Author Topic: The Library (Read 2297789 times)

JoanP · « **Reply #11400 on:** July 05, 2013, 11:36:17 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

We've had so much rain here on the east coast - and the scorching tempertures in the west. Don't you hope someone is at work, channeling the rainwater west?

I came in to tell you about the new short story we are beginning to discuss today. I imagine we've all heard of that master story-teller, Anton Chechov...but this is the first of his short stories I've ever read. (He's written over 200 of them.)
You might be as interested as I was to read his "Lady with a Dog". We'll be discussing it between today and July 8. If you care to join us - or to just read the story (there's a link in the heading), you'll find us HERE.
We'd love to have you join us!

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #11401 on:** July 05, 2013, 03:03:57 PM »

Cannot say enough good things about Wave - by Sonali Deraniyagala - finally read her acknowledgements and she gives much thanks to her good friend Michael Ondaatje - The English Patient - no wonder she has this jewel of a book that describes her experience in the tsunami and her years of healing - gives credence to how we manage after we loose all that we hold dear that gave us our identity.

salan · « **Reply #11402 on:** July 05, 2013, 03:38:16 PM »

What is the difference between this site and the fiction & non-fiction sites? It seems to me that they overlap. Which site do we visit to talk about books in general?
Sally

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #11403 on:** July 05, 2013, 03:48:59 PM »

they do sort of overlap don't they - the library seems to be more general where the other two are more specific to letting us know about a particular book especially if it is one we could discuss together. Others may have a better description of the differences. Jane helped set up the discussions and monitors them for spam that sneaks in while, JoanP and Ginny started and set up the entire Senior Learn after we were shut down when a group took over SeniorNet. They may be the best source for clarity.

JeanneP · « **Reply #11404 on:** July 05, 2013, 05:23:51 PM »

Story not that short. 186 pages. Need to start it later.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #11405 on:** July 05, 2013, 05:26:03 PM »

Jeanne I believe the 180 something pages is the entire book where as we are only reading the first story which is only a few pages, like 5 or 6 pages.

JeanneP · « **Reply #11406 on:** July 05, 2013, 06:01:38 PM »

Yes ,I now notice that and read it. I still can not stand short stories .they get me in and just when you think something is going to get better they end. Maybe it is just me. I have a hard time with stories in magazines. Can't read them. Long, long stories the same.
I like to be able to read at least 2 books a week. In winter more.

You all enjoy.

JeanneP · « **Reply #11407 on:** July 05, 2013, 06:04:04 PM »

I will leave the site on my Ipad and try one more. May be in bed if I can't fall asleep.

Steph · « **Reply #11408 on:** July 06, 2013, 08:42:47 AM »

OHHHH rain, please please stop. I want to see some sun.. go outside without being wet, convince my younger dog to please please empty himself.. Ugh.

JoanP · « **Reply #11409 on:** July 06, 2013, 10:58:14 AM »

Barbara has explained how the two overlap, Salan. When someone asks in the Library, what are you reading...the response can be Fiction or Non-Fiction. Those who want to really get into a discussion of a particular book will find more like-mnded readers in the Non-Fiction or the Fiction discussion.
I can't remember when the separate discussions were opened - but imagine it was to answer a need at the time. But in answer to your question - yes, there is an overlap. This is the site to talk about Books in general...

Does this help?

CallieOK · « **Reply #11410 on:** July 06, 2013, 01:10:01 PM »

Would this be an example of an over-lap?

I've just finished reading "Burnt Mountain" by Anne Rivers Siddons. Am beginning to be a bit weary of plots centered around a woman who thinks she will never be loved - then becomes obsessed with the first man who does and never gets over him when he 1) dies or 2) leaves her, even though she goes on to marry and have children with at least one other man.

Now I'm reading Lauren Bacall's autobiography, "By Myself...And Then Some". Same story!!!!!!

I guess fiction authors really do get their plots from real life.

jane · « **Reply #11411 on:** July 06, 2013, 02:09:42 PM »

Exactly, Callie.

For me, the Library is where I find things in general about books, reading, reading groups people are in, topics related to publishing, how digital vs DTB (dead tree books aka print books) compare/who likes what/prices and the differences in digital and print, and that sort of thing is discussed.

Fiction/Nonfiction was more centered on specific book recommendations, specific authors people were reading or having a problem with.

In the end we probably all have our own idea, and so posting in one or the other is fine.

CallieOK · « **Reply #11412 on:** July 06, 2013, 02:16:54 PM »

DTB (dead tree books aka print books)

I have probably read more nonfiction from suggestions here than I ever would on my own. My thanks and an appreciative tip-of-the-hat to all the recommendations

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #11413 on:** July 06, 2013, 04:36:01 PM »

I hit the motherlode at the library today. I had several books on request, some had been on my list for a month+. Of course, they will all come at once...when I have 3 books already checked out and one on loan from a friend. I got "Light Between Oceans"; "Ordinary Grace" and "The Golden Egg" plus an older book I must read for my Mystery Book Club.

salan · « **Reply #11414 on:** July 06, 2013, 07:08:24 PM »

Thanks. That helps explain the difference in sites!
Tomereader, the same thing happened to me...Oh dear, so many books. I have started the ones that can't be renewed. I am currently reading And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini, Trains and Lovers by Alexander McCall Smith, and True Believers by Kurt Anderson (my ftf selection for July). I also have Life after Life by Kate Atkinson, Orphan Train, and Tom Dooley. I may turn in Tom Dooley since several of you commented that none of the characters were likeable.
I also got several books in the mail (after swearing that I wasn't going to order any more until I read the ones I already have). I am hopeless when it comes to books. So far the three I am reading are good.
Sally

maryz · « **Reply #11415 on:** July 06, 2013, 08:46:22 PM »

We're just back from our week at the beach. Great fun, as always - even with a couple of stormy, high surf days. Always a good time to read.

But I got home to find a notice that Mary Alice Monroe is going to be speaking at our library Monday evening! She has family here, so has actually volunteered to come speak to us.

We're thrilled, of course. She has a new book out to sign, of course, and this is part of the book tour. This one is about dolphins along the Carolina coast. I'll report back afterwards, of course.

salan · « **Reply #11416 on:** July 07, 2013, 04:08:55 AM »

I envy you, Mary Z. Mary Alice Monroe is one of my favorite authors. I would love to hear her speak!
Sally

Steph · « **Reply #11417 on:** July 07, 2013, 09:35:07 AM »

I always think of the library as a large comfortable room ( porch in the sumer). We are all sitting around with books all around us. Drinking, coffee, tea ,, or perhaps something stronger from time to time.. Rocking chairs pillows.. we laugh, talk a bit,go back to reading or stopping when someone says..."listen to this " and we do..Our place to be together and share our lives.

ginny · « **Reply #11418 on:** July 07, 2013, 10:10:27 AM »

Wow several great descriptions, love them all. That's particularly nice, Steph.

Also I am grateful to, who was it who mentioned that Goodwill takes books? Was it Barbara? I called one of the big donation centers here and by George they sure do and they say they sell "a lot" of books. Who knew? Super!! I've been donating them to the library, now I can do Goodwill too.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #11419 on:** July 07, 2013, 12:43:15 PM »

Lucky you Mary, back from the beach just in time!

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #11420 on:** July 07, 2013, 01:50:27 PM »

Salan - how are you enjoying Friends & Lovers? I liked it a lot, even though the plot is as contrived as most McCall Smith books. I found it very touching.

Rosemary

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #11421 on:** July 07, 2013, 01:51:24 PM »

Steph - I love that description of our Library - makes it sound so welcoming and pleasant (as it is, of course) and reminded me a bit of a Joan Medlicott book (in a good way...)

Rosemary

ginny · « **Reply #11422 on:** July 07, 2013, 02:24:49 PM »

While we're talking about good things, I do want to say thank you to Jane for her beautiful illustrations on top of every page, they are called Newslines and she has worked with JoanP in collaboration for the illustrations for the short story collections and the book discussions. Marcie has done some, too, for the PBS.

I especially like the way Jane never misses a holiday, it's so festive and colorful, which is not a bad thing either.

Thank you Jane, JoanP, and Marcie!

It's a good thing.

jane · « **Reply #11423 on:** July 07, 2013, 02:30:46 PM »

Steph...I loved your description of the Library, too!!

Another good thing for me is my IPAD and being able to download both Kindle and B&N Nookbooks. I especially have noticed that the costs can be, for me, sizeable between the two "versions." I also love the free books available on Kindle and that I learn about through BookGorilla and BookBub. I've downloaded quite a few of those. If they're not worthwhile after I've started them, I'm not out any $$ at all.

I'm far from any type of B&N or BAM or Half-Price Books where I could pick one off the shelf and read a few pages to see if I want to buy. At a 75-90 mile round trip, that's just not practical for me. Hurrah for the IPAD.

Very hot and humid here in Iowa...Gee, it must be JULY!!

salan · « **Reply #11424 on:** July 07, 2013, 05:16:03 PM »

Ginny, I agree with you. Many thanks to those that make these web sites so enjoyable. Your work is truly appreciated!
Sally

ursamajor · « **Reply #11425 on:** July 08, 2013, 07:49:40 AM »

I'd like to express my appreciation also.

Steph · « **Reply #11426 on:** July 08, 2013, 08:39:24 AM »

I do so love any sort of thrift store since they always have books. I find some treasures that way for sure.
I love our top of the page stuff. So much fun indeed.

pedln · « **Reply #11427 on:** July 08, 2013, 11:31:06 AM »

Ginny, one of my friends here is always bragging about all the good books she gets at the Goodwill Store.

MaryZ, did you get to see Mary Alice Monroe? Did you tell her you're from SeniorLearn and we all love her?

I keep my TBR list right on my desktop so it's easy to add the wonderful book recommendations given here.

The Light Between Oceans -- wonderful, but be sure you have a hanky.

FlaJean · « **Reply #11428 on:** July 08, 2013, 12:40:23 PM »

I think I must be the only person who did not care for "The Light Between the Oceans". It was well written but the more I read the more disappointed I became. Perhaps it was just my mood when reading it.

maryz · « **Reply #11429 on:** July 08, 2013, 05:18:43 PM »

I was a week off with MAMonroe. It's next Monday. I'll try to get a photo, and will of course mention SeniorLearn.

ginny · « **Reply #11430 on:** July 09, 2013, 08:33:48 AM »

Oh how exciting Mary, do get a photo. I have a feeling she remembers the Beach House Group too. That was so fun.

I came in to see if anybody is reading the new Dan Brown. It came out with such fanfare and now I haven't heard a word from anybody about it. No raves, nothing. No book talk.

Is anybody here reading it? And if so, how is it? I know it's a tome.

Steph · « **Reply #11431 on:** July 09, 2013, 08:48:09 AM »

The Dan Brown is on my list, but think I will wait for a bit before getting it.. Too much on my plate,just now and it is a long long read from the looks of the book.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #11432 on:** July 09, 2013, 11:03:54 AM »

I purchased the new Dan Brown, but of course, if I get followed here, you all will know that it is way far down my TBR list, and since it's "all mine" I don't have to hurry up and read it. I have those four books from the library I picked up the other day, plus three others (which are all "tomes") and my Mystery Club selection, which I do have to finish by the 17th.

Several of you ladies here have gotten me hooked on "Book TV". I have DVR'd several of the presentations. One which I will finish today is Jeff Shaara on his latest Civil War novel. He is an interesting man, whose father, of course, was the reason he now writes Civil War stories, or even writes at all. On the Book TV segment, he tells of how his dad got it all started with "The Killer Angels", which actually won a Pulitzer Prize. Jeff is a "talker" and what I surmised would be about an hour talking about the latest book, then Q&A, turned into his tale of how his father wrote the book, and subsequent ones; he also lays out how the manner in which he tells the stories, from the point of view of various characters, who would not be the commanding general, etc. If anyone has watched this episode, I'll shut up now, but he really gets into the bones of his stories. I have enjoyed it immensely and will finish it later on today.
He also has written several WWII books, and I think some WWI, which I have not yet read.
"I'll think about that tomorrow"!

JoanP · « **Reply #11433 on:** July 09, 2013, 12:33:23 PM »

Just opened this morning, a discussion of a short story that will knock your socks off -Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper.

Makes you wonder how her 19th century female readers reacted to it when it was published in 1902!

MaryPage · « **Reply #11434 on:** July 10, 2013, 08:32:39 AM »

I read that over 60 years ago. It was on a short list of THE short stories to read. Haunting. Like O Henry's Gift of The Magi or Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, it never leaves you. Never. Ever.

Steph · « **Reply #11435 on:** July 10, 2013, 08:37:33 AM »

The Lottery... The worlds most terrifying story.. Whew..

MaryPage · « **Reply #11436 on:** July 11, 2013, 05:14:27 PM »

I agree.

Steph · « **Reply #11437 on:** July 12, 2013, 08:45:59 AM »

That caused me nightmares for months.

ginny · « **Reply #11438 on:** July 12, 2013, 09:06:45 AM »

I always thought The Monkey's Paw was the worst. Or at least the most poignant and terrible. That's one I won't be rereading.

I love ShirleyJackson. I love her light hearted books, about her life in the big house they moved into, and the kids. Anybody can relate to them. I think I have all of them. They are laugh out loud funny. I read one of them about 2 weeks ago, they are now dated in that the cigarettes she smoked are mentioned, you don't see that much any more.

Her funny happy books are sort of a living denial of what her life was like with the critic Stanley Hyman, you'd never know from what she wrote in those happy books what it was like. She was fascinating.

Steph · « **Reply #11439 on:** July 13, 2013, 08:52:18 AM »

Yes, I adored her books on her imaginary life in the big house. It was much later that I read a biography and realized it was not even remotely the truth..
It is sometimes amazing the difference between what they write and what their life is..
Just now, I saw a thing on tv about To Kill a Mockingbird about how her literary agent ( who should have been protecting her) convinced her to give her rights to him and he is just now being caught and sued.. Amazing..

News:

Author Topic: The Library (Read 2297789 times)