: Steph on February 12, 2009, 08:48:15 AM
Post by: Babi on February 13, 2009, 08:49:13 AM
I remember reading "A Prayer for Owen Meany", and felt pretty much the same way about it.
ADOANNIE, I do hope things go well for you and Ralph. Two years of 'feeling much better' could be such a blessing at our age.
Post by: ANNIE on February 13, 2009, 09:52:23 AM
Tell your friend to "Google" LVADs and a lot of sites will be offered. The one that we are considering is made by Thoratec. There are about 4 or 5 different and patients have to be evaluated for these. I hope your friend can find one available in his/her area.
Post by: Steph on February 13, 2009, 07:39:10 PM
Post by: pedln on February 13, 2009, 07:48:22 PM
Ann, you and Ralph are very much in my thoughts and prayers.
Post by: Steph on February 14, 2009, 11:19:53 AM
Post by: patcook on February 14, 2009, 08:25:28 PM
I have been reading Guernsey discussion daily and have learned sooooo much! I love where the talk leads you! I've read C. Lamb essays and ordered a couple of movies from Netflix that are mentioned, etc. I just feel that I may give something away by having finished the book! I am hoping we read Hedgehog book next which I just ordered from Amazon. I do want to join a discussion by reading section by section. I guess that is why I like The Library where I can ramble on about everything I am reading.
Steph, which J. Irving books have you liked best? I listened to The World According to Garp - I download audio books to my IPOD to listen to while I walk, and it was okay. I guess my favorite so far was The Cider House Rules.
I just started The Forgotten Man! WOW! What parallels to today's economic challenges! There are references to Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis in the first or second chapter. I have not read it so I went online to check it out and was happy to find it on Project Gutenenberg. Has anyone read The Forgotten Man? Scary, uh???
Adoannie, I, too, hope this day of LOVE finds your Ralph's Heartbeating stongly in anticipation of a possible new answer to his problems. Happy VD all! Pat
Post by: patcook on February 14, 2009, 08:45:50 PM
Forgot to add that I have added Simon Birch to my Netflix Queue. Thank you for the link; I had not heard of it (it has 5 stars). I'll let the other Renegades about it. Pat
Post by: ANNIE on February 15, 2009, 10:20:41 AM
Here is a link for the LVADs being offered at Duke University. Please take or send it to your friend now. There is no time to waste when one has CHF. He may never feel better enough for you to give this to him. CHF is a chronic disease and very often patients just don't get better. So, please send it to him now.
http://cardio.surgery.duke.edu/modules/div_sgy_cardio_lvad/index.php?id=1 (http://cardio.surgery.duke.edu/modules/div_sgy_cardio_lvad/index.php?id=1)
And this one:
http://cardio.surgery.duke.edu/wysiwyg/downloads/4305-LVAD_Mailer_03.pdf (http://cardio.surgery.duke.edu/wysiwyg/downloads/4305-LVAD_Mailer_03.pdf)
Post by: JoanP on February 15, 2009, 01:23:17 PM
Pat Cook, it is good to know that you didn't get overwhelmed in Guernsey - that you are following along with the other three lurkers (that we know of) just waiting to come in with your thoughts next week, our final week.
In March we turn our attention to Abe Lincoln - Doris Kearns Goodwin's remarkable work, Team of Rivals - a long book, but a page turner that reads like fiction. You might want to stop in to the pre-discussion going on right now.
In April...on April Fool's day, we begin the discussion of Muriel Barbery's delightful novel, The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Glad you have your book for that already, Pat. You are prepared. Just don't read it straight through so you will have to sit out the month with buttoned lip. ;) That is so difficult to do - and there is a lot to talk to before the conclusion!
Post by: Persian on February 15, 2009, 09:32:14 PM
ANN - best wishes and many prayers for your husband and you as you both address his health needs.
PATCOOK - your mention of San Diego State brought back good memories of delightful (and talented) academic friends. I'm a native Californian, but retired from the University of Maryland, and was lucky enough to host several colleagues from State at College Park, MD before moving along to US govt. service and tours abroad. As you've already noted, you'll continue to find many new and interesting friends in the SeniorLearn discussions
Post by: patcook on February 16, 2009, 12:12:33 AM
It's great to see so many of you in so many different discussion groups. I'm dying to jump into the Fiction and mystery group. Do I need to reintroduce myself in each - not a problem, I just need to know the protocol???
Persian, I am absolutely blessed to have experienced public education from K through post graduate! I have treasured friends at all levels, and living in relatively isolated area of CA allows me to remain in contact with so many of them, including former students. I connected with 3 last night at a Valentine's Day dinner at our Stockman's Club and today at Walmart I ran into 3 former students who are now teaching in the school where I was Principal. FUN! Where is State at College Park, Persian? My daughter lived in Crofton, MD for 5 years and I visited often.
\\
Post by: Babi on February 16, 2009, 09:01:38 AM
Depending on the book, some have taken longer than a month for discussion. People find so much to say about a really good book, and a really good book offers many ideas to consider. As I said elsewhere, if I can't keep a book for a month, I make notes into a computer document, and refer to it for the discussion.
Post by: Steph on February 16, 2009, 01:33:22 PM
I liked Cider House Rules the best as a movie.. and a book too. Still his books tend to be different each one.
Was at a family dinner all weekend, greeting an ex sister in law and husband. I love her dearly and she and I have been close for over 45 years.. She has been remarried for 20.. Poor Jim, he inherited an in law family and is really good about it. Our sons adore their Aunt Key..
Post by: Persian on February 16, 2009, 06:13:42 PM
Post by: Babi on February 17, 2009, 09:09:18 AM
Post by: Steph on February 17, 2009, 09:16:07 AM
Post by: Pat on February 17, 2009, 10:35:57 AM
Happy Birthday !
Adoannie
Adoannie
Post by: ginny on February 17, 2009, 01:05:01 PM
Post by: EvelynMC on February 17, 2009, 06:37:24 PM
Hope your husband is doing better.
Evelyn
Post by: Steph on February 18, 2009, 07:58:46 AM
Post by: Babi on February 18, 2009, 09:12:33 AM
I knew a lady who made this kind of decision, but she was only in her mid-years. Fortunately for my own peace of mind, I did not know her well, though I participated with others in her care. We respected her decision, but I cannot say that, in her case, I though it an understandable choice.
Post by: Steph on February 19, 2009, 08:18:26 AM
Post by: juliak on February 19, 2009, 11:10:06 AM
Owen Meany has been mentioned - I remember liking it very much - maybe something to reread.
Alexander McCall Smith is another of my favorite authors - recently read "The World According to Bertie", another good read.
As for Kindle 2, I'm not sure I want to be read to, but it surely is a nice feature.
JuliaK
Post by: Judy Laird on February 19, 2009, 01:12:59 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4d.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
I ordered the kindle 2 and I sure hope I like it. A lot of money if you don"t like it. My Zire 71 that I love is quitting so I figured this was the next step. I hope I can put my books from the Zire to the Kindle.
Post by: Steph on February 19, 2009, 05:40:48 PM
I marvel and truthfully did not know they won awards. I just know I loved them all..Did I stir anyone else memories.
Post by: Tomereader1 on February 19, 2009, 06:03:14 PM
Don't we just love "Bookmarks"? Ooohhhhh.
Post by: patcook on February 19, 2009, 09:54:48 PM
Bookmarks, magazine - WOW!!! My FAVORITE magazine ever! I pour over it and I have introduced it to both of my book clubs. The Bookies and the Renegades all LOVE it, and it provides us so much extra to talk about at our meetings after our month selection discussion. I, too, so enjoy the look at the past. I can remember being a freshman in high school in 1956 and getting Andersonville from a friend, my dad seeing it before I even started it and taking it with a comment about where I was getting such TRASH! Of course, I couldn't wait to read it then along with Peyton Place :).
I, too, can't wait to receive my Kindle 2, but I am worried about downloading books from our remote area???? Fortunately, we do get to San Diego regularly, but I'm not sure how it works since you don't access a website like audible.com which I use to download books to my IPOD for walking. I understand the Kindle is suppose to ship Feb. 24th if you ordered it by the 10th of this month.
What are you all reading right now? I'm finishing up our 2 selections for February (our being my 2 book clubs). Owen Meany is dragging some, but a 700 mile road trip from CA to NM helps, and fortunately it is a book that is conducive to skimming!
Have a beautiful weekend! Pat
Post by: Steph on February 20, 2009, 07:47:59 AM
Yes, if you are interested in the civil war, Read Andersonville.. But after you do that,, do investigate the federal prisons, since they were not any better.. That book in the end made me think long and hard about what I was and how religion affected my life. Made me a conviction quaker in the end.
Post by: maryz on February 20, 2009, 01:04:48 PM
Post by: joangrimes on February 20, 2009, 03:35:07 PM
I have read Andersonville and i have visited the site also. It has been a very long time since I visited the site but It really does make you re-think all of your feelings.
Joan Grimes
Post by: Babi on February 21, 2009, 07:45:57 AM
Post by: Steph on February 21, 2009, 10:15:07 AM
Visited DAchau and was overwhelmed by the sheer evil and terror that remains. Truly a haunted piece of earth.
Post by: jane on February 21, 2009, 10:45:09 AM
jane
Post by: ginny on February 21, 2009, 11:40:08 AM
But I've also been to Andersonville.
There used to be an author there (I think now there are several) but she had written a book on Andersonville and she gave tours, in other words you could hire her to explain what you were looking at, and I can't remember who we were with, but she got on the bus and narrated our way around the field. It was something else, very moving.
Only that one creek for water and no shade. What struck me also however was the thievery between the incarcerated, people from different regions of the country, you would not expect crime among those in the same situation.
Now Andersonville is the national POW museum and site, they were building the museum when we were there.
Post by: ginny on February 21, 2009, 05:31:32 PM
Our newest game is called Title Mania, you'll find it here: Title Mania (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=247.msg10719#msg10719), come on down and give it a whirl!
Post by: Steph on February 22, 2009, 09:29:11 AM
Post by: Babi on February 22, 2009, 09:52:30 AM
:P
Post by: Judy Laird on February 22, 2009, 12:46:51 PM
I had no idea about Andersonville and boy was I shocked they had a show and then a museum to go through before you went out to the actual graves. It was an eye opening experience for me. Terrible things that went on.
Post by: Steph on February 23, 2009, 07:53:00 AM
Post by: maryz on February 23, 2009, 11:10:36 AM
Post by: ginny on February 23, 2009, 12:15:04 PM
We hope to have many games here eventually about books , authors, and reading, so stay tuned!
Post by: Judy Laird on February 23, 2009, 01:29:23 PM
That hotel was so cool, cheap too, although thats not what I look for when I travel. Iwas outside the hotel one day and I saw some stuff on the side walk so of course I have to investgate, he had fruit and sugar cane which I had never seen before. I was trying to figure how to get the stuff on the plane and this little black man came out and we were talking. He came from a barber shop that was full of cats. He Says" I am Jimmy Carter,s barber," I go sure you are. He says come on in. He has a little paper from the area there and by g---- there was a picture on the front page with Jimmy Carter. He goes down there every couple of weeks to get his hair cut. You never know what your going to find if you just polk around. hehe
Post by: Judy Laird on February 23, 2009, 07:09:35 PM
Post by: maryz on February 23, 2009, 07:43:18 PM
Post by: Steph on February 24, 2009, 09:29:20 AM
Berea is a very special place since the college is so unusual. The students must work every semester and the jobs vary a lot.. The hotel was reasonable, is on the Historic Register and has a wonderful dining room with very southern food.. You can walk to everything from there. I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants a feel of the old south.
Post by: pedln on February 24, 2009, 10:14:23 AM
New York Times' own technology man, David Pogue has a very readable article about the new Kindle2. :-* I think I'm getting a tax refund -- maybe instead of a new laptop or a vacuum cleaner or should I wait until Kindle3 -- but this doesn't sound like it can get much better.
Kindle2 (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/technology/personaltech/24pogue.html?em)
Post by: pedln on February 24, 2009, 10:26:26 AM
Have you, on your travels, visited the School of the Ozarks at Pt. Lookout, MO. Not too far from Branson and Springfield. It is much like Berea in that the students work 10 to 15 hours a week to pay for their tuition. I stopped there once some years back, on a trip to Branson, and bought some flour and pancake mix milled at the college. It has some illustrious graduates, but I can't come up with any names right now.
Post by: Steph on February 25, 2009, 01:46:14 PM
There is another college just outside of Ashville that is the same way. All students work on campus for part of their tuition. It is a requirement.
Berea is an interesting place, because so many craft people have settled there. The college encourages creativity and they have a wonderful gift shop of the students wares. The Weavers were there as well, but I read somewhere they had closed down.. Lovely stuff, but truly expensive.
Kentucky has really impressed us in the rv.. Lexington was a joy.. Pleasant Hill the old shaker community is like stepping back into a magical time. Louisville is all race and baseball and nice museums.. Berea is so lovely.. We went to the bourbon area and stayed a few days. Neither of us drink bourbon, but it was certainly fun to see how it was made. We have wandered far and near and still have a long list of things to see there.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on February 25, 2009, 02:57:18 PM
This was in the 1950s and 60s - I was very involved with Girl Scouts then and the seniors joined a summer long project where I bundled in my station wagon my own plus several senior scouts - drove them into communities that could only be reached by driving on creek beds - in cooperation with students from both Berea and Morehead they stayed in these communities most of the summer - winterized the one room school houses, administered shots and taught history - most did not realize that the Indian wars were over - they may not have had roads but some families had TV and they saw all the movies showing folks like John Wayne fighting Indians -
One poignant moment was when we brought some of the kids into Morehead and they kept themselves busy for an hour either opening and closing a door or turning on and off a light switch - they had never seen a door handle nor a light switch. Baseball was the big community interest so that after the summer the students came back with an ability to play a 'mean' game of baseball.
Post by: Judy Laird on February 25, 2009, 06:28:43 PM
Not that I am an impatient type person but where the hell is it??
Post by: maryz on February 25, 2009, 07:12:43 PM
Post by: Judy Laird on February 25, 2009, 10:03:42 PM
Post by: maryz on February 25, 2009, 11:00:49 PM
Post by: joyous on February 26, 2009, 12:26:06 PM
UPS deliveries here are left at the door---or gate, in my case, if you are not at home. I usually leave the overhead garage door up so that the package can be left at the door. Beats having to stay at home waiting. :'(
JOY
Post by: Frybabe on February 26, 2009, 12:37:38 PM
Post by: maryz on February 26, 2009, 01:38:02 PM
Post by: Steph on February 26, 2009, 01:50:17 PM
I hipe everyone gets their Kindle by tomorrow..or maybe the next day.. Hmmm. possibly the first of next week??
We had some company off and on for the past few days, so reading has been low on my list. But we are now back to a nice peaceful life..
Post by: maryz on February 26, 2009, 03:11:20 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on February 26, 2009, 03:24:25 PM
Post by: maryz on February 26, 2009, 03:41:36 PM
Post by: pedln on February 26, 2009, 06:01:06 PM
My son ordered ATT DSL for me, my phone number, and it was to be delivered yesterday, and that was when the billing started. Well, when it got to be nighttime and it hadn't come I wanted to know where it was. ATT had sent email saying to have someone over 18 at home to sign for it. So I called ATT. Four phone calls (3 computerized) and an hour later no one could tell me where my order was and I was beginning to lose my cool. Wouldn't you know, UPS came while I was on the phone and left the package on the front porch. So much for signing. So now to go through the hook up process. Tomorrow, when I'm fresh.
Post by: Judy Laird on February 26, 2009, 06:28:38 PM
Post by: patcook on February 26, 2009, 06:30:05 PM
Sorry I have been out of the loop for the past week. We had to lodge, spa and baby sit for oldest daughter and husband who wanted out of the mountains for a few day. Grandchildren are THE BEST!!!!
Loved seeing Berea referred to; my grandfather graduated from Berea College years and years ago. We have not been there, but we will after your discussion - the next road trip we make to youngest daughter's in Ohio. What a blast from the past; I haven't thought of that in YEARS!
I, too, am waiting delivery of my Kindle 2. The kindle support email from Amazon was so interesting, I can't wait for it to get here. I tracked it and it was mailed 2/23 and delivery is scheduled for 3/4 - mighty slow delivery! I'm worried because we are leaving again Sunday for a week. I'll have to have someone check for UPS delivery daily; I don't want to lose it before I get to use it! One thing I am happy about is that I checked out the 10 books in my Amazon cart and they are ALL available for the Kindle! YEAH! Now, I hope I like it!
Has anyone read The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner? What a fun and interesting book. The subtitle is One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World. Eric is a foreign correspondent for NPR and a terrific writer. He travels to 10 countries ranging from Switzerland to Bhutan talking to people about their happiness or lack thereof - very, very interesting!!!! Love his term blissologist. I highly recommend it.
Our book club met Monday evening, The Bookies, and we had a wonderful discussion of The Reader. I was surprised how different we all felt about the motives, actions and outcomes! They were all open to intrepretation and boy we certainly had some differing ones. I was one of the best discussions we have had since The Infidel. Everyone, including me, thought that the movie was a very good and close adaptation of the book and we were all happy that Kate won the academy award.
We are heading to Lake Alamo Sunday for a week of fishing in AZ and also to catch a couple of preseason baseball games in Peoria. It is 85 degrees here this week and we have to get out and enjoy it! Unfortunately, it is 35 miles off the beaten path so I have no Internet service; I hope you will allow me to drop in like this when we are home. Pat
Post by: Steph on February 27, 2009, 07:46:56 AM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4e.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Pat , I have the same problem when we are in the rv. Some places have good wifi, others, not so and some have none. We are home just now, since it has not been that warm in the east and my husband hates the rv in the cold..Doesnt bother me, we have an electric blanket.
I did remember the Asheville college like Berea. It is called William Wilson. We met some of the students years ago at John Campbell Folk School. They were taking a blacksmithing course, since the college wanted to start a program on blacksmithing. We visited the college when we visit Asheville. We were there for Farm days once. They do old fashioned mule and oxen plowing, and all sorts of harvest work. They all have to work at a job in school and the jobs vary wildly. Schools that incorporate work interest me.
Post by: Gumtree on February 27, 2009, 08:17:05 AM
Post by: ALF43 on February 27, 2009, 11:39:00 AM
Post by: Judy Laird on February 27, 2009, 03:12:06 PM
Post by: maryz on February 27, 2009, 03:40:14 PM
Judy, I'm SO glad yours came today, too.
Post by: Judy Laird on February 27, 2009, 03:56:13 PM
Post by: joangrimes on February 27, 2009, 04:21:13 PM
Joan G
Post by: maryz on February 27, 2009, 07:09:00 PM
Post by: bellemere on February 27, 2009, 09:46:45 PM
Now I am looking for something to enjoy while waiting for spring.
Post by: Steph on February 28, 2009, 10:34:44 AM
Went to the used book sale for the library today.
Got a few new to me authors and a few old favorites that I think( ??) I missed.
Post by: nlhome on February 28, 2009, 12:46:14 PM
Post by: Persian on February 28, 2009, 10:50:01 PM
In the meantime, will someone please explain to me what a Kindle is? I've never heard the word before - much like I'd never heard the word avatar until I began reading some of the posts in the Seniors & Friends site.
Post by: joangrimes on February 28, 2009, 11:06:38 PM
A Kindle is a wireless reading device. You can find out all about it by going to Amazon and reading about it. Just click on http://www.amazon.com/ and read about it.
I do own one but it is not the latest Kindle2. However I don't think there is really alot of difference in mine and the Kindle 2.
Joan G
Post by: maryz on February 28, 2009, 11:57:41 PM
Post by: joangrimes on March 01, 2009, 12:37:08 AM
I am still learning about mine. I am really not used to using it a whole lot yet. I need to sit down with it and use it more. I am going to try to do that . There are several books that I want to buy for it.
I know you will probably learn to use yours quickly MaryZ.
Joan G
Post by: Steph on March 01, 2009, 09:20:04 AM
On the trip.. We have always wanted to do the Chicago west trip. We decided this is the year.. We are still awaiting some tests that my husband must take in the next week or so and then when he gets a clearance, we will book. I am still making notes on this since I do all of the booking on lines. We know we want a bedroom, not a roomette on the train. It is a46 hour journey.. And given trains, probably a bit longer. We love trains and use then whenever we can.
Then we will tour Seattle, then rent a car for a week and travel up and down 101 to see the sights in Washington and Oregon and then fly home fromSeattle.. We were going to go down to San Francisco and fly home from there, but rental car agencies have a really awful return fee when you dont return from where you originally rented it.
Post by: Babi on March 01, 2009, 10:30:30 AM
Post by: jane on March 01, 2009, 10:54:03 AM
If you'd like your birthday listed, please go to PROFILE/ FORUM PROFILE INFORMATION/add your birthday in the space on that page/Click CHANGE PROFILE at the bottom of that page.
Post by: ginny on March 01, 2009, 12:08:53 PM
I can't imagine being married to a man who insisted I dress to match the decor. Loving Frank indeed. hahahaaa
Welcome back, bellemare! What a super trip and filled with interesting reading you did! That's my problem, flying on planes, AND on Eurail, the sheer weight of the books I'm carrying, which is ridiculous really but I keep doing it. Have to have a book for the plane or train. Last year I did one of the Preston Childs, that will keep you form any boredom in the airport or on a long flight!
Strangely enough I like the guy who writes about Provence for a long trip, Peter Mayle, his books go down a treat on a long trip, you can pick up and put down and not lose the thread of it.
I've got DAEMON but haven't started it yet, am now reading (again) Augustus by Antony Everitt for a face to face class, the last one, and it's on the Battle of Actium. Actually can't put it down. Also the DVD Antony and Cleopatra re-watching the Burton/ Taylor Hollowood take of that event, most interesting the comparison of the two.
It may have happened in 31 BC but it may as well have been yesterday, human nature does not change, does it?
Fascinating and very well written, if you like ancient history. Please don't forget, also in JUne, if you like Mystery and ancient history and learning the latest about either, Carol Goodman will read with us June 1 her Night Villa. She is a wonderful person and most responsive, you can't help but learn something, and I never suspected right to the end hu dun it, but I never do. :)
The Kindle here has read like a novel itself, so interesting!!! Judy has downloaded a book in Mexican? hahahahaHAHAHAHA Why am I not surprised? What fun!!
So many great books coming up to read here, did you see the one profiled in the new Newsweek? An entire article on this new type of book: this one tells the story thru a simulated auction catalogue. I love the premise. You can read the catalogue from Sotheby's of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (the sale of their effects) two huge catalogues, and you can make your own conclusions about their lives, that is what this new book has done, have any of you read it? I can't remember the title, but how many books like it are there?
Clever idea!
Post by: Judy Laird on March 01, 2009, 01:47:50 PM
I subscribed to a couple of :blogs: we called them something else in the olden days. One is Dr Weil and I forget the other one. Bought an Isles book I wanted and Chelsey wheres Mr Vodka or some such, got a free book and found out I can get on the internet with it. All these things I have done sitting in a chair, no electric plug or hook up of any kind. I guess it just flies through the air like Direct TV except the Kindle doesn't have a dish hehe
Post by: pedln on March 01, 2009, 01:59:22 PM
Steph, you Seattle trip sounds wonderful. I would love to take that train trip. And Seattle Pacific Northwest is my most favorite place on earth to visit. Take two weeks. You can't do it one. Be sure to put the downtown Seattle Public Library on your list. It'll knock your socks off.
Neat calendar, Jane.
Post by: lucky on March 01, 2009, 02:41:28 PM
I recently read "The Given Day" by Dennis Lehan, which is a very good historical novel that deals with so many aspects of early 20th century American social history that it is difficult to select just one aspect of it. I have also read "The People of The Book," by Geraldine Brooks, a beautiful historical novel of a 15th century Haggadah and its various wanderings. If you are interested in Jewish history you will find it rewarding reading.
Post by: Frybabe on March 01, 2009, 08:37:42 PM
Right now I am back to reading some of the Rita Mae Brown "Mrs. Murphy" series. My sister will be down to visit in April, and I want to have a stack for her to take back with her. Saves postage :).
Post by: Pat on March 01, 2009, 09:58:58 PM
http://www.mobileread.com/
Post by: Gumtree on March 01, 2009, 10:35:53 PM
Post by: Steph on March 02, 2009, 07:42:42 AM
I just finished Garlic and Sapphires.. Another of the Ruth Reichl autobiographies. She is an interesting writer. Not sure I could ever be as adventureous as she is about food, but it is fun to read about it. Food reviewers have an odd sort of life when you think about it. I have been keeping up with her books.She has written three about her life.
I would never miss a major library when we travel. They almost always have free computers, etc and a used book store. Both are things I crave when traveling and I dont want to take a lap top with me. It is a two week trip, no question.
Post by: Babi on March 02, 2009, 09:33:08 AM
Post by: jane on March 02, 2009, 09:40:54 AM
Perhaps if you close that browser and then reopen it, the glitch will go away?
Post by: ALF43 on March 02, 2009, 12:06:25 PM
Steph and Lucky, I started that new Lehane book and put it aside for the new Wally Lamb novel, the Hour I first Believed. NOW I am half way thru both of them. Lehane's Mystic River remains my favorite . Shutter Island was so strange, did anyone read that one? As soon as I finish Wallty's book I will get back to The Given Day.
Thanks Pat for the website for the Kindle. I have more questions than I have answers so I will go there to scope it out.
Ginny? DAEMON? Wasn't he the child of the devil? Oh my, you are starting to frighten me. Will you be cleansed of Daemon by June for our discussion of the Night Villa, with Carol Goodman?
Ginny's right, Carol is adorable and so much fun to visit with and question. Have you been in touch with her at all about our upcoming discussion?
Post by: lucky on March 02, 2009, 04:08:49 PM
I am glad that you liked "People of The Book". I did read "Year of Wonder". It is beautifully written book and is not only a literary work but a good source of social history as well. She used primary sources for her description of the London plague of the l6th century. I teach a course called,"History Through Literature" at Stony Brook's OLLI group and this one of the books our class used. I haven't read "March" but am looking forward to reading it.
Post by: bellemere on March 02, 2009, 05:01:11 PM
The conclusion McEwan drew is : When women stop reading, the novel will be dead."
Do you think he is right?
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 02, 2009, 05:08:44 PM
On the other hand, my dad was a reader, my mother never was.
Post by: Steph on March 03, 2009, 08:05:28 AM
My husband is a reader. He loves legal thrillers.. Sometimes I can sneak in a serial killer or two, but basically legal stuff. He used to read spy novels for years ,but changed a few years ago.Said they started to read the same over and over.
Post by: Babi on March 03, 2009, 08:40:45 AM
TOMEREADER, all the men in my family have been avid readers, as was my ex-husband. Background must have something to do with it, and perhaps cultural mores. That "Nah, nah, mate..." sounds Irish to me. Perhaps the average Irish working man considers reading a woman's pastime.
Post by: ALF43 on March 03, 2009, 08:54:28 AM
I agree completely about Lehane's ending in Shutter Island. I kept thinking- "Is this guy for real?"
I used to read vast amounts of spy thrillers and sadly, I must agree with your hubby- they all begin to read the same. I always figure if i can nail the "who-dun-it" character by the 3rd chapter, why bother? I am always pleased when I am wrong. It drives my husband crazy when I watch TV with him and half way through the production, I get up, declare the culprit and leave.
;D
Post by: Frybabe on March 03, 2009, 08:55:26 AM
Post by: PatH on March 03, 2009, 01:06:31 PM
Background must have something to do with it, and perhaps cultural mores.
Not always. My father came from a family who never cracked a book, didn't think much of reading. At age six he discovered the Public Library, and never looked back. He married a librarian, and we grew up in a house filled with books. He loved to read us bedtime stories and catch up on the children's stories he'd missed. It's no wonder JoanK and I inhabit book discussions.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 03, 2009, 02:49:28 PM
Post by: Steph on March 04, 2009, 08:00:40 AM
Our younger though goes to the library every single week of life and even with two small children, a job and wife,, he reads all sorts of things. He was a history major in college and he loves all sorts of american history.But reads pretty much everything, the same way that I do.
Post by: Babi on March 04, 2009, 09:29:46 AM
FRYBABE, I read three of the books you mentioned when I was young. Your Dad and I must share some of the same tastes, so I'll see if I can find Samuel Johnson's "People of the Deer".
PATH, maybe it was a stray book gene that crops up from time to time. How else do you explain things like tone deaf parents with a musical genius among their offspring?
Yep, JEAN & STEPH, after reading your posts, too, I am persuaded. It must be in the luck of the genes. 8)
Post by: Frybabe on March 04, 2009, 09:58:05 AM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4e.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Frybabe: Babi, People of the Deer was written by Farley Mowat back in 1948. I doubt anyone has it in print anymore. There is always a chance someone has it listed on one of the used book sites.
Post by: PatH on March 04, 2009, 10:12:31 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 04, 2009, 11:36:40 AM
Steph said after her husband was cleared of his testing "we will book."...........HaHaHaHa - I tho't she was using an old sixties slang meaning we will "go," " be off" etc......................reading on, i discovered she literally meant she would "book" - as in make reservations!!! Thanks for the memory and taking me back to 1968, even tho that isn't what you meant, Steph.
I'm preparing to facilitate a 3 session discussion on the 50's and 60's at the library, so i was probably in that mindset. .......... i'm still smiling.............jean
Post by: Frybabe on March 04, 2009, 01:13:31 PM
Here is a YouTube link I found of an interview with him. He is apparently very well known in Canada as a writer and environmentalist. He is active in anti-seal hunting, and there is a ship named after him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB3IQMZm7CQ
Post by: PatH on March 04, 2009, 02:08:04 PM
Post by: Gumtree on March 04, 2009, 09:27:08 PM
Post by: ANNIE on March 05, 2009, 07:51:52 AM
Ralph is finally in the pre op and awaiting to have surgery for the implantation of a Heartmate II heart pump. Please keep us in your prayers today and for several days thereafter. Thanks a bunch!
Post by: JoanP on March 05, 2009, 08:04:32 AM
Post by: Steph on March 05, 2009, 08:04:37 AM
Post by: Babi on March 05, 2009, 08:29:36 AM
I'm very happy to add my prayer for a swift, successful surgery and a speedy recovery for Ralph, ANN. We'll be watching for follow-up reports and good news.
Post by: JoanP on March 05, 2009, 08:36:00 AM
I came in this morning to share Michael Dirda's Washington Post critic's "Reading Room" with you. This week he puts our the question -
Quote
Who are the world's great storytellers? I've been thinking about this off and on for years. We know that, say, Proust is a great novelist and Joyce a great writer, but neither is what you'd call a storyteller. In general, story tends to be undervalued when we think about the art of fiction. A lot of time we even view storytellers as at least vaguely juvenile -- thus the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the "extraordinary voyages" of Jules Verne are now often regarded as essentially children's literature.
To me, the great age of storytelling is roughly the period from the 1860s to the 1930s, a time when mass literacy created a reading public, magazines flourished, and books started to be available in cheap editions. What authors in this period strike you as great storytellers?
You might like to look in at some of the responses. If you are tempted to join in the conversation, will you do us a favor? When you post, next to your name, will you put (SeniorLearn.org) or simply SeniorLearn? We do need some advertising if we are to grow.
Here's the discussion -
Michael Dirda's Greatest Storytellers discussion (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/community/groups/index.html?plckForumPage=ForumDiscussion&plckDiscussionId=Cat%3aa70e3396-6663-4a8d-ba19-e44939d3c44fForum%3a6ffbcf5f-e39d-4d52-a396-72bccac13f54Discussion%3a57dd43c3-9096-4db9-b8fc-31a8e4d2b7c9)
We are in the process of getting up a discussion to register your suggestions for book discussions. You just might note some titles or authors while scanning through those mentioned in Dirda's Reading Room...
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 05, 2009, 11:42:51 AM
Post by: marjifay on March 05, 2009, 12:15:20 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 05, 2009, 01:31:18 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 05, 2009, 02:31:05 PM
Post by: EvelynMC on March 05, 2009, 05:25:38 PM
Regarding reading... My parents were also older, my mother worked days, my dad worked nights. My siblings were also older. I had a lot of solitary time, so read a lot. --- My mother was also a reader and the evenings were spent quietly reading.
I read everything including cereal boxes. ;)
Post by: jane on March 05, 2009, 05:46:54 PM
My Dad did read the Sunday "funnies" to my sister and me every Sunday morning and he and my Mom both always got the local paper and the one from the big city...in the days when there was morning (Cleveland Plain Dealer) and an afternoon (local paper)newspaper delivered.
jane
Post by: Ella Gibbons on March 05, 2009, 08:34:16 PM
Post by: JoanP on March 05, 2009, 08:36:01 PM
Post by: maryz on March 05, 2009, 10:40:14 PM
Post by: Frybabe on March 05, 2009, 10:54:18 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 05, 2009, 10:56:57 PM
Jane - we bought very few books also, but when i was 12 yrs old i volunteered at the library - a little one in an old rr station in the middle of town. I loved shelving books, stamping the return dates on the orange cards of books that were going out the door, helping to fix damaged books, and getting to see dozens of books that i wanted to read!!
Tomereader - wasn't there another topic on SN that we had in common? I have forgotten what it was, but this is getting way too weird! ........Stay tuned, we may find out we're related ............. 8).............jean
Post by: maryz on March 06, 2009, 06:41:19 AM
Post by: Steph on March 06, 2009, 07:54:53 AM
As I said, my parents were readers and my cousin who is 2 years older lived with us always, but I was an outdoor child. We lived in the country and had lots of animals. Always had a pony and a dog and cat of my very own. But I even carried books in my saddle bags along with a cold drink, an apply and a sandwich. My mother never restricted what I read in the house, so I read some stuff, that I did not understand until years later.. Anyone else remember Marjory Sharp?? and James Streeter.. Both big in my mothers library. Consequently I was always a big odd. I knew all sorts of big words and could use them correctly, but could not pronounce them. My teachers put up with me and taught me how to pronouce..I also knew about things that had nothing to o with our little farm community.. Havent thought of that in years. Heavens.
A wonderful story teller?? Thomas Costain.. remember the Tontine..
Post by: Babi on March 06, 2009, 09:25:53 AM
So glad to hear that Ralph is doing so well. Thanks, Ella.
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 06, 2009, 11:25:30 AM
Mabelj, I think there was another topic we had in common, but could I remember what it was? NOT! If you think of it, let me know. I could only wish we're related, I have lost practically everybody, from my birth family, so have no idea how we might be "kin". Where are you from originally?Tomereader - wasn't there another topic on SN that we had in common? I have forgotten what it was, but this is getting way too weird! ........Stay tuned, we may find out we're related ............. 8).............jean
Post by: mabel1015j on March 06, 2009, 01:13:32 PM
i'm sorry that you're almost alone of your family. I've seen my next door neighbor lose all of her parents and siblings, altho they have all lived long lives, and two of her adult children have died in the last ten yrs. Fortunately, she has some cousins in a neighboring town who are very kind and helpful to her........living a long life can be wonderful, but sometimes sad also..................i'm glad you have this "community" of friends here on SL and we enjoy you and your comments................jean
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 06, 2009, 01:27:03 PM
I am thankful that I still have my husband, both daughters and all their children.
Somewhere in this vast U.S.A. I have some nieces, but the only time I see them is at funerals. I am grateful that is not too often anymore.
I guess we will just have to remain (you and I) blended souls from our reading habits! ;)
Post by: nlhome on March 06, 2009, 07:31:16 PM
My dad had an 8th grade education, and he was a good reader, but only of newspapers, magazines and practical books. Novels held no interest. My mother loved to read, especially novels, and late in her life she discovered mysteries. My two sisters and I are all readers. My mother read to us when we were small. We received books for gifts, and were encouraged to read. All 3 of my children, adults now, read for pleasure as well as for school or work.
When I was young, I collected all the Perry Mason paperbacks. I had a big box full, which I forgot about and left with my parents. My Mom kept them for me, for years, and finally asked if she could sell them at a garage sale. I think now that she read them all first.
My husband is also a reader. His mother, who is 90, still enjoys word puzzles, although she no longer reads books. She was a prolific reader until a few years ago, when she just lost interest. I'm thinking her eyes got tired.
Post by: maryz on March 06, 2009, 08:16:43 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 06, 2009, 08:35:48 PM
Post by: maryz on March 06, 2009, 09:28:43 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 07, 2009, 05:29:25 AM
Post by: hats on March 07, 2009, 06:32:19 AM
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400066565/thebookreport01 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400066565/thebookreport01)
Post by: maryz on March 07, 2009, 07:13:53 AM
Post by: jane on March 07, 2009, 09:27:05 AM
International Women's Day is March 8.
Here's a link: http://www.internationalwomensday.com
Post by: Gumtree on March 07, 2009, 09:31:42 AM
Post by: Babi on March 07, 2009, 10:17:09 AM
HATS, do you have any idea what "The Last Dickens" is about? I'm wondering if it concerns Charles Dickens; I'm a great fan of his.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 07, 2009, 11:55:52 AM
Post by: hats on March 07, 2009, 12:41:48 PM
You're welcome.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 07, 2009, 12:49:08 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4e.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
Mabel: CSPAN2 is broadcasting a wonderful program w/ a panel talking about the list that the NYTimes printed on their front page of the list of books that Pres Obama has read thruout his life. They're discussing how they may have eaffected him and what it means to have a president who is a reader and specifically a reader of these books. I don't know the whole list, but they've talked about STuds Terkel, James Baldwin, Portnoy's Complaint, The Golden Notebook, etc. Books that many of us read in schools and as feminists/liberals. They've also talked a lot of his being a citizen of the world, and what Obama has written in his books...............it's one of the most fascinating discussions i've ever heard, of Obama in particular, but of reading and it's effects in general........................i'll see if i can get a link to the NYTimes list..........some of you who are one the NYT e-news may be able to bring it up faster than i can................the question also arises that we've discussed in other discusssions here of "what is truth?" or "is there truth in our memories?" ........or is there only "perspective?".........................jean
Post by: mabel1015j on March 07, 2009, 12:52:12 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/books/19read.html
Post by: JoanP on March 07, 2009, 01:01:17 PM
Thanks, Jean! Aren't we topical with Team of Rivals!
Hats! You must have special radar this morning - I had just checked Matthew Pearl's website to see when his new Dicken's thriller will be released in the US. (March 19.)
Some of you might remember Matthew's participation in our SeniorNet discussions - both of them fiction, based on famous author's works - the Dante Club and the Poe Shadow. Matthew was a lit major at Harvard...and sometimes teaches literature classes. When we discussed his novels, we also read and discussed Dante's Inferno and Poe's Murders in the Rue Morgue.
One didn't have to read and discuss both, but it was a great experience for those who did.
This time, Matthew has written a mystery (The Last Dickens) based on Charles' Dickens unfinished work - the Mystery of Ëdwin Drood. A mystery, based on a mystery. What could be more fun then that?
I had never heard of Dicken's Edwin Drood, but he seems quite popular lately.
Since there are many interesting titles mentioned here, and since we are always looking for titles for discussion, we have put up a new
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
Do drop in - nominate titles, or simply stop in now and then to see what others are suggesting! See you there.
Post by: hats on March 07, 2009, 01:19:05 PM
We were on the same wave length.
Post by: hats on March 07, 2009, 01:19:34 PM
Thanks for the link.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 07, 2009, 01:19:39 PM
http://www.oldmustybooks.com/2009/01/20/all-the-presidents-books-barack-obama/
I love the name of this site "old mustybooks".................jean
Post by: hats on March 07, 2009, 01:32:49 PM
Post by: Steph on March 07, 2009, 01:48:29 PM
Post by: CallieOK on March 07, 2009, 03:03:13 PM
My Texas connection was 5 years in Amarillo, during which I met my husband; however, he was a native of Mississippi.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 07, 2009, 04:20:48 PM
For those of you who have't yet seen me "talk" about Alice Paul - the Martin Luther King of the women's suffragage movement, except she did it first (1910 - 1920) and then wrote the Equal Rights Amendment - here's a website about her and the institute we've founded to honor her. www.alicepaul.org ..............jean
Post by: CallieOK on March 07, 2009, 05:42:06 PM
Post by: Persian on March 07, 2009, 07:53:52 PM
I tried to access Seniors&Friends, but kept getting a notice that it could not be found. Has that one been discontinued?
Hope all are enjoying the weekend. I'm getting ready to travel to Ft. Stewart, GA on the 24th to welcome my son as he and family are transferred from their current Army base in Germany.
I'll check in again.
Mahlia
Post by: Frybabe on March 07, 2009, 07:59:11 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 07, 2009, 08:57:10 PM
Post by: Judy Laird on March 07, 2009, 09:49:51 PM
That is a massive undertaking. I am enjoying the "Village" outlay of it.
Its fun.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 08, 2009, 12:13:31 AM
This is a post i had made on Team of Rivals after Ella said she had watched "Iron-jawed Angels"
I met Alice Paul - the REAL Alice Paul - here in a Moorestown, NJ Quaker nursing home on her 92 nd birthday the year before she died in 1977. She was a fascinating woman. In 1985, which was her centennial year, a small group of us started the Alice Paul Centennial Foundation and had a dinner that honored some women who were "first" - one was Sally Ride who had just come back from space. We tho't we might buy a tombstone for AP's grave w/ the money that we made from the dinner at which we had over 250 people. ......... long and short of it, we are still in existence, have bought her childhood home and have turned it into an institute to teach leadership skills to women and girls, and educates people about AP and women's history in general. See www.alicepaul.org ............what a ride that has been......................jean
Post by: CallieOK on March 08, 2009, 12:21:09 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 08, 2009, 12:55:55 AM
Post by: Steph on March 08, 2009, 09:05:30 AM
Post by: CallieOK on March 08, 2009, 10:14:13 AM
Steph, I was vaguely aware that "a woman" had been imprisoned and badly treated for her actions re: Suffrage, but Alice Paul's name didn't sink in until my friend began developing that "character".
Post by: Babi on March 08, 2009, 10:24:56 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 08, 2009, 10:56:52 AM
Post by: pedln on March 08, 2009, 01:02:28 PM
Jean, the Alice Paul Centennial Foundation is a fantastic example of what a smalll group can do. Impressive. Your dinner honoring women who were first reminds me of artist Judy Chicago's The Dinner Party, a permanent exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, which honors women throughout the ages. Link below.
The Dinner Party (http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/dinner_party/)
While we're talking about women's rights and women's suffrage, there is an excellent video/DVD out about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton that focuses on the early phases of the movement -- Not For Ourselves Alone (Ken Burns directing.) Well worth viewing. Netflix has it, if your library does not.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 08, 2009, 01:07:18 PM
Post by: Judy Laird on March 08, 2009, 01:40:11 PM
I had never heard of Alice Paul am going to have to start looking for these things.
Thanks Jean
Post by: lucky on March 08, 2009, 03:08:08 PM
Post by: CallieOK on March 08, 2009, 03:50:04 PM
This morning, I read a newspaper review of "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. It's her first novel and is, according to the reviewer, "a wonderful and sometimes shocking view into Southern society during the early days of the civil-rights movement". Main characters are two black domestic workers and their WASP Junior League type employers, one of whom decides to "go against the norm". Sounds as if the three do so in a clever and somewhat devious fashion.
I've reserved a copy from the metro library. There are 9 copies available and 37 ahead of me. It may turn out to be some of my Summer Reading.
Have any of you read the "Miss Julia" books?
Lucky, you posted while I was "modifying". Well said - and the selections you were given were wonderful.
Post by: jane on March 08, 2009, 04:40:58 PM
That's the cycle I'm in at the moment...light, fluffy, happy stuff.
jane
Post by: PatH on March 08, 2009, 05:20:34 PM
Post by: ginny on March 08, 2009, 05:39:51 PM
This is intended as an informal round table where we share our ideas at trends or news, usually but not always pertaining to the written word (always from the written word) and first up is of all things, Cursive handrwiting. They're doing away with teaching it, reasoning that children can keyboard instead.
What do you think of this? When's the last time you wrote a long letter in hand? How's YOUR handwriting? Do you know they say fewer than 15 percent of all adults use cursive handwriting? (What are the rest of you using? hahahaa)
Come on down and read the article first, it's a good one and let's discuss!!!
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=323.msg13400#msg13400
Post by: patcook on March 09, 2009, 12:22:36 AM
When we got home, there was my Kindle 2. I'm having fun with it. Love getting the Boston Globe (one of my favorite newspapers) downloaded each a.m. before I get up - great read with my coffee and no paper to throw away. The shopping in the Kindle Store is just like shopping on Amazon and the download takes less than a minute after purchase! COOL! Love the ability to look up a word definition while reading - built in dictionary. Also, like being able to underline parts to refer to later when preparing for monthly book club meetings. I'm sure I haven't even touched on all of the capabilities of it. I love learning and combined with reading - I couldn't be happier!
Pedln, I have the Anthony/Stanton DVD in my Netflix queue due to arrive next week. My husband is off to the Baja 250 next week so I have 3 chick flicks due to arrive while he is away.
Post by: Steph on March 09, 2009, 07:46:17 AM
I am really getting intrigued by the Kindle.. Download a good newspaper. We live close to Orlando and the paper was purchased a while back by a terrible man to loot it. It is all horrible ads about products noone should buy and very little news. Both my husband and I love newspapers and they are getting few and far between. Sad.
Post by: nlhome on March 09, 2009, 02:50:51 PM
Post by: JoanP on March 09, 2009, 03:15:00 PM
Enchanted April (http://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-April-Review-Books-Classics/dp/1590172256)
Will be back later when I have more time...
Post by: Babi on March 10, 2009, 08:52:00 AM
PEDLIN,..Yes, 'Edwin Drood' just stops short and is obviously unfinished. It appears to be further along than the 'middle'- far enough along to get you involved. And as I said, I felt I knew enough to guess how it must have ended.
LUCKY, the fact that your father bought you a book once he was working again says a lot about how important he felt books are. And your sister did the same when she began working. When money is tight, where one chooses to spend it says a lot about what is valued.
uh, JOANP, what was this idea you had about Edwin Drood?
Post by: bellemere on March 10, 2009, 09:59:24 AM
We thought it was hysterical. My own mom was caught on the turn, having my brother when she was in her forties. \
the Barnes and Noble booksellers voted David Sheff the nonfiction author of the year for "Beautiful Boy"
I found it so hard to read; so depressing, and not just because my own family has been touched by the terrible disease of addiction to alcohol and drugs (my handsomegrandson, our own Beautiful Boy) but for the future of his whole generation. What is the answer? Sheff says a War on Drugs that focuses research and education and treatment to the same level as the War on Cancer, but since addiction is largely a disease of the young and disadvantaged, such a War would never gain political support.
The heartbreaking thing is that my grandson's addiction lands him in jail, three or is it four times since he was 18. He is now thirty. But when he does get jailed for violence and brawling, our whole family breathes a sigh of relief. At least he is not dead; not hurting anyone; and clean and sober for a while. That seems to be the best scenario we can hope for.
I understand that Sheff's boy ;has written his own book, called I believe,
Tweaking, a drug term.
Anyway, Beautiful Boy is a classic of the new form: addiction literature, sadly growing in importance.
Post by: marjifay on March 10, 2009, 11:39:12 AM
Post by: marcie on March 10, 2009, 11:54:32 AM
Post by: Steph on March 10, 2009, 01:35:34 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 10, 2009, 02:14:16 PM
Post by: marjifay on March 10, 2009, 04:53:12 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4e.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
Aha! Thanks, Marcie. I found the other discussion groups.
Post by: marcie on March 10, 2009, 05:23:59 PM
Post by: Sandy on March 10, 2009, 07:54:03 PM
Long day and it is just a little over the sun..Husband had an endoscopy this am.. No food, doctor over an hour late.. Not a nice morning.. This has been the month or so of tests and tests and test. He feels fine, just lost way too much weight in a short time..Some problems swallowing, no saliva.. Mostly the doctors feel it is long term radiation problems, but they seem to want to test all sorts of things to be sure. I guess I see their point, but I get worn down when he gets so angry at lateness...mistakes...etc. Oh well. Excuse the whine..
Steph, you have been through so much with your husband and his tests and his to-be-expected anger at all he has been through, that I think it is healthy and normal for you to share your feelings. Just remember to take care of yourself. No one can nurture on empty. Hope there is good news somewhere ahead.
Sandy
Post by: PatH on March 10, 2009, 08:41:41 PM
Post by: Steph on March 11, 2009, 07:58:41 AM
Post by: Babi on March 11, 2009, 10:14:14 AM
STEPH, it is hard, when one is anxious and stressed, not to be angry with delays and mistakes. And of course, those who are closest to the fall-out get the brunt of it. Don't apologize for the 'whine'; that's what friends are for.
By the way, congratulations on your hair. After a long spell of illness, mine is falling out like a cat shedding it's winter coat! I can see a wig looming in my future. :-\
Post by: JoanP on March 11, 2009, 04:54:01 PM
Steph - Bruce is going through the same thing. They had to take cartilage from his ear and put it in the side of his nose this time. I understand what you are going through.
Quote
uh, JOANP, what was this idea you had about Edwin Drood? BabiBabi - Actually I had two thoughts about Drood. When you said you felt you knew enough to guess how it must have ended, I thought it would be fun to read and discuss it (not sure how far Dickens got with it before his death - did you say he was over half finished?)...and then everyone come up with an ending.
Then I thought about the two authors who recently wrote mysteries on Drood - Dan Simmons, Drood and Matthew Pearl's Last Dickens. I wonder what brought about this sudden interest? I know Matthew would come in and talk about his book with us again as he did Poe Shadow and Dante Club. Maybe we could read Dickens' Drood first, then come up with our own ending...and finally, read and discuss Matthew's book with him. It would be interesting to see how he treated Drood, I think. You can bet it would be a very different twist on Dickens...
Post by: lucky on March 11, 2009, 07:04:48 PM
The Middle Ages gave us extraordinary women such as Hildegaard of Bingen, a noted theologian, philosopher, musician and Margaret Hroswitha of Gandersheim who wrote verse, history and is credited with having written the first play in Europe.
Christine de Pisan (14th century) wrote “The City of Women” in which she called for women’s rights. She has been called the first feminist. Her writings are readily available.
The Renaissance brought horror to women. The Great Witch Hunts of the 15-17 centuries brought death and destruction to so-called witches, many of whom were midwives and healers. It is estimated that 200,000 women were murdered.
The modern age produced women scientists. Marie Curie along with her husband Pierre won Nobles prizes for their discovery or radium and yet I have heard grumbling from male chauvinist pigs and piglets that her husband was the one who really discovered radium. During the First World War, Marie Curie toured the battlefields with a portable X-ray machine saving countless .
Rosalyn Franklin was ignored for the Noble prize although she worked with Crick and Watson decoding DNA and yet was ignored.
There are a number of books that I would like to recommend
That deal with women’s history.
A History of Their Own, vol. 1& 2, by Bonnie Anderson, Judith Zinssi
The writings of Christine de Pisan
The Treasure of the City of Ladies
Madam Curie, Eve Curie
Uppity Women (this is great fun) Vickie Leon
Ancient times
Medieval
Renaissance
Century of Struggle, Flexner & Fitzpatrick
Woman’s Body, Woman’s Right, Linda Gordon ( a good source of information on women’s reproductive rights)
Malleus Malificarum ( The Hammer of Witches, Spenger & Kramer)
This was written by two Dominican monks in the 15th century and deals with the question of identifying witches. It reads like a source book on abnormal psychology, but it is fascinating.
Post by: Steph on March 12, 2009, 08:01:02 AM
We are still learning to live with the long term effects of radiation. My husband had three bouts in three years and he has now managed to lose his saliva glands entirely,, and an inability to swallow with comfort. He is going through a huge battery of tests to help, but thus far.. nothing is seen, other than the long range and that cannot be fixed.
Post by: Babi on March 12, 2009, 08:53:18 AM
LUCKY, I would like to add to your list of influential women, the names of Hilary
of Poitiers, a 4th century educated woman who was elected Bishop of Poiters, and Julian of Norwich, a late 14th-early 15th century mystic and hermitess who wrote "The Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love", the first book published by a woman in England.
Post by: lucky on March 12, 2009, 09:22:58 AM
Are you familiar with the story of Pope Joan? There are those who believe that the story of woman pope is just a myth, but "The Legend Of Pope Joan" by Peter Stanford makes a good case for her. It is fascinating reading.
Post by: pedln on March 12, 2009, 01:20:08 PM
Interesting that you should mention Our Bodies Ourselves. It came to mind while reading Lucky's post right before yours, and then there you mentioned it. We first had it in our high school library back in the '70's, and I remember there were some raised eyebrows, and some areas had it banned, but we kept it, even though the boys would think it fun to huddle and comment. We eventually had to put it on the "reserve" shelf to keep it from disappearing. The only problem with some reserve shelf books is that some kids would be intimidated about asking for them. Just looking at Google now, it's still being published, is now translated world wide, about to celebrate its 40th birthday, and the organization in charge, the Boston Women's Health Book Collective, has an excellent website.
JoanP, I like you ideas about the tie-in with the new Droods and the old one.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 12, 2009, 01:56:02 PM
Just last night i had a wonderful experience in women's history. Women's Way in Philadelphia, which is a "United Way" for women's agencies and issues, give an award each year to the author of a book which advances the dialogue about women's rights. It's given in the name of Ernesta Drinker Ballard who was the first president of Women's Way. W'sW was started in the 70's when the United Way of Phila was giving very little money to women's agencies and projects. Ballard was a dynamo for women in PHila, in many areas of life.
The winner of the award last night was Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, the author of sev'l books about colonial women, but is most famous for putting a phrase in a journal article in the 1970's about colonial funerals that said "well-behaved women seldom make history!" That phrase has been picked up and used on every surface - t-shirts, mugs, pens, banners, etc. etc. and is the title of her latest book. This book focuses on Christine de Pisan, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Virginia Woolf, but goes on to chapters entitled "Shakespeare's Daughters," the Amazons," Slaves in the Attic," and others. She is really talking about all of us ordinary women who "make" history w/out ever having our names in history books. Gerda Learner has said everyone is making history. Do you think she's right?
I say to my students that everyone whose name is in a history book was/is a radical. Do you agree? They weren't behaving as normal, everyday people, or thay would not be noticed enough for us to still know their names.
Another of Ulrich's books i enjoyed was "The Age of Homespun." That was her first book and was about colonial women.
jean
Post by: PatH on March 12, 2009, 01:56:19 PM
Post by: Persian on March 12, 2009, 08:12:02 PM
I have spoken many times in the past about the richness of learning and friendships in the former SN. This week I took advantage of a "rapt" audience (joking, of course) to talk a little bit about this site. Several of the members of my audience are long-time experienced world travelers (two IBM retired executives come to mind) and, like me, retired from universities. They were eager to learn about this site, explore new cyber learning opportunities and possible new friends. I also mentioned the several book discussion groups.
Mahlia
Post by: Sandy on March 12, 2009, 08:49:29 PM
March is Women’s History Month. We have never gotten our due, from Eve on up. Elizabeth Stanton and her coterie wrote a feminist interpretation of the Bible called “The Woman’s Bible” which is wonderful reading and which puts Eve in a favorable light. Eve, she tells us was the smarter of the two, more intellectually curious and so ate the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.
The Middle Ages gave us extraordinary women such as Hildegaard of Bingen, a noted theologian, philosopher, musician and Margaret Hroswitha of Gandersheim who wrote verse, history and is credited with having written the first play in Europe.
Christine de Pisan (14th century) wrote “The City of Women” in which she called for women’s rights. She has been called the first feminist. Her writings are readily available.
The Renaissance brought horror to women. The Great Witch Hunts of the 15-17 centuries brought death and destruction to so-called witches, many of whom were midwives and healers. It is estimated that 200,000 women were murdered.
The modern age produced women scientists. Marie Curie along with her husband Pierre won Nobles prizes for their discovery or radium and yet I have heard grumbling from male chauvinist pigs and piglets that her husband was the one who really discovered radium. During the First World War, Marie Curie toured the battlefields with a portable X-ray machine saving countless .
Rosalyn Franklin was ignored for the Noble prize although she worked with Crick and Watson decoding DNA and yet was ignored.
There are a number of books that I would like to recommend
That deal with women’s history.
A History of Their Own, vol. 1& 2, by Bonnie Anderson, Judith Zinssi
The writings of Christine de Pisan
The Treasure of the City of Ladies
Madam Curie, Eve Curie
Uppity Women (this is great fun) Vickie Leon
Ancient times
Medieval
Renaissance
Century of Struggle, Flexner & Fitzpatrick
Woman’s Body, Woman’s Right, Linda Gordon ( a good source of information on women’s reproductive rights)
Malleus Malificarum ( The Hammer of Witches, Spenger & Kramer)
This was written by two Dominican monks in the 15th century and deals with the question of identifying witches. It reads like a source book on abnormal psychology, but it is fascinating.
Post by: Sandy on March 12, 2009, 08:54:54 PM
March is Women’s History Month. We have never gotten our due, from Eve on up. Elizabeth Stanton and her coterie wrote a feminist interpretation of the Bible called “The Woman’s Bible” which is wonderful reading and which puts Eve in a favorable light. Eve, she tells us was the smarter of the two, more intellectually curious and so ate the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.
The Middle Ages gave us extraordinary women such as Hildegaard of Bingen, a noted theologian, philosopher, musician and Margaret Hroswitha of Gandersheim who wrote verse, history and is credited with having written the first play in Europe.
Christine de Pisan (14th century) wrote “The City of Women” in which she called for women’s rights. She has been called the first feminist. Her writings are readily available.
The Renaissance brought horror to women. The Great Witch Hunts of the 15-17 centuries brought death and destruction to so-called witches, many of whom were midwives and healers. It is estimated that 200,000 women were murdered.
Uppity Women (this is great fun) Vickie Leon
Ancient times
Medieval
Renaissance
Your post made fascinating reading. There are quite a few of the women I would enjoy reading about. The Middle Ages has always been of special interest to me, but I don't really know why.
Uppity Women is an irresistible title. Must check that one out. Bet it was fun to write.
Sandy
Post by: JoanP on March 12, 2009, 10:53:11 PM
Hi Bellemere - I'm not a twin like Pat is, but did take part in the discussion of this book (Thirteenth Tale) , which we were fortunate to have archived. The only problem is that the Archived text is quite small. Are you able to increase the font size on your monitor - bottom right, over the time? If so, you might want to scroll down through the discussion to the last section - Feb. 20.
Not sure if your ghost question will be addressed...I don't remember there was one - this is a gothic tale, like Woman in White, so there could have been one... ;)
Quote
"I have fallen into the habit of interpreting every movement out of the corner of my eye as evidence of their presence." (from Thirteenth Tale)
I'll stop in the Library later - but in the meantime - here's the discussion - remember it was a month long, so you may want to scroll down to Feb. 20 or so...
Archived Thirteenth Tale Discussion (http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/archives/fiction/ThirteenthTale/ThirteenthTale.htm)
Post by: Steph on March 13, 2009, 07:42:08 AM
Post by: Babi on March 13, 2009, 09:14:32 AM
Quote
"I have fallen into the habit of interpreting every movement out of the corner of my eye as evidence of their presence." (from Thirteenth Tale)
JOANP, my peripheral vision is quite good, and if I interpreted
every movement there as ghosts, I'd have to acknowledge a numerous ghostly presence in my life. I think I would enjoy "The Thirteenth Tale", tho'. I'll
see if my library has it.
Post by: JoanP on March 13, 2009, 12:29:39 PM
Post by: Babi on March 14, 2009, 10:11:36 AM
Speaking of Dan Simmons and Drood, I found a review of that book in 'Bookpage', a paper my library offers free to patrons. The reviewer had commented that Simmons is one of those writers who does well in a number of genres. He goes on to say that in "Drood", he seems to use them all!
"Drood is at once an intimate view of the amours of two beloved Victorian writers, and extensive and meticulously researched piece of English historical fiction, a fantasy of doppelgangers and Egyptian rites, a quaint exercise in 19th-century science fiction.., a dark and bloody detective story, a novel of purest horror..and the latest in a long line of impossible efforts to finish Dickens last, unfinished novel..."
Frankly, I don't know whether to be intrigued or appalled! :o
Post by: PatH on March 14, 2009, 11:44:31 AM
Post by: JoanP on March 14, 2009, 12:26:07 PM
Post by: Steph on March 14, 2009, 02:03:01 PM
Post by: catbrown on March 14, 2009, 05:39:39 PM
Quote
uh, JOANP, what was this idea you had about Edwin Drood? Babi
Babi - Actually I had two thoughts about Drood. When you said you felt you knew enough to guess how it must have ended, I thought it would be fun to read and discuss it (not sure how far Dickens got with it before his death - did you say he was over half finished?)...and then everyone come up with an ending.
Then I thought about the two authors who recently wrote mysteries on Drood - Dan Simmons, Drood and Matthew Pearl's Last Dickens. I wonder what brought about this sudden interest? I know Matthew would come in and talk about his book with us again as he did Poe Shadow and Dante Club. Maybe we could read Dickens' Drood first, then come up with our own ending...and finally, read and discuss Matthew's book with him. It would be interesting to see how he treated Drood, I think. You can bet it would be a very different twist on Dickens..
I just finished reading Dan Simmon's "Drood," and have to say that it's a very, very strange book. It's very post-modern in that it's told from the point of view of a most unreliable narrator, so you don't really know which fantastic event is "true" and which is not. I kept reading, not so much for the somewhat ridiculous story, but because it's filled with biographical details about both Dickens and Wilkie Collins (who is the so very unreliable narrator). My overall take is that it's a failure as a novel, but since I read all 765 (or so) pages, something must have kept me glued. Anyone else read it?
Also, I have on my bookshelf a "finished" version of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" published in 1980, which from my check on Amazon appears to be no longer in print. Anyway, I would be up for re-reading "Drood" as part of a group and then going on to "The Last Dickens."
Cathy
Post by: lucky on March 14, 2009, 07:55:02 PM
Post by: lucky on March 14, 2009, 08:11:15 PM
Post by: bellemere on March 14, 2009, 09:42:29 PM
Post by: Babi on March 15, 2009, 10:56:55 AM
Matthew Pearl's book is still an option, tho'.
Thanks for the post on Frances Perkins, LUCKY. I'd heard of her before, but had no idea how much we owe to her work. I'm glad to see Bellemarie's notice that Mt. Holyoke, at least, has done something in her honor.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 15, 2009, 11:00:31 AM
Post by: Aberlaine on March 15, 2009, 11:06:28 AM
Hi Bellemere - I'm not a twin like Pat is, but did take part in the discussion of this book (Thirteenth Tale) , which we were fortunate to have archived. The only problem is that the Archived text is quite small. Are you able to increase the font size on your monitor - bottom right, over the time? If so, you might want to scroll down through the discussion to the last section - Feb. 20.
I'll stop in the Library later - but in the meantime - here's the discussion - remember it was a month long, so you may want to scroll down to Feb. 20 or so...Archived Thirteenth Tale Discussion (http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/archives/fiction/ThirteenthTale/ThirteenthTale.htm)
Thanks so much for the link to the archived discussions. I had the archives at SeniorNet bookmarked, but the website has disappeared. Good to know that some of the discussions were saved.
Post by: marjifay on March 15, 2009, 02:04:00 PM
Kirsten Downey. Sounds very interesting and has received very good reviews from Amazon readers.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 15, 2009, 02:11:32 PM
Hey! You kindle uses! Did you hear V.P Cheney say he has one now - on an interview on CNN this morning, he said he now has a blackberry and a kindle! ....................jean
Post by: maryz on March 15, 2009, 04:05:25 PM
Post by: pedln on March 15, 2009, 04:38:02 PM
Post by: maryz on March 15, 2009, 05:47:44 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 15, 2009, 09:28:27 PM
The discussion is a two for - yep a twin discussion - the main discussion will be to explore Humor Wit and Satire (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=351.0) in Literature but to narrow it down we chose the short story -
Each middle of the month there will be a new short story to read ON-LINE that encapsulates either Humor Wit or Satire or all three - lots of great authors like Mark Twain and Wells and Eudora Welty - the list goes on - and so for 10 days each month we will explore one of these short stories while learning how writers make us laugh or get a message across without beating us over the head by using satire or their wits using language.
I am really excited and hope you will look in - WE START TOMORROW - can you believe TOMORROW - and sun comes up tomorrow as the song goes - we strike while the iron is hot around here - and the story is tra la la laaa a P.G.Wodehouse story - do I see a smile already? - one of his early Bertie Wooster and Jeeves tales called Jeeves in the Springtime (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=352.0) - hope to see you tomorrow.
Post by: Steph on March 16, 2009, 07:47:40 AM
Short stores.. Hmm. got to think of that one.
Post by: Judy Laird on March 16, 2009, 11:06:15 AM
Besides it takes some doing to figure it out and get to all the hidden things that are in there.
Besides that someone would have to help him because he REALLY couldn't do it by himself.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 16, 2009, 01:34:46 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4e.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
.Judy - tell us about some of the "hidden things.".............................jean
Post by: joangrimes on March 16, 2009, 06:46:53 PM
Happy Birthday Mary Z
For your card click here http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=46.120#lastPost
Joan G
Post by: maryz on March 16, 2009, 08:06:13 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 16, 2009, 09:32:47 PM
Post by: Steph on March 17, 2009, 07:43:18 AM
Still am considering the Kindle..I am still h aving such fun with tracking down audio cassetes of the Harry Potter series. I have and have read the books, but the tapes were recommended since the man reading them is so wild. I am on my fourth one and they are quite wonderful. This man ( I think his name is Jim Dale) has hundreds of voices for the characters and remains true to all of them. Really amazing. Good Old Mad Eye has just been announced and I can hardly wait to hear his voice. This makes going to the gym and sweating much easier when I know I get to listen to my tapes. I keep them from myself except for the gym and my Sunday morning walk.. The rest of the week on the walk, I listen to news, but Sunday is my no news type day.
Post by: Babi on March 17, 2009, 09:11:40 AM
Quote
Besides that someone would have to help him because he REALLY couldn't do it by himself. ;D
Good one, JUDY.
Post by: maryz on March 17, 2009, 09:19:21 AM
Post by: FlaJean on March 17, 2009, 10:45:25 AM
Post by: Frybabe on March 17, 2009, 01:13:13 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 17, 2009, 01:19:23 PM
Post by: maryz on March 17, 2009, 01:40:03 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on March 17, 2009, 03:16:32 PM
Post by: JoanP on March 17, 2009, 05:44:22 PM
Look who's here - Jackie, what a welcome surprise! How have you been? I just looked in at the Lumby site - it certainly looks inviting - don't have the time right now to register to look around, but it does look like a place I'd like to return to. Would you consider posting the link in the Suggestion box? You should see the box under the welcome mat in the heading here.
Also, we are getting ready for a new discussion, the Elegance of the Hedgehog (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=55.0) - come check it out - I think it's your cup of tea!
Welcome home!
Post by: lucky on March 17, 2009, 07:35:54 PM
Post by: Persian on March 17, 2009, 08:30:05 PM
In a recent presentation at an area Library, I talked about the history of adult, childhood and youth slavery in Central Asia (Afghanistan to be exact) and its continuance today, which also prompted me to recall my earlier conversation with Professor Gates. Although the core topic of the discussion was Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea, audience members digressed to other issues pertaining to the history of Afghanistan and questions about slavery arose.
Mahlia
Post by: hats on March 18, 2009, 06:11:06 AM
Post by: Steph on March 18, 2009, 07:48:00 AM
Post by: Babi on March 18, 2009, 09:21:17 AM
I will also be interested to hear what Mahlia has to say about differences between Texas and the 'deep South' states.
Post by: mrssherlock on March 18, 2009, 10:51:36 AM
Post by: Persian on March 18, 2009, 07:59:35 PM
What I've learned just from some family stories, which I've shared with some unrelated friends and neighbors since relocating to the South in 2004, is that "seemingly" the Texas folks were more likely to release their former slaves from indenture - arranging some type of paid employment or giving them small parcels of land and equipment to farm, thus creating opportunities for self-reliance (although continued hard work, but on their OWN property).
As a child, I recall that my maternal grandfather spoke very lovingly of the African Americans whom he knew in his childhood, youth and adult life. And when he married my French Grandmother and moved to Washington State (where he owned a logging company) and then to California, he encouraged one of the married couples to accompany he and his new bride.
Although the name "Nana" seems to refer to a Grandmother here in the South, the woman whom I called Nana during my childhood (and who helped to raise me in the household with my grandparents and my mother while my father was overseas) was the African American woman who (with her husband) relocated with my grandfather and grandmother when they married.
Thus, I have had multiracial friends all of my life, as well as worked with men and women of many Nations (including Africa). It is intriguing, isn't it, to learn about one's family history and share it with younger generations. My son (now 45 and serving as an Army Chaplain) jokes that "My Mom is a United Nations in one body."
BABI - on the topic of differences between the Deep South and Texas, I should mention that I have never lived in Texas, but have known many Texans professionally and as friends. Overall, among the folks with whom I've talked and worked, those from Texas seem less harsh about the issue of racism than do the Southerners whom I've met. That is just something I've noticed in the past 4 years. And there have been some very explicit instances that I recall: when we first relocated here, I hired an African American gardener to help prepare my son's yard, tidy it up, do some planting of shrubs and flowers, mow the grass weekly, etc. And I always insisted that he rest, drink fluids in the hot summers and sit down to a light lunch in our kitchen when he was "on my clock." I usually sat at the table with him, drank something cold and chatted for a few minutes. One day, a neighbor came to visit, walked into the kitchen, stopped abruptly, looked at the gardener eating his lunch and turned bright red in the face.
Her comment: "Well, my goodness gracious, what on earth are you doing inside Miss Mahlia's home?!!!!!!!" I replied (for the gardener), "just taking a break from the heat, having a bite of lunch. Would you like to join us?" She rushed out the door and has not spoken to me in the past 4 years.
A few weeks later, the gardener's son was visiting from California. He happens to be a senior executive at IBM. He stopped by and as he told me "I just wanted to shake your hand and let you know you have one of the best gardeners in the area. And I'm still laughing at the story my Dad told about your interaction with your neighbor."
Post by: Persian on March 18, 2009, 08:18:18 PM
It was truly fascinating to look at the couple in the photo and to think about their ancestral cultural and racial backgrounds. I also met the grandparents of another Chinese student whose ancestry included Jewish forebears from the well known Sassoon family in the Middle East.
Intermarriages along the historical Caravan routes were common in earlier generations, so there are many folks whom I've met and talked to abroad who may have Asian eyes, South African skin color, the extreme height of the Northern Afghans (Pashtuns) or the slight stature of the Southern Hazaras and only in the past few generations moved from Judaism or Islam.
I've met Jewish converts in China who were raised as Buddhists until they researched their ancient ancestors; and Afghans who swear that their ancestry includes one of the original Tribes from the Holy Land - they usually refer to "the Lost Tribe."
Mahlia
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 19, 2009, 01:55:45 AM
Juneteenth is still celebrated as a major holiday in Texas and considered the day of Emancipation -
Slaves in the southern parts of the state could not reach the underground going north before and during the War - some did escape into Mexico - these link tells the story including the story of the Black Cowboys of Texas, who, like all cowboys, did not own land but moved cattle.
.
http://tiny.cc/crZXD
http://tiny.cc/Qlgy8
http://us-civil-war.suite101.com/article.cfm/slave_emancipation
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/SS/yps1.html
http://frank.mtsu.edu/~kmiddlet/history/women/wh-slavery.html
Post by: Steph on March 19, 2009, 08:04:28 AM
Post by: JoanP on March 19, 2009, 08:20:32 AM
Ann's proposal to discuss Loving Frank (Lloyd Wright ) is now open - While she is busy with Ralph's post surgery recovery, Traude has been working to get the proposal for May to you -
Quote
"Nancy Horan has blended the known facts with novelistic imagination to create a compelling narrative of a dramatic, ultimately tragic love story."
Those interested in FLW's work will be fascinated at the turmoil in his private life. This is fiction - based on fact. Historical fiction? If you are interested, Traude is waiting to hear from you right here -
Loving Frank (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=347.0)
Post by: Babi on March 19, 2009, 09:24:24 AM
Post by: mrssherlock on March 19, 2009, 02:04:09 PM
Post by: Persian on March 19, 2009, 02:17:33 PM
Mahlia
Post by: mabel1015j on March 19, 2009, 02:47:12 PM
Post by: EvelynMC on March 19, 2009, 03:04:10 PM
Up north although born in Chicago, he was considered Italian; down here we're Yankees. So much for labels. ;)
Evelyn
Post by: HaroldArnold on March 19, 2009, 07:26:31 PM
This is an Interesting Senior's activity participating in plays in which the actors read from printed scrip instead of memorizing their diolog. Our Chandler group (The Chandler House Players) began this activity late last summer and we produced an interesting comedy entitled "The Ice Lady Cometh." During the fall we put it on at six San Antonio Senior's Apartments and also at a City Recreation center, It involved 5 actors taking a little more than half an hour. In December and January we did a Carol Burnett/Harvey Korman "Old Folks Sketch" that they have allowed armature groups to use. I was really surprised at the wild audience reaction to our comedy. We are now rehearsing two half hour comedies with six performances now booked for April with more expected.
Post by: JoanK on March 19, 2009, 07:50:32 PM
If you're interested, come let us know in "Proposed discussions" or here:
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=57.0 (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=57.0)
Post by: Persian on March 19, 2009, 08:00:34 PM
Here is a link to the several editions of Mortenson's tales about his adventures in Central Asia.
NOTE: Listen to the Wind is especially appropriate for children to learn about the rural village in Pakistan and perhaps to consider how best to relate to and understand the children of those villages.
https://www.discountbooksale.com/store/productslist.aspx?ProdID=131&ec=1&sort=3&AWTrck=1035649422&searchAuthor=Mortenson+Greg&gclid=CKy85vKZsJkCFQFqxwodeGLtIw
Mahlia
Post by: Steph on March 20, 2009, 07:43:13 AM
Post by: Babi on March 20, 2009, 09:00:22 AM
Quote
"...the moment she said the word "Texas" people would lower their voices, look at each other knowingly and reply "Oh."
I had to grin when I read this, MAHLIA. On a similar topic, Yankees seemed to enjoy it when I would drop into my Texas accent for them. And a former SIL who attended a Southern college always had visitors in her room, who would come just to listen to her talk in her New York accent.
Post by: Persian on March 20, 2009, 09:39:59 AM
A couple of years ago, there was an ad in our local newspaper about a new ice cream shop, which had opened in our community. The owners were reportedly from New York City. I finally had time to explore and when it was my turn at the counter, I looked at the fellow who was serving (turned out to be the owner) and listened to him talking with one of the young servers. When he turned to me, I said "gimme an Italian ice - not too much juice!" The fellow stared at me, grinned and said "Here ya go, Hon! No charge! Where'd you live on the Boulevard?" Turns out he was a retired police officer, who used to work in New Jersey, but lived most of his life in Queens.
Mahlia
Post by: mabel1015j on March 20, 2009, 01:24:10 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on March 20, 2009, 03:11:09 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 20, 2009, 03:38:14 PM
Post by: Persian on March 20, 2009, 03:53:48 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 20, 2009, 04:02:05 PM
Post by: ginny on March 21, 2009, 09:33:01 AM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4e.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the cold and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
What interesting conversations here and so au courant, Newsweek has just come out this week talking about the Kindle. Interesting that Tom Hanks will read his newspaper with it but not a book. He feels a book is different. I do like the idea it will read to you. Don't you find the narrator can make or break a recording tho?
There are people's voices I can't stand to listen to, totally destroys the ambiance for me.
I am reading a most interesting book but it's certainly gritty and ...I don't know the word, honest?
It's called Down the Nile: Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff by Rosemary Mahoney. It was written in 2007. She's young and pretty.
It's a true account of a woman rowing a rowboat down the Nile alone and the hazards and problems thereof. It gives another glimpse into the Egyptian mindset, perhaps, as well. It's quite startling, sort of reminds me of that woman who wrote about crossing Australia on a camel which we read a few years ago here..
I'm about 1/4th of the way through but already it's full of fascinating facts. I did not know Flaubert despised his own country. I did not know that Muhammad Ali who became pasha of Egypt in 1805, exchanged for technical and political advice the ability to excavate and remove archaeological sites out of the country. it's horrifying what was taken away.
I did not know that the Egyptians themselves until the Rosetta stone was decoded, could not read their ancient language. I did not know anything about Florence Nightingale who was MOST interesting apparently and who also penned a book in called Letters from Egypt: A Journey on the Nile, 1849-1850. about going through Egypt. I want to get that book now. There is a LOT to the Lady with the Lamp I apparently did not know. Just reading the advice to the travelers from the guidebooks of the day including Baedekers, is an eye opener.
Amelia Edwards also wrote a very descriptive account called A Thousand Miles Up the Nile in 1872, describing conditions on the ships called dahabiehs.
From these records we can see what the traveler in the 1800's packed. You know how we talk about a book on the plane? hahahaa
Apparently it was the custom to carry "a shockingly hefty supply of books" with you on a trip down the Nile. Napoleon and his men carried with them a library of 500 volumes!!
Murray's Handbook of 1858 recommended:
Volums ii and iii of Larcher's Herodotys
Champollions Phonetic Systems of Hieroglyphics, Letters and Grammar
Pococke
Denon
Hamilton's Aegyptaica
Savary's Letters
Clot Bey's Apercu Generale de L'Egypte
Gliddon on the Hieroglyphics
Mengin's Egypte Sous Mohammad Aly
Robinson's Palestine and Mount Sinai
Stanley's Sinai
Lane's Modern Egyptians
Wilkinson's Ancient Egyptians
Hoskin's Ehtiopia
Colonel Leake's Map of Egypt
or
Lapie's Map of Egypt
or
Wilkinson's Map of Egypt
Captain Smythe's Alexandria
Wilkinson's Survey of Thebes
Costa's Delta
Parke and Scole's Nubia
"to which may be added Burckhardt, Laborde's Petra, Ptolemy, Strabo and Pliny."
Isn't that interesting? How many of those have you read? I have read some Strabo but not on Egypt and some Pliny (not on Egypt).
Do today's travelers take books about the place they are going? I know when I've traveled I keep seeing Rick Steves' books everywhere, hardly in the same company as these, but still better than not having anything at all.
I guess the thing so far that really stands out for me is a sort of...what's the word? Being abashed. Heretofore I thought my own excursions in travel alone were quite exciting and I felt proud of having survived some of them: (the 1,000 steps of Amalfi for one, the "hell Walk" of Cornwall, and other less savory moments, but that's NOTHING compared to what this woman did. I mean nothing. Nor the one on the camel whose reminiscences I thought ok till it got to driving a peg in a camel's nose, kind of hard to get over that one)...
it makes you wonder how are these women different from us? And what sort of person needs this type of challenge and why aren't we all out there rowing down the Nile, and why don't we actually want to? Do we? hahahaa
I suppose if she really wanted danger she could go into the wilds of Borneo (or Africa for that matter) but she doesn't seem to be courting danger, at all. She's taking lots of precautions.
It's really a good book, full of all sorts of things (now I know what Upper and Lower Egypt are and how the Nile runs backwards, who knew?). I did know a passable amount about Alexandria and the Ptolemys, Cleopatra and Antony/ and Caesar and the Battle of Actium, from a Latin course I teach situated IN Alexandria, but this is...unreal.
Have any of you read this?
Post by: Babi on March 21, 2009, 09:36:18 AM
I'll have to do some research. After all, Houston is a big, sophisticated city, right?
Post by: ginny on March 21, 2009, 09:45:05 AM
You don't see a lot of it in Italy, at least I never have, and I've been going for 24 years, you do see coconut on ice on the streets, sometimes they will do ice with syrup, in the little street vendors, but the gelato is the thing there, completely different concept.
Sort of like a snow cone as I remember it, a scoop of ice with syrup over it, which I have seen in Italy sometimes called shaved ice.
It was really good, as I recall as a child.
Sort of like egg cream which you don't see much any more, either.
Post by: ginny on March 21, 2009, 09:49:35 AM
Things That Aren't There Anymore: (a true title of a series of DVD's) Shibe Stadium and Willow Grove Park for openers.
Post by: Babi on March 21, 2009, 10:03:19 AM
I do remember loving a choclate candy wafer flavored with rum, of all things. The same people put out a plain chocolate wafer and one cover with sprinkles...nonpareils, I think they are called. You can still find the latter, I believe, but the delicious rum-flavored ones disappeared.
Reminds me of a memorable event in my life. When I was of an age to have an alcoholic drink I was offered one while visiting at a co-workers house. I knew nothing about drinks, but was interested in trying one. I remembered how much I had liked the rum-flavored chocolate, and asked for a rum drink.
Different thing entirely! One sip...that's all it took to convince me. Red-faced, I changed my drink to lemonade. :-[
Post by: Frybabe on March 21, 2009, 11:33:59 AM
Ginny, you mentioned you grew up in Philadelphia. My Dad grew up in the Cheltenham area. His Dad used to run a haberdashery in what is the Old Town area. Family lore has it that the George family once owned substantial property (I forget where exactly) but there was a big family fight over inheritance. The lawyers supposedly ended up with most of the money. Anyhow, Dad said the property turned into what he called "lawyers row". I have not been able, in my meager attempts, to substantiate this. There was a George family that owned about 83acres which was donated it to the City of Philadelphia for the park. It is now part of Fairmont Park and is called George's Hill. I have not been able to connect that George branch to ours yet, but than I am not actively doing genealogy, just picking about on occasion.
ps: I really should have written down Dad's family tales before he passed away.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 21, 2009, 01:59:48 PM
Reminds me I had ordered a couple of years ago a copy of The Adventures of Ibn Battuta: A Muslim Traveler of the Fourteenth Century and it is in my pile that I have not finished along with so many of the adventurers on my shelf - The Silk Road Journey with Xuanzang - The Ultimate Journey where Richard Bernstein follows the travels of Hsuan Tsang across in Asia in 629 - Forbidden Journey the life of Alexandra David-Neel the first western female to enter Lhasa- and then the story of the Five American Airmen who crashed in Tibet back in 1943, Lost in Tibet - but getting back to the desert The Desert Queen by Janet Wallach that I have a place marker just before she heads off for Damascus but after she was in places like; the Jordan Valley, The Turkish Islands, Jerusalem, Tyran, (Tehran) the Sea of Marmara - enchanting sounding places.
And then there is the sage Ibn Khaldun who wrote The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History in the fourteenth century - the book is still read today having been translated back in the 50s – so many books to read – so little time…
My only concern reading the older books about the Middle East, Egypt to India, is after reading Edward Said's Orientalism we learn that so many of the authors write from a privileged West's viewpoint, coloring the narrative as the Middle East being a place of mystery, unchanging and inferior to the west. And so now I read with a yellow eye - The TV documentary that Henry Louis Gates, Jr. did that aired on PBS a few years ago had a wonderful section in the 6 part series of the Nubian and also of the Nile River.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 21, 2009, 02:54:41 PM
It's a very interesting story, which was almost lost. When she died her children were throwing out her "journals," knowing nothing about her odyssey, and her dgt in law decided to save them. A grandson in the later part of the 20th century wrote an essay for the Washington State History Day contest "Grandma Walks from Coast to Coast" and Linda Hunt's (the author's) husband was one of the judges of the contest. He suggested to Linda, a professor of English, that she might want to read that essay.................thus began her research into this amazing woman's story. A comment on the back of the book says: "Linda Hunt's well-researched narrative allows us to follow Helga Estby not only across the physical landscape of 1896 America - its mountains, plains, deserts, reservations, cities and towns - but across the country's social, political, economic and cultural landscape as well. It's a fascinating jouney." .....................jean
Post by: mrssherlock on March 21, 2009, 04:52:39 PM
Post by: lucky on March 21, 2009, 09:45:25 PM
I don't think you can find egg creams today. They were very popular in the l930's, 1940's and maybe in the 1950's and the authentic ones were only found in Brooklyn, New York. You can make your own. You will need chocolate syrup, a bottle of seltzer and of course milk. To an eight ounce glass you add 1/4 cup chocolate syrup, 1/4 cup milk and then fill the rest of the glass with seltzer. It is a little bit of heaven. Enjoy!
Post by: mrssherlock on March 21, 2009, 10:01:11 PM
Post by: Gumtree on March 22, 2009, 02:02:36 AM
Now Ginny mentioned a book that's really got me curious... whilst talking about Down the Nile she said: It (Down the Nile) is quite startling, sort of reminds me of that woman who wrote about crossing Australia on a camel which we read a few years ago here
Soooo,... does anyone remember the title of the book about the woman and the camel crossing Australia....Who was she? What was the Book? When did she do the crossing? Was she alone??? Can anyone help with any information at all? Thanks
Post by: ginny on March 22, 2009, 08:28:44 AM
The only thing that confuses me is why they are talking about it today? Is it a reissue or a new book, we read it eons ago!
Here's the article: back after the kids leave today as I want to respond to some of the things you've said (it seems you may be right, Frybabe on the Ice issue! hahahaa)
http://www.nytimes.com/1981/05/10/travel/bookshelf-from-camels-to-cruises.html?sec=travel&spon=&pagewanted=all
We read this ages ago, we were reading in a discussion called Adventure. I have to tell you as many have noted here, this is not uncommon, and Barbara, I agree, I think a topic on this type of book might make a great book discussion, we'd have to pick, there are tons of them as we can see mentioned here. I had no idea!
Post by: ginny on March 22, 2009, 08:31:52 AM
Post by: Babi on March 22, 2009, 09:04:58 AM
If you say so, LUCKY, but...7 1/2 ounces of seltzer?...no egg in an 'egg' cream?...doesn't really inspire me with anticipation. ???
I'm going to check and see if my library has the Linda Hunt book. It does sound interesting, but it was published so long ago I think it is unlikely they will have it.
Post by: ginny on March 22, 2009, 09:44:28 AM
And I mean it's good. Used to serve them at the roller rinks. We used to wear short skirts and outfits somewhat like the Marcia Brady character wore in the Brady Bunch movie (like ice skaters today).
Remember when a cherry coke came with a cherry on the end of a straw? Ah the fountain drink, where has IT gone?
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 22, 2009, 11:19:06 AM
I was into adventure about 2 years ago and read a wonderful book of a women who walked from Ireland to China through Europe, the Middle East and India - the Muslim culture evidently offers hospitality to anyone who asks or knocks on their door - this took place as I recall back in the 1960s - Have to fish out the book to refresh my memory - then I was reading a book of a woman who after divorce lived in a one room cabin someplace on the 1000 Island Lakes of upper New York - her adventure was different but still she was full of pluck especially since she was frozen in every winter.
I have a few other books related to that curiosity on my shelves to read - Gotta go...
Post by: Persian on March 22, 2009, 12:07:54 PM
Mahlia
Post by: mabel1015j on March 22, 2009, 04:05:03 PM
Mahlia - what is Cheer wine? That's a new term to me. You Southerners will be chagrined to know that the only time i drink Coke is when i can get a real fountain coke. I hate the bottled stuff they make these days. Even in south central Pa we drank "pop." Obviously too close to the Mason-Dixon LIne. LOL
Cherry cokes, egg creams, chicken livers - get me to a Jewish Deli!!! You folks are too far away from the Northeast cities! I'm glad that there is still regional food, since there is hadly a definable regional "look" of towns any more. When you drive into any town in the country, there is the WAlmart, the MacDonalds, a Ritas, CVS, Home Depot.................it's disheartening. But in the PHila area we still have a lot of regional food, which is really, Jewish, Italian, Pa Dutch, Polish food.
Jackie - was it Eliz Blackwell who, even tho she had taken all the teasing and nasty looks and comments to go thru medical schl, asked her brother to go up on the stage to collect her diploma because she tho't it was too unladylike for her to do it? I believe i remember that correctly....................isn't it interesting how when people are breaking down traditional barriers, making changes, that they still have their boundaries of what is acceptable? ...................jean
Post by: maryz on March 22, 2009, 04:53:24 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on March 22, 2009, 05:04:01 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 22, 2009, 08:26:04 PM
Post by: Persian on March 22, 2009, 09:28:24 PM
Mahlia
Post by: pedln on March 22, 2009, 10:14:31 PM
What amazed me about Coke -- I was a married woman before I ever knew people drank it in the morning!! Oh my goodness :-X .
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 23, 2009, 12:04:14 AM
Southern big cities and in the north you start your day with coffee and OJ where as many folks in small towns and rural areas in the South start their day with one of the drinks mentioned - it is why dental care for kids is a big issue- finally there is concern so that dental clinics in buses visit especially the mountain communities where living is 50 or more years behind the times.
And Tea in most areas is sweet unless you ask for unsweetened. Many hamburger or barbecue places do not have unsweetened - they have to make it for you.
Different strokes for different folks - all part of learning the culture so that as the old saying goes 'When in Rome do as the Romans.'
Post by: ALF43 on March 23, 2009, 08:23:37 AM
In June we are reading and discussing The Night Villa, by Carol Goodman. She just wrote me and agreed to come into our discussion.
News Flash! Carol Goodman, award winning author of The Night Villa, will attend our June discussion of her book. If you like mystery mixed with mythology, cultural and religious history and intrigue then this is the story for you.
The novel is a multi layered mystery set in the exploration of an ancient Roman villa. Mrs. Goodman is a former Latin teacher who knows her stuff, and since we met with her in NYC, we know she is an incredibly responsive person. This will be "one for the Books.." Do join us June 1!
She is just lovely and I am so excited that she will be with us. Do join us there, too.
Post by: Steph on March 23, 2009, 09:21:57 AM
Post by: Babi on March 23, 2009, 10:13:25 AM
lemon only. I've been drinking it like that happily ever since. I don't care for Coke either; I prefer diet Dr. Pepper, which makes some folks look at me like they think I'm weird.
Oh, JEAN, how I wish I could hie me to a Jewish deli. I love liver pate', but none
of the 'deli's' around here carry it. They seem to be mostly glorified sandwich shops. There used to be a great Jewish deli in Houston, but I don't know if it's still there or not, and I'm not sure I could find it again if it is.
I remember a period when I was reading biographies about women, and it seems to me nurses were at the top of the list. I remember reading about Florence Nightingale (of course) and Clara Barton. I think this was probably because I'd been reading a series for young girls about a nurse, and had visions of being like her. Looking back now, I seem to have had very eclectic tastes in biography, and no planning whatsoever.
Post by: pedln on March 23, 2009, 10:23:17 AM
Quote
I think this was probably because I'd been reading a series for young girls about a nurse, and had visions of being like her.from Babi
Babi, did you read the Sue Barton series in your younger years? Sue Barton, Student Nurse; Sue Barton, Emergency Nurse; Sue Barton, etc.etc. etc.
That series came to mind last week when I read an article in one of the newspapers about a possible nursing shortage, one big reason being a lack of nurse educators. And I thought, we need a modern day Sue Barton series to promote more interest in nursing.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 23, 2009, 10:30:46 AM
By the way have you ever visted the Dr. Pepper Museum up in Waco? http://www.drpeppermuseum.com/Visit-Us.aspx
Post by: maryz on March 23, 2009, 11:09:51 AM
Post by: ginny on March 23, 2009, 12:49:14 PM
Cherry Ames, Student Nurse~!! Yes~!
I had a friend who had two sisters. I was the most avid reader, but they were not. In their house attic, one of the old timey attics, were literally hundreds of books like these, Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey Twins. I don't know where they came from but the Getzes let me read them all (are you out there Marilyn? Laverna? Mary?)
And I did read them!
Bonita Granville, I thought the books on her were the beginning and the end. Apparently she had been a movie star? And her husband financed these books of adventures (fictional) about her. I looked for a Bonita Granville book for years and years finally found one on the internet, what a disappointment when it came, dirty and nasty but still I've got it. Even IF I want a pair of gloves to look at it.
Bonita Granville!!!
Post by: marcie on March 23, 2009, 01:03:18 PM
Post by: catbrown on March 23, 2009, 01:18:45 PM
Sue Barton, Student Nurse! Yes~!~!
Cherry Ames, Student Nurse~!! Yes~!
I had a friend who had two sisters. I was the most avid reader, but they were not. In their house attic, one of the old timey attics, were literally hundreds of books like these, Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey Twins. I don't know where they came from but the Getzes let me read them all (are you out there Marilyn? Laverna? Mary?)
And I did read them!
Ah, Ginny, you were lucky. Me too! There was a Jewish Community Center very near where I lived as a kid in upper Manhattan and they had in their library all the books that the NY Public Library was too snobby to shelve. Ahh, all of the aforementioned nurse books, but also all of the Black Stallion, all of Tarzan, all the Oz books, all of Bomba the Jungle Boy, all of Nancy Drew, all of everything! Bliss!
Post by: marcie on March 23, 2009, 01:27:56 PM
I also loved Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys.
Post by: mrssherlock on March 23, 2009, 01:39:00 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 23, 2009, 02:00:49 PM
"Working" at the library allowed me to get to know adult books at an earlier age than i might have otherwise. So, in my early teens i was reading "adult" books. Nothing solacious, but adult stories, with interesting characters and as movies came out, i read the books that had proceeded them. The Silver Chalice, stories about Napoleon and Josephine, Magnificent Obsession, From Here to Eternity, Caine Mutiny, etc. It was a really ideal childhood, altho i didn't realize it at the time.........jean
Post by: mrssherlock on March 23, 2009, 02:07:09 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 23, 2009, 02:11:45 PM
Post by: FlaJean on March 23, 2009, 03:47:52 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 23, 2009, 04:04:11 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library5a.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the wind and rain and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
I've been kicking myself for several years, which is when I had a (at that time) complete set of Nancy Drew Mysteries. They had been for my daughter, and I kept asking her did she want them for her kids. She kept saying No. So, finally, I put them in a garage sale. Ladies, this was before internet, or eBay, or before anyone thought there would be value in old kids books. I think I sold the entire set for $10.00 or less. They were spotless, in mint condition, and I don't even want to go on line and find out what they may have been worth. Still kicking myself! LOL
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 23, 2009, 04:42:53 PM
The Spring of the eighth grade I got up the courage, asked and was given permission to take home for the week books from the adult section wheeee. By then of course I had completed my mission - some how the end of the 5th grade I realized I read so many books and decided I was going to read every book in the children's section of the Library - this was a double set of stacks the width of the Library about 24 feet and the other stack was shorter with a way to walk around so minus about 6 or 7 feet and both stacks up to the top of the transom above the door so about 12 feet high - I did it and the only author I did not enjoy is the one that is a favorite for so many - Louisa M. Alcott. - I was bored out of my ears with even Jo whose idea of being a Tom Boy to me paled.
But on to the juicy stuff in the adult section that even included a couple of Bodice Busters, the saucy romantic adventure novels like Thread of Scarlett - Duel in the Sun - The Captain and The Lady - Bride of Glory and Captain Blood
Post by: mrssherlock on March 23, 2009, 05:30:07 PM
Post by: marcie on March 23, 2009, 09:19:10 PM
Post by: Babi on March 24, 2009, 09:25:46 AM
BARB, I didn't know there was a Dr. Pepper museum! I'm trying to imagine what a museum like that would present. Incidentally, I never liked coffee, either. Love the smell of roasting coffee beans, but not the beverage. I prefer my caffeine cold, and still drink Dr. Pepper!
GINNY, yes! I had forgotten about Cherry Ames. Reading these posts, it becomes clear that we have all enjoyed much the same books in our growing years. No wonder we all have so much in common!
FLAJEAN, no Christmas or birthday was complete that did not include a book! Happily, all my family understood this and cheerfully complied.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 24, 2009, 01:31:17 PM
The short stories we are reading must be on-line - and either humorous, witty or a satire. Before long we'll know the sublet differences - we are so used to what is called farce as humor today and then satire as in Saturday Night Live that all the other forms or humor are a blur. Back to our discussion - they are only 10 day discussions that start in the middle of the month - Next month is an easy date to choose - the 15th TAX due date.
Here is the link to Jeeves... http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=352.40
Post by: ALF43 on March 24, 2009, 02:03:02 PM
I'm in, I would love to reread some of these short stories.
Post by: Steph on March 24, 2009, 04:31:37 PM
I loved horse books.. My Friend Flicka,, Misty of Chincoteague,Black Beauty, etc,etc and dog books.. Lad,A dog,, Still meadow( all about cocker spaniels and I had two of them). Animal crazy my whole life and still going strong.
Post by: Frybabe on March 24, 2009, 04:39:17 PM
Post by: CallieOK on March 24, 2009, 05:46:30 PM
Yes to Nancy Drew and The Bobbsey Twins!
I still have two Nancy Drews but my granddaughter-the-reader likes the newer ones and thinks these are "old fashioned".
Mother gave all of the Bobbsey Twin books to a younger friend (without telling me!). This friend now lives in another OKC suburb and we have a teasing thing going about her giving them back.
I also loved Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Comes Back. Don't know what happened to the first one (maybe that friend has it!) but I have the second one. Granddaughter did read it.
One Christmas, I was given a matched set of "Little Women", "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys". Those also now belong to my granddaughter.
Did anyone read The Little Colonel series? Or see the Shirley Temple movie? The entire set was handed down to me from my mother and her two sisters.
I remember sneakily reading Forever Amber when I baby-sat for one particular family when I was about 15.
Post by: Frybabe on March 24, 2009, 08:05:21 PM
Post by: Gumtree on March 24, 2009, 10:39:31 PM
Golly MOSES, are we here au courant or what? Those of you who take the NY Times will be startled to see TODAY an article on the very book, Gum: it's Robyn Davidson, and the book is Tracks. Yes she went alone, at 27, in 1977
Ginny Thanks for that title - I had forgotten all about Robyn Davidson. I don't think I've read her book but her trek ended up at a tiny place called Hamelin Bay which is about 200 miles south of where I live.
Normally Hamelin Bay is never in the news - but would you believe that for the past two days the local news Bulletins are all about Hamelin Bay where a pod of 84 long finned pilot whales and some dolphins had beached themselves and hundreds of people were trying to keep them alive and shepherd them out to sea again. Hamelin Bay is very dangerous - shallow and rocky - sadly despite all efforts only ten whales survived after being transported down the coast to more a more favourable launching point. H'm au courant or what! 8)
Post by: ANNIE on March 25, 2009, 05:08:26 AM
Post by: Steph on March 25, 2009, 09:59:44 AM
Post by: Babi on March 25, 2009, 10:00:30 AM
And Louise May Alcott. I read and loved Zane Grey, too, tho' when I picked up one of his books as an adult I thought it pretty hackneyed. Ah, well.
Post by: Phyll on March 25, 2009, 10:58:11 AM
Quote
As far as I know, I read every book Albert Payson Terhune wrote
Oh, me, too! And cried over every one of them, too. :'(
Post by: ginny on March 25, 2009, 01:00:08 PM
The man lived near the Ramapo Mountains of NJ which, when he described it seemed like Hillbilly Haven. I also lived in NJ when I read it but I never met any hillbillies. He had the WORST time keeping people OUT of his property. If you haven't read it you'd find it most interesting. I've often thought of him and wanted to go see if anything (museum or whatnot) remains on his place. I think that's the book where he describes his dogs walking around the "ghosts" of his former dogs, it's fascinating.
I also read all the Black Stallion books, they were addictive, wasn't there one about a big RED horse as well?
But Smokey the Cowhorse had to be right up there too. And oh gosh the one about the sled dog, famous book, what WAS its name? Buck the dog?
VERY famous book, mind is gone. :)
Gum, yes Tracks, OH Hamelin Bay! I wondered why so many people are talking about this area!
Yes au courant, we have always been! That Hedgehog that they are reading is, I think #10 on the bestsellers list, that one is going to be a wow!
I'm half way thru the Down the Nile, it's just fascinating. It's unreal. All I can say is get it. She's not alone, she's followed like a channel swimmer, you've got to read this thing. It would make a HECK of a movie.
The Ransom of Red Chief! I love O Henry, have got all his short stories, there was one I used to particularly like, he was GOOD. Dated now but good. Remember the one where she sold her beautiful hair at Christmas to buy her husband a present and he came home with a fancy brush? Marvelous stuff.
But I came IN to say something else before getting caught up in the fabulous conversation here...hold on!
Post by: ginny on March 25, 2009, 01:02:50 PM
On June 1 as Andrea said, we have a real event to tell you about. We are excited to offer an Author Event and a book discussion of The Night Villa.
(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/nightvilla/nightvilla.jpg)
The Night Villa is a mystery with a multi layered plot with a subject matter you might find exciting, and which is really in the news today and racking up huge crowds in the many exhibitions of Pompeii touring the world: the results of the explosion of Vesuvius, archaeology and new finds about the ruins. It's also a mystery and I must admit I never guessed Hu Dun It till the final page. It's also packed with great information, there's no way we won't come out with new knowledge and new perspectives in the process of a "spellbinding" read.
Nancy Picard has said: " Carol Goodman’s luminous prose and superb storytelling will keep you entertained into the late hours.”
Publishers Weekly says:
Quote
In this complex and lyrical literary thriller from Goodman (The Sonnet Lover), University of Texas classics professor Sophie Chase, after barely surviving a gunman with ties to a sinister cult, joins an expedition to Capri. A donor has funded both the exact reconstruction of a Roman villa destroyed when Mount Vesuvius buried nearby Herculaneum in A.D. 79, and a computer system that can decipher the charred scrolls being excavated from the villa's ruins. Sophie's hopes for a recuperative idyll fade after her old boyfriend, who disappeared years before into the same cult as the campus gunman, appears in the area, implicating the cult in a criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, extracts from the scrolls—the journals of a Roman visiting the villa just before the volcano erupted—shade toward bloodshed and betrayal. The scrolls' oddly modern tone aside, Goodman deftly mixes cultural and religious history, geography, myth, personal memory, dream and even portent without sacrificing narrative drive, against the beautiful backdrop of the locale with its echoes of unimaginable loss.
The protagonist is a classics professor, the author is Carol Goodman, an award winning and nominated former Latin teacher, and personal friend of the man who invented the process by which the papyri of the Villa of the Papyri can be read: previously they were either thrown away as lumps of coal or destroyed in trying to read them.
The big news for us is that Carol Goodman has agreed to come online and talk to our readers all through the discussion, and we'd like as large a group as we can get for this experience.
We hope you might consider joining us, it's a rare treat on our fledgling site and one we hope will be repeated many times.
The book sells in paperback for about $10, is in the library and new copies go for as little as $5. and up on Amazon.
Do consider joining us. We hope to see you there!
Post by: pedln on March 25, 2009, 01:44:34 PM
Quote
I'm half way thru the Down the Nile, it's just fascinating. It's unreal. All I can say is get it. She's not alone, she's followed like a channel swimmer, you've got to read this thing. It would make a HECK of a movie.
Ginny, where did you first post about that book -- I can't remember. Yesterday a friend told me she was going to Egypt in May, so I want to email her the particulars about it.
Post by: mabel1015j on March 25, 2009, 01:55:37 PM
question: do you have to be connected to your computer in order to download books or newspapers? ..............jean
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 25, 2009, 02:51:31 PM
Post by: ginny on March 25, 2009, 03:28:27 PM
Post by: Judy Laird on March 25, 2009, 03:47:50 PM
NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO - THERE YOU ARE
Post by: maryz on March 25, 2009, 03:53:47 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on March 25, 2009, 04:38:15 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on March 25, 2009, 05:43:00 PM
For our May mid-month discussion we have two great suggestions - We are going to keep suggestions opened through the end of the week - till March 29 - and then vote over the weekend through Monday so we have a story for May by Monday afternoon.
Our suggestions so far are:
"The Night the Bed Fell" by James Thurber
"The Day i ATe Whatever I Wanted." by Elizabeth Berg
Both sound like stories that will bring not only a smile but a good laugh.
As near as possible our 10 day reads will start in the fifteenth of the month.
Post by: Babi on March 26, 2009, 08:43:20 AM
Post by: Steph on March 26, 2009, 08:53:23 AM
I did a lot of small antique shops where we are in Arcadia, Fl. Found some old paperbacks that I wanted. But thenwhen dont I..
Post by: Gumtree on March 26, 2009, 10:17:03 AM
I'm almost ready to go down the Nile too - but haven't seen the book about...
Right now I'm reading George Eliot's Silas Marner and Edith Wharton's House of Mirth for F2F groups - have read them both before but it's great to revisit sometimes.
I'm also reading Diane Setterfield's Thirteenth Tale which I didn't have time to read when it was discussed a year or so ago...Am reading the Archived discussion as I go - thanks to whoever, Ginny? for rescuing those boards - the Discussion Archives are a simply marvellous asset to have on this site.
Post by: Persian on March 26, 2009, 10:45:59 AM
http://www.ask-aladdin.com/weather.htm
Several of my local friends have traveled in groups to Egypt, while another one has traveled to visit with her sister (who lives and works for a company in Dubai). The latter's impressions of Egypt are quite different than the folks who traveled in tourist groups. Throughout the years, many of my university colleagues have also traveled to Egypt, spending time at various institutions and then taking a week (or more) to visit different sites throughout the country. The daughter of one of my cousins served a 1 month stint as an Administrative Intern in Egypt last year when the President of her American university was in Egypt for a Board of Directors meeting at American University. So her experiences were also quite different than the usual group traveler. As I've traveled internationally throughout the years, I've never been a member of a tourist group, so am always interested to hear how folks who do travel in this manner are impressed (or not) with the logistics set out for them.
If your friend's trip includes Alexandria, I hope she'll have a chance to visit the Great Library, which one of our friends in the Near Eastern/African section of the Library of Congress helped to dedicate a few years ago at its Grand Opening. Aside from its magnificent ancient history, I understand it is an amazing facility. I still regret not accepting the offer of a two-year appointment at the American Embassy in Cairo years ago so that I, too, could have had an opportunity to visit the Great Library.
Mahlia
Post by: Judy Laird on March 26, 2009, 05:06:21 PM
Post by: PatH on March 26, 2009, 06:30:16 PM
Post by: ginny on March 27, 2009, 08:20:17 AM
http://www.waynetownship.com/his-sun.htm
Who KNEW? The next time I'm in old NJ I'm going to drive up there and see it.
Quote
Quote: Bruce, buried above Lad’s grave in the terraced area where roses once bloomed in profusion, was a magnificent specimen. Jean, his favorite companion, killed by a careless motorist who disregarded the signs requesting privacy, is buried with Bruce. Bruce, "the dog without a fault", was Champion Sunnybank Goldsmith and sired many beautiful Sunnybank puppies, many presented as gifts by area parents at Christmastime.
No WONDER he went on so about his privacy, that would make me very angry as well. Golly moses, his mother's estate in VA Onley (sp).
Also the book I was thinking of was DUH Call of the Wild hahahaa
Has anybody noticed the changing wreaths on the Library door? Pearson has done with with the technical aid of Pat, those are individually colored Easter Eggs on the door!!!
Judy I didn't get to read that when we did, but I have it, how about let us know how you like it and if you recommend it?
:)
Post by: ALF43 on March 27, 2009, 09:54:40 AM
Post by: Persian on March 27, 2009, 09:55:28 AM
http://abcnews.go.com/WN
Mahlia
Post by: Steph on March 27, 2009, 04:27:39 PM
Post by: maryz on March 27, 2009, 04:28:33 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on March 27, 2009, 05:11:50 PM
Post by: ginny on March 27, 2009, 05:24:10 PM
I am so glad.
Mary, describe outfit so we can find you!
Post by: maryz on March 27, 2009, 08:58:59 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on March 27, 2009, 11:01:48 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library5a.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the wind and rain and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
Mary: 60 lbs? Bravo! ;) Kudos! ;D Congratulations! :-*
Post by: Gumtree on March 28, 2009, 12:04:08 AM
GUM!!! You found the book in Austraila? I did not see your post! HUZZAH!
I am so glad.
Ginny I may live at the other end of the earth but believe me, Australia is not the end of the earth...we are usually... oh, I know au courant
Post by: Babi on March 28, 2009, 10:19:30 AM
Post by: Steph on March 28, 2009, 10:31:33 AM
Post by: ginny on March 28, 2009, 10:43:03 AM
I think with you in Australia and Eloise in Canada we can truly be international in that discussion.
I was in an airport, I can't remember where and saw the Wally Lamb book which mentions US, our book discussions and our Prison Library Project, I think it was Rome. Could not believe my eyes!!
The power of the written word!
So here I am, I snatch it up and look around to find somebody to tell: LOOK LOOKIE! That's US, look? hahahaaa I did tell the clerk. Not sure she got the drift of the exited babbling in Southern Accent. She definitely did not believe me or care. :)
I had the same experience in Detroit, but in English, where Mary Furlong's book stared out at me, huge hardback, from the shelves. Something about Making the Most of the Golden Years. In an AIRPORT, not many books on shelves. We had a half PAGE (our book clubs and Latin classes) big pages, in that one. In two places. Now who in their right mind could leave those two behind? Nobody. HUGE books, every ounce counts when traveling by plane and EuRail, muscles straining, but they made it home here where they reside happily on the shelves here.
Also saw books in Rome (and always in the UK) that had not made it here, including the newest in Rome (at the time) Dan Brown, of course it was in Italian but HEY! hahahaa
We are sooo international here, love it. I always see books in the UK I buy there, including Mary Beard's new one on Pompeii.
Mary, 60 pounds? Are you OK? Hope that was deliberate. I want to lose 20, or 40, how hard can it BE? By July. Unlike Valerie Bertinelli, I have no desire to wear a bikini (please) but would like more energy.
How shall we know you? I hate to scream MARY! At every person on the screen? LOOK!! That's MARY!!
I'm more than half way thru the Down the Nile book, excellent book, it remains.
Post by: maryz on March 28, 2009, 01:28:59 PM
Re Antiques Road Show - I'm sure we won't be in any of the shots, but it'll be fun to watch for us (and others we might know) anyway. I know several people who were there, but I don't think we know anybody who had one of the big on-air items. And it'll be great to have Chattanooga get all that on-air exposure of the things that we love about our town.
Post by: Pat on March 28, 2009, 02:49:50 PM
The weight loss was deliberate and necessary. Nothing drastic, though - that's definitely not me. Back last summer, I stopped eating between meals. That's literally all I have done, but it surely has worked. I'd still like to lose some more, and I probably will, I guess. I surely am having a hard time finding things to wear, though, and never know what size to buy. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Me,too. I'm smaller than I was when married. -- now that I am down to my desired weight for my height -- 140 -- I've shrunk 4".
The shoulders on my blouses and sweaters droop halfway down to my elbows, and the pants need to be pulled way up -- or I look like some of those teenage boys in their "droopy drawers."
Post by: ALF43 on March 29, 2009, 09:07:09 AM
Post by: Steph on March 29, 2009, 09:34:13 AM
Post by: Babi on March 29, 2009, 09:40:53 AM
Post by: ginny on March 29, 2009, 04:18:50 PM
I was just in the supermarket and there was Wally Lamb's book The Hour I First Believed. I know many of you have read it, some found it depressing, I know Maryal nominated it for us to read here. I was curious and opened it up, it's dedicated to his mother, and I began to read and could not put it down standing in the supermarket. The man CAN write, there's no doubt about it. It looks like a super summer read, to me.
Speaking as we were above of au courant, we are. I opened today's New York Times and we're reading or planning to read a LOT of books currently on today's NY Times bestseller lists.
(The Times seems to have an awful lot of different lists, so I'll just give the title too):
Hardback Fiction: the main list:
11 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, we had that one here as our first Book Club Online of this website WITH the surving author answering questions!! Quite a coup for little old us!
Paperback Best Sellers:
Trade Fiction:
(The White Tiger is here, we've not read it yet, at 15. Revolutionary Road is here at 13, we read it years ago. I'm glad to see Yates getting hot.
17. The Elegance of the Hedgehog is 17.
18. Loving Frank is 18.
What is this People of the Book? It's number 6, An expert unlocks the secrets of a rare manuscript, have we been talking about this?
Paperback Best Sellers: Non Fiction
1. Three Cups of Tea
10 Team of Rivals
So we are really au courant here!!!
I'm going to look up that People of the Book, it looks interesting, and get the Wally Lamb, I should not have come home without it.
I'm 3/4ths of the way thru Down the Nile, I think I'd like to read more of her books, what are YOU reading?
Post by: ALF43 on March 29, 2009, 05:20:53 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on March 29, 2009, 07:11:52 PM
Post by: Gumtree on March 29, 2009, 09:44:09 PM
Post by: Steph on March 30, 2009, 12:34:51 PM
Post by: Ella Gibbons on March 31, 2009, 10:08:34 AM
Yes, we seem to be keeping up with the public's interest in books, thanks, Ginny, for that post.
We will soon be finished discussing TEAM OF RIVALS, the book that Obama has mentioned several times. One can understand in reading Goodwin's book that Lincoln's strategies for his campaign for the presidency was the pattern that Obama used successfully. And they both faced a war that neither one expected, Lincoln's being the one that nearly broke the Union in two.
Post by: Steph on April 01, 2009, 07:40:53 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on April 01, 2009, 01:13:28 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on April 01, 2009, 03:34:53 PM
Post by: Steph on April 02, 2009, 07:42:29 AM
Post by: PatH on April 02, 2009, 08:29:55 AM
Post by: Babi on April 02, 2009, 09:33:55 AM
Post by: catbrown on April 02, 2009, 02:08:45 PM
Reading Dunnett's The King Hereafter, story of MacBeth, is a struggle. There are so many unprouncable names, the historical figures are totally unknown to me, there is way too much detail, BUT it is so interesting I keep floundering on. What a contrast to Dianne Ackerman's The Zoookeeper's Wife, a tale fraught with the evil and peril the Nazis brought to the eden-like Warsaw Zoo. Her prose is boring. No sense of menace, shocking details are recounted with no hint of the emotions they arouse. Dunnett takes a subject full of unknowns and produces suspense, awe, empathy. Ackerman reduces horror to the banal and mundane.
I think I mentioned that "King Hereafter" was my first Dunnett and my reaction was the same as yours: immensely interesting with moments of compelling action and riviting interaction between the characters, but also dense and difficult. So, not being made of as strong stuff as you are, I put it down about halfway through and went directly to Dunnett's more approachable Lymond series, which I devored in a veritable gulp (all 6 novels) and then returned to "King Hereafter" from the beginning and no longer found it dense or difficult; I suppose that's because I had become used to Dunnett's style and knew better where she was going.
Since Dunnett was an avid Scottish patriot, she considered "King Hereafter" her best book. I don't agree with her. <g>
Post by: mrssherlock on April 02, 2009, 06:12:07 PM
Quote
Since Dunnett was an avid Scottish patriot, she considered "King Hereafter" her best book. I don't agree with her.
In terms of readability, it is not very high on my list. But, her scholarship is evident in the details she includes. Wikipedia notes that her conclusions are not universally accepted but the facts are so obscure no one is even sure if MacBeth and Thorfinn Sigurdson are two people or one using different names. I'm looking forward to the Lymond series. While the Tudors fascinate me I found the Showtime series not satisfactory. Seems as if many entertainments these days are written for a young adult audience where who and when and how one commits sex is of vital interest, I am not persuaded. I do like a good sexy story, having fond memories of my sex life ;), it is the other parts of the Tudor chronicle which interest me, the politics, the back-stabbing, the skulduggery, the innuendos.
Post by: Steph on April 03, 2009, 07:44:44 AM
Post by: pedln on April 03, 2009, 10:25:17 AM
Post by: mrssherlock on April 03, 2009, 11:57:26 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on April 03, 2009, 02:18:02 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 03, 2009, 02:38:40 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on April 04, 2009, 12:23:17 AM
Post by: Steph on April 04, 2009, 09:18:51 AM
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 04, 2009, 12:43:42 PM
Post by: Babi on April 05, 2009, 09:03:13 AM
http://randall120.wordpress.com/2009/03/31/beware-of-identity-theft-this-easter/
Post by: Steph on April 05, 2009, 09:19:03 AM
I have been foraging on the internet. We have a longish trip planned in May and I needed to do the hotel part for at least Seattle and Chicago. The on the road part and the car rental are still up there to look at.. So many deals and it is hard to figure just what they mean.
Post by: mabel1015j on April 05, 2009, 05:25:31 PM
Post by: EvelynMC on April 05, 2009, 11:10:49 PM
Thanks for the link. Those pictures were adorable!!
Evelyn
Post by: Steph on April 06, 2009, 07:33:19 AM
Post by: Babi on April 06, 2009, 09:02:42 AM
Post by: EvelynMC on April 06, 2009, 05:02:57 PM
My daughter is a cat lover too. I forwarded the link to her and she loved the pictures and then forwarded the link to some of her friends.
Evelyn
Post by: pedln on April 06, 2009, 06:20:31 PM
Post by: Steph on April 07, 2009, 07:50:43 AM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library5a.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the wind and rain and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
N o, Pedlin,, It is Deaths Half Acre. Hard back, found it at a flea market for .50.. so grabbed it.
A bit more adventuresome than most of hers. I loved it though. Daddy is still a piece of work.
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 07, 2009, 11:29:21 AM
Post by: pedln on April 07, 2009, 12:54:47 PM
Have you not YET learned that you cannot go into Borders, Barnes and Noble, or any bookstore and come out with just ONE book. At least it's very difficult, for most of the folks here. :'( But anyway, it sounds like you had a wonderful time and are still having a ball.
On another note -- do you all sometimes wonder what planet other people are living on? Or is it just because all of us here talk about books all the time. But I'm often really surprised when intelligent people in my circle of acquaintances profess total ignorance about books and/or authors that have been IN THE NEWS. You can't pick up a weekly news magazine and not see something about books, or listen to NPR, or read a major newspaper. Even the cable news channels interview authors. I had a dr. appt. this am and she always asks what book I have in my hand. She'd never heard of Mortenson or Three Cups of Tea. Some libraries had over 400 holds for Guernsey Literary Society, best seller list, and yet some of the marathon bridge ladies had never heard of it. (I will admit I don't follow American Idol, or much in sports, but I do catch their names occassionally.)
Post by: BarbStAubrey on April 07, 2009, 01:13:56 PM
Post by: Frybabe on April 07, 2009, 01:57:51 PM
The one place I haven't visited since I was a youngster is the Library. I like to keep my books, lending them to family and friends on occasion. I also like not having to rush to read them or worry about renewing books not yet finished. Of course, the last time I was in a Library we were only allowed to renew once. Should I feel the need to use the Library, I have a branch just 5 or 6 blocks away AND the Senior Center is in the same building. I've been meaning to check that out too.
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 07, 2009, 03:15:27 PM
An aside to Pedlin: I can't even get out of the library with JUST ONE book, even though I go in thinking I'm just going to return something, I have to browse the new fiction shelf, or the specialty displays they set up to trap poor, helpless waifs (grey headed waifs) like me!
Post by: mrssherlock on April 07, 2009, 03:54:37 PM
Post by: pedln on April 07, 2009, 08:08:52 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on April 07, 2009, 09:57:37 PM
Post by: maryz on April 07, 2009, 10:44:38 PM
Post by: Steph on April 08, 2009, 07:41:29 AM
But I started a lending library here at our townhouse developments clubhouse. Put up maybe 25-30 paperbacks last year in one section of the smaller rooms. Put up a sign to take,add,bring in, etc and now a year later, it is thriving. People bring in stuff. both paper and hardback and just recently someone is bringing in childrens books. We have fiction,nonfiction, religious,and a lot of other categories. I go in once a month, clean out the pamphlets ( no, we dont want avon or anything else for sale and no Jehovah Witness stuff). But it does prove that people read..
Post by: lucky on April 08, 2009, 09:22:01 AM
Post by: jane on April 08, 2009, 10:21:48 AM
I understand and have an "inlaw" whose home never had a magazine, never had a newspaper, never had any print material anywhere. They never talked about what was going on in the world. I'm not sure they'd know where Iraq is. She didn't seem to know much about what he even did in his job. It was the most sterile place I've ever seen. Even furniture store showrooms had more "ambience" or atmosphere.
On the other hand, I wonder if people "hide" what they're reading because they feel it's nobody else's business? I read what I read for MY enjoyment. Maybe people feel that putting out what they truly read is too personal and may be misconstrued by others who "stereotype" them as "light readers" or "only reads westerns" or "reads romance" or whatever. Maybe that's what they enjoy and don't want others' judgments on it? I know some people never understand why library circulation records aren't public and sometimes ask to see what "Fred" is reading, etc. Well, to me, circ records are private for the same reason your bank account information isn't public. It's no body else's business!
I've read in open book discussions like this comments from time to time that were very judgmental of certain authors/genres, etc. It was as if one person could judge the quality of what others were reading or had the right to. It was as if whatever was being read had to have a "message," a "learning experience," and/or be about "the human condition." It was as if reading for "pleasure/enjoyment/escapism" was somehow dirty and shouldn't be allowed.
Would readers make any sort of judgment of someone who had 3 shelves full of Danielle Steel or Louis L'Amour or Jackie Collins or all books on ceramic engineering and nothing else?
Hmmm....maybe I'd need to run out and buy Midwest Living,Mental Floss, O,Skeptic, Scientific American, Bookmarks to make me look "well rounded" if I ever open my house for others to see. That's not likely to happen, but it's always good to have this in mind in case. ;D [On the other hand, if I wait long enough, there'll be very few magazines left in print and if I get my Kindle2, no body will be able to see what's there unless I let them. ;)]
jane
Post by: ginny on April 08, 2009, 10:46:00 AM
I vote for a Tour of Jane's Home! hahaha
That makes me want to see what's on display in MY house (not that anybody ever comes, duh, but still.
I just finished Down the Nile. I have to say it's one of the best books I ever read and I am ordering some of her other books, she's won a prize for one of them, and I'm eager to read it.
I started White Tiger. It's hard to put down. The guy can really write. At the same time you KNOW something nasty is coming. You can tell that by some of the foreshadowing and some of the reviews, page after page after page of which I keep TRYING not to read, all of which are raves, most of which refer to things which I have not encountered. I was quite surprised at my reaction to it. He can REALLY write, but I am not sure I can deal with what he's about to reveal, have any of you read it and is there any reassurance at all? It won the Booker (I refuse to call it the Man Booker).
And I see the Dan Brown Angels and Demons is coming out as a movie with Tom Hanks and Ron Howard directing. I can't imagine Ron Howard directing that piece of trash, that is without any doubt the worst book (even worse than The Liar's Club) I ever read in my life. Threw it IN the trash once, fished it out, determined to say I finished it, and again in the trash at the end. Absolutely stupid. Should I say how I really feel about it?
hahahaa He wrote it first and could not get it published. Duh. That man has some serious psychological issues with the Catholic Church and I don't think it's an accident the Vatican would not let them film where they wanted to.
I need to run see what's in my living room displaying as book taste, because I truly do have the worst taste sometimes in reading hahahaa. All my "erudite" books are not in that room, maybe I should make a switch. hahaaha
Off for the self test, love this twist in the conversation.
A new poll by the No Child Left Behind people says one of the reasons this program has failed is the absence of any reading material in the home!
Post by: mrssherlock on April 08, 2009, 11:50:05 AM
Post by: catbrown on April 08, 2009, 12:03:35 PM
Me? I read trash, I read non-trash, I read lots of stuff that others consider trash (usually without ever having read any of it), but that I consider treasures (like my shelves full of sci fi and fantasy).
But, I'm never without a book at hand and a pile waiting to be read and a day never, ever goes by without my reading fiction. Never! Ever!
Cathy
Post by: mabel1015j on April 08, 2009, 12:30:07 PM
Ginny - i wish you were back in Moorestown, i love your comments, you make me laugh.
It would be great to have coffee w/ you at Friendlys.
I'm finishing up First in HIs Class, about Bill Clinton before his presidency. He's been a quandry to me. I could never figure out if he really is that interested in what people are saying to him, a compassionate, concerned, fun, bright, genuine guy? Or Slick Willy? This book has convinced me that 95% of it is sincere, but he does know how to use all his best attributes and is ambitious enough to use whatever he needs to reach his goal. Unfortunately, it also reiterates the temper, the disorganized always-late, the womanizing, the shooting-himself-in-the-foot behavior. He and Hillary seem like two sides of a coin and mostly have complimented each other, altho there were from the beginning heated arguments between them. But they seemed to have really cared about each other and recognized their need for each other's contrasting personalities. ..................jean
Post by: marjifay on April 08, 2009, 12:52:26 PM
Thanks for recommending DOWN THE NILE. Sounds interesting.
I also thought WHITE TIGER was a great read.
Post by: maryz on April 08, 2009, 01:05:39 PM
jane, are you going to get a Kindle? I do like mine. I've found one problem, though. John's decided that he want to read one of the books I have on it, and we can't both read in it at the same time. :D
Post by: Frybabe on April 08, 2009, 01:27:27 PM
Another book I just finished recently is Steve Berry's The Third Secret. That was also set in the inner-workings and politics of the Vatican and the conclave. I guess since it isn't a movie no one has made a huge outcry of it. It took me a little while to warm up to the book, but it was okay. My favorite Berry so far is The Templar Legacy.
Post by: PatH on April 08, 2009, 01:32:21 PM
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 08, 2009, 02:01:31 PM
Marjifay, I read Angels and Demons also, but preferred DaVinci Code.
There are, IMHO, worse authors than Dan Brown, and this after all is FICTION! And if we read fiction, then we expect "over the top" incorporated with a lot of "hoo-hah".
Wow, didn't mean to get into an oration here!
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 08, 2009, 02:10:23 PM
Quote from: maryz
link=topic=24.msg18549#msg18549 date=1239210339
link=topic=24.msg18549#msg18549 date=1239210339
I love the discussion about books in people's houses. We have books stacked everywhere - on the hearth, in the woodboxes, on the floor. Plus the ones we're currently reading or have checked out from the library. (I bet I didn't get that "quote" thing right) MaryZ, you should see all my different stacks!
Post by: bellemere on April 08, 2009, 02:35:30 PM
Our Book Club read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, a far cry from the ladylike English authors we usually read. Last one was The Thirteenth Tale. I liked it , the theme of post-traumatic stress syndrome disastrous effects on survivors of 9/11 and the Dresden firebombing, very vivid. We will see what my fellow members have to say.
Post by: catbrown on April 08, 2009, 02:41:30 PM
Catbrown, surely no one considers sci-fi to be trash!
Ha! Obviously you've never met my mother .... . ;)
Post by: catbrown on April 08, 2009, 02:44:53 PM
Post by: jane on April 08, 2009, 04:58:30 PM
jane
Post by: marjifay on April 08, 2009, 05:01:50 PM
Post by: JoanR on April 08, 2009, 06:12:42 PM
Over our antique-ing years I gradually found quite a few lawyer bookcases. I have 3 in my bedroom with mostly fiction and some poetry, 1 in the sewing room holding mysteries & sci-fi and in my library there are 3 more plus a wall of bookshelves and 3 of those collapsible wooden bookcases that hold mostly paperbacks and current reading. My grandmother's secretary is in here too with bookselves holding the most precious little books. Even my computer desk has bookshelves! I have mostly reference books and classics in here - also the OED in teeny format which has to be read with a magnifying glass - it would be wonderful to have the full-size edition!!
After we retired from our regular jobs and took up antique-ing, I was able to indulge my book-lust without spending much money by haunting estate and yard sales. Library book sales were always great too. Occasionally I weed out books that I know darn well I'll never read again but the spaces have a way of filling back up
And I do use the public library! We have a wonderful one right here within a block away where I worked for 21 years. There are a lot of great publications that I would never be able to afford to subscribe to and our library has them. Also movies and music! A warm and welcoming place to hang out.
I get books there for my husband who never was much of a reader until the last year or so but now that he is mostly sedentary has discovered a whole new world of westerns, stories of the sea, mysteries and adventure.
About Danielle Steele and her ilk - I stopped being judgemental about those books when I discovered that they were not necessarily the only books that some people have and, after all, any reading of no- matter- what is better than no reading!
Post by: PatH on April 08, 2009, 06:47:36 PM
Post by: JoanR on April 08, 2009, 07:55:02 PM
WE're open to suggestions though for anything else - his reading is usually a bit different than mine and sometimes I have a hard time figuring out what to get. I can't get him into the library to pick out his own. I think he likes to be coddled!! Men!!!
Post by: JoanR on April 08, 2009, 07:57:07 PM
Post by: PatH on April 08, 2009, 08:14:05 PM
Post by: pedln on April 08, 2009, 08:49:08 PM
Post by: maryz on April 08, 2009, 10:14:45 PM
We're trying to acquire fewer books, and to work harder at passing on the ones we have. Mostly we get things from the library, or take books to the used book store for exchange, or pass them on to others. Somehow, the piles don't seem to decrease very quickly.
Post by: Steph on April 09, 2009, 08:17:03 AM
I do have a friend who loves the series romances and does hide them in her bedside table. She feels she should read different things. I keep telling her to read what makes her happy. She has Parkinsons and needs to be happier.
Post by: Babi on April 09, 2009, 09:31:11 AM
reading prefereces. Not necessarily 'judgmental', tho' the warmth in my cheeks
is a hint that I have been guilty of that, too. :-[
FRYBABE, I'm with you on the subject of these heroes...books and movies...who get beaten within an inch of their lives and should be rushed to an emergency room, yet they stagger up and continue on their heroic way. Yeah, right!
Post by: JoanR on April 09, 2009, 11:40:34 AM
Post by: Gumtree on April 09, 2009, 12:16:18 PM
I always check out the books in other houses - and especially those lying around on coffee tables - or in the case of my sons' houses - on the floor. Amazing what people will read... :D I also like to check out what people are reading on buses and trains (even in cafes or restaurants).
One sure thing is that you can't tell by the look of a person what sort of literature they will be reading. This was brought home quite forcibly to me some years ago when I noticed a very scruffy, and slightly grubby young couple who sported lots of facial piercings etc. sitting near me on the train. Each was utterly lost in a large paperback - I strained my neck to see what they were reading - War and Peace and Les Miserables... As they say you can't judge a book (or a person) by its cover.
Post by: marjifay on April 09, 2009, 02:40:31 PM
THE READER'S BILL OF RIGHTS
1. The right to not read.
2. The right to skip pages.
3. The right to not finish.
4. The right to reread.
5. The right to read anything
6. The right to escapism.
7. The right to read anywhere.
8. The right to browse.
9. The right to read out loud.
10. The right to not defend your tastes.
Post by: maryz on April 09, 2009, 04:13:03 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library5a.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the wind and rain and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now. Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
AMEN!!!
Post by: pedln on April 09, 2009, 06:30:33 PM
Post by: Judy Laird on April 09, 2009, 06:33:57 PM
Mary I like you am enjoying the Kindle more and more. Today I drove a lady to the doctor so Emma and I sat out in front while I played with the Kindle I was trying to find out how to use the internet. I put in my name and guess I am an expert on worms at least thats what google said.
The intertainment center in my living room has a TV on top and the entire bottom is book sheves. A large three shelves in the computer room and 2 more book cases in my bedroom. So far there are none on the floor but it may be coming.
Post by: winsummm on April 09, 2009, 10:37:34 PM
The Lincoln Child Douglas Reston team has written a lot of very scarey thrillers. The do it well. sp.
Post by: Steph on April 10, 2009, 07:31:30 AM
Post by: Babi on April 10, 2009, 09:18:16 AM
Post by: pedln on April 10, 2009, 09:22:31 AM
Kindle Questions (http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Generation/forum/Fx2EGRL42MHF15D/-/1//ref=cm_cd_topf_a?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B00154JDAI)
Post by: redbud73086 on April 10, 2009, 01:00:41 PM
My income is limited now and as my daughter and I have similar tastes in books, she buys them and then gives them to me when she's finished. Between her and my library's reserve list, I get to read most everything I want.
Post by: PatH on April 10, 2009, 01:55:03 PM
Post by: ANNIE on April 11, 2009, 07:44:21 AM
Our f2f group has a new book which I have already read but I decided to read it again(something I don't ordinarily do.) The book is still delightful! Entitled "Water For Elephants", its about the circus and a young man who finds himself part of the working crew and, of course, there's a love story connected also. Entwined is also the story of the young man as an old man living in a nursing home. Different and delightful!
I recently brought home a few audio CD's for listening to when I can't sleep but my CD player crashed and I haven't had time for shopping for a new one. Back to classical music for soothing my fevered brow in the middle of the night!
HAPPY EASTER OR PASSOVER OR NEW SPRING TO ALL!
Post by: Steph on April 11, 2009, 09:30:49 AM
Just started the huge Wallly Lamb.. Interesting but slow reading at this point. I did find that he had published a second book from the jail women who took his class. Must look for it, I loved the first one and we had a wonderful discussion a few years ago on Senior net on it. He joined in as did at least one of the women
Post by: pedln on April 11, 2009, 01:09:22 PM
Ann, you sound so bright and chipper today. I think of you and Ralph often and hope everything is going well. I know you are happy to have him home.
A wonderful weekend to everyone.
Post by: ANNIE on April 11, 2009, 08:31:00 PM
Tomorrow we will have ham, baked sweet potatoes(organic, of course), salad, green or perfection, scalloped corn and carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
HAPPY EASTER, PASSOVER OR NEW SPRING TO ALL!
Post by: Steph on April 12, 2009, 09:09:47 AM
I do hope all is well with everyone. I loved the premise of Water for Elephants, but not the execution.
Post by: Babi on April 12, 2009, 10:32:42 AM
Be sure to enjoy all the little girls and boys in their Easter outfits.
[size=14]A JOYOUS EASTER OR PASSOVER[/size]
Post by: Steph on April 13, 2009, 07:40:27 AM
Post by: Babi on April 13, 2009, 09:42:51 AM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on April 13, 2009, 12:26:39 PM
There still is no government strong enough to protect them, the sea that they fished nor, repremand them for their current choice of earning a livelihood. This is not out and out bad guy pirates - the Fishing industry of Europeans and even Americans went in and scalped them of their legitimate livelihood.
Post by: Steph on April 14, 2009, 07:43:30 AM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on April 15, 2009, 11:41:37 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on April 15, 2009, 03:13:48 PM
Post by: maryz on April 15, 2009, 03:46:24 PM
Have you read the first Pat Conroy books? The Great Santini and The Lords of Discipline? IMHO, these are far and away better books than The Prince of Tides and Beach Music. Frankly, we didn't like the latter two much at all, and loved the earlier ones. (The earlier ones were good movies, too.)
p.s. I just ordered Travels with Charley for my Kindle. ;)
Post by: CallieOK on April 15, 2009, 03:53:34 PM
Not sure what it says about my life, but, although I always like to see the plot problem(s) resolved in the end, I have no desire to read anything that follows a character or characters through chapter after chapter of woeful turmoils of life. Neither do I care for polly-annish "everything is wonderful because (character) is so inspirational to all with whom (usually "she") comes in contact".
Maybe I need an Attitude Adjustment!!
I never cared much for mysteries but began reading them to keep up with what the neighborhood book group likes. I like the Sue Grafton "alphabet" stories a little better than Evanovich. I've enjoyed the Carolyn Hart "Henry O" series but do not care for her "Death On Demand" series because I get bogged down in the lists of other mystery authors she insists on including in the story.
Right now, I'm reading Catherine Coulter's "Tail Spin". Although the actions of one of the main characters seem a little far-fetched IMO, it's a "page-turner".
Post by: bellemere on April 15, 2009, 08:31:35 PM
Our library is having a fund raising drive, and a local deli set aside today to donate 20 percent of each check, before tax and tip, to the library. I loved my potato pancakes with apple sauce!
Book Club meeting tomorrow. Wish I could get them off the food kick. Coffee table groaning with snacks, and then dessert and coffee. My friend's book club forbids homemade goodies, only things like oreos. another one says only popcorn and peanuts.
We have to discuss Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by a Jonathan Safran Foer. He varies the narrator, but mostly it is told by a precocious nine year old boy who lost his father in the World Trade Center. I liked it, even though some of the plot stretched credibility. anyone read it?
Post by: marjifay on April 16, 2009, 01:15:56 AM
When I was young I read all kinds of stuff, but what I remember most were all the Agatha Christie mysteries. Loved them. Still do.
Post by: ginny on April 16, 2009, 06:54:23 AM
One of the magazines out (can't remember which) has an interview with an author saying which author has inspired you the most (what would YOU say? ) and which old fave, upon being reread, disappointed you the most? It appears that a lot of people find their tastes may have changed, (or may not!) How would you have answered those two questions?
For inspiration, if you have not seen these 4 minutes, you're in for a treat!
I will confess to singing in the shower after seeing this inspiring thing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
Enjoy!
Post by: Steph on April 16, 2009, 08:13:27 AM
Old favorite that I no longer find interesting.. Sinclair Lewis..
Post by: marjifay on April 16, 2009, 10:04:44 AM
As to which author(s) influenced me the most, I would say the (nonfiction) books of Joseph Campbell who wrote on comparative mythology and religion, Alan Watts who wrote lovely nonfiction books on Asian philisophy, especially Taoism, and the nature of life and reality, and a book called the Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra. I read these in the 1970s and they influenced the way I look at life and my religeous
thinking.
Post by: mrssherlock on April 16, 2009, 10:37:59 AM
A slight, interesting tale yet it has survived in my memory for close to 50 years. The profound realization that our minds can accept only so much change without becoming irretrievably lost. Maybe it is my congenital depression which so affected me about this story that it has survived the millions of printed words which my mind has processed but there it is, firmly ensconced in my memory as if written in stone.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on April 16, 2009, 11:18:20 AM
The turtle catcher / Helget, Nicole Lea,
Never tell a lie / Ephron, Hallie.
The woman behind the New Deal : the life of Frances Perkins
Vincente Minnelli : Hollywood's dark dreamer / Levy, E
Dark lady : Winston Churchill's mother and her world /
Devil's gate : Brigham Young and the great Mormon hand
My sister's keeper : a novel / Picoult, Jodi,
Post by: catbrown on April 16, 2009, 11:40:04 AM
Ginny, thanks for posting that link there. It's gone viral and I've done my bit, sharing it with lots of women friends. I think it highlights our society's almost automatic dismissal of older women; and then, of course, there's the performance.
Cathy
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 16, 2009, 12:00:03 PM
Post by: marjifay on April 16, 2009, 01:24:34 PM
On my TBR Next List:
A WILDERNESS SO IMMENSE; THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE AND
THE DESTINY OF AMERICA by Jon Kukla. I wanted to know more about the Louisiana Purchase and how France got territory in the U.S. after reading Team of Rivals and how so many young men in the 1800s were going west after the L.P. Per PW, this is now the book to read on the Purchase: "A splendid, beutifully written narrative focused tightly on the complex historic origins of the Purchase and the diplomacy that pulled it off."
BENEDICT ARNOLD; PATRIOT AND TRAITOR by Willard Sterne Randall
I heard a Cash Cab question, about him and realized I knew nothing about him. (I love Cash Cab on cable TV -- Does anyone else watch it? Kind of a Jeopardy program in a NY cab where people earn money answering questions as they ride to their destinations.)
THE TESTAMENT OF GIDEON MACK by James Robertson (2008-fiction)
About a Scottish minister who is rescued by the Devil (he says) from a gorge into which he had fallen. Per Wash. Post, it's a deeply unsettling story that will prick the faith of the devout, shake the conficence of atheists, and haunt those of us who hover uneasily in between.
WOMEN IN LOVE by D. H. Lawrence. This will be a re-read -- I read it long ago.
Post by: bellemere on April 16, 2009, 01:29:27 PM
Admission - it is one of those books that has to get the steamy sex scene in the first part, hoping to hook you. It also tells you what kind of wine the characters are drinking and what labels their clothes (when they have them on)
are . Exercising my right not to finish, and taking up the next on mylist. This Republic of Suffering. I read about it here.
Post by: Babi on April 16, 2009, 03:40:36 PM
we need at any period of our life. And isn't that a blessing!?
Oh, CALLIE, Grafton and Evanovich are two different genres, IMO. It's like
comparing lemons and lemonade. A common base, but no other similarities.
GINNY, I couldn't possibly name one author who inspired me the most. Many of
them have been inspirations at different times in my life. I would be interested
to hear what authors other readers might name, but if I tried to pick one I'd
feel disloyal to so many others!
Thanks for the warning, BELLEMERE. It's good to get notice of the ones not to waste time on, too.
Post by: mabel1015j on April 16, 2009, 04:36:27 PM
I can't think of books that influenced me directly, other than the biographies that i've read and particularly those of women. I loved the Kahlil Gibran books that we were all reading in the 60's. We used some of his poem on marriage in our wedding vows. I don't think he influenced me as much as reenforced what i already believed. The teen-age girls books may have taught me that women also had smarts , and power, and courage. But again that was reenforcing what i saw in the women around me.
MaryZ - i did read the earlier Conroy books. I liked them also, but the Prince of Tides was so powerful to me........... the movie was not as good, altho i tho't Nick Nolte was perfect as the lead.
I re-read Marjorie Morningstar a few years ago and was disappointed - now THAT was a soap opera to me in my old age. ;D
I read Sinclair Lewis' Main STreet for the first time about 10 years ago and altho i wasn't enthralled w/ it, i was amazed at how "feminist-thinking" it was. He understood her boredom as a housewife w/ no children and no intellectual outlets in that forelorn place. Of course, i think it was written in the 20's and there was still a holdover from the suffragist movement and a feminist philosophy of life. He probably was in touch w/ women who were a part of those issues...............
Babi - i agree about Grafton and Evanovich. I can read JE in one day, she just keeps me reading. SG's book are entertaining, but not captivating............IMO.................jean
Post by: CallieOK on April 16, 2009, 04:44:08 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on April 16, 2009, 06:15:10 PM
The range of what we think and do
is limited by what we fail to notice
And because we fail to notice
that we fail to notice
there is little we can do
to change
until we notice
how failing to notice
shapes our thoughts and deeds.
How can it be that this tremendous feat has passed from our ken? Hunt pursues this question as she creates from the few sources available this journey. Failing to notice, how profound.
Post by: mabel1015j on April 16, 2009, 06:26:03 PM
Post by: PatH on April 16, 2009, 07:18:51 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on April 16, 2009, 10:27:06 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4g.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the wind and rain and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not). Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
Thanks, Pat, for providing the long lost details of "Nightfall". As I read your post I muttered, I remember that.
Post by: JoanP on April 16, 2009, 10:52:20 PM
The Suggestion Box is open here! (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
Post by: Gumtree on April 17, 2009, 01:06:02 AM
Post by: Steph on April 17, 2009, 07:37:00 AM
I do remember the Asimov story. I always loved his stuf.
Marjorie Morningstar. Good heavens, I loved it way back, but I suspect now it would be terribly dated.. But I do remember its popularity. Some authors come and go just as rapidly.
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 17, 2009, 02:57:08 PM
Post by: Steph on April 18, 2009, 09:15:21 AM
Another book in that era.. The Cheerleader.. and I wish I could remember the author. It was about Snowy ( a teen in New Hampshire) and her life in high school, etc. Very evocative of the 50's.. Darn, I do know that the author wrote several other books, lived in New Hampshire and always wrote of that area.. It will come in the middle of the night. Sigh.
Post by: Babi on April 18, 2009, 10:24:36 AM
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 18, 2009, 11:22:19 AM
Post by: Steph on April 19, 2009, 09:25:14 AM
Post by: CallieOK on April 19, 2009, 03:43:38 PM
Post by: Steph on April 20, 2009, 07:37:36 AM
Post by: bellemere on April 20, 2009, 02:56:23 PM
I actually listenend to the books on CD. The actress reading had the perfect voice for the Botswana people. Lisette somebody.
People criticize these boooks for giving too rosy a picture of a troubled African nation. We sure get enough gloom and doom Africa news in the press. These stories are just the antidote needed; they show ordinary African people in a far different light than Sudanese warlords and Somali pirates.
Did you know Botswana people don't say someone is dead? they say he is "late".
Post by: mrssherlock on April 20, 2009, 03:03:36 PM
Post by: ginny on April 21, 2009, 06:44:57 AM
I've read several of McCall's books but not this series, the NY Times Book Section this weekend had a giant two page color spread on the books, he's written quite a few of this series, I've ordered the first one.
Gum, marjifay, and Cathy, I'm glad you liked the Susan Boyle clip, yesterday's news said it's now had 30 million hits. A real Cinderella story, love it.
Also in the NY Times yesterday was an interesting link for all readers. If you've wondered how the ancient Romans read, published, and marketed books 2000 years ago, wonder no more. Yesterday's NY Times Sunday Book Review has this super article by Cambridge Classics professor Mary Beard, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/books/review/Beard-t.html called Scrolling Down the Ages. A great read!
Post by: Steph on April 21, 2009, 08:26:56 AM
Post by: Babi on April 21, 2009, 08:57:10 AM
The big change nowadays, of course, is that it is not the retail booksellers who make all the money. The little guys can hardly stay in business.
Post by: mrssherlock on April 21, 2009, 09:22:27 AM
Post by: Gumtree on April 21, 2009, 10:32:54 AM
As for Susan Boyle - I noticed that as well as the 30 million internet hits - Oprah is getting into the act and wants Susan Boyle for her show.
Post by: mabel1015j on April 21, 2009, 12:31:05 PM
Post by: Steph on April 22, 2009, 07:39:22 AM
Post by: Babi on April 22, 2009, 10:13:15 AM
Ah, the days when I could turn out an excellent holiday meal for over twenty people!
Post by: pedln on April 22, 2009, 11:17:51 AM
In the article below, Stacy Schiff, who is currently writing a book about Cleopatra, mentions Mary Beard.
Who’s Buried in Cleopatra’s Tomb (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/opinion/22schiff.html?_r=1)
Post by: ginny on April 22, 2009, 11:39:25 AM
Interesting, Pedln, I loved the "the kudzu of history" quote also! hahaha
It probably wasn't an asp, as they are hard to hide, a full grown asp is about 8 feet long, a bit much to put in a basket of figs, and the bite is not always poisonous or enough to kill the first time.
I wonder who buried her.
They've been looking for "Cleopatra's Palace" for years, most recently in dives off Alexandria. Every year it seems they announce excitedly they may have found it, there's enough detritus off the coast of Alexandria to make several palaces and quite a few statues as well as tons of other things, the cataloged stuff there is enormous. The Egyptians quite rightly want to control anything found. The last I heard they are considering an underwater park where the visitor can see the monuments there. I think that would be a huge draw.
They are also rebuilding the famous Library of Alexandria tho of course it won't be what it was in antiquity. Fabulous stuff!
Post by: mrssherlock on April 22, 2009, 11:59:41 AM
Post by: mrssherlock on April 22, 2009, 12:08:42 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on April 22, 2009, 06:13:31 PM
http://www.slideshare.net/kleow0/lesson-in-perseverance
Post by: Pat on April 22, 2009, 06:44:08 PM
I don't have an account at webmail.
Post by: JoanR on April 22, 2009, 07:53:19 PM
Post by: jane on April 22, 2009, 09:10:07 PM
The only webmail account I have is that provided by my own ISP.
Post by: JoanR on April 22, 2009, 09:41:04 PM
Post by: JoanP on April 22, 2009, 09:51:30 PM
Anyway, it's safe to open - it was from me - about Elegance of the Hedgehog. ;D
Post by: BarbStAubrey on April 23, 2009, 12:54:51 AM
http://www.slideshare.net/kleow0/lesson-in-perseverance
Post by: Babi on April 23, 2009, 08:24:56 AM
of the explorations around Alexandria. They are most imposing, and I agree
that making a way to view them would be a great tourist attraction. I'd happily
pay to see them in person.
I know about the Spur awards. I sometimes pick up a Western with a Spur Award winner notice on the cover. Very helpful if it's an author you don't know.
BARB, the bird pictures are so beautiful. I think I'll see if my daughter can save some of them for wallpaper.
Post by: JoanR on April 23, 2009, 09:05:49 AM
Babi: That's a lovely and inspirational slideshow. Thanks. I am still mystified by the mail server though. It has my yahoo and g-mail accounts on it and everything! How??
JoanP: So that was you as "Jonkie"!!! Oh, my! Sorry I didn't know. Such a cute and catchy name, too - which is why I did not delete it but left it my mailbox until I could find out who it was. I would have expected you to have given it a French touch such as "Jonque"!!
Yes, I had been overwhelmed - we are regarded as the old homestead and every holiday, our offspring + families come home. Easter vacation is different for everyone so they came in successive weeks. I am just getting over being quite tired! But I love having them all here!
Post by: Ella Gibbons on April 23, 2009, 10:46:31 AM
Has anyone read it?
Post by: Steph on April 24, 2009, 07:45:23 AM
Post by: Babi on April 24, 2009, 08:45:52 AM
Post by: ginny on April 24, 2009, 09:07:19 AM
It's unreal, it really is. I've never read anything like it and you can't put it down, very well written. Somewhat (or so the reviews say) exaggerated in places or unsubstantiated, but it's about how the richest men in America got that way and it's a real eye opener.
I had no idea! I know almost nothing about Texas, despite having driven completely across it several times. I love the landscape, I know it's a big state, and about the Alamo, I've been to the Alamo and San Antonio where I met our Barbara and Harold Arnold and enjoyed it thoroughly, been to Houston, drove past Dallas, loved River Walk, that's about it. Everything is supposedly bigger in Texas, I know Texans make a lot of noise on airplanes hahahaa, I'm about to find out why.
It's the same guy that wrote Barbarians at the Gate, and he is a GOOD writer. It's .....almost indescribable.
And it is certainly not cheerful or inspiring but a tale of excess, lack of education, should I say greed? And unimaginable riches, and what happens with that combination. To all the generations involved. Oil Baron's Ball indeed. hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Incredible!
Post by: Ella Gibbons on April 24, 2009, 10:15:48 AM
Regarding the book THE TURTLE CATCHERS, you do no - NOT - come away full of despair about the world or anyone in it. I gave a very wrong description of it.
It's about second generation Germans in America at the time of WWI, the division among themselves as to which country they should be loyal to and about one mentally challenged individual among them.
I would rather imagine that most immigrants are divided when a war, or disagreement, arises between the two countries, one of their birth or parents' birth, and the one to whom they live in and swear allegiance to. In this case, many of the German immigrants had relatives in the "old" country that they corresponded with regularly.
The characters in the book are imaginable and the author is very good in her portrayal of them.
Post by: BarbStAubrey on April 24, 2009, 12:08:13 PM
In honour of the date on which both Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare died, UNESCO established April 23 as the International Day of the Book. Shakespeare had evidently read Don Quixote, but it is most unlikely that Cervantes had ever heard of Shakespeare.
Shakespeare contributed more phrases to the English language than any other individual. Here's a collection of well-known quotations that are associated with Shakespeare, although not all of them were coined by him.
A countenance more in sorrow than in anger
A Daniel come to judgement
A dish fit for the gods
A fool's paradise
A foregone conclusion
A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse
A ministering angel shall my sister be
A plague on both your houses
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet
A sea change
A sorry sight
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety
Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio
All corners of the world
All one to me
All that glitters is not gold / All that glisters is not gold
All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players
All's well that ends well
An ill-favoured thing sir, but mine own
And shining morning face, creeping like a snail unwillingly to school
And thereby hangs a tale
As cold as any stone
As dead as a doornail
As good luck would have it
As merry as the day is long
As pure as the driven snow
At one fell swoop
Bag and baggage
Beast with two backs
Beware the ides of March
Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks
Brevity is the soul of wit
But screw your courage to the sticking-place
But, for my own part, it was Greek to me
Come the three corners of the world in arms
Come what come may
Comparisons are odorous
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war
Discretion is the better part of valour
Double, double toil and trouble, fire burn, and cauldron bubble
Eaten out of house and home
Et tu, Brute
Even at the turning of the tide
Exceedingly well read
Eye of newt and toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog
Fair play
Fancy free
Fie, foh, and fum, I smell the blood of a British man
Fight fire with fire
For ever and a day
Frailty, thy name is woman
Foul play
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears
Good men and true
Good riddance
Green eyed monster
Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings
He will give the Devil his due
Heart's content
High time
His beard was as white as snow
Hoist by your own petard
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child
I bear a charmed life
I have not slept one wink
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips
I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
If music be the food of love, play on
In a pickle
In my mind's eye, Horatio
In stitches
In the twinkling of an eye
Is this a dagger which I see before me?
It beggar'd all description
It is meat and drink to me
Lay it on with a trowel
Lie low
Like the Dickens
Love is blind
Make your hair stand on end
Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water
Milk of human kindness
Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows
More fool you
More honoured in the breach than in the observance
Much Ado about Nothing
Mum's the word
My salad days
Neither a borrower nor a lender be
Night owl
No more cakes and ale?
Now is the winter of our discontent
O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo
Off with his head
Oh, that way madness lies
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more
Out of the jaws of death
Pound of flesh
Primrose path
Rhyme nor reason
Salad days
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything
Screw your courage to the sticking place
Send him packing
Set your teeth on edge
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Short shrift
Shuffle off this mortal coil
Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark
Star crossed lovers
Stiffen the sinews
Stony hearted
Such stuff as dreams are made on
The course of true love never did run smooth
The crack of doom
The Devil incarnate
The game is afoot
The game is up
The quality of mercy is not strained
The Queen's English
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
The smallest worm will turn, being trodden on
There's method in my madness
Thereby hangs a tale
This is the short and the long of it
This is very midsummer madness
This precious stone set in the silver sea, this sceptered isle
Though this be madness, yet there is method in it
Thus far into the bowels of the land
To be or not to be, that is the question
To gild refined gold, to paint the lily
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub
Too much of a good thing
Truth will out
Under the greenwood tree
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
Vanish into thin air
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers
We have seen better days
Wear your heart on your sleeve
What a piece of work is man
What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet
When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions
Where the bee sucks, there suck I
While you live, tell truth and shame the Devil!
Who wooed in haste, and means to wed at leisure
Wild goose chase
Woe is me
All the phrases can be looked up for their meaning on this site - http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/413900.html
Post by: maryz on April 24, 2009, 12:37:51 PM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4g.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the wind and rain and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not). Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
Ginny - I'm in the middle of The Big Rich, too - and totally agree with you. I have it on my Kindle, and can't put it down, either. And I grew up in Houston - graduated from high school there in 1953 - so I was right in the thick of a lot of that stuff. I remember it! I'm loving recommending it to friends and family who still live in various parts of Texas, and have had a copy sent to my 89-year-old aunt who lives in The Valley (part of Texas along the Rio Grande River north of Brownsville). She was born and raised in Texas, and lived in Texas all her life. She's going to love it, too. I heard about it here on SeniorLearn!
Post by: Tomereader1 on April 24, 2009, 01:51:17 PM
Post by: BarbStAubrey on April 24, 2009, 03:17:18 PM
Bryan Burrough, the author of The Big Rich. http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/stateofmine/?m=200903
Post by: mabel1015j on April 24, 2009, 03:50:35 PM
I so often make the comment, "oh yes, i heard about that on Seniorlearn." You folks are so (as Ella would say) "au courant." :) :) .........................jean
Post by: maryz on April 24, 2009, 04:35:18 PM
Post by: maryz on April 24, 2009, 06:26:28 PM
Post by: Babi on April 25, 2009, 08:58:27 AM
Personally, until I went deaf, I think I was quite soft-spoken. Now, if I can
even tell I'm speaking, my daughter gives me the 'too loud' signal. What would
I do without her?
Do bear in mind the "exaggerated" and "unsubstantiated" parts.
A long and entertaining list, BARB. "As cold as any stone", has metamorphosed
into 'stone cold'. Is "Comparisons are odorous" correct? I thought it was
"comparisons are odious". And I didn't know "eaten out of house and home" was from Shakespeare. It has such a down-home tone to it. But then, quite
a lot of Shakespeare has entered into our 'folk' sayings.
Post by: Steph on April 25, 2009, 09:23:12 AM
Post by: Ella Gibbons on April 25, 2009, 11:21:01 AM
And she worked for the Rockefellers? Did she have many stories to tell? Where did she learn to cook? And why did the young neighbors call her names? Because she could not speak English?
I hope most Americans are beyond that now? Or are they? I think it is pitiful to see first generation legal Americans speaking their native languaget; knowing that their children will become fully-fledged and, no doubt, unkind to them, urging them to learn English and speak properly.
Post by: maryz on April 25, 2009, 01:01:24 PM
Post by: jane on April 25, 2009, 01:06:08 PM
jane
Post by: pedln on April 25, 2009, 03:47:41 PM
It’s almost 3 pm on Sat. afternoon and I can’t believe I’ve been on the computer all day. So, what to do – try to get in a swim at the fitness center, or just fill up the bathtub and soak with a good book. :D
Are you ready for another Kindle article? Here’s one from today’s NY Times. (MaryZ, I thought about you and Judy and JoanG and all the other Kindle users.) Part of the gist is ‘how are you going to make judgements about people if you can’t see what they’re reading.’ I kid you not. But it’s a fun article and then there is a section where folks have made comments about it. Be sure to read that – it’s more pro-Kindle than the actual article. And guess who made a comment that includes a link to you know where.
Kindle (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/fashion/26kindle.html?hpw)
Post by: maryz on April 25, 2009, 04:34:17 PM
Post by: pedln on April 25, 2009, 07:01:58 PM
Post by: Pei Li on April 25, 2009, 08:06:39 PM
also glad it took awhile to figure out how to post- I still recommend, but not as enthusiastically as I would have about 100 pages ago, but the Russo novel Bridge of Sighs is excellent. Sorry if I missed any previous discussion of this book. I still recommend but now see character narratives where I think the author might be uncomfortable or out of his element and it comes accross.
I look forward to getting to know y'all on this forum and how to navigate it more effectively.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on April 25, 2009, 08:52:55 PM
You are doing just fine and we want to welcome you to our site. Thank you for posting your recommendations, and, please continue to do so. I've read a few DeMille books in the past but, for some strange reason, I have switched over to nonfiction and enjoy them.
Come back often and post!
Post by: mrssherlock on April 25, 2009, 09:01:52 PM
PS: When you are responding to one certain post you can address it to that person like I did to you here.
Post by: Steph on April 26, 2009, 09:48:58 AM
The neighbors called her a Nazi.. They knew she was German and said she was a spy ( hurting the heart of a small girl, who adored her). One of the little girls in the neighborhood was not allowed to come into our house or eat anything I had.. Said that she would poison her. The Rockefellers hired her straight out of her parents kitchen. They had an Inn.. They brought her to the states ( no records of immigration for servants brought with an american family, alas). She stayed until the first Mrs. Rockefeller died, then left and moved to Virginia. An Aunt of hers lived there. She married my grandfather fairly quickly, since her Aunt was neighbors to Grandfathers best friend and they met the day she moved in. She died relatively young, so although she taught me to cook and play dominos and made me homemade toys, I did not know her parents names or anything other than she had brothers and nephews who all died in the war.
Post by: Babi on April 26, 2009, 10:14:30 AM
It's interesting that someone who has forgotten his childhood language still
speaks it in his dreams. Things have a disconcerting way of slipping past our
mental barriers when we are asleep. Which, of course, is why dreams can be
so revealing.
Post by: jane on April 26, 2009, 11:10:16 AM
I am constantly amazed by those who judge other people by the cover of the books they see strangers reading. Incredible. The kindle doesn't allow for that...unless you ask to see it, under the guise of wanting to see how one works, the article says...to see what others are reading...so you can 'judge' them, I guess.
jane
Post by: Ella Gibbons on April 26, 2009, 06:46:39 PM
Or maybe? Since it was around WWII?
Post by: Steph on April 27, 2009, 07:29:56 AM
Post by: Ella Gibbons on April 27, 2009, 11:13:06 AM
Wish I had learned things like that!
Post by: mrssherlock on April 27, 2009, 12:31:26 PM
Post by: Steph on April 28, 2009, 08:26:16 AM
I know.. Some of the sauces she used, I found as an adult in French cookbooks. She also made grape pudding. It was thick and purple and she served it to me with milk poured over it. Never had it anywhere but in her kitchen. My Mom hated to cook and never paid attention to her Moms cooking at all. Such a shame.
Post by: Ella Gibbons on April 28, 2009, 10:34:19 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on April 28, 2009, 01:46:13 PM
Post by: Pei Li on April 28, 2009, 07:58:13 PM
anyway Bridge of Sighs- a very interesting and creative approach to what I'd call fictional memoir. The narrator goes back to childhood in a small town in upstate New York State and there is a defining moment when he is locked in a box by other children. But the authors switch from present to past is wonderful and there's so much subplot- economic class issues, contamination of small towns by local industry, cancers, a little coming of age, at one point early on the Lynch family purchases a local grocery and then for the next portion of the book that grocery and its 'meaning' becomes a character. As the book progresses there is lots about a marriage progressing- The bridge in venice is a lure early on, I think now toward the end of the book this bridge and its meaning is taking front stage.
Post by: Steph on April 29, 2009, 07:25:41 AM
Post by: ginny on April 29, 2009, 09:52:01 AM
The word REPLY is a misnomer. Our boards are not set up like threads, so you're not actually REPLYING initially to anybody, you're just posting your own message. The numbers of the posts are in the title of the post, to the right of the person's name. For instance you are post 987.
As you can see here, in a screenshot,(http://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/sslibrary.jpg) next to Mary's name, the number of her post.
In order to see back posts, you can scroll up to the top of the page, OR, if you want to see more than this page, if you've read all those, we're currently on page 25, you can go to the other pages.
Can you see above maryz's post in the illustration, (hers is the first message on this page) the numbers of pages? 1....23, 24, [25?] We're on page 25, there are 40 posts or messages per page, so to see the last 40 you can click on one of the former pages.
A very neat thing about this software is that while you are posting your message in the compose box, you can scroll down and actually read the last 80 or so messages!! It will not, however, as you have noticed, actually show the post number, but as you say you can use the name.
I think you are getting around splendidly to have found the library!!!
Under the flower on the illustration here, and on the top of every page, is the Discussion Index. If you click that one you'll see everything we offer.
Welcome, welcome, welcome! Ask any question here any time! SO glad you're here!
Post by: ginny on April 29, 2009, 10:05:55 AM
I feel better in reading the book The Big Rich as he says people in the North really don't know anything about Texas, he's right, what an education this book is. Texaco, I didn't know what that was, Exxon which used to be Esso, I hope he talks about that change, does anybody remember why it was made and what Esso stood for originally, and what Exxon does now? Standard Oil, it's all beginning to click, that The Big Rich is something else.
I don't know how we could possibly discuss it, it's gigantic, but I think it would make a great book/film thing along with the fiction Giant (have been wanting to read Edna Ferber here for years) and the movie, too.
Pedln they made a mistake leaving YOUR comments off!
Maybe we need a book club which deals with forgotten authors. When is the last time you read Edna Ferber? Pearl Buck? Sinclair Lewis? Maybe we need to revisit them ...heck Ayn is it, Rand? And see if they have stood the test of time and if what they have to say resonates to US today in 2009. Three of them blew me away when I was younger with their books. Well really all four them. I wonder if they would now.
I am NOT going to reread Marjorie Morningstar, that one needs to stay enshrined with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and How Green Was My Valley forever in memory. But the others I think we could look at again with the value of the perspective of age?
??
Giant is a HECK of a book, but So Big is better, in my opinion. Arrowsmith is another one I'm not going to look at again lest it be a mess, but I always disliked Main Street (tho appreciated Babbit and the sequel when I reread them a couple of years ago), but sometimes "literature" is not as fully appreciated in the fires of our youth as it is in later years, would it be better? The language is quite dated in Lewis.
Pearl Buck! Required reading in China today for students to learn about history in the time of the Boxer Rebellion, would her books and sequels stand the test of time for US in 2009?
Our Town, Thornton Wilder, how I absolutely hated that thing, just hated it, thought it was THE most stupid thing I ever saw.. NOW I read a little of it and thought WOW! WOW! Instead of the fires of youth maybe in my case it was the stupidity of youth. Anyway I wonder if there would be any interest in reading some of the Oldies but....Goodies? And seeing how our tastes have matured. If they have! hahahaa
Post by: Babi on April 29, 2009, 10:43:17 AM
Oh,good!, GINNY, I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't like Main Street. I
remember Edna Ferber with great fondness. There are a number of book I wouldn't mind re-reading from my elder perspective, though I fear I wouldn't be as enamored of them now as I once was. That would be a disappoinment, wouldn't it? Maybe we could suggest only those books we re-read and found still good.
Post by: jane on April 29, 2009, 11:45:29 AM
jane
Post by: winsummm on April 29, 2009, 02:20:31 PM
ve enjoyed sc fi, but there is this lady with three names who writes it well and with political themes that remind me very much of the power structure in my world.
hers is believeable because geographically it could be part of ours.
check out Robin Hobb and the free kindle book Assassins Assistant. the first in the series. it lured me into the full series at six dollars and thirty nine cents a pop.
claire
Post by: joyous on April 29, 2009, 02:31:28 PM
Exxon--Exxon/Mobil
Esso
Standard Oil
I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where is a LARGE Exxon refinery, which has always been the life-blood of this city and all of Louisiana. My father started working there when it was Standard Oil and I still have his work-badge when he was there ( he died in 1949). He was
a telegraph operator there (gee, WHO can relate to that?)during the Great Depression.
I would imagine that the Esso name refers to SO (Standard Oil). Where Exxon came from, I have NO idea. Ah!---nostalgia--
JOY
Post by: mrssherlock on April 29, 2009, 03:41:53 PM
Post by: marjifay on April 29, 2009, 11:39:27 PM
Post by: Frybabe on April 30, 2009, 02:15:37 AM
Shame on me for never having read "...Valley". My Mom is Welsh. She grew up in Merthyr Tydfil, just north of Aberfan for those who remember the great slag pile that slid down the mountain and devoured a school full of children as well as others. Believe me, it was heart wrenching to see all the white crosses on a lush green/grey background across the narrow valley as we traveled by train up to Merthyr Tydfil three years after the disaster. We were lucky. None off our relatives were lost, but many of our relatives friends and neighbors were affected. When I used to travel up Wilkes Barre or Mahanoy City way, I would shudder each time we passed the slag piles along the highway, remembering the white crosses of Aberfan.
Post by: Steph on April 30, 2009, 08:21:36 AM
Funny.. I was rearranging bookshelves and ran on my Betty MCDonald.. Since we are going to Seattle, wanted to look at Onions in the Stew to see where Vashon actually was. I loved her and have every book..
Sinclair Lewis was an early favorite, but I tried rereading and realized that the style is out of date. He got so very wrought up about what he was writing about.
There are lots of older authors I adore. I actually found the sequel to a Tree grows in Brooklyn in a thrift store a few months ago and have it sitting to be reread in my stack.
I will be off seniorlearn from May 1 through the 18th. No lap top going with us and tomorrow we set off on our Trains and Planes and Automobiles trip to the northwest.
Post by: bellemere on April 30, 2009, 08:35:46 AM
the book has been around for a time, published in 2006.All his work is nonfiction; I hope to get some of his others.
Post by: Babi on April 30, 2009, 08:36:49 AM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4g.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the wind and rain and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not). Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
As far as I know, I read all the Pearl Buck books, and Hollywood made films from some of them. She really knew China; her parents were missionaries
there and that's where she grew up. I'm really enjoying the reminiscing over
all these old favorites.
It took some hunting, but I finally found...and ordered...Anne McCaffreys three
book series on the 'Twins of Petaybe'. She is another my daughter and I both love. Valerie has a good many of her books on her shelves, but somehow we missed this series. The second book of the series was particularly hard to find for some reason, but I finally found a place that had all three, with book two in pb only.
--Babi
Post by: mabel1015j on April 30, 2009, 03:22:35 PM
Post by: mrssherlock on April 30, 2009, 04:35:38 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on April 30, 2009, 10:52:51 PM
1996, by the Cambridge Univ Press.....................................i tho't it was a great read and so interesting in so many facets .............the time of living in China w/ her missionary parents, her marriage, her books, her social activism, she was so much more than "just" a novelist....................her home in Bucks Co, Pa is an interesting place to visit also......................jean
Post by: Frybabe on May 01, 2009, 01:51:24 AM
Post by: JoanP on May 01, 2009, 09:06:20 AM
The VOTE IS ON! May 1 - May 5
After reading reviews of the nominated titles,
in the Suggestion Box (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.40)- please vote for future Book Club Online discussions.
Thanks!
After reading reviews of the nominated titles,
in the Suggestion Box (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.40)- please vote for future Book Club Online discussions.
Thanks!
Post by: mrssherlock on May 01, 2009, 12:36:52 PM
Post by: nlhome on May 01, 2009, 10:39:54 PM
Post by: Babi on May 02, 2009, 09:21:13 AM
some places he likes, he can go to some places you like, right?
JACKIE, I have been surprised more than once to read a list of awards, like the
Nobel for Literature, and find many books I never heard of on the list. I
suppose they were chosen for reasons that seemed pertinent at the time, but
they certainly didn't make it into lasting popularity or classics. Which, of course, doesn't mean there aren't books on those lists that would make
great reading.
Post by: mrssherlock on May 02, 2009, 10:23:07 AM
Post by: Frybabe on May 02, 2009, 10:57:54 AM
We didn't have much free time with both of us working and going back to college, so we went places we both could enjoy. A lot of my enjoyment comes from sharing an experience with someone I know will enjoy it too.
Isn't there another author that lived near Buck's place? Michener?? There are others in the general area. Wouldn't it be neat to take a "literary landscape" bus tour of homes of authors and, perhaps, some old libraries? Have you been in the old library building on the Lehigh University campus? Great old building with spiral staircase to the second level. Floorboards you can see through to the ground level.
Post by: winsummm on May 03, 2009, 12:03:52 AM
this one is FOOL'S ERRAND the white phantom character is back in play. It would make a great HBO movie series.
claire
Post by: winsummm on May 03, 2009, 12:15:57 AM
Quote
http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-S-Buck-Cultural-Biography
I googled it and this page has reviews and is interesting in itself. the book lists for fifty bucks but s forty five at amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-S-Buck-Cultural-Biography/dp/product-description/0521639891
claire
Post by: BarbStAubrey on May 03, 2009, 08:59:53 AM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0521560802/ref=ed_oe_h_olp
Post by: Babi on May 03, 2009, 09:49:42 AM
I did that, when I was much younger, when the kids were growing up and
I could see the days ahead when they would be leaving home. I still
enjoy learning something new, but I have to do it via computer these
days. Seniorlearn is a major 'mentor' for me.
Not HBO, CLAIRE! I don't get HBO. How about one of the non-premium networks? :)
Post by: Frybabe on May 03, 2009, 12:03:58 PM
Post by: mabel1015j on May 03, 2009, 08:27:59 PM
Frybabe - I spent 5 great yrs teaching at Wm Penn H.S. in Harrisburg when i first graduated from college 40 yrs ago. For the first 2 yrs i lived up by Italian Lake near the high school. What a lovely spot that was. The school used to produce a wonderful May Day pageant on and around the lake, w/ the May "queen" coming down the lake on a motorized swan and her court - the girls who had made the honor roll - in pastel dresses.
Reading the link that Claire provided to the Pearl Buck bio reminded me of a fact i learned from reading women's bios in the 1970's - most of the women whose names we know in history accomplished what ever the actions were for which they were famous, when they did not have, or, no longer had responsibilities for husband and/or family. Even tho Eleanor Roosevelt was still married and still had children at home when she first began her "political career," she really had no homemaking responsibilities and only the "wifely duties" that she wished to have. She and Franklin no longer "lived" as "husband and wife" after his affair w/ Lucy Rutherford. And she emerged as the butterfly who was herself, and did work in her own name and person from that point on.
Yes, Elizabeth Cady Stanton had 6 children and was a homemaker thru her years fighting for women's rts, but when she had a speech to prepare for, or writing to do, Susan B. Anthony came to her house weeks ahead of time and took care of her children and the household. Margaret Sanger had divorced her first husband when she began her fight for birth control. She smartly married the heir to the 3-in-one oil company who funded her crusade and asked little in the way of wifely and homemaking duties. The list goes on, w/ many women, like Susan B. Anthony and Jane Addams never marrying at all. Pearl Buck had left her first marriage and made a name for herself as an author, when she came into her own as a crusader of human rts.
Has that changed? Are there women now who have made a name for themselves while still fulfilling the roles of mother and wife........................Maryz - the Rutgers basketball and the Tenn basketball coaches come to mind..
Jean
Post by: maryz on May 03, 2009, 09:29:27 PM
Post by: Frybabe on May 04, 2009, 12:29:12 AM
I just loved trips up Second St. with its lovely houses, some had brick arches with rooms overhead (if I remember right) spanning the driveway. Most of them are still there. And North Front with its mansions. Did you know, Jean, that some developer several years ago almost got the go ahead to tear down some of those mansions to build modern buildings in their place. Oh, you should have heard the outcry. They are part of the charm of driving down Front St. You bet, I'd be upset if someone tore down the mansions and put up a modern monstrosity.
Post by: marcie on May 04, 2009, 11:24:38 AM
Post by: Fran on May 04, 2009, 11:28:20 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on May 04, 2009, 01:59:31 PM
Those Canadian geese have made a mess everywhere, how did that happen?..................jean
Post by: Frybabe on May 04, 2009, 02:26:13 PM
The geese at some point decided that the Susquehanna and environs were a great place to stay. We had a population that decided it was easier to overwinter here rather than fly farther south. Someone was able to get free feed and feeding them down at the the landing in West Fairview for a while. Also, the weather had been pretty fair for winter for a number of years. So they stayed. I am not sure how they discouraged them, but there are not nearly as many around anymore.
Geese aren't the only ones happy with the area. We were getting quite a variety of ducks on the river. Didn't see so many of them either last year. Our population of river gulls keeps expanding and we have had a big increase of Herons in the last few years. Oh, and the Bald Eagles, and hawk populations appear to be increasing.
Marcie, I checked the Preston and Childs tour schedule. The only ones semi near to me are the Philadelphia and the Gaithersburg, MD signings. I like their website.
Post by: ginny on May 04, 2009, 04:10:45 PM
That Monster of Florence looks good too.
Post by: ginny on May 04, 2009, 04:15:11 PM
She was also at the 20th Anniversary SeniorNet Conference, she had been with SeniorNet a long time.
Life is so strange, isn't it? I was just thinking about her. Seems like everything we READ in the Latin 201 reminds me of her, Lake Geneva, and the famous passes through the mountains, and the various Swiss villages, she and I had some fine and fun adventures in Europe, which I'll never forget..
I am so sorry, we will miss her. I thought you would like to know.
Post by: maryz on May 04, 2009, 05:24:14 PM
Post by: pedln on May 05, 2009, 09:26:02 AM
Post by: marcie on May 05, 2009, 11:11:57 AM
Post by: JoanP on May 06, 2009, 11:58:38 AM
She will be sorely missed.
Post by: JoanP on May 06, 2009, 12:01:59 PM
Before opening your ballot, please be sure that you are familiar with the following titles so you know what they are each about - (You can learn about them by clicking the title in the chart in the heading at the top of the page in the Suggestion Box Discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.msg22093#msg22093))
Quote
The Last Dickens by Pearl (read together with The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Dickens)
The Book Thief by Zusak
People of the Book by Brooks
Bridge of Sighs by Russo
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by Wroblewski
VOTE HERE: Run-off Vote for Future Book Discussions (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=sRwHjzi3QWJUqOTWw_2f1fNw_3d_3d)
Post by: mabel1015j on May 06, 2009, 01:33:18 PM
Post by: joangrimes on May 06, 2009, 11:46:31 PM
Joan Grimes
Post by: marcie on May 07, 2009, 12:32:15 PM
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pressdemocrat/obituary.aspx?n=francisca-g-middleton&pid=126958146
http://www.legacy.com/SFGate/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=126988661
Post by: ginny on May 08, 2009, 07:03:46 AM
Too bad we can't do a small area where we have a small photo and one liner of all of those we've lost over the years or something.
LJ, Theron, Lorrie, etc.
Jean that sounds like a fun book, let us know if it holds up, I could drive to Lake Lanier, let us know when you finish it?
Speaking of loss, Wednesday I picked up the new Christopher Buckley book on Losing Mum and Pup, on his loss of his parents. I had read a little of it and it sounded quite intriguing. It's small. I look forward to reading it, it's apparently done with charm and grace. I really know nothing about the Buckleys other than what I saw on television.
Also could not help but pick up the new book on the behind the scenes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where our old friend Thomas Hoving has a giant chapter, boy oh boy he still is larger than life, just as he was when we first met him in 1996, I've looked at some of his chapter, it promises to be a riveting read.
For some reason I keep buying Non Fiction, I'm sure there's a reason but isn't it true, sometimes it's stranger than fiction and more interesting.
What are you all reading?
Post by: JoanP on May 08, 2009, 08:47:04 AM
Post by: Frybabe on May 08, 2009, 01:03:42 PM
Also in the order is The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia by Peter Hopkirk (non fiction).
Post by: mrssherlock on May 08, 2009, 01:16:28 PM
Olive Kittredge is a group of short stories connected by the appearance of the title character in each one. Sometimes it is merely a walk-on, as in the tale of the dinner-hour pianist's grim life told in little snippets of flash0back. Olive and her husband appear, walk through the restaurant to their table, and then stroll offstage at the end. In between we learn about the secret pain hidden behind her smile and nimble fingers. Elizabeth Strout is one fine writer.
Post by: mabel1015j on May 08, 2009, 01:52:16 PM
http://www.haywoodsmith.net/
Post by: gingerw on May 08, 2009, 09:34:29 PM
She sent me a vhs about Ireland once as she knew I wanted to go there but never made it.
I knew Fran many years and seen her at many gatherings.
I also knew Mal.
Post by: Gumtree on May 09, 2009, 01:25:46 AM
Am also reading Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian - am almost half way through it and wondering whether to continue with it. I don't much care for vampire tales...though the historical aspect of the novel is intriguing. Is it worth another 300-odd pages... ?
Post by: Babi on May 09, 2009, 08:51:08 AM
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/library/library4h.jpg) | The Library Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out. Do come in from the wind and rain and join us. We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not). Let the book talk begin here! Everyone is welcome! |
Suggestion Box for Future Discussions (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
[/b]GUM, to paraphrase an old line, 'If you have to ask, it probably isn't.' ;)
Post by: ginny on May 09, 2009, 10:01:41 AM
This is followed by the news that:
Quote
This summer, a professor of computer science at the University of Kentucky plans to test 3-D X-ray scanning on two papyrus scrolls from Pompeii that were charred by volcanic ash in 79 A.D. Scholars have never before been able to read or even open the scrolls, which now sit in the French National Institute in Paris.
By taking high-resolution digital images in 14 different light wavelengths, ranging from infrared to ultraviolet, Oxford scholars are reading bits of papyrus that were discovered in 1898 in an ancient garbage dump in central Egypt. So far, researchers have digitized about 80% of the collection of 500,000 fragments, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 8th century AD. The texts include fragments of unknown works by famous authors of antiquity, lost gospels and early Islamic manuscripts.
Oh boy, what will they find of Roman Egypt in those records? Maybe where Cleopatra and Antony are buried?
It also says: Recent Breakthroughs:
Quote
Digitization projects are also bringing previously unknown manuscripts to light- and to the Web, where scholars and curious internet surfers alike can look at high-resolution digital images of new discoveries from the ancient world.
Wow! Just imagine what they will discover in the yet unexcavated parts of Pompeii, not to mention Stabiae, and thanks to the new technology, we also may be ready to peer on something never seen for more than 2000 years! WOW!!
Just imagine! Talk about au courant! Talk about Indiana Jones!
Here's our chance to enjoy the same experience vicariously! Pack your pith helmet and shovel, and come on down to The Night Villa Discussion, (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=469.msg21130#msg21130) we're off on a high virtual adventure, which is making news today!
Everyone is welcome!
Post by: Pat on May 09, 2009, 10:57:13 AM
come back often and let us know what you are reading.
Post by: Frybabe on May 09, 2009, 12:19:51 PM
I bought The Historian for my sister two years ago because she likes vampire stories ( and horror films). I am not fond of them myself.
Post by: ALF43 on May 09, 2009, 02:17:35 PM
Gingee!! Oh my golly, how are you? I've thought of you so often and hope that you are well.
Post by: winsummm on May 09, 2009, 09:59:37 PM
my kindle just bought a book about robots and the military. WIRELESS AT WAR.
bots ARE AMAZING BY P.W. SINGER.
been reading it and reading it and . . . .reading.
also back to the robin hobb book, a continuation of the FOOL series.
my eyes have had it. byeee
claire
Post by: Babi on May 10, 2009, 09:19:16 AM
these findings will by made public? Or are some of them available now?
I always find such discoveries fascinating.
Post by: Gumtree on May 10, 2009, 12:15:42 PM
Quote
- if you have to ask, it probably isn't
In general I agree, - when in doubt, vote NO - on the other hand ALF encourages me to go on and I know others here have enjoyed The Historian - so I picked it up again this evening and became quite engrossed - I guess maybe I was a little weary or had read on for a little too long....I'll see what tomorrow brings. - still a long way to go.
Ginny Indiana Jones has nothing on us! But isn't it just amazing what they are doing in archaeology these days. They're bound to uncover more lost treasures of the literary kind - what a time to be young and enthusiastic and involved in the search...I sure wouldn't mind reading the 'lost gospels' and the alternative "Medea" - WOW, the mind boggles - as they say in the classics :D
Post by: ANNIE on May 10, 2009, 01:11:39 PM
Funny that all this ancient stuff is being talked about in here. I just finished listening to Elizabeth Peter's "The Serpent on the Crown" with the narrator Barbara Rosenblat. What a fabulous reader she is. Does all the voices and accents in this crowded story "featuring intrepid Egyptologist Amelia Peabody deftly blands high-state suspense with the riveting lore of an ancient and magical land."
I intend to try another of Peter's books with this narrator. I had never heard of her before I chose this audio tape but it was a worth the effort.
Post by: bellemere on May 10, 2009, 04:49:17 PM
Post by: maryz on May 10, 2009, 05:11:45 PM
Post by: JoanP on May 10, 2009, 09:22:55 PM
These episodes are based on best selling books by Henning Mankell -
Sidetracked, Firewall and One Step Behind Are you interested in a discussion of these thrilling mysteies?
SeniorLearn has been contacted by Masterpiece HGTV - offering us free sets of two lf these books if we are interested. (Masterpiece is one of our Reading Promotion Partners in the Library of Congress Center for the Book.)
If you are intersted in these books and chatting about the PBS adaptations, please post here and we'll open a discussion - and send you your set of novels.
I'm watching the first episode right now - Kenneth Branagh is Detective Wallender!
Post by: CubFan on May 10, 2009, 10:37:05 PM
I just finished watching Wallander and intend to watch the next two episodes but I don't think I'm interested in reading the books. I'm sure that there are major differences but since I've seen the TV program first I'll pass. Mary
Post by: JoanP on May 10, 2009, 10:41:26 PM
I'm wondering if we might open a discussion of both the film AND the books - one discussion for both. Those requesting the books could read them - those wanting to comment about the film, could do the same. What do you think?
Post by: maryz on May 10, 2009, 11:09:12 PM
Post by: Babi on May 11, 2009, 09:35:07 AM
She will be in a cast and unable to get to her computer for a while ...I know she's going to hate that...so her involvement here is going to be on hold until she can return. We're going to miss her, that's for sure!
Post by: JoanR on May 11, 2009, 09:58:38 AM
I would definitely be interested in a "Wallander discussion". I watched the first episode and thought it very good indeed. The review in the NYT mentioned that Wallander listens to opera in his car (yay!!) but they left that out of the series in case it made him look too much like Inspector Morse who used to listen to classical music.
Post by: Frybabe on May 11, 2009, 11:10:11 AM
If Ginny can't get to her computer, is there a way to get the computer to her? I can imagine the major withdrawal pains (as well as from her leg) from being away too long.
Post by: mrssherlock on May 11, 2009, 11:36:11 AM
Wallander has not been played yet on my PBS station. I was crushed when I couldn't find it listed. But as a long-time fan of Mankell's books I will be an eager participant in a discussion of any medium.
Post by: marcie on May 11, 2009, 11:40:20 AM
In a 21st-century version of the age of discovery, teams of computer scientists, conservationists and scholars are fanning out across the globe in a race to digitize crumbling literary treasures.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124173896716198603.html
Post by: Mippy on May 11, 2009, 03:36:36 PM
Dearest Ginny, amica mea,
Do Get Well Soon !!!!
Post by: JoanP on May 11, 2009, 06:47:21 PM
OK, we've opened a General PBS Masterpiece Discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=502.0) to determine if there is interest in the Wallanders -
This is the question in the header of the new discussion.
Would you like to form a Wallander Book/Film club? We could discuss the PBS adaptation of Henrick Mankell's novels and/or discuss Mankell's novels if you are interested. We can send you a set of two of the Wallander novels for the price of postage - if supplies last. Are you interested?
Since I had posted in several discussions about the series yesterday, I'm going to ask those of you who expressed interest to go into the new discussion, so all the information is in one place.
I'll be looking for you there, ready to take your orders! ;) Thanks!
Post by: ALF43 on May 11, 2009, 08:41:01 PM
If everyone just holds and assembles together in the Night Villa, she will be a happy camper. We all know how she agonizes over an opening discussion, particularly one with an author in attendance. ;D
Post by: JoanP on May 12, 2009, 07:59:24 AM
The VOTES have been COUNTED!
By Just ONE VOTE: Dickens' Mystery of Edwin Drood + Matthew Pearl's Last Dickens
Second Place: Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book
We'll discuss these top choices in the coming months!
By Just ONE VOTE: Dickens' Mystery of Edwin Drood + Matthew Pearl's Last Dickens
Second Place: Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book
We'll discuss these top choices in the coming months!
Post by: ALF43 on May 12, 2009, 09:21:50 AM
I just finished a 45 minute conversation with my newest patient- GINNY!
She went to the orthopedist yesterday and he told her that the break was NOT where the ER doc had diagnosed it but in a smaller bone in her knee. This is not a "weight bearing bone" that was fractured but non the less it is very painful and she is unable to bear weight at this time. She was pleased that she does not have to undergo surgery, naturally, but concerned with us here at SeniorLearn.
She can not sit at her computer for awhile, her leg must stay with ice and elevation. It is difficult with these types of breaks to ascertain just how long she will be off her leg. She returns to the doc on June 1st.
She is in excellent spirits and I was able to pick on her considerably and make her laugh. ::)
Her trip in July is another issue but she will patiently see what the month brings. It will be at least 6 or 7 weeks post fracture by then.
She is comfortable that her Latin students are finishing up and hopes that they will post their interest in the Night Villa.
She swears that after June 1st she will try to get in there, but we will see.
A good dose of Oxycontin might help with that issue. ;D
She is resting well and says to say hello to everyone. Only Ginny could break her leg and say that it was her best Mother's Day EVER. Winston came back home, he was visiting his mother the day that she fell and her boys came to her house, to rally around the mama bear.
She said that she LOVED the attention but as for me-- I would prefer to keep all bones intact.
She hates the crutches and has found an alternative. (Don't ask.)
I will be calling her in a couple of days and report back en mass.
Post by: Babi on May 12, 2009, 09:30:48 AM
Very well, I shall employ my vivid imagination with all sort of possibilities. (I'm grinning already.) ;D
Post by: ALF43 on May 12, 2009, 09:49:45 AM
I am the same way Babi. NEVER tell a curiosity seeker, "don't ask."
She will tell her story, I am merely the Nurse in attendance.
Post by: PatH on May 12, 2009, 10:11:05 AM
What about getting a cheap laptop to use lying down? (Maybe not while she's on enough painkillers to make it likely that she let it slide to the floor)
Tell Ginny hi from me, and that I think she's amazing.
Post by: mrssherlock on May 12, 2009, 10:49:58 AM
Post by: mabel1015j on May 12, 2009, 06:05:55 PM
Post by: Mippy on May 13, 2009, 06:47:52 AM
Ginny ~ When you start to read these posts again, you'll be delighted to hear
how much the summer 200/201 group is looking forward to our start on June 1.
Can't keep those ol' Latin students quiet ... get well soon, amica mea :D
Post by: JoanP on May 14, 2009, 05:41:23 PM
If you participated in the recent Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society discussion, please please register here - six lucky members of our SeniorLearn Book Club could win an all expense paid trip to Guernsey this fall!
It's simple, really simple to register!
Win a Bookclub trip to Guernsey this fall (http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/guernsey/sweepstakes/)
Post by: Babi on May 15, 2009, 08:25:17 AM
Post by: JoanP on May 15, 2009, 09:03:04 AM
Indeed - why not!
Post by: gingerw on May 15, 2009, 09:46:58 PM
Post by: EvelynMC on May 17, 2009, 06:22:01 PM
Evelyn
Post by: ANNIE on May 17, 2009, 08:43:42 PM
Post by: winsummm on May 18, 2009, 12:15:57 AM
sorry about breaking the thread and ginny keep off that leg but don't stop reading stuff you can tell us about when you are back.
And . . . thanks for introducing us to carol goodman. I'm into her book already. couldn't resist. couldn't wait for the group. she is wonderful. will just suck in everything she has writen with this new Kindle. It was only eight dollars there. I read SAMPLES of everything that is mentioned here.
hugs, claire
Post by: Frybabe on May 18, 2009, 12:27:46 AM
Post by: PatH on May 18, 2009, 01:22:18 AM
Post by: Tomereader1 on May 18, 2009, 02:35:10 AM
Post by: jane on May 18, 2009, 03:00:03 AM
It's time for us to gather up our books and head over to a new discussion place...
See you all at
The Library ~ New (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=513.0)