Author Topic: The Library (Read 2303229 times)

JeanneP · « **Reply #10640 on:** February 12, 2013, 04:33:26 PM »

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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I think that Queen Beatrix enjoyed the position more when her husband was alive. Elizabeth Still has Philip by her side. He seems to still be a help to her even at his age. Hard to say what will happen once he passes. I don't believe Charles interested in becoming King. His son is now old enough and if it went to a vote I believe the people would accept him.
I was thinking that Beatrix had another son. More wild than the one taking over. Didn't one marry a young waitress who has a out of wedlock child? Not the one now taking over. Still the Prince in Monico has either 2 or 3 children one a Mix Race I think. OUt of wedlock.( That word sound so funny now as its said that over 50% born are now that way). Has he now had children with the women he married?

JeanneP · « **Reply #10641 on:** February 12, 2013, 04:38:23 PM »

I picked up a book yesterday that I am liking. Just a fast read. Not my usual Murders. "The Greatcoat" by Helen Dunmore. Sort of a Ghost story. Not read her before. Looks like she has about 12 books written. Some in LP.

maryz · « **Reply #10642 on:** February 12, 2013, 07:42:31 PM »

Rosemary, Steph is a Quaker. She usually checks in in the mornings, so I'm sure she'll reply to your post.

Steph · « **Reply #10643 on:** February 13, 2013, 06:05:19 AM »

Rosemary, do explore the quakers. I am what is called a "Philadelphia"Quaker, no minister, no singing,, no noise, just blessed silence and the deep looking within for your belief and answers.. It is a quiet religion.. It gives me great peace.. no war...When I was younger, I was an activist during Viet Nam , but at 75 I am one of the older quiet ones.
Queen Beatrix.. there is a tradition in the Netherlands.. Their royalty retires at some point.. The Queen of England has no history in that and I think she considers it quitting her duty and she is very very conscious of her duty.

ginny · « **Reply #10644 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:54:16 AM »

Rosemary, you got a Distinction? Congratulations!! That seems very promising to me! I once did a writing course with the then Poet Laureate of South Carolina. i was not promising. They were most encouraging but I found it somewhat painful to have everybody critiquing what I wrote, tho again they kept it positive. Such a personal thing, it seems, writing.

Philadelphia Quakers. That brings back memories. Philadelphia is my home town. When we moved to NJ it was to a "Quaker Town," with an active Friends School. One of my friends invited me several times to come to one of their meetings, they're called. You just stand up, she said, and say what you think.

That's one of my worst case scenarios, having to stand up in public and say pretty much of anything personal, so I did not attend.

OH and Summer's Lease came yesterday, a Mortimer! Thank you, Frybabe, for ideas where he can be found in the States; I'm anxious to read him again in hopes I can find that original piece, I know it wasn't a Rumpole but it was so beautifully and atmospherically written.

pedln · « **Reply #10645 on:** February 13, 2013, 10:41:34 AM »

Would you have to say anything? Could you just sit and listen, be one of the quieter ones?

Summer's Lease sounded familiar to me, and I see the film is on my Netflix queue. Frybabe, did you recommend the film too? Someone here did because I'd never have thought of it on my own.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #10646 on:** February 13, 2013, 12:40:30 PM »

Ginny, i've been in that Friends School and Meeting House

and you don't have to say anything. If you aren' t "moved" you can just sit in contemplation. It's such a nice, simple Metting House. We're lucky to have several 1700s era Friends Meeting Houses in South Jersey. Almost every town has one. They are not all active congregations, but the buildings have remained. My Holly, Bordentown, Mt Laurel, Moorestown, etc, all within 20 miles of each other. I love them.

pedln · « **Reply #10647 on:** February 13, 2013, 12:57:15 PM »

Terry Deary, best-selling children's writer. Shall we hang him by his heels or his toes?

Terry Deary

Quote

"People have to make the choice to buy books. People will happily buy a cinema ticket to see Roald Dahl's Matilda, and expect to get the book for free. It doesn't make sense," he said. "Books aren't public property, and writers aren't Enid Blyton, middle-class women indulging in a pleasant little hobby. They've got to make a living. Authors, booksellers and publishers need to eat. We don't expect to go to a food library to be fed."

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #10648 on:** February 13, 2013, 02:15:33 PM »

Other than the sexist remark (re: Enid Blyton) the last 2 sentences kind of lost me.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #10649 on:** February 13, 2013, 03:03:37 PM »

Wow he really wants to take us back - as Earnest Gains in the recent PBS special pointed out until he moved to California and spent after school hours in the public library he had no idea there were places with that many books and all at his disposal to read - I do not think we have ever read together as a group any of his books - that would be something i would be interested in - other than Miss Jane Pittman I would prefer reading one of his other stories.

ginny · « **Reply #10650 on:** February 13, 2013, 06:49:22 PM »

Who? Who is he? I never heard of him??

Who is Enid Blyton? I'm lost.

Middle Aged women indulging in a pleasant hobby, surely that's not as obnoxious as it sounds, does he mean one of his characters?

Where are people getting books for free? Surely not at the public library.

What is he talking about? And here I thought I was the incoherent one!

Pedln and Jean, yes they said one did not have to stand up and speak. The service described, however, sounded quite nice but a little far from what I personally wanted, tho interesting of course.

Pedln I think it was Rosemary who recommended Summer's Lease.

Rosemary, Farmer Duck came today and it's absolutely splendid. In a class by itself.

The illustrations, and the story are absolutely wonderful.

I thought I knew all the good children's books. I didn't, never heard of this one, but it's marvelous. Thank you again!

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #10651 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:33:00 PM »

http://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #10652 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:59:37 PM »

I put Summer's Lease in my Netflix queue.

as to the gentleman's quotes, besides being obnoxious, he lost me too, Ginny.

jane · « **Reply #10653 on:** February 13, 2013, 09:02:21 PM »

I got from the article that he wants libraries closed. He seems to feel they are no longer needed. He thinks people get books there free that they would otherwise buy. So, authors, publishers, etc. lose money. He says he'd make many more pounds selling his books, against the small amount paid him to have his books in a UK library.

Jane

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #10654 on:** February 13, 2013, 10:03:42 PM »

that is what I got from the article as well Jane - and immediately I thought of all those who have benefited us with work that was influenced by reading and writing in a library.

maryz · « **Reply #10655 on:** February 13, 2013, 11:14:00 PM »

I couldn't believe an author was opposed to libraries. Amazing!

Nothing to do with books, but I want to recommend a TV program. I watched a 2-hour NOVA tonight on PBS. It's called 'Earth From Space', and it is fabulous! The photography and animation are terrific, and I was glued to the TV for the whole two hours. See if you can find it on your PBS station or on the computer or On Demand.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #10656 on:** February 14, 2013, 12:09:58 AM »

kiwilady · « **Reply #10657 on:** February 14, 2013, 03:54:53 AM »

My great grandmother was a Quaker. When I was a child Quakers in New Zealand had no radios and later no Television. They did read newspapers and books, drive cars etc. My great grandmother dressed in the old Quaker dress of grey or black. She wore grey lisle stockings. My great grandmother was a Pacifist and a left wing voter.

She lived with my grandparents. When we were sleeping over with my grandparents she would come in each night and supervise prayers. Because of her sober appearance as a child I was scared of her. My mother said she was the gentlest of souls. She also dispensed many herbal remedies and medicines for common ailments that she made herself. She was always consulted for these minor ailments by the extended family. She was a very interesting lady my mother said.

Carolyn

Steph · « **Reply #10658 on:** February 14, 2013, 06:05:45 AM »

Odd the supervising of prayers for a quaker. That is a very very private thing for most quakers.. Ah Ginny, I love the silence.. the looking within to see if somewhere you have the need to say something.. The fact that we never vote to win or lose.. but simply consensus..
Gray and black.. old quaker idea of never letting yourself be ornamented or stand out. Most quaker women back when I was young wore only a simply gold wedding band..I love jewelry, especially earrings, so I wear it.. Noone would think of complaining about it. Yes, South Jersey has some wonderful meeting houses. I have been in many of them, the three years we lived in South Jersey.. The little town I grew up in has a wonderful tiny meeting house with a cemetery surrounding it. The most peaceful place on earth to me.

MaryPage · « **Reply #10659 on:** February 14, 2013, 06:33:05 AM »

I watched it also, Mary, and for the 2 hours, as well. From ten to eleven I switched back and forth with Nashville a few times just to keep up with that show; but you know how it is, it only took a minute to see how that was progressing. The things those satellites have been telling us about how the Earth works is just mind blowing. And in 10 years, most of them will be dead! One thing they all show for sure is that our planet IS warming up and that it IS a man made disaster in the making. So sad. I feel lucky to be on my way out and to miss all that!

Rosemary, I have ordered Farmer Duck and Owls Babies by Martin Waddell from Barnes & Noble here and had them sent directly to my great grandson Ezra, who is 20 months old and loves books above all things. I was told just Tuesday that owls are his favorite thing at present, and so I am tickled to find that book and send it to him. His mother, my granddaughter Paige, can tell Ezra to get a certain book of his from his bookshelves and he will get the right one every time. When Goodnight Moon is read to him, he finishes it off by saying: "And Good Night Ezwah!"

Frybabe · « **Reply #10660 on:** February 14, 2013, 06:57:44 AM »

Watched the first half then switched to CSI. Hope to pick it up later. It is very good.

Babi · « **Reply #10661 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:44:50 AM »

You won't regret it, ROSEMARY. Your grandkids will love them. I am also heartily with you
on making a distinction between one's personal faith and church dogma. I don't think it
is possible to find a church where one agrees 100% with everything they teach, but one
can generally find a church where the attitudes, atmosphere, and teaching allow one to
feel at home.

GINNY, I visited a Quaker meeting once, since the idea of one such as STEPH describes
greatly appealed to me. Unfortunately, this was not a 'Philadelphia' style meeting.
One lady promptly got up, and started praying. And she prayed, and prayed, and prayed
until even the gentleman conducting the meeting began to look embarassed and glanced at
me somewhat apologetically. Perhaps the dear lady thought she was impressing me with
their (or her) piety. I would still like to attend a 'Philadelphia Quaker meeting. It
wouldn't matter there that I can't hear.

I suspect Mr. Deary's books are not selling well and he resents our being able to read
them free at the library. Perhaps he should supplement his income with a second job.

Frybabe · « **Reply #10662 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:25:54 AM »

I took some more books up to the used book store to trade for credit. She only took four this time. Her inventory is piling up, and some of what I had she already has plenty of or they don't sell well. Previously she took all or almost all I went in with; this time she declined seven.

I did come away with Peter Matthiessen's Shadow Country, a tome of 892 pages set in the Everglades. It was a National Book Award winner. Originally, the publishers broke his 1500page book up into three books: Killing Mr. Watson, Lost Man's River, and Bone by Bone. That wasn't what Mattthiessen envisioned for his book, so he reworked into this one. The other book I bought City of Gold, as spy thriller by Len Deighton (also wrote,The Ipcress File). It is set in Egypt in WWII.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #10663 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:32:18 AM »

Thank you very much for all the very interesting information about Quakers, I am definitely going to look into this.

MaryPage, I'm glad you found those two books - both of which we still have. Another one your great grandson might like is Mr Bear to the Rescue by Debbie Gliori - I'm pretty sure there are some owls in that, along with a lot of other woodland creatures whom Mr Bear rescues on a wild and stormy night in the woods.

Rosemary

JoanP · « **Reply #10664 on:** February 14, 2013, 12:04:07 PM »

So pleased to announce our readers' #1 choice for March discussion, Will Schwalbe's "The End of Your Life Book Club" - "the inspiring true story of a son and his mother, who start a “book club” that brings them together as her life comes to a close. Over the next two years, Will and Mary Anne carry on conversations that are both wide-ranging and deeply personal, prompted by an eclectic array of books and a shared passion for reading."

Keep a pen and notepad handy; you will surely hear them discuss titles you wonder how you ever missed! No wonder this book is a best seller, five stars, Amazon pick by the editors as "best book of 2012." We'll be talking about the Schwalbes' story through March and also the titles they discuss in their "bookclub" conversations. Please plan to join us here: The End of Your Life Book Club Discussion

I'd like to add, that even if you don't plan to read and discuss the Schwalbes' story, you are very welcome to participate in the discussion of the many titles they will be discussing in their "book club." These two are well-read, voracious readers - worth listening too, I think.

MaryPage · « **Reply #10665 on:** February 14, 2013, 06:51:44 PM »

Rosemary, I could not find a copy of that book. I did go on line and, through THRIFT BOOKS, I was able to send Ezra 7 books from 5 different used bookstores. They are all by Charlotte Zolotow, who is a huge favorite of mine. Her "Do You Know What I'll Do?" just pulverizes me.

JeanneP · « **Reply #10666 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:20:57 PM »

"Enid Blyton"Sunny Stories. Grew up in UK with them. Haven't seen one in years.

Now just down the street from me a New Quaker Meeting house was built. About 5 years ago. I have wanted to attend one of the Meeting. Just out of curiosity. I have been inside when they had a Sale of goods to make money for something. Nothing like any other religious church. Just had wooden forms filling the room. Some say their meeting can go on a long time. Would think uncomfortable to sit. Very nice building. Sort of what I would think the Amish way is other then they just use their homes. (I live close to them also).
I did meet a few of the members. All very nice and friendly.
I like the thought of just quietness.
Having been away from the High Church Anglican then the only time I have gone inside here in The U.S is to attend Weddings etc. The closest I have seen to what I grew up in seems to be the "Greek Orthodox". We have one close to me also.

My area not very big but does seem to cover every religion. Very International
area..Even have a small Mosque.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #10667 on:** February 15, 2013, 02:35:40 AM »

MaryPage - this is it on Amazon UK, but maybe it's not available in the US:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Bear-Rescue-Debi-Gliori/dp/1843628015/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360855682&sr=1-3

Debi Gliori has produced many excellent children's books:

http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/writers/debi-gliori

Although I didn't know till I read this that she lives in East Lothian (like me!)

Rosemary

Steph · « **Reply #10668 on:** February 15, 2013, 05:55:13 AM »

Hmm.Babi I am sorry to hear about the lady talking..We don't really refer to it as praying. She was one of those people who try to control the meeting and if she went on that long, the elder had lost control.. Yes, sometimes in dire times or times of great dissension, meeting will go on and on. Everyone who wants to speak gets their chance.. Other times, if one person says anything, it is the only one. The elder will make announcements. In Viet Nam when I first joined, the meetings did tend to go on and on.. since we do not vote.. there was invisible arguing about the war going on. One of the elders in my first meeting house took me under her wing when I first started going..She was very old fashioned and used thee and thou.. It always made me feel special somehow.

Babi · « **Reply #10669 on:** February 15, 2013, 08:52:31 AM »

It was disappointng, STEPH, but I perfectly realize that it was not a typical meeting. Now it is no longer a
possibility. Since I have given up driving, my outings are rare. Especially now, when I'd rather be where I can
keep warm.

MaryPage · « **Reply #10670 on:** February 15, 2013, 12:07:58 PM »

Rosemary, Barnes & Noble has loads of books by her, they just don't have that one. I can, however, purchase a used copy. I am going to look about a bit before I resort to the used. By the way, have I neglected to say that I really appreciate your tips? I have TWENTY-TWO (22) great grandchildren, 10 boys and 12 girls. The oldest is 19 and the youngest is 2 months. So I am kept quite busy buying books and need all the help I can get!
The boys are Kyle, Jack, Bobby, Sam, Simon, Max, Garrett, Willem, Ezra and Mateo.
The girls are Emily, Courtney, Brooke, Annabelle, Tallulah, Leah, Kiersten, Nissa, Drake, Lexa, Emma and Toia.
It absolutely amazes me that I can remember and think about and mentally hug each one of them. I guess that is Love.

kiwilady · « **Reply #10671 on:** February 15, 2013, 09:55:59 PM »

Brooke was here this afternoon. We ended up having a lively discussion about "To Kill a Mocking Bird" which is one of her set books for NCEA Level One English. ( its like O levels in UK) I am impressed at the historical research they are doing along with reading the book. She is so involved in the historical aspects of the book and tells me "Granny I just love Harper Lee" Oh I never knew the day would come so quickly when she and I would be having our own little book discussions on a weekly basis almost.

Carolyn

Steph · « **Reply #10672 on:** February 16, 2013, 05:46:26 AM »

Grands are always amazing and I cannot even grasp Great Grands.. MaryPage.. How wonderful that you can remember all the names. Iknow that Tims Grandmother could not recall my sons names when they were young.She always thought that they were Tim and his brother instead.

MaryPage · « **Reply #10673 on:** February 16, 2013, 10:17:39 AM »

Brooke will feel so sad when she realizes Harper Lee never wrote another book for publication.

pedln · « **Reply #10674 on:** February 16, 2013, 10:54:39 AM »

Carolyn, I'm impressed with the fact that New Zealand children are studying happenings from US history. And I would hope that the reverse is also true -- that our US students are learning more than just the location of New Zealand and Australia. Most of what I have learned about your part of the world has come later in life, much of it from here on SeniorLearn.

PatH · « **Reply #10675 on:** February 16, 2013, 01:45:19 PM »

MaryPage, how do you keep track of what books you have given to which great grandchildren?

kiwilady · « **Reply #10676 on:** February 16, 2013, 03:29:48 PM »

Pedln apart from the Maori Wars in the Waikato our history is very bland. Even our Independance came with patience and no bad feeling. Brooke loves history and is glad that her history course covers quite a lot of World history. With English of course the classic literature is open to much research on historical events. Kiwis being so isolated are very very curious about the World. 75% of us have passports and our kids all travel widely. Being a low waged economy now our professionals leave and go to all corners of the Globe to earn the big money. Its sad that we spend so much educating them to a very high standard and other countries reap the benefits. Still I cant blame the kids leaving now as its so very very expensive to live here in 2013.

Brooke has Maori Heritage and her eyes were wide when she told me yesterday that in the period "To Kill a Mocking Bird" was set, if she had lived in the South in the USA she would be classed as coloured. She has a photographic memory so I got the famous civil rights cases quoted word for word. I had forgotten some of them.

It is Sunday here and in about 20 mins I am heading for the library to stock up for another week. I dont sleep more than 6 hours a night and dont watch TV so I go through a lot of books.

Carolyn

kiwilady · « **Reply #10677 on:** February 16, 2013, 03:34:15 PM »

Steph do you think Harper Lee was intimidated because of the subject she wrote about and thats why she never wrote another book. I must google her bio.

Carolyn

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #10678 on:** February 16, 2013, 03:42:20 PM »

I doubt she was intimidated - she was good friends with Truman Capote and others including some well known actors and politicians - her book did not set off a firestorm here nor was it a factor during the Civil Rights movement - we can judge the story line with our experience today but at the time it was simply telling a story that was a slice of how it was - In most Southern communities there were always Atticus Finch's - as to why no other book from what I understand that is still the 64 million dollar question among the best literary minds.

maryz · « **Reply #10679 on:** February 16, 2013, 04:10:53 PM »

Carolyn, there are several good biographies of Harper Lee. Click here for one example. I've heard this author speak, and although this biography was written for young readers, it is quite good and informative.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2303229 times)