Author Topic: The Library (Read 2085320 times)

CallieOK · « **Reply #1680 on:** May 17, 2010, 03:51:09 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!

Suggestion Box for Future Discussions

Oh - don't get me started on Sarah Palin and that annoying youngest daughter who is in every camera shot!

I read her "Going Rogue" and then read "Game Change", which is about the 2008 campaigns. Quite different viewpoints on how she was chosen as a VP nominee.

Back to "Library" subjects:

I have always liked PBS newcaster Jim Lehrer's novels. However, I just finished "Super" and was disappointed. It does have some interesting history about the Superchief streamliner train - but the story line was not as good as others he's written.

FlaJean · « **Reply #1681 on:** May 17, 2010, 06:35:11 PM »

I'm another person who can't stand Palin!!

joangrimes · « **Reply #1682 on:** May 17, 2010, 07:51:57 PM »

I can't stand her either!!!! That is putting my feelings about her mildly..Joan Grimes

serenesheila · « **Reply #1683 on:** May 17, 2010, 10:42:26 PM »

I don't like Palin, either! When she was nominated for V.P., I wondered if John McCain had become senile. I am amazed that so many people like her!

Sheila

Steph · « **Reply #1684 on:** May 18, 2010, 05:59:52 AM »

Yes, Jackie, I worry as well. She panders to a certain population and makes herself out to be " A soccer mom type
. She quits as a governer and they seem to regard it as heroic for some reason.. She carries a Downs Syndrom on stage.. Whew.. All in all a most interesting woman who is incredible ambitious.. Scary in fact. Two books in one year. The lady just loves money.."

Babi · « **Reply #1685 on:** May 18, 2010, 07:57:08 AM »

The opinion here re. Palin seems unanimous. That at least leads me to think we needn't
worry about her winning any popular elections. She may as well grab what money she can
before everyone loses interest in her entirely. Which hopefully will be soon.

jane · « **Reply #1686 on:** May 18, 2010, 10:21:09 AM »

I'm again at a point where I can't find anybody I like to read. I'm not into gore/horror/ "human condition" when it's miserable kind of stuff. I get enough of that in the local paper and the evening news.

So...who are your favorite 3 authors? These are people who don't write fast enough for you, whose newsletters you subscribe to online, etc.

Names, people, I need names!!

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1687 on:** May 18, 2010, 11:00:05 AM »

Number one, without thinking, is Laurie R King who writes a series about the woman whom Sherlock Holmes marries after his retirement to a Sussex bee farm.

Right now I'm eager for the next book in Krista Davis' Diva series about a Martha Stewart clone who disrupts Sophie, the hero. Light, fun.

Jim Lynch's Border Songs is a one-of-a-kind novel about a remote border station between Canada and Washington and its indomitable border guard a Gentle Ben of a man who is an avid birder and a most successful
preserver of liberty and the American Way.

I'm a fan of Southern Fiction as written by, for example, Dorothea Benford Frank, Haywood Smith, Cassandra King. And I love Sandra Dallas.

serenesheila · « **Reply #1688 on:** May 18, 2010, 07:24:18 PM »

My favorite fiction author is Jodi Picoult. I just read the first chapter of her book called: "Handle With Care". Within the first few pages, she had grabbed my interest. She is a prolific author! The first book of hers that I read was called:
"The Pact". I didn't want to put it down!

In non fiction, I like Timothy Egan, who wrote: "The Worst, Hard Time". He, too holds my interest from page one. Another non fiction writer that I like is, Amity Shlaes. She wrote: "The Forgotten Man". About the common men during the Great Depression."

For light, fiction I enjoy Joan Medlicott. She has written a series, about three, older, single women. One of them inheirites property with a house on it. They move in together, and the author leads us through many novels to follow.

Sheila

ginny · « **Reply #1689 on:** May 19, 2010, 08:43:14 AM »

Jane, me too!

Me too, what an odd feeling it is to begin so many books and be unsatisfied. I heard that Aamir Khan has made a new movie called 3 Idiots and since I loved his Lagaan (he's Indian) I thought I'd put it on my queue at Netflix, turns out it's written by Chetan Begat (sp) whom the NY Times has been talking about, who wrote a book I finally got my hands on, called One Night at the Call Centre or something like that. I thought since a lot of us spend a lot of time talking to people in Indian Call Centers it might be interesting to get the other side of the picture, I just saw a movie on that recently which was really fabulous.

So anyway, it's kind of a Bollywood comedy romance in print, I thought I'd try it but have not started it yet.

Shiela, now this:

Quote

For light, fiction I enjoy Joan Medlicott. She has written a series, about three, older, single women. One of them inherits property with a house on it. They move in together, and the author leads us through many novels to follow.

looks good to me. I love her website. I'm going out today and will look up her first one and see if I like it, it sounds like just what I've been looking for to just get me back reading again. Like Jane, nothing is grabbing me at the moment. Thank you for all those recommendations!

Babi · « **Reply #1690 on:** May 19, 2010, 08:51:22 AM »

Interesting. I've noticed that several of us have complained about being restless and dissatisfied with our reading choices lately. Quite unusual. It just dawned on me that it may
simply be Spring restlessness. It is that time of year, after all. A little time out of doors pulling
weeds may make my books more agreeable.

maryz · « **Reply #1691 on:** May 19, 2010, 09:05:33 AM »

I used to read mysteries almost exclusively, but it seems like I've been reading a lot of nonfiction lately.

I like Nevada Barr (the Anna Pigeon books), J.A.Jance (especially the Arizona sheriff ones). For lighter stuff, I've just found Mary Alice Monroe, and like her low-country books. David Baldacci, John Grisham - seem to be the older ones - haven't read anything much new, though.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1692 on:** May 19, 2010, 12:25:15 PM »

Joan Mendicott's Ladies of Covington is a nice series, sort of deja vu for me, A friend and I had talked of shared living, with some of our friends, a sort of commune, after retirement. The Shirley Rousseau Murphy mysteries about Carmel and its unique cat genus also has a group of women like us sharing a house. (Breast cancer took Joyce so she didn't get to enjoy her retirement very long.) Fiction by my region's authors always gets my attention and authors who can tell a good story which includes a strong sense of place is great fun for this armchair traveler. Humor and whimsy are rare qualities and when I find an author who can tickle my funnybone that name goes on the list. Lyrical writing, if that means using a turn of phrase that could hold up its head in a good poem, always, always gets my attention ( "wrinkled grey seas like an elephant's skin") popped up in a Mary Brown fantasy last night.

winsummm · « **Reply #1693 on:** May 19, 2010, 01:22:58 PM »

The author of the series I am gobbling us is Stephen Hunter. He happens to like guns and his hero protagonist in the first one BOB LEE SWAGgER introduced me to the series and a real education about them which you can skip if you want too. I liked it. although it begins with his father EARL. the characters are well drawn and consistent=== the plots twist and wind it is excellent writing and SOUTHERN for Jackie. I just finished the PALE HORSE which is about the father Earl when bob lee is a five year old child but again well drawn and consistent with the adult we meet in later books. if you can stand the carnage, this one about race in Mississippi is great.

now to copy your all referrals. Kindle is getting expensive for new books. I think the publishers are making new rules. these are ok for the ole ones he first 6.39.

Claire

winsummm · « **Reply #1694 on:** May 19, 2010, 01:31:16 PM »

about living with others. I did it for two and a half years as part of my divorce situation only it was women at times three off them and other times mostly young men. I was in my fifties and still looking young enough to raise eyebrows so the local newspaper did just that. funny. anyhow as part off my art I learned architectual drawing and as part of that drafting and design. so at one time I actually designed a house for me and three other women with individual studio units and a large central common room. that is as far as it went but I really loved the idea.

claire

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1695 on:** May 19, 2010, 03:20:06 PM »

Claire: That house sounds ideal. Wish you had succeeded in bring it to life. Living with others requires some accommodations which my adult children and I have failed to achieve. Maybe I don't like to give up my authority?

Babi · « **Reply #1696 on:** May 20, 2010, 08:05:06 AM »

'Authority' really doesn't apply between adults, does it? Unless, of course, one is dealing with acknowledged authority figures. And Mom and
Dad are 'authority figures' only for children. The early influence remains
but the authority doesn't exist anymore. Best to hope you've raised good, capable adults and let them get on with it.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1697 on:** May 20, 2010, 10:59:07 AM »

Babi; Good point. Maybe I misspoke cause I'm talking about 'Mom' authority, i.e., reminding that the newspaper bin is overflowing, etc. We have some chores designated but there's no one coordinating unless it's me. i guess it's because we are three, with two it's either me or not me but with three, well, someone will take care of it if I don't.

salan · « **Reply #1698 on:** May 20, 2010, 06:16:20 PM »

Boy Jane, your request for 3 favorite authors (and members' replies) sent me on a quest mentally and physically. Jackie, I also like the Medlictott books and all of the Sandra Dallas books. I am currently reading her latest, Whiter Than Snow. She pulls you into the story right away.

MaryZ. I also like Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series, although I kind of burned myself out on her. I tend to do that with an author I like. I try to pace myself, but..... Thank you for reminding me about Mary Alice Monroe. I loved her Beach House and today checked out one of hers I hadn't read--Four Seasons. I think Jodi Picoult is a good writer, but gave up on her because her books were usually depressing and always topical.

I also like Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy series. Start with the first one in the series, Murphy's Law. It sets the premise for the rest of the books.

I like books with a Southern setting, but lately I have been glutting myself with them. I am feeling like it is time to travel on!
Sally

Frybabe · « **Reply #1699 on:** May 21, 2010, 08:29:32 AM »

Carol Goodman, hands down. I love the way she writes.
Ray Bradbury. He is about 90 now.
Lindsey Davis. It is time to check out what is new with her. The releases of the
paperback version of her Didius Falco series are always excruciatingly slow.

Ella Gibbons · « **Reply #1700 on:** May 21, 2010, 02:13:56 PM »

Has anyone read THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO by Stieg Larsson? Big story in TIME magazine about his death and his three unpublished novels; who will inherit his estate, etc.

I attempted to get the book at the Library and even though they had over a hundred copies I was still 346th or something like that on the list, so I bought a used copy from B&N. I hope my $8 purchase will be interesting.

Here is the article - http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1989142,00.html

Mippy · « **Reply #1701 on:** May 21, 2010, 03:12:35 PM »

Hi Jane,
I'm trying out our new laptop so excuse me if I don't catch all the typos ... the action is so different.

favorite authors ... how can I limit it to 3? let me count the ways with apologies to you know who ...
Patrick O'Brian the Aubrey / Maturin novels. If you like those there are more than 2 doz, so you'll be busy for a while
Anthony Trollop are there 20 novels or more? My favorites are the "parliamentary" series of 5 or 6, including Phineas Finn
for Roman historical novels:
Coleen McCullough, Steven Saylor, and Lindsey Davis (mentioned by someone above)
for reading-lite
mysteries by Nevada Barr and (food-related, yummy) Diane Mott Davidson, who is up to #14, so that ought to take a while!

This doesn't even get to non-fiction, but I'll stop now, as this was supposed to be an answer to Jane, not a monograph

marcie · « **Reply #1702 on:** May 21, 2010, 04:23:29 PM »

Ella, thanks for the link to the interesting article. I hadn't realized the background about the author. My sister has read the three Stieg Larsson mysteries and she really enjoyed them. I haven't gotten to them yet. There are over 200 holds for the first book in my library too. Some titles are offered in large type in our library. They usually have fewer holds placed on them. Maybe you can find the second book in your library without the very long wait. Please let us know what you think of the book.

ginny · « **Reply #1703 on:** May 21, 2010, 04:32:21 PM »

I wonder what it IS about not being able to find a good engrossing book lately? I tried to find the Covington first book but it was out, and so have not tried that author yet.

I tried Dear American Airlines again and failed again too.

I HAD to plow on from page 57 in Possession as we're discussing the first 102 pages or 5 chapters June 1 (ya'll come) and here I discovered a surprise, it's really good. So much so that I find myself thinking about it, some of the scenes, it has some really great moments. In fact I think I'll read the last part again, I enjoyed it so much: it just took her a while to really get into her groove. Or something. I think it tends to overwhelm the reader at first, but it's worth knocking aside the foliage of the jungle to get to the prize. In that alone it's a singular book. I think the trick MAY be, and I see Gum saying something similar in the discussion, to read it for the interesting story and plot, and let the other stuff whiz over till you're ready to look at it. There's a lot of whizzing hahahaaa

The further I get into it the better I like it. I'm so glad we're going to discuss it, together. It's every bit what they said it was.

marcie · « **Reply #1704 on:** May 21, 2010, 04:36:40 PM »

I really am enjoying POSSESSION too, Ginny. What a book. It seems to be affecting my dreams too and I usually don't remember my dreams. I hope that others will read it and join the discussion in June. The title might make some people think it's a scary thriller about evil. It's definitely not that kind of book.

pedln · « **Reply #1705 on:** May 21, 2010, 10:05:05 PM »

Jane, I'm always happy when a new Margaret Maron appears on tbe scene -- her Judge Deborah Knott series. it's been fun to watch the family grow and change. She's probably the only series writer I haven't grown tired of. I like Donna Leon's books about the police inspector in Venice as well -- the ones I've read so far.

Ella, I read that time article about Stieg Larsson also. At the wedding rehearsal dinner this evening a family member said that in Sweden people think he was assassinated, not dead from a heart attack. PatW, what does your family say?

This morning in tne motel breakfast area I watched two darling children help themselves to breakfast while dad took care of a tiny baby. I was hoping that meant the mom was getting a good sleep-in. Turned out it was the groom's BIL and kids. They had driven up from Florida and then the mom, the groom's sister had an appendicitis, with successful surgery this afternoon. Good thing grampa & grandma were also available.

winsummm · « **Reply #1706 on:** May 21, 2010, 11:35:50 PM »

re stieg larsson: I am well into THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. He has a good sense of aging old people. a main character here is and old . . .82 man who is well aware of his limited life and is closing accounts. I can identify since I am also 82 and he really understands the body limitations etc. . . asking people to "wold you lease get that for me" point to an object in an adjacent room. in and out of chairs is a project in itself. this is good writing and a good story, or should I say good stories. that is real novel writing to me. keeping story lines going for characters who have yet to meet and making you care.

claire

Mippy · « **Reply #1707 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:50:38 AM »

Hi, Jane ~ Have any of the suggestions given you what you were looking for? If you need more suggestions, I can think of at least a dozen other authors, as I'm sure everyone else can, too. Be well !

winsummm · « **Reply #1708 on:** May 22, 2010, 10:33:21 AM »

uh huh

Pat · « **Reply #1709 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:04:45 AM »

I don't often express a political-related opinion, BUT

There is usually a "clown" in politics and this time it is Palin.
Her need to attract attention for whatever reason is ridiculous.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1710 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:12:32 AM »

RE: Steig Larsson, when I started Tattoo, I could hardly put it down. His deft touch keeps each character distinct, even the minor ones. In the second one Larsson again reached the high marks he had established. Book 3, the last, will be published next month and if you think them waiting lists are long for 1 & 2, imagine how many of us there are waiting for it.

Assassinated? Was his writing revealing secrets about real people? The skulduggery he describes is complex but I could understand it though Economy baffles me.

Pat · « **Reply #1711 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:12:37 AM »

From Pedln:

Quote

PatW, what does your family say?

They have the same suspicions. I think he writes well, and am on the waiting list for his last book, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest."

His character " Lisbeth" is most interesting.

My son-in-law has a cousin in Sweden, that reminds me of Lisbeth, much independence and exceptional intelligence, besides being well-read.

FlaJean · « **Reply #1712 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:19:39 AM »

I agree with you Pat about Palin.

My husband bought me an iPad as a belated birthday present and I downloaded a free copy of Persuasion from the Apple store. I love holding a real book and love browsing in a bookstore so reading this way is a new experience. However, I'm going to give this a try. He really bought me the iPad to use when traveling for email, Internet, etc., so free books is a bonus. They have a number of classics that are free.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1713 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:28:39 AM »

Flajean: Keep us posted, I've been thinking about getting an Itouch, like the Iphone but without the expensive phone function.

Pat · « **Reply #1714 on:** May 22, 2010, 12:30:34 PM »

Quote from: mrssherlock on May 22, 2010, 11:28:39 AM

Flajean: Keep us posted, I've been thinking about getting an Itouch, like the Iphone but without the expensive phone function.

I have an iTouch and it is so easy to use. I have several books on it, all free from iTunes app.
I am re-reading all the Agatha Christie books.
It is easy to hold while I do the recumbent bike, and while waiting in a doctor's office.

I have several children's stories that Mika and I watch when I visit the gr-grands.

And games too... and news sites ... it is Internet/WiFi compatible and at MacDonald's, I can check SeniorLearn and my email.

ANNIE · « **Reply #1715 on:** May 22, 2010, 01:29:32 PM »

Some of my favorite authors are: Laurie R. King with Mary Russell and Sherlock Homes; Elizabeth Peters w/Amelia Peabody& family of archeologists plus Nevada Barr w/ Anna Pigeon and last but not least, Mary Alice Monroe.

Being an old MAC person, I find the IPhone and the IPad the most fun although I don't have either but play around with the two at my son's home. I have a new MacBook Pro and do love it. It comes with a camera and when and if I ever get around to using SKYPE, I can see the folks who also have SKYPE. But, I would turn my camera ability off as I never know where I'm going to be when I talk on the phone, from the kitchen to the bedrooms to the lower level---I wander all over the house when using the phone.

Considering a trip in the fall and one in 2011?

In our DL's discussions and ideas for a trip this year we have come up with this thought. Referring to all the ideas that have been forthcoming we think that we need a longer planning time for something different as to location. So these are our thoughts!

For this fall, we have decided if maybe we, who have been are considering this, should plan a smaller trip to NYC since it does seem to be our favorite city.

And then next year, we will start earlier to plan for a place that we haven't toured yet and with more time, maybe we can come up with an author for that year.

So, if you are in agreement and we are including all who post on SeniorLearn-Books& Latin-old SN'ers, we will put up a loose schedule here and you can decide if you want to join us in September-2010.

JoanR · « **Reply #1716 on:** May 22, 2010, 02:35:19 PM »

Sounds wonderful to me - I enjoyed our trip to NYC 2 years ago. If I remember correctly, one would have to reserve the Leo House months in advance. That was a fine place to stay, in a handy location and quite reasonable. Can hardly wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jane · « **Reply #1717 on:** May 22, 2010, 07:30:23 PM »

Mippy...I'm away from home at the moment, so will make a list of the authors and see what's available from my local lib. I understood the dragon tattoo one was violent, etc. and that's not for me. I've read the Deborah Knott stories and some of the SE authors, but others suggested are new to me.

jane

PatH · « **Reply #1718 on:** May 22, 2010, 09:07:20 PM »

FlaJean, let us know what you think of "Persuasion". It's a favorite of mine--I've reread it a lot. If you like it, the 1995 movie with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds is a really good job of getting the spirit of the book. It's available on Netflix.

winsummm · « **Reply #1719 on:** May 23, 2010, 01:45:52 AM »

darn . . . I cannot handle the logistics for trips even if it were to be here in san clemente money would be an issue too. have fun people.

Palin's taste of fame to say nothing of books and money are feeding her fire. She could end up hosting a morning show like THE VIEW for backward repubs.

claire

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2085320 times)