Author Topic: The Library (Read 2300569 times)

Steph · « **Reply #10720 on:** February 22, 2013, 06:42:01 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!

*Suggestion Box for Future Discussions
*SeniorLearn's Archives

The name is totally unfamiliar... Religiious?? from the titles??
Yesterdays courses were easier to understand than the gnostic.. Hurrah..
Hang in there Mary Page.. We get to observe now and it is fun sometimes.. The language is stupid, but I do love that most of the 20 somethings, hold doors for me.. offer to pick up things if I drop them and generally act like I am fragile ( am about as fragile as an old boot, but it is fun)

marjifay · « **Reply #10721 on:** February 22, 2013, 08:39:06 AM »

MaryPage wrote "I find that MOST people of the generations younger than myself just get stranger and stranger as the generations go down, and I find I cannot fathom their thinking and their reasoning and their behavior."

Gosh, MaryPage, what are you so afraid of? I'm just the opposite. I'm optomistic about the younger generation, at least the educated ones. They seem to be throwing off the prejudices of the older generation and are more open to change. They are more accepting of a racially diverse country, favor same-gender marriage, are more accepting of an activist government, and more likely to vote the Democratic party.

marj

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #10722 on:** February 22, 2013, 08:59:07 AM »

Marjifay,

I would say the same thing about my own teenagers and their friends. They amaze me with the breadth of their thinking, and their sense of justice and equality. At my elder daughter's age (she will be 18 on Monday) I was a naive, ill-informed child; she can still be hot-headed and impetuous, but she is a serious thinker with well developed political views. My younger one is similar (though less impetuous) - very well read, interested in all sorts of things. My son is only 20 and is teaching school children to climb, abseil, kayak, etc and to develop their own self-confidence - at his age there was no way I could have contemplated doing anything like that. Of course they have their bad points too, but don't we all? I think people in my generation can be far more narrow-minded, bigoted, etc (not me, of course!!!)

Rosemary

marjifay · « **Reply #10723 on:** February 22, 2013, 09:01:24 AM »

I bought Haruf's Plainsong some 12 years ago because it was being discussed in a book group to which I belonged at the time. Think I started it, couldn't get interested in it, and never went back to it. Have you read it, JoanP? Maybe I should pull it from my shelves and read it. I might have a different attitude toward it today.

Marj

marjifay · « **Reply #10724 on:** February 22, 2013, 09:18:51 AM »

Absodefinitely, Rosemary! And good for your youngsters. One thing I do find a bit strange is some of the younger generation's love for body tattoos and rings in odd places. I have this vision of all these old people some day walking around leaning on their canes and trying to hide their wrinkled tattoos. LOL

Marj

MaryPage · « **Reply #10725 on:** February 22, 2013, 09:38:48 AM »

Actually, I have been extremely fortunate in how my own have turned out and where they are going.
But think on the vast majority; those who are enjoying the dreadfully violent movies with absolutely no plots that are almost all there is showing in the movie houses.
Think on them eating up fast, loud, obscene violence there and in video games day after day after day.
And having no manners and no sense of gratitude, only a strong sense of entitlement. Violence begets violence.
I miss manners and I do not find fighting, blood and killing fun. That is how I see this world today. Within my own family, I am comforted.

Babi · « **Reply #10726 on:** February 22, 2013, 10:30:13 AM »

Maybe that's why the critics love 'Gone Girl', STEPH. They can relate to the kind of
characters you describe. Rude and crude seems to be admired now as wit, or perhaps realism.

"..more likely to vote the Democratic party."

Oh, MARJ, you are something else! I am also now voting Democratic. Was Republican, once upon a time, then decided to be Independent so I could vote for the one I thought the best man, rather than the party.

Love hearing about your kids, ROSEMARY; they're great youngsters. But what, please is 'abseil'??

maryz · « **Reply #10727 on:** February 22, 2013, 10:44:06 AM »

Babi, I didn't know "abseil" either - just looked it up. It's rappelling down a rock face.

CallieOK · « **Reply #10728 on:** February 22, 2013, 11:41:41 AM »

I beg to differ with your generalities, MaryPage.

Yes, the "manners" are much less formal and diversity is more acceptable - but I think those are good things.

However, high school students in this area (actually, this region) are amazingly compassionate, caring and constantly reaching out to help those in need. One school just raised more than $120,000.00 for several charities - local and "big name". Some of the things they did were admittedly silly and "over-the-top" to us Oldies - but the intent was there and it worked.

Now that I have a granddaughter in college, I'm more aware of activities on college campuses and am amazed at the kind and thoughtful outreaches of those students, also.

As has always happened, I think the cream will rise to the top in each age group.

The one thing I don't like is the trend toward adults being "best friends" with offspring and those for whom they are supposed to be leaders.
I agree with a classroom supervisor from my teaching days who advocated: "Be one with your students but never be one of them".

mabel1015j · « **Reply #10729 on:** February 22, 2013, 12:03:05 PM »

I think we get a very skewed picture on tv of what is happening these days. The local news, for decades, has started every program with the crimes of the day. Now the most outrageous people get showcased on "reality shows". I would bet we would all say that the members of the younger generations that we know personally are wonderful young people, and they represent a large segment of future generations, but their "television shows" would be too boring to broadcast.

We must also remember that adults have always thought the younger generation was going to hell, even Aristotle wrote an essay about that. Each generation has certainly been different from the current adults, but it seems to me that civilization has contimued to move, slowly but surely, toward better behavior.

JoanP · « **Reply #10730 on:** February 22, 2013, 05:13:48 PM »

I think I'm going to pick up Plainsong at the library, Marjifay and see what Haruf is all about before I even think about his new book just out.

Kent Haruf is writing fiction, Babi. I think. His stories are set in the little town of Holt in Eastern Colorado - where he grew up. Last week I read a glowing review of his latest book, Benedictions. All of the reviews were big welcomes to his return after a 10 year hiatus. I was attracted to the titles of the two previous books...Plainsong and Eventide...which is why I asked if anyone read them. I read somewhere that if you liked Ivan Doig's books, you'll like Haruf. I did. .Read more about Haruf's books here -
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/profiles/article/54801-a-lot-of-living-kent-haruf.html

He got my attention when he said -he "considers William Faulkner the author who perhaps has most influenced him, saying that he likes “to read some Faulkner, Hemingway, or Chekhov before sitting down to write anything.”

ginny · « **Reply #10731 on:** February 22, 2013, 05:21:06 PM »

Good heavens! Look at this description of Plainsong, a book I never heard of:

Quote

"Ambitious, but never seeming so, Kent Haruf reveals a whole community as he interweaves the stories of a pregnant high school girl, a lonely teacher, a pair of boys abandoned by their mother, and a couple of crusty bachelor farmers. From simple elements, Haruf achieves a novel of wisdom and grace--a narrative that builds in strength and feeling until, as in a choral chant, the voices in the book surround, transport, and lift the reader off the ground."

-FROM THE CITATION FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD

Wow! Let us know how you like it, Pearson? I never heard of it!

maryz · « **Reply #10732 on:** February 22, 2013, 05:48:10 PM »

We love Ivan Doig - I'll give Haruf a look-see.

marjifay · « **Reply #10733 on:** February 22, 2013, 06:18:06 PM »

"he (Haruf) considers William Faulkner the author who perhaps has most influenced him, saying that he likes “to read some Faulkner, Hemingway, or Chekhov before sitting down to write anything.”

Maybe that's why I couln't get interested in Haruf's Plainsong. I am not a fan of Faulkner or especially Hemingway. But hearing Haruf's work discussed here, I'm getting curious to read it.

Marj

marjifay · « **Reply #10734 on:** February 22, 2013, 08:09:02 PM »

Re the younger generation, I agree with you Mabel/Jean. Too much TV news is about weird or scary happenings and people, which tends to distort one's view of life.
That's why I try to watch local TV news only for the weather reports. (But I do love car chases!)

And, Callie, I like your optimistic view that the cream will rise to the top in each generation. And I agree that adults should not try to be best friends with their children or students. It seems to me that teachers who dress and act like adults gain the respect of their students.

Marj

salan · « **Reply #10735 on:** February 23, 2013, 04:29:32 AM »

My ftf reading group read both of Haruf's books (Plainsong & Eventide) several years back. I really liked them and am going to read his latest. As I recall, the books were really liked by the majority of the group. I would not compare him to Ivan Diog whose style of writing I did not care for.
Sally

Steph · « **Reply #10736 on:** February 23, 2013, 06:29:04 AM »

Hm, I dislike Faulkner, love Fitzgerald.. have not read Doig.. I will look him up and read some descriptions on Amazon.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #10737 on:** February 23, 2013, 07:19:24 AM »

Interesting little item about young adult fiction that adults 'should' read from the Scottish Book Trust:

http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/reading/book-lists/5-teen-books-adults-will-love

Madeleine has read almost all of them, I've read none (and she told me I'd hate them all! - she's probably right.)

Babi · « **Reply #10738 on:** February 23, 2013, 09:26:47 AM »

Thank you, MARYZ. (My dictionary is incredibly heavy.

)

Good point, JEAN. 'Good news' has never attracted the attention that bad news
does. In all fairness, I suppose the need to warn the public of anything that
could bring them harm is important. Still, the idea of giving public attention
to lawbreakers and egoists simply makes the problems worse.

It's bound to be a bit painful to see the mores that were so important to us
be dismissed in what seems so careless a manner. We can see so clearly the harm
that some of the modern attitudes can bring about. Actually, I think the succeeding
generations tend to alternate, as each generation strives to be 'different' and
individual. The 'wild' generation is succeeded by the more social conscious
generation, etc., etc.

Thank you, JOAN. I've been finding posts about Haruf in several places, and
the reports are good. My library has the two earlier books, and I plan to read
them. The first one at least, and that will decide for certain if I read more.

"The Hunger Games" have gotten a lot of publicity here, ROSEMARY, but the
other titles are new to me. I read "Hunger Games" and saw the movie. They
did hold my attention, but I didn't care for the final ending of the book and
don't plan to read the sequel. Your daughter is probably right.

PatH · « **Reply #10739 on:** February 23, 2013, 09:49:27 AM »

I've never heard of the other 4, but my daughter lent me The Hunger Games, saying I'd like it, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. She's usually accurate about my book tastes.

I like a lot of YA fiction.

JoanP · « **Reply #10740 on:** February 23, 2013, 10:06:07 AM »

an afterthought -

Kent Haruf "likes to read some Faulkner, Hemingway, or Chekhov before sitting down to write anything.”

Does it make you wonder what Faulkner, Hemingway abnd Chekhov have in common? Ivan Doig too, for that matter...

maryz · « **Reply #10741 on:** February 23, 2013, 10:15:29 AM »

Babi, my dictionary is right here in my lap - just put the word in google.

(Although I do have a huge unabridged dictionary right across the room.)

CallieOK · « **Reply #10742 on:** February 23, 2013, 10:34:49 AM »

Babi, you wrote: Actually, I think the succeeding
generations tend to alternate, as each generation strives to be 'different' and
individual. The 'wild' generation is succeeded by the more social conscious
generation, etc., etc.

I agree 100%. Previous examples might be the Edwardian era to the "Roarin' 20's" to the Depression.

Aren't search engines marvelous?

So is a Thesaurus.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #10743 on:** February 23, 2013, 11:55:56 AM »

If you decided to read Doig, start with "The Whistling Season". Excellent read. My f2f read it and it was a total hit.

(I thought I posted this earlier, but it didn't show up, went into the great unknown!)

PatH · « **Reply #10744 on:** February 23, 2013, 12:50:28 PM »

We read Doig's Dancing at the Rascal Fair here. It was excellent, and made for a good discussion. I don't see that he has anything in particular in common with Faulkner and Hemingway. Perhaps the authors inspire Hauf in different ways.

Faulkner is an author I think I don't like, but the few times I've started one of his books I've then read it straight through nonstop., so some part of me appreciates him.

JeanneP · « **Reply #10745 on:** February 23, 2013, 01:31:40 PM »

Still many people ahead of me at the Library for "Gone Girl" I hope it doesn't disappoint me when I finely get it. Not heard yet of many who thought it a great read.

Just reading Marcia Willett. "First Friends" at the moment as we have finely had our big snow storm and can't get to the library.

Not having a lot of energy at the moment. Think to much laying around. Taking a pill for Dizziness that makes one sleep a lot. Come on Spring....

pedln · « **Reply #10746 on:** February 23, 2013, 06:28:41 PM »

That's an interesting list, Rosemary. The only title I am familiar with is the Hunger Games -- not my cup of tea, but I know a lot who really liked them.

Your list reminded me of another similar one I'd seen just this past weekl If you go there, read the comments, too. It seems everyone liked Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game.

Top 10 YA Books for Grownups

Back in my working days as a school librarian, a pleasant Friday night activity was a good soak in the tub along with a YA novel.

MaryPage · « **Reply #10747 on:** February 23, 2013, 09:40:05 PM »

Read all three Hunger Wars books, and enjoyed them. Not my favorite thing, but did enjoy them.
Went to the first movie. The second one is to come out in the autumn.
Am still debating whether or not to purchase the DVD.
Probably will do so before the 2nd hits the theatres.
Am now into the 5th of the Julia Spencer-Fleming books about the Reverend Clare Fergusson, and really love them. She is one of the best writers EVER. This woman could write in any venue she felt qualified in, and do splendidly. She is so good, I would think she would try something that would catapult her into the best seller lists.

PatH · « **Reply #10748 on:** February 23, 2013, 09:58:04 PM »

Quote from: pedln on February 23, 2013, 06:28:41 PM

Back in my working days as a school librarian, a pleasant Friday night activity was a good soak in the tub along with a YA novel.

Sounds wonderful. Unfortunately these days I'm mostly taking showers because my tub is hard to get out of, and somehow, reading in the shower just isn't relaxing.

Steph · « **Reply #10749 on:** February 24, 2013, 06:19:03 AM »

Reading in the shower..Hmm. might be fun to try..I used to have a radio that worked in the shower. One of those Mothers Day presents, you wonder why..But with boys it always got interesting.
I have the Hunger Games, but have yet to read it..Have promised my granddaughter I will.
Computer is having a horrible time this morning.. And I have a miserable cold..Bah humbug.

Babi · « **Reply #10750 on:** February 24, 2013, 09:16:54 AM »

Yes, there are some excellent authors writing for the 'young adult' readers.
I've found more than one good book assigned to their shelves.

JOAN, maybe after we read Haruf, we'll have a better idea on that. Doig I
can guess...he wrote a great book about a tiime and a place and the people in
it. I sounds like that is what 'Plainsong' is about, too.

Right on, MARYZ. When I'm here in front of the computer I can go online for a
definition. When I'm sitting in my chair reading the word, the dictionary is
at my elbow, supporting the reading lamp. If I'm really determined to learn
what something means, I'll move my lamp and tug the heavy thing into my lap.
(Have I mentioned that I'm lazy? Oh, no, let's just say my energy resources have
to be husbanded.

)

Interesting list, PEDLN. I've read "The Book Thief", and I think we discussed it
"Catherine, Called Birdy" looks like fun. I'm going to see if my library has it.

I haven't been in a tub in years, PAT. Couldn't get back out again. Have a lovely tub, too.
Shame it's going to waste.

pedln · « **Reply #10751 on:** February 24, 2013, 11:02:19 AM »

I think Lois Lowry's The Giver could be added to that list. And I think I read somewhere that she has come out with a sequel, after how many years. Does anyone know anything about that?

Loved Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, mentioned by one of the commenters. It's a great introduction to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Does any one have a "walk-in" tub?

MaryPage · « **Reply #10752 on:** February 24, 2013, 11:22:34 AM »

Lois Lowry is always great.

As is Cynthia Voigt.

pedln · « **Reply #10753 on:** February 24, 2013, 02:03:15 PM »

An interesting site -- might give you bragging rights for your city. I'll claim St. Louis, even though it's 120 miles away. Washington DC and Seattle really have been duking it out.

Most Literary Cities

JoanK · « **Reply #10754 on:** February 24, 2013, 03:51:34 PM »

Yeah for Washington, my home town. At last known for something other than too many politicians!

CallieOK · « **Reply #10755 on:** February 24, 2013, 04:09:27 PM »

Oklahoma City is right in the middle. Tulsa a few notches above that. Neither one all that impressive - which doesn't surprise me.

MaryPage · « **Reply #10756 on:** February 24, 2013, 07:23:33 PM »

I have lived most of my life in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. It is definitely an area where people have tons of books in their homes.

Once in a great while, however, anywhere you are you find yourself invited into a home that does not have a book in sight. And you find yourself wondering how folks can live like that.

I could not. This is not a condemnation of people who do not own books. It is simply said in total wonderment. I could not live without my being able to dive into every sort of book and find out every kind of thing right from my very own library. And I would be hysterical if a storm or something were coming up and I lacked stacks and stacks of books waiting for me to pick them up and read them. Fortunately, I cannot remember being without more than enough books since I was 11 and had read everything in the house and had to go out knocking on doors up and down the street asking to borrow books to read. Ever since that summer, I have carefully checked out my book supply the way an addict checks their drug or alcohol or cigarette supply. I swear!

Steph · « **Reply #10757 on:** February 25, 2013, 06:10:54 AM »

I sold real estate for a while back awhile ago.. I was constantly amazed at the number of houses, with no books or a few coffee table types.. In central Florida, that is a rule rather than an exception.
But I also was in houses with complete libraries and many well loved books everywhere.. So it evens itself out.

pedln · « **Reply #10758 on:** February 25, 2013, 12:32:44 PM »

This guy speaks to us. He is us.

The Weight of Books

The only time I've been caught without anything to read is when travelling abroad and just not knowing where to go when I finished what I'd brought with me.

MaryPage · « **Reply #10759 on:** February 25, 2013, 01:19:02 PM »

Ah yes, he is a soulmate! Now THERE is a man I can almost understand! Mind, we cherish entirely different books; but the bottom line is, I understand him and he would understand me.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2300569 times)