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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (Judy.1007@live.com)
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Good Morning everyone. What a great day to reinstate Fiction Old New and Best Sellers.
January 1st seems a great day to start out.
Just to get the ball moving I will tell you what I have been reading and then we can all catch up.
Found a author that I love and have now read most of his books including The Quiet Game (great) Third Degree. He writes about Mississippi and the Natches Trace and I can't wait to go there. I want to drive the Natches Trace someday if I can get out of Georgia. The author's name is Greg Iles
Also Read Mary Alice Monroe Swiming Lessons which was good and
Savannah blues by Mary K Andrews, if you like the south and funny these books by Mary Kay Andrew will keep you laughing from start to finish.
I am on my second book by Stephen Hunter, this one is Hot Springs and he is a great writer as far as I am concerned. It takes place in Arkansaw in the 1940,s when they had gambling.
Lets all join again and tell what we are reading and what books we have enjoyed or really LOVED and maybe we can catch up.
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Oh, Pat! How wonderful to see that beautiful heading/banner that I remember so well.
It seems we will be getting all our Books/Literature discussions in one spot to simplify catching up at this site. I want you and everyone here to know that I was one frustrated old lady for all those weeks that S/N was gone! I would email Marcie (Bless her heart!) and go to the Home Page, and find nothing but the stock message. Tried the flash chat and it would always be empty. Had it not been for an old AOL board where a few seniors still congregate, someone would have had to put me in a padded room! My deepest thanks to all who are able and willing to do this wonderful computer work and get us back on board! Bless y'all!
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Hi Tomereader,
First --- Judy Laird is the discussion leader here -- just she was on the SN site.
I'm sure she will continue just where we left off.
Second --- I have been reading Riding Lessons bu Sara Gruen. Since I have always rbred and raised horses -this was a really accurate novel. She also wrote Water for Elephants and has a new book coming Ape House.
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Good Morning everyone our new fiction old and new is up thanks to Pat.
My nine in the morning is most everyones noon.
This should be a wonderful place to be.
Come in and tell us what you are reading.
Hi Tomereader I enjoyed Water For Elephants very much. The special thing abou the book was that the author had never been to a circus, that blew my mind.
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME
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just checking in so i can get back.................that sentence only makes sense to we Seniornetters, uh?....................teeheee, ..........as Ginny would say................jean
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The No Water for Elephants was nice, but sort of transparent about halfway through. I finished the lobster book and am now on a true fact book written by a Vet who works in Angell Vet Hospital in Boston. This is a truly famous vet hospital with all sorts of specialists and it is interesting if you like animals.
Last Night at the Lobster was a true fact, written as fiction novel.. Interesting. He chose thise method because he wanted to put thoughts into the characters and mental observations into the Manager who was Manny.
I think I mentioned somewhere that I had recently discovered Patricia Briggs. She has done a three book series on shape changers and vampires.. Not so light as Charlaine Harris and definitely not quite the way out there of Laurell Hamilton. I enjoyed the three and have discovered she also wrote some sci fi fantasy and am looking for some of them.
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Checking in.
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Marking my place.
Unless she has a brand new one out, I've read and enjoyed all of the Mary Kay Andrews books.
I'm kinda in a non-fiction mood right now - some bios and a few essay-type books about various eras.
In between, I'm working my way through Sue Grafton's "alphabet" mysteries; am currently up to "H".
I think I'll look for the "Lobster" book; it sounds very interesting.
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Callie,Mary, Steph, Jean great to see you here.
I am just leaving be gone for a few hours.
Must go 60 mile round trip to see my Mother and
take her some M&M's we'll visit and then I will leave
and the next person who walks by her will say nice
your daughter was here and she will say I never saw
my daughter she never comes here.
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:-* A quick kiss to all of the true book lovers that I have been missing for so long. I'll be back.
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Judy, how sad about your Mom. We had similar with husband's mom couple years ago. Sad, sad, sad. I hope I never lose my memory, short or long term. :(
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Great Heading here.
Judy, my mother didn't know who we were in the end and I have come to realize that we are the ones who become sad at seeing our own mother that way, but she herself never was sad, she remained her sweet self right to the end. She was over 90 when she started to loose her memory.
I just saw the movie "The Reader" and it was so good that I bought the book. Kate Winslet and Ralph Fienes and another young actor I didn't recognize played well in that movie. I highly recommend it.
Hi! Pat, Callie, Steph, et al. Great heading Judy.
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Hi Judy and everyone. It's such fun to see what everyone is reading. And so hard to decide what to read next. Judy, I have your Greg Illes on my shelf -- Turning Angel. And then there is Plain Truth -- both book and DVD are here, and also one by Paul Auster who writes about Brooklyn and New York -- The Brooklyn Follies.
Steph, that Night of the Lobster sounds interesting.
I'm just finishing A Thousand Splendid Suns and Emilie Richards' Whiskey Island -- set in Cleveland, about the Irish immigrants who came there.
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Judy Laird: I guess you're as happy as I am to see your site up and running again. thanks.
I'm amused at your comment about your -nine in the morning being everyone else's noon- I'm not sure of the exact time difference but I think your nine am is around my midnight or 2 am next morning - It's fun being one of the odd men? out.
Eloise: Lucky you having already seen 'The Reader' It doesn't open here until next week (I think). I'm looking forward to seeing it. I thought the book was brilliant - hope you enjoy it.
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Judy, my mother in law had Alzeimers and the memory is so hard, but I believe like someone else mentioned that we are sad with this, but with no memory, they tend to be happy.
I am off to see a new rescue corgi. Our girl had dm and died in October and I am ready to welcome another one to my heart. Our 12 year old Dexter will go with us to meet Gracie. He must approve since he is old and tired and did so love Bridget and misses her terribly.
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Phyll I am glad to see you. Love your little stack of books, I am terrible computer challenged, it took me 2 days to get Redmond up under my name.
For all of you who enjoy my heading please do not give me any credit it is all tech people and especially Pat I just sit and say when do I start.Thanks for the kind thoughts on my Mother, I don't know if it is harder on her or me. She is still the same at 93 she just doesn't know anything. I saw a side of her that was always there. I laughed so hard. They stuck their head in her door and said exercise time. So I said come on Mom we will walk you out to the living room. She goes over to a couch with 3 women on it walks up and says "thats my seat" and I really though she was going to belt the woman,then she made like she was going to sit on the woman" I grabbed her and said Mom lets go sit over here on another couch. She's always been fiesty and I guess that hasn't changed.
Pedln you have to get into those Greg Iles hes the best I know you will like him.
When are you coming to visit your daughter??I might have to do some dog rescuing myself today, a lady dumped 2 litters of puppies on my groomer and she is drowning in dogs. I hate to go up there to help because I am liable to come home with one. You should see one littler they are tiny yorkie and shitzu mixed they are beyond cute.
Hi Eloise thank for the kind thoughts on my Mother.
Have a great day everyone.
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Congrats Mary - your Lady Vols have beaten us - the Lady Knights - again........and what a game!...................i know you enjoyed it........jean
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jean - that was amazing - I can't believe they came back from 20 points down at the half. Our home-town UTC Lady Mocs lost to Georgia Southern by 2 points at the same time. Good news, bad news. :D
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I am marking my place, here. Have been sick in bed, for a week, with a virus. Am slowly reading "The Forgotten Man." I find it interesting. Can't remember the name of the author. Another view of the Great Depression. I find myself very interested in what was going on in the world in the years around the 1920s.
Sheila
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Welcome Shelia
Its terrible when we get so sick we have to stay in bed. No fun at All.
Is the author Amity Shaels? I would think it would be interesting to read about the great depression. Some say these times compare but I am not sure if its that bad. I think it all depends on your circumstances.
Welcome again :D :D
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The MYSTERY CORNER is now open
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=82.0 (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=82.0)
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I'm so glad to see this board and the whole website up and running. I don't usually post but read messages avidly.
My book list is filled with books that are suggested here. I just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns and am currently reading Night by Elie Wiesel and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Different subjects; both fascinating in their own way. My f2f book group will discuss Guernsey Friday and maybe SeniorLearn will also discuss it in February.
Nancy
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Has anyone else got a thing for Barbara Pym? Not much discussion material just delicious comedy of manners. My personal favorite is Quartet in Autumn.
I really think she is the reincarnated Jane Austen.
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Has anyone read Dewey, the true story of the cat who lived in the library in Spencer, Iowa? I wonder if Jane lives near there. It is a heart warming story about this very friendly cat which was adopted by the library staff. At the present time I am reading My Life with Julia Child - who would have thought that she was not French! She was born in CA. I also love the Jodi Piccoult books - Plain Truth was about the Amish - she is a good fiction writer.
I also missed this discussion when SN was down. I got so many ideas for gift giving from the many readers who post here. It is wonderful!
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Bellemere.
I love Barbara Pym but it has been a very long time since I read anything by her. I was thinking about her books just a few days ago I used to just devour one of her books everytime I found one that I had not read. I just might reread her books. I think I have read all of them .
Joan Grimes
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I have read Julias biography, My life with Julia and the funniest of all Julie-Julia, which I think they are making a movie of. Julia is and was my hero.. I watched her all those years ago and gathered up my courage and turned myself into a french cook ( not without a lot of experimenting and eating). A favorite of mine, but then I love books on cooks and chefs, etc and have quite a collection.
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EdithAnne, I have a request in to my library to get Dewey. I had to request the Large Print addition since the queue was only 35 as opposed to the regular print edition where the queue is 202! It seems that a lot of us want to read about Dewey.
I worked for many years at a library in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York. I emptied the book box nearly every morning and found many odd things in it (some I don't want to talk about!) but I never found a kitten. It sounds like just my kind of book.
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Hi there, just checking in - my last really good book, one that I didn't want to end, was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Now I'm looking for something that is as good.
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Nlhome I am looking forward to reading the Guernsey book, I hope it gets picked for Feburary's read. Welcome to Fiction Old and New.
My daughter Candi is on a streak of reading Jodi Piccoult's books. They are coming down quite often. I am now reading Keeping Faith. For those of you who don't know my daughter lives in Alaska and is a voriatious reader and when someone comes down they always bring me a box of book.
EdithAnne I am looking forward to reading Plain Truth in fact I might have it around here somewhere. So many books so little time.
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First time posting in this discussion: Hi All!
Judy & nlhome: My reading group is going to discuss "The Guernsey Literary, etc." next week so I'll give you their views afterward. I personally found it a delightful read. I seem to remember reading about the German occupation of Guernsey Island (it may have even been during WWII...I could read then!)
Just finished a really good read (only about 50 pages long).."Doubt" by J.P. Shanley.. very powerful and written in play form. I'm going to reread it. Incidentally Meryl Streep is in a movie adaptation and it received rave reviews.
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Herbaltea Welome Welcome I Love that name, from now on I will call you HT
works for me. hehe
I have been reading about Doubt and would like to see the movie. I usually wait til the DVD comes out but maybeI will make an exception here. I absolutly hate when the movie comes on the first is so loud I want to scream, then its too cold too hot, popcorn costs too much..ect ect ect. I don't believe Merly Streep can do anything wrong.
I am going downtown now and go to my bookstore already to long of a list with everyones great sugestions.
Again Welcome HT
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HT - Thanks. I'll look forward to hearing what your reading group thought about "Guernsey"
N
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I have a correction to my post, # 24. Julia Child's book is called My Life in France, written by her and Alex Prudhomme, copyright 2006. She previously had written 11 books, her first one being Mastering the Art of French Cooking, 1961. In 1963 Boston's WGBH launched The French Chef television series, which made her a national celebrity, earning her the Peabody Award in 1965 and an Emmy in 1966. She died in 2004, two days before her 92nd. birthday. Alex Prudhomme is Paul Child's grand nephew who collaborated with Julia in writing this book, several years before she died. Julia said it would be a "tribute" to Paul, her husband, who swept her off to Paris in the first place.
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Judy Laird
I am on the same streak as your daughter. I started with Jodi Picoult newest book and have worked my way through almost all of them. I have "Mercy" to read and then I will wait for her newest one that comes out in March. I really like her books. I am usually a mystery book reader but I have gotten tired of them. So this is a change for me.
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Judy and All
Great guns for the folder! Good to see the familiar faces, and new ones also. I tried yesterday but had a minor problem and a major distraction. i wanted to share something with you because of an earlier message from you having to do with your visit to you mother in a retirement home. Please lt me reply briefly.
I'd like to think that your presence did register with your mother in a subconscious way, impossible to fathom. An experience I had some years ago with a very dear friend tends to confirm that. But I won't elaborate, only say bless you.
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Thank You for that staudetwo it means a lot.
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Hi All -
Just started reading Dewey - love kittys so it is truly a sweet tail!
I wanted to mention the new short story book I just finished by a new author - Irish (love to read Around the World mainly). Walk the Blue Fields by Clair Keegan. Her stories get the flavor, sights and smells of Ireland in addition to the good plots. One blurb calls her a unique craftswoman. And I agree.
Usually I don't acare for short stores but this was unique.
~Marj
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I'm so glad to be here. Thanks to all who helped make a place to talk books again. Hello to old friends and new friends. I have to say "Dewey" is on my wishlist. I have been in a mystery book mood. I just finished reading "Death of A Winter Shaker" by Deborah Woodworth. It's the first in a series.
I am also reading "Dreams from my Father" by Barack Obama. The book is wonderful. I've heard some of what I'm reading on the documentaries and news shows. Reading the book is giving me a totally different perspective.
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There's hats. Happy to see you posting here. You have always contributed so many good suggestions for books.
I was really concerned when your email kept coming back.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Thank you, hats
Hi Pat,
Yes, I changed my email. I posted in here now. I hope those who want it can find it. It's good to hear from all of you again. I have a notebook to write down all these wonderful suggestions.
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Hi Hats, it's great to see you here.
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The Shaker books are really good. I read them a few years back and loved them. Then when we were oout in the rv, we stopped and spent the day at Pleasant Hill in Kentucky. It is a fully restored shaker village and lovely beyond belief. It seems to have peace and contentment bred in the bone..
Jodi Picoult.. I read one at a time.. Some I really like, but others drive me to throwing the book.. My Sisters Keeper made me furious. Darn it all..The wrong person survived.
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About "My Sister's Keeper," that ending shocked me and made me mad too. The ending didn't fit.
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HELLO HATS !!!
Isn't it great to be back again and talking books....Dreams from My Father is on my to read list but don't know when I'll get to it...so many titles waiting...luxury
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Hi Hats good to see you here. I have found another Jodi Picoult here its called Perfect Match. I have 5 different book shelves and I usually find something I am looking for.
Hope you all have a great day and spend time in senior learn.
I myself am leaving for what will be a hard day. 5 new inches of snow last night and now raining with snow suipposed to come back. I have to plow into a horse ranch and take Em and Ed to be groomed then about 20 miles to work, pick it up and go do it then pick up Ed And Em and then go pick up a lady in Bellelvue and take her to the doctor. Yikes that looks like a lot I'd better be going.
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I just finished reading "Death of A Winter Shaker" by Deborah Woodworth. It's the first in a series.
What an intriguing title, Hats! I'll have to look it up in my library catalog. Which Shaker community does she write about?
So glad you have joined us here in this wonderful place. All the old friends with their book evaluations that I enjoy so much are gathering now. My world is back in place where it should be.
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So glad that I am no longer a guest. Had a hard time remembering my stats and may have to change (?) soon as I am abandoning Dial-Up ,
and going to AT&T, with AOL as Homepage, at no cost? This was all arranged as a gift from 3 of my girls for Christmas, and I know absolutely nothing about technical stuff. The main reason I have not gone sooner away from Dial-Up was because I did not want to change
e-mail, etc., but daughters say I can keep the same.??????
JOY
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Welcome Joy we are glad you are no longer a guest. Welcome to Fiction Old and New. We have good times here while discussing what books we are reading and our opinion of them. As this group grows so does our lists of things to read.
I went to my book store yesterday-------forgot the list. I think thats why I don't make lists.
Joy isn't it wonderful to have daughters too look out for you and keep you up to date. I wouldn't even have gotten into the computer world at all if my daughter hadn't sent me a computer. Can't count how many I've had since then.
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Hi Hats!
I'm sure i have read some Jodi Picoult in the far past, but i don't have her in my list of "read" books. I've now put her on my TBR list. And you've all convinced me to get "The Guernsey Literary............" you make it sound so enjoyable.
Isn't is amazing how much we all have enjoyed the book discussions and missed them so much. Who would have tho't that a group of people who have never met in person could feel as tho we know each other very well and miss each other so much????..................jean
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Isn't is amazing how much we all have enjoyed the book discussions and missed them so much. Who would have tho't that a group of people who have never met in person could feel as tho we know each other very well and miss each other so much?..................jean
So well said Jean. That was the feeling in 1998 when about 15 of us traveled from all over the U.S. to meet in NY for a gathering of books. What fun on the first morning at breakfast and people were all introducing each other. What fun to put the face to the person you had been reading their posts for months.
Never forget this lady says My name is Ann Alden, someone else said her husband is in the hospital. I turned around and said YOUR HUSBAND IS IN THE HOSPITAL??? She says he'll be getting better care there. She was my hero from that day on.Ella says when he's ready to get out my husband will take him home.
Those were GOOD days.
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Hi GumTree, Pedln and all,
The Shaker community, if I remember correctly is in Ohio. It's a good mystery. More than that the book gives a lot of details about the life of the Shakers: the simple life, the work with their hands, herbal knowledge, etc. Most interesting to me is the fact that they hang their chairs on the wall. The community lives with high purposes. It's a way of life.
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Hi Judy and Mabel, Jean and all the new friends too.
I missed all of you. Excuse my eyes if I miss any names.
Hi Phyll,
Yes, "Death of A Winter Shaker" is a mysterious title too. The title is more about the Shakers life.
Steph,
I read how you had visited a Shaker village. From what I learned in the book, the Shaker movement is in a decline. Young people move away, etc. I know very little about this sect. Just what I happened to see one Sunday long ago on Sunday Morning show.
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I'm here for a short while and have made my first booboo. I just finished "The Death of a Winter Shaker" last week. As all of you know I have a tiny problem with memory. I really couldn't remember the state.
I had to get my book and look again. It's not Ohio. The story takes place in Kentucky. I don't know why I thought Ohio.
I also should have put this post over in Mystery Corner. I was too excited and came here instead. ::)
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Hats, I do remember you. Yes, the Shakers were in Kentucky.. At Pleasant Hill actually. The Shaker religion is now gone. There are probably five communities in various forms left. There was a very very old female shaker alive some years ago in Canterbury,NH, but am not sure if she still is. The religion was self limiting with no sex between the members. Their only hope for growth was orphans, etc. I have always loved the information on the good of their communities. I am a genealogist and I have seen the New York records. Amazing how many winter shakers there were. This is families that arrived each fall and winter, lived through the winter and left each spring.. They always took them in..
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Hi, glad to see we have at least one area of discussion back. Hope some of the others will be reinstated.
I am an avid reader, like Greg Iles books and love Stephen Hunter books. Read just about all kinds but not much into light romance or science fiction.
Alice
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:D I'm not sure I remember you, Steph. Yes, I thought it was very interesting about the definition of a "Winter Shaker." Don't want to tell much of the plot. There is a good bit of romantic shenanigans going on in the community in the book. Of course, what I read is Fiction.
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Hats, that’s an easy mistake to make. After reading all the comments about the Shakers, I went to Google, and there are or were Shakers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Berea, KY? Is that the location? And New Harmony, Indiana. I would love to visit that, and it’s not too far from me.
Speaking of Jodi Picoult, I just watched the film Plain Truth -- maybe a made-for-TV? It was OK. The book sits on my shelf and I hope there is more to it than what was in the film.
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.
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Hi Pedln,
In the book it's North Homage, Kentucky. Thanks for the extra information too. I ordered the second book yesterday. I don't want you for wanting to visit.
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Welcome Alice, you named two of my favorite authors. Iles and Hunter. I just last night finished HoT Springs by Hunter. Its a story about the 1940's in Hot Springs Arkansaw.
what a book. I took it to the office this morning for my oldest son who leaves for Panama thursday, something for him to read on the plane.
I'd love to read the book about the Shakers, my list is getting too long.
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No, the Shaker colony in Kentucky was Pleasant Hill. It is not far from Lexington. Berea is a different type of community altogether. it revolves around the college and craft community. We love Kentucky and do a lot of exploring in the rv there.
A long time ago a writer.. Janice Holt Giles wrote about the Shakers in one of her books. Excellent and did a good job of describing the bewilderment of a woman whose husband converted and puller her with him into a world she did not want.. Interesting.
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That Jane Hill Giles book sounds really good. I'm glad you mentioned it. I wonder how many women find themselves in a certain non mainstream sect just because they are following their husbands.
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I've never read a Greg Iles book. I've seen his name often.
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My favorite Jodi Picoult novel is called: "The Pact". After reading it, I am a devoted fan of the author! Some I have liked better than others. "The Pact" remains my favorite.
I remember seeing a TV program about the Shakers. What stuck in my mind was that they were not allowed to conceive children. Does anyone know more about that?
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I have read 6 of Iles books and one that I really loved and would recommend it the Quiet Game. Hats I am sure you would like it.
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Hello everyone, I was macou in another Fiction Old and New site. Happy to have found my way here. Thanks to those dear people who made this possible.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle was long and winding. Very interesting though there were places where one could turn a number of pages and not miss much. I would recommend the story.
Just finished Sara Gruen's two novels, Riding Lessons and Flying Changes. Fast moving! Talk about Flying Changes. Lots of interesting things about horses and performance riding . Very good and easy reading.
Today I started The Shack by William P Young. It starts out well and seems like it will be a good story.
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Hi Macou Iremember you from the old site. Its fun having something new to try out. I believe I saw the book Shack at B&N yesterday when I bought a book for my son to read on the plane. Can you tell us what it is about.
From Washington land of mud slides, snow slides, terrible rain and floods. Ticker tapes on the bottom of the TV with all the road closures and they expect some part of I-5 to flood. My kingdom for a moving van. hehe
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Hi Judy, I will tell you more about The Shack as I get into it a little more. Just read the Forward today. It is written by the man who tells the story for the main character, "Mack", and I like the main characters already.
I also read Swimming Lessons a couple months back. Good writing!!!
Your weather has been horrendous hasn't it? My niece went to Seattle to live after she lost her apartment in New Orleans during Katrina......and now a winter of historic proportions. It's unbelievable.
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Mynioga I will be looking forward to your telling us about Shack
I read Swimming Lessons on my vacation and loved it.
It was definatly a summer read.
Yes the weather here is horrible. All that is on the TV here is the evauations and the people who's homes are going. One lady near Sedro Wolley was sitting in her chair and a mud slide came and moved her house 40 feet.
I have one son in Fall City and the roads are closed there but he will get in and out. I keep thinking there is someplace that the sun is shinning but its sure not here.
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Judy, My heart goes out to you folks in the NW. Some months back it was the central states who were suffering from the awful flooding. We never know when our turn is up. Take care as best you can.
Someone mentioned a Christmas book of Anne Perry. Maybe it wasn't in this particular site. Anyway I did read one of hers this Christmas time calle A Christmas Grace. Last year I read A Christmas Visitor. Both were interesting but her style wouldn't be my favorite. On another forum in Seniors and Friends we talked about her and she has quite an interesting past, if one care to research it.
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Judy Laird
I keep thinking that there is some place that the sun is shining but its sure not here
You're absolutely right about that - the sun is definitely shining here in Western Australia. We are in the grip of something of a heatwave - its hot and dry - temps around 100F and more for most of the day and sometimes half the night as well. But then, it is summer here...
Sorry you're having such a bad time of it at the moment. Take care and stay safe.
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I am still struggling with "The School on Heart's Content Road" by Carolyn Chute. I loved the Beans of Egypt, Maine by her years ago, but she has swung really far into experimenta type writing. Signals.... drawings... different languages...and mostly unsympathetic characters. The little girl who is the lead is poisonous..May not finish it.. So sad.. to lose an author you liked.
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Judy: I wish I could send you some of our sunny, beautiful weather. It is a little nippy (cold to us) this morning --63 degrees. The weather here is just like a bouncing ball---down in the morning, up in the afternoon ---fluctuating from A/C in the afternoon, to
the heating unit in the morning.
Hats: Greg Iles lives in Natchez, MS, which is just next to the Louisiana line, and writes with a Louisiana theme. Naturally, we here in LA think his books are great. ::)
Joy
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Judy and Joyous,
I am very interested in the Greg Iles books. I am so glad his name was mentioned. All I need to do is pick up "The Quiet Game." Do you have any other favorite titles? Are they all good? Excited. ::)
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Steph,
I have seen the "Bean" books. I've never read one. I've started "Home to Harmony" by Philip Gulley. This is light and fun reading. It's a pastor of the Quakers telling stories about his church and community.
Good morning all
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I really enjoy the Christmas books by Anne Perry. I read a couple during this past Christmas season. I hope she continues to write Christmas mysteries. This past Christmas I read:
1.A Christmas Secret by Perry
2.A Christmas Journey by Perry
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hats, Have you read The Christmas Scrapbook by Phillip Gulley? I picked that up along with the Anne Perry Christmas story. The scrapbook story is hilarious as many of his books are. You can't help but love the man.
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Hi Mynioga,
No, I didn't know about "The Christmas Scrapbook." Thanks for mentioning it. I would love to read it.
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Hats: Re: Greg Iles------Judy says her favorite Greg Iles' book is The Quiet Game. That is one of his earlier ones (c.1999), and sorry to say I have not read it.
Joy
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I read James Patterson's The Christmas Train in December. It was a great little mystery and not complicated or gory - just perfect for a December read when eveything else is hectic and stressful.............jean
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This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
O.K. I am back over 80 miles this morning dodging water and downded tree's.
I have read these books by Greg Isles and I have every intention of driving most of the roads that he is writing about. The Natches Trace is on my to do list if I can get out of Georiga.
These are the books True Evil
Dead Sleep
Blood Memory
Third Degree
Trapped
I have one book here I haven't read The Footprints of God.
Its almost crazy how many books I have around here. I have 5 different book cases and I find one here one there I found 4 now of Pual Auster.
Myself and the office staff have all breathed a sign of relief Bill's plane is taking off right about now, before he travels he like a whirling dervish, go here go there open bank accounts here and there deliver stuff. I think I will call the office and tell them they can all take the afternoon off. hehe
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Currently, I' m reading The Given Day by Dennis Lehane ( author of Mystic River) It takes place in Boston around 1918-1919,and is a big, sprawling novel that mixes real people and events into the narrative. Deals with the end of WWI ,the influenza pandemic,immigration,racism,baseball,unions and the labor movement,the rise of and threat of Bolshevism,and the Boston Police Strike.
A fascinating "read" and lots of good imagery. I suspect it's already optioned for a film.
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here
I know I read Mystic River.Pike 99 welcome,welcome we are glad to see you
The Given Day will go on my list today.
Glad to see you.
Ann Alden my friend where are you??? :'(
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Hi there, Judy. I've been reading all of the posts about books that other people are reading and making a long list of "search fors" when at the library. Just finished "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khalid
Hosseni, author of The Kite Runner. Very good book. We had a nice discussion.
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I have read a few of Gulley. I am a Quaker, but he is a different type.. I am what is called a Philadelphia Quaker, no ministers, no singing.. just quiet and elders to oversee.. And the deep conviction from within. oops., no preaching.
I went to very light again, after the Chute book.. so picked up a fantasy by Charlaine Harris. This is one of the small series on the girl who can find dead people. Weird but nice somehow.
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For any of you that are watching the flooding here I saw this last night on TV
53,000 csf per second are going over Snoqualmie Falls at this time.
I-5 is closed for a 20 miles stretch and trucks are backed up for miles.
Costing 4 million per day.
Some people in the Snoqualmie are stranded with out any type of emergency people able to get in to them.
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Judy & Company -
The polls just opened in the Book Club Online discussion. Lots of good fiction has been nominated. A varied and interesting slate. Please come on in and vote for your first and second choices for our February discussion of one of these titles.
Judy, I have been watching from across the US - are people beginning to evacuate? Where are you? I have the answer to the question as to why you still live there - SUMMERTIME!
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A couple days ago I mentioned that I had started reading The Shack, by William Young. It has turned out to be a whole lot more interesting than I imagined. When Steph talked about her Quaker beliefs it made me think of this story. I'm sure it won't be a book for everyone but it really does make one think about our beliefs and I'm enjoying it (if that is the proper term).
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Judy, yes I saw the flooding in Washington state on TV and wondered about you. It's a relief to see you here!
I had never heard of an "Emerging Church" before and took a quick look at the Wikipedia. There seems to be a rather broad umbrella of theological "leanings".
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Just took a nonfiction break to read the new Joan Medlicott book Promises of Change, a continuation of the Covington ladies series. More trials and tribulations than triumphs. I definitely enjoyed the first book in the series more than any other but can't resist the temptation to read each one as it appears. Mary
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Mary, thanks for letting me know that there's a new book in the Covington series. I have a list of all the books and have read the first four. I'm taking a break to read some other books, but I definitely plan to get back to the adventures of Amelia, Hannah and Grace.
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Mynioga, my daughter gave me The Shack for Christmas. I haven't started it yet, but it has made its way to the top of my "ready to be read" books.
Nancy
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Oh Judy stay safe. We live in Florida, not Georgia, but come stay with us if the rain gets too much. Florida at this time of year is glorious.
We are planning a spring or fall trip, not in the rv, but flying out to the west coast and renting a car and driving the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco all the way up to the Canadian border. Always had it on our list and I think this is the right year for it.
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I really cannot read an Anne Perry Book and it has nothing to do with her writing...it is her past that Stephanie calls interesting that turns me off. I know that some of the people here on Seniorlearn would not agree with me because we talked about her and her past on SeniorNet a while ago. I will not into it but encourage you to research her past.
Joan G
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I have read all of Janet Evanovich's 14 books and have laughed out loud many, many times while reading them, but a friend gave me the 14th one on cd's and i have been listening to them in the car. I have been laughing on the way to the bank, on the way to the yarn store, on the way to the grocery store, to pick up my grandson at school - have to turn it off then, some of the language is too old for a six-yr-old.................there is just something much funnier about hearing the book read. The reader is excellent and has about 8 voices she uses for all the characters................I figure i'm adding years to my life from all the laughing i'm doing..............."reading" can be beneficial in so many ways............ ;) ..................jean
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Joan, It is a little strange for her to go from her "history" to be a best seller author. Someone else made another comment and I'm inclined to agree that we should consider that she did her time and if she could go on to do something productive in later years, why not? When I read the first book, I had no idea of her history. It wasn't until we started talking about her this December that I learned her own story and did a little research.
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Thanks for all your concerns, we are fine here. I tell you what if we are evacuated it will be Noah coming by to pick us up.
Mary glad to know their is a new covington book out I love those books, I think I have some here.
Steph thanks for the kind offer I would love to be in Georgia but Florida works too. Rain and wind here dark cold and just plain ugly.
I am getting my husband ready to go to NY his sister has to go to a rest home and he needs to close up here apt and all the things that go along with that.
I just looked up Rochester on the weather channel and its snowing so thats just great. He leaves Mon morning a 4AM. I got up this morning fully intending to go back to bed and he says I want to go to NY now. Its a good thing I have a computer.
Finished Richard North Patterson's book The Race is was good but not really my cup of tea. Its about politics and a presidential race. I hope things aren't run in the goverment the way this books tells it.
Have a nice week-end
Hi Joan Grimes is the pink vest still keeping you warm??
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Well, gollee, Judy Laird. You take care. I remember that Snoqualmie Falls when we went there and it was lovely. Not so now, I’ll bet. So where do all the cars go when they can’t get on I-5. Traffic must not be much fun either.
I don’t envy your husband having to go to New York at this time of year. Brrrr.
JoanG, I’m with you on Anne Perry. I’ve never read one of her books and I probably never will, as there are so many other choices.
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Pedln I-5 was closed for 20miles by Centralia. The trucker's just sat. It said it cost Washington's income 4 million dollars a day. I think most everything is moving now but its still raining and the mud slides are taken out many homes. I understand 100 homes in Index are cut off and there are lots of elderly out there.
Its too bad your not here pedln Snoqualmie Falls in spectacular. Remember the little trickle you saw, you should see it now.
I don't know anything about Anne Perry but I guess I don't want to now.
You all have a great Sunday
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I finished "Home to Harmony" by Philip Gulley. It's a wonderful, wonderful book. It's not like a novel. It's like different stories about the people in the fictional town of Harmony. It heartfelt, funny. The book hits all the emotions. It's a good book about a small town.
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I dont like Anne Perry as a human, but she writes well. I rarely read her stuff, but used to.
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I read Anne Perry before it was known that she was a murderess in real life. When I found out, I reread some of her books to see if it changed my feelings toward them. It didn't.
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Well maybe I will have to try one.
Nite all ;D ;D
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I am reading an Alexander McCall Smith book called 44 Scotland Street. Scottish of course and episodic. He wrote it for a newspaper as a weekly chapter type book.. You can see that in the book, but it is mildly interesting at this point. Since my main book at present is the Yiddish Policemans Union, I wanted something I could pick up, when the plot gets too too complicated in the Chabon book.
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Steph, I have The Yiddish Policeman's Union on my book list. I didn't realize it was a tough read. I've reviewed some comments on B&N and found the opinions all over the place.
I may read it during the summer, when I don't have so much going on and can concentrate more on the story.
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Hi Judy Laird,
Yes I still wear the pink vest when it is cold enough and it is right now.
Joan Grimes
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I've read the 44 Scotland Street series. Not as good as his "Ladies No.1 Detective Agency". But after awhile, I got into it.
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Judy, did you make it to New York? I live two hours southeast of Rochester, in Elmira. Yes, our weather is awful this winter. But it's bad everywhere, I guess.
Joan, I agree. I loved the few books of the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency I've read. I've promised myself to get back to the series and read the rest.
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Hi Alberlaine - Elmira is in a beautiful part of the country. One of John's cousins lives in Owego, and we've visited there a couple of times.
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Hello NYers and NY visitors. I'm about an hour and a half west of Rochester, Lewiston, NY. Yes it has been kind of a bad winter but non of the major blizzards.......yet. It seems more like just an old fashioned NY winter. :D Judy, I hope your DH makes his trip out and back ok.
I'm still reading The Shack and I read in the church newsletter today that there will be a discussion group in late January on it. That should be interesting. When I read the reviews on the book, I wasn't sure what the church's view would be.
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I've read all of McCall's " 44 Scotland" series. They were fun for me since they follow the characters.
And of course his "#1 Ladies....." is excellent.
And then his Isabel Dalhousie novels are another genre and I llike those - deal mostly with philosophy behind the fiction.
4th is is Portuguese Irregular Verbs series - funny.
Here is his official web site: http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/
About "Yiddish..............". Excellent I thought; and yes, difficult reading but worth the challenge.
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The big thing about the Yiddish.... He slings yiddish slang all around the place and introduces a wide variety of characters.. Plus a little philosiphising about jews and homelands.. All thrown into a suicidal policemans day.. Hmmm. Some of it is great fun.. the idea of the Hasids being the gangsters of a jewish state is pretty funny actually.
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Read Around the World, our site where we talk about books and films with an international vein is now open HERE (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=104.msg4339#new)
Do come and join us and let us know what you’ve found from other parts of the world.
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Sorry if you misunderstead or I said it wrong. My husband went to Rochester NY. I haven't talked to him but I assume he is alright.
Very busy lately had a one way drop off to Kirkland hostpital yesterday and turned out that the person who was to pick her up couldn't or wouldn't pick her up. Guess who stayed the 4 hours to bring her home. Not a happy camper.
Is anybody reading Greg Iles yet?? I would love to hear your opinions.
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Judy - did i read you right, there is a town in WAshington called "Index"? I love the names of towns thru out the midwest and west - altho i guess i shouldn't make such a big deal about that area, i'm from Pennsylvania who has towns named Slippery Rock, Intercourse etc. But it's fun to hear about them and sometimes wonder how the names came about.................jean
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Jean yes there is a town called Index. It is on the Sykomish river I believe.
To get there you go through Monroe, Gold Bar, Sultan and then over the Pass.
Small two land road which is not nearly big enought and many deaths. Their trying to do some thing but you know the old song, not enough money.
I am reading a new author today, Its Pursuit by Thomas Perry so far I am liking it.
Hi Macou, these hard names I cannot remember.
Got to go check my soup, a sick neighbor.
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Gold Bar and Sultan, uh? ...........love it.............jean
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I started to read "Yiddish Police...." and gave up after about 100 pages. The book came with a lot of media "hype" but I found it a grind.
I'll usually give a book 100 pages,but that's about it. Life's too short to read lousy books or drink bad wine.
Does anyone else here have a point at which they give up on a book? How about walking out on a movie? I've done that.
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pike, I've given up on many books. If I get a ways into a book and decide I don't really care about any of the characters, it's gone. No problems at all. We don't go to many in-theater movies. But with DVDs or on TV, movies have about 20 minutes max to "get" me - otherwise I'm through. Like you said, Life's too short. :D
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Pike - I agree but I had a hard time adopting that philosophy. For years I would continue to plod through a book thinking there had to be something of value in it. Sometimes I wouldn't even let myself start something new until I had finished the book I didn't like.
Now if I can't get into something after 2-3 chapters I will set it aside and try again when I'm in a different frame of mind or a different time of the year just to be sure. Now after two tries I pass it on.
I did find it interesting once when I finished a book in which I couldn't find any redeeming qualities, I passed it to a friend and said that I didn't like it and couldn't justify the time I had spent reading it. She said she'd give it a try. When she returned it she said that she too kept going thinking there had to be something to make it worth reading and ended up finishing it even though she didn't like it.
I still haven't figured why/when we learned we had to finish every book we started. Mary
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Judy, I love Thomas Perry. He writes some fascinating stuff .
The Yiddish Policeman has picked up like a steamroller. Now I am really into it. The plot is hysterical. It winds and twists and you are in for a wild ride now.. Another 100 pages to go..
Glad I stuck with this one. My younger son adores Chabon and kept encouraging me.. And he was right..
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Yes I'm another Thomas Perry devotee! The only problem is you have to wait so long for his "next" book. At this moment, I can't remember if "Pursuit" is his very latest, as I haven't yet had the good fortune to pick it up. If it is "Jane Whitefield" book (a series) then it probably is his latest one.
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Does anyone else here have a point at which they give up on a book? How about walking out on a movie? I've done that
I give up on a book if by Chapter 2 it hasn't grabbed me. Life is too short and there are too many books I think I'll enjoy to waste time on something that hasn't grabbed me. I had to read titles when in school. I'm not in school anymore, and I don't have to read anything I can't get into, don't enjoy.
I rarely go out to a movie, but yep, I'd walk out...as I do if one is on TV that my husband is enjoying and I'm not.
jane
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Jane, me too, I don't finish a book if I don't find it excellent and I have often done that. At this time in my life my taste have narrowed down somewhat and I stick to what I really enjoy.
I had heard so much about Love at the Time of the Cholera by Marquez that I ordered it. I just finished it and I liked the first quarter of the book and the last part, but the middle section was dragging on a bit. Sometimes it is very funny even if the author seems to be describing something serious and that could be explained by his culture and to other cultures this situation would be rather funny.
On the whole Marquez is a remarkable writer, but to earn the Nobel Prize for literature I don't know. His style is excellent but his situations seem to me a bit off mark
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I guess it's easier to stop reading a book than it is to walk out of a movie. Years ago, when they were about the age of some of us here, my mother and my aunt, without knowing anything about it, went to see Clockwork Orange. As Mom told me later, "we didn't know what to do. We wanted to leave, but didn't want to call attention to ourselves." So they stayed! I have not read the book or seen the movie, but I do remember a gentleman telling me that that show just ruined Beethoven's 9th(?) Symphony for him. He was never able to listen to it after seeing the movie.
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Mynioga, I started The Shack last night. My daughter gave it to me for Christmas. I know there's violence in it, so I'm taking it very slowly. I just can't handle negativity these days. I want to crawl into a cocoon of good news.
I'll let you know what I think about the book as I continue reading it.
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I enjoyed the Thomas Perry book very much thanks guy's.
Boy I sure do jump around a lot. I'm reading First We'll Kill My Husband.
Its a true story about the only female woman on death row in Georgia.
So far I am loving it. Author is Lyn Riddle.
I only walked out on one movie in my life. I think it was called Assinatation
The father was a well know actor that I liked a lot and I though well how bad could it be.
It was horrible and when the I think it was Son picked up is father took him out to the barn put him on a butcher block I got up and left. Didn't even tell
Don just left. hehe Oh Yeah I forgot when I left he was pouring gas on the old man then I left hehe
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I also walk out on plays sometimes. We saw Lenny in London and after the nude male and then the simulated sex.. and him wandering about declaiming, We decided we were too old to enjoy him and left..
Did Finish the Yiddish Policeman and the ending is further out than even I thought he would go.. Wild ride.
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Mynioga, I started The Shack last night. My daughter gave it to me for Christmas. I know there's violence in it, so I'm taking it very slowly. I just can't handle negativity these days. I want to crawl into a cocoon of good news.
I'll let you know what I think about the book as I continue reading it.
Yes there is violence but that portion of the book is brief and doesn't dwell so much on the deed. I prefer the happier side of life myself but it seems hard to avoid a certain amount of it. This book really makes one think about a lot of things. I'd like to mark it but then want to pass it along too so won't do that. I'm wondering how widely it will be read.
Judy, I would have walked out on that movie too. What kind of "entertainment or even education" is that? I feel insulted that some producer would think the movie going public would really enjoy seeing it.
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I am reading the Alexander Smith,, 44 Scotland Street, but sort of got taken up with a very bad back and new rescue dog, so am not catching up just now.. Also picked up a new Alex Kava.. I do like her heroine.
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I've decided that many of the powers that be in Holly wood are high much of the time and in their hallucinations don't really know what they are putting on film for us to watch - what else explains much of the silliness and gore that we are getting in the theaters these days. ;D I'm only half kidding.................jean
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Jean, You might have been kidding, but I believe it is more truth than fiction, if you will pardon the pun. There are so vvery few movies worth the watch now that it is pathetic. It is so much more rewarding to just read a book and if you don't like the content you can send it back to the library.
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In that vein.. I wanted to watch the Grissom goodbye on Thursday on CSI.. I did like him, but the show was so gory, I stopped and never saw the last 45 minutes. Why.. oh ... why does everything nowadays have to be all blood and guts and horror.. Sigh.
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I sometime enjoy true crime books such as Ann Rule so I thought this one about the woman on death row in Georgia might be good but it wasn't.
Now I get to start a new book today, I am going to go back through your selections and pick one that looks good and start over again. I just love starting a new book, somehow you really don't know what your getting til you get started.
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It was really bugging me I couldn't remember the movie I walked out on.
Its name was Affliction from a book by Russell Banks. It had Nick Nolte Sissy Spacek and James Colburn. With those actors it should have been great, bit it wasn't.
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Hi! Nice to have the group again.
Thanks, Herbaltea, for recommending DOUBT. I haven't seen the movie. Will read the play first and hope I'm not disappointed by the film.
Some here mentioned Greg Isles' books. I've only read his TURNING ANGEL, and was so put off by it I haven't read any others of his. IMO, it was way too long, bloated with endless repetitive dialogue, and had way too much descriptive sex with old men and young girls. Yuk.
I saw the movie SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE this week, and it is wonderful -- especially the photography of India -- everything from the slums to the Taj Mahal. Beautifully filmed with a good story. But do see it in a theater. I don't think it would be half so good watching it on a small screen TV.
Jean, I agree about a lot of the junk that Hollywood puts out now. Too much technology passing for good stories and acting, i.e. Iron Man and Batman. I think films are mostly aimed at kids. I hate it when good actresses are shelved at age 40, while old geezers like Harrison Ford are still around cavorting with young actresses.
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Never read Greg Iles, but my husband does..I finished 44 Scotland Street. Odd sort of book. no real plot actually, but that is generally my argument with him anyway. Also finished the Alex Kava.. Interesting, although her plots are a bit contorted. Now on the newest Ann Purser.. Something on Sunday.. forgot the exact title. but she has been doing the days of the week with her heroine.
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The comments about not finishing a book unless it grabbed your attention early on struck a chord with me. I generally give a book 20-25 pages. I think that is long enough to get my interest. There are too many good books and good authors to waste time with uninteresting ones.
I recently read "The Private Patient" by P. D. James. Again she did not disappoint. James knows how to grab and hold your interest thoughout the book. There are, of course, many other authors who have such skill, but she is, I believe, one of the best.
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The comments about not finishing a book unless it grabbed your attention early on struck a chord with me. I generally give a book 20-25 pages. I think that is long enough to get my interest. There are too many good books and good authors to waste time with uninteresting ones.
Yes, yes and yes. I thought that as I began Sara Gruen's Riding Lessons. It started off with a bang and continued to grab your interest, chapter after chapter. You had to wonder what else could possibly happen to the characters.
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Last week my f2f book club was discussing Kipling's "Kim", and someone was saying that "Slumdog Millionaire" had some things that seemed based on it. Since I haven't seen "Slumdog", I don't know how true this is. Any comments from someone who knows both?
Finishing a book you start: I think it's a waste to give someone your time once you decide you don't enjoy their book. But a number of times I have started a book, not gotten anywhere with it, and later gone back and gobbled it up. I have several books on hand now that I started and know I'll want to finish sometime.
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I try to give a book 100 pages. Mostly because there are some authors who need time to immerse you into another world entirely.
I also agree with Pat.. I lay books aside when I cannot finish them, but feel that maybe some day I will.. I have to be in the mood for certain types of books.
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I usually finish a book once I have started it. The true crime one was one that I didn't much care for but I finished it.
I am reading Lisa Scottoline's Lady Killer now and its a page turner.
BTW whoever was talking about Mexidcan Train Domino's did me no favor. I went on google and found the game and have been sitting here ever since. I swear I can't stop. ughhhhhhhhh
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I've given up on Debra Ginsberg's Blind Ambition, having read about a third of it. For one thing, some of the characters seemed to me just too unbelievable. And I'm a fan of Wall Street Journal's Cynthia Crossen, who, when reading, asks herself, "Do I really care about this character?" And in the Ginsberg? NO. "If she's going to be so stupid . . . ." I don't care at all.
Too bad. It was a Christmas gift, too. So what do I tell my daughter when she asks?
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Judy - I WARNED you that Mexican Train is addictive! teeeheeee............i know that feeling..............jean
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Mexican train - a real addiction! ::) :o
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DArn it all. Now you make me go and look up Mexican Train.. Hmm.
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we'll probably never hear from steph again hehe
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I am back, but darn it all. I thought my solitaire addiction was bad enough.. Between that and the Wii, I got for Christmas, I may never do anything useful again..
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Oh I am so addicted to Mexican train and to Solitaire.
Joan G
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I'm becoming worried about me I swear I can't stop.
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::) ::) ::)
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STEPH - About CSI - I wish you had taped it to see the ending. I agree it was too gory , however, the ending was cute. Griss leaves the building after packing and the next scene is him hiking in the Costa Rica jungle and then there is Sara at her camp working with animals - so they have a big romantic hug and kiss.
It WAS my fav tv drama until last Thursday when he left and all the gore.
I know this wasn't about books but I coujldn't help commenting when I read Steph's post.
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Don't worry about it Marg we can discuss anything you like here. We are all worried about Steph as she went over into the dark side with Mexican domino's dark side. I have just come from there and have to leave to go take a lady to the doctor. Thank God I have some commitments or I would be sitting glued to domino's.
Finished Scottoline's latest Lady Killer and enjoyed it. I like that Mary Nunzio who is her lead detectavie. I always wanted to belong or a Greek or Italion family where you had the big dinners all the time and everyone danced. Nobody danced at my house. Big fat greek weeking is my all time favorite. I love the Father with the windex.
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Just now my addiction is to Wii Fit.. I am determined to peel off the extra pounds. I had a bad bad late fall and holiday season. Two weeks of touring in Washington, Annapolis and Pittsburgh.. eating all meals out because we were not in the rv.. Then Thanksgiving and Christmas in the RV at the kids.. and the first week in December on a Christmas Market river cruise.. Guess who ate dessert every single day at BOTH lunch and dinner.. Sigh..Easy on,, really hard to get off.
I am in love with Jeanette Walls book.. I keep going..NO NO.. Why those children werent dead is beyond me.
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Steph I allways said when raising my kids, you can't kill them with a stick.hehe
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I am in love with Jeanette Walls book.. I keep going..NO NO.. Why those children werent dead is beyond me.
I too read Walls book but it was so very sad. It brings tears to my eyes just to think of those children's story.
I never cease to be amazed at how cruel people can be to their own children.
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I guess my reaction to the book is that monumentally selfish humans should not have children. Jeannette seems forgiving as an adult, but for the life of me, the parents do not make sense.. I think they are poster children for the word dyfunctional.
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Have any of you read Julia's Chocolate's? I hear good things about it. I just recieved The Last Time I Was Me by Cathy Lamb.
It says as heartfelt as it is hilarious THE LAST TIME I WAS ME is a warm wise novel about breaking down, opening up, and finially letting go of everything we thought we should be, in order to claim the life that has been waiting all along.
Please let me know if anyone read Julia's Chocolate's
Thanks have a great day.
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Judy, The Cathy Lamb book sounds interesting. Do tell us how it works. I am reading a non fiction just now.. It is about a woman who decided to look for her mothers rescuers. Her Mother was jewish and was taken in by a woman in Poland in WWII. Actually she had little to go on and the book is really involved. Nothing was exactly the way her mother and Grandfather had told her. She actually went and lived in Poland for a while trying to figure out what had happened. A good example thus far in the differences between fact and how people remember things.
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Now here is another site I thought I was signed into, but is not appearing on my list! One I could put down to faulty memory. Two or three suggests gremlins. Well, I'm posting, and will see if 'Non-fiction' is on my list next time I check.
MARJV, I was sure Grissom planned to rejoin Sara. I would have been so disappointed if he had not.
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This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Was this the site where someone suggested Olive Kitteridge? I just finished it - still thinking about it. I didn't like Olive, but it was inteesting to see her impact on others around her and to look at her world through her eyes. Some thoughtful passages, like her description of a woman in her 70's who had more or less "won the lottery" because her husband was still alive.
N
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I can never remember who and in which discussion someone recommended a book or author. If it was here (or even it it wasn't) I checked out "A Free Man of Color" by Barbra Hambly. I enjoyed this book tremendously and will read others by this author! So, thanks to whoever/wherever. Please tell me I don't have to make another notebook for lists of recommendations. LOL ::)
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BIabi don't forget this Fiction Old and New hehe I started out the Lamb book last night I think its going to be good.
How about Julia's Chocolate anybody remember it yet?
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N, I think it was on Book Club ONline where someone first mentioned Olive Kitteridge. I was thinking I would like to read it someday. Was it the book that you didn't like or the character Olive? She was a retired schoolteacher, right?
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I was in delight is the best way to say it reading before Christmas An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor - and so I ordered the earlier book An Irish Country Doctor it arrived today but tonight are the Brit Coms so I won't start till probably Monday - tomorrow is Masterpiece Theatre - Sat and Sun my two nights of TV. - lovely gentle story about a new Doc in a small Irish community with all the characters that bring a story to life while putting a smile on your face
Finished Toni Morrison's A Mercy - enthralled with her use of language - a jewel of a book - not a big story but very satisfying - I have her Tar Baby on order.
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I wanted Grissom to go and find Lady Heather. She is much better suited for him than boring old whiny Sara.
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You found Sara boring and whiny, Steph? Oooh! I fully sympathized with her being sickened to the soul by all the tragedy she had to deal with on CSI. I was glad she had the good sense to walk away in time.
Not everyone has the ability to step back and emotionally shut out the horrors. That is why we so often perceive police officers, or nurses, as hard and cold. They have had to distance themselves from what is happening in order to be able to deal with it.
Lady Heather had her own form of wisdom, but she also had a depth of cynicism that I don't believe was true of Grissom. He was detached and realistic, but the one he loved, and chose, was the caring Sara.
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Pedlin, I didn't like the character, Olive, in Olive Kitteridge. I did think the book was good, but one story didn't seem to fit in and I need to go back and reread parts to see why. Either I missed something or that particular story (each chapter is like a story, bit tied into the life of Olive) wasn't tied in as well as it could have been.
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Amberlaine, I wonder how you are finding The Shack? I saw today that it is off the best seller list now. No wonder, five out of the fifteen are by Stephanie Meyer. Somehow I think the mix should be a little more varied than that, but that is just my humble opinion. :-[
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The best seller list seems seriously skewed at times. I read the first Stephenie Meyer, but have not read others. I remember for a time, there were maybe three Harry Potters on there as well.
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I think people forget that the Best Seller list is just that...a sales listing. I think it's used to manipulate readers who don't truly understand that name. Some people seem to think it's a BEST READS or BEST LITERATURE listing.
I've always stood staring at people who inform me they read ALL the Best Sellers....as if that were worthy of a big gold star on their forehead or something. I usually am left to reply...REALLY? ;)
For those who are interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bestseller
and
Why the Bestsellers Lists Are Inaccurate
Most of the bestsellers lists are inaccurate. In fact, I can't think of a single exception. They claim to be comprehensive. Supposedly, they represent the best selling books in the country. But the fact is, they don’t. At best, they represent sales through a specific sales channel.
http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/2006/12/why_bestseller_.html
and there are lots of other hits if you google best seller list.
jane
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Aberlaine, I wonder how you are finding The Shack? I saw today that it is off the best seller list now. No wonder, five out of the fifteen are by Stephanie Meyer. Somehow I think the mix should be a little more varied than that, but that is just my humble opinion. :-[
I finished The Shack last week. It was well written and people of the Christian faith may find it interesting. I'm Jewish, so I didn't relate to the story very much. ~~ Nancy
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An element left out of best seller lists is the "read factor". Just because the buyer bought the sales hype doesn't mean that the book was read. A lot of "best sellers" are purchased as gifts. The buyer doesn't really know what is being bought and the receiver doesn't read the book. Also, I was under the impression that the sales numbers are sometimes based on the number of books sold to the retail stores - not the actual sales to individuals. That's why some titles are best sellers before they are available on store shelves. I have found that too often there is little correlation between a quality read and the best seller list. The best seller list more often than not is a reflection of the marketing department of the book publisher. Mary
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Good information on the Best Seller List. I did read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and found it to be a good story.....not sure if it would go down in history as a classic, probably not but still worth the 600 page read. ;)
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Thinking about the best seller list, I don't believe that influences me as much as the Author. If I see a new book by one of my favorite author's I grab it. Don't really care if it on the list or not. How about you?? list or author or both.
I finished the book by Cathy Lamb I really enjoyed it but its really hard to explain. I hope someone else reads it and we can talk about it.
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I've never been influenced by the Best Seller List...except in kind of a negative way.
When working as a Librarian, I depended on the professional reviewing journals for buying and my own reading. I still prefer to look a the listing of new books our library has bought or the new book shelf and choose from there. And I, too, look for things by my favorite authors.
Public Librarians generally have to pay attention to and show their patrons that they buy some/most of those Best Seller books since some/too many? people continue to think the Best Seller List and Oprah are the defining criteria for "good books." [whatever that means ;D]
jane
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Jane - what resources would you look at to read the reviews and get what you would consider a valid opinion on the book/s? ..............jean
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Jean...
As an Academic Reference Librarian working in the Education and Psychology Library of a university, we used the professional journals in those fields which featured book reviews by those in the respective fields. We also took any suggestions from the faculty, of course. Several of the older faculty were well known in their field and were book reviewers for the academic journals.
As a High School Librarian, I relied on Booklist and School Library Journal for the newest materials and publications like that. There were a couple others whose names I've forgotten in the 10 years I've been retired. Many sources are now available online.
Here is a nice listing: http://www.stls.org/ElectronicResources/reviewsources.htm
jane
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I believe our library uses Booklist. Hearing a book was a 'best seller' would at least arouse my curiosity, but would by no means guarantee I would read it. I want to know more about it first, and am much more influenced by the opinions of the readers here.
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I use a combination.. Favorite authors.. I grab them up without reading the squib.. Then Bookmarks magazine. I love it and mark it up with things I want and /or look interesting. Then I try to read a bit somewhere and make up my mind.
BEst Seller lists however are simply records of books ordered that week.. They dont tell you how many get returned in the end.
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How about the Sunday Newspaper??
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Lots of good ideas, thanks...............i must admit that you folks provide me w/ a long, long list of potential reads, but i like reading reviews...........my library has a free newpaper-like handout - i've forgotten it's title, may be one that you've mentioned. I've never been influenced by the best seller lists, i tend to look for subject matter that interests me, and of course, when i find an author that i like i keep reading her/him. ....................... jean
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I heard on the radio today that we just lost John Updike. For some reason I was totally out of sympathy with him and could never get very far in the books I tried, but he was a superb writer, and highly thought of by almost everyone. It's a loss.
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I guess Opdyke is a loss, but after Witches, Couple and the first Rabbit, he became unreadable to me. I just wanted to find him and shake him.Rabbit was the most self obsessed character I ever saw.
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I got an e-mail from Mary Alice today and The River is coming out in paper back and wall-mart is going to feature it in Feburary.
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Rabbit was the most self obsessed character I ever saw
and yet perfect social commentary at the time. In fact we still have Rabbit like characters in greater numbers than we would prefer.
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As a High School Librarian, I relied on Booklist and School Library Journal for the newest materials and publications like that. There were a couple others whose names I've forgotten in the 10 years I've been retired. Many sources are now available online.
Here is a nice listing: http://www.stls.org/ElectronicResources/reviewsources.htm
jane
Jane, your link caught my eye immediately. I recognized the stls as the "Southern Tier Library System". I live in the Southern Tier (of New York) and get my books from its library system. Small world! ~~ Nancy
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It's a good listing, Nancy, and I'm sure a great Library system.
Libraries and librarians are very much into sharing resources and not having people duplicate what's already been created and, of course, Interlibrary Loan, is one of the most well-known of these sharing concepts. In Iowa and in other states there is Open Access [or whatever it's called in your area] where having a Library card for one Library allows you to borrow materials from any other.
jane
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Found a lovely book I had nevereven heard of in the thrift store the other day. It is a William Goldman book on his being a judge in the Film Festival in France and a judge in the Miss America contest in the same year. Very funny thus far.
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I finished Amagansett by Mark Mills. It's a great book. I have already put another of Mark Mills books on hold at the library, "The Savage Garden." I have a very hard time spelling "Amagansett." I would like to know how to pronounce it. Knowing how to pronounce it might help with the spelling.
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Hats, I think you will love A Savage Garden (Mills) I read it and even recommended it to my f2f book group, and we read it there. It has art, history, mystery, a little romance. A very good read!
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Tomereader,
That sounds great. Can't wait.
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A Savage Garden I will have to pick that up it sounds good.
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BTW does anyone know if there is a AA group for Mexican Train :-\ :-\ :-\
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Has anyone here had trouble getting into Seniors and Friends today? I was there this morning and now I'm getting a strange blue screen saying the the account has been suspended?!?!? It refers me to the account manager, but there is no click or anything to direct one. ???
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I was over there about an hour ago and it was fine. I just checked this minute and I got the same thing you did. I am sure its just a glitch. I saw somewhere over there that they had over 40,000 posts. Its a great thing Pat is doing over there.
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Seniors and friends hasn't let me register at all. Every time i "register" it comes back saying "that user name is not registered." DAH! I've asked to have them send me an e-mail acknowledgmet twice, but i've never gotten it. So, i've given up...............jean
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Well I can wait but just wanted to know if it was just me or a glitch. It is a big undertaking to set up something like it. I know I couldn't begin to do it. Thanks for the feed back.
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Just went over to Srs and Fr. and it worked just fine. :)
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I wondered if being the near the end of the month we went over our limit - because I could not get in this afternoon either - looks like Pat has it all worked out and I bet she comes along soon and lets us know what happened.
I am in and out of both sites so that I can never tell for sure where I am - ah so but Seniors & Friends is working now.
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What and where is "Seniors and Friends"?
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I got an email from Pat Scott yesterday and she said it is a bandwidth problem. S&F has just become too popular and overloaded apparently. She said they are working to go to a new server but it will take some time to set it up.
Marjifay, Seniors and Friends is a discussion forum that was started by Pat Scott after the old SeniorNet Discussion Forum suddenly shut down. It addresses all of kinds of subjects in its discussions---other than Books and Literature which is taken care of here,of course. Nearly all of the people in S&F have filtered in from the old SeniorNet site. It wouldn't do any good to give you the present link to it because it isn't working right now but when they get back up and running on a new server then we can give you their new address, if you are interested.
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Thanks, Phyll. I am interested.
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Seniors and friends is a great site. Pat Scott has sent it up and it has pretty much everything that SN had. Its a fun place they have Normmmmmmmmmm's Bait and Tackle shop which used to be the Michigan Folder. Also health and gripe and photography at last count I read they had nearly 50,000 posts. It also has a book area but they do not do a paraticular book as we do but just chat about what they may be reading. A lot of them will be over here for book discussions. Their Cafe is called the soda shoppe.
They are moving to a bigger site and shouldn't take long.
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Judy & Phyll, thanks for the up-date on S&F. I would also be interested in the new address when it's available. I'm hoping to find some old friends there from sites outside the book discussions.
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doesn't look like the address has changed on Seniors & Friends - They are back in business again
http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php
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Thanks, Barbara, for posting the Seniors & Friends link.
You will need to register just as you did here in Senior Learrns, Babi and Marjifay, but you can use whatever User Name you wish as long as it isn't already being used by someone else.
Pat Scott has done a wonderful job with the site, with the help of the Web Master, Oldiesmann. Come over and join in with all of the old group--and a few new ones.
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Aha, I am with Marjifay.. what is seniors and friends. Do tell..
Have not had much time for reading just now, but am reading a new book and author for me. A female episcopal priest in a murder mystery..
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When SeniorNet disappeared last fall in order to fill the gap Pat Scott opened her web site - something about photography and many of us flocked to the site so that she has had to change servers 2 or 3 times now -
My take is, the discussions are casual at Seniors & Friends and include mostly folks who were on the Seniornet site - posting are those who for years had forged friendships on-line in SeniorNet - Where as Ginny and Joan's site include some of the original group who stared these discussion and this site is specific to books and the Latin classes - the folks here are more about learning then simply chatting although, there is chatting shared.
Several of us go back and forth during the day reading and posting on both sites were as some are into chatting and light learning therefore they do not seem to gravitate to this site. Both sites are predominately those from Seniornet.
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Thanks for the explanaton. Will make a note to tune in when life and I catch up with each other.
The book I am reading is quite interesting.. It is much more a novel than a murder mystery and is quite good.
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PHYLL, is 'Oldiesmann' the Webmasters real name? It seems so appropriate.. the 'oldies' man... that I wondered if he had made it up for the purpose.
:)
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Babi, Oldiesmann is not his name and I think he actual first name is Michael. Pat, I hope that is correct.
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I was just looking at Mary Alice Monroe's website. I have read Beach House, Sweetgrass and Swimming Lesson, and new there was a new one, but didn't realize she has 3 or 4 other adult novels. Have any of you read any of her other books?...............jean
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Jean, I just learned about Time is a River and have ordered it from our library. I like M.A. Monroe's books because along with a good story there is usually a lesson about nature that is interesting. This new book is set in the mountains near Ashville, NC another favorite spot of mine, so it has an extra attraction for me.
Meanwhile I'm reading an older book by Pete Hamill. I've read something of his before. This one is Snow in August. It is set in Brooklyn in the mid '40s and has some real good stuff in it.
Steph......I loved it when you used the expression "Do tell". I haven't heard that one since I was a kid. It seemed to be a favorite of my mother. Thanks for the memory. ;)
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Jean I think a lot of us have read most all of her books.
She met with us when we went to Isle of Palms and is
really a fabulous person.
All of her books are about lowlands in and around isle of palms
One is Beach House, The Book Club, Skyward, Sweetgrass is the sequel
to The Beach House. Swimming Lessons.
All her books are a 5* to me.
She is also very active in the saving the Turtles on the beach at Isle of Palms
Her web site is very interesting I think its just maryalicemonroe.com.
If thats not right just google her.
Hope this helps.
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The woods around Asheville. Need to pick them one up. I love the Asheville area. Would move there in a heartbeat if I could convince my husband. He is a warm weather person and only likes
Asheville in the summer.
Been reading Michelle Blake.. Anyone ever heard of her. They are calling the one I read a mystery, but it is so much more than that.. I read The Tentmarker.. Lily Connor who is an episcopal priest is the protagonist and I learned a whole lot about the more involved forms of this faith.
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To each his own - my daughter would looovvvee for me to move either to Asheville or Flat Rock or Hendersonville or best in her community of Saluda - but my oh my - all those trees - you can't see the sky for the trees and it gets cold for weeks at a time - now if she were in Northern New Mexico I could put up with the cold because at least you get to see the sky... :) ;) :-*
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Steph and Barbara, y'all could move to Chattanooga and get the best of all worlds. (Except we DO love New Mexico - just don't want to live there. :D )
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I know "we" are not affiliated, but does anyone know if S&F is having bandwidth problems again? I can't get in again this afternoon. They had it all fixed, but not being able to get back in gives me reason to believe they are having problems again.
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Evidently - I could not figure out if it was me or what because yesterday I could not get in here to SeniorLearner - my computer was upgraded during the night and I wondered if that is what knocked things askew - all I seem to do here of late is clean out my cashe.
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I had no luck in getting into Seniors and Friends again today. I'm biding my time. :)
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Seniors and Friends seems to be up and running again tonight.
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Ijust joined the Senior and Friends yesterday and it seemed to be working.
Been reading mostly mysteries however.. So will post them on mystery. Just got an email notice that Book Marks is on the way to the printer.. So in the next few weeks, should get my fix of new books and reviews. I do love that magazine.
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I just picked up a copy of Time is a River by M.A. Monroe at our library today. Anxious to start but have a little of Pete Hamill's, Snow in August to finish tonight. This has turned out to be a very good story. I would recommend it.
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I have been devouring Harlen Cobens latest, but truth is I am still puzzled and disappointed in the theme.. First time, I generally adores his stuff.
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MaryZ, you're going to get a Mississippi River relic in Chatannooga. I understand that the Delta Queen paddleboat is going into retirement there and will become a floating hotel. I've never 'sailed' on it, but friends from Wisconsin traveled it several times, and if I was in town when they docked, I'd go down and visit them on it. Folks here love it, and it was always an event when it would pull out from shore, playing its caliope.
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Pedln, that's been big news around here. Our oldest (Sue) went on the Delta Queen on the Ohio about 5 years ago, and fell in love. We did a trip from Chattanooga to Memphis a couple of years ago. It was a fun trip, but unfortunately it was in August 2007 when the temps were routinely around 100*, so we didn't get to spend the quality time sitting in the rocking chairs on the deck. :'( Sue was devastated that they were taking her off the river, and they did a last trip in September, again on the Ohio. We're tickled to have her here - although it's supposed to be a "temporary fix". ;)
Another trip we've loved was on the River Explorer (with Riverbarge Excursions). Actually, we liked that even better than the Delta Queen (although I know that's heresy). We had a trip scheduled for this summer - their inaugural trip to and from Chattanooga. But, they've cancelled their entire year's trips because of the economy. This is such a great company, IMHO, deciding to cancel the year and hope to restart in 2010, rather than get in way over their heads and have to take Chapter 11 or bankruptcy. The company is owned by two people, and they have only one boat, so it's very personal. Assuming they get back in business, I'd highly recommend a trip with them.
Or you can just come to Chattanooga and stay a couple of nights - one on the Delta Queen, and one at the Chattanooga Choo Choo (hotel in the old train station).
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It all sounds very enticing, MARYZ. I do hope the couple who operate the River Explorer will be able to resume next year. It would be a shame to lose such a commendable company and vacation option.
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We have stopped in Chattanooga a few times, but with the rv, stay at a park close to town.. Took the cog railroad thing and scared me to death. Whew.. never ever again. When I looked at the downslope, almost walked down the hill.
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Ihope to start my trip this year in Mississippi if there even is a trip.
Finished off Greg Isdlea The Footprints of God and it was a job. I love his books so much but this was not my cup of tea. I think it should be marked sci-fi. Computers that can take over the world too much STUFF.
Thursday I took a yoga class and kept UP Yeah Me . First time I have exercised since JS had lung cancer. Then I was her driver to Ya Yoga survivers class in Seattle and loved it. As I can see myself getting weaker I decided it was time and I did quite well I though. hehe
Next on Friday morning about 12:30 I went to the emeregency room with lots of bleeding. Spent the night and am home and enjoying poor health as my broter used to say. They think it may be a UTI never had one before and hope not to do it again. It could be a tumor, must go a urologist tueday morning.
Am now reading a Scottoline book and that is like choclate to me.
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Oh, Judy, hope you will be feeling better soon........Scottoline may be just the medicine you need, she can take your mind to Philadelphia!
My fiction reading at the moment is Beloved Enemy by Ellen Jones, a story of Eleanor of Acquitaine, who is one of my favorite women in history - put on my list of course by Kathryn Hepburn..........teehee..... Jones does a great job of giving us a look at the historical characters of the time............Louis of France, Henry II, and of course Eleanor and her father and grandfather are great characters. She gives us a brief look at the grandfather's (the Troubador, said to be the person who popularized chivalry at a time when brutish men were in fashion) mistress who has an intriquing philosophy of life - she tells E to make happen whatever it is she wants in life, even if she is a girl w/ no power to control what is going on around her. E is unhappy that no one is paying any attention to her since her mother died. So at a banquet she gets up on the table and dances up and down the table - so everyone looks at her, enjoys her escapade, smiles and applauds - a lesson learned!.....................jean
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Steph, years ago, a bunch of family rode up the Incline Railway. Two of our daughter absolutely refused to get on it again to ride back down. We had come in two automobiles. John and about 1/2 of the group took the railway down, then drove up to get the rest of us. :D For a long time after that, we had "down" tickets. We'd drive guests up onto Lookout Mountain, John and the guests would ride the Incline down, and I'd drive down and pick them up at the bottom. ::) Oh, well......... Let us know the next time you're going to stop here and we'll recommend and/or show you some of the sights on flatter ground.
Judy, I'm so sorry. A UTI is no fun, or any other urinary tract problem. I hope you're better soon.
Hi jean!
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Beloved Enemy.. I love and have read most if not all of the Eleanor books. I consider her one of the most interesting characters in English history.. She fought back..had some wonderful sons and at least one, not so wonderful.
Oh Judy.. Take care..UTI's can be miserable..I am surprised that you could be doing the yoga and then got sick so quickly. I am doing yoga with my WII fit. Had not done it for the past two years, so am slowly getting back. I still cannot do things on one foot without holding on to a chair, but I persevere.
I have the latest Scottoline.. I am a fan because she has a CORGI. Hooray for her.
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Steph - the first book i read about Eleanor - many yrs ago - was E of Aquitaine and the Four Kings, a non-fiction book by Amy Kelly. I had to wonder if any other person had had such a close relationship w/ four kings, let alone being the wife and mother of them...................she apparently had the spunk and wit that K Hepburn gave her in Lion in Winter. Would she be someone w/ whom i'd like to be friends - i think so, but she could be caustic and spiteful also...........jean
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Thanks everybody. I feel so dumb and now my emergency room files are probably all messed up and I am an idiot. I had never heard of a UTI before. All night they kept asking me if I know about some infection and I kept saying yes if you take too many anti-biotics then you get and infection and take a pill for it. I thought they were talking about a yeast infection because I didn't know they were any other kind. They took 2 xrays and a cat scan and I don't know if this follows me to the doctor on tuesday or not. I know the first thing she is going to say is Hi DUMMY hehe
I am still proud that I could do the entire class since I haven't been for years.
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I agree Eleanor had enormous influence over a wide area for the time.. As to liking her.. Hmm. not sure she would have been good company for long..But I would have loved to have known her.
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MaryZ, I'm with you. I like the River Explorer Barge best. Have been on two of their trips and loved both -- one down to Pilot Town and the mouth of the Mississippi and the other on the Ohio up to Marietta. I didn't know they had temporarily closed down because of the economy, but I haven't been reading the brochures. Sorry you won't get your trip this year. They used to give discounts (one per stateroom) to teachers and former teachers. I wonder if they'll reinstate that policy when they come back.
Judy, I hope you're feeling better. I've never had a UTI and never hope to have one. Let us know what the doctor says. I'm really impressed that you and Steph can do yoga. My SIL does it, but he's a lot younger. I've heard about those WII fit things, Steph, but I'd like to see it all in action sometime. But keep moving, she says as she finds another excuse not to go to the pool. (I think I'd get in more often if it were in the backyard instead of on the other side of town :P )
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pedln, you're the first one we've found who's gone on the River Explorer. We've done two trips - one from Cincinnati to Nashville, and one from Nashville to Nashville. We were so excited that they were coming to Chattanooga for the first time this year, and we had signed up for the inaugural trip from Chattanooga to St. Louis. We're SO hoping they can come back next year. Maybe we'll see you on one sometime. ::)
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Thanks Pedln I had no idea what a UTI was either I imigine I will know by this time tommorow. hehe
I'd love to go on that river boat Mary sounds like fun.
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I am really sorry that the river boats and the river barge are taking a year off. We have them on our list to do and just have not gotten around to it. We almost went last year, but we had always wanted to do the German Christmas Markets and when a nice river cruise doing that popped up, we decided to do that instead. There is a nice canadian line that does the great lakes and that is something for us to consider..
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Steph, if RiverBarge comes back, be sure to take one of their trips. They're great folks! We're looking at doing a canal-boat on the Erie Canal in September with John's sister and BIL.
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We did a day trip on the Canal once. Fun, but truly truly slow.. I want to do a small barge trip in the Netherlands.. We saw them when we were on our river boat a few years ago. Very few people, bikes for everyone..They encourage you to bike along and meet them. They use local food and really look like fun.
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Obviously, STEPH, you are much younger than I. Ride a bike again? In my dreams! ::)
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I have reread "The Secret Life of Bees." I love it more than the first time. It's such a great book. Who can forget the calendar sisters, August, May and June?
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Steph, the canalboats we're looking at are stocked with a couple of bicycles. John might possibly ride one, but definitely NOT me! :D
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Hats - they were a good group.........have you seen the movie? I haven't, but hope to soon...............jean
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Hi Mabel,
No, I haven't seen the movie. I have it in my queue now. I hope it comes tomorrow. Have you seen the movie?
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I loved The Secret Life of Bees, but have no great interest in the movie..
Hey guys, I am 71, exercise a lot and think that riding the bike gently over the canal paths would be interesting. I know an 80 year old who did it and said it is the neatest way to visit all of the teeny towns and I do know that literally everyone in the Netherlands rides bikes everywhere.
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The movie is wonderful. I'm surprised.
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Congratulations, STEPH. You must have led a much more active life than I have. I thought you were much younger than I, and I find you're only a couple of years younger. I am a good example of what happens when most of your work, hobbies, etc. are sedentary! The most strenuous part of my life was chasing after my toddlers! ;)
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I'm reading, and loving, The Guernsey Literary, etc. I know there's a discussion on it, but I don't really care for that much dissection of books. On the other hand, I cannot recommend this one too highly. It's great!
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maryz, I am reading the "Guernsey" book right now also. I haven't enjoyed a book quite this much since "The Uncommon Reader". There is laughter on almost every page, combined with the seriousness underlying the reason for the letters. Amazing how people can cope with terrible circumstances, isn't it?
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yes, after thinking I could not read one more WWII story I picked it up and found it delightful - so well put together with letters exploring the characters - there are so many shadow characters and situation it is like a story creating one metaphor on top of another. I love it - however I am at the end of the part before Section Two where it speaks of so many horrors - I have read so much of this that it becomes like playing around in the muck and needing a good bath to retain my belief in mankind and my own metal state so that I do not sink knowing there are always power mongers who can light the fuse to unspeakable horror.
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Hi Barbara I would love to read the Guernsey book but the paperback doesn't come out til May 5th. I cannot read hard cover books. I ordered a Kindle 2 yesterday so when it comes maybe I will be able to catch up on the discussion.
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I finished Guernsey about noon, and John's into it now. He's already compared it to 84 Charing Cross Road. Of course, I'd thought of that, too - that's one of my all-time favorite books (as it was my mother's). ;D
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I am in the discussion, but hardly holding my own. I am not overfond of dissecting books.. I just enjoy this one such a lot and am even trying to simply read where we are each week. This is rare for me, since I like finishing things quicker than this.
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JUDY, 'Guernsey' is not a large or heavy book. If your objection of hard-backs is their weight, you might be able to handle this one.
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I am of the same mind as those of you who dislike dissecting books. Maybe that's because I'm so dense at "catching" the hidden meaning.
C.S. Lewis is a good example of that. Love the Narnia stories as stories but really have to struggle to see the implication/lessons that others see.
I remember my high school English teacher being very impressed when I did a book report on "Anna Karenina". I thought it was a good dramatic love story - had no clue why anyone would be impressed that I was reading Tolstoy. Obviously, my education lacked depth. :)
In these...um..."mature years", I'm a little bit more aware of settings, time frames, etc. I've read "Guernsey" and thought it was a delightful story. I'm lurking in the discussion and enjoying the observations. Might participate more if the entire book was being discussed at once.
I've just finished reading "A Prisoner of Birth" by Jeffrey Archer. I like his books. This one was a page-turner and I had a hard time putting it down.
Love it when I find the title worked into the text. (Now that makes it easier to figure out the meaning - although I had done so before I saw it :) )
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I like the book discussions, but occasionaly in the old seniornet would get aggravated at the in depth parts when the story itself was so good. But like some others, I am sure my education was not strong on hidden meanings. I did not run into this until college. Went to a small rural school and the teachers tended to be quite literal..
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I'm smiling to myself as I read about those of you who aren't "into book discussions". I thought I was the odd man out here. I enjoy the story but don't always want to pick it apart as is done in those. Perhaps my early education like someone else said had a lot to do with it. Oh well, it's too late for me now, I will just read and enjoy in my own way. :)
Jeffrey Archer...............That reminded me of a book of his I read a long time ago and never really forget, "As the Crow Flies". It was a good rags to riches story that spanned many years and many changes.
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Well, now, this is interesting. I also went to a small rural town school. I vaguely remember reading a classic every year in English - but nothing about any of them stuck. Once in a while, we would be taken to the one movie theatre to see some full-length feature; the only one I remember is "Les Miserables" in b/w and that I thought it was depressing. There was never any class discussion on the "deeper meaning". I suppose we were all supposed to "get it" by osmosis!
Same with "Social Studies" (History). Read the chapter and answer the questions at the end. Once a week, bring a "current event" clipping to read to the class. That was it.
Mynioga, I read "As The Crow Flies" and most of Jeffrey Archer's other novels. I can't remember why he was imprisoned in England for a while. He's written a couple of non-fiction books about that experience and some of his recent novels have a "prison" theme. I think he must have been very observant and maybe kept a diary while he was incarcerated - as any good writer would do with unusual Life Experiences.
Here's his web site http://www.jeffreyarcher.co.uk/ (http://www.jeffreyarcher.co.uk/) . Notice the link to a discussion of "Prisoner of Birth" with David Frost in 2008. I didn't know DF was still doing interviews.
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I also went to a small rural school where there were two or three grades in the same class room. We just wrote book reports, handed them in, the teacher graded them and handed them back. No discussion at all.
I have been mostly lurking in the "Guernsey" discussion, and have really enjoyed the book. I read it last September and then bought a copy from Amazon to have for the discussion and have been reading it again as the discussion has gone along.
It is very difficult for me to dissect a book and look for hidden meanings. I think that's why I don't post much when I am in book discussions.
Evelyn
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Isn't it nice that we have a place like this to just talk about the books we read and why we like them? I am so glad to have met each of you. :)
Next on my stack is a trilogy of mysteries set in Kansas (my neighbor to the north). I picked it off the New Books shelf because of the locale and know absolutely nothing about the author or the book.
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My issue isn't so much that I do not see hidden meanings - for me meanings do not seem hidden - I seem to easily make connections as I compare events and people in the book to events and people I know, or have read about in other books - The problem with some discussions for me is, you end up with folks who cannot accept any other interpretation of what they are reading other than their own and so you end up having to go to battle to have your views considered acceptable or you just give in and then why bother. For me there is enough in my life to get in a kufuffle about other than trying to protect viewpoints while discussing a book.
I remember a couple of the authors who posted when we read their books saying something to the affect that once a book was made public it was as much the readers story as the author's story - few of us share the same life experiences and so that can be an asset to each bringing another viewpoint but it also means differences in viewpoints and some folks just cannot seem to accept views different from their own - ah so...
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Barb, I quite agree about needing no kufuffles (what a delightful word!).
Some of the best conversations I've ever had were with people who saw things differently than I did. Some of the most boring were with people who simply "go along to get along" and agree with everything everybody says.
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CALLIE, your remark about the 'meaning' in the Narnia books reminded me of something my ex-DIL told me. She loved the Narnia books and got them for her two kids (my grandchildren, of course). She is Jewish and has raised them in that faith. Therefore, she was startled when someone said to her that C.S. Lewis' Narnia books were "Christian propoganda". "No way", she replied. But she did go back and re-read them.
After a second reading with this idea in mind, she conceded, "Okay, they are propaganda. But they're good[/b] propaganda!"
STEPH-and Callie- I think a lot of the 'hidden meanings' we find have as much to do with the history and perceptions of the reader than the intentions of the author. I've heard more than one story of someone declaiming on the meaning of some poem or incident in a book, only to have the author say he intended no such meaning when he wrote.
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I remember a couple of the authors who posted when we read their books saying something to the affect that once a book was made public it was as much the readers story as the author's story - few of us share the same life experiences and so that can be an asset to each bringing another viewpoint but it also means differences in viewpoints and some folks just cannot seem to accept views different from their own - ah so...
This is so very true for me. I love it when I'm reading one story and keep thinking of how the events or facts relate back to another one that I've read.
My daughter and I have talked often about how much history we have learned from fiction and how much easier it is to absorb than it was from the times and dates of actual history books. I'm thinking right now about Anita Shreve's book Resistance. It taught me so much more about the people of Europe during the WWII days than I ever learned from other sources.
Someone mentioned new mystery trilogy about Kansas.....care to share the author's name? I'm particularly interested in stories set in various places around this country. I like the "flavor" of other places in the US.
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I remember reading Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte), then studying it in high school twice and once in college. Every time, I found new passages I didn't remember from before, new ideas, and good discussions. Those multiple discussions opened my eyes to the ways that books and characters can be looked at. I then took a poetry course and was struck by how each word choice could carry so much meaning.
I still prefer to look at the big picture, but it's good to discipline myself now and then to get into the subtleties, and then I find I can enjoy myself.
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Babi, I agree with your ex-DIL. All of Lewis' books are good "propaganda"/metaphor/whatever the description would be - when one finally understands the specifics of the references. (Picture here a puzzled person with fog about her head reading the Narnia books with Bible in hand :))
Mynioga, I would have given title/author when I mentioned the book set in Kansas - but it was at the other end of the house and I was too lazy to go fetch it. Sorry :-[
It's a paperback - title "Cozy In Kansas" by Nancy Mehl, who lives in Wichita. The three "romance mysteries" are "In The Dead of Winter", "Bye Bye Bertie" and "For Whom The Wedding Bell Tolls". Blurb on the back cover reads: "Love and mystery at a rare bookstore. The eclectic citizens of Winter Break, Kansas keep Ivy Towers on her toes as she solves a series of puzzling mysteries and navigates the mysterious ways of love."
Looks as if it could be classified as "Christian Romance".
If you like stories with good descriptions of specific places, may I recommend the following books by Oklahoma authors and set in Oklahoma:
David Kent: Mesa Conspiracy, Department 30, The Triangle Conspiracy and The Black Jack Conspiracy One of these is set very near my house! (In the interest of safety, I won't say which one) Interesting to follow the story line and picture the streets, etc.
Anything by Rilla Askew
Jim Lehrer's "One Eyed Mack" series: First one is "Kick The Can". "The Sooner Spy" gets caught in the town where I grew up. The name of the town is disguised - thinly to those who know the area. More fun following all these tongue-in-cheek stories about Oklahoma politics through places with which I'm very familiar.
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Hi Callie, Mynioga, Evelyn, Nlhomw. I wonder if some of you would go into your home page and put up the state you live in?? Its fun when you are posting to be able to tell where a person lives, makes it a little more personal.
I agree with you comments about book discussions, I really would rather lurk. I remember years ago discussing a book and I swear they went on for ever about why the womans hat was pink or blue. I thought to myself who cares??? I don't think there is a hidden meaning in everything I just read because I love to.
Just finished a good book call Last Seen Alive by Charlene Thompson and enjoyed it, the end snuck right up on me. hehe
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Judy, my location is in my Profile - but doesn't show under my name (although that gives it, too). What do I need to click to correct that?
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Don Coldsmith has some very good historical fiction about the Kansas territory and the mid-west. One series starts about 1830 and he talks about the Native Americans life-styles and about slavery and the lead-up to the Civil War and what it was like to be on either side of that question while living in Kansas or surrounding states.................. the first two of that series are "Tall Grasses" and "South Wind." He's written a lot of other novels of the history of that area, but i haven't read any than those two, yet.........................jean
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If you don't care for dissecting the reasons for an author's writing of fiction, how about reading historical fiction??? I am considering discussing one in May, "Loving Frank". This is a good book and historically correct in most places. Anyone want to read and discuss it??
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CallieOK...
Go to PROFILE/ Forum Profile Information/ Personal Text [at the lower end there at the top where you upload photos]...and then go to the bottom of the page and click on Change Profile.
jane
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I am looking forward to the Hedgehog in April as well.. Read Loving Frank, but mostly it annoyed me, so as much I like his architecture, etc, did not consider her the type of human I wanted to know.. Isnt that silly.. but quite true, I am afraid. I need a character in a book that I like and can identify with.. Both Frank and his love were silly to me.
I hated her death, so unnecessary.
I am having fun with Guernsey, but feel no need to go back and read Seneca or Lamb..
I do wish the author had written more since I do like the writing style.
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;D ;D
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Stupid post where did it go????
Yesterday I read a book just for the fun of it. Its an older Kristin Hannah book called Distant Shores. Its not a comedy but sometime its just funny. I have always loved Hannah's books.
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STEPH, I imagine it's our individual tastes that lead us to other books. I wanted to read Seneca because of what was said about it in 'Guernsey' and because I like "The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius". I read Lamb's essay on the pig from the link, but had no urge to read more.
JUDY, I hope you read many more books 'just for the fun of it'. I read most books for that reason, ...and also because I'm hooked!
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FUN... FUN .. I am with you. I am reading a Terry Pratchett just now because he makes me laugh out loud.. Its called Making Money and in his alternate world, a crook is in charge of th e economy.. First I laughed and then I thought.. Hmm. a true story indeed.
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Well shucks, I never should have come here because now it's 10:30 pm and I've got to get to bed -- lot's going on tomorrow, and there's so much I want to comment on. So, will have to come back tomorrow.
But, I'll tell you one thing this once in a while discussion leader llearned from Guernsey or GLPPPS, as we call it. I didn't know there were so many people who alphabetized their spices.
Adoannie -- there's another Frank Lloyd Wright "affair" book coming out this month. T.C. Boyle, the women. I've read only a little about it, but he takes the latest relationship first and then works backwards through all Wright's women. I have Loving Frank (bought it because i felt guilty taking up so much of the bookstore person's time), haven't read it, have loaned it out to two people.
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I didn't know there were so many people who alphabetized their spices.
:D :D :D ;) I'm still laughing outloud at that exchange --
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
I couldnt imagine there were that many people who wanted to reread Seneca or Lamb. But different strokes. I group spices myself. That way I can go right for the ones for tomato based and broth and different things..
Right at the end of Terry Pratchetts Making Money.. Very satisfying book. Made me laugh and slyly jabbed at the current economy,, passion for gold... and inability to believe that anyone other than themselves knows what to do. |
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Sounds like a good book Steph, if I go to the book store in the next month I want somebodt to shoot me. Candi is down for a couple days as Jerry had to have a medical procediure for his pilots licence that was totally unessary. She brought down one of my suit cases and I went i n to the hotel and picked it up. 25 GOOD BOOKS. Now if I can fit them into my book cases that are allready full.
I also got to see my grandaughter and her husband and my great-grandaughter. So much fun. Marsha's husband has to be the funniest man on the planet.
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That's what I call a good daughter. What all did she bring you Judy L?
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No bites on "Loving Frank"??? Well, I have another title that I am also considering and its "non fiction". Very timely book, about an American building schools in Pakistan and NE Afghanistan. "Three Cups of Tea" is the title. Very good reading.
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We got to meet Judys daughter at the beach. She is funny as well.. I am trying hard to stay out of book stores, but my swap online club tempts me. I see an authors name, go there and look them up and then always seem to decide to at least try them.. Hmm. no will power when it comes to books.
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No bites on "Loving Frank"??? Well, I have another title that I am also considering and its "non fiction". Very timely book, about an American building schools in Pakistan and NE Afghanistan. "Three Cups of Tea" is the title. Very good reading.
Annie, my f2f book club is reading Loving Frank. I haven't started it yet. I'm not much into architecture or Frank Lloyd Wright. I did read Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead years and years ago. ~~ Nancy
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I want ot read Loving Frank. I have been interested Frank LLoyd Wright for years and became especially interested in his life after a visit to a home that he designed in Florence, Alabama.
Joan Grimes
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Joan did you go on the tour of the Frank Loyd Wright house when we were in Chicago, I can't remember which is not big news.
Just home from work and will do a few things and then go to pick up a lady and take her to the doctor, busy busy busy
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Yes Judy, I did go on the tour of he Frank lloyd Wright house when we were in Chicago and enjoyed it very much.
Joan G
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Joan, glad you've been to see the Rosenbaum house in Decatur. IMHO, it's one of the more liveable of the FLW houses. We've been there two times.
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May I jump in unannounced since I recognize several of your names from The Library discussions. My name is Pat Cook and I am retired from public education all the way from teacher, HS Principal and University instructor. I am loving retirement because of the time it affords me to read WHAT I WANT!
Had to jump in to say that both of the book clubs I head, The Bookies and The Renegades, enjoyed Loving Frank very much. It may be that we live in the west and have visited his home in AZ and are very familiar with his eccentric life style. My huband graduated from the University of AZ School of Architecture - so the book was my selection for our 2008 Bookies reading list. We were all bothered by his lack of responsibility in all aspects of his life, but we remind ourselves frequently that we have to remember the time that the events are taking place. Anyway, it was a wonderful discussion for a group of 15 intelligent women very much interested in discussing the role of women at different times in history. I did mention the new book, The Women, and we agreed unanimously that we had read enough about his love life with so many other good books to choose. I have to confess, though, that I will probably put it at the bottom of that huge stack of "to read books". :)
The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged are 2 of my all time favorites; it is so good to see them still mentioned! Pat Cook
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I loved the Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.. Went to Taleisin in Wisconsin and loved that, but really did not like Loving Frank. I would guess it is the aspect of abandoning life and reaching out and taking a person when you were already married. I could not get past either of them ruining so many lives..Stupid, but true.
I still want to see the Johnson Wax Building in Wisconsin. I have heard it is magnificent.
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I loved Ayn Rands FH and AS also, I couldn't adhere to her politics, but she wrote great male characters............i think i mentioned on SN that each of her men seemed perfect until you met the next one who had something the previous one lacked, altho i hadn't noticed. And Gary Cooper was a good representation of her men. Altho, to me, at the time, he was a little too old and not much of a sex symbol, unlike the characters in her books. And the houses sounded marvelous. ..........jean
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I loved the Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.. Went to Taleisin in Wisconsin and loved that, but really did not like Loving Frank. I would guess it is the aspect of abandoning life and reaching out and taking a person when you were already married. I could not get past either of them ruining so many lives..Stupid, but true.
I still want to see the Johnson Wax Building in Wisconsin. I have heard it is magnificent.
I agree Steph. The one who disappointed me even more in that regard was Charles Kuralt. We so enjoyed his travel show and his down home air and when all was said and done he was living a double life. :(
We have visited FLW's Falling Water in PA also the Darwin Martin complex in Buffalo. Both very interesting and brought to life the legend of his style.
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We visited Falling Waters many years ago and still remember the guide,,"Yes, it leaks and always has, but look at the beauty". Hmm. think I would rather live in a non leaky house.
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Just for my own quorisity (sp) do any of you versitile readers read May Sarton? I have most all of her books and if I am having a bad day or
just want to settle down I read her books. Plant Dreaming Deep is on my list for this week. She hads books like After The Stroke and Going on Eighty. I never get tired of the descriptions of her home and yard in Maine I think it is.
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Judy I've read some of Sarton's books including After the Stroke - another was The House by the Sea which begins with her move to an old house on the Maine coast..loved it - her descriptions of the place and her solitude were super - I don't wonder that you go back to her when you're having a bad day. Her work is somehow comforting....
Another book of hers I enjoyed was A Self Portrait. In that one Sarton reflects on her life and work and she also comments on a selection of her poetry as well. I think I've read a couple of others but can't recall the titles just at the moment.
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I'd never heard of May Sarton, but I have to look into a writer who can be a comfort on a hard day. Thanks, Judy.
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I have read Sarton, but am not that fond of Maine as a place.. Spent 10 years in New England and the first thing that yells at me,,,, is cold...cold...cold
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Yeah but Steph when she discribes Spring coming and all the bulbs she has planted come up, its magical. The description of her place never leaves your heart.
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I live in the northeast and have never visited one of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes. I'm not even sure if there is one here. I'm going to give the book, Loving Frank, a good try. I hate not finishing books, but if the story is about a famous man who ruins lives, I'm not into that kind of story. I'll let you know.
But after reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and People of the Book, this one better be great! My sites have been set very high now.
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Yes Judy L - May Sarton's descriptions of her garden and the way she went about developing it really stay with you. Gardening in Maine is so different from gardening in Australia - for a start we don't have snow and we don't have 'fall' - our native trees are mostly evergreen - they drop leaves all the year round but in small doses. Also enjoy her descriptions of the coastline - her writing has a kind of calm serenity even when she is facing serious issues.
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O h , no mistake, I love May Sartons writing. Just commenting on Maine.. I love bulbs and miss them terribly in Florida. We have a lot of wonderful flowers, but no bulbs, alas.
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So, in here, in the fiction folder, we have two readers of
Loving Frank". JoanG and Aberlaine, is that right??
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Yes Annie I am going to read Loving Frank.
Joan G
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Going through my to be read pile. Whew.. I really must start catching up. No idea how.. Possibly two heads to read more?
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I know what you mean Steph - every time i take books back to the library i think " i'm not going to get any new ones, i need to read what's in my stash!"
HA! - never fails! i see something on display, or on the "new" books shelf and it starts me checking out the stacks..................aaaggghhh ............go home w/ at least 3 or 4 each time................it's an ADDICTION..............but i guess it's a good one to have..................jean
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My big weakness is hitting me this weekend. I truly have so many unread books, but the local library is having a used book sale and there is no way I will stay away.. and no matter what I vow, there is not way I will not find half a dozen or so that I cannot live without. An addiction for sure, but cheaper than alcohol and more fun than a lot of other addictions.
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Steph - I think a lot of us have the same addiction. Here we have a particular charity booksale which we attend each year and come home laden with several boxes of books - his and hers - and some to pass on to son. It's a real meeting place and year after year (for 20+ years) we see the same folk turning over the bins looking for their treasures. I've bought some really good stuff there and wouldn't miss it for quids.
But that's only once a year - we frequent other sales as well but the worst nightmare occurs about once a fortnight right through the year when I meet with F2F in the coffee shop at our State Library. They have a rather wonderful Discard Book Shop which is always full of just those very books you say you can't live without... ::)
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A few years back I decided I should cull my collection of books - in less then 6 months it was proven to be the sorriest decision I ever made and since then I seem to have been on a tear filling my house with books - I have so many that I really want to read and still have not accepted it takes time to read a book and so they are stacked high as 'to read next' and other stacks 'to read after other stack is read' When I say stack I mean it - minimum 25 books in the stack.
I would be like a women possessed at the annual sale Gumtree - the thought is giving me chills - once, while visiting my daughter's their church had a book sale - they each found one book - I come all flushed with the excitment of the find carrying 5 books that I must have in my arms.
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I can see we need to have a "my-name-is-Jean-and-I"m-a-bookaholic" site :-[
do you think confessing will be good for our souls? .....................probably won't keep us from those book sales, but it might make us feel better.
The Town Hall in my town had a fire about 18 mos ago. Since they are right across the parking lot from the library, they moved some offices into the library, taking up the space where books were stored for the book sales.............so they haven't had a sale for a yr. .............however, the librarian told me yesterday that they are having one in April!!!! Hooray and aaaggghhhh! ................such mixed emotions, i have! .........................jean
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Our Friends of the Library book sale just wound up its 10-day sale this past Tuesday. I'm amazed at us - we worked the sale two afternoons, and came home with only 3 books. And this is considering Tuesday (the last day) is "Bag Day". You buy a grocery sack (the big paper kind) for $3.50, and all the books you can put in it are "free". Unfortunately, the poor orphans that are left at the end of the day go to the city's recycling center.
But the second sale of the year is around Labor Day. ::)
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[ >:( >:(
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MARY ITS HERE :D :D I WILL NEED YOUR CELL PHONE# YOUR HOME PHONE #
EMERGENCY # SS# ADDRESS . I ALREADY HAVE IT SCREWED UP AND BELIEVE I BOUGHT A BOOK IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE HEEELLLLP
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I can see we need to have a "my-name-is-Jean-and-I"m-a-bookaholic" site :-[
do you think confessing will be good for our souls? .....................probably won't keep us from those book sales, but it might make us feel better .........................jean
I'm all for the bookaholic site and am happy to confess all - but I really do feel a heap better when I've done battle with the crowd, have found my treasures and struggled carrying the load to the car, dragged them inside and then...oh then...to sit down with a cuppa and sift through what I've gleaned, savouring the titles, smoothing the covers, straightening dog ears, reading inscriptions and wondering about the previous owner, glancing through odd paragraphs, getting caught up in one or another and just longing to read them all from cover to cover and all at once..BLISS - who needs therapy!
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We live about 9 blocks from the library, within walking distance, so my need to acquire books is not quite so intense. However, the Friends of the Library book sales always find me searching for myself and for those special books that I think might appeal to a friend, child, etc. Book stores, especially used book stores, always attract me when we are traveling.
As for books, was it this site where people recommended The Elegance of the Hedgehog? If so, what was there about the book that attracted you? I read amost half way through, more out of curiousity than anything, and am taking it back today. Not my cup of tea.
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Hedgehog is going to be the book discussion for April and was talked about in the select books site for discussions. I have it already, but am not reading it until then. We just finished the Guernsey-Potato Peel Pie book today. I think Team of Rivals is the March one. Not going to participate.
Mexican ///// Judy.. Hang in there.
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I'm fortunate to not only live near my library, but to actually volunteer there one morning a week. I simply do not have space for 'stacks' of books. When you buy a large batch of books like that, don't you sometimes find some that disappoint? When I go to a book sale, I'm always thinking, is that a book I would want to keep? I don't usually buy a book unless I believe it is a keeper.
Which, considering my budget, is a good thing!
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Babi, we had any number of people at the book sale, buying stacks of books, who would say...I'll see you next time, and bring these back to go into the next sale. They consider this a donation to the library, and never intend to keep the books forever. ::)
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That's the way we look at books - buy them used, pass them on or return them for the next sale - except for certain one that we intend to refer to again. We buy new books if we can't find the one we want through the library system or can't wait - then do the same, pass them on.
I'll have to check in on the Hedgehog discussion in April to see what I missed.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
After rereading the posts here, I see that JoanG is the only one who wants to read "Loving Frank". So, JoanG, I will put you on the list. We have two
DL's leading the discussion and so far that's it. Traude and I will be proposing it by March 15th and its going to be discussed(if we get enough readers) starting on May 1st.
We have so many books that aren't that readable anymore due to the paper that was used or the topic. I think that I will give these to the Kidney Services or Goodwill. Maybe someone else would like to read them.
I used to collect old titles just to have the outside of them lined up on my shelves. According to a decorator, one should not put up books with covers and using old books looks better. Who cares at this time in our lives? Its almost too much trouble to take them anywhere like the library, so I guess any charity will take them.
For years, I kept a bag of books in the trunk of my car which I traded with used dealers. Sometimes they will do a 2 for 1 trade. Its handy and does get rid of some of ones books. |
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I only keep books that I cannot lived without. Most of what I got at the sale and through my book swap internet group, I put back up on the swap. I also take bags of books for the sales. I am still overrun with books, but a lot of that is that I am a genealogist and have been one for so many years, that although people do mostly internet research nowadays, I started when you bought the books.. So have an extensive Genealogical library.. Almost entirely upstate New York.
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Of course, MARYZ. I recycle a number of other things,..why not books?!
ANNIE, much as I regret not being able to support you on "Loving Frank", I'm sorry to say the subject simply doesn't interest me in the slightest. Maybe the next book....
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I just got on Senior Learn on the Kindle. Who Knew?????
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How did you find that? All the discussions? Or just hooking up to their "whispernet"?
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O.K. you turn it on, I find this must be done quickly then hit the button that says menu. It comes up browse
under browse is books magazines
if you scrowl down to Kindle Daily Post it has the date and four books pictured. One of those books is free. My problem is that under daily post the date has not been changed. Let me know if that works Mary
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I found that page, Judy, and mine says 27 February, too. I don't know why the date didn't change.
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Annie, sorry I didn't reply to you sooner. I don't always get back to SeniorLearn for a few days. I'm reading Loving Frank, but am not enjoying it very much. I vowed to give it 100 pages, then I'm going to stop. My f2f group is reading it for the month of March, but many times one or more of us don't read the book of choice because we just don't like it.
Actually, we get together to catch up on each others' lives. We all worked in the same place and at overlapping times. We use books as the excuse. And once in a while, like with The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, we actually have a great book to discuss.
Now, if you want to read and discuss The People of the Book, I'd be interested. It's an awesome book!
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Aberlaine I'd be interested in discussing People oftheBook too...great book with lots to discuss. It's just been mentioned over on The LIbrary again -
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I must confess that I have not gotten ahead of the Hedgehog in April.. People of the Book.. Hmm, maybe I will give it a try. I have no interest in Loving Frank.. Read it and did not like it.
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Mary the date changed today. I am going to write a manual Kindle For Dummies and get bog time rich so I can mmove to GEORGIA. I had my guru here this morning and he says there is not much info about operating the Kindle.
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May I be the first to buy your book, Judy? And check out Chattanooga before you move to Georgia. It's much better here. ::)
I've just finished China Road (enjoyed it a lot), and have one more easy book to read before I can start with the Kindle. We have the new Jefferson Bass book, Bones of Betrayal, and I want to read that before it has to go back to the library.
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Started reading an older book.. Friday Night Knitting Club. I suspect this is not going to be my cup of tea, but wanted something light.
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MARYZ, your comment about Chattanooga vs. Georgia made me grin, remembering an old story I heard. The Governor of Florida had been teasing the Governor of Georgia, pointing out how many Georgians were moving to Florida. The Gov. of Georgia just smiled and said, "That's just fine; it improves the quality of both States." ;D
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Steph, The Friday Night Knitting Club was one of the more boring books I could not wait to return to the library (unfinished). It is being made into a movie starring Julia Roberts. That's one movie I'll be sure to miss.
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I would like to come and wee Tennessee Mary but when I get off the plane in Atlanta the car just turns straight down the road (after a stop at Cracker Barrell) and before I know it I am in Gay, Hamilton, Warm Springs Juliette I tell you that the deal. And thats before I head to Macon and down to Savannah. Who could go to the south and not go to Savannah, of course then there is Hilton Head and Charleston, Isle of the Palms. I am so hooked
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I do understand, Judy. Charleston and Savannah are great!. Three of our grands are graduates of and students at the College of Charleston. Still, you should give us a visit sometime. :D
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Judy,, Northwest Georgia is worth a look. We love Hiawasee and Young Harris.. Clayton is fun.. and Dahlonega has its moments. The mountains in Georgia are quite special in their own way. I love both Georgia and North Carolina in that small narrow mountain area.
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Mary I will make it to Tennessee some day.
Steph I have spent a lot of time in the Pine Mountain area. Warm Spring, Hamilton, Calloway Gardens, Pine Mountain the town is charming and the people are so nice.
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Judy, you're right about that, too. When we moved to Chattanooga 22 years ago, I was very surprised at the beauty of that mountainous area where GA, NC, and TN meet - even NE Alabama.
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Did you get snow dumped on you in the last few days Mary - my daughter is in Saluda just east of Hendersonville and they got a foot of snow - down the mountain in Tryon they only got a few inches and so the middle and high school started late but the buses could not get up the mountain to pick up the Saluda kids and so those whose parents could drive took them and the others had a free day.
In the little area where they live there are 14 kids within a year or so of each other in age - a neighbor had them all at her house for pancakes while the dryer spun clothes dry and then later they were all at my daughters for lunch while watching a movie and she spun dry all the outer clothes dry so they could get back out again in the afternoon. Good time had by all...
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We didn't get any snow, Barbara. Our daughter 50 miles west of us did, but the system swung south of Chattanooga, then back north and east. ::)
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Barb, I love that area. Hendersonville... Waynesville.. outside of Asheville, there are a number of small towns and areas that are a delight. We take the rv up there every summer and spend time. If I could have a second home, it would be there.
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Did any of you read the Helen Van Slyke novels? I read all that my library had in the 80's and 90's and was sad when i heard she had died and there would be no new ones. Yesterday at the library i was scouting the large print books - i like to read them while on the treadmill - and saw the shelf full of HVS books, which reminded me of her. I looked carefully at them, hoping there was one there i hadn't read, but no such luck. ................. any way, i enjoyed them very much. They were good stories, if a little soap operary sometimes, but they had a good substance to them and gave me something to think about............jean
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Jean what kind of books did she write? Can you tell us some title's?
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All of Van Slyke novels were about family relations. The first one i read was Sisters and STrangers. The title caught me when i saw it on the shelf, and i tho't it was a good story - if i remember it right 20 yrs later, - three sisters are coming home for one of their parents' funeral and - as we all have done - learn a lot of things about each other and about their parents which they hadn't known before.
Another one that i remember was called Mixed Blessings which was about a family where the dgt has an inter-racial marriage and family. She writes about the emotions and complexities of various relationships that that involved. I remember that one because i have been in an inter-racial marriage for 40 yrs. Other titles were The Best Place To Be, The Heart Listens, A Necessary Woman, No Love Lost, Public Smiles, Private Tears. ................. i looked them up on-line at the library, I did NOT remember all of those :D. The titles can give you a little sense of the possible story. I believe a couple of them were made into television movies...........jean
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Oh me, I do remember Helen Van Slyck. I read a few of hers. Actually I think that Jody Picoult writes a good deal like she did.
Story tellers.. Eugenia Price wrote wonderful historical fiction. Very romanticized, but fun to read. Some one else did as well.. She wrote about Louisiana and my stupid skipping brain cannot remember her name.. Hmm. will drive me nuts all day.
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STEPH, are you possibly thinking of Frances Parkinson Keyes? I loved her stories. They were set in Louisiana, and taught me a lot about the history and culture of the times.
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Now, I'm not going to say this person is a "great writer", but all the talk about the authors from our past, has brought to mind one book that I read back in the 60's (I think) titled "Five Smooth Stones" - the author is Ann Fairbairn. I'm not even sure if she ever wrote anything else. But I still have that book, and whilst it was still new, I read it two or three times. Wonderful story, set in the time, basically, of Civil Rights movement. It was a terrific read. And by the way, I had read all the Helen Van Slyke novels too.
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Tomereader - And by the way, I had read all the Helen Van Slyke novels too........scary! ......Did you like Pat Conroy's The Prince of Tides? That's one of my favorite books................
Steph - i like Eugenia Price also, but i have to read one or two at a time and then move to someone else. But i'm like that w/ a lot of things. I like/need variety...........jean
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Yes, I like "Prince of Tides". I have to think that I'm glad I read it back when it was first new, because in today's literature, there seems to be so much (too much) angst and dysfunctional family plots. If I had to read "Tides" now, I would probably put it down after a few chapters. I guess that's why I read so many mystery/detective novels; you've got bad guys/good guys, but not always in their own families! That probably seems like an off the wall comment, but ...? ???
Another subject: do you find yourself spending too much time on the computer? I certainly do!!!
Joanne
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Finally! Some authors being mentioned that I've read!!!
YES to "Five Smooth Stones". I was so affected by that novel and re-read it several times but I no longer have my copy.
YES to Helen Van Slyke. I read all of her books and was so sad when she died and there would be no more.
YES YES to Eugenia Price and Frances Parkinson Keyes. FPK wrote what would be called a "Young Adult" book today titled "Once On Esplanade". My aunt who was living in Louisiana at the time, got an autographed copy for me. I still have it but my granddaughters weren't interested in reading it.
And YES to "Prince of Tides" - although the movie annoyed me because it focused on Barbra Streisand and completely left out the sub-plot about the brother (details escape me at the moment).
Right now, I'm reading "Love Over Scotland" by Alexander McCall Smith and have just the last one of Debbie Macomber's "Cedar Cove" books that I hadn't read.
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Prince of Tides reminds me of the book I purchased on Tape written by Sandra his wife - I think she goes by the name Cassandra King - anyhow I listened going and coming a year ago on my trip to visit my daughter Cassandra King's Queen of Broken Hearts- at first fluff but the more I listened the more fascinating and finally the last few chapters were filled with life changing examples of handling difficulties in life that often come to us as a result of a family member's dysfunction. - If you like stories centered in Southern Culture this is a good book to recognize behavior with a wry smile but to go deeper into handling life when it throws a curve.
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I have the book 5 Smooth Stones here somewhere. A few years back someone recommend it and I got it but never read it. Maybe I will hunt it down and read it.
I just finished Mary Alice Monroe's book Time Is A River. I loved it and in my opinion her writing has just gotten better over the years. I don't know what really good writing is, I just read what I like. But I was impressed with the writing in this book.
BTW does the spell checking on here work? If so can somebody tell how??
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Hi Joanne/Tomereader - I think Pat Conroy's story-telling is so good that you just might stick w/ Prince of Tides even today, altho i know what you mean about the extreme angst. I probably would not have read P of T is someone had tried to tell me what it was about before i read it. ;D
I liked Cassandra King's The Sunday Wife, but i just quit on one of hers titled Same Sweet Girls, about a group of women who had gone to private school together............i was about half way thru when i tho't "I don't care what happens w/ any of these women......................" and shut the book.
Always glad to hear that M A Malone has a new one. I haven't read all of hers, but am working on them and have enjoyed them all. I have been able to identify w/ her characters............which i didn't w/ the SSG's women which is why i guess i got bored w/ them.........actually they were acting stupid, IMO, can't abide stupid in characters. ............is that being a snob? I don't think so, i just want to strangle them and say "think about what you are doing." Now, if an author can give me a rationalization as to why a character would behave in such a way - that i can deal with, but if someone has seemingly no real reason to be acting stupid? ??? ........Barbara - CK may have gotten to some meat about those 6 women eventually, also, but i couldn't wait for that possibility :P
I love the fact that we can scroll down and see what the previous postings were on this site.
Judy - if you are in the "reply" box there's is a bar to click on spell check.........but i don't think any of us are going to be that persnickity (sp?) about your spelling. ;D ...........toooooo many emoticons!...................jean
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I loved the Pat Conroy book about teaching the children, and you know the title escapes me...!!! darn, darn. they made a very nice movie about it, too. I thought better movie than "Tides", and I agree about that movie focusing on Streisand.
I just watched something on TV this afternoon, that I had been forcing myself to avoid for quite awhile...talk about angst. I had read the book first, so I knew what to expect, but the movie kind of brought the poverty and hopelessness up close,...guess I should say the title: Angela's Ashes; Frank McCourt. Anyone seen that? Read the book ? (stupid question, I bet everyone here has read the book)
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Tomereader, the Pat Conroy book you're thinking of is The Water is Wide - his first published book, I think. We love his first books -The Great Santini and Lords of Discipline. We didn't much care for Prince of Tides and and Beach Music. We also loved his latest short one called My Losing Season, about the year he played basketball at The Citadel.
An aside about Conroy...For years he was persona non grata at the Citadel for his portrayal of the school in Lords of Discipline. I think this enmity has eased somewhat over the years. And there was just a story in our local paper today that Conroy's nephew is the new basketball coach at The Citadel, and they've had their first winning season in years. They're in our conference, the Southern Conference, which is having its tournament this weekend here in Chattanooga. We've just come home from sitting through four games. And will be seeing the Citadel play tomorrow. I'll be looking for Pat Conroy in the stands.
Another aside...The discussion about the Guernsey Literary, etc., discussion has closed. But I recommended this book on my blog a couple of weeks ago. One of my readers lives in the Orkneys (Scotland) and has read and loved the book. I sent her a link to the archived discussion in case she wanted to look at it. I got this comment from her today on my blog, and wanted to share it with you.
I had a look at the discussion of the Guernsey book a few days ago and really enjoyed it. Certainly from the history I know of Guernsey during the war the book appears very accurate. There were a couple of things I want to check with my sister, but I'm sure historically the author(s) have done well. I now have a list of friends who want to borrow the book. Thanks again for the recommendation!
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Hi, my name is Sandy. This is my first day here. I am 75, live with my husband in Phila. suburbs. Formerly I was a teacher who loved her job -- teaching fifth grade. I dote on reading and book discussions. Guernsey Island was one of my favorites. I am now reading Isabel Allende's The Sum of Our Days which is very good. I once lived in Brazil so like Latin American writers. A favorite series of mine is the Hamish McBeth books by M C Beaton. Next I will be reading Look Me in the Eye my life with aspergers. I love poetry, especially those by William Wordsworth. Also like reading the classics and most all but sci fi and mysteries except for the cozy kind which I like very much. I am not sure how to register for the classes I would like but fiction is definitely one of them.
*Sandy*
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titled "Five Smooth Stones" - the author is Ann Fairbairn. I'm not even sure if she ever wrote anything else. But I still have that book, and whilst it was still new, I read it two or three times.
I read another book by her called "That Man Cartwright". I don't remember what it was about but think it was good. It didn't move me like "Five Smooth Stones" but that one was so timely. Mary
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Welcome, Sandy. Good to have you here. We love Hamish, too. Have you seen any of the BBC series based on those stories? There were three seasons of them, and they're all available from Netflix. We loved those, too. And, a couple of years ago, we got to make a stop in the town in Scotland where the shows were filmed. Quite a treat!
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Good Morning,
I did a little research and found some interesting information about "Ann Fairbairn" (Five Smooth Stones. Condensing what I read:
"Ann Fairbairn" was a pseudonym of Dorothy Tait (1901-1972), an American journalist and author.
In addition to her two novels, she wrote a biography (Call Him George -1961) of the jazz clarinetist George Lewis. Written under the pseudonym Jay Allison Stuart, the book was based on her reminiscences as GL's manager.
I didn't find any kind of biographical sketch of Dorothy Tait as "herself".
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SANDY, the only "classes" offered here are lessons in Greek and Latin. You can find out more about those by clicking on the "Discussion Index" on the bar at the top of the page. All the book categories are simply for discussion, but I've learned a lot from the posters in all of them! You'll find all of those listed in the Index as well.
Glad to have you join us. I can guarantee you'll have a lot of fun.
JOANNE, I find myself spending far too much time sitting in my chair...reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching TV, cross-stitch, etc. I have to get up and find something active to do, or I'll get stiff as an old lady! ::)
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Welcome Sandy we love to have new people. Out of curosity how did you find us? This is a discussion where we dicuss what we are reading what we have read and everything inbetween.
Again welcome we'r glad to have you.
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Hi Sandy - are you in the Penna suburbs or the NJ suburbs? I guess when people say "Philly suburbs" they mean Pa, but i live in Moorestown, NJ and consider myself in the PHilly suburbs also since i'm only 12 mi from Center City.
Mary - who is rising to the top in the SEC? I haven't seen the SEC in my tv listings yet. Thanks for the note about the Guernsey reader.
When i'm posting replies, if i want to change a word or letter w/in my reply, the following letter is deleted. If i press "insert" on my keyboard, it only works for the very next letter and then reverts to deleting again, anyone have a suggestion? .............it just started doing that this week..............jean
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Babi,, Yes, Francis Parkinson Keys. Her house used to be on the historical tour list in New Orleans.. May still be. I liked her stuff. Ann Fairbairn.. read her too.. Loved the early Conroy.. Read a few of his wives, but not too crazy about them.
I wonder why it is that many southern writers are very good storytellers.. Could be bred in the blood..
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I'm reading "The Young Wives" written by Olivia Goldsmith author of "The First Wives Club." She uses the same premise as TFWC w/ different characters and situations, but it's enjoyable and funny anyway, as well as being very real, as TFWC was. ..................jean
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jean, the SEC women's tournament is going on this weekend. Auburn beat Tennessee tonight to go to the finals, and LSU and Vanderbilt are playing for the other spot right now.
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oh my gosh, Auburn beat Tenn?!? Where was Auburn seeded? I know this is an exciting time of the year for you folks in Tenn. I saw ETennSt beat Jacksonville. That was a good win..................so much going on!............sorry about your Lady Vols...............My sons' high school b-ball team - he's a coach - is in their third round and their next game is Monday night. They played Tues (it was supposed to be Mon but it SNOWED), Weds and Friday this last week..............whewwwww...............jean
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Basketball. Not a sport I watch or even pay much attention to. But then again I am not particularly a sport person. My sons were both swimmers and my younger was also a track and field person.. My eldest is still a triathlete.. Never did team sports.. Now the grands are doing team stuff. So we dutifully try to get down for at least one game. It is almost 4 hours away, so cant go too often.
Finally just gave up on the Friday nightknitting club.. Not my kind of book. Still struggling with Laurie Kings.. Hard to read about abuses to children.
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jean, the Lady Vols have had a terrible year - are not even in the top 10 nationally. Auburn is the #1 seed in the SEC and has been #1 in the country. They've having a great year. Our SCFSue from SN and S&F is a huge fan. Vanderbilt is the #2 seed and will play Auburn tonight.
Sorry to digress from the topic at hand.
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Welcome, Sandy. We're glad you found us here.
Boy, miss a few days here and you find all kinds of things going on. Steph, my f2f group just discussed Friday Night Knitting Club. We're supposed to be a mystery group, but other things do find their way in. I got a little tired of the book, quick scanned the final chapters and the ending before our meeting. The most interesting parts were those about the actual knitting itself, not about the characters. I'm not a knitter, and didn't know you could knit with all those different fabrics. Duh.
Thunderstorms coming and I've got to save some stuff.
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Finally finished. "Keeping Watch" by Laurie King. It takes place where Folly left off. Allan is the main character this time. He rescues abused wives and children.. The twists and turns were really wild.. Loved it as I do all of her stuff. But it is hard to read about abuse.
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Hi Sandy - are you in the Penna suburbs or the NJ suburbs? I guess when people say "Philly suburbs" they mean Pa, but i live in Moorestown, NJ and consider myself in the PHilly suburbs also since i'm only 12 mi from Center City.
Mary - who is rising to the top in the SEC? I haven't seen the SEC in my tv listings yet. Thanks for the note about the Guernsey reader.
When i'm posting replies, if i want to change a word or letter w/in my reply, the following letter is deleted. If i press "insert" on my keyboard, it only works for the very next letter and then reverts to deleting again, anyone have a suggestion? .............it just started doing that this week..............jean
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Hi Sandy - are you in the Penna suburbs or the NJ suburbs? I guess when people say "Philly suburbs" they mean Pa, but i live in Moorestown, NJ and consider myself in the PHilly suburbs also since i'm only 12 mi from Center City.
Mary - who is rising to the top in the SEC? I haven't seen the SEC in my tv listings yet. Thanks for the note about the Guernsey reader.
When i'm posting replies, if i want to change a word or letter w/in my reply, the following letter is deleted. If i press "insert" on my keyboard, it only works for the very next letter and then reverts to deleting again, anyone have a suggestion? .............it just started doing that this week..............jean
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Reply to Mary - I live in Wenonah, NJ, maybe 25 miles from you. My very good late friend Nancy K. lived on French's Street. Did you know her?
Sandy
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I know Wenonah, my husband worked at Gloucester Co College for 30 yes, so i spent a lot of time down that way..................i know French St, it's about 8 blocks from my house............i knew that there would eventually be more people from south Jersey in here ;D................jean
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When i'm posting replies, if i want to change a word or letter w/in my reply, the following letter is deleted. If i press "insert" on my keyboard, it only works for the very next letter and then reverts to deleting again, anyone have a suggestion? .............it just started doing that this week..............jean
The INSERT key is the one that is supposed to toggle between overwriting a letter and adding a letter. I'm not sure why yours isn't keeping with whichever toggle you're at. It sounds as if it's reverting to the overwriting each time. I'm not sure how you can correct that.
jane
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I know Wenonah, my husband worked at Gloucester Co College for 30 yes, so i spent a lot of time down that way..................i know French St, it's about 8 blocks from my house............i knew that there would eventually be more people from south Jersey in here ;D................jean
Small world, isn't it nice to have representation in South Jersey?
Sandy
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Just finished Jonathan Kellerman"s new book Bones. I always jump right and grab the new ones if they say An Alex Delaware Novel
Well I never get the ones written by him and another author
This book was slow too many characters, little fun between Alex and Milo. All in all in opinion a very poor pook and poorly written. I think when people throw out a new book almost monthly something has to go and boy has his gone.
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Many years ago, we lived in Willingboro for three years. I have cousins all over south Jersey. We come from Delaware, but everyone moved away except for one cousin.
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Oh gosh, Steph!..............that's great. My son teaches and coaches at Willingboro H.S. Our very best friends moved to W in 1969 and still live there. One of my best friends' have also lived there thru most of the last 30 years. He was the township mananger - John TEgley - in the 70's and 80's. What "park" did you live in? Levittowns were a really good idea - to have neighborhoods that included an elementary school, churches, swimming pools, but the economy has not been good to Willingboro, altho Twin Hills and Country Club "parks" have held up pretty well and are still very nice houses to live in. ...............jean
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Pennypacker on Paddock Lane. A wonderful cul de sac.. School in back of us through the woods. 14 boys in my sons age group on the block. In the late 60's a wonderful world for the boys.. I enjoyed our three years, active in PTA, library, a little sorority. Lovely neighbors,, most of which have moved away. My cousin lived in Mt. Holly and she and her husband and daughter all taught in the school system. They moved to Lumberton out in the country, but their daughter and son in law both teach in the Technical school..
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Our friends are Curt and Gwen Edwards and have lived on Pennypacker Ln since 1969. Gwen was very active in the community, might you have known them? .............of couse, i know Pennypacker school, have been to the Halloween "parades" there, and have been to many 4th of July parades on Levitt Prkwy..........................................Let's see, i think my friend Fran Cutler lived on or near Paddock Ln........................................I love Lumberton, nice little village..........mySIL teaches at the Medford Technical School, is that the one you mean, or the one in Mt Holly?.............................smaaaalllll world, afterall!...............great to talk to you...........jean
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Just a quick note. Judy called me a few days ago and wanted to know how Ralph was doing. Well, he is much better today and has been up three times to walk the halls with the much appreciated help of one of his nurses. He has recovered from living in two worlds and its nice to have him back in just our world. He is also finally starting to eat which was of concern.
Today he would like to escape the hospital but knows that this is just the beginning for him, learning how to keep his new heart pump going and how to take care of the permanent percutaneous connection from the pump to the computer. The learning curve will improve as time goes on and hopefully his strength will improve. Thanks to all who kept good thoughts and prayers going while we go through this.
I finished quite an interesting book yesterday, "Mistress Shakespeare" by Karen Harper. It historical fiction and well researched by this well known author from right here in Columbus, Ohio. Ella tells me that she has a signed book from one of Ms Harper's appearances here in Barnes&Noble. This lady has also written a long series of mysteries. I will be looking them up.
I do like historical fiction and always glad to find one that is well written. I spent many good hours reading most of Irving Stone's titles plus others mentioned here.
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Ado Annie.. Glad to hear that your husband is recovering from all of that. I know he will keep going. My husband has eating problems as well and they are really hard to overcome.. I spend a lot of time and effort finding things I think he will like. Just recently I hit on a new one. He tried flavored yogurt, loved it and puts it on everything.. Fruit..etc. Adds calories and he loves the taste.
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I know this must all be tiresome for Ralph, ANNIE, but I am confident the improvement in his quality of life with the pump will be worth it. Congratulations!
Good going, STEPH. When I read about your husband's difficulty swallowing, I really felt sorry for the poor guy. He's lucky to have such a resourceful wife.
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Annie - what is Mistress Shakespeare about?
I just finished Olivia Goldsmith's The Young Wives. It's the same story as First Wives Club, but very well written and fun to read. I read another of hers titled Flavor of the Month a few yrs ago, but i don't remember what it was about, but i know that i also enjoyed it.
I'm also almost finished w/ Pawley's Island by Dorothea Frank - actually it's very similar to The Young Wives. The men have been unsavory characters and there is a divorce courtroom scene where the women win. But she has other interesting characters and it is also well-written.
I hope all of your family members are feeling better today.............jean
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JoanK - you liked math you said - today, March 14, is official Pi Day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_day
Pi Day and Pi Approximation Day are two holidays held to celebrate the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14), due to π being roughly equal to 3.14. Pi Approximation Day is observed on July 22, due to π being roughly equal to 22/7. (The symbols did not copy; came out as 'n')
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I was reading 'BOOKPAGE', offered free by my library, and found one of those books with the captivating title. It is "HUMPTY DUMPTY WAS PUSHED"
On the cover, the 'D' at the end is shown as falling.
Apparently, the characters in the book have some odd names, too, and are described as "a bit larger than life, to be sure...", but the reviewer also says they are "a seriously entertaining group of misfits.."
The author is Marc Blatte, and this is his debut book. I'm hoping my library gets it.
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Rachel Maddow did a great piece on Pi day.............today is Einstein's birthday - 3/14, imagine!?! And Congress was trying to pass a bill that made this day officially Pi day, but one legistlator said it can't be ONE day becuase it is "infinite."! So Rachael stated that if you extend 3.14 to 7 or 8 (i don't remember which) numbers you could figure out that 3:23 and some seconds this a.m., could be a Pi second! Isn't it nice to have a smart commentator who can give us some interesting commentary. Rachael is a grad of Stanford, a Rhodes scholar and has a Phd in Pol Sc........................you might be able to find her comments on MSNBC.COM.......................she made them on last night's program..............jean
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Here's the link to Maddow's commentary on Pi Day - you may have to wait 20 seconds for the verizon commercial to end
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/29686051#29686051
for all the math geeks....of which i'm not one, but i do love smart people!.............jean
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My older son and I are and always have been fans of math in all of its many forms. I remember years ago when he discovered in college that Greek letters also offer a form of math.. He spent all summer working that out.. and of course the famous sixth grade passion. He decided that year to keep all of the Baseball statistics for several teams and did them all himself. If he found an error in the paper ( two, I believe). He wrote to the sports section to complain.. We still play with numbers and are big suduko fans.
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Wheee a NEW DISCUSSION - in fact an whole new area of discussion - we pushed this through quickly - this was ONLY thought about the past Tuesday or Wednesday but here we are - as soon as I have links or know how to use them I will bring the links to this discussion
The discussion is a two for - yep a twin discussion - the main discussion will be to explore Humor Wit and Satire 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 - hope to see you tomorrow.
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Never been a Jeeves fan, so not for me..
My granddaughter sent me several of Stephenie Meyers books. I had started her on Twilight and now she has read them all. She discovered that I had only read the first one, so sent two more with her dad for Nana.. Wasnt going to read them, but now I would guess I will since her morning email is asking me questions.. OK>>
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Steph- my soon to be 13 yr. old grand daughter called me last week and was crying because she finished the Twilight series. She was aghast that I, who read so much, had not ventured into the Twilight zone. She was depressed because there were no more books in that series to read. I commiserated with her due to the fact that I know just how she feels.
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ALF, I'm sure you consoled your granddaughter with the thought that there are many more wonderful series out there waiting to be read. All of us SciFi lovers have had to console ourselves with that resource more than once. And after a while, we can even go back and enjoy them all over again.
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Babi- I sent her another book to get into. A scary one!!
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I know Kait liked the romance part of it so much, so I need to think of what other book, I can buy and casually leave in her room here. If you buy her something and give it to her, it is not as sweet as the ones that are casually left in her room..
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Actually, that makes sense, STEPH. If someone gives you a gift, a response is expected and the recipient may be anxious about giving a negative response. If a book is just left casually around, you can read it w/o worrying about offending someone if you don't like it. Maybe that's why my husband would never read any book I recommended. Aha!
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Has anyone read the book Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell? I am reading it and mostly enjoying it. Had a hard time when the lead character visits the German Holocaust places, but other wise the book is sorta fun. Hard to call seeing the world through the eyes of a hit-man as 'fun' but it is sure interesting. The main setting is a hospital in New Jersey where the main guy is a is a second year medical doctor resident.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
NOw STephenie Meyer has added were wolves to the mix and gigantic ones at that. Hmm.. I think I may leave some Patricia Briggs around for Kait. She is a fantasy writer who writes a small series about a female who is a change creature. She is a coyote and not fierce or dramatic, but friendly. She is also an auto mechanic in her real world. She has friends in the fey community, the werewolf community and the vampires.. Interesting small series.. and suitable for her age group. |
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I haven't read any of the Twilight books but I absolutely love Meyers' The Host. That's one I will reread someday.
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Well if I can add I think this is the 400th post for this discussion.
YEAH FOR US
I just finished a book by Joy Fielding called Whispers and Lies. It was a very good story and I was enjoying it and I turned a page and raead the first paragraph and literally gasped. It was such a surprise, and has never happened in 5o some years of reading at least 2 books a week. I would highly recommend it.
HAVE A GREAT DAY.
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Steph you were # 400 congrats
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Judy, explain why you read the first paragraph and "literally gasped"?
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I finished Pawley's Island by Dorothea Frank. I like her writing style. Here's a sample that made me laugh:
"There was Everett in khaki shorts and a knit shirt and i had overdressed in a black linen dress. Was it my fault the dress codes of the world had fallen to something a notch above pajamas? But I realized i was something of an old fart so i brightened up to match his enthusiasm."
About 20 yrs ago we went to the Newark PAC and saw a distinct change in what people were wearing to a "concert." There were people there in mink coats and people there in Timberland boots, dungarees and flannel shirts! It was a Paul Simon, or "pop" concert. ....................Some yrs later we were at a "doo-wop" concert at the Kimmel Theater in PHilly and there was "South Philly" ( a stereotyped image) in their t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops! Comfort is important :P but they were at the Kimmel THEATER. I guess i'm just an old foggie also.......................jean
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Mable I think I passed the old fogey syndrome and reverted to a hippy.
Here in Seattle in most places what passed for dress up especially for men is a pair of clean jeans and MAYBE A SPORT JACKET.
If we are invited to something dress up I don't go. I'd rather take a shot to the head than get dressed up. I remember panty hose and high heels. yuck
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I tend to agree w/ you Judy, i can't remember the last time i had on a dress, panty hose, or a pair of heels, not even at our son's wedding, but i do tend to wear something a step above jeans when i go to something in the city in the evening. Mostly just because i like to wear something different than i've had on all day.
Our dgt works for a company that has recently merged w/ a company which is based in San Francisco. They were in Fla and it was "casual" dress for their mtgs. The east coast folks wore nice khakis and polo shirts, their new "boss" from SF came in in sandals, shorts and some kind of t-shirt and his boss said, "oh, Jim dressed up for you today." LOL....................jean
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I held on to my business clothes when I retired and moved to Oregon. After three years I realized I would never wear any of them again since jeans, athletic shoes and tshirts or sweat shirts are all that is necessary. So I packed them up and took them to St. Vincent de Paul. Five garbage bags! Then I found another box with some more. Of course I saved some dressy clothes for when I Cruise!
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Re dressing up: If a travel brochure comes and a photo shows men at dinner with ties on, it goes straight in the recycle bin. John wears his tie "only for marryings, buryings, and other state occasions". ::) And he has only one! And I NEVER, EVER wear panty hose - don't even own any anymore. :D
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Under evening wear, long skirt, chiffon pants, etc., I wear beautiful, sheer, knee highs, usually black to match my outfit.
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We travel and love small river boats. So I have some long skirts, all black and fancy tops of all types. The only requirement, they must be able to survive suitcases. Living in Florida, people are so casual at this point, that some times I shudder and wish they had at least looked in a full length mirror before appearing in public.
I have nice clothes and use them when we visit cities. After dark, it just seems better. I love dark knee highs with my long pants and skirts. Comfortable and warm.
Funny place to see people dressed up. We visit Nashville at least once a year and always go to the Grand Old Opry.. Fun night and people dress. Not high style, but definitely their sunday best.. Nice to see.
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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 a May discussion to you -
"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)
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I get into nice clothes from time to time, but since my "dress" shoes are black SAS walkers, I don't even wear knee-highs. It's black men's socks for me. ::)
We love the river cruises, too, Steph. We were going on our third RiverBarge cruise this summer, except they had to cancel this year's trips because of the economy. We hope they can get up and running next year. Instead, we are going on a Canal Cruise on the Erie Canal in September. But it'll be a 42' boat that we and another couple will "pilot" ourselves.
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Another coincidence, MaryZ, I too have black SAS walkers which are primarily my "dress shoes" (as long as I'm wearing slacks). I have a pair of SAS that have wedge heels that I wear from time to time with skirts or suits. Doncha just love SAS?!! :D I love everything but the price tag. But, hey, I have an old pair of white SAS that are probably 15 years old! ( if you get years of wear out of something, the price doesn't matter that much) No holes, but shabby looking...my daughter tries to throw them away, but I rescue them. They are great for doing yardwork or housework, or just to wear in the house instead of my moccasin house slippers! (I'm such a pack rat!) Raised in the time where you didn't throw anything away if it was still useable, and reasonably presentable.
Joanne
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New Balance makes shoes in wide widths. I inherited my wide foot from my dad, mom had a three a with a five a heel. So I get my athletic shoes online at New Balance. They also have dress/business shoes which are nicely padded,helps my arthritic spine.
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99% of the time, I wear Mizuno walkers - no matter what the occasion or what I'm wearing. I used to wear New Balance, but like the Mizunos better. If it's VERY "formal", I wear the black SAS - slacks, dress, whatever. But any skirt I wear is at shoe-top length. That's just the way my feet are. My kids love Easy Spirit, but they just don't fit my feet.
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Unfortunately, I have a very small foot. SAS is a 4 1/2 M. I have been known to buy my athletic shoes in the Boy's shoe departments. (2 1/2 Boys)
Most shoe mfrs. don't really have shoes that fit me. Where do you get the Mizuno's? Is there a website for them? Do they have a small size range?
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Joanne, I don't know. I get mine at a local sporting wear store (the Front Runner). I just tell them I want a pair just like the ones I already have - and I do have pretty big feet. Here's their web site.http://www.mizuno.com/
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Since the fiction discussion is now into shoes, I would like to add my 2cents.
I have DIFFICULT feet to fit----size 6 N----impossible to find in the local department stores. Also, now that OLD age has progressed, I have feet and legs that hurt :'(. I usually order from New Balance or go to their retail store here). I have a pair of their athletic shoes that have proved to be very comfortable and have now discovered that New Balance (Brown Shoe Company) also makes a brand-Aravon- which is recommended by my podiatrist-and I have just bought my second pair. They are NOT real stylish, but comfortable. I get their catalog 4 times a year. You may wish to check them out--www.brownscatalog.com
or call them for a catalog 800.728.6247
Joy
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Here is the New Balance website.
http://www.nbwebexpress.com/?s1=google&s2=NB+Core-Exact&s3=New+Balance+e&gclid=CLPui_bJsJkCFRFWagodbkxu6Q
I order my shoes online, usually when they are onsale. The service is very good. There is lots of information about fitting and each shoe's last is identified so online works just fine. I always get my athletic (walking) shoes in men's sizes because they are made better, i believe. I am as tall and as heavy as some men so why should I try to wear shoes made for a 5', 90lb woman! The dressy shoes at NB are really nice and very well made. I have some dressy sandals and some slipons,. suitable to wear with anything.
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Well, if we're talking about shoes I'll just say that like MrsSherlock ( Hello there, so good to see you again) , I'm tall and heavier than I should be, have a broad foot and these days object to wearing high heels. I haven't a clue as to the brands you're discussing and I daresay you won't know the brands I wear - what is common is that I too, need comfortable walkers, which cost heaps and last long and are finally relegated to working shoes for gardening etc. This summer I found a really comfortable pair of sandals with velcro fastenings and they've barely been off my feet since I got them - I guess I've already got my money's worth from them. I haven't worn pantyhose for years now though there are still a couple of pairs still in their packaging (just in case). I never wear socks but usually wear sheer knee hi stockings to have something between my foot and the shoe. I never realised that footwear could be such a fascinating subject. - Perhaps we should all get together and write a book about it - a joint project ;D
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I am an Easy Spirit fan. I wear the walkers every day in different colors and I managed to find sandals.. very comfy and last fall a pair of dress shoes with a short heel and a lovely front bow for a wedding. All in all the Easy Spirit store people love me to come in.
Since I walk at least 30 minutes every single day, I buy two pair of the walkers each year just for morning walks.. I roll heel to toe( I know, bad bad bad)but with the new WII Fit, I am learning to balance differently. Hard to relearn balance.
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Finding a comfortable, and affordable, shoe is such a chore, that I own exactly three pairs, one of them an athletic walking shoe. I was intrigued to find that an on-line shoe company helps you get the proper size and fit. I've always been afraid of spending money on shoes, only to find out when they got here that I couldn't wear them! Thanks for the info about 'New Balance'; I'll look into it.
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Elderdress -- I love it. I'm an Easy Spirit fan, but will have to look in on some of the other sites. Mizuno sounds like it would be good for someone from Missouri. I've given up skirts for the duration (of my existence) as they make me feel like a stuffed sausage. I've kept one black one, but I got rid of all my slips.
Hey folks, this is not fiction, but it's a story so many have been talking about -- Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea: one man's mission to build peace one school at a time. Mortenson was mountain climbing in Pakistan when he became disoriented and ill. He was nursed back to health in a small impoverished village and when he left he promised he would build the village's first school. He was impoverished himself, living in his car, but he founded the Central Asia Institute and has since build over 55 schools, especially for girls. It's on our proposed schedule for May. Here's the link Three Cups of Tea. (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=369.0)
Do visit the site. Find out what's special about three cups of tea, and join us in the discussion of this extraordinaire tale.
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Sorry if I led this discussion off into the "shoe" category. This stemmed from various "coincidences" noted by MaryZ and myself. Thanks everyone for the various links, but all for naught I think. Most of everyones shoes begin at size 6, one of them had a 5, but I know from experience that would be too big for my small, fat, wide little foot. We now return you to your previous programming! ;D LOL!
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I'm planning to join you all with "Three Cups of Tea" in May, PEDLN. I often think things like, 'May, two months away....lots of time', forgetting how quickly time passes when all the days seem to run together. :)
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I have finished reading a small book by Maya Angelou. The title is "Even The Stars Become Lonesome." It's a small book of essays on almost every subject in the world. You can skip around or read the essays in order. I read each one in order. Each essay is earthy and filled with wisdom. It's a book of beautiful writings.
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I have to mention my shoes here too. I wear nothing bur Merrells. They are wonderful..I have them in every color that they make. I think I have every color that they make. Of course they are not elegant but who cares. I had reached the point where I could hardly walk until I discovered these wonderful shoes.I has been so long since I had a dress shoe on my foot and no high heels ever for me. I always loved elegant shoes but just want my feet to be comfortable now.
I buy them online and here is a link to the place I buy them
http://www.shoebuy.com/merrell-womens.htm
Try them you will love them.
Joan Grimes
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Those look interesting, Joan, but I could never buy shoes on line that I hadn't tried on in a store. I looked at the Merrell site to find a store, but didn't find one in our area. Oh, well. But I agree with you - stay with what works for you. And if shoes aren't comfortable, I won't wear them. ;)
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Mary you can find Merrills in most stores. I wore them for years and still have some, you can't wear them out, unless it would be the tops. I switched over the years to Sketchers and rarely wear anything else. I like the kind you slip into and I have regular and fun lined ones in many colors.
My feet are starting to bother me so I may have to do something else but I hope not.
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Thanks, Judy. I tried Sketchers and couldn't wear those. Unfortunately, I can't wear slip-ons (except around the house). If I'm going to be doing much "out-and-about" or standing, I have to have the support of a laced shoe. :-\
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Thanks Pedln for your link to Three Cups of Tea. Fianally we're off and running again. I read the first 10 chapters last night and I am amazed at this man's dedication to these children. There is so much history and geography involved in this story that I spent 2 hours just researching the area. I love it. I'm so happy that you are joining us as well, Babi. any other takers here? Come on in.
Also 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.
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JoanG, no wonder I never get anything done. Went to that Merrells site and stayed forever.
Andy, I 'm really looking forward to the Night Villa discussion. Carol Goodman, as you say, is a lovely person, and I feel privileged to have met her. Her mother is a lovely person, too, and, just so you bridge players know, she plays 'weak twos.'
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MaryZ,
Do you have Belks near you? They carry Merrills. Most department stores carry them.
Pedlin, I understand your staying a long time on that shoe site. I do things like that too.
For sandals, I like Clarks. They make some nice ones that are quite comfortable.
Joan G
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Thanks, Joan - we do have Belk's.
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Merrells are very nice, but unfortunately they do not come in NARROW width :'(
Shoe Station, for one, carries them here.
JOY
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I just went to the Shoe site that Joan G. led us to-------and much to my surprise they showed one Aravon Katy shoe that I just purchased 2 weeks ago, same color as in the ad. I must tell
you they feel HEAVENLY on my feet-----not great on looks,but GREAT on comfort. I highly recommend them, and they had them in my size --6 N 8)
Joy
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We will be traveling without a laptop in May for three weeks, sono discussion for me that month. I will be doing the hedgehog because we will either be home or in the rv in April.
I love the shoe discussion. I loved high heeled strappy shoes for years, but then managed to break both ankles over the course of a few years and now must wear flats or very small wide heels( not high at all, not even cuban heels). I have kept hidden away a pair of high heeled red suede stras with a gold type base to the heel. Very high style at one point. Not to wear... just to rememer. There are some things about getting older that annoy me.. Feet are one of them.
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I have always found shoe shopping to be both tiring and traumatic, and not just for myself. My oldest daughter's feet were not the same size. The difference was not great, but it made it almost impossible to find a pair of shoes
that would fit her comfortably on both feet. I can almost feel the headache that came with tramping all over town, trying to keep the poor child in shoes.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Being hard to fit, having children who were hard to fit, shoes always were a major investment, and finding a shop that carried more that the most popular sizes was worth celebrating. Children's feet always outgrew shoes at the most inconvenient times! My MIL gave us a puppy and the puppy chewed thru the back of my six-year-old daughter's brand new shoes! Happily MIL found someone who dearly loved that puppy cause I surely didn't. |
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My Mother was very very short..She wore a size 3 and could only wear samples. Our little local shoe store got whatever she wanted from the salesmen. She wore heels until she was maybe 60 and hated giving them up.
I have a granddaughter who wears a size 9 and is 13. Her mother and I are concerned ab out just how big they plan on getting.
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My aunt was around 5' even and she wore size 10's! I've always been self-conscious about my feet because mine grew to be bigger than my mother's. It is a teen thing, maybe, to stress on foot size. Teens must wear what every one else is wearing and if one has feet which are hard to fit that can be disastrous.
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Yes, I thought my feet were big as a teen.. Size 5.. but they were huge compared to Mom.. Teens are so very uncertain about themselves. I think to some extent that is why the Twilight series is so very popular with young teens. It is Romeo and Juliet for the modern day child. All romance and sacrifice.. Young teens love that sort of stuff. Very dangerous stuff to some extent.
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I read the book Last Night at the Lobster and I really didn't get it.
Different strokes I guess.
Had a Elizabeth Lowell book called Wrong Hostage already read it/
Read Dry Ice by Stephen White and it was O.K.
I seem to be in a dry spot, time for some May Sarton I guess.
Today is Gloria Steinham's birthday and she is 75.
YOU CANNOT OPEN A BOOK WITHOUT LEARNING SOMETHING
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I loved Last Night at the Lobster, but then we lived in New England for 10 years and were involved in the retail business for almost 40.. It is typical of the era and the place.. Judy,, have you ever read John Strahle.. He is an Alaskan mystery writer. I adore him and try to find him wherever we go. I think his books all take place in Sitka..I know they are all in Alaska..
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YOU CANNOT OPEN A BOOK WITHOUT LEARNING SOMETHING
Judy: Yes, I agree, even though what one learns may not be what one expects. Even bad books can teach us something....Doris Lessing had this to say about literature - sorry but I've lost the reference - probably from The Grass is Singing or The Golden Notebook:
A BAD book cannot tell you about people - only about the author.
A BAD book doesn't know much of love, hate, death etc.
A BAD book can tell a good deal about a certain time or place, about history, facts, mores, customs.
A GOOD book provides complex news about the world
A GOOD book refines knowledge of your fellow human beings
A GOOD book tells about societies, countries, classes, ways of living
seems there's lots to go on with in those few statements.
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Last Night at the Lobster destroyed any of the mystique about restaurants which had survived Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. The author has a knack for bringing the reader into the story since the narrator so easily becomes al alter ego of the reader. This is one book I'll remember.
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I was under-impressed with "Last Night At The Lobster". Although I understood what the author was trying to portray, I just couldn't relate.
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Now about kids shoes-----when my kids were little they had to Have Stride Right Shoes, remember the floroascope or whatever it was that the kids had to stand on and the metal thingy that you stood up on so they could see how long their feet were and how wide? Now they throw a pair of tennis shoes that lite up on the bottom, who cares if they fit or not. Also when they started to walk we had to go and get the white high leather shoes to support their ankles. They were expensive to and they had to have salt weather sandles to go to the beach.
I was at my book store today and the lady had put aside something for me that she thought I would enjoy. Its called The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I am anxious to start it becauses she usually picks winners.
BEFORE YOU EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF REVENGE, DIG TWO GRAVES.
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I think it was my cousin who recommended this book: A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith. I really enjoyed this book. As the title suggests it is about what home really is. A large clan of Irish-Americans have settled in a small town just outside Atlanta. In fact they founded the town. Their lives touch on all ltiers of their small town, from the poorest white trash to the state legislature.. A nice sense of place and memorable characters inhabit a story that is never predictable.
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I remember those gadgets, JUDY. I was greatly impressed by the whole thing. I don't know why the shoe sellers stopped using them.
I read Satterfield's "The Thirteenth Tale" with mixed reactions. I think I simply could not relate to the central character. Let me know what you think of it.
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Who is the latest "new & great novelist" to appear in publishing? Are there any new "first novels" that are truly worth reading that aren't the same old topics?
jane
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Jane- I've got one! What about the fellow that just wrote The Edgar Sawtelle story. Wasn't that written by a first timer?
Are there any new "first novels" that are truly worth reading that aren't the same old topics?
Edgar Sawtelle was surely NOT the same old topic.
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Judy - just about the time my son was getting into shoes - 30 yrs ago - the report was out that sneakers or bare feet were better for kids feet than the hard white shoes, the muscles in their feet got a better exercise w/ flexible shoes. And, those foot x-rays were giving us much bigger amts of radiation than any of us needed. I haven't heard of anyone who was acctually harmed by them, but obviously we didn't need that much radiation. I'm sure they could come up w/ something similar these days that are much safer..................jean
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I read the same reports on the little machine. Oh how I loved watching my lighted up foot. My boys are 44 and 46, so they had high tops, no shoes at all until they walked and then good sturdy high tops for a few years. No sneakers except for gym until high school.. Ah well, who knows what works best.
I agree that too much radiation is bad. I get tired of my dentist, who adores the all around xrays and constantly pushes them for us. They cost over 100.00 and serve no useful purpose, but he loves them. But then our current dentist loves money.. I wouldnt go, but I like the hygenist.
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My pediatrician was ahead of his time. My children, born in 57 and 60, both wore soft shoes. Never had those stiff high-tops. My MIL had one child, adopted my husband at birth, and knew in her bones the best and only way to raise a child. She personally molded his head when he was an infant else he grow up with that odd shape babies get when they are born. Oh, and, the time to get pregnant is when having your period, just like dogs!
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ALF, I am about to reveal my woeful ignorance once again. Who is Edgar Sawtelle?
STEPH, I once had a dentist who found a tiny blip on the corner of a tooth
and persuaded me to go ahead and let him remove it before it got bigger. It
took him about 5 minutes. I then got charged for 'three surfaces' because it
was on a corner! Needless to say, they never saw my face,...or my teeth...again.
JACKIE, all I can say is 'Ewww'. :P
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My mother in laws favorite game was... my sons never ever fought. They always share and never ever disagreed. This was usually when I was prying my two who are 25 months apart from some toy or another.. Mine fought fair,,and the younger always let the older win which used to drive me nuts. The younger was by far the bigger, stronger, etc. He just adored and stil does his older brother. I asked my husband one time and he said that of course he and his brother fought, but that his brother was always sent to private school and he always attende public school, so they never played together much.
Then when you took Mom out, she always wanted whatever someone else had.. She would constantly stab at your plate with her fork. Never ordered dessert, but ended up eating everyone elses. One time when the boys were adults, my older son ordered exactly the same thing Mom did, and she still stole from his plate. He said.. Nana, its the same thing and she went,,, no yours is much bigger and better.Sigh.
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bABI, THAT IS so NOT TRUE of you. I loved this story and have passed my book all around. If you would like, when my friend is finished with it, i will mail it to you.
Synopsis
Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life on his family's farm in remote northern Wisconsin where they raise and train an extraordinary breed of dog. But when tragedy strikes, Edgar is forced to flee into the vast neighboring wilderness, accompanied by only three yearling pups. Struggling for survival, Edgar comes of age in the wild, and must face the choice of leaving forever or revealing the terrible truth behind what has happened. A riveting family saga as well as a brilliant exploration of the limits of language, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is destined to become a modern classic.
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Does anyone else have other answer to Jane's question?
This is a fiction site so I am going to babble about what I'm reading. I just finished with Toni Morrison's A Mercy. I didn't care for it too much. It'sin regards to the issue of slavery and abondonement but I found it very slow.
Has anyone read Netherland?It's by Joseph O'Neillabout NY City after 911. It's a storyof a man whose marriage is foundering and the friendship he makes with another gentleman. The blurb says it's about the complicated rlationship between the American dream and the particular dreamers. It's different.
What's everyone else reading? Are any of you going to join us in Three Cups of Tea, even though it is not a work of fiction? How about our selection for June, The Night Villa? We are going to have the author with us for that one?
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I picked up Night Villa at the bookshop a couple of days ago and will save it for the discussion in June.
I've just started reading Elizabeth and her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim which we all discovered when reading the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - I read a little of Eliz's garden book online and was so captivated that I just had to get it.
Finally settled down and read Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale which has been on my 'to read' pile since 2007. I need to go back and re-read to find some of the clues I missed - when I do that I will read the discussion which is in the Archives here.
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ALF, thank you for the offer. I did a quick check, tho', and my library does have it. I'll put it on my list, and check it out after I have read "Elegance of the Hedgehog". That discussion is only two days away, and I am hoping my daughter Sally will be bringing me that book today.
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Need to check outDiane Setterfield. Not an author I know about.. I am reading or starting to read the Hedgehog. ,the latest Mott Davidson book in paper, and an old mystery about a strange part of Texas a and a woman named Texarkana.. Very odd and old mystery
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I read the 13th Tale and it was the most amazing book. I know nothing about gothic novels or anything of that nature. The 1st over half of the book I couldn't put down. It is nothing I would have ever picked out myself but I am grateful to the lady at my book store for putting it aside because she thought I would like it.
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I have Night iVilla coming from my swap club.. Hooray.. Pc is fixed,,Supposed to be back to fast, but it is fast, but the mouse is having a problem.. Ho hum.. computers are such fun some days.
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Steph I would love to hear your opinion of the 13th Tale if you are going to read it.
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Judy, I have it on my list, but am looking for it. I always check the swap club and various used book stores before I break down and pay retail..
I am still reading Diane Mott Davidson and an old Thomas Perry.. and of course starting on the Hedgehog, which I am not quite sure that I like at this point.
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I don't have the "Hedgehog" yet. My daughter placed it on the waiting list for me at her branch library. She says they have 9 copies, and she is eighth on the list, so hopefully it won't be too long.
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I read the review on Amazon. The Thirteenth Tale is a ghost story?? I was puzzled since the descripton sounded more like a mystery.
The Hedgehog and I are fighting.. I think I am being put off a bit by the need for hidden meanings.
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Steph - I've just read The Thirteenth Tale - it's a mystery - a ghost story - something of a gothic novel - and never quite what I was expecting. Setterfield sprinkles lots of literary allusions around which is fun. I plan to go back and re-read again so I can find the clues I missed - Generally I don't read much mystery - I can't say I enjoyed it particularly and only read it because it had been discussed with this group a couple of years ago. The discussion is in the Archives here but I haven't read that yet - will do so when I re-read.
Please don't give up on the Hedgehog - it improves as one goes along - the discussion should be very thought provoking and worthwhile - aren't they all ?
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"I can't say I enjoyed it particularly and only read it because it had been discussed with this group...."
I was glad to read your remarks, GUM, because that was pretty much my reaction to "The Thirteenth Tale". For whatever reason, I simply didn't much enjoy it.
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We are now looking at a senior retirement place about a mile from us. This is not a rest home its senior living and you have your own apartment. They have at least 4 or 5 actavities every day. They go out to lunch take trips go to the Casino's. They exercise to W11. They have cards and bingo. The resturant is lovely. Theres a salon , a pool, hydro pool, pool tables, a library I could go on forever. This is not for sick people just for people who want to be able to relax and not have to deal with a house. We have put down a small dep and with that are allowed full run of the place and all their actatives. We just don't sleep there. There is not limit in the time we have to make up our minds and if we decide not to move there, our money is refunded immediatley.[/color]
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wow Judy, that's sounds ideal...............can i come visit?..........jean
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Sounds great, Judy. I'd go in a heartbeat, but John says he's not ready to leave the house yet. ::)
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Mary thats the reason I am not down there yet. Don says he's not ready to go yet. He's the one who would benefit most from the place but he's a man there's no way to figure them out.
Actually its the best of 2 worlds right now.
If and when the time come's that I lose my driver's lysince I will be down there the next day, Don or not.
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I hear you, Judy! John and I have laughed about it - I've asked the rhetorical question - How long would I stay in this house if something happened to John? And the answer is usually "about 3 weeks". ;D
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I love the idea of a senior apartment living, but I have two dogs and would not give them up for anything. There are a few places that allow dogs.. Generally when they are townhouse types.. The ones I am the most interested in are on the campus of universities. They look as if they have so much fun.
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One solution to living with old age and its limitations is illustrated in the Joe Grey mystery series. Several older women combine their resources and establish a group home. Pooling their talents they can cover most of the tasks a homeowner needs and there is an infinite number of choices for all. In such a household pets would not be an issue. Imagine not having to cook unless you want to. Being able to close your door and not having to justify your desire for solitude. When a fit of housecleaning overtakes you there would always be duties to satisfy you without having to take on the responsibility for the whole deal. Some friends and I talked about such a fantasy but she got cancer, I moved away and my kids moved back in with me. Sigh.
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Steph we can take the dogs. When I go in the afternoon I take Emma and you would think the queen had come to call. Its great fun.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Hi ALF
I read "Netherland", and found it boring...too much about cricket. Having been born in Brooklyn, New York, I thought I would find it interesting but it wasn't. If anyone is interested in reading an unusual historical novel I recommend "The Historian", by Elizabeth Kostova. It is about ...DRACULA who was a historical figure and who in Romania is regarded as a hero who repelled the Turks in the early l6th century. It is a whirlwind ride through eastern Europe and Turkey. It is fascinating, only don't read it at night.
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More and more interesting.. MDH and I will be in Seattle in May and then take a tour of the 101 all the way down to the California border and up to Canadian border.. One of those long promised trips.. So.. might be a place to investigate. I suspect not warm enough for us however.
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Steph, that sounds like a wonderful trip. I love Seattle (home of oldest daughter and family) and would love to see more of the Pacific Northwest, especially that drive down the coast. High on my list of new things to do out there is to go to Powell's Bookstore in Portland, and to take a boat trip on the Columbia River.
I've never read anything by Kate Atkinson (who lives in Edinburgh), but picked up her One Good Turn at the library. Fascinating, so far. The initial focus is an event/incident, that is witnessed by a multitude of strangers. Then we learn about their lives and what has brought them to this particular place and now how this incident creates relationships among them. Kind of a fictional sociogram. Atkinson won the Whitbred Award (best first novel?) in 1995 for Behind the Scenes at the Museum.
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MrsSherlock, the Covington series is like that, too. Three older ladies live together in a house one of them has inherited. There are seven books in the series and I've read the first four.
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Aberlaine: Tell me more, please, about the Covington series.
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Greetings -
I'm going to add an endorsement of the Joan Medlicott series about the Covington ladies. The first book in the series is called The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love and the books really should be read in order. The 8th one came out in 2009. I have read them all and enjoyed each one. They cover everything from three retired ladies living and trying to get along with each other while maintaining their own interests, priorities, and lifestyles as well as dealing with their adult children and their attitudes and problems. There is humor, pain, realistic and idealist situations. A fun read.
Also just finished the latest Jennifer Chiaverini - The Lost Quilter. This one was historical fiction - dealing with slavery in South Carolina. Well written.
Mary
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I recommended the Covington ladies series to my library when they first appeared. They have been a great success there.
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Aha, sounds good. I will go to my swap online and see if either of the authors are there.
Yes, we have been planning this Seattle trip for several years. We fly to Chicago, board the train andoff we go to Seattle.. Takes 47 hours and we have a cabin..Then a week in Seattle, and then a rental car to tour. Then back to Seattle and home.. 18 days actually. We are both really looking forward to it. Only drawback.. I do so hate to kennel the dogs. I would give anything for a reliable housesitter. I had one for several years, but he graduated from college and went off to his own life. It was so neat to have someone in the house, who liked the dogs, walked them, brought in the mail,watered the plants and generally enjoyed himself as well. We lived in a downtown area at the time and he loved being able to walk downtown, etc.
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lucky- I can not believe it! I just returned The Historian back to the library a couple of weeks ago. Since I was a kid, I've always been interested in the Count. I loved it! (i did read it at night, however)
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I found some of the Covington ladies on my book swap, so ordered one.. I read Case Histories by Kate Atkinson, but disliked it.
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Aberlaine: Tell me more, please, about the Covington series.
MrsSherlock, if you go here http://tinyurl.com/dzmxkw you can read about all the books about Covington.
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I just finished Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani.............i think i got the recommendation from one of the book sites here. Thanks, it was an enjoyable read. i'll look for more of hers. ....................jean
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Aberlaine: Thanks for the link. Covington sounds like a charming series. Recently I read another series reminding me of Jan Karon's Mitford books. It is about a little town called Lumby, full of quirky characters that I grew very fond of. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/gail-fraser/lumby-lines.htm
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I read several of the Trigiani books. She is a nice gentle writer. Not an issue person. I suspect the Covington ladies are also in that vein. I liked most of the Karon books, but now feel they are repeating like crazy.
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Trigiani is new to me; she's now on my list of TBR.
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Trigani is another person who has fallen in love with the hill country of the south.
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I'll have to look that author up, new to me.
I have been reading mostly forgetable books. Another Patterson I think he is slipping.
Finished Janyne Ann Krentz I didn't want to but I did. I don't like to start a book and not finish it and I do like most of her books. This was Sizzle and Burn. it was a paranormal setting and I do not like those, but after I got into it it was O.K.
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My library does not have anything by Trigani. Is this a newly published author, I wonder?
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Babi - here's a link to her website
http://www.adrianatrigiani.com/books.html
jean
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Now about kids shoes-----when my kids were little they had to Have Stride Right Shoes, remember the floroascope or whatever it was that the kids had to stand on and the metal thingy that you stood up on so they could see how long their feet were and how wide? Now they throw a pair of tennis shoes that lite up on the bottom, who cares if they fit or not. Also when they started to walk we had to go and get the white high leather shoes to support their ankles. They were expensive to and they had to have salt weather sandles to go to the beach.
Judy, I could have written your quote word for word :) My kids wore Stride Rite high top white leather shoes until they were at least two :) I used to get them at Nordstrom's at the Northgate shopping center in Seattle. There were very expensive and they outgrew them rather than wore them out. I was an Eastsider also - Kirkland and later Woodinville. I'm now in Texas.
I just found out about this site. I have always been an avid book reader - ever since I got my first library card at the age of 8. Even now, I carry a book in my purse - just in case I have to wait somewhere.
I read any and everything, it just depends on my mood at the time.
I get most of my books now from the library. It is so convenient to order them online and then just go and pick them up when they come in.
Mary
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Mary how nice to hear from you. We are always looking for new people and new
idea's.
I am still stuck here in Redmond and looks like that is going to be it for me.
I'd give a pretty penny to move but it doesn't look like its in the cards.
I got the new Allison Brennan book today at Fred Meyer for 40% off, just love those deals.
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Adriana Trigiani has been around for at least a few years. Just finished the T book by Grafton. I think I am caught up now.. Also reading a sort of neat mystery by Jane Cleland. This is an antique dealer who is now writing mysteries about.... you guessed it.. a female antique dealer. This is her first ( she has at least two out, since I have a second one as well). Her plotting is all over the place, but she is good about the antiques and how you vet them.. Hopefully this one will keep up the pace and she will tighten the plot a bit at the end.
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Thanks for the link, MABEL. Obviously, Trigani has been around for a while.
I have no idea how my library decides which authors to buy; I'm surprised none
of hers are available there.
Well, STEPH, the pundits always say 'write about what you know'. ;)
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For Christmas, my son gave me a year's membership in a book club he found on-line. Every month, I get a paperback novel (because I chose "fiction") but I don't get to choose the books. So far, they've all been 2008-2009 publications but I wish I knew how the selections are made!
The newest one is "The Whole Truth" by David Baldacci. I guess it would be called a "thriller". It's the first one of his I've ever read. Not sure I want to start working my way through his others - but this one is good.
"Promises of Change" by Joan Medlicott is waiting. I may have to read it before finishing "...Truth" because it's a library reserve.
Hi, Mary (Redbud). Hope none of the TX wildfires were near you.
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Babi - my library will order almost any requested book, so maybe you should mention Tragiani to them, if you want to read her..................jean
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What a nice gift from your son, Callie!
My favorite David Baldacci books are those with the Camel Club, a short series (only 4 so far). I love this group of four rather eccentric senior men, each very talented and/or brilliant, who investigate conspiracies and get themselves in some very scary situations. But read them in order.
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Marjifay, there's a list of all the Baldacci books in the front of this one. I'll mark that series. If they aren't listed in order, I can find that out from the library web site. Thank you!
I agree that this is a nice gift. It can be for 3, 6 or 12 months.
I give the books I think he would enjoy (like the Baldacci one) to him when I've finished them.
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Just started the Wall Lamb.. This I know is True.. Odd start, but slow to get into.
I loved my paperback swap. Makes it so easy to find things I had not read or authors I want to know more about.
I agree that you should write about what you know. The antique book is fun and she tightened up the end.. She does need to motivate a bit more.
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Fantastic Fiction is a fabulous site, I have it on my menu bar, which lists authors and their books with series listed in order. Eaclh book usually has a brief summary (which helps me when I remember the book but not the title). A list of literary awards with links to the individual books, a list of new books and finally a list of coming books, all divided by genre, makes this a one-size fits all book resource for me. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/
David Baldacci site: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/david-baldacci/
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Jackie, thank you so much for that link. I have bookmarked it and look forward to a leisurely browse.
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Just finished a wonderful book of short stories by Elizabeth Berg, titled, The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted." I'm not a big fan of short stories and i picked this book up not knowing that's what it was. But i am pleasantly surprised. All the stories have women as the protagonists and most are humorous. Many of them have food as a theme. It is a delightful, series of stories, mostly about women of middle-age or older and very introspective, but as i said, often funny. I thoroughly enjoyed it...............jean
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Callie, do you have a link to that book club? Does it list the titles for the current year or is it always a surprise for you? That is a really neat gift.
Jean, I've felt as you do about short stories, but when my girls gave me three by Alice Munro I found that I really enjoyed them.
Speaking of short stories, has anyone read Olive Kittredge? It was mentioned when we first came back online as SeniorLearn -- short stories with a single focus. I think the protagonist was a school teacher. I haven't heard any more about it, and don't know who wrote it. It just sounded kind of interesting.
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JEAN, if I want a book my library does not have, they will put in a request
for an inter-library loan. I have done that a number of times. However, it would not be practical for them to order every book someone wants to read.
I don't read short stories much, either, but the Elizabeth Berg book does sound interesting. I'll take a look at it. I already checked, and my library does
have it. (My library is on my 'Favorites' list. Easy to quick-check everything.)
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pedln, http://www.bestsellers-monthly-book-connection.com/home.htm (http://www.bestsellers-monthly-book-connection.com/home.htm)
I don't know how my son found this site. I received a "gift announcement" that gave the url and was very skeptical when I looked at it because it didn't give much information about the company and everything is done on-line. There's an e-mail address in the bottom left hand corner of the home page but it's in very very pale letters.
There's more information when you click on one of the links.
You choose the genre but the books are a surprise. Each one has arrived on schedule. They may be returned for an extension of the "contract" - not another book for that month; a return label is included.
The address my son gave them wasn't quite right so I e-mailed asking that it be corrected. I received a very nice reply from a "real person" and it was taken care of immediately. Then I received a personal acknowledgement of my "thank you" for that.
I agree that it's a neat gift.
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I remember reading a book by Adriana Trigiani several years ago with my online book group. It was called Milk Glass Moon and I don't remember much about it - not that it wasn't good, but because my memory is terrible. :(
Welcome, Redbud. Seems we've crossed paths along the way in other discussion groups - maybe at the old SN site.
I'm reading Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper for my f2f book group. Excellent!
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The Elizabeth Berg sounds good. Have to look for it. I did order the Wally Lamb second book on the inmates in the writing program. I loved the first one and have reread it several times. The current one..by Lamb is excellent, but hard.. I can only read for a while and then stop because at this point, it is depressing.. Good but hard .. Being a twin and having the other half be insane is a difficult life.
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Steph, sorry about your twin - it's definitely hard. And I do understand about not being able to read for extended periods of time. I do that from time to time, too, and it is frustrating! I always keep a book at hand, but it's the pits when it takes weeks to read a mystery. :'(
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No, I am not a twin, but the Wally Lamb book is about identical twins. One is a paranoid Schizophrenic. The other relatively normal.. I am still reading. Book is too long, but excellent. I keep wondering how the normal twin survives. He is so torn all through the book.
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We'll vote the first week in May for future book discussions. Some good titles in the header right now - still time to add some more. We're looking for books that you think might make for a good group discussion.
The Suggestion Box is open here! (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.0)
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Busy reading a new Jonathon Kellerman.. Bones. Excellent, but then I like him very much.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
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Did I read about Monte Walsh, by Jack Shaefer, here? This book has kept me reading for the last three days. The old west as it really was, or as it seems logically to have been. Monte's tale starts when he is 14, leaving home and an abusive step-father for the life of a cowboy during the peak of the cattle drive era. Drifting from job to job he quicikly finds his place due to his extraordinary talent with horses. Year by year vignettes tell his life and the lives of the men who fought Nature and villainy for $40/mo and keep. Romantic, yes, but gritty. The heat of the summer sun, the sting of the winter blizzard, the smell of horses' and men's sweat are almost palpable. Monte is one of those characters which will stick long after most of the rest.
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Jackie, I mentioned Monte Walsh. As I said, it's always been one of our favorite books. We wore one copy out, and had another library-bound to be able to keep it longer. Shaefer also wrote Shane, which made a much more well-known movie (with Alan Ladd). But we think Monte Walsh was a better book. I'm so glad you've liked it, too.
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Jackie, John said that I should tell you if you liked Monte, to read a book by Elmer Kelton called Good Old Boys. It's more of the "real" cowboy stuff. Kelton has lots of books out, and he's a good writer. John buys copies of Good Old Boys whenever he finds them at the used book store or book sales. He gives them away.
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Maryz: Thank you and John so much. I remember the movie, Shane, and didn't realize it was a novel. Now I've got 2 new-to-me books to read and savor. Monte Walsh is a very special book, and character, who will be with me for a long, long time.
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I like McMurtry for some close type old west stuff. I had a lot of male customers in the used book store. They read only westerns, but I did discover by picking up a few of the books, that they correspond to the historical romance ladies. Lots of sex..not much plot.
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That does sound good, JACKIE. I do like a good Western. I wonder why we've never had a site for the Westerns genre? Not enough fans, I suppose.
Your post brought to my mind a picture that hung behind my Dad's desk in his
office. It pictured a grizzled, rough-looking cowboy with a level gaze. Printed
at the bottom was "There's a hell of a lot they didn't tell me when I signed on with this outfit!"
I was intrigued by your observation on the Western books, STEPH. "Lots of sex" didn't fit most of the Westerns I've read. I don't doubt there are authors of Westerns who do take that route, but happily, I've missed them.
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Oh,Babi...I LOVE that saying on that sign. I've got to look for or make one of those!!
jane
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Babi: Your dad must have had a great sense of humor. ;D
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Yes, the sex ones are easy to spot in Western. They are all series types and generally have a sort of loose type lady on the cover with a man.. Not overtly sexy cover, but you get the picture. I wish I could remember the names of the authors, but its one of those things that disappeared. I did laugh though, because I thought they wre like Zane Gray, etc. and they are certainly not.
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You may have to make one, JANE. It's been a long time ago. And yes, he
did have a sense of humor, JACKIE. He was one of the wisest men I've ever
known, too; an opinion shared by most who knew him.
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There's a hell of a lot they didn't tell me when I signed on with this outfit!"
That could be a slogan for marriage and parenthood, couldn't it? ;D
Jean
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??? ::) ;)
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My guiding slogan... found when I turned 50. It is on my fridge still 21 years later..."Is this what you wanted to be when you grew up" It managed to turn me into a non smoking walking exercising fool for the last 21 years.. Even eating healthy mostly.
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Oh, Steph, that is very deep. Thank you.
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I am reading the second Wally Lamb of the prison women short essays. In the introduction, he has kind words for our Ginny and senior nets prison library that we sent all of the books to. Very nice of him. These are shorter than the first books essays and on a variety of topics. Interesting.
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The sexy Western novels mentioned here remind me of the Harlequin romances. The cover always showed a helpless female in the arms of a strong man.
Steph, thanks for sharing your refrigerator "art". I'm going to make a sign for my refrigerator that says that. Maybe it will remind me in which direction I need to be going.
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Turning 50 was my hardest birthday thus far. For some reason it affected me strongly. So.. I found the sign, changed so much of my life.. To my amazement a few months after my birthday, I was in the mall, stopped out in front of the Claires..Watched the lady piercing ears.. walked in and got my ears pierced. My husband and sons were hysterical. They loved the idea of conservative Mom with pierced ears. To this day, they love to give me earrings and I have hundreds. Now if I could just get the extra weight to disappear.. Oh well. I do love food.
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Oddly enough, turning 50 wasn't nearly as traumatic for me as when my eldest child turned 40. My children as young adults were simply a source of pride. The idea that they were actually growing older was, I guess, an intimation of their mortality. Whatever the reason, I really found it hard.
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Wait 'til your oldest turns 50!
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Jackie been there done that. I have had 3 turn 50 so far. I really don't know how they got so old.
I finished Deadly Gift by Heather Graham. It was good but just your run of the mill mystery,
I am beginning the Ist Ladies Detective books. Everyone seems to have read them so I thought I had better keep up. The first one had better speed up tho I am not fascinated so far. hehe
I have been having trouble with my feet which really bothers me. I bought an obscene expensive pair of walking shoes yesterday. I hope they help. Its interesting tho its not neuropahty its the nerves in my feet are becoming shot. Well if its not one thing its another
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We, too, have three kids who have reached 50. The "baby" will be 48 this year. How did this happen when we're still so young!!! ::)
And our "baby" grandchild is 20. No greats yet, though.
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4 greats in Alaska :-\
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Judy:Care to share the name of the"obscene" shoes you purchased for problem feet????
I ask this because I have tried almost every brand out there and still have trouble walking
very far. :'(
My oldest daughter will be 60 in May. ;D
Joy
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Joy: We have a winner! ;D
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My oldest has turned 50, and I found that equally incredible. The second-born, my son, will turn 50 next year. I really don't expect to see a childs' 60th birthday, so I won't fret over that. ;)
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Two more years and my older son will be 50.. Sigh.. Feels funny to even say it. Dont really feel old most days.
Feet and shoes.. yes, do tell, shoes get harder and harder to find that fit well.
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I have terrible feet. I wear Mizuno brand shoes - like expensive sneakers (about $85.00). But I wear them every day - the only shoes I wear out of the house - no matter what I have on or where I'm going. If I do have to go to something very formal (like our grandson's wedding ::)), I have a pair of black SAS walkers that are my "dress" shoes. Foot comfort is much more important than style. I figure they're a bargain, since I wear them every day, and replace them about every 9-12 months.
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Joy the name of the obscene shoe's is MBT physiological footwear. I have not the foggiest idea what that means. I have been to a vascular surgeon who says my veins are wonderful. On to my regular dr who is also a reumatoligist and he did some tests and says my nerves in my feet are going to he----.
He gave me lyrcia and I tell you there is a big change for the better. The shoes feel good, their soles are kind of like a half moon.
My husband tell me sketchers has come out with the same thing and its 100.00 cheaper. I have a hard time with the fact two shoes look the same and one pair is that much cheaper. I usually go with the expensive one.
As for my spelling can't help it.
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Judy, I haven't seen those before. I like the look of Sketchers, but they don't work for me. The toe box isn't big enough - and that's a lot of my problem. We're all SO different, aren't we. I hope the Sketchers work for you. Glad you're getting some improvement.
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Mary I didn't get the Sketchers I got the MBT They feel good.
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Judy: My cousin is having the same problem with her feet. I'm going to tell her about your shoes and your meds so she can askj her doctor about it.
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Sketchers.. hmm. I will look at them, but truthfully have never had a pair of sketcher that fitted well.
My easy spirits work well for me, but I would love a pair of loafers that fit well.
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The shoes I bought are MBT physiological footwear not Sketchers.
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Judy, your MBTs look interesting. I'd imagine they take some getting used to. Glad that they work for you.
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Mary actually they are east to walk in but now my symptoms have changed. I don't know if I mentioned it but the doctor gave me Lycria and the pain is gone and my feet are not always cold which is a god send and my big toes do not ache, this is a milestone for me. Now my feet tingle all the time which is better than before. I hope maybe adjusting the lycria will help. Wouldn't it be nice if it all went away.??? ;D ;D
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You've got that right, Judy!!! I hope the improvements continue.
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Re: feet and shoes-----
I have recently discovered a new brand of shoes, made by the Brown Shoe Company and sold
at the New Balance Store. They are not named New Balance but ARAVON. They were
recommended by my podiatrist----especially good for persons w/diabetes. First I bought
the lace-up shoes (I call them "my nun" shoes), and just recently I bought a sandal. They are pricey but so far are compatible with my aching feet. I could never find a sandal that filled that bill before. They run about $135 though, and are NOT very stylish.
JOY
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Its sort of funny, but the prettier the shoe, the more likedly it is not to be good for aging feet.. The uglier, the more comfortable.. Hmm. something said here somewhere on comfort.
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What always puzzled me, is that women were willing to suffer the pain and ruin their feet in order to wear the pretty, high-heeled shoes they loved. There are women I believe could pay off their debts with the money spent on the
shoes in their closets!
Well, I guess I always was a bit contrary when it came to fashion. I would adopt a style if it suited me. If it didn't look good on me, I didn't care what the fashion gurus said. I pretty much stuck with the classics.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Babi: <women I believe could pay off their debts with the money spent on the shoes in their closets>----Truer words were never spoken~~~~
Joy |
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Just to add to the fiction list- anything by Sigrid Nunez my favorites, The Last of Her Kind and For Rouenna (not sure if I have that spelling correct) after reading these I got as many Nunez works as possible from library and found all satisfying and enjoyed reading an author grow.
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I loved strappy high heels in every color of the rainbow. Fashion has never really interested me, but shoes,, oh me.. My granddaughter and I do our very best talking in shoe stores. She feels like her Nana and we do love to try on everything in the store. I know I cant wear them anymore, but I sitll like to at least try them on and at 13, she is getting to the wear them stage.
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Pei Li - tell us about the Nunez storiess.................jean
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My oldest child won't be 40 until August, 2010. I love Birkenstocks. Done.
I'm starting to read The Alienist by Caleb Carr and The Beans of Egypt, Maine. The Alienist looks like it's a murder mystery set in NYC in 1896 when Theodore Roosevelt first became the police commissioner.
The Beans of Egypt, Maine is an old book about grinding poverty. It's my f2f book group's choice for May. Both should be interesting.
Nancy
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Aberlaine,, I have read and loved both books. Carolyn Chute of the Beans books wrote another book last year, but it is not nearly as good as the Beans. I liked Caleb Carr in two books, both about New York many years ago, but hated the futuristic one he wrote a few years back.
I am reading Splintered Icon.. Interesting sort of take on "The True Cross" artifacts, spanish and english voyages, etc. He could have tightened the plot, A lot of suspicious lurking and violence but still fun.
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I see my library has one Nunez book. I echo JEAN's request, Pei Li...
please tell me more about her books.
I am thoroughly enjoying Jack Schaefer's book, Monte Walsh. I can't remember if it was recommended here or in the 'Library' posts, but I'm very
glad I picked it up. A realistic look at the life of a cowboy, but full of humor and
the kind of episodes that show the strength and bonds of that way of life.
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I loved Monte Walsh. Shane is on my list but i would be surprised if it is a better book. Maybe it is time to reread Trail of the Lonesome Pine, The Virginian and Ramona (no, not Ramona Quimby but the one written by Helen Hunt Jackson in 1884).
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Babi, glad you've enjoyed Monte Walsh. We liked it better than Shane.
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Jean and Babi-
I am thrilled to encourage anyone here to read Sigrid Nunez- so two of her more recent novels- The Last of her Kind--and For Rouenna (not sure if I am spelling correctly)
Anyway For Rouenna is so much more remarkable than I can suggest about the friendship that develps between a novelist and a former Viet Nam combat nurse. I think even Amazon.com has a much better hook with the 'front flap' able read online.
The Last of her Kind might in some ways not catch the attention of a mass audience- even me- my early experience was not going to college in the traditional way. I was a single parent, night school student so in many ways I do not relate to the characters. But there is a message for so many of us, here's a 'flap' from the author's website
Ann Drayton and Georgette George meet as freshman roommates at Barnard College in 1968. Ann, who comes from a wealthy New England family, is brilliant and idealistic. Georgette, who comes from a bleak town in upstate New York, is mystified by Ann’s romanticization of the underprivileged class, which Georgette herself is hoping college will enable her to escape. An intense and difficult friendship is born. Years after a fight ends their friendship, Ann is convicted of a violent crime. As Georgette struggles to understand what has happened, she is led back to their shared history and to an examination of the revolutionary era in which the two women came of age
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Pei Li: The Last of her Kind sounds like quite a reading experience. I didn't have the luxury of that kind of college experience, either. Reading about it is like a fantasy, so far removed from my life. I[ve got the book on reserve, thanks for recommending it.
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Hmm, sounds like you might like Marge Piercy. She is a feminists and writes really good books on both the 60s experience and feminine answers. La Vida is about a woman who was involved in the Weather Underground type organization. She has gone under and stays under all these years later. Moving constantly and not having any sort of normal experience.. It blew my mind back in the 80's when I first read it. I looked for and read every single one of her books after that. They are wonderful.. But very complicated.
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Finished Fast Track by Fern Michaels. She is always good I enjoy her books. I have kept all her series and figured when I got old maybe I would read them again. Well I am old and don't have time to read them again. If I have to downsize as much as I think they will have to go to the book store.
I had a moment yesterday. I had a 90 something lady in the car and took her to GH hospital. Alert funny and so much more. I turned a corner and there was a round bed of daffodils on the corner. She said oh look at those daffodils some work of God and the color. This was the strange part I would have swore at that moment I had May Sarton in the car. After reading Sarton and how she describes the flowers comeing up in her yard. I swear it was her.
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Nunez sounds like a good read for me. Thanks Pei Li.
I had forgotten about Piercy, thanks for reminding me, Steph.
I just finished Wages of Fame by James McPherson. It's an historical novel about the pre-civil war period. He writes women characters very well. This is the second in his Stapleton family series. The first was in colonial and revolutionary NYC. Since he is a noted historian, i'm always wondering as i read him, "did this really happen, or is this fiction?" In this book he has Sarah Polk, wife of James Polk and CAroline STapleton manipulating political events in the run up to the Civil WAr, w/ Caroline being very frustrated by the lack of power that women can have openly in society. It's an interesting look at what is power? My only negative comment is that he used the old ruberic "illigitimate" pregnancy as a central part of his book. (sigh) If authors didn't have infidelity and "wrongful" birth to conjure up drama, what would they do? Makes it too much like a soap opera, which i don't denigrate, except for their use of that same story, over and over and over again.........................I also like that he includes the lives of minorities in his books, there is little of that in popular fiction......................................jean
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I've always enjoyed good historical novels, JEAN. I'll try to find time to look into James McPherson. Right now, I'm about 4 1/2 books behind!
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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!
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I just finished Wages of Fame by James McPherson. Jean
Greetings -
Jean, I think you meant Thomas Fleming as author. I too have recently finished the book - in reality I just finished the Stapleton series. I found them very interesting historically but I couldn't/didn't like the main characters. I had a hard time staying with the books and finally realized that it was because I found them depressing.
Remember the Morning had meaning for me because the setting was exactly when (1600's) and where my ancestors were in New York. Liberty Tavern also was meaningful as I had an ancestor tavern owner/chairman of a safety committee during the Revolutionary War in the Schoharie Co NY area and also Quaker ancestors in NJ at that time.
Wages of Fame dealt with a time period in history that I am very weak in so I think I finally have that presidential sequence in order and understand the problems.
Rulers of the City brought back memories of the Civil Rights issues in the northern cities. Promises to Keep gave a different perspective on the human rights issues but I didn't care for that one.
I have several other Thomas Fleming historical fiction titles gathered for reading. I will probably leave them sit for a while.
Mary
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Mary, of course, you're right, i've been seeing/reading too many historians lately ;D ;D ......... jean
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oh mrssherlock- yes I think you will truly enjoy the Nunez book. What is so great is that even though we both share the 'not' sharing the particular experience, the sub theme about women friends and all those sometimes wonderful and sometimes sad things about friendship play out in this book.
so yes, although I did not have the luxury of a fulltime college experience, I do have in my life history an experience of how two friends took different paths.
if the book does not come forth as an official discussion, I do welcome your emails as you read.
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Pei Li: I'll be sure to post about the Nunez book while I'm reading it. And we can compare experiences of college with families and homes and jobs to take care of.
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I just ordered two of the Nunez books. Your reccomendations convinced me that I will like her.
I am another, who attended college, as a wife and mother. Regret not being able to go away to college and live in a dorm. I only managed to complete 2 years. After my husband died, I went back. Took 9 units, got A's, and quit, again. I realized that at that age, I had no intention of going back to work. But, I did prove to myself that I was capable of getting A's.
I am a real history buff. Watch CSpan 2, most weekends. Also, any PBS history program. My TV service also gives me both the History Channel, and History Channel International. Infact, this morning I watched a program about the Japanese invation of Malaya and Shanghi. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sheila
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this is great, serenesheila , which books did you order? and mrssherlock has posted she'll be reading Nunez as well. Overall I think The last of her kind, was most well written, but For Rouenna truly touched my heart.
Yep me= young single parent way back before there was child care etc. at college's especially urban public universities, and older parents who had no inkling about college for a girl child, nor the funds to consider it.
but over time I do have 'friends' and the last of her kind is an amazing exploration of how people friends or acquaintances take that divergent path and what it means.
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Pei Li, I cannot remember which Nunez novels I did order. My senior moments come more and more frequently each day. When they arrive, I will post their titles. I think they will arrive by the end of this week.
I began college, when I was a high school senior. The community college was right across the street from my high school. I took English 1A and French. I married right after high school. My pursuit of getting an education continued mostly at night classes. With 4 children, studying time was limited, and had many interruptions. But, I did well. Almost always carried a 3. something average.
I do not think I will ever lose my interest in learning more. It is usual for me to have several books going at once.
Sheila
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As often happens when there are so many nominations, the results tend to be scattered. So that we come up with the title for the next book discussion with the most interest, we have set up a new poll with the top FIVE contenders. You will only get to vote for one of them this time.
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))
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)
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I found a new author - to me - at the library, Haywood SMith. For those of you who like southern authors, Smith lives on the edge of Lake Lanier in Ga and her story is based in that area. This title is The Queen of Mimosa Beach. The lead chararacter is a 50-something woman who has just been screwed in a divorce. Left w/ no resources she returns to live w/ her Mother and DAd and Aunt and Uncle - both men are in different stages of dementia which she writes w/ humor. I read about 100 pages last night and am enjoying it very much.............jean
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Oh good I looked on my book shelves and I will read that next, I love books about the south. I sure am having a hard time deciding which books are going with me and which are not. What to throw out and what not to throw out.
I really hate it.
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Judy Laird, are you moving? I guess I missed something.
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Yes we are, I am not sure when, my daughter can't come down til October when the cruise ships and done. She wants me to wait til then so she can come down and help and have everything she wants shipped.
Its downsizing into a independant senior apts. Very Nice kind of like living in a 4star hotel. Its about 2 minutes from our house and we go to all the activites we want there now and also have dinner there every night.
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I remember now - sounds great!
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Oh my gosh, Judy, so you made the big decision. How exciting. So what kind of activities are you going to at the new place? Do they have a library there -- maybe you could donate all those books there.
Jean, that Haywood SMith sounds like it would be a fun read -- but, maybe not so much fun moving back in with Mom and Dad at age 50. Goodbye privacy and independence. I just checked our library catalog and there are two by him/her(?), but Red Hat titles. Is your lady Queen of the Red Hats?
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Peln - yes, i did see a "red hat" book, actually that caught my eye as i walked by the shelf, but this book had an earlier publishing date and i didn't know if it was part of a series, so i got this one first. The author is a woman..........I noticed i made a mistake in the book title that i'm reading, it's Mimosa Branch, not BEach................................jean
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I came in this evening to ask if any of you are watching Maspterpiece Mystery this evening on PBS. Tonight is the first of three episodes of " Wallander:Sidetracked" with the Irish actor, Kenneth Branagh.
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!
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If you did watch the Wallenders last night on PBS, there is a new discussion opened by BooksAdmin.
PBS Masterpiece Mystery! (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=502.0)
I thought it quite good. I hope my station will show the remaing episodes.
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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!
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I read the book about the 50 year old moving home and one of the red hat books. Loved the first, but did not really care for the red hat one. She is a good southern writer. Not much plot though.
Still settling in from the 18 days away. Judy,, you decided.. glad to hear it. Not sure I would want to give up cooking entirely..
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please bear with me and I hope you all will keep posting. I am inthe middle of moving and husband needed 911 yesterday and I am off to the doctor/
New e-mail
judy1007@hotmail.com
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Judy: My prayers are with you as you shoulder these burdens. Keep us posted how and when you can. You have many friends here who are wishing you well.
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Hugs to you, Judy - and prayers for you and your husband.
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Judy: Love and prayers are on their way. Don't forget to take good care of yourself too!
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Oh gosh, Judy. My thought and prayers are with both you and Don. Hope things are better today.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Oh Judy, I do so hope that all is well with you. We spent the day at the hospital as Tim had further surgery.. laproscopic surgery to remove the gall bladder. He is down to 148 and the doctors are hoping that this will improve his ability to eat and digest..Who knows. |
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I have been through an illness where I could not eat enough to do more than survive. The silver lining to that cloud was the loss of 80 pounds I could easily spare. Fortunately, I am now eating again and have stopped losing weight. I hope Tim has the same good results from his surgery. Do tell him I'm cheering him on.
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Babi: Glad you are eating OK now. As a life-long, unsuccessful dieter I've often wished for just a touch of anorexia, tongue in cheek of course.
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Babi, Thanks for telling me. I have some hope that Tim can start eating again. He wants to so much and it just defeats him.
I am finally back on Eastern time and hopefully will get some housework done today. I am not a fanatic, but I can now make another dog from the dog hair.
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I hear you. Val and I have so much fun with the cat hair. :-\
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I am not a big Oprah fan, but saw her magazine yesterday in a store. It had her with dogs and has a lot of information on rescue organizations, so I bought it.. She is truly trying to help the rescue organization. She adopted what looks like a pure cocker spaniel.. actually two, but they ended up with parvo and one died.
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Has anyone read ON THE ROAD by Jack Kerouac? I've had this book since the 1970s, but am just getting around to reading it -- and getting a real kick out of it so far. Chapter 11 is hilarious where he hooks up with an old friend upon his arrival in San Francisco. The friend has left a note pinned on the door to the shack he shares with his girlfriend, which reads: SAL! IE NOBODY'S HOME CLIMB IN THROUGH THE WINDOW! Which Sal does, and the adventure begins.
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Oh,yes, MARJIFAY.... I read "On The Road" many years ago and greatly enjoyed it. I wonder if it was ever discussed? It would make a good one.
STEPH, some of Oprah's shows I've enjoyed and others I skip. She offers a rather wide variety, which makes sense. It means more people will find topics that interest them. But there is no question in my mind that she is sincerely interested and involved in a number of very worthwhile projects. Her African school for girls was one of my favorite. She is a major philanthropist.
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On the
Road.. have not thought of that for years. We have a small Kerouac foundation here in Orlando.. He lived here for quite some time in a small bungalow. Some fans bought the bungalow and have endowed a small foundation for beginning authors of a certain type.. They get six months free rent in the house to work on their books..
My cousin read that one and the Ken Kesey and immediately upon graduation from college, came home. I had just married and she took our old room, threw out the bed, kept the mattress, painted the entire room, ceiling, walls, floor black , bought lava lamps. I thought my Dad was going to have a stroke.. She taught school and went off each morning very respectable, but came home to her pad.. Very funny if the students had only known.
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Yes, Babi, On the Road might make a good discussion. I couldn't find it every having been read in the Senior Net archives.
By the way, I'm glad the archieves from the old Sr. Net reads were brought over to this website. I read the old discussion for Dr. Zhivago which was helpful when I recently read this book. The book is much different from the movie of Dr. Zhivago. Difficult to wade through. I
just purchased the book so I could read it again, as most who read it say it takes more than one read to really appreciate it.
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Here ye, here ye - after two humorous short story discussions there is change.
It was easy to see that more than a week on a short story is overkill.
We also have serious reading going on here on Senior Learn and so we did not need an in-depth discussion on yet another story.
However; as the newspapers had a section we called the Funnies it seems appropriate for Senior Learn to also have our version of the Funnies in the form of Funny Short Story discussion.
And so NEW PLAN -
Every Sunday evening a new humorous short story will be added to the bottom of our heading along with just a couple of questions to help focus the start of a post.
I am working harder this summer than I have in years and so I cannot promise to be here very often but the discussion really does not have to be managed - we are having fun - sharing what makes us laugh - what was funny in the story - and adding a bit of learning as we try to identify the type of humor in each story we read - is it a witty story, a story of satire a slap stick comedy, a farce -
Labeling the kind of humor is the only thinking in the entire discussion - the rest is just letting us know if you laughed, smiled or enjoyed the story and your thoughts about any part of the story that hits your fancy or reminds you of a real life experience along similar story lines.
And so please drop in and lighten up your day once a week with a short story from the funny side of life. http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=351.0
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Reading one of the newest Sookie stories from Charlaine Harris. New vampires and she cant find Quinn.. Oh dear..
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Have any of you Read "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. My f2f bookclub read it for the May selection and we had a good discussion of the book. It is set in Mississippi during the 1960's. If you like history you will enjoy reading this book.
Here is a clickable to an article about the book
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20090510/NEWS/905105022/
It was painful at times reading about a time that I lived through but I am glad that I read it.
Joan Grimes
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Joan, thank you for the link to the review of "The Help". It's on my library reserve list and there are 43 ahead of me but the library has 33 copies.
Although I was "grown and gone" by the 1960's, I suspect I will also find some reminders difficult to read.
I have just finished "Path To Glory" by Jeffrey Archer. It's based on the life of George Mallory, an Englishman who may have actually been the first one to make it to the summit of Mt. Everest - in 1924.
His body was discovered in 1995 about 700 feet from the summit. The body of his climbing partner has never been found. The author uses documented facts to assume that they did make it to the top.
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For all of you that are interested PaPa John's wife Cornelia passed away this morning. She suffered a long illness and their family has been amazing.
Almost moved in. I have always worried about my books and Fairwind's offered to take my library for me. Its just on the second floor and they are buying more book shelves as I have more books than they did. It may seem silly but its a load off my mind.
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Thanks for letting us know, Judy. Pappa John and Cornelia were such a devoted couple - and such nice folks. She'll be sorely missed.
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Hi all,
Judy, thanks for letting us know about Cornelia. She will be sorely missed. Her family will be my good thoughts and prayers.
Well, did the big TV fit in your new living room??? Have you sent many boxes back to the old house for the garage sale??? Tee hee. Just kidding.
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I don't want to talk about it, but thanks for the thought. Now I need to find someone to run a garage sale for me.
Busy day W11 bowling this morning, Barb-que at noon. VFW presentation at 1,pool party @2;30. Dinner and some people down stairs are singing,I figured they could do with out me for that one.
Tommorow bus trip to Tulaip Casino
[
Just busy busy
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Wow, that does sound like a budy schedule, JUDY. Something for everyone.
I'm so glad they took your books, and I'm sure they are delighted to have them. I wonder if they have any bridge players there? ;)
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Judy, I just took a "virtual tour" of your new home. Looks great. And what a calendar. You are really going to be busy there. The swimming pool looks very inviting.
Well, of course they would want your library. Now you can move in in peace. WHat floor will you be in.
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Judy. Sounds a delight. Now if I could only get my husband to at least go look at any.. No go thus far.. He loves our townhouse. I keep warning him that although it is a beautiful thing and I love the space, it is three story and sooner or later that will get us.
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Babi tons of bridge players and everyother game including that d=====Mexican Train
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Whoa, Judy, don't be calling "Mexican Train" bad names! Its one of my favorite games along with Bridge.
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Oh, that Mexican Train addiction!!!!!! We'll be going to the beach in about 6 weeks, and will get to play it with real people. ;D
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Just finishing up with the Rhys Owen book on Mollie. Tends to drag a bit. She does not move the plot along very well. Mollie is interesting though
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It is an addiction!
Our f2f group is reading "Dewey" which about a library cat. Can't say I like it but its assigned and I want to be able to comment at our next meeting on Monday.
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Oh, yeah! Well, the first time I plaed Mexican Train I enjoyed it too.
The next time I played, with another group, they had different rules which
made no sense to me. I finally became so exasperated I dropped out of the
game and didn't go back.
ANNIE, your 'library cat' reminds me of a cat I saw at a vet. clinic.
He was huge! He looked like he must have been partly a much larger breed of feline. He lived at the clinic, where his placid temperament
was a great help in calming nervous overnight patients. An unforgettable
cat!
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Babi
I am finding out about Dewey whose official name, chosen by the library customers, is "Dewey Readmore Books" and he is quite a cat but the book is not!
At Christmas, our grandson, wife and BIL stayed here on their way to NY. They taught me a new game using four decks of cards. I can't remember the name but it was fun.
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As cat lover Dewey is a satisfying read. The book is no page turner but Dewey is a doll.
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As a long time cat lover and owner of many of them, I don't recommend "Dewey" due to the overall gooey sweetness of the book. Yuck! ;)
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My f2f book club read Dewey about three months ago.I could not finish it. It makes me feel better that you felt the same about it that i did Ann. I had felt that there must be something wrong with me because I did not like the book.
Joan Grimes
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I am addicted to Mexican Train on the computer. I just sit and sit and can't stop.
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Judy, I am addicted to Mexican train on the computer also. I like to play the game with real people too. I played with a group of friends at our Senior Center last night from 5:30PM until 9:00PM...I enjoyed that very much.
Joan Grimes
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Good to see your smiling face Joan. Do you play on line with real people?
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JoanG,
I did like the discussion about the Carnegie libraries in the book. I had no idea that they were all so ornate. We watched a movie the other night that featured the main library of NYC and now I must go see if it's a Carnegie.
Aren't the people online real people??? tee hee! Where is a link to the Mexican train game?? Under Dominoes???
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Okay Judy and JOan (and that's what I call my two youngest girls, too) -- you did it. I just spent the past hour, at least, playing that game on line. Kind of hard to do without instructions. Maybe that's why I was usually on the bottom of four. Haven't come across the strategy yet.
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Where's a link to that site, Pedl'n?? And get back to work!! Just kidding!
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Ok.. Will look up Mexican Train on Goggle sometime today.. Thats all I need. Am already a solitaire addict.
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Four decks, ANNIE? There is a game called 'hand and foot' that used a
lot of cards. I wonder if that's the one you played.
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Just finished "Cane River," a wonderful, wonderful story written by a woman who left her job at MicroSun to research her family history in Louisiana. Altho she writes a fiction story, she uses her family history from ancestors who were slaves to her grandmother in the 20th century and includes actual pictures of the people she is writing about. It's a story of 5 generations of amazing women, each of whom strategizes as to how to keep their families surviving and prospering both before and after being slaves.................i highly recommend it...........jean
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
|
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There, and don't mention it again. You know what I'll do. >:( :-[
That blasted game (http://www.playzgame.com/online-flash-games/Mexican-Train-Dominoes.php)
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That's it, Babi!! Hand and Foot is its name.
Jean
That book does sound enticing. It sounds like anyone who likes geneology might like it also.
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This Mexican train talk finally got to me so I googled it ....sounds great but I'm sure if once I start I'll become addicted in no time at all.... maybe one of these days...
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Am jumping the gun a little, but started our June book. Wow.. I really like this one so far.
I must say I read a book called Cane River, but that was maybe 10 years ago, so this must be a new book with an old title.
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You jumped the gun??? Which book, Steph? I just picked up my library copy of "NIght Villa" yesterday so will be reading it over the weekend. Since we have met the author and talked to her for a long time in NYC last Sept., this is going to be a lot of fun.
Gumtree,
I googled "Mexican Train" and didn't like what they offered for a game. I thing I prefer "hands on" Mexican train or any kind of dominoes.
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Steph: It's probably the same Cane River.
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Night Villa. I have been reading and trying to stop at page 112 is going to be hard. Interesting indeed.
I googled Mexican train and ran into game versions of it, but no playing with others that I could find without a charge..Looking in the wrong places??
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Steph, Click here (http://www.allgamesallfree.com/games1592-mexican-train-dominoes.html) for the one I play. This doesn't play with "real people" and is free.
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mary, how do you get the instructions for this to show? I am familiar with Dominoes, but unsure of the rules of this game. There is a bar that says "instructions" above where the game begins, but it is "unclickable". So, I just start playing with no idea of what happens, except I know that I can play in the areas that say "open train".
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Mary: What a great site. I found my favorite puzzle game, Brickshooter Egypt; it doesn't have as many levels as the full version but its great for a few minutes of mindless clicking. See the official site here: http://www.brickshooter.com/
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Tomereader - on the opening page, where it says "Instructions", go to the bottom right of that box. It says "Next Page". Follow those pages, it'll give you some instructions. It is pretty obscure, I guess. See if that works for you.
Mrs. Sherlock - thanks for the brickshooter link. I'll have to waste a few minutes to try that. ::)
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MaryZ... thanks ever so. Put it in the bookmarks to play with later. This is one of those catch up days..
Oh me, I do love Night Villa
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Sorry about not answering posts addressed to me here. I have been on an adventure. I drove , all alone, 500 miles to Charleston SC for my grandson's high school graduation. I was so afraid that I would not make it but I did. I made it straight through and straight through coming back too. I am so proud of myself.
Now to answer Judy. No Judy I do not play mexican train with real people online. I have to go out to our Senior Center to play with real people. I usually do that once a week at night. I really enjoy that.
Somebody mentioned Hand and Foot and I love that card game. It is really fun. I have also played it at my Senior Center.
Happy to be back home and am trying to get rested from all that driving, not to mention the time I was with my family in SC. The trip was fun though.
Have been playing mexican train online all morning. Gotta get out of here and go to museum for a luncheon.
TTYL
Joan Grimes
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Joan.. How great for you. An adventure can rev us up for months at our age.. I worry that I never do much by myself.. That may not be a good thing overall.
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JoanG,
I can't believe that you made that trip all by yourself. ;D You are much stronger than you think. I would be laid out on the sofa for a week after that. How was the graduation??
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Ann, I am laid out and I don't know for how long. I think everyday that surely I will be over it today.
The graduation was worth the trip. It was just marvelous to see this particular grandson graduate and to see his excitement and ambition as he gets ready for college. This grandson has aspergers syndrome. So it is just wonderful to see him achieve this. His parents have worked with him so much throughout his life and his siblings have endured so much from him. However we all see that it was well worth the efforts put forth by the whole family. I really felt that the least I could do was to drive to the graduation when he said to me,"I want you there Maw Maw". He even thanked me for coming when I left for home. That is really something from someone with aspergers.
Joan Grimes
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Joan: Like the tv commercials say, that experience would be "priceless"! No child could achieve so much without the active support of his parents, one of whom you parented. You done good.
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Thanks Jackie!
I think that seeing that grandson graduate was a priceless experience to all of the family. Indeed it was wonderful.
Joan Grimes
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JoanG,
What a beautiful tribute to that family. I have a friend with an asbergers syndrome daughter plus a grandson being tested for same. I have sent my friend your wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it with all us here. As grandmother of this boy you,too have much of which to be proud.
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Ah Joan.. You have accomplished a good deal and made a grandson feel valued.. Feel proud of yourself. I sure do.
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That is wonderful about your grandson's success at high shcool. I know you're proud of him, and are already looking forward to going to his college graduation. We all wish him the best of everything.
And congratulations to you on your drive there. More fun than flying, and you're the one in control.
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Stupid county moves. We are getting a new library where I live. The old one was neglected by the county, develped severe mold and had to be destroyed. We had a little substitute downtown, but then the county, who seem to make weird decisision as a regular thing decided to give us a new library.. Their choice?? It is attached to the local community college. Now,, ther is no place to park.... when or if you find a spot, the library is full of the commuter students, since there is no student union here.. No chairs to sit on..computers totally taken up with the students.. Amazing.. but the students love it. Not so all of the young Moms who used o take the little ones all the time. Not any more. Ah county administrators.. They are so proud of the new building.. All for the college. So unfair. I love libraries, but wont even go any more.. Not worth the hassle.
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Sounds like one of those 'let's get two for the price of one' deals. So often the
local politicians haven't a clue as to what's going on or what's needed. They just listen to whoever is hollering the loudest. The 'squeakiest wheel' mode of
operation.
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Steph, sounds like the Law of Unintended Consequences to me - or maybe that WAS their intent.
We have a combined city/county library - not the best of ideas. The city is in favor of more funding for the library, but only if it's matched by the county. And the library board folks can't get anybody on the county commission to sponsor such a bill. And the county commissioners don't show up for any meetings or meals that the library invites them to. And NONE of the county commissioners even has a library card. So here we are, with no additional funds for improvements or even more books, except what we get with various fund raisers. Sighhhhhhhhhh
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How awful for you Steph. I know that for a bookie the local library is a vital and necessary place. I'm lucky in that we have a wonderful library system (not perfect by any means but good).
My local library is great: enough parking , plenty of room inside, restful and comfortable furniture and colours and above all a good library stock - I often take a few books up to the reading area which has large windows that overlook a small park - it's just so relaxing to sit reading and occasionally glance out through the gardens.
We have a large room for the children's library which is set up for kids and where activities are held for them right through the year -The library hosts host a major competition for children who write.- The Tim Winton Awards and Tim always comes to present the winners with their prizes. There is computer access for those who need it, they hold author's nights, discussion groups, small local history displays and a regular sessions for aged and disadvantaged folk - and over the years I have given several talks to these groups.
The library is connected with every other library in the state and through the State Library and Information Service to every other library in Australia. This means that if our local library doesn't have a title - they get it from somewhere and usually fairly quickly.
All this stems from the foresight of the first State Librarian appointed here who recognised the difficulties associated with being the most isolated capital city in the world and saw that being able to obtain literature (all kinds) would be essential for the intellectual growth of the population. He was right, his plan worked and still does.
Sorry to go on but the subject is dear to my heart as you would have guessed.
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Libraries do depend in Florida on either the city or county. When in Winter Park, we had an outstanding library.. funded entirely by the city.. at the beach, the county there loved libraries and used them to always have community rooms etc. They also dealt with the AARP tax volunteeer programs which was a huge help. However Lake county where we now live, only likes developers and people in business. No senior programs at all.. and the old substitute library was way too small, but very welcoming. It is only this new monstrosity that is awful indeed.
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MARYZ, maybe you and the 'friends of the library' should get very active come next election time. 8)
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Have those of you who have a connection to people w/ Aspergers read "Song of the Gorilla Nation?" It's a wonderful autobio by a woman who has A.S. It is a fascinating story of a teen-ager who just couldn't make it in a classroom and spent many, many days watching the gorillas at a local zoo, while she was living on the streets. Watching them taught her how to interact w/ others. The keeper saw her there over and over again and offered her a job.................there's a lot in between, but she is now a PhD and teaches at a college in California. Even if you do not have a connection w/ someone who has A.S., it's a wonderful story and well-written......................jean
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Babi, we all try at election time - but these folks are SO entrenched in their districts. And we each surely try with each of our representatives.
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Steph: Was it you who mentioned reading the David Fulmer book? He has a new one just
out 1/09 and I got it today at the library. Haven't started it yet. It is in my TBR stack.
The title is Lost River.
JOY
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Joy,, Yes, I like him very much. Fulmer writes about New Orleans at the turn of the century. His detective is fictional, but some of his characters are real people. The mix is fascinating. He also mixes in the music of New Orleans. A joy to read.. Not prissy however. He calls a spade a spade in more ways than one.
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MARYZ, I totally understand. Before moving here, I lived in a town that
for decades was the political battleground between two men. The office of
mayor alternated between the two; no one else had a chance. The result was
that the city government was always more interested and involved in the
political feud than the needs of the citizenry. I moved one town away and
the difference was remarkable!
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Mabel,
Thanks for the heads up about the book and the AS girl. I will pass on your info to my friend whose daughter as it.
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Just a shame what the government can do. Makes you wonder what your local government will do if they get any of the "stimulus" or "bail out" money, doesn't it???
Reminds me of the pastors who put the congregations in debt while building a wonderful church for themselves. And it does happen! Lots of politics there also.
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This is a plug for summer reading, about a small town, Lumby, and its character/s. Lumby Lines (Gail Fraser) is the name of the book and of the weekly newspaper. The Sheriff's Report is regularly included. Here are some samples:
3:18 am Deer vs car, Saturn totaled as was deer. . .
7:05 am John Morris reported three medium-sized dogs were trying to down a moose calf. He shot at them and they ran off.
8:19 am Reverend Olson reported one bullet hole in the bathroom window at Holy Episcopal.
This is a fun book, sometimes I laughed out loud. A couple decides to re-settle in Lumby. They are not quite prepared for the town and its effect on them. How many times has the idea of opening a B&B popped up? This story and its sequels is sort of a funny Jan Karon type book, also think The Egg and I,
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Jasckie,
Sounds really good . I am going to look for it.
Joan Grimes
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Another read I am enjoying is The Mountains of Saint Francis by Walter Alvarez. I spent most of my life in the SF Bay Area and learned to love, almost, earthquakes. The earth has become a living being to me, with its twitches and rumbles, worthy of respect. I moved to Oregon, the Willamette Valley, where volcanoes gaze down on us, profoundly beautiful but extremely dangerous. I've been to Mt St Helens and peered into the mighty scar where it blew its top. Around me everywhere are the remnants of volcanic eruptions dating back thousands and thousands of years. My daughter is an amateur geologist and I have learned much from her about the science. Alvarez' book tells about his life as a young geologist, studying the history of Italy in its rocks and valleys, its rivers and volcanoes. He has led me gently into the development of this science by men who looked around them and questioned what they saw. Rome, Siena, Gubbio, Via Cassia, this is the land that birthed a science, geology, and revealed the evolution of the living earth long before Darwin's studies on the volcanic islands of the Galapagos.
http://www.amazon.com/Mountains-Saint-Francis-Discovering-Geologic/dp/039306185X
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The Gail Fraser sounds fun.. Will look for it. Need a laugh or two.
We got maybe 3/4 up Mt. St. Helens and the fog closed in in early May.. So we turned back. It is a beautiful drive though. We did get to see the lava in Hawaii many years ago and walk on the fields.. warm to your feet. Best place to observe it was from a boat however.
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"Lumby Lines" does sound like fun. Unfortunately, and surprisingly, a quick check of my library indicates they have no Gail Frasers. ?? I could swear I had seen some there. I'll check again when I go in this morning.
Speaking of government 2-for-1 projects, my small town did something that I think was really smart. Our newest government building is a combo theatre/courts building. One bi-i-i-g room is a courtroom on weekdays, but is
available as a theatre evenings and weekends. I think that's rather neat.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Oh, I like that idea, Babi. When we lived in Atlanta, the Jewish temple shared their building with a Baptist congregation. A Jewish service on Saturday and a Baptist service on Sunday. They also worked out the use of the building thruout the week. I thought this was an excellent idea.
I really like the idea of that courtroom being used for a theatre. Are there live plays put on?? They need to do all musicals and comedies so that the air in that room gets some positive energy. |
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Not quite the same idea but close. Near where I lived in San Jose a Catholic church and a Jewish temple shared a parking lot, buildings located at opposite ends. It made a great place to take my daughter for her driving practice before she was skilled enough for regular traffic.
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Just brought "Lumby Lines" home from the library. The whole series is there so I anticipate reading them in sequence.
I'm fourth in line for "The Help" and 40th for David Baldacci's "First Family".
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I'm afraid I get no personal benefit from the theatre, ANNIE, whether musicals or otherwise. Since I've lost the last of my hearing, my entertainment is confined to closed captioned TV and movies. That works fine for me, tho' I do
admit to a bit of regret when I hear of a fabulous new singer that I'll never hear.
Still, as long as I have my mind and my eyes, I'll be content enough. I can still
read..and think!
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Mrssherlock, I remember The Egg and I. What a riot! It was a long time ago, but I still remember her neighbor who "specialized" in boiling dinner. If I remember correctly, she (the neighbor)made prodigious amounts of macaroni. Lumby Lines is on my TBR list. After finishing these Wallander books from the PBS Mystery discussion I could use a little fun.
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Antimy little caveat bout the Lumbly stories, Fraser has little concept of geography; she places Lumby in eastern Washington, 12 hours from Seattle!
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Jackie, that's similar to the trip the main character in James Michener's "Centennial" makes in the last chapter.
He leaves the fictional town of Centennial, located east of Ft. Collins/Greeley, after an early breakfast, goes through the mountains to Breckinridge, down to Alamosa and is in Durango for a late lunch. I don't think so!!!!!!!
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what a neat idea.. Courtroom and theater. Never saw one, but it sure sounds interesting.
Finished Bleeding Kansas. I love Sara Paretsky, but that book was way past weird. Never really connected with any character. But I still love VI
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BOY WHERE IS EVERYBODY.??
i TELL YOU you need to be 55 not 75 to move into a senior living apartment. You are supposed to downsize and instead we brought eveything and are trying to stuff it in.
I have been reading Patterson and just finished The Marriage Game by Fern Michaels.
I have been trying to read Henning Mankell's Sidetracked, am having a very hard time with it, just can't seem to get into the story.
What are you all doing and reading.
I keep trying to remember to put that Lumby into my Kindle and see what comes up.
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JUDY: I had the same experience. Especially books! I brought only a fraction of my books, but still most of them are in storage.
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Joan one of the plus'es about moving here, they came up to the house and said they would buy new shelves and accomadated my library. I was very happy and they did just that.
All my books are on the second floor and I am on the third.
Although I have 3 book cases here that are full hehe
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I do envy both of you. I have a husband who wont even look at retired communities. Darn.
Been reading mysteries since we are on the road in the rv and it is sometimes hard to read until just before bed.
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I finally finished "Sidetracked" and didn't really like it. The second one, "One Step Behind" was better as a book. I did not like the Masterpiece Mystery's take on that book. Ralph has read all three and he says that 2 & 3 were the best.
We watched "Poirot" last night and as always enjoyed this sharp little detective. I see that they will present another "Poirot" on this Sunday and then the Agatha Christie mysteries begin. I am looking forward to them.
I am reading "Song Yet Sung" by James McBride for my F2F group for July. Its really good and so different. Really keeps up ones interest. McBride wrote "The Color Of Water" which was a bio and excellent if you haven't read it yet. Do so!
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I took "Home to Harmony" along when family went out of town to a relative's funeral - and finished it by the time we got home. Loved the story!!!! I was riding in the back seat and my son kept peering at me in the rear view mirror because I was chuckling out loud as I read.
I may find it hard to go back to "Lumby Lines" because I think it's disjointed and hard to sort out.
I had said I was way down the reserve list for "The Help" and "First Family" - but they were both ready for me to pick up last Friday. I've just started "The Help".
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JUDY, I had a similar problem with David Fulmer's "Chasing the Devil's Tail".
The background re. New Orleans' 'Storyville' district was interesting, but the
story itself was rather slow and dull. I did learn the origin of the word 'jazz',
but I didn't finish the book. Decided I had better things to do.
I think you meant the Miss Marple mysteries begin, ANNIE. Poirot is definitely
a Christie character. If you like a book that is different, I can recommend
"The Book Thief", by Markus Zusak.
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Thanks Babi
I am glad to see someone else had trouble with Sidetracked. I thought it was very hard going.
I don't like to work at reading a book.
I am now reading a book by Jordan Dane. Evil without a face and so far its a keeper. Starts out in Anchorage.
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I love al of David Fulmers books, but you are right.. The history is the fascinating part. The mysteries are not all that great. There are a few that are nice.. I like the attitude of the people.. I am sure quite true for the time and place.
I am finally on the new Elizabeth George. Thank heaven, it is about Linley. Could not finish the one on the killers.. Simply did not care for any of the characters..
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Hi Judy,
Are the boxes all unpacked??? ::) Hope Don is feeling better and enjoying the new place as much as you seem to be.
Steph,
Glad to hear that I am not the only one who enjoys Elizabeth George books. Haven't read this new one with Lynley or the one about the killers??? What are the titles?
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Right Ann the boxes are all unpacked, actually we moved like gypsies throw something in the car and take it down the hill. UGGGGGGHHHHHHH. They say moving a short distance is hardest of all and I believe it. Don is getting worse by the day. Dr and I both said he couldn't go on the trip he's going on tommorow but he's going.
What a price to pay for me tho 12 days by myself in this afule place hehehe
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The new to paper Elizabeth George is "Careless in Red". It is about Linley recovering. Interesting thus far.
What Came Before he Shot her is the story of the killer and I hated it. Finished maybe 1/3.. One of those.. ah, the poor person, he had no advantages and I hate stuff like that.
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Oh, Judy,
12 whole days??? Whoa, I am envious of your vacation all by yourself!! hehehehe!
Steph,
OH, I don't like those killer mysteries either. But I do like the Lynley stories a bunch.
I must tell you all that I am enjoying an audio tape of a Dorothy L. Sayer's book "Thrones, Dominations" with Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane and I am loving it. I wish they would do these on TV again. The reader is the actor who played Wimsey on those old PBS-BBC shows, Ian Carmichael. This is a new book/story and is actually written by Dorothy L. Sayers & Jill Paton Walsh. On the back of the book/tape holder, it says that
"Dorothy L. Sayers was one the first women to graduate from Oxford University and is deemed one of the greatest mystery writers by the LA Times. And, Jill Paton Walsh was entrusted by the Sayers' estate to complete the manuscript left titled but unfinished by Sayers at the time of her death. She is the author of Knowledge of Angels, A Booker Prize finalist as well as two literate mysteries for adults and numerous award winning childrens books. "
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I read What Came Before he Shot her . I will not say I enjoyed the book because no one could have enjoyed reading it but the writing was great and I could not put it down until I finished it. I was glad that I read it. I have Careless in Red in the large print edition and the book is so big and heavy that I cannot hold it to read it. I payed so much for that book right after it came out but I am thinking about buying the kindle edition because I really like Elizabeth George's writing.
Joan Grimes
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Kindle is becoming as ubiquitous as Ipod. While listening to an interview with the coach of the winning LA Lakers, I heard how he assigns reading lists to his players for those long road trips, long flights. When questioned about his own reading habits, he explained that he had several books waiting on his Kindle which is so convenient to take while traveling.
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I'm finishing Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult for my f2f book group meeting this Friday. I enjoyed it, but not as much as her later books.
I'm also reading The Alienist by Caleb Carr and have enjoyed it enough to be willing to read another mystery series starring Sherlock Holmes: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King. (I'm not usually a mystery fan.)
For next month our f2f book group will be reading Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky.
Nancy
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NANCY, I have very much enjoyed the Laurie King series about Holmes and
his new 'assistant', Mary. Mary, of course, is a very sharp young lady. Holmes
would not have been interested in her, otherwise.
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Re: the David Fulmer books-----
I LOVE the setting for his books --New Orleans---as I live in Baton Rouge, BUT---his newest, LOST RIVER, was just too graphic for me. I returned it to the library after reading about 25-30
pages.
JOY
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HI, JOYOUS. GREAT NAME!! I agree with you about graphic books. But are his others good? I don't know him?
WEho is the author who writes about a freed slave in New Orleans in the 1800s? Does anyone know?
GOOD TO SEE YOU, ABERLAINE!. I loved "The Alienist". I think you'll like the "Beekeeper's Daughter" too. It's good to see Holmes getting as good as he gives.
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Think maybe the author is Barbara Hambly for the freed slave.. I love Fulmer.. He is so evocative of the era he writes about. I love the mix of real and fictional characters. I have only read two of his books, because he is hard to find in used..
The grief in Careless in Red is done so well. Elizabeth George is truly a good writer.
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I'm not a regular poster but I need to tell you - I'm reading a most amazing and witty novel and want to recommend you at least look at the Amazon reviews. Never read anything like it.
When to Go into the Water: A Novel (Paperback)
by Lawrence Sutin
When to Go into the Water (http://www.amazon.com/When-Go-into-Water-Novel/dp/1932511725/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243473170&sr=8-5)
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Is it funny or sad or true or just what..
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The reviewer definitely has a way with words, too, Marj. 'Witty' usually
appeals to me, depending on one's idea of witty, of course. ;)
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Having read the reviews, I reserved that title at my library. They only have two copies but I am #1 on their list so will have it by next week. The reviews were tantalizing and witty!! hehehe!
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Hi, MargV. I'll see if my library has it.
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My library doesn't have it Marj, but I'm soon headed to Seattle and they've got great bookstores, used and otherwise there. Will look.
JudyL, did Don get off on his trip? I sent you an email. HOpe the new address is working for you.
I'm on a Christie kick because of the PSB summer programming. Finished Pocketful of Rye and am now into Cat Among the Pigeons. Wish I had a Kindle to take to Seattle. But I am taking Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski, that my Seattle daughter gave me for Christmas. Set in Thailand. Includes prison and suicide. Not sure it's my cup of tea, but will give it a try. It's a novel, but apparently based on Berlinski experiences.
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Have fun in Seattle, Pedlin. I adored it.. But then I couldnt live there, I could not surive without sunshine. Spent 10 years in New England and spent every single winter seriously depressed.Finally learned I havfe some sort of stupid thing that makes my body crave sunshine..
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You certianly could not live here if you don't like the rain.We have it in buckets.
Very nice now Sun every day and I think its supposed to be nice through the 4th of July week-end.
I am reading a book by Patricia Cornwell called Cause of Death and its an enjoyable read.
Its about deep sea diving.
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Steph, John has that, too (Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD). He's gotten a very bright flat-panel light that sits on a table. He sits in front of that in the wintertime while he reads the morning paper. Did you ever see the episode of Northern Exposure where the guy has SAD, and he becomes addicted to the bright-light-visor that is prescribed for him. :D
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Hey, Judy,
Hugs to you and hope your 4th is a great celebration, with fire works and all!!
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Steph, my boyfriend discovered his SAD accidentally. He likes the shore but burns easily so one year he decided to try tanning ahead of the season in an attempt to keep from getting sunburn. He began to notice that his depression lifted when using the tanning booth. However, since I haven't looked into the wave lengths of tanning booth lights as opposed to lights specially for treating SAD so I can't comment on the true effectiveness of the tanning booth.
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I think using the lights are cheaper, Frybabe. I have one near my computer and near where we do jigsaws in the winter. It comes in handy and while preventing one from getting SAD, its light lights the puzzle so well that we can work it at night. Regular lighting doesn't allow that! Tee hee!
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
I need the sun too - luckily Australia has plenty of of it - three consecutive days of cloudy skies without any sun is about the limit here -but it's enough for me to start going gaga. It's not enough to see the sunshine outside I have to actually be out in it. I'm fair skinned and burn very easily so summertime is always a hazard. |
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I am lucky in that I live in Florida.. and on a lake, so I just walk the dogs and keep happy. Live right up from a lovely walk-run-bike path..
Not quite done with Nineteen Minutes.. A puzzling book in many ways.
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Boy I'm missing being home in florida right now Steph. I think it has rained 10 out of the 14 days we've been here in upstate New York. Reading the paper this AM on the porch it was only 60. BRRRRRRRRRRRRR
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Yeah, Alf, its cold here in Ohio also. I was wondering if it will warm up for the 4th of July. We have had lots of rain, too.
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I'm from upstate New York, too, and we've had quite a wet spring and summer so far. Only three days of sunshine, I think. Everything is soaked. And, we had a few thunderstorms with winds and hail come through last week and devastate many of the gardens. Our jalapeno pepper plant is gone and two of the four of our tomato plants don't look like they're going to make it.
I have a light box in our garage, packed away for the summer. I'm thinking of getting it out again. Both my partner and I are fighting SAD right now - in July!
I've just started Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovski. Interesting so far. It's about the bombing of Paris during WWII and how the Parisians fled the city.
Nancy
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Nancy,
I really enjoyed reading Suite Francaise.
Joan Grimes
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We are still in upstate New York.. Association Harbor and it is still raining and cool.. We went to Sacketts Harbor two days ago. Had lunch in a delightful outside restaurant under large cool trees. Beautiful little village, although mostly tourist stuff..
Then yesterday it poured, but we had committed to a tour out of Alexandria Bay of the Thousand Islands. Great fun between raindrops.. The islands and thehouses are quite fascinating. Still cool today and rainy off and on.. Seems like the sun simply does not want to appear. Monday we will depart for Cooperstown.. I love that place and the lake.
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I sure enjoyed Suite F also. Amazing novel.
Glad some of you will be getting When to go in............... You will find it such a tale and an interesting way of pseudobio. I had never heard of that author before.
It's just wonderful to me that there are new authors to discover and new books to read.
Happy 4th to the USAers. Belated Canada Day greetings to CAnadians.
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Oh Steph,
I know you must be enjoying Upstate NY. Enjoy Cooperstown and tell it hello from me. I love it !! Theron and I used to go there when we we took our annual visit to Up state NY. The summer before he died we took his daughter and grandson over to Cooperstown from Mt Upton where they live and spent the day there. I remember having lunch in a restaurant over looking the lake. He was born and reared in Upstate NY. I really miss being able to get in the RV and go up there. Of course I still miss Theron horribly and I always will.
Have fun Steph. You have fun up there too Alf.
Joan Grimes
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Ahhhhh, Cooperstown is one of my favorite places also. Its the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame plus it has that gorgeous lake and James Fenimore Cooper's home to tour plus an opera company lives there in the summer. Wish I could see one more time!
Yes, Steph and Alf, do enjoy upstate NY. Its so beautiful!
My daughter and family live in Ithaca and I spent much time there when the children were younger. They are both married now.
We also have good friends in Utica near the Erie Canal.
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Oh Ann,
I love the area around Ithaca too. I love the Erie Canal...all of that American History that pops into my mind when riding through the area. We used to talk about all that as we drove through the area.
Cooperstown and James Cooper we discussed him and his writing when we wen there.
What a beautiful part of the world!! What beautiful memories I have!!
Joan Grimes
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When we lived in New England, we used to come to Cooperstown every summer for the opera. So this is quite a sentimental journey for us.. When we leave there will go on to Hyde Park. That is a place we have never been. I am looking forward to Roosevelts museum and house and Eleanors house.. The Culinary Institute ( even thought I cannot get the reservations for dinner) and we also hope to go to West Point..Although I am getting conflicting advice on whether you can just go or have to be a on a tour.
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HYde Park was very interesting to me. I visited it many, many years ago when my 1st husband and I took our children on a long camping trip up through NY and into Canada. Theron and I did not ever have a chance to revist it during our travels in the area.
Joan Grimes
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Our daughter went to Coprnell and my husband and I used to combine visits to her with exploring the nearby areas. I loved the area. (of course we didn't do it in the Winter. Ithaca is in a "snow shadow" and doesn't get much snow, but not so surrounding areas).
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Oh, JoanK,
I am familiar with that snow in Ithaca. Spent several Christmases there. First no snow one Christmas, then as soon as Christmas was over, down the snow came on my husband, son and SIL as they tried to put up a huge TV antenna. What a job that was, in all that snow and wind!
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I would only come up here in the summer. I like the idea of snow, but not the actual snow.. That is, the first snowfall is beautiful, but after 24 hours, it tends to get fairly ugly. Last December when we did the river cruise in Germany for the Christmas Markets, it snowed one evening and we were on the boat and it was magic.. The next morning, they had to shovel out the pier in order to get us off the boat and it rapidly lost its charm.
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But Steph, wasn't the "magical" memory worth the wait?
Just a quick note - Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book - (voted for discussion by many of you several months ago) - will begin on July 15. Though travelling abroad, the author has agreed to communicate with us and respond to our questions, via email. We are quite excited about it.
Join the Prediscussion going on now, so that we will be ready to hit the ground running on the 15th. You'll find us right here - People of the Book (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=557.80)
For those who need more information about this book -
You'll fall in love with Hanna Heath, Geraldine Brooks' edgy Aussie rare book expert with an attitude, a loner with a real passion for her work. How could she refuse this opportunity of a lifetime, the conservation of the beautifully illustrated Sarajevo Haggadah, the mysterious Hebrew manuscript, created in Spain in the 15th century?
The invitation will bring Hanna into war-torn Bosnia in the spring of 1996 and then, into the world of fine art forgers and international fanatics. Her intuitive investigation of the manuscript will put her in a time capsule to medieval Spain and then back to Northern Australia again with a number of stops along the way. This is based on the travels of an actual manuscript, which has surfaced over the centuries since its creation in Spain.
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What is the name of the light you use to combat SAD?
Evelyn
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Evelyn,
Here's link to the light that I use.
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/light_therapy_13_ct.htm?gclid=CKW96t-ywZsCFRd75QodpwXU_w
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I like the option of using bulbs instgead of having to buy a light bos; they cost much more than I can fit into my budget. Thankj you for this resource.
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Evelyn, I went to a locally owned drug store - the kind where they sell canes and braces and post-mastectomy supplies and still compound prescriptions, etc. They had one, and I bought ours there. It is about the size of a flat-screen monitor screen, on a stand. It was, as I remember, about $200+ , but John really needed to have it right away (IMHO), not to have to wait while I shopped around on the internet and waited for shipping.
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Oh me, yes the memory of the snow falling on the water and the next morning forming icicles and snow everywhere. One of those things that will forever be in the brain.. But it was funny the next morning to wqtch a very unhappy crew shovel.. It was a German Boat and I will never do that again.They do not run the very nicest boats. Everything is run like a clock an dnothing is just sort of laid back.. Sort of ruins the ambience of the trip.
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But they do clear up the snow well in Ithaca. It falls one day, and the streets are clear the next. This was a revalation to me, coming from Washington DC where a snowfall sometimes hangs around causing trouble for weeks.
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It is funny. Washington regards itself as a southern city and no matter how many times it snows, they seem to regard it with horror and try to ignore it. I grew up in Delaware and they use to do a much better job of clearing their snow. My cousin went to college right outside of Washington and we used to laugh about the snow crisis every winter.
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STEPH: you're absolutely right. It's better than it used to be. It used to be that one snowflake, and traffic would be in an instant traffic jam. Now, it takes at least a dozen. ;D
Where did your cousen go to school?
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U.of Maryland at College Park.. class of 1958....She loved it. I went to the U. of Delaware since my Dad decided he wasnt letting me out of the state ( I grew up in lower Delaware). I used to sneak off and visit her.. Much more relaxed campus than ours.
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Yes, my husband went there as a graduate student and I taught there for a semester. A lovely campus. And I'm still a fanatic fan of their basketball teams, especially the women.
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Finished an older book last night. Plantation by Dorothea..etc. It was her second book and not quite as good as most of the others. Too many complications in this one and too much gushing over male beauty. Hmm. boy am I grumpy
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If I'm not mistaken, Persian taught at the U. of Maryland for many years, tho'
I'm not sure which campus. That would probaly have been after the period
your cousin was there, tho', assuming she is approximately the age the rest
of us are.
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I lived in Ithaca for 22 years. My kids grew up there and went through the school system. Worked at Boyce Thompson Institute right across from the Vet School. The last ten years I commuted from Elmira up Route 13 - not much fun. I miss having state parks around me. I especially loved lower Treman Park and the walk up to Lucifer Falls. Now my joints won't let me make that kind of climb.
I've started reviewing the first part of People of the Book and am getting excited about starting the discussion. I love reading a book twice because I pick up so much more detail the second time around.
Nancy
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Aberlaine
My daughter has lived in Ithaca since 1983 and would never leave unless her asthma gets so bad that she has find another atmosphere to reside in, like Arizona, New Mexico etc. She works on the edge of campus at Telluride House. Her kids were in the alternative public schools, the elementary being downtown, and high school, being up on the hill from the three way split roads. I used to know that town so well, even knew the names of all these things I have mentioned but time flies and my memory has flown out the window. And we just attended our grandson's wedding last June. Oh well, its not important.
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Is that "three way split roads" the dreaded "octapus"? My husband and I drove through it once, and then avoided it like the plague!!
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Give that lady the prize!!! Yes, thank you JoanK, it was called the dreaded octopus. I got used to it since I was the taxi for my daughter whenever we visited.
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Aberlaine,
My sister lives at the upper end of Treman, close to Trumballs, Corner. My best friend has relatives in Elmira. Small world.
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Sounds like we have Ithaca and environs surrounded with friends and family. My granddaughter(an Ithaca citizen) went to Colgate in Hamilton,NY. My next door neighbor who grew up in Elmira, tells me her husband also attended Colgate. And that same next door neighbor use to be Annafair's(our poetry lady here on SL) neighbor! Its a small small world, for sure!
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Getting ready to head off to Corning this morning. Plan to do the Museum of glass and other noted sights. I do love the Museum, but then MDH and I are glass fanatics. One of the biggest highlights of our western trip in may was in Tacoma..The Museum of glass there is truly a special place.
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Thanks for clarifying that bit about Joan and the broken glass, ANNIE. I'm
glad no one was hurt.
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Steph,
We have been through the Corning glass museum about 6 times over the last 30 years but what I want to mention here is that they were doing some rehab work on it plus a huge addition was being added about 7 or more years ago and I am interested in knowing how much it has improved.
Also, while you are in Corning, don't miss the other art museum which has three floors, each dedicated to one thing and not to be missed. The top floor is all western collected by the former president of Corning, the second floor is all antique toys and the first is lots of local art and more glass. Can't remember the name of the museum but you can't miss it.
Babi,
Glad you understood my reiteration on the glass in the bedspread. Hahahaha!
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We love the Corning place!!! Have been there twice. John's cousin lives nearby in Owego. The last time, we took two 15-year-old grands, and did one of the hands-on classes. Fun.
Come to Chattanooga. There's a terrific exhibit on at the Tennessee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of Art combining glass pieces and jellyfish. Chihuly is one of the glass artists represented. It's a fantastic exhibit - especially the part at the Aquarium where the glass is displayed with the jellies. A definite WOW!
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Oh Steph! I love Corning. It is just wonderful. We vistied there when we attended the SeniorNET bASh which took place in Williamsport , PA.
Annie , are you referring to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. Here is a link to its web site. http://www.rockwellmuseum.org/
You must visit the Rockwell museum while you are in Corning too Steph. It is a wonderful museum.
MaryZ, I would love to come up to Chattanooga to that exhibition at the Hunter Museum of Art. I adore Chihuly.
Joan Grimes
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (judy1007@comcast.net)
Gosh, I haven't been up to the glass museum since before Corning divested itself of the CorningWare and Pyrex lines. I especially used to like watching the LampWork and Glass Blowing demos. Not to mention the gift shop.
We've been by the Rockwell Museum I can't tell you how many times but never stopped in. George is not big on art museums, but it isn't hard to get him to stop at glass, auto, rail and other museums centered on science and technology.
Williamsport, JoanK? That must have been before I discovered SeniorNet or I would have been there. |
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Yes Frybabe, Williamsport, Pa. The Bash was just after the 9/11 attack. But I am Joan Grimes not Joan K. Joan K was not there.
Joan Grimes
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ADOANNIE and maryz,
Thanks for the info on the full-spectrum lamps for SAD. I changed most of my lamps to full-spectrum because I have trouble reading, but I think these are different and much brighter. I'm going to check into them.
Right now, the sun is shining brightly here everyday, but come Jan. and Feb. we get clouds and rain every day, and the "gloom and doom" sets in.
Evelyn
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OH, MaryZ, I was at the opening of Chattanooga's aquarium back in the '90s. Took my two grans who grew up in Ithaca,NY. We just loved it. And we have been back two times. And Chihuly is involved. I know its a good exhibit if he is around. Our Botanical Gardens Conservatory is just this week redisplaying a Chihuly exhibit that was bought for the city by some very rich people about 6 yrs ago.
JoanG,
Thanks for the name of the Rockwell Western Museum. Its a place to see.
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JoanG, come up any time. We'd love to see you!
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The museum looks quite extraordinary.. Chihuly..Ah our favorite glass artists. Will put Chattanooga on our list.. His bridge of glass in Tacoma is wonderful.
We hope to do the Rockwell as well. I was somewhat confused as to who he was, but saw some informationlast night downtown on him.. I will say that the Gaffer district where the museum is is a funny place. We finally found a restaurant downtown that wasnt closed,but it was horrid..Ugh.. Three of the restaurants on the little downtown map were closed.. I am not fond of Brewery type restarants.. and a tapas did not appeal.. Lots of spectacular gift shops though.. Mostly all glass of course.. also downtown is full of motorcycles... teens wandering around in large groups.. Not the kind of thing to make older people happy about walking.
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Steph,
I remember that we had a hard time finding a good place for lunch the day that we were there. I remember now that our lunch was terrible.
Enjoy the glass and the Rockwell.
Joan G
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Even out here in the "wild west", we get to see both Chihuly and Rockwell! :)
Click here http://www.okcmoa.com/exhibitions/dalechihuly-theexhibition (http://www.okcmoa.com/exhibitions/dalechihuly-theexhibition) to read about the Chihuly permanent exhibit at The Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The yellow/golden two-story piece (shown in a thumbnail) is in the museum entrance and is spectacular to see if you drive by at night. (You might enjoy some of the other links, too.)
In 2004-05, there was an extensive interactive Rockwell exhibit at what was then called The Omniplex in OKC. One of the most fun things about it was the photo-ops in settings of the various Saturday Evening Post covers. You could even put on outfits similar to the ones in the sketches. My grandchildren loved it.
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Callie,, Last year we were in the RV out west and went through Oklahoma City.What a delight. We went to the museum with the Chihuly installations and ate in the little cafe in the museum. We also went to the Cowboy museum which is truly remarkable.. Lovely city..
Went nuts in the new Glass museum.. They have a new installation of contemporary glass artists. Wild.. We loved it.. bought a small original piece.. Spent almost all day there.
Columbus, OHIO has a lovely older Chihuly installation at the Botanical Garden building. We spent a lovely afternoon there several years ago.. Very nicely done building, but the installation needed cleaning. That is the trouble wit glass. Needs care
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Several months ago we had a vote for Individual Book Discussion Titles - and you all voted for Dickens' Mystery of Edwin Drood, which we hope to discuss in September - and Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book, which starts - TODAY!
Hope you didn't forget - we're waiting to hear what you think of Brooks' protagonist - Hanna Heath. If you haven't started the book yet, that's okay too. The author is travelling abroad on an international book tour this month, but promises to try to respond to your questions via email if she can. Please do come over and say hello -
People of the Book (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=680.0).
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Mary, I've seen some of the Chihuly glass, via internet, and WOW! definitely
defines it. I'd love to see it 'live'.
Hmmm,..it would appear there is definitely an opening for a good restaurant
in the Gaffer area of Chattanooga. Someone enterprising young chef ought to
jump at it. There are a number of good eating places in the neighborhood of
the major Houston museums.
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Has anyone read any good novels lately?
I just finished the best book I've read this year -- SARAH'S KEY by Tatiana de Rosnay. Riveting! It's so good, it's hard to believe it's her first novel. It is a remarkable historical novel which brings to light a disturbing and deliberately hidden aspect of French behavior toward Jews during WW2. From the first page on I found it very hard to put down, and will be looking for her next book.
Marj
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The House on Fortune Street, by Margot lvesey, has left me with strong memories of its characters and situations. The accounts of different people who share the same event, a la Rashomon, is not a unique way to tell a story. Livesey has taken the concept and given it a twist by recounting the events which bring together several people from the point of view of each one. Abigail has acquired a housel, through inheriting a small fortune, where she lives in the top and lets the lower flat. She is in the theater and shares her life with her lover, Sean, a writer who is working on his dissertation of Keats. Her lodger, Dara, is a friend from St. Andrews, where they met and bonded over their laundry, who counsels abused women. This banal-sounding premise expands to form a small unverse of finding, losing, hiding love. Believe me, this is powerful and riveting.
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THE HOUSE ON FORTUNE STREET sounds delicious, Jackie. I'm adding it to my TBR list, right up there with the next two I'll be reading -- THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett and SEA OF POPPIES by Amitav Ghosh
Marj
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Ah yes, The Help. Meant to put that on my list but forgot, thanks for mentioning it. Tell mer about Field of Poppies, please.
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I just finished The Help recently and enjoyed it. One of the few this summer that I have enjoyed.
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Steph, we may be visiting John's cousin in September, so maybe we can check out the Corning museum again. Thanks for the update. The first time we were there, the piece I wanted to buy was the most expensive one in the place. John says I have impeccable taste. ::)
Babi, we love all the new restaurants we can get. And we're getting more smaller ones that aren't chains (our favorites!). But I'm at a loss. I don't know what they mean by the "Gaffer area" of Chattanooga. ???
I went to help out at the library today by "deprocessing" some books being discarded by the library. Most of them go into the Friends of the Library book sale. But I found an Ivan Doig book that I wasn't familiar with, so I grabbed it. Just had to pay the regular book sale price of $2.00.
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For those of you planning trips to Ithaca and Corning, and if you're wine lovers, don't miss the Finger Lakes wineries that line both sides of Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake. It's so much fun to taste their wine before you buy it. I try to get to a few of them each summer and restock my wine "cellar" (actually a wicker basket) for winter.
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SEA OF POPPIES by Amitav Ghosh is being read this month in an online book discussion group I belong to.
Per the New Yorker, "Ghosh's best and most ambitious work yet is an adventure story set in 19th century Calcuta against the backdrop of the Opium Wars." Per Publishers Weekly, Starred Review, "Diaspora, myth and a fascinating language mashup propel this picaresque epic of the voyage of the Ibis, a ship transporting Indian coolies and others to Mauritius (an island off the Indian coast east of Madagascar) in 1838. The is marvelous and the plot magestically serpentine, but the real hero is the English language which has rarely felt so alive and vibrant."
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In my post above re SEA OF POPPIES, the last sentence should have read "The cast is marvelous ...."
Marj
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The Gaffer area is in 'Corning,NY.. Gaffer is glass speak for the master blower.. Yesterday was up toWatkins Glen and then on to several wineries. Watkins is great fun. A nice little town on a glorious lake and we had fun in the wineries. We had already done the top level around Geneva weeks ago when we were up there and now have finished the bottom tier.. Altogether have two cases of a varied types of wine.. Mostly white and blush.. I am a believer in red being better in California and of course France.
Took notes on all of the books.. My list acquired on this road trip is getting way too long. Whew.
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Steph, I hail from that area of New York State and one year Bill was working on the Painted Post School building and we lived in a campground in Watkins. I loved the winery tours and all that the area provides. Have fun.
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Thanks for the info., STEPH. I've heard the term 'old gaffer' before, and
always thought it simply referred to an old man. Maybe if does, now, but
it's interesting to know where it came from.
Sea of Poppies does sound good. I remember someome posting about
"The Help" before, but I don't remember now what it was about. ??
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I agree Babi, I thought a gaffer was an older man, but it seems in the glass business, it is a specific term.. Who knew??
We are now outside of Lebanon, Pa. at a not particularly nice campground, but wanted to explore the area a bit. My granddaughter would like a quilt for her birthday and thought this might be the place. We are off to the Lebanon farmers market today and has discovered there is an old Iron Foundry in Cornwall, Pa, that is open to the public. Thought that might be interesting.
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Hey Steph, you are getting mighty close to me.
If you have the TIME, stop in at the National Watch and Clock Museum off Route 30 in Columbia. At the bottom of the page, below the address is a link to mapquest directions. It is only a couple of blocks off Rt. 30 and easy to get to. I just love it. http://www.nawcc.org/index.php/museumlibrary
The Lebanon area is pretty country but, like a lot of places it has gotten a bit touristy. The Strasburg Railroad Museum is great and there is a Toy Museum not to far from it.There used to be an Auto Museum close by too, but I heard it closed.
If you are heading east, the Moravian Tile Works and the Mercer Museum are must see. They are on the same grounds. Here is a link to the tileworks. http://www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/Tileworks/index.aspx
If you are heading west, there is lots of goings on at Hershey. Hershey Park, auto museum, Hershey Rose Garden (haven't been there since I was a kid), tour the chocolate factory. And then there is the Gettysburg Battlefield past me.
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Frybabe - you sound like your in my growing-up-neck-of-the-woods. I grew up in Shippensburg, so i know the area well. Also, my son went to Gettysburg to college and played in that football league of FandM, Dickinson, etc.there's a college in almost every town, I love that area of the country. ....................... .........jean
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I grew upin Delaware and alot of our boys in the 50's went to the small boys colleges around here. Lehigh,F and M..etc. etc. I know the Lancaster area pretty well. We have come through there several times and done most of the stuff. Also Gettysburg.. We are acting heading down 81 to 77 to get home.. Lebanon is sort of an ugly town where we were, the farmers market is nice, but is mostly prepared food. We bought stuff for dinner tonight. No quilts anywhere.. Kait will probably have to wait until our next trip that covers amish country. There are mennonites quite close, since we passed a mennonite school on the way into the campground.. But no farm signs, etc. Darn.. Iam having a horrid allergy attack, but we may at least drive to Hershey today,, probably do some stuff, but not the park.. Went to a wonderful Iron Foundry yesterday in Cornwall. Lovely tour.. Beautiful buildings.. Wow..
Watch and Clock.. Will look up route 30 from here..My husband is a watch freak.
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Mabel, I grew up in the on the "West Shore" of the Susquehanna River, in New Cumberland and Mechanicsburg. Now living in Enola. My sister and Mom are now living on the "East Shore" in the northern Harrisburg suburbs. They don't see me very often ;D I hate driving around on that side of the river even though it only takes me 15 minutes to get to their places. ::) My guy did his ungrad work at Shippensburg and PhD at Lehigh. I was pretty bummed about Dickenson selling out to Penn State.
Steph, shame on me. I've never been to the Iron Foundry in Cornwall. I hope you can find the time for the Watch and Clock Musuem, but if not perhaps next time.
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The Watch will wait untl next time, since MDH wanted to see the Hershey Rose Gardens.. We went, but were disappointed. Weeds, no dead heading... and mislabeling. Someone in charge is not doing a good job.. Oh well. they were beautiful and smelled wonderful.. But what a zoo.. Hershey is just one huge traffic jam.
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Oh Steph, that is soooo disappointing. I haven't been there in years. Have you been to Longwood Gardens since they remodeled it? I really, really would like to go.
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Have not been to Longwood in so many years. Since I originally came from Delaware, used to go there as a kid. I have many friends who still live in Delaware and I know they go there especially at Christmas time.
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Frybabe - my first teaching job was at Wm Penn H.S. in Harrisburg, when it was still a high shcool. Loved the job and the city. Had relatives on both the "east" shore and the ''west shore" - lemoyne, and i lived in New Cumberland the last two yrs i taught at W.P.
My husband and i are both grads of Shippensburg. Did Dickinson sell everything to Penn ST? My impression was that P.S. only took over the law school.
Steph - i can't believe you couldn't find any quilts, even in Shippensburg there is a shop that sells quilts and we're on the fringe of "Amish country" and the closer you get to Lancaster County the more likely it would seem that you could find them.
We're planning a trip to Longwood gardens soon. They have light and fountain displays at 9:00 at night and we haven't seen those yet. We'll probably go on to Lancaster, it has become quite a tourist town w/ music venues and lots of shops and arts and crafts, plus the outlets - however, i 'm not much of a shopper, so the outlets don't draw me by themselves.
Milton Hershey would be very upset about the rose gardens, they used to be beautifully kept....................jean
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jean, we've seen one of the light/fountain shows at Longwood Gardens. You're definitely in for a treat! Enjoy!
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Got a beautiful quilt in Harrisonburg Va. Now to hope that Miss Picky likes it. Who knows. I was really startled about the no quilts, but then we ate in a restaurant that said Amish and it was as amish as I am, that is to say..not at all. I was heartbroken, I wanted chicken and slippery noodles, dried apple pie.. all of my childhood favorites. We did find a breakfast place that had scrapple, but they fried it to death. Darn.. We went to Lancaster a few years ago and had a blast. There are many tourist havens, but the back roads, still have the old quilt and woodworking and jam signs.. Fun. Also found a wonderful pottery in some little town close to Lancaster. Just beautiful stuff. Got the daughter in laws and myself wonderful pitchers done with a deep blue decoration on the gray .. Lovely
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Good heavens, Mabel, I grew up in New Cumberland. Well, that is until we moved when I was 14 or 15 to just outside of Mechanicsburg. I started ninth grade at Cumberland (Cow) Valley. I thought I would die because I wouldn't be going to Cedar Cliff.
When I was a little'un the family made the trip over to Italian Lake a few times. How beautiful it was then. After the Canada geese took over, it became a slippery mess. They finally got rid of most of the geese a few years back and it is now nicer to walk around again.
Steph, up along Rt. 15 between here and Williamsport, there are a few places you can stop and buy Amish quilts. One of them actually hangs her quilts outside by the road. We often stop at a general store that serves the Amish community up that way, complete with buggy hitching posts. I am glad you have been able to find one, finally, even though it wasn't in PA.
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Frybabe - did you ever see the May Day ceremony that the Wm Penn students held on Iralian Lake? It was beautiful - a motorized swan bro't the "May queen" down the lake and students who were on the honor roll were the court and the girls wore pastel gowns. They had two May poles and dancers who wrapped them. I lived on the lake for the first 2 yrs of my teaching at Wm Penn and walked around it to go to work. Did you know that it was a CCC project in the 1930's? It was so pretty w/ the little Japanese bridge across the middle.
Those darn geese have ruined many places in the last 20 yrs. Here in Moorestown, NJ we also have a lake that was a CCC project - Strawbridge Lake - yes, named for the department store people whose family owned the property at some point in history. It became impossible to walk along it until they hired some geese chasers, but i have a feeling they aren't in the budget anymore.........
Well, to some "book" discussion - I'm disappointed in the 15th Evanovich, very slow, too much description about her feelings about Joe and Ranger and a strange "driving around" checking out Ranger's properties to see if they might get broken into ??? There are some funny bits about Lulu and Grandma trying to make bbq sauce and a pressure cooker blowing up, but overall it's not one of her best. I'm also finally getting to Shem Creek which some of you recommended and i'm loving it, a very nice description of Mother/dgt relationships. Frank is becoming one of my favorite authors............jean
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I also like D. B. Frank and just finished her newest Lowcountry one - "Return to Sullivan's Island". It's not quite a sequel to "Sullivan's Island" but has the same characters.
The general plot is good but I didn't much care for the story line about the main character.
I think Evanovich needs to develop a new set of characters to write about.
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Just finished The Alienist by Caleb Carr and would recommend it highly. Set in 1896 New York City, it's the story of one of the brand new and not yet accepted police psychologists who profiles a child serial killer. One of the minor characters is the new NYC police commissioner, Theodore Roosevelt.
Nancy
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Mabel, No I didn't the May Day procession. Sounds like it was great fun.
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Nancy, it's always amazing to me the history and bits of information one can pick up in fiction. I did not know that Theodore Roosevelt was once a NY police commissioner.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (Judy.1007@live.com)
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I loved the Alienist and Carr wrote another about the same period.. Both excellent.
We did see the quilts on Route 15, but when you are 35' long and towing a car, you cant stop along the road any more.. Then we crossed over to the other side and I could not convince the other half to go back in the car.. Oh well.
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There is a mystery series, about a new york woman who is a midwife which has Police Commissioner TR as a character. Can't remember the author. She is from wealth, meets an iIrish policeman when her physicianhusband is murdered. Her family and the Irish family put obstacles in the way of their budding relationship. Very good color about early 20th century New York NY.
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Wasn' t there another book entitled "The Alienist"? I seem to remember somethng by that name,
buit it's been quite some time ago.
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JACKIE: I read a number of books in that series, and liked it. But I can't remember the author or names. The names of the books had place names in them.
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GOT IT! I remembered that one of the books had Gramercy Park in the title, and Fantastic Fiction gave it to me: it's Victoria Thompson:
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/victoria-thompson/ (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/victoria-thompson/)
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I like Victoria Thompson very much. Think I have missed just one of hers and have been trying to find it. An interesting writer. TR is simply background in that one.. The Alienist , he is more of a character.
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I am addressing this message to anyone here who can give me a fairly thorough answer. I know all you wonderfully smart ladies, former librarians, professors, teachers, etc. can help me out here. I have a lot of books on writing and so on, but I want to know if you can give me a list of the various types/genres of novels/books; i.e., historical fiction, classics, (I think I know all the various mystery genres) but you're welcome to add those too. Biography, autobiography. There's one called "mystical" something or other. But just a nice complete list for me. Oh, I would so appreciate this. I find myself sometimes trying to tell someone what genre a book is, and unless it's one of those I've listed here, I am at a loss and feel kinda "duh". Or send a link to someplace on line that I can get this info.
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Cant help on the genres list. I know there are places on line that can help though.
My printer is giving me fits.. Darn...
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I'm choosing the book my book group will read in August. I've chosen Snow in August. Has anyone read it and did you like it?
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Nancy, the title Snow in August was ringing in my ears, so I googled it to see why. It's a Pete Hamill --- writes about New York. It sounded familiar because a lot the bookstores I visited in Seattle this past month had it on display. Did it just come out in paperback? Anyway, while browsing I came across a guide. Link below ---
Snow in August study guide (http://www.bookrags.com/shortguide-snow-in-august/)
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Tomereader - have you seen this site?
http://library.ci.manchester.ct.us/ra/readnext.html
Some good librarians apparently put it together. Lots of different genres....................jean
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JACKIE: looks great. Would you post it in Mystery Corner: it's definately slanted toward mysteries.
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Thank you, Mable. I had seen the site, and even put it in my favorites. Just didn't think about it.
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I have that in favorites too, but forgot about it.. Too many things in the favorites lists for me to remember at this point.
Still wandering about in two different fantasy books.. Both excellent.
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I just finished Shem Creek by Dorothea Frank..............some of you talked about it here many months ago and i just got to it. I loved it! She writes about Mother/dgt relationships as well as Mary Alice Monroe and w/ more humor and wit. And, of course, that geographical area of Charleston/SC islands/beach just adds something, like another character, to any book. I tho't her juxtaposition of SC w/ north Jersey made for an interesting environmental contrast. I loved each of the human characters. She does a good job of describing the personalities and each was different, just like us. She does a good job of writing the "dialect" of each character - the teen-agers, the tensions between Duane and Louise and the conversations between the sisters. It wasn't a book i was compelled to read straight thru, but it keep my attention and even tho i knew what the outcome was going to be from about page 50, i still wanted to read the story............................jean
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I'm enjoying a new book by Linda Howard called Burn. I've had a hard time putting it down. It's been a long, long time since a new book captivated me as this one has.
It's kind of a mystery/espionage sort of thing...though the reader knows more of what's going on than one of the main characters does.
If you've read her Cover of Night, you'll know what I mean about her books.
jane
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Jane: You've given me a new name to look for. Dara Horn's All Other Nights has a young Jewish Union soldier crossing into the enemy territory of New Orleans where he is supposed to assassinate his uncle, a top advisor to the cconfederate government. His arrival at his uncle's house, clad in the grey uniformsalvaged from the dead, occurs on Passover, hence the title. I enjoyed Horn's In the Image but didn't get very far in her The World to Come. So far this one is keeping my interest. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/dara-horn/
My sister alerted me to the novels of Elizabeth Adler, AKA Ariana Scott. The Secret of the Villa Mimosa is quite a nice thriller with missing heirs and travels from Hawaii to the Italian Mediterrean; The Last Time I Saw Paris is a sexy romp where a middle-aged First Wife tours Paris with her new love, a younger man. She had planned the trip as a second honeymoon until she was cavalierly dumped by phone from China where her physician husband is making headlines with his new sweetie, a noted pediatrician, as they dedicate a new hospital. The Property of a Woman is another in the thriller vein with Russian kGB, Ameridcan CIA, Romanoff-era Russian nobility's jewels,ultiple identities, great fun. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/search/?searchfor=book&keywords=
Jon Loomis is a professor of literature whose published works were poetry books. Lately he has branched out into the mystery field with High Season and Mating Season starring police detective Frank Coffin. The setting is Provincetown, called P'town here, where there are more high jinks that one could imagine, mostly sexual. Seems P'town is a meccdfa for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans genders. Frank is straight (as is the author) but he has a view for the ludicrous told with tongue in cheek. These are not for the faint of heart but they are not outright raunchy; people's actions are described and much is left to the imagination. Funny. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/l/jon-loomis/
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Funny and weird.
We once knew a couple who refused to visit p-town.. Convinced they would get dreadful diseases.. Sad,, but stupid. Great town, beautiful beaches.. and as for the gay community.. You should see Key West.
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Finished The Tenth Circle by Picoul, and really enjoyed it.
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"..though the reader knows more of what's going on than one of the main characters does."
That tends to aggravate me in a book, JANE. I get to the point where I'm saying "Aw, come on!", when the characters are overlooking the obvious.
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Meant to mention before. Went to a library book sale in Chataqua,NY on our trip.. I feel upon a Jessamyn West.. This one is her sole version of short stories. Crimson Ramblesrs of the World, Farewell. I loved her and have pretty much every single book she ever wrote.. She wrote light quaker type things originally, but later in life. she turned to a different sort of fiction.. "The Life I really Lived" says a lot about how to live ..and the one she wrote about her sister and her death ( cannot remember the title, but I did look it up and this was her real sister) was a wonderful book on dying..Anyway.. in a homage to writers we used to have,, she was my favorite.
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I remembered her when you mentioned her sister's dying. Very moving. Had forgotten about her.
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Jane - i love LInda Howard, thanks for letting us know about those books. .......... jean
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Nancy, the title Snow in August was ringing in my ears, so I googled it to see why. It's a Pete Hamill --- writes about New York. It sounded familiar because a lot the bookstores I visited in Seattle this past month had it on display. Did it just come out in paperback? Anyway, while browsing I came across a guide. Link below ---
Snow in August study guide (http://www.bookrags.com/shortguide-snow-in-august/)
Thanks, Pedln, for the study guide. I've had this book on my "To Read" list for quite a while. I didn't know it had come out in paperback. My book group likes to choose older books because most of us get them in the library rather than buying them.
~~ Nancy
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Having a wonderful time with the short stories. Jessamyn wrote ageless stories.. They were written in the 40's and are still just fine. Amazing.
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jean...neat to find another Linda Howard fan!
jane
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Count me in I am another Linda Howard Fan
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Someone mentioned Mrs. Fytton's Country Life by Mavis Cheek, my library had it, and I've read it. It is a delight. Not quite farce it is a look at the life of a First Wife as she decides to live in an English country village as her ex and Wife #2, plus her teen ofspring, settle in to suburban life in Wimbeldon. If you saw the movie "Tight Little Island" then you know the kind of laughs the Brits are so good at. She has written several novels, ssome of then are in my library's catalog. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/mavis-cheek/
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I'm almost finished w/ "An Uncommon REader" what a delightful little book. ............. jean
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Jean,
I loved that book. It is truly a delight.
Joan Grimes
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Still reading the Jessamyn West.. Until this allergy attack clears, reading is not easy..
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I'll have to see if my library has Mavis Cheek, JACKIE. Her book sounds like
something I would enjoy. I like most British authors and British settings very much.
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Babi - have you read The Uncommon Reader? It's about Queen Elizabeth II and what happens to her and the people around her as she takes up reading. I know that sounds ho-hum-so-what, but it is delightful and made me think about my own reading journey. My Dad always called me lazy because when i didn't have any special chore to be doing, i was sitting or lying somewhere reading a book - the court begins to have similar tho'ts about the Queen always having a book w/ her and how she is neglecting her other tasks....................jean
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Yes, I did read that book, JEAN. I did enjoy it, tho' I found it hard to imagine
a Queen who had done very little reading. But on reading the book, I had to
admit that the daily schedule for royalty is probably pretty full, with little personal time. Tch, tch,...imagine disrupting everyone's routine that way by
taking time off to read. ;)
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Oh I have put The Uncommon Reader on my list. Sounds fascinating.
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Dara Horn's All Other Nights was cxompelling; it tells the story of Jacob Rappaport who becomes a Union spy during the Civil War. http://www.darahorn.com/ Jacob is torn between his love of America and his loyalty to his fellow Jews as the Army manipulaes him into one potentially lethal adventure after another. This one is worth your time. Horn's research yeilds fascinating insight to the lives of the civilians in the south from slaves to the social elite.
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I thoroly enjoyed "The Uncommen Reader". It is an easy read, and quite interesting.
Sheila
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Amazon has shipped my Grey Gardens, so will get to see if in a few days.
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I'll have to read THE UNCOMMON READER, Sheila, on yours and Jean's recommendation. I read and liked his THE HISTORY BOYS which was made into a good movie.
Marj
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (Judy.1007@live.com)
My Grey Gardens book is here. It is written by a close friend who actually lived there for a while. She was also in the movie, the squib says.. |
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Didn't we read The Uncommon Reader here (or on the old site) sometime last year. I had a look in the Archives but couldn't find the discussion. It's a small book but has a lot of content and is very telling if you follow up the references to the books the Queen reads and know something about the royal court and the way it operates.
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Yes, we did. Can't help you with the archives though. They're a closed book to me. ???
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Gum, I just looked for Uncommon Reader, too, but I think we read it 2007 or later, and the archives seem to include only the SeniorNet titles we read prior to then. It was a neat little book.
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after many references to The Help by Kathryn Stockett I was eager to read it when the library notified me that my copy was ready. I don't know where to start. One thing is the characters keep popping up in my brain. I miss them already. I want to know what happens next. ALthough it was painful reading some parts, others were funny. I think I'll never eat Chocolate Cream Pie again! And the Take Your Seat incident; wish there were pictures.
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I think a few book discussions were lost around the time SN went bottom up. We're lucky to have so many - thanks to whoever saved them for us.
JoanK : The archives are as simple as Click Click Click ;)
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Strong endorsement, JACKIE. I'll have to see if my library has "The Help", but
I will be grieved if the book ruins chocolate cream pie for me. Not that I've
eaten any in a long time, but still.... :(
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Hmm, the very thought of chocolate Cream pie makes my thighs expand.. But oh I do so love chocolate.
Am reading a most unusual book. It is about a man who is close friends with a particular group of Amish ( very strict types). He writes of them and of one of the children who left them to join what they called the English ( thats anyone who is not Amish). Very interesting indeed.
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Jackie,
Yes " The Help" had some extremely painful parts but I really do miss the characters too...It was a book that really grabbed me and I miss it. I don't get that kind of reaction to most books that I read anymore and that is what I keep looking for in a book.
Joan Grimes
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I wonder if she will write a sequel?
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judy thanks for referral. I just downloaded the sample o riding lessons by sra gruen to my kindle. i have water for elephants in print but it is hard for me to read ow. I blow kindle books up six times, the max and even then need ot only glasses but occasionally a strong magnifyer. my macular degeneration is movig on again for a while it didn't and then there are always those not quite ready cataracts. I'm reading a really good free kindle book right now called parenoia about corporate spying. . . fiction and hard to put down.
claire
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I am reading slowly olive kittredge one story at a time. there are thirteen of them and so fair the first two are excellent. I'm saving them.
claire
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I was not fond of Sara Gruens elephant book, but loved the riding lesson one.. When my glasses broke while we were away, I used magnifier glasses to read. My back up glasses did not have the right prescription for reading. Boy was I mad.
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Winsumm, I had a really hard time with Olive. I did not like her. I tried. I just did not like her. I read the book, because it was well written and had been recommended. And, I often prefer short stories or self-contained chapters, because of time. Do you like the character?
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There are very few short story writers that I like. One if Bobby Mason, who writes short stories many times with one person used.. She will have her at differeent ages, etc. Thats interesting.
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Steph, I haven't read any of Bobby Anne Mason's short stories, but have enjoyed some of her novels, In Country and Feather Crowns, the latter about quintuplets born to a pioneer family. Just looked up Mason on Wiki --In addition to being a journalist, she has a PhD in literature -- dissertaton on a work by Nabokov.
I have to return Olive Kitteridge to the library, but it should be easy to pick up again, seeing as how it's mainly short stories. Nlhome, I can see what you mean about not liking her, but I haven't read enough yet to make a decision. I've been reading while travelling and sleeze (Dubus' Garden of Last Days) won out over bitchy.
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it's been a while but I liked the book and the way the stories filled in the details of that little slice of life. Olive herself was not a likeable charater but she lived among epoepl who were.
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do i like olive. no but she is the focal point for all these stories. the setting is where she lives and she has an impact on all these lives. she herself is pretty hard to take but that is what she is supposed to be.
claire
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I've just started Olive Kitteridge. As long as I keep in mind that these are dissimilar stories with one character as the thread, I can read each one without trying to connect them to each other. So far, so good.
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'Sleeze over bitchy'. Gee, PEDLN, that's a tough one. ::)
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Hmm. sleeze and bitchy.. Are you describing Jackie Collins?? As I remember she specializes in that sort of stuff.
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I want to remind everyone that THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD discussion starts tomorrow. You'll find it at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=693.80
The book has mystery, possible murder and . . . comedy! The text is available online or you likely can find the book in your library or bookstore.
I hope you'll join us. If you read the book, you'll also be prepared to talk about THE LAST DICKENS with author Matthew Pearl who has graciously indicated he'll participate with us in the discussion of his book in October. Matthew Pearl's book is an exciting mystery with romance and intrigue.
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I am now reading Kathryn Stockett's "The Help" and I understand what everyone has been saying about her characters. They are so real, so believable. I have a hard time putting it down. And of course there is more
than one character I would love to give a good smack and a good 'talking to'.
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I'm hoping for more "Help".
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I keep hearing about Help, but have not done anything to see if I could find it.
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When I first started reading "The Help", I thought it was going to be just
another book on the racism theme. While it is that, I found the characters hold my interest completely. It's well worth finding, STEPH.
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My library has 6 copies of "Help" and i've been keeping an eye on them on the on-line catalogue, they've all been checked out for months - guess that's a good thing. I'll wait a while until it comes off "the new book" list and then i can have it for a month instead of just 2 weeks............can't wait, it sounds enticing..................jean
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I am going to read it, but I may wait until paper.. Easier to hold and read.
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I've slowed down my reading of "The Help". I'm nearing the end, and I don't
know what kind of ending I'm going to find. On top of that, I'm going to be
reluctant to say good-bye to some of the characters I've met here, esp.
Aibilain and Hinny.
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Babi: That is quite a dilemma when the story is so good you can't put the book down but the closer you get to the end the less you want it to end.
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Oh, I do love books that I like the characters and dont want the book to end. Harder and harder to find nowadays.
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Well, I've come to the end of "The Help" and I think the ending was just as
it should be. Ms Stockett didn't make the mistake of have everything come
out 'happily ever after', but it did on tje right note. My favorite people came
out a bit stronger, facing some life changes with strength and confidence.
Definitely a book I would recommend.
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Just starting a new book.. "The Heroines".. Got it from Bas Bleu and it looks like a good read, although a bit unusual.
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Steph: Tell us more about The Heroines, please.
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The Heroines so far.. The narrator and her mother run a boarding house.. Besides the regular guests, fictional heroines come and spend a few days or hours. Her Mother does not tell them, she knows their stories and keeps all book locked up in the attic. The narrator is 13 and she does not like it when the heroines come because her mother spends more time with them. The outcome of the stories is unaffected and the heroines just need a rest.. Just now a prince or villain has appeared ( hard to tell which, not a heroine that I ever heard of) and the narrator is with him.. Very fantasy and diary like. It is fun, but oh me,, different indeed
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Steph: You've got me hooked.
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Hang on Jackie, it is a wild ride . At this point, I suspect a rereading at the end will help. Very very complicated in layers. Who the heck is Deirdre.. She is Irish fictional character and I have never heard of her.
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Steph -Who the heck is Deirdre?
Sounds like you're referring to Deirdre of the Sorrows. She is THE iconic tragic heroine in Irish mythology. There are many variations on her story...beautiful, promised to marry one, sought after by many, runs off to marry Naoise who is supported by his brothers -plenty of fighting for her and for her honour - her man and his brothers are killed -Conchubar still wants her but is afraid she has lost her beauty - she hasn't - eventually she kills herself or dies of grief or...or...
A classic Irish myth.
If you're interested -John Millington Synge wrote a play about her - Deirdre of the Sorrows - tragic and brilliant
W.B Yates also did a play about her just called 'Deirdre' I think
There are others too as well as the classic tales in Irish folklore - there's even an opera...
Now can you tell me who wrote this book 'The Heroines" please? I might just try to get it.
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Thank you.. So now I know why the hero/villain is called Conor..I will have to tell you the author tomorrow. I am upstairs, my book is downstairs and so is my company.. If I go down, will have to stay. I am sort of hiding out.. Too many people for the last two weeks.
Our heroine has ended up in a nut farm..i.e. sanitarium.. A very odd one with a very odd doctor indeed. She has told someone about the heroines, which earned her a threat of electro shock.. Hmm. This book is way too strange at times. She cannot decide if she likes or hates Conor, but wants him to save her, but then she is 13 and they are not known for any common sense whatsoever.
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I've been reading a lot but not liking most of it.
Its hard to get used to a place like this and we aren't useing it to its fullest.
I just read a book called Travels with Doris. Its written by a man who
lives up on the Plateau in Redmond and its a true story of their travels
during their 70's and 80. They travel with no reservations and a pack weighing
about 20#. Very interesting not my cuip of tea but interesting.
Read Susan Wigg's book Just Breathe and couldn't put it down. I really enjoy her books.
For my mystery of the week I read Married to a Stranger by Patricia MacDonald.
I enjoyed it and now I am going to take them down and put them in the library.
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (Judy.1007@live.com)
OK.. The Heroines is by Eileen Favorite. She has written short stores, poetry and essays before, but this is her first book.
I will have to reread it after the first time through.. But some of it is lovely. Scarlet made a brief.. very brief visit to the house.. Now there was a heroine I would have liked to meet. Frannie from Salinger was a favorite of the characters in the book.. Still in the nut house.. no real reason that I can quite detect.. |
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"Heroines" does sound very odd. I can't decide whether I'm interested or not.
I'll continue to check out the various posts until I get a mental 'yea' or 'nay'.
???
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I keep reading, but oh my, this is one odd book.. Sort of fun, but I have to read slowly on this since the plotting is truly dense.
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I got Heroines from the library, but for me, it was difficult to get into. I'm not going to finish it at this time. Most of my reads have to be pretty realistic.
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Yes, heroines gets further and further, but for some reason I am drawn to the fantasy part. I have a just turned 14 granddaughter and I note that that age is not quite close to what is real or not real.
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I was enchanted by the audacity of Heroines' plot. The author caught the misery of being thirteen, conveyed the message that women are vulnerable and must be able to take risks for their freedom from abuse, and left some of the magic of losing oneself in a story.
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I am beginning to like Albie in the Heroines. He seems the most grounded of all at this point. Conor does have honor.. just of a different time. I loved Hester and Pearl.. A new way of looking at the story.
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Let's start the day with three bits of SeniorLearn information you may find of interest:
1. We are already hearing from the author, Matthew Pearl in The Last Dickens discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=71.0) which is scheduled to begin on October 1. Even if you haven't read Dickens' last novel, you will find much intrigue in Matthew's historical fiction which takes place AFTER Dickens death. (You'll probably end up wanting to read Dickens' unfinished novel after spending time with Matthew.) If you think you might like to participate, please stop in The Last Dickens discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=71.0) TODAY!
2. We have a proposal to discuss Pulitizer Prize winning author, Richard Russo's latest novel, That Old Cape Magic (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=73.0).
Described by Bookmarks magazine as "a novel of deep introspection and every family feeling imaginable, with a middle-aged man confronting his parents and their failed marriage, his own troubled one, his daughter’s new life and, finally, what it was he thought he wanted and what in fact he has."
" what it was he thought he wanted and what in fact he has" .
This is a subject that gets my attention every time.
If you think you might like to join us in November, please let us know. If enough are interested to form a quorum, we can put it on the schedule. You'll find the discussion here - That Old Cape Magic (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=73.0)
3. Last, but certainly not least, we are nearing a vote for upcoming book discussions. There's still some time for nominating a title that you would like to see included in the vote. We're waiting to hear from you in the Suggestion Box (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.80) right now! We'd love to add some of the titles you have been discussing here.
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I have begun reading Geraldine Brooks "March". It is a pleasure to read, as
I have come to expect from Ms. Brooks. She is really, really good.
I'm still not sure if it's a book that we would want to discuss, simply because
it covers an era with which most of us are already familiar...the Civil War. I
can certainly recommend it as a book to be enjoyed. I'm withholding opinion
as to whether there is enough material to talk about for a month.
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I have March on my list, but am so far behind on what I have just now.
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i have Help on my kindle I hope I can get around to reading it soon.
Finished Linda Howard's Death Angel and enjoyed it.
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Bookmarking my place.
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Went to first.. a neat Used book store in Oldsmar, Fl. and then Haslams in St. Pete yesterday. All in all, way more books.. Sigh.. I need an intervention..The books are taklng over my chair.
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Should we start "Books Anonomous"?
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LOL, Steph and Joan. You are right. We need a support group and intervention.
I have no more room for more books, even though all rooms but the bathrooms have wall-to-wall bookcases and I've even got books stored in boxes. Yet I don't want to part with any of them.... and I still go first to the book section whenever I'm in a thrift store :-(
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I guess we're all birds of a feather -we have way too many books - love books - want more books - can't resist books - Perhaps intervention is required - but please not just yet - I've got a stack of new books to read first...
And Marcie... the book section is the very reason to go into a thrift shop in the first place. Never know what might be there... ;D
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The book section is about the only place I go to in a thrift store, MARCIE.
I also check out to see if there are any jigsaw puzzles available in a size I
can put together on my card table. Other than that, my only find/buy was a
huge box of a gourmet cookie mix. Lasted for quite a long time, I'm happy to say. ;D
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I love thrift shop books.. Sometimes find an oldie but goodie as well as more current stuff. But we also have a consignment shop here and that is a wonderful place to find lamps, etc at affordable prices, gently used and much much nicer than I would pay for originally. No books though, but still a favorite of mine togo through. I got a beautiful end table there last year. Oriental, black with insets of the figures covered in a thick glass top. Love it and people always remark on how neat it is.. So.. now you know my secret for shopping.
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Working for the government where everyone's pay scale is public knowledge as I did for many years we developed a kind of reverse snobism. It was a major coup to find a treasure at a thrift shop. One co-worker discovered a red silk suit with a Dior label for $20! She looked like a Vogue model in it, too. Of course thrift shops have treasures but I like estate sales the best for the house and for books. Used to be I never left an estate sale without at least one cook book. My collection was formidable!
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Estate Sales in very very nice areas of towns are great. We once lived in a town, where when people tired of furniture in maybe two years, out it went at estate sales. The bargains were incredible. I owned a used book store then and a good deal of my books came from estate sales.. I had well over 250 cookbooks at one time of my own. But now that I am trying to make life less complicated, I am down to maybe 50..still too many, but I wont give up my Julia or James Beard ones ..
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I didn't have all that many cookbooks, but I recently had to throw out
several of them. They were so old the covers were damaged, the pages were
yellow, and I suspected the spines of harboring bugs! I've also discovered
that some of the older books cooking times are no longer accurate with
modern appliances and cookware.
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My favorite cookbook was a Fanny Farmer that I bought back in the mid sixties. It was a paperback, so it eventually fell apart from use. The only time I could make a good pie crust was when I followed those instructions religiously. I have been cruising the used book stores for a hard cover for the last three years, no luck. It would help if I remembered which edition it was. I have a newer version which has been reformatted and I don't like it so much.
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My Joy of Cooking fell apart, too, and I lost some treasures I had written at the end of the chapters where there was space. One was from an inn on the Northern California Coast, Elk Grove Inn. A wonderful eggy confection like a pancake called Eierkuchen. I would make it in summer when the strawberries were ripe and we would eat it for supper. I couldn't make them fast enough. This was BC (before computer).
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But the crucial question, FRYBABE, is..does the newer version have the pie crust recipe? :(
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I have two favorite pie crusts.. One is Julia's.. She does it in the cusinart.. Works really well. Another one came from an old old cookbook from the 60's.. It uses wesson oil for the fat and you roll it between wax paper. Foolproof.. I have a Fannie Farmer, but I think mine is from the 80's..
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I don't like the format of the newer Fanny Farmer Cookbook, but I suppose (notice I never compared) they recipe itself is the same. What I do like about the newer version is that it gives ingredients for several different sizes of pie dough batches. What is missing (unless it was in my old Farm Journal book) is the recipe for a whole wheat flour pie dough. I used to make that a lot for apple pies and for spinach/ricotta pies. I have been mostly a microwave gal for at least 15 years now, since it is mostly just me. I would like sometime soon to replace the range with huge oven that is sitting in my kitchen with one of those smaller oven (perhaps convection/rotisseri style) and a two burner cook top.
I ran across this book, Icetopia while cruising around. Looks interesting. Going to put it on my to buy list. Has anyone read any Arthur Herzog books?
http://www.amazon.com/Icetopia-Arthur-Herzog/dp/0595309534/ref=sr_1_85?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253642591&sr=1-85
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That book sounds like one I would like but my library doesn't have it.
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I read cook books for recreation. That said my favorite recipe reading for several years has been Cooks Illustrated Magazine and its sister publication Cook's Country. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook's_Illustrated
A recent issue described how they had tested more than 100 variations of a recipe to determine what not only tasted best but what procedure produced the best results. Another recipe was for perfect pie pastry which included Vodka as an ingredient.
Vodka is essential to the texture of the crust and imparts no flavor—do not substitute. This dough will be moister and more supple than most standard pie doughs and will require more flour to roll out (up to 1/4 cup).
If you would like to read the entire article on this pie dough it is the November 2007 issue. Most libraries carry it.
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My Farm Journal Pie book is soooo old.. I think from my 20's at least. I still love it and make many variants from it.. Just need to cut back on the sugar.. The pie crusts are all wonderful.
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mrssherlock, yes! I like the cookbooks that recreate recipes mentioned in literary works although I only have two: Dining with Sherlock Holmes, and The Cat Who Cookbook. I am sure there are more out there.
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I have the Nero Wolfe cookbook.. Recipes are way way too fat oriented, but the book itself is fun. The most fun is Peg Bracken...she wrote several. I hate to Cook and another on housework.. Both a joy
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I think I had that "I Hate to Cook" book. It's been a while back and no
longer survives. I think she is the one who wrote that cheese is never a
'leftover'. Cheese, she insisted, is a staple. I totally agree. I also got
a laugh out of her comment that her contribution to pot lucks was always
the cold drinks and chips.
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The I Hate to Cookbook has the BEST banana bread recipe - tastes like banana, not spice cake. My Grandmother gave it to me when I got married.
I think I am in the mood for a fiction book that isn't a crime/mystery or a gooey romance. Any suggestions?
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Frybaby: Have you read Help? Some of us are reading Geraldine Brooks: March, Year of Wonders. Olive Kitteredge is a book of short stories connected only by the appearance of the title character in each one. Philippa Gregory writes historical novels about the henry VIII period and has a new one The White Queen about the Plantagenets and Elizabeth Woodville.
What do you like to read about? There are so many I could recommend but what interests you is a good starting place.
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I read "The Help" and would consider it the best book I have read for 2009. It's worth the wait if you get it from the library on request as they have waiting lists hundreds long.
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I ran across mention of The White Queen just yesterday, but didn't check out what it was about. Looks interesting since I recently got interested in the period after reading Shakespeare's Richard II. I am particularly interested in the Welsh participation in the events leading to and during the War of The Roses. I think I will add that to my to buy list along with The Tudor Rose: The Story of the Queen Who United a Kingdom and Birthed a Dynasty by Margaret Campbell Barnes
On my TBR pile: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Dracula, Frankenstein, two Paul Sussman books (adventure?), and a volume of Rumpole of the Baily stories. I suppose they quallify. I should probably read what I have first.
Just found this on Amazon. Looks good. It partly about the Jewish roundup and deportations in Paris in 1942 and what happened to them and their property. http://www.amazon.com/Sarahs-Key-Tatiana-Rosnay/dp/0312370849/ref=pd_sim_b_2
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I read Sarah's Key; it was very good. Sometimes the books I have waiting just don't appeal at that particular time.
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Oh, good, JACKIE. You have "March". Do let me know what you think of it
as a possible discussion book once you've had a chance to get into it.
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Depends.. I am reading a mystery that is not bad, and for laughs,, A Terry Prachett. He always makes me laugh.
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An interesting item:
On the Paperback Trade Fiction list from the NY Times
THE LOVELY BONES, by Alice Sebold. (Back Bay/Little, Brown, $14.99.) A girl looks down from heaven as she describes the aftermath of her murder is #16.
Looking back I see that Lorrie led a discussion of that book in Jan "03.
http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/archives/fiction/LovelyBones.htm
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (Judy.1007@live.com)
|
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I recently finished Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg. It was, for me at least, thought-provoking and comfortable at the same time.
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I loved the book, found another she had written earlier that was supposed to be true as well. It is being made into a movie..
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A Special Announcement -
We've just opened a poll to assess interest in a number of titles for upcoming Book Discussions.
IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION, the titles in the header of the Suggestion Box (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.msg41589#msg41589) are links to reviews.
PLEASE MARK AS MANY TITLES THAT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO DISCUSS in depth in the coming months. (We're looking for a number of titles)
WHEN YOU ARE READY, THE POLL IS HERE
(http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=GY5huAKPlhGJzIlGtuN3wQ_3d_3d)
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I also loved Home Safe. Thought provoking and comfortable, NL that's a great way to describe it.
Sally
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Anyone reading anything interesting in general fiction. I tend to read mostly Scifi and mysteries with true stuff mixed in.. But love general fiction if it is not romance types.
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I keep chastising myself for belonging to three different mystery book groups on-line, i.e. I forget who suggested what, or what I might have suggested. LOL!
At any rate, I suppose you nice folks will forgive me if I suggest a mystery author, new to me, that someone suggested, somewhere!
Beverly Connor. She writes forensic investigation mysteries, and has two series: the Diane Fallon one, and the Lindsey Chamberlain. The Fallon series, Diane is the director of the Rivertrail Museum of Natural History in Georgia. I have read two of her books thus far, and really enjoy them.
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Always glad to learn a new author, TOMEREADER. It will be interesting to see how Connors' Fallon compares with Reichs 'Bones'.
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Will check my bookswap club for Beverly Connor.Sounds interesting. I think I have read at least one of the books. Not quite sure.
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I am so caught up in "Bones" the TV Program. What a wonderful mix in the ensemble. Except for the title character andf her occupation, it is vastly different from the books by Kathy Reich. Stop You're Killing Me (SYKM) has mysteries classified by various categories and there are scads of authors who write about anthropologists. One of my favorite occupations, especially since Indiana Jones. If I was entering college these days, Anthro would be my major but Library Science would be my ultimate goal. With tons of English classes, especially literature.
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PS: Look here for more: http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/JobCats/ArcheologyAnthropology.html
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I know my husband watches and likes Bones. I watched a few times realized it was nothing like the books or the original character and really do not watch often.
However I love NCIS and loved last night with Ziva as the main focus. The woman who plays her does an excellent job with repressed emotion.. Interesting.
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I read one or two of Reich's books, STEPH, and found I like the TV "Bones"
much better. I stopped reading Reich and stayed with 'Bones'.
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I'll join the group - I prefer the TV Bones to the book version.
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On the other side of the aisle, I like the books better, but enjoy the TV series as it's own special personality. Didn't like it at first, as they changed too much from the books. But decided to ignore the changes and go with the flow of the series. Love the characters on the show.
What is everyone's take on having "Sweets" take on a bigger role in the show?
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I am a big "Bones" fan. I have been hooked on it since the beginning. I have never read any of Reich's books, but am thinking of getting the first Temperance book. After reading your comments, I may rethink that. I usually prefer books to movies especially if the movie or program differs radically from the book. I am enjoying the program so much that I don't want anything to spoil it. I also enjoy NCIS.
Sally
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Sally: Rxcept for sharing the name and occupation the two are totally separate. I enjoy both as if they were unrelated.
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Tomereader, at first I didn't care much for "Sweets". I really liked "Gordon, Gordon" and wanted him to continue his role (I wonder why he didn't), but "Sweets" has really grown on me. It's interesting to see how all the characters develop on this program. The writing, character development and the sense of humor make watching this program a delight.
Sally
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I agree that if you look at just the tv show, it is not anything like the books. They simply share the name Temperance Brennan.. The books are quite french canadian in feel and North Carolina for when she is home.. I like that. Also of course the ages are quite different. Reichs said in an interview that she views the tv Tempe as the young Tempe and the books as the older more seasoned one.
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I think 'Sweets' role is a perfect counterpoint in the series, TOME. He
does seem ridiculously young for his position, and is constantly being
evaded by the more robust characters, but it adds an element to the series
that had been lacking. Everybody else is an 'A' type.
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And don't you just love the way they have been rotating characters in and out for the Assistant...the too talkative one; the latest one who faked his Mid east accent; etc. I truly hope they don't decide on a permanent one, as these temporary ones have been such a hoot!
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I watch Bones, also. I didn't realize that it was inspired by a book. Thanks for all of the information here. Tomereader, I too am enjoying the rotating interns.
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We send lots of time discussingTV, don't we? Have any of you been disappointed with the scripts on Medium? They seem to be a little flat to me since they moved to CBS.
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I did read the Carolyn Hart which is not a series.. and really not much of a mystery. Not my cup of tea, but interesting. Letter from Home.
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My personal jury panel is still out on that one, JACKIE. I'm still enjoying the show, but I do
feel a difference. Perhaps there are different writers since the switch to CBS. And of course
any fictional presentation of psychic abilities has to venture well beyond the actuality, for
maximum drama. At least that is my opinion. There are still those who pooh-pooh any such
thing as 'psychic' ability, but there have been enough such experiences in my own life and members of my family to convince me the mind is capable of more than we yet know.
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Which series is based on Carolyn Hart books? She is an Oklahoma author and I enjoyed her "Henri O" series - but don't care for any of the "Death On Demand" books.
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Yes, I dont mess about with psychic. Too many things that have popped up in my life for me to laugh at anyone. Although MDH loves the Ghost thing, but I think that is mostly for the lead, who rarely wears clothes that cover up much. Cant act, but I am sure he does not care.
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Has anyone read Kristin Hannah? Her novel, The Magic Hour, was recommended to me and I've just started it. Apparently the one of the local bookclubs read it and now, according to this woman, everyone "loves" Kristin Hannah. I'm barely into this novel, so not sure yet that I'm in that category.
jane
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I was surprised by Ms. Love's wardrobe also, STEPH. Then I realized she
is the producer of the show, and can wear what she pleases. Obviously, she pleases to display as much of her charms as she can. ;)
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She has always like to display her "add-ons", even in the movies she has been in.
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I gather from his fury that she has elected to jump forward in time and now has a child, who also have special powers and has told several people of her special talents. All in all a puzzling show.. No idea why she decided she wanted a child on the show, but she must have. How she got to be a producer is one of those mysteries in life.
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That psychic child element plus the obvious preferential story treatment given to her real life BF (he plays the psychologist who replaced Jay Mohr (Gary Unmarried) turned this family off. Happy to say that Medium is written by the creator, as it has always been. Much better this week IMHO.
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Aha.. I did wonder about all of the attention to what was a minor character. Hmm. A lady who will ruin a show to get her way. Typical.
Bookmarks came.. Hooray.
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Attention all you "Bones" lovers. TNT in my area has beem re-running episodes of Bones. Today the very first episode (from 2005) is being shown. They ran them from the beginning this summer and I DVR'd them and had a "Bones" marathon! Looks like they are going to do it again.
Sally
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Jane, I recently read Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah. I mentally rate books I read on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best. I gave this one a 7. It was okay for a "soft" read. I may read her again sometime, but....
Sally
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Sally-- My daughter and I do the samething with the rating schedule.
I love when she calls and says "Mom, I found a #9."
She is a very big Diana Gabaldon reader and I just bought her newly released book to take up to NY with me this week. The last time I bought a Gabaldon book for her was in Washington DC at our gathering for the National Book Week. Diana autographed it for Staci and she was tickled to death.
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Thanks, Sally, for the information about the broadcast of the Bones early episodes.
Andy, My stepdaughter is listening on her ipod to the Diana Gabaldon Outlander books in downloaded audio. She is currently reading the print version of the 5th novel since the "audio download" for that one is only available in abridged format. She says that the books are so many pages that she finds it laborious to read them in print! She prefers to listen to them as she does other things, such as exercise or driving in the car.
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Marcie- I love to listen to the CDs when I clean around the house , iron or cook. I got hooked on Jamie and Claire right off the "rip" with Gabaldon's first book. I had to read it because my daughter insisted. ::) I read all of them but did not care for her last one. Perhaps this one, if Staci ever gives it up for me to read, I will enjoy.
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I have not read any of the Gabaldon books. For some reason they didn't appeal to me; but after hearing her mentioned by several of you I may try one. Which one would you suggest that I start with?
Sally
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SALLY, with a series, it's generally a good idea to start with the first. In this case, that would be "Outlander". (It has also appeared under the title "Cross Stitch", according to Fantastic Fiction.)
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(http://seniorlearn.org
/bookclubs/graphics/bookstable.jpg) | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/fictionsign.jpg) |
This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/nytimes.jpg) (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller)
|
Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (Judy.1007@live.com)
I remember when I owned the bookstore, that Diane Gabaldon was impossible to keep in stock.. Never tried her, but may.. We will see. I am so far behind in books just now. |
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I bought my copy of "Outlander" in the book store at Culloden Battlefield near Inverness Scotland. It is titled "Cross Stitch" - exactly the same text.
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M any books have different titles in Great Britain.. No idea why, except there are some concepts that are stated differently there.
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Some of you may have read Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay about the early days of the comic book industry. I'm reading a book which sort of tells the story from the fan's perspective. Dream City by Brendan Short tells the story of six-yr-old Michael Hannigan who lives and dreams about the comics in the Sunday funny papers which his mother reads to him each week, helping him learn to read them himself. These characters remain his mental companions throughout his childhood and now into adulthood. His is a terrible life, his father is abusive and an alcoholic who cares for him after the death of his mother in tragic circumstances. Yet the story is compelling. Having his internal dialogs with his idols, particularly Flash Gordon, keeps us in touch with the tender 6 yr-old and we hope that his life will turn for the better.
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You’re right, Steph, Letter from Home is not much of a mystery, but I did enjoy the book itself for its story and the teen-age journalist that it focused on. My f2f group read Sandra Dallas’ Tall Grass right about the same time, and it was interesting to read the two WWII stories set in locations not too far apart, both dealing with young people.
Callie, At one point I really enjoyed reading the Carolyn Hart Death on Demand series, but it’s probably a case of a series being overdone. Actually, too much cutesy poo. Henrie O I liked, and talked my f2f group into reading The River Walk. The second time round it didn’t appeal so much but I still want to go to San Antonio.
I’m reading another mystery writer, Nancy Pickard, for my f2f group, and I guess you’d call it a mystery, but it’s not a sleuthing book. A stand alone -- The Virgin of Small Plains, set in Kansas, the virgin being a young murder victim. But it’s really about secrets, families, and maybe even miracles. Engrossing, I haven’t finished it yet. (Nancy Pickard finished a book started by Virginia Rich and she also has a series set in New England.)
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Pedlin, isn't the DOD series the one in which Carolyn Hart manages to refer to every mystery author and book ever written? Boring!
You would love San Antonio! It's a lovely fascinating city.
Steph, I couldn't find any logical reason for the title change - but thought the fact that it was being sold in the Gift Shop at Culloden a good endorsement of the historical accuracy.
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A good book about San Antonio.. There is a writer whose protagonist is Tess Monahan, who was a writer for the paper and now is a Detective in Baltimore. One of her early ones took her to San Antonio in search of her boyfriend ( who is sort of boring), but he came from there and the book is almost like a guide to a lot of San Antonio. Which is one of my favorite Texas cities.
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STEPH: the writer you're talking about is Laura Lippman. Can't remember the name of the book. She wrote one called "In a Strange City", so that's probably it.
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I thought Laura Lippman wrote about a woman with a dog. Read one, it was only OK.
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I read Laura Lippman's WHAT THE DEAD KNOW. It would have been very good if it had been about 100 pages shorter.
Marj
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Yes, Laura Lippman.. She writes a series about Tess and also some stand alones.. I like the stand alones the most.
Finished a David Fulmer last night. This one is about Atlanta.. Still the underground mixed community in an earlier age, but excellent in his odd sort of way.
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My f2f group read a Laura Lippman stand-alone last month -- The Power of Three. I thought it was a good read and offered a lot for discussion. About a shooting in the girls restroom of a high school. One dead, one critical, one with minor injuries. The focus is on the relationships among the girls from their early school years through high school, their families, and the pecking order that develops as rural areas develop into suburban areas.
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Pedln- I am always looking for something for my 13 yr. old grand daughter to read and lear n from. Is this appropriate? She's at a senior reading level . BUT-- she is still only 13.
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Alf, I have read the Power of Three and I suggest you read it first and see how you feel. My granddaughter is 14 and I am not sure she would know how to handle the book.
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Alf: Maureen Corrigan, Prof of Lit at George Wash. U, reviews books and this review prompted me to check this author out. My library has many copies of each of his titles but also has very long waiting lists.l Corrigan said she reads them and loves them, too. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113749133 and http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/k/jeff-kinney/diary-of-wimpy-kid.htm
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Andy,re: Power of Three. I agree with Steph, read it yourself, first. I think it requires a little more maturity than what is normal in 13 year olds.
But a couple of good novels, for both Mom and Daughter -- The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle and Tall Grass by Sandra Dallas. Both include adult themes, but in a way that a 13 year old could understand.
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Thanks everyone for your insight. I appreciate your help. I am always searching for something of substance.
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Pedlin, Thanks for the titles. Will look for them. Always tryin to get Kait to see the world a bit clearer.
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Jeff Kinney is a new name to me, but I've never been interested in
the new graphic novels. I've leafed thru a few pages of one or two and
recognize that the artistry is quite good. But I find it hard to take them seriously and doubt there can be much depth to the narrative.
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Babi: Harsh! These are not comic books but perceptive descriptions of the middle school life in a format that is attractive to its audience. Corrigan is a reviewer I trust because I personally have liked many of her recommendations. She likes stories as do I. Though she is a professor of literature at GWU she is a down to earth, practical woman. She would not recommend these books so highly if they were merely frivolous. Another middle school experience book I've heard favorable comments about is Math Doesn't Suck http://www.fairerscience.org/fs-blogs/2007/09/math_doesnt_suck_a_review.html
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Any suggestions for a 12-year-old boy in 6th Grade who loves to learn but isn't very interested in reading a required # of book during a grading period just because he's supposed to? He reads on or slightly below grade level and makes A's and B's in everything except Reading.
A series about the same characters would probably interest him.
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Callie: From what I've read these are good for that age group and very popular. Have you tried Harry Potter? What does he like? Sports theme books are popular with males of all ages. There are scads of excellent science fiction books for younger readers. Is he likely to enjoy humorous books? Space opera is one of my favorite genres. Goose Bumps is another series; this author, R L Stine, has a slew of books and is very popular. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/r-l-stine/ Another author I've heard about that kids like is Lemony Snicket http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lemony-snicket/
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mrssherlock: He has read some of the Harry Potter books but I think those would be take too long for class points. Yes, he would like humorous books very much. I've heard of Goose Bumps but didn't know who the author is; thank you for mentioning the name. I've also heard of Lemony Snicket - will have to ask if he has read those.
Thanks for the suggestions.
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Our grandson is only eight, but he likes adventure stories. I keep hoping he will get steered over to some classic types, but his teachers reading list is really boring.. He must read on the list to get credit and is not happy. I dont blame him.
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Oh, JACKIE, I would hardly call my mild post 'harsh'. I didn't call them
comic books, either, tho' I confess that is what they bring to mind. I
only said I doubted there could be much depth to the narrative. 'Pride and Prejudice' presented in graphic novel form could hardly contain the prose that makes the book so great. No discourtesy intended to the professor or to you.
STEPH, do you think your grandson's teacher would be open to suggestions for her reading list? Some teachers are happy the family is interested; others take any suggestion as criticism. It just depends.
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The approach used by the teachers in my grandchildren's district is to give credit based on minutes read outside the school day not by book titles. I really appreciate that approach as it lets the children select anything to read and is encouraging them to develop a reading habit. Because after all - that's what we want them to do - read. This approach allows them to read magazines, newspapers, and all subject matters. Sure some kids are going to read all the same author for a while or the same subject matter - but so what, that's what we did and do. As their interests change so will their reading subjects. We found this method of reading encouragement very effective. The number of minutes recommended increased by grade level. I right now I only know that for second graders it was 20 minutes a day. Exposure to the classics, exceptional authors and books can be done during the school day. As the books and authors appeal to the students they will pick them up.
Mary
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Callie, has your grandson read any books by Gary Paulson (maybe Paulsen). The River and Hatchet come to mind, and there are others. These are adventure stories. I think they're written with middle schoolers in mind, but when I was a high school librarian, their reading level appealed to some of our boys also. Another author is Jay Bennet whose very very short novels would focus on a boy in trouble who had to solve his own problems. And of course, I must mention The Giver by Lois Lowry -- great, for all from 5th grade to SeniorLearn.
Years ago, someone wrote in School Library Journal that the R.L. Stine (Goosebumps) books were a literary training bra for Stephen King.
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Pedln: ::) My daughter did not read until 5th grade; she is dyslexic. She was read to from baby hood. She overcame the mental block that had developed when I started Little House in the Big Woods but stopped at the end of a chapter and said I wasn't reading any more aloud. She took up the challenge and then she really took off in her reading. Reading is an adventure. When a child can take hold of it and own his reading he can become master of some part of his life. So we need to entice the non-readers. I learned to read as my mother read the daily comics to me. I didn't stay with comics long. When I went to school and met Dick and Jane I was already reading above grade level outside of school. My mother bought a book of stories from a door to door salesman which was about a bad little girl. It was full of Britishisms so we were puzzled by some of the allusions, but I read it, over and over.
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PS: When I was looking up John Grogan (author of Marley and Me) on FF I saw that he has written several Marley books for children. Maybe they're too young for a 12-yr-old but they sound like books I would like. Also the late poet John Ciardi wrote some poetry for children; so did Shel Silverstein, very funny man. Whoops! The Marleys are picture books.
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Many thanks to each of you for your suggestions. Of course, as the out-of-town grandmother, my "helpful advice" will only go so far. ;)
I'm pretty sure that the number of books read within a grading period determines part of the grade. I don't think he is limited to the school library - but I doubt that newspapers are included. I've given him subscriptions to several magazines for a few years and have never known him to use any of them for Points.
One of the struggles is that he is an audio learner. After we had been to an Intergenerational Elderhostel, he repeated the "lessons" he'd heard in the Nature classes to his mother almost verbatim. The first time he took the Hunter's Safety Course, they were given material to read and he did not pass the test. The second time, the instructor talked to them about the rules - and he only missed one answer on the test.
Another struggle is that he is a "busy" boy and has such a wide variety of interests that he really doesn't like to just sit down and read "because he's supposed to".
If nothing else, you have given me some good ideas for Christmas. Thank you! :)
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Callie, what about recorded books?
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MaryZ I love your proverb!
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My grandchildrens school district has lists and the teachers must conform to the lists. We are bible belt in Florida and the number of forbidden books for school use is high ( and stupid).
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And of course, the fact that a book is forbidden will almost guarantee
an eager readership. ::)
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Once a year, the OKC Metro Library System has a "Banned Books" display. It's VERY popular. :D
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At least once a year, some parent in our county ( Lake) goes to a school board meeting and starts in on some book or another. I get so weary of their outrage. They seem to have no faith in their childrens ability to read and discern. My parents were the opposite. I could read anything I wanted. If I did not understand it, they would answer questions.. or I could just wait until I understood a bit more and then re read it.. Which I did with a bunch of stuff.
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I'm not for banning books, STEPH, but I do think that they should be
age appropriate for children. Discernment and good judgment are
things that develop over time; we're definitely not born with them. Young children especially tend to take to heart all that they hear, or
read, sometimes to their detriment.
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AMEN Babi. I just had this very same discussion with my "TOO" precocious 13 year old grand-daughter.
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I always read way above grade level; I believe it is like sex education - the child takes in only what it can comprehend. Anytime a young ch ild exhibits inappropriate sex interest/knowledge, it may be signal abuse. I was not harmed by reading adult fiction; it helped me develop standards and a personal taste. Some books written for children are not expanding their horizons but can have the opposite effect, turning their curiosity off, dumbing down the intellectual process.
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My take on what's appropriate for children has always been that that's the parent's decision for his/her own child. I don't believe any person has the right to decide what's appropriate for someone else's child. Yet, that seems to be what too many people want to do...decide what OTHER people have the right to read...be it Harry Potter, Captain Underpants or this or that genre of books. Bah Humbug!
jane
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This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.
Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?
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Discussion Leader: Judy Laird (Judy.1007@live.com)
Trying to dictate what other people should do, in any matter, is to me
both futile and egotistic. People who presume to tell others what they
should do are also saying that they are themselves superior and above
reproach. Yeah, right!
Please bear in mind I am not referring to parents raising a child/ It is a parent's responsibility to teach a child values and ethics.
Everyone else should hoe their own row, to borrow a rural saying. |
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I do believe that your reading level and comprehension are what is going to govern what you read. I read adult books from about age 8,, simply ignored what I did not understand. I used to drive teachers nuts because I knew all these words and what they meant, but not how to pronounce them.. One teacher complained to my Mom and she said... She can always find out how to pronounce.. Just leave her alone.. To this day, I think you read and take in in different ways. I first read Animal Farm at 12.. Thought of it as an animal story about how cruel some animals could be.. Then at 15 about how is pertained to life and then at 25 about what it truly meant on severel levels..Think about things you have read over the years and how the meanings have changed.
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Let's move this discussion over to a new discussion....
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=938.msg45765#msg45765