Author Topic: The Library (Read 2317748 times)

nlhome · « **Reply #10240 on:** December 21, 2012, 10:17:45 AM »

The Library

Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out.
Do come in from daily chores and spend some time with us.

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

Let the book talk begin here!

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Cruises ego or fame lets him be whoever he wants.. He was a horrible vampire and thank heaven people agreed with me and they have not done any more..
I dont read Jack Reacher, but I suspect if Jack is a physical kind of guy, he will do a good job. I dont think he can actually act much, but it doesnt seem to matter. I actually liked him in a very funny action type movie a few years ago.. He should go for funny.. Listen to me, the guy is rich beyond belief and I think he should do something different.I don't like that word "misfit" - to me it's a judgment against anyone who doesn't fit someone else's idea of how a person should act. There are a lot of remarkable, peaceful folks who don't fit in.
I don't know how we pick out someone who will become violent without destroying everyone's rights under the Constitution. I do believe that access to medical care, which includes mental health care, is vital to this country if we want to have a strong and healthy population.

I find myself not enjoying the violent books where vivid descriptions are not necessary for the plot. However, violence has always been a part of life - our newspaper has been celebrating it's 150th anniversary by printing old articles going way back - lots of violence over the years, not all from guns by any means. And books and movies, if they want to be realistic, do contain violence. Pollyanna is a nice tale, but we all know there's more under the surface.

maryz · « **Reply #10241 on:** December 21, 2012, 11:04:07 AM »

Rosemary, thanks for the recommendation of The Quiet American. I remember hearing about it, but have never seen it. It's "in the queue" at Netflix now.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #10242 on:** December 21, 2012, 12:52:10 PM »

Having raised a mis-fit it is not fun and games - there were signs as early as age 4 but by 3rd grade there were problems - some in the family wanted to help and understand and others were angry and I think exasperated the problem - then finally in his late teens they washed their hands - mental health at the time was like sending him to the snake pit - living naked and only receiving food other than water and cereal and articles of clothing as he performed as expected - I was heart sick but had no power to do anything - lots more but that does not need to be told here - part of the problem, we had no clue how being gay manifested itself in a child other than he liked to read, play the piano and did not mix with other boys without being bullied - the male members of the family were the ones who eventually washed their hands after heaping on what I consider more damage.

And yes, he was brilliant - so much faster to think and understand others and that was a sore spot among those who saw him as the monster for being a mis-fit. One of my grandson's was a mis-fit - in school yes, he was bullied unmercifully - but he has an avenue for his brilliance that was not available 55 years ago - he is amerced in the world of technology - with his single minded focus and his ability to grasp systems and prolific reading habits since he was age 3 he is not gay but simply has a mind that goes beyond even most adults. Today there is room for these kids and my daughter lived through the experience with her brother so she was better prepared therefore her eldest escaped the mis-understoood life that leads to rage.

Our scenarios remind me of the young man in Connecticut and yes, children blame their mother for everything that goes horribly wrong and she is in the first line of attack as children assume mother's have more power to protect than most women have - whatever happened I think it triggered what he experienced during the years of his early grade school - not necessarily the youngest classes - that was simply the first classroom he came upon - there was a book When Children Kill that explained they usually kills with multiple stabs, shots etc.

Another thought comes to mind, there is much about this case with a powerful father that reminds me of the Menendez Brothers and if that was his experience it is a secret that died with him - there are many points that match that kind of scenario. The father, a CEO of his business sure is not going to spill the beans. Incest is about power over. Again, the mother's are blamed. He may have been different because he was dealing, without help a dark secret.

marjifay · « **Reply #10243 on:** December 21, 2012, 12:58:37 PM »

I just finished THE UNINVITED GUESTS by Sadie Jones that Ginny so highly recommended. I agree, it was a very good read. A dreadful train wreck one evening in 1912 brings some bedraggled survivors to the Torrington's rural manor house to seek shelter. A birthday celebration then turns into something quite bizarre, including a very dark parlor game that is played but not enjoyed by everyone. You will love the youngest daugher's "great undertaking." After I got used to the author's British expressions, I could not put the book down. What an imagination she has. I will read more from her.

Marj

nlhome · « **Reply #10244 on:** December 21, 2012, 08:29:33 PM »

Marj, thanks for telling about The Uninvited Guests - it's one I was looking at this week. I think I'll pick it up.

ANNIE · « **Reply #10245 on:** December 21, 2012, 11:10:48 PM »

I just finished a book "Flight of the Maidens" by Jane Gordam which Steph mentioned earlier. Excellent and very different reading, I intend to try another one of her other popular titles. It was the first fiction that I have read recently that I enjoyed so much. Thanks, Steph? It was you, wasn't it?

marjifay · « **Reply #10246 on:** December 22, 2012, 12:12:37 AM »

Thanks, AdoAnnie, for your recommendation of Jane Gardam's Flight of the Maidens. I've put it on my TBR list. Gardam's God on the Rocks was one of my favorite reads of 2012.

I thought Steph had recommended Gardam's Queen of the Tambourine, but perhaps she also recommended Flight of the Maidens.

Marj

Steph · « **Reply #10247 on:** December 22, 2012, 06:03:15 AM »

I like Gardam and recommended both books actually.She is an excellent writer..We read something of hers here.. Old Filth?? I think.
Got my problem solved. Still do not believe it.. Windows 8 has two home screens.. One if the fancy one with all the pictures, but the other is just like our older windows.. I got the boy who transferred my data to pull my favorites over there.. when I go in there, check in to my home page on line and then access my email, it works perfectly to open the pictures. No idea on earth why, but it works..

maryz · « **Reply #10248 on:** December 25, 2012, 11:06:51 AM »

On BookTV (C-Span 2) this afternoon, there will be interviews with Ken Follett (Winter of the World) at 3:15 p.m. ET, and Robert Caro (latest volume on LBJ) to follow at 4:15 p.m.ET.

ANNIE · « **Reply #10249 on:** December 25, 2012, 11:12:39 AM »

Thanks for the heads-up about Ken Follett. Is that his 3rd book which starts with "Pillars of the Earth? I will try to remember to look into the interview. Our family is coming at 4pm and if the table is set and all systems are go, I just might get to listen to a little.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!

maryz · « **Reply #10250 on:** December 25, 2012, 12:37:18 PM »

Adoannie, this us the second book in his 20th century trilogy. First was Winds of War.

JeanneP · « **Reply #10251 on:** December 25, 2012, 01:15:03 PM »

Hope the library get Winter of the World. Really enjoyed "Winds of War"

serenesheila · « **Reply #10252 on:** December 25, 2012, 03:40:40 PM »

I would like to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas. May the coming New Year bring you many of life's blessings.

I am at my son's home. There are seven if us here, we all went to church last night. Then took home a take out Chinese dinner. It was a lovely evening! My grandson had his fiance, and ny granddaughter, had hers. They have been dividing their time amoung all of their families. It is like a revolving door! But fun!

love to all of you,
Sheila

maryz · « **Reply #10253 on:** December 25, 2012, 06:58:44 PM »

Sounds like fun, Sheila.

I had the wrong title for Follett's book -the first of the trilogy is Fall of Giants. My bad.

ANNIE · « **Reply #10254 on:** December 26, 2012, 10:35:45 PM »

He didn't write "Winds of War", did he?? I remember reading that long ago and then they made it into a mini-series with Robert Mitchum.

maryz · « **Reply #10255 on:** December 26, 2012, 10:51:14 PM »

That was my mistake, adoannie. Winds of War was by Herman Wouk.

marjifay · « **Reply #10256 on:** December 26, 2012, 10:52:25 PM »

I was sitting her listening to a talk radio show where they were talking about retro-toys that we used to get for Christmas, like tinker-toys, etc.

Does anyone remember getting a potholder loom? It was a simple little metal frame about 6 inches square and you could use it to weave a potholder with yarn. I remember having more fun with it.

Marj

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #10257 on:** December 26, 2012, 11:53:41 PM »

yes made with blue metal - four forked bars held by screws and I think wing nuts. There was a long needle because the old ones like I received you had to weave yarn - I got one for my daughter and then they used these cloth loops - we both used hers to make all sorts of plaid pot holders.

JoanK · « **Reply #10258 on:** December 26, 2012, 11:59:25 PM »

I remember having one as a child, but not getting one for my children.

kiwilady · « **Reply #10259 on:** December 27, 2012, 04:03:46 AM »

I am reading Anthony Trollope at the moment. "The Dukes Children" this time. Love this author.

Carolyn

Steph · « **Reply #10260 on:** December 27, 2012, 06:28:31 AM »

I had one of the looms.. Made all sorts of stuff with it, but I had boys, so did not try that for them. Amazing how uncomplicated our toys were. I watched my grandson with his new Wii game with I think Highlanders and giants, all tech on a very big screen tv.. Not anything I would have recognized as a toy.

MaryPage · « **Reply #10261 on:** December 27, 2012, 07:11:48 AM »

I never thought of my little potholder maker as a toy, but as a craft that was useful. Mine was wooden, of course; they had not yet made metal ones. The colors were so pretty and it was fun to think up new patterns. Wonder if the craft stores carry those now?

maryz · « **Reply #10262 on:** December 27, 2012, 08:42:48 AM »

Our girls had the potholder looms. Those were my favorite pot holders, and I hated gradually having them disintegrate. I think there's still one in a kitchen drawer.

ginny · « **Reply #10263 on:** December 27, 2012, 11:09:08 AM »

Yes they still sell those looms, they are metal now. I loved those things, too.

So here I am, on the Third Day of Christmas, flushed with book gift cards, hooray, and looking for books! Hope your holiday was a fine one, and truly in the quiet moments, there's nothing that ends a wonderful day like a good book and a fire (metaphorical or not, on the fire, one can always pretend. hahahaa It's the thought that counts).

We are still building stick type fires but that one last night had a couple of logs on it, so maybe we're breaking it in correctly, who knows?

I'm still reading the Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P Kennedy by David Nassaw, and it's good. I'm not a Kennedy fan, and like everybody else I had heard a lot about old Joe but the truth is more powerful than the rumors and it's very well written. I'm enjoying it, very much. Lot of surprising positive stuff, particularly on Rose, which I am glad to see.

I tried several other books over the holidays, but could not focus long enough to get into them. I tried The St. Zita Society by Ruth Rendell (she is still alive apparently, and she is a good writer), but could not really get into it: too hectic here. I'll pick it up when things quieten down a bit, and try again, but I did start another John Grisham and am tremendously enjoying his The Testament. What a clever man he is, catches you right from the get go and doesn't let go and it's not new at all, one of his earlier ones.

Extremely rich man writes his last will as he is dying, or is he? The relatives are assembled, but he has a surprise for them; and for the reader. Great book so far, one of those satisfying books that you enjoy waking up to and read far into the night, just what I was looking for. (The law profession takes a major whop, tho). I think I'm going to read some Grisham for a while, I also liked the Litigator. Doesn't he have a new one out?

Now for the $64,000 question: do any of you read Baldacchi? I've had his Winner about a Lottery winner recommended, have any of you read it?

I've never read one of his. Should I?

What is anybody reading that you are enjoying? Or not?

maryz · « **Reply #10264 on:** December 27, 2012, 11:27:12 AM »

Ginny, Grisham's latest is called The Racketeer. Baldacci writes a good yarn - you'll like him.

JeanneP · « **Reply #10265 on:** December 27, 2012, 12:29:35 PM »

Not read any by Anthony Trollope but did use to read romantic books at one time written by a Joanne Trollope. wonder if related?

CallieOK · « **Reply #10266 on:** December 27, 2012, 12:43:31 PM »

Ginny, I also like Baldacci. I read "The Winner" some time ago so would have to be reminded about its plot to remember if I liked it (more accurately, "how much" I liked it!)

Just returned from the library with Ken Follett's newest one (already arrived after reserving it early yesterday morning!!) and two by Jane Gardam.
Her books are on the bottom shelf of the F - H section and I don't often bend down to see what's there when I'm browsing - so tend to forget about her until someone mentions her here.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #10267 on:** December 27, 2012, 01:21:36 PM »

Callie, I am currently reading Follett's "Fall of Giants". Decided to read it when I found out his Pt. 2 of the trilogy was coming out. "Winter World" or such? Bet that's the one you got. I am going through Giants more rapidly than I thought...it is 900+ pages and I am halfway thru, just reading at bedtime. Can hardly put it down. Did get some evening reading time on it, since prime time TV has nothing but re-runs till January? Had two more books started, but have put them on back burner till I finish Giants.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #10268 on:** December 27, 2012, 02:34:51 PM »

Jeanne - Joanna Trollope is related to Anthony Trollope, but only distantly.

I like her books - they used to be written off as 'aga sagas' here but I think they're better than that implies. One of my favourites is The Choir.

Rosemary

CallieOK · « **Reply #10269 on:** December 27, 2012, 03:46:43 PM »

Tomereader, the Follett book is "Window On The World" and follows "Fall of Giants". Looks as if it's about 900 pages, too. According to the interview on last Sunday's Book TV, he is already working on the 3rd one; that story will begin in 1961.

Rosemarykaye, Isn't an "aga" is a special kind of "cookstove"? How does that go with a "saga"? Is it like what we call "chick lit" (light "romantic" reading aimed at females)?

PatH · « **Reply #10270 on:** December 27, 2012, 03:46:54 PM »

A good idea--I should read some more Trollope. I've only read two--Barchester Towers and The Warden--and liked them. Plenty more to keep me busy.

ANNIE · « **Reply #10271 on:** December 27, 2012, 03:57:27 PM »

Ginny,
If you want to read Baldacci, IMHO, you should start with his Camel Club series. Here's list of the series: http://www.fictiondb.com/author/david-baldacci~series~the-camel-club~8936.htm

I have loved this author's books ever since reading these. Haven't even seen the title you mentioned about the lottery winner?? but he has written a long list of titles and one was "Absolute Power" which I read and then saw the movie which starred Clint Eastwood. Baldacci also writes another good series about

MaryZ and Tomereader,
I watched the interview of Ken Follett on CSPAN-2. It didn't start until 3;30pm here and family was arriving at 4, so I didn't really pay good
attention. So, "Fall of Giants" and then, "Winter World"? Right??? That will be in my TBR list for later next year.

Happy New Year to all. Am spending all my time in the lounge chair as I have come down with something like a cold but the coughing has done me in! PatH and JoanK is this what you have?? Yuck! Ginny! I am demanding you place your chicken soup hex on all three of us!!
And I meaned it too.

JeanneP · « **Reply #10272 on:** December 27, 2012, 04:54:16 PM »

Rosemary. I like "The Choir" also. Not read any of her books for awhile. Now he goes back to the 1800s doesn't he?
I was just reading about all the people rushing out for after Christmas Shopping in UK. Getting like USA now. Some of your stores opening at 6am. Same here. I have been thinking of going tonight. they stay open until 11pm. Little cold though

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #10273 on:** December 27, 2012, 05:13:23 PM »

Jeanne, an Aga is a solid fuel cooker that usually has 2 or 4 ovens and two plates on the top that are permanently hot. When I was a child, you found them in farmhouses and old kitchens, but these days they are huge status symbols and found in every 'yummy mummy's' home. They are lovely for warming a kitchen, but they cost a small fortune to run.

Joanna Trollope's novels were called 'aga sagas' because they were largely about comfortably-off, middle-class, families either living in country houses or with second homes in the country. They were/are not chick lit, they were more about the angst of financially stable youngish couples, their marriages, divorces, affairs, etc. In one of them, a vicar's wife takes a job in a supermarket to pay her daughter's school fees. They're good stories.

Rosemary

ginny · « **Reply #10274 on:** December 27, 2012, 05:21:50 PM »

Ann, I am so sorry you are not feeling well!! You've had quite the year! I hope you and our Twins feel better soon, here's the official Chicken Soup which never fails to cast off all colds and flu, it's as good as a shot. Maybe better, it's painless.

Oh I am just IN from Barnes and Noble spending my wonderful gift cards which burned a hole in my pocket, I can think of nothing better, what fun. It's like having a pantry full of sugary things waiting to be eaten. hahahaa

I did have an interesting conversation at the car wash with a man married to a Chinese woman who, when asked have you read Pearl Buck, said who?

At any rate I got:

Three more paperback Grishams, and Callie, I had to stand on my head to get them. I wonder why the books I always want are on the bottom shelf!!!

The Lottery (or is it called Winner, I can't remember!!) IS the one about ( I have it here somewhere, but have not read it) a Lottery winner. And I appreciate the hint to begin with the Camel's Club, also.

I also got Consider the Fork which I have looked for forever, a history of how we cook and eat. Have heard so much about it.

-- Snowman by Jo Nesbo, a Norwegian who they say is the next Girl Who writer. They say it's scary as all get out.

-- Wild by Cheryl Strayed, which is a true story which apparently rivals Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild and was Oprah's choice to start her bookclub again. We read that one here and the Boukreev, too, and they were both very provocative.

---The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry which I have heard no end of good things about, "a funny, poignant story of an ordinary man on an extraordinary journey." Moving and Inspiring, fiction.

And finally, Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore. This book, which I've also heard a great deal about, "reminds us that there is an intimate, adventurous joy in the palpable papery things called novels, and in the warm little secret societies we used to call bookstores."

There was certainly nothing warm or secretive about Barnes and Noble today, it was jam packed.

Oh man what a great list!!! So nice to have something to look forward to and read!

ginny · « **Reply #10275 on:** December 27, 2012, 05:29:22 PM »

I would kill for an Aga. Unfortunately it's 100 plus degrees here in the summer and sometimes other times, so it's all you can do to cool the house. So I don't think the constant lovely warmth would be appreciated but it's SUCH a romantic thing to contemplate and all those wonderful DOORS!! And is it true you don't set the temp, it's sort of set by itself? Each little oven door is different?

Love the "Aga Saga!" hhahaaa

I liked the Choir too and her first book , the Rector's Wife? It was so real.

ginny · « **Reply #10276 on:** December 27, 2012, 05:34:53 PM »

Look at this thing, since it's been brought up?

Man o man, check them out: http://www.aga-ranges.com/products/traditional-aga-cookers.aspx

Why am I shocked to hear there are electric ones? I am not sure what I thought they ran on. Coal maybe. Still want one.

Not the first red one on the page, and I thought they were all red. LOOK at that black beast! Wow~! (Very practical color for a stove which my own white one tries to emulate daily).

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #10277 on:** December 27, 2012, 05:40:58 PM »

Ginny, you can get electric ones but the traditional ones run on oil, I think. Heating oil is now so expensive that some people have converted their Agas to electricity (which is hardly cheap, but everything's relative.)

A good friend of mine has one and swears by it, but having stayed in her house and used the darned thing to cook from time to time, I find its lack of clear settings, and its inability to grill anything, very irritating.

maryz · « **Reply #10278 on:** December 27, 2012, 06:30:52 PM »

Good grief - I'd never have wanted a gargantuan stove like that - and surely not now. Wow - it's huge!

JeanneP · « **Reply #10279 on:** December 27, 2012, 07:07:13 PM »

I have only known one person in UK who has a Aga. I really can't see they in just a regular home. Who does a lot of cooking anymore. O.K in a restaurant or home of a Chef.
They remind me of a fireplace that was in family home built way back in the late 1800s. Prior to my time. Most my family lived in Older big homes. I remember that fireplace. One side was hot water. other side could bake bread. Was a open fire grate with a spit hanging over it. One lower oven baked food. Coal or coke was just moved around. Great to keep PJ warm. It had to be polished weekly with Black Leading. My aunt kept it so shiny It took up one whole wall.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2317748 times)