Author Topic: The Library (Read 297543 times)

Steph · « **Reply #520 on:** February 27, 2009, 07:46:56 AM »

The Library

Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat always out.
Do come in from the cold and join us.

We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not) right now.

Let the book talk begin here!

Everyone is welcome!

Pat , I have the same problem when we are in the rv. Some places have good wifi, others, not so and some have none. We are home just now, since it has not been that warm in the east and my husband hates the rv in the cold..Doesnt bother me, we have an electric blanket.
I did remember the Asheville college like Berea. It is called William Wilson. We met some of the students years ago at John Campbell Folk School. They were taking a blacksmithing course, since the college wanted to start a program on blacksmithing. We visited the college when we visit Asheville. We were there for Farm days once. They do old fashioned mule and oxen plowing, and all sorts of harvest work. They all have to work at a job in school and the jobs vary wildly. Schools that incorporate work interest me.

Gumtree · « **Reply #521 on:** February 27, 2009, 08:17:05 AM »

Those of you who either love or love to hate Gabriel Garcia Marquez might be interested to know that he is reportedly working on a new novel ... after saying 'no more' long ago. I don't have any other details but perhaps it will be something to look forward to... or not !

ALF43 · « **Reply #522 on:** February 27, 2009, 11:39:00 AM »

Are we, or have we read Three Cups of Tea yet?

Judy Laird · « **Reply #523 on:** February 27, 2009, 03:12:06 PM »

Mary ITS HERE

maryz · « **Reply #524 on:** February 27, 2009, 03:40:14 PM »

Oh, Joy! Oh, Rapture! My Kindle came in the mail this afternoon (even though I had just checked the shipping progress on amazon, which showed it still in Atlanta)! It is 5 x 8 x 1/4" in size and very light. I will have to buy a case and a stand of some sort. But I am having fun looking.

Judy, I'm SO glad yours came today, too.

Judy Laird · « **Reply #525 on:** February 27, 2009, 03:56:13 PM »

MARY I AM SO EXCITED ITS WAY MORE THAN I THOUGHT. I HAVE ALREADY GOT IT SCREWED UP I THINK I BOUGHT A BOOK IN MEXICAN. I AM GOING TO NEED YOUR CELL PHONE, HOME PHONE SS# ADDRESS I MAY HAVE TO RUN OVER AND WE CAN DO IT TOGEATHER BOY IS THIS FUN

joangrimes · « **Reply #526 on:** February 27, 2009, 04:21:13 PM »

Congratulations on your ne Kindles!!

Joan G

maryz · « **Reply #527 on:** February 27, 2009, 07:09:00 PM »

Gee, Judy - I forgot to send you my address. I think it's a bit far to drop in for coffee - but wouldn't it be great!

bellemere · « **Reply #528 on:** February 27, 2009, 09:46:45 PM »

i am back from Isla Mujeres, so warm and sunny and delightful but I missed my stuff and was ready to come home after three weeks. I absolutely loved The Leopard; had a lot of trouble with the mysticism in Thirteenth Tale; gave up on Death of Atemio Cruz, but am still enjoying Yo! in Spanish, and learning a lot of colloquial expressions. The Derek Walcott poems that I liked in his collection Midsummer were the ones about the towns and villages in the Caribbean where he comes from. and I did find lots of Flowers of the Caribbean on the island, including the beautiful and horribly poisonous oleander. People have died from eating food cooked over a fire of oleander wood. Yikes!
Now I am looking for something to enjoy while waiting for spring.

Steph · « **Reply #529 on:** February 28, 2009, 10:34:44 AM »

Congratulation Kindle owners. Do let me know, since I am still on the fence on this. We are going to take the train from Chicago to Seattle in early May and I think it would be nice to have on the train..Am I right?? I have trouble reading when things bounce around however. We will see. If this one will also talk to you, it might be good.
Went to the used book sale for the library today.
Got a few new to me authors and a few old favorites that I think( ??) I missed.

nlhome · « **Reply #530 on:** February 28, 2009, 12:46:14 PM »

Steph, I hope you'll share a little about your trip, as well as, if you get it, your experience with the Kindle on the train. I'm hoping to take that same trip this year.

Persian · « **Reply #531 on:** February 28, 2009, 10:50:01 PM »

ALF - did you ever get a response to your earlier inquiry about whether Greg Mortenson's 3 Cups of Tea has been read or not? I recall seeing it listed somewhere a few months ago, but lost track of whether it was actually read/discussed or not. I am particularly interested in readers' comments, since I'll be discussing the Afghan culture at an area Library discussion in March.

In the meantime, will someone please explain to me what a Kindle is? I've never heard the word before - much like I'd never heard the word avatar until I began reading some of the posts in the Seniors & Friends site.

joangrimes · « **Reply #532 on:** February 28, 2009, 11:06:38 PM »

Hi Persian,

A Kindle is a wireless reading device. You can find out all about it by going to Amazon and reading about it. Just click on http://www.amazon.com/ and read about it.

I do own one but it is not the latest Kindle2. However I don't think there is really alot of difference in mine and the Kindle 2.

Joan G

maryz · « **Reply #533 on:** February 28, 2009, 11:57:41 PM »

Joan, I don't know about the workings, but the Kindle 2 (the one I just got) is smaller than the older one, especially thinner. And the page-turning buttons are smaller, so you're not as apt to hit them accidentally. I'm trying to finish a library book, so I haven't really used mine for reading - just to figure out mostly how it works.

joangrimes · « **Reply #534 on:** March 01, 2009, 12:37:08 AM »

I read about it and saw those things that you mentioned MaryZ.

I am still learning about mine. I am really not used to using it a whole lot yet. I need to sit down with it and use it more. I am going to try to do that . There are several books that I want to buy for it.

I know you will probably learn to use yours quickly MaryZ.

Joan G

Steph · « **Reply #535 on:** March 01, 2009, 09:20:04 AM »

I find the idea of the kindle exciting and hope to find someone local, who owns one. Would like to see it and try it out before I commit to buying it.
On the trip.. We have always wanted to do the Chicago west trip. We decided this is the year.. We are still awaiting some tests that my husband must take in the next week or so and then when he gets a clearance, we will book. I am still making notes on this since I do all of the booking on lines. We know we want a bedroom, not a roomette on the train. It is a46 hour journey.. And given trains, probably a bit longer. We love trains and use then whenever we can.
Then we will tour Seattle, then rent a car for a week and travel up and down 101 to see the sights in Washington and Oregon and then fly home fromSeattle.. We were going to go down to San Francisco and fly home from there, but rental car agencies have a really awful return fee when you dont return from where you originally rented it.

Babi · « **Reply #536 on:** March 01, 2009, 10:30:30 AM »

ALF, "Three Cups of Tea" was mentioned early on, when the discussions were just getting started here, but I don't believe it has been discussed yet. If you are interested, why not propose it for discussion. I've seen enough mention of it to believe you could probably get a quorum without any trouble. I'd be happy to join in, myself.

jane · « **Reply #537 on:** March 01, 2009, 10:54:03 AM »

We've added a Calendar to the site. It's the top blue tool bar after My Messages and before Members.

If you'd like your birthday listed, please go to PROFILE/ FORUM PROFILE INFORMATION/add your birthday in the space on that page/Click CHANGE PROFILE at the bottom of that page.

ginny · « **Reply #538 on:** March 01, 2009, 12:08:53 PM »

Oh I think the calendar will be very exciting, thank you Jane! All kinds of book events and easy to find schedules on it and I see that Adoannie is proposing Loving Frank which so many of you have comments on, over in the Fiction area. If you're interested in reading it for May, go on over there and say so!

I can't imagine being married to a man who insisted I dress to match the decor. Loving Frank indeed. hahahaaa

Welcome back, bellemare! What a super trip and filled with interesting reading you did! That's my problem, flying on planes, AND on Eurail, the sheer weight of the books I'm carrying, which is ridiculous really but I keep doing it. Have to have a book for the plane or train. Last year I did one of the Preston Childs, that will keep you form any boredom in the airport or on a long flight!

Strangely enough I like the guy who writes about Provence for a long trip, Peter Mayle, his books go down a treat on a long trip, you can pick up and put down and not lose the thread of it.

I've got DAEMON but haven't started it yet, am now reading (again) Augustus by Antony Everitt for a face to face class, the last one, and it's on the Battle of Actium. Actually can't put it down. Also the DVD Antony and Cleopatra re-watching the Burton/ Taylor Hollowood take of that event, most interesting the comparison of the two.

It may have happened in 31 BC but it may as well have been yesterday, human nature does not change, does it?

Fascinating and very well written, if you like ancient history. Please don't forget, also in JUne, if you like Mystery and ancient history and learning the latest about either, Carol Goodman will read with us June 1 her Night Villa. She is a wonderful person and most responsive, you can't help but learn something, and I never suspected right to the end hu dun it, but I never do.

The Kindle here has read like a novel itself, so interesting!!! Judy has downloaded a book in Mexican? hahahahaHAHAHAHA Why am I not surprised? What fun!!

So many great books coming up to read here, did you see the one profiled in the new Newsweek? An entire article on this new type of book: this one tells the story thru a simulated auction catalogue. I love the premise. You can read the catalogue from Sotheby's of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (the sale of their effects) two huge catalogues, and you can make your own conclusions about their lives, that is what this new book has done, have any of you read it? I can't remember the title, but how many books like it are there?

Clever idea!

Judy Laird · « **Reply #539 on:** March 01, 2009, 01:47:50 PM »

Thats's alright Ginny they took it back apparently they are used to idiots pushing buttons before they know what they are doing. What a marvelous thing it will be for traveling.
I subscribed to a couple of :blogs: we called them something else in the olden days. One is Dr Weil and I forget the other one. Bought an Isles book I wanted and Chelsey wheres Mr Vodka or some such, got a free book and found out I can get on the internet with it. All these things I have done sitting in a chair, no electric plug or hook up of any kind. I guess it just flies through the air like Direct TV except the Kindle doesn't have a dish hehe

pedln · « **Reply #540 on:** March 01, 2009, 01:59:22 PM »

Congratulations to the Kindle holders. That is so exciting. Though I think they have the wrong marketing strategy. If they priced the kindles a little lower, more people would buy them, and they would sell more electronic books. Since there have already been sell-outs, guess it's not a problem.

Steph, you Seattle trip sounds wonderful. I would love to take that train trip. And Seattle Pacific Northwest is my most favorite place on earth to visit. Take two weeks. You can't do it one. Be sure to put the downtown Seattle Public Library on your list. It'll knock your socks off.

Neat calendar, Jane.

lucky · « **Reply #541 on:** March 01, 2009, 02:41:28 PM »

Hello everyone,

I recently read "The Given Day" by Dennis Lehan, which is a very good historical novel that deals with so many aspects of early 20th century American social history that it is difficult to select just one aspect of it. I have also read "The People of The Book," by Geraldine Brooks, a beautiful historical novel of a 15th century Haggadah and its various wanderings. If you are interested in Jewish history you will find it rewarding reading.

Frybabe · « **Reply #542 on:** March 01, 2009, 08:37:42 PM »

Thanks for the brief review on "People of the Book". I have it in my stack to read.

Right now I am back to reading some of the Rita Mae Brown "Mrs. Murphy" series. My sister will be down to visit in April, and I want to have a stack for her to take back with her. Saves postage

.

Pat · « **Reply #543 on:** March 01, 2009, 09:58:58 PM »

Here is a web site for those interested in the Kindle.

http://www.mobileread.com/

Gumtree · « **Reply #544 on:** March 01, 2009, 10:35:53 PM »

Lucky: Yes, People of the Book - great story. I read it about a year or so ago. There's so much of history and human nature explored in it. I rather like Geraldine Brooks' work - have you read her Year of Wonders and March. Both good reads on quite different subjects and settings.

Steph · « **Reply #545 on:** March 02, 2009, 07:42:42 AM »

I have the Lehane book on my list. I generally wait until it hits paperback and then get it. I like him very much, but he is a truly odd writer.
I just finished Garlic and Sapphires.. Another of the Ruth Reichl autobiographies. She is an interesting writer. Not sure I could ever be as adventureous as she is about food, but it is fun to read about it. Food reviewers have an odd sort of life when you think about it. I have been keeping up with her books.She has written three about her life.
I would never miss a major library when we travel. They almost always have free computers, etc and a used book store. Both are things I crave when traveling and I dont want to take a lap top with me. It is a two week trip, no question.

Babi · « **Reply #546 on:** March 02, 2009, 09:33:08 AM »

Something odd going on. When I click on 'Show new replies...', only one site appears, and that one site keeps appearing when I go back. Yet when I check my sites from the discussion listings, they do have new posts. I don't know what the problem is, but I do hope it resolves quickly.

jane · « **Reply #547 on:** March 02, 2009, 09:40:54 AM »

That is odd, Babi. I don't seem to be having that problem.

Perhaps if you close that browser and then reopen it, the glitch will go away?

ALF43 · « **Reply #548 on:** March 02, 2009, 12:06:25 PM »

Thank you Persian for commenting about my question regaring Three Cups of Tea and for your answer Babi. I appreciate your acknowledgements.

Steph and Lucky, I started that new Lehane book and put it aside for the new Wally Lamb novel, the Hour I first Believed. NOW I am half way thru both of them. Lehane's Mystic River remains my favorite . Shutter Island was so strange, did anyone read that one? As soon as I finish Wallty's book I will get back to The Given Day.

Thanks Pat for the website for the Kindle. I have more questions than I have answers so I will go there to scope it out.

Ginny? DAEMON? Wasn't he the child of the devil? Oh my, you are starting to frighten me. Will you be cleansed of Daemon by June for our discussion of the Night Villa, with Carol Goodman?
Ginny's right, Carol is adorable and so much fun to visit with and question. Have you been in touch with her at all about our upcoming discussion?

lucky · « **Reply #549 on:** March 02, 2009, 04:08:49 PM »

Hi Guntree

I am glad that you liked "People of The Book". I did read "Year of Wonder". It is beautifully written book and is not only a literary work but a good source of social history as well. She used primary sources for her description of the London plague of the l6th century. I teach a course called,"History Through Literature" at Stony Brook's OLLI group and this one of the books our class used. I haven't read "March" but am looking forward to reading it.

bellemere · « **Reply #550 on:** March 02, 2009, 05:01:11 PM »

I"m reading an article about the novelist Ian McEwan, (Atonement) and he relates how he and his son, a few years ago culled their home library and ended up giving away 300 novels to people in thepark. The women received them gratefully, but not one man would accept a book. "Nah, nah, mate, not for me, thanks
The conclusion McEwan drew is : When women stop reading, the novel will be dead."
Do you think he is right?

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #551 on:** March 02, 2009, 05:08:44 PM »

Unfortunately, I think McEwan is correct! On my visits to the library (and even the Borders book store) the women outnumber the men probably 98%, maybe more. When I see a man at the library, it's all I can do to keep from congratulating him. (The ones I do see, are usually getting on the computer or reading magazines or periodicals!) I wish my husband was a reader (of anything--not just the newspaper). So if you have a husband who reads, complement and encourage him.

On the other hand, my dad was a reader, my mother never was.

Steph · « **Reply #552 on:** March 03, 2009, 08:05:28 AM »

Alf, Yes, I read Shutter Island... stopped and started several times with it. Threw it against the wall at the end... and then picked it up and read it a second time to see where I had been tricked. It is an odd book for sure. But I still liked it.
My husband is a reader. He loves legal thrillers.. Sometimes I can sneak in a serial killer or two, but basically legal stuff. He used to read spy novels for years ,but changed a few years ago.Said they started to read the same over and over.

Babi · « **Reply #553 on:** March 03, 2009, 08:40:45 AM »

JANE, my problem was gone when I came in this morning, thank goodness! I appreciate your taking notice; I rely on tech. whizzes like you to help me out when I get in deep water.

TOMEREADER, all the men in my family have been avid readers, as was my ex-husband. Background must have something to do with it, and perhaps cultural mores. That "Nah, nah, mate..." sounds Irish to me. Perhaps the average Irish working man considers reading a woman's pastime.

ALF43 · « **Reply #554 on:** March 03, 2009, 08:54:28 AM »

Steph-

I agree completely about Lehane's ending in Shutter Island. I kept thinking- "Is this guy for real?"

I used to read vast amounts of spy thrillers and sadly, I must agree with your hubby- they all begin to read the same. I always figure if i can nail the "who-dun-it" character by the 3rd chapter, why bother? I am always pleased when I am wrong. It drives my husband crazy when I watch TV with him and half way through the production, I get up, declare the culprit and leave.

Frybabe · « **Reply #555 on:** March 03, 2009, 08:55:26 AM »

My early appreciation of books and classical music came from my Dad. I even remember some of the books on his shelf: The Red and the Black, The Silver Chalice, Far Tartuga (probably not spelled right),People of the Deer, Green Mansions. The last two I still have along with an bio/autobio of Samual Johnson. People of the Deer was extremely interesting. A non-fiction book set in Canada in 1947, the year I was born, it is about his travels with the eskimos west of the Hudson Bay.

PatH · « **Reply #556 on:** March 03, 2009, 01:06:31 PM »

Quote from: Babi on March 03, 2009, 08:40:45 AM

Background must have something to do with it, and perhaps cultural mores.

Not always. My father came from a family who never cracked a book, didn't think much of reading. At age six he discovered the Public Library, and never looked back. He married a librarian, and we grew up in a house filled with books. He loved to read us bedtime stories and catch up on the children's stories he'd missed. It's no wonder JoanK and I inhabit book discussions.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #557 on:** March 03, 2009, 02:49:28 PM »

I haven' t figured out yet what makes a reader. I read anything that's put in front of me - cereal boxs, phamplets, newspapers, mags, books, etc. I love studying and learning. My husband is a practical reader - reads what is necessary, altho since retirement he has read a couple novels. My dgt never was a reader until she started riding the train to work, when she read pretty frequently. Now she has no time as a mother and corporate woman. My son has NEVER been a reader except what he had to do for his degrees.............my mother read novels and news, my father read newspapers and the U.S. News and World Report every week, when i was growing up..................

............jean

Steph · « **Reply #558 on:** March 04, 2009, 08:00:40 AM »

I agree. My Mom and Dad were both readers.. But I know that my mother in law would only read inspirational type material. My sons.. my older must read a good deal for his profession.. so his reading tends to be fact material.. but when he was activated in the reserves, he was in Iraq at Camp Bucca and had free time. He asked for and read all sorts of things.. Mostly Dirk Pitt type books..and the Robert Ludlum novels. Now that he is home and back at work.. again back to only facts stuff.
Our younger though goes to the library every single week of life and even with two small children, a job and wife,, he reads all sorts of things. He was a history major in college and he loves all sorts of american history.But reads pretty much everything, the same way that I do.

Babi · « **Reply #559 on:** March 04, 2009, 09:29:46 AM »

Have a heart, ALF. Just write the guilty party on a piece of paper and invite him to check your deduction when it's over.

FRYBABE, I read three of the books you mentioned when I was young. Your Dad and I must share some of the same tastes, so I'll see if I can find Samuel Johnson's "People of the Deer".

PATH, maybe it was a stray book gene that crops up from time to time. How else do you explain things like tone deaf parents with a musical genius among their offspring?

Yep, JEAN & STEPH, after reading your posts, too, I am persuaded. It must be in the luck of the genes.

News:

Author Topic: The Library (Read 297543 times)