Author Topic: Non-Fiction (Read 438959 times)

ANNIE · « **Reply #680 on:** November 25, 2009, 09:39:05 AM »

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

Babi,
That link is really fascinating.

Mabel, don't miss it!

mabel1015j · « **Reply #681 on:** November 25, 2009, 01:42:49 PM »

Thank you Babi for that site and Harold for encouraging me to check it out. I looked at it briefly and will look at it in-depth after tomorrow. Today is cleaning day and tomrrow is cooking and eating day........yum, yum, yum........Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the year and my favorite foods come to my table.

I'm very thankful for all who orginated the idea of, first, SeniorNet, and now, SeniorLearn and Seniors and Friends. I have had so many good moments and motivations from all the suggestions of all of you for reading, eating, movies, music, seeing your pictures, and just plain new information. I'm an addictive learner and all of these sites have fed my addiction.

to all the originators and all of you contributors. I'm thankful that you are here everyday.........................jean

ANNIE · « **Reply #682 on:** November 25, 2009, 02:34:52 PM »

I will second that, Jean. Hope your Thanksgiving is a very successful feast.

ALF43 · « **Reply #683 on:** November 25, 2009, 02:57:55 PM »

What a wonderful tribute to SeniorLearn Mabel. We are all fortunate to have this site.

JimNT · « **Reply #684 on:** November 27, 2009, 01:22:52 PM »

Has anyone read What it Takes by Richard Ben Cramer? This book traces the lives and presidential campaigns of six political aspirants; G H W Bush, R Gephart, M Dukakis, R Dole, G Hart and J Biden. It's a bit dated, copywritten 1989, and why I allowed it to remain on my bookshelves unread these many years is an inexplicable mystery. I'm not even sure why I bought it. It qualifies as a tome and is a very readable page turner. In my opinion, it confirms the notion that there is, in fact, a special class of people who recognize their purpose early on and shape their lives toward accomplishing this purpose. This will sound naive to many, that no such class exists or everyone has known this from birth. I would dearly love to hear some comments on either the book or the idea of "class".

ANNIE · « **Reply #685 on:** November 27, 2009, 01:47:26 PM »

JimNT,
Your book sort of sounds like the one I recommended earlier. Its entitled "Outliers" by Gladwell. Have you read it yet? The author confirms your book plus much more. It is non-fiction.

JimNT · « **Reply #686 on:** November 27, 2009, 01:52:16 PM »

No, I haven't read Outliers but thanks you for the info. Is it of recent vintage?

ANNIE · « **Reply #687 on:** November 27, 2009, 01:58:06 PM »

Oh yes, JimNT, it is newly published and he has two others: "Blink" How we think without thinking and another "Tipping Point" which is about "How We Think About the World Around Us". My f2f group has read and liked "Blink" and I have a friend who has also read and liked "Tipping Point". Since I use the library a lot, I was glad to find that they have all three books. Hope you find it to your liking.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #688 on:** November 28, 2009, 01:00:26 AM »

I read Tipping POint, must look for the other two and What It Takes.............ooooohhhh, the TBR list is much tooooooo long and the holidays are upon us with all the activity they entail.............Maybe i should hope for a really bad winter when i can only stay inside and read! ....................jean

Babi · « **Reply #689 on:** November 28, 2009, 10:40:35 AM »

Only if you can get your groceries delivered, JEAN. $:-\$

mrssherlock · « **Reply #690 on:** November 28, 2009, 03:13:01 PM »

When I was unexpectedly carless for a few days I had groceries delivered. There were two negatives: first, it cost $12 extra and two, it was so easy to impulse shop that I bought nonessentials, not only that but I'd order two of them! It is a treat to have the van pull up and deliver things to your door.

ANNIE · « **Reply #691 on:** November 28, 2009, 03:30:11 PM »

Mrssherlock,
I love your story about having your groceries delivered. Just too funny!

Jean
I was obsessed with "Outliers" and read it twice just to make sure that I understood the author. The guy spins a great yarn, doesn't he?? I can't wait to read "Blink".

After I get done with my first run-thru of "America's Prophet".There is a great deal of meaningful history in that book. Lots of things that I was unaware of that pertain to American history. Two of the chapters had me all misty eyed. Its an eye opener too.

Babi · « **Reply #692 on:** November 29, 2009, 08:23:48 AM »

I guess I'm going to have to take a look at Gladwell. Can't afford to
pass up a guy to can 'spin a great yarn'.

ANNIE · « **Reply #693 on:** November 29, 2009, 08:57:54 AM »

Well, maybe not a yarn but a thought provoking idea, Babi. Try it, you might like it. It is intriguing.

JimNT · « **Reply #694 on:** November 29, 2009, 01:43:13 PM »

AdoAnnie: Thanks for the response and book recs. I've read The Tipping Point and will look into the other recs. Incidentally, my college friend from the early sixties, William V. Muse, recently published his book titled The Seventh Muse about his growing up in Alabama and Mississippi. I bought a copy and sent it to him for his autograph which he returned a couple days ago. Haven't read it yet, however, as I'm deeply engrossed in What it Takes but I was pleased that Amazon lists it for sale. Among other accomplishments, Bill was President of Auburn Univ, Dean of Bus School at Texas A&M, etcetra. You might access Amazon and read his sole review. Well, it's beginning to rain as a cold front is moving in. Perfect for resuming my tome.

Ella Gibbons · « **Reply #695 on:** November 29, 2009, 02:46:49 PM »

HELLO ALL! Am in rehab for awhile after a surgery, after a fall. And very new to a laptop but I love it all so much that I will learn!

I echo what JEAN said above about being thankful for this site, a place to discuss books and ideas with friends who love the same! It fills the hours pleasurably.

Am trying to read - slowly as I am doing everything these days! The book -Eiffel's Tower, by Jill Jonnes, looks very good, historic about the tower and the Paris Exposition of 1888, I think!

Ella-in RehaB (later, love reading your post)

maryz · « **Reply #696 on:** November 29, 2009, 02:55:52 PM »

Ella, delighted to see you back on your laptop. Good luck with your rehab!

mabel1015j · « **Reply #697 on:** November 29, 2009, 03:05:08 PM »

Hi Ella - welcome back to the non-fiction world..............jean

Jonathan · « **Reply #698 on:** November 29, 2009, 04:42:27 PM »

Ella, how good to hear from you. Your post sounds like you're in good spirits. And why not. With a new laptop, and your books around you, you could make your rehab a memorable time for yourself and for us with many posts on what you're reading.

Jim, I'm looking around for a copy of WHAT IT TAKES. I'm trying to imagine why you consider it a 'tragic mistake' (post 659), not having read it 20 years ago. How could it have made a difference in your life? Might you have been posting to us from the oval office? Or someone you helped put there?

serenesheila · « **Reply #699 on:** November 29, 2009, 11:01:00 PM »

Ella, it warms my heart to see you back with us! I am sorry you took a fall. I hope that your recovery goes smoothly. I have missed you. Please take good care of yourself.

Love, Sheila

mrssherlock · « **Reply #700 on:** November 30, 2009, 12:03:55 AM »

Ella: I knew nothing could keep you down for long. Welcome back.

JimNT · « **Reply #701 on:** November 30, 2009, 09:48:30 AM »

No, Ella. I've overstated my dissappointment in my overlooking such a readable book about some interesting politicians. The book is not a literary giant; simply, a gossipy fun read about some newsmakers I thought I knew.

JoanK · « **Reply #702 on:** November 30, 2009, 09:48:51 PM »

We're looking forward to seeing you at the

Holiday Open House

December 1 - 20

Ella Gibbons · « **Reply #703 on:** December 01, 2009, 01:26:19 PM »

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE WELCOME BACK!

This wondrous little computer is hard to handle at times. It's a learning process.

I keep doing things wrong, so..................... I will post this before I lose it.

Ella Gibbons · « **Reply #704 on:** December 01, 2009, 01:30:46 PM »

I think we should all suggest a book about our political climate, recent presidents, and how the Internet is impacting it all.

How the Internet is influencing our lives and the WORLD!

Don't you think the Internet has changed our lives?

Ella Gibbons · « **Reply #705 on:** December 01, 2009, 01:35:14 PM »

Gustave Eiffel was a fascinating fellow and the book about his Tower amazing I highly recommend it. I was in Paris for just one day several years ago (with our own Ginny) and I was disappointed in my reaction to this very famous landmark. I had supposed I would be in such awe, but................

later, ella

marjifay · « **Reply #706 on:** December 01, 2009, 03:10:18 PM »

Welcome back, Ella!

I've put Eiffel's book about the tower on my TBR list. We were really impressed when we drove by by the tower at night when it was beautifully lit with blazing lights. Amazing sight! I can still picture it.

I liked Southern France best, especiall Provence. We spent a week in Aix and loved it. Drove all over looking at everything. The people there were so nice. I'd go back there in a minute.

Marj

FlaJean · « **Reply #707 on:** December 01, 2009, 03:59:40 PM »

Am anxious to read those books by Gladwell. I've been reading a lot of fiction (mysteries) and am ready for something different. Don't post often but I enjoy this forum!

mabel1015j · « **Reply #708 on:** December 01, 2009, 06:51:36 PM »

someone tell me how you pronouce Aix................jean

ANNIE · « **Reply #709 on:** December 01, 2009, 07:00:32 PM »

Bellmere,
Was it you in here looking for Tracy Kidder titles?? I have read three of his books and enjoyed each of them. His first big one was entitled "The Soul of a New Machine" and then "House" and then "Hometown" plus I own two more which await me in my TBR pile. One is "Among School Children".

Another book your friend might enjoy is "The Cuckoo's Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage" by Clifford Stoll. Captivating!!

JoanK · « **Reply #710 on:** December 01, 2009, 07:10:37 PM »

I love "The Cuckoo's Egg"! All the technology it describes is now outdated, but it's still a fascinating real-life detective story.

marjifay · « **Reply #711 on:** December 01, 2009, 08:57:36 PM »

Jean, I believe its pronounced eks.

Marj

marcie · « **Reply #712 on:** December 01, 2009, 09:09:37 PM »

I too read "The Cuckoo's Egg" some years ago and remember that I was fascinated.

ANNIE · « **Reply #713 on:** December 02, 2009, 05:56:31 AM »

Marifay,
EKS?? What does that mean?? Never heard, even the author, pronounce EGGS as EKS??
Yes, the two computer oriented books are outdated but a kick to read. House is about building your own house or doing your own contracting. And Hometown is just what the title says.
I thought of another one as I went to sleep last night but it escapes me now.

Babi · « **Reply #714 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:40:31 AM »

Not 'eggs', ANNIE. MARJ was answering Jean's question about the
pronunciation of 'Aix'.

ANNIE · « **Reply #715 on:** December 02, 2009, 10:58:58 AM »

HAHAHAHA! I must pay better attention!![/size][/color]

evergreen · « **Reply #716 on:** December 02, 2009, 02:24:59 PM »

ELLA In reply to your question: Yes, the internet has totally changed how I spend my time. And it continues to change.

Yesterday, I visited a friend who can now download the books on his Kindle to his television screen, and he reads the books in huge letters on his television. Harumphhh. I didn't even know we could do this. His computer is hooked up to his TV screen, so he can do everything on his TV that he does on his computer........e-mail, reading newspapers and magazines, surfing.

Just about the time I think I'm getting up to date, they throw in some new technology! LOL

evergreen · « **Reply #717 on:** December 02, 2009, 02:32:55 PM »

I am reading The First Tycoon: the epic life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by T. J. Stiles. It recently won one the the National Book awards.

Am enjoying it very much. Good writing. Heavily footnoted.......really heavily footnoted (sigh).

JoanK · « **Reply #718 on:** December 02, 2009, 03:16:04 PM »

Sigh is right. I vary a lot in how much I feel compelled to read footnotes. For one thing, they're always in tiny print. Sigh.

But I don't trust a book that doesn't have a lot of footnotes. Can't win for losing.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #719 on:** December 02, 2009, 03:45:30 PM »

C Vamderbilt was an interesting - some might say, nasty/mean - fellow, wasn't he? ...........probably two decades ago i read a hefty book that was about all the Vanderbilts, can't remember who wrote. The new one probably has even better info in it......................jean

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Author Topic: Non-Fiction (Read 438959 times)