Author Topic: Non-Fiction (Read 439694 times)

CubFan · « **Reply #2240 on:** June 29, 2012, 01:25:05 PM »

TO NONFICTION BOOK TALK

What are you reading? Autobiographies, biographies, history, politics?

Tell us about the book; the good and the bad of it.

Let's talk books!

Discussion Leader: HaroldArnold

Frybabe - I could have written the same with these glasses. I have a separate pair of reading glasses but it is so pricey to have to buy multiple pairs.

Jean - I don't usually focus on one topic either, in fact I usually have three non fiction going on totally different subjects & pick them up based on my concentration level. This time I didn't have more than one title going at a time. When I watched Downton Abbey I realized how little I knew about that time period & decided to do a crash course. I had previously read quite a few books involving the horrible trench warfare of that time but not about the political and economical conditions worldwide.

It was interesting how these books came at the issues from totally different perspectives. Proud Tower was an excellent prewar overview and Paris 1919 explains why we are still having issues and problems today. Illusion of Victory was the hardest read & took the longest because Mr Fleming was so critical and his constant negative comments dragged things down. His analysis was accurate but the reader would have drawn the same conclusions with out being repeatedly told that individuals were stupid and ideas were dumb.

Yes, Pops is a Louis Armstrong biography. After I take a "fluff" break I'm also going to srart A History of London by Steven Inwood which will probably take until Christmas. My daughter is paying for a trip to England for us in the next year or so & I need to refresh my knowledge there. I had read Rutherford's London some time ago but read it more as a story than as a source of information. I took a course in the history of England 50 years ago but only remember 1066.

Will comment when I come up for air again.

Mary

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #2241 on:** June 29, 2012, 01:58:02 PM »

Mary you have put much study into WWI - you may be finished however, helpful could be two books to read the other viewpoint may round out the leadup and rational by Germany - recommendations are - Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Downfall of Prussia, 1600-1947 which addresses the allies fear after WWI&II of Prussia and also, more specific to the lead up - Bismarck and the German Empire by Erich Eyck

maryz · « **Reply #2242 on:** June 29, 2012, 02:36:42 PM »

I've had the variable focus lenses for years and love them (changed to them from trifocals), and had no problems getting used to them.

As to shaving, I just quit doing it. Nobody cares or notices. Give it up.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2243 on:** June 29, 2012, 03:10:45 PM »

I too have never shaved my legs. I remember watching my mother doing it - I must have been of pre-school age - and her saying "Never start shaving your legs, or you'll never be able to stop." It's about the one piece of advice I've actually listened to! I tried persuading Anna not to start, but she wasn't having any and now she's always buying newer and fancier razors. I don't think Madeleine does it - yet.

The more I think about it, the more I wonder why any of us bothers. What's wrong with a bit of hair?

Rosemary

nlhome · « **Reply #2244 on:** June 29, 2012, 04:03:22 PM »

Frybabe, sometimes when the glasses are ordered, they don't measure the location of the reading area. I had one pair of progressives that gave me a stiff neck - I took them back in and they replaced the lenses to raise the bifocal area - was a wonderful change.

JeanneP · « **Reply #2245 on:** June 29, 2012, 04:58:58 PM »

Rosemary.

Lived at home for 21 years and never saw my mum shaving hers. I know that my 2 daughters started at 14 as all their friends were doing it. Don't think theirs grew to much and they stopped when young.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #2246 on:** June 29, 2012, 07:45:49 PM »

I'm w/ Maryz, haven't shaved anything in decades, but then, i'm not very hairy and my body hair is fair.

Another perspective on Europe at and around the turn of the twentieth century is a book

Grandmama of Europe about Queen Victoria and her sons and dgts and grandchildren who are on thrones all over Europe during WWI. It really was cousins fighting cousins. I read it decades ago and enjoyed it very much. It was an interesting, not very heavy read.

I'm still, and slowly, enjoying The Clinton Tapes. Branch does a good job of putting us there w/ he and Clinton as they discuss events.

Jean

PatH · « **Reply #2247 on:** June 29, 2012, 07:54:41 PM »

One reason I won't switch from trifocals to progressives is that I know which segment I'm looking through, so if there's a problem I know why.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2248 on:** June 30, 2012, 08:12:27 AM »

I have had progressives for years and never had a problem with them before. Unfortunately, I only had 30 days to have them replaced - right in the middle of school and tending to George with his pre-surgery problems. Of course when you take them back they always give you this business about how it takes a few weeks to acclimate to new glasses. I had the glasses back four times, got a slight adjustment and was told that each time. Of course, that runs you past the 30 guarantee limit real quick. The manager of the store called me yesterday and said that since I was concerned about the price (because I was out of work) she gave me the cheapest progressive lens available (cheap at almost $600?). I didn't know there was a choice or what the differences would be between the "grades".

I am not reading any nonfiction at the moment, but I have just started a Yale course on Game Theory and the LearnOutLoud podcast on Roman history. I have also begun my review of Latin in preparation for the fall session.

Babi · « **Reply #2249 on:** June 30, 2012, 09:26:36 AM »

On hair, mine was so light it was hadly noticeable. I never felt the need to shave
it. On the glasses, I was surprised to discover a bifocal, or trifocal, could be a
problem for people who have precarious balance. Those little lines marking a shift
of focus are also causing a difference in depth perception as you walk. I find it
best to remove the glasses while I'm walking.
The only non-fiction(?) I'm reading now is small excursions into the Qu'ran. I read
it once but cannot claim to have understood much of it. I am now approaching it by
choosing a particular topic from the index and following up on that. I like the
commentator. Where opinions differ, he may say, "I don't want to be dogmatic about
this.." Such a refreshing viewpoint in a religious commentator.

nlhome · « **Reply #2250 on:** June 30, 2012, 11:44:24 PM »

Oh Frybabe, I think I'd call that manager back and say that the 30 days should have been honored because you were in there with the problem and they were the ones who dragged out the correction. And I'd certainly go somewhere else next time.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2251 on:** July 01, 2012, 02:32:27 AM »

I also had an annoying experience re opticians. One in Aberdeen was advertising 'buy one pair, get one free' - so I orderd expensive glasses then asked if the second pair could be sunglasses. They said yes, then produced a very small range of hideous ones. I was talked into buying some I loathed. The shop advertised '30 day no quibble returns', so after showing the sunglasses to my husband, who agreed they were dreadful, I went back. After much muttering they said their return policy did not cover that. I was too pathetic to argue - wish I had now, as have never worn those sunglasses, so am still using really old ones, the frames of which I like but whose prescription is all wrong for my eyes now.

For ages afterwards they kept sending me advertising stuff entreating me to go back. As if. I go to Black & Lizars now, they are so much better (despite the varifocals

Rosemary

Babi · « **Reply #2252 on:** July 01, 2012, 09:11:11 AM »

I wonder if it is computers that make those follow-ups, ROSEMARY. I haven't belonged to the
AARP for many years now, but I still get mail from them frequently urging my participation (or
donations) for all sorts of things. I do wish they would take me off their mailing list.

JeanneP · « **Reply #2253 on:** July 01, 2012, 03:56:23 PM »

If you have frames that you like but the lenses get damaged or need changing it is better to have them put new lenses into the older frames. I have found that I buy new with both f and L and don't like how they feel after a few days. One get use to certain type frames. I don't like the small oval frames at all. Most in the stores now seem to be this way
I just use glasses for reading but still like them to stay up on nose and not keep having to push them back up.

We must have 12 different places now in town selling 2 pairs for price of one with the price being abut $60. Then you can get eye test for $30. Don't know how they do it. Never paid less than $200 for one pair. Use to Pay $450. Have Dental places also. I laugh when I see. False set of teeth starting at $399. Ready same day. Lots of cars on all their Parking lots so people must be buying.

marjifay · « **Reply #2254 on:** July 01, 2012, 07:52:58 PM »

My reading glasses cost $1.00/pair at the dollar store! And they work just fine.

Marj

Frybabe · « **Reply #2255 on:** July 02, 2012, 08:54:05 AM »

I'm considering that MaryPage. George often uses reading glasses with his contacts or over his glasses (when the contacts aren't in). I believe I over paid considerably for my buy one get one free (HAH!) glasses. The store manager insists that plastic frames are hard to adjust and that she has customers who come in every month for an adjustment. What a load! My first pair of progressives were in plastic frames. Never had a problem once we got them adjusted, which didn't take but one try. Never had to take my wire frames in for adjustment either, and wire frames are so easy to bend accidentally.

JeanneP · « **Reply #2256 on:** July 02, 2012, 11:20:10 AM »

As a persons eyes are different from each other I just do not think that I would put on cheap dollar store glasses. Even if just need for reading.
I do have a few around the house from the 2 pr. $69 just to pick up for a second to read something but still I have my expensive ones for Book reading. computer work etc .
Now just hold you hand over one eye and read something and then the other. You will see a little difference. I have perfect vision in left eye but off a little in right.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #2257 on:** July 04, 2012, 01:18:01 PM »

The History Channel is showing "The Revolution" series today, an extremely well-done piece of historical documentary.

Jean

Babi · « **Reply #2258 on:** July 05, 2012, 08:10:57 AM »

Thanks for mentioning that, JEAN. I'll have a look.

marjifay · « **Reply #2259 on:** July 06, 2012, 11:53:51 AM »

Thanks, BarbStAubrey, for your recommendation of the two WWI books, Iron Kingsom and Bismark and the German Empire. I've added them to my TBR list.

I'm sorry you have so much stress in your life that you have to carry the drug Rescue with you.

Marj

marjifay · « **Reply #2260 on:** July 06, 2012, 12:43:56 PM »

Do any of you subscribe to Flavorpill.com newsletter (it's free!)? They do some of the most interesting stuff. A lot I'm not interested in, but the ones I love are those they do on, for example, the world's most beautiful hotels, libraries, train stations, etc. Today they did a fascinating one with photos of the most remote places on earth. Gorgeous photos!

Marj

Ella Gibbons · « **Reply #2261 on:** July 07, 2012, 10:46:06 AM »

Didn't I read here that a couple of you have read THE PRESIDENTS CLUB by Gibbs and Duffy? Well, come on over here and let's have a ball discussing it in September. Don't you think it will be fascinating? Post here:

http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=3327.0

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2262 on:** July 11, 2012, 03:54:47 AM »

The BBC have a very interesting article on their website today about photos of old China.

It seems that most of the photos in China itself were destroyed before or during the Cultural Revolution, so those that still exist are outside the country. A Professor Bickers at Bristol University has collected some, but is asking people to look for more - many are in the hands of the families whose grandparents, etc worked in China many years ago. There are already some great photos:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18784990

Rosemary

JeanneP · « **Reply #2263 on:** July 11, 2012, 01:23:26 PM »

I read books on China from about the age of 15. Always thought would love to go there. Many things happened from 1939 changing what I had read. Most things awful.
Now one sees China as it is today. I would still like to go but try find some of the past. Wonder if it could still be found. It is changing more than any other country seems to be.

serenesheila · « **Reply #2264 on:** July 27, 2012, 07:49:53 PM »

Please, count me in. I am finally getting settled in my new home, The last 3 months have been exhauseting and stressful. I will look forward to a good, restful read, and discussion.

Sheila

Babi · « **Reply #2265 on:** August 16, 2012, 08:40:24 AM »

In consideration of politics and non-fictional events, here's an "Ooh, how embarassing" news
item. It seems the Romney campaign has been using a piece of music
called "Panic Switch", belonging to a band called Silversun Pickups. The band had
asked that he stop using their music, because they don't like him or his campaign. Their
frontman, Brian Aubert, wrote.."We're nice, approachable people. We won't bite. Unless
you're Mitt Romney!"

marjifay · « **Reply #2266 on:** August 17, 2012, 12:28:54 PM »

I also thought that was funny, Babi. Good for the Silversun Pickups, altho' I'd never heard of them. Probably will help them sell their music, at least to Democrats. LOL

Marj

Babi · « **Reply #2267 on:** August 18, 2012, 08:24:39 AM »

MARJ.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2268 on:** August 22, 2012, 06:10:07 PM »

I'm on a nonfiction kick this week. Book one, Andrew Lang's, Adventures among books. Book two, Scipio Africanus: Greater than Napoleon by B. H. Liddell Hart. I am enjoying Lang's book very much, just started the other.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #2269 on:** August 22, 2012, 10:14:57 PM »

Oh, nice to see Adventure Among Books is a Gutenburg book.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2270 on:** August 23, 2012, 04:08:57 AM »

Thanks for that - I'd never heard of 'Adventures Among Books' but I've just got it free on UK Amazon for Kindle.

Rosemary

JimNT · « **Reply #2271 on:** August 25, 2012, 11:50:52 AM »

I was enjoying the biography of Karen Carpenter and was about to finish it when my dear brother recommended The Amateur by Ed Klein as a "must read". Being the older brother and wanting to set a good example, I immediately downloaded it into my trusted Kindle and am about to finish it also. I have my opinions about this book and its author but choose to withhold them pending the comments of others. I did a minimum amount of research on Klein as I have never heard of him. He has somewhat of a checkered past but has been associated with several recognized publications. I also noted that the book is Number 1 on the NY Times nonfiction best seller list, which only means, of course, that many copies have been sold. Anyway, as an old Carpenters fan I'm anxious to read about the final stages of Karen's life and am looking forward to wrapping up Klein's gem.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #2272 on:** August 25, 2012, 01:04:54 PM »

I downloaded "Adventures Among Books"

to my Kindle, and I must say it has to be the most boring, ostentatious piece of writing I've had the ?pleasure? to read. I'm so thrilled that the author had "read everything" by "everybody" and was thus enlightened.

A couple of the references did pique my interest, and I may do a bit of research and try reading them. I would not hesitate to say that most of what is mentioned would not be available from our libraries, maybe even on-line (perhaps Gutenberg?). After I have bookmarked/highlighted the authors names that interest me, I shall "delete" most happily.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #2273 on:** August 25, 2012, 01:05:59 PM »

ha ha to each his own as the saying goes...

JeanneP · « **Reply #2274 on:** August 25, 2012, 01:37:31 PM »

That is one reason I don't think I will ever buy a Kindle or same. So many books one picks up anymore are not worth reading. (Even some of the well known writers are now putting theirs out to fast and bad writing). At least one can return a library book. ( did that with 3 this past week.). Hate to have bought and downloaded them.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #2275 on:** August 25, 2012, 01:47:22 PM »

But this one was 'FREE'. And it still disappointed.

JoanK · « **Reply #2276 on:** August 25, 2012, 01:55:19 PM »

If you don't like a book, you just put it in your archives. It's no longer JEANNE:on your kindle, just the name, so you could get it again if you wanted. MUCH better than buying the turkey, then having to look at it, or find a way of getting rid of it.

You can get a free sample, and read enough that you can decide whether you want to buy it or not. If not, you simply delete it. I didn't bother to do that since this book was free. Haven't looked at it yet: disappointing!

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #2277 on:** August 25, 2012, 01:57:00 PM »

hmmm reminds me of one of those pithy sayings my Mom was always sharing - you get what you pay for and if it is free welllll - sounds like a roll of the dice.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #2278 on:** August 25, 2012, 02:09:39 PM »

I get an e-mail notification from "Pixel of Ink" each day, and they have a multitude of "free" books, with a variety of genres. I have gotten many mysteries from Omnimystery News for my Kindle. Some are good, some are terrible, I have deleted very few. There are even a few authors whose names I recognize! LOL. Admittedly, no "great literature" here for most, but reading for free has its own benefits. I know the library is still free, but if you are looking for something "current"- - forgetaboutit. If you get on a reserve list, it may take you weeks till it gets to you. (and by the way, libraries here are still suffering budget cuts, and aren't able to buy much in the way of new books). Those of us who absolutely love to read will find a way to do so, be it used book stores, Amazon, ThriftBooks, KIndles, Nooks, etc.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2279 on:** August 25, 2012, 03:40:22 PM »

I haven't been disappointed by too many free books I've downloaded of of Gutenberg. I generally check the HTML version online first to see if it reads well before I download. I like the first chapter ofAdventures Among Books but the next looks, like you said, boring. I plan on skimming through to see if anything else in there is interesting before I dump it. Books that are downloaded from Gutenberg or ManyBooks are not archived. Once you delete, they are gone. Nice thing is, if you want to go back to one, it is there to redownload or read online.

Tome, there are several "current" books I am interested in, but the waiting list is still long. I'll wait for them to slow down a little. I used to haunt the closest used bookstore, but I recently discovered that even with postage, I can get some books cheaper through outfits like ABE. However, I am mostly downloading free ebooks or using the library now.

News:

Author Topic: Non-Fiction (Read 439694 times)