Author Topic: The Library (Read 2085412 times)

jane · « **Reply #1840 on:** June 07, 2010, 03:45:39 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

ANNIE · « **Reply #1841 on:** June 07, 2010, 04:52:45 PM »

Sorry to take so long but you asked so I will say that "South of Broad" by Pat Conroy was a wonderful story about Charleston and friendship. Wonderful descriptions of the city and the characters were so well painted with delicious wordage. I just read the first paragraph to my husband and said to him, "This author is just wonderful and I want to read until I finish the book." Conroy is the quintessential writer and he gets my vote for the best southern male author around.

ANNIE · « **Reply #1842 on:** June 07, 2010, 05:07:21 PM »

From my library--
"Donald Patrick Conroy's pen name is Pat Conroy. He was born on October 26, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from The Citadel in 1967 with B.A. in English. He later used his experiences at the strict school in his book, The Lords of Discipline (1980), which was nominated for the Robert Kennedy Book Award in 1981.
After teaching high school at his alma mater, he accepted a job teaching disadvantaged black children in a two-room schoolhouse on Daufuskie Island off the South Carolina coast. Many of the children were illiterate, unable even to write their own names. He taught them using oral history and geography lessons. His experience on Daufuskie Island formed the basis for his first successful novel The Water Is Wide (1972), which won Conroy the Anisfield-Wolf Award from the Cleveland Foundation and was made into the movie Conrack starring Jon Voight in 1976. His other novels include The Great Santini, The Prince of Tides, Beach Music, and South of Broad."

Steph · « **Reply #1843 on:** June 08, 2010, 05:53:15 AM »

Just finished South of Broad. What a truly good book.. Charleston was really lucky in that Conroy is in love with the city and this is certainly a love letter.. It also explains Hugo, which I remember. The characters are interesting and the plot is certainly different. I do recommend it to everyone who loves the south.

ginny · « **Reply #1844 on:** June 08, 2010, 09:01:11 AM »

I think it's a terrible feeling to be without a book. I should capitalize that: to be Without a Book. To miss that feeling of settling down and being carried away somewhere different. I've dutifully copied out here all the suggestions and hope tomorrow to be lucky enough to find one to read a paragraph or two of and see if I like it.

Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. Conroy is good. I have not read South Beach but he's good.

The New York Times over the weekend had a neato feature on books left behind. You know, you're traveling and maybe staying in a rented house or condo or B&B and you look on the shelves and there's a book. They have a list of those found and read and it's quite interesting.

I love the graphic here, books sticking out of the sand: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/06/06/books/review/shapton-graphic.html?ref=review

and have copied down a couple of them to see if I can find them. I like the premise that the reader then, who took the book, finds opportunities to leave it elsewhere.

Do you do that? I have often been interested in what people have left behind, and I myself leave books behind. Carefully. I have left guidebooks on tables in hotel lobbies and once in 2005 I left a brand new bestseller which I very much disliked, huge glossy hardback placed very carefully on an exposed table at a new Embassy Suites in Albuquerque NM, which I saw the next day on sale in the gift shop. hahahaa

There's nothing like a paperback book swollen with sea air and water full of the dastardly doings of the rich and famous for me in the summer but I haven't come across it yet for this year.

I need a "plane book," a paperback book to carry on my travels in July which is not too heavy but which will be just right to pick up and put down in different countries and situations. I sure hope I can find it!

Frances Mayes has a new one on Tuscany out. I dislike her writing very much. In this one she talks about tourists coming to her Bramasole and saying oh my house is MUCH bigger than this! So she's got another house, smaller, and another book.

To me the first one was not....how to say this...honest. Serves a fabulous spur of the moment 200 course dinner while plastering, plaster falling into the soup, but we're all a riotous big extended family? Please. Talks about every detail BUT the mystery man, have forgotten his name, with whom she bought the first house. Right.

Tracey Kidder in his book House did it so much better, to me.

pedln · « **Reply #1845 on:** June 08, 2010, 10:13:33 AM »

Calling all used-book lovers. Just a nice human interest story about used books.

Learning Something From Books, Before Their Texts Even Begin

Interesting article about the books left behind, Ginny. And it makes you wonder about some of the folks who contributed. What happened to David Eggers and his friend. Was the book left for him not so thoughtful or fitting?

It sounds a bit like Books CRossing. I supposedly released two books to Books Crossing a long time ago, but they're still sitting on my bookshelf. Does anyone "books-cross?"

Frybabe · « **Reply #1846 on:** June 08, 2010, 12:04:06 PM »

Ginny, I must have missed something. Are you talking about Under the Tuscan Sun being Mayes' first book? If so, I was under the impression that she bought the first house with her husband. Ed, I think his name was. He seemed to be there through out the book. The movie had her newly or almost divorced and on her own when she bought it. I didn't think the movie and the book had a lot in common.

marcie · « **Reply #1847 on:** June 08, 2010, 01:54:12 PM »

Quote from: pedln on June 08, 2010, 10:13:33 AM

Calling all used-book lovers. Just a nice human interest story about used books.

Learning Something From Books, Before Their Texts Even Begin

That's an interesting story, Pedln. It seems unusual that the gentleman would have found two old friends through inscriptions in used books he bought. I confess, I don't pay much attention to the inscriptions in used book.

It's an interesting thought too about "some creative entrepreneur pitching Kindle right now with this concept: one-of-a-kind inscriptions, sold along with the book for a small premium, to lend it that history-imbued, sentimental feeling." :-)

winsummm · « **Reply #1848 on:** June 09, 2010, 02:22:41 AM »

I have way too many books and they are all regular print which I cannot read so I started on one shelf by simply making a pile on top of the low bookcase and before long, I knew I could not part with any of them I could give them away to friends and family or even to all of you if we still had the exchange but I cannot abandon them. even though mailing them off was such a chore I didn't do that for long either. I have wonderful books that are just nice to live with.

claire

Steph · « **Reply #1849 on:** June 09, 2010, 05:39:17 AM »

I have always done two things. When we travel plane, train, automobile type. I leave paperbacks as I finish them along with the tip for the maid in the room..
When I had the used book store, I put up notices for the maids in the hotels to bring me books and I would pay a small fee.. When I did this, I got all sorts of books and with Disney, even got french, spanish and german books..
Then in the RV.. every single RV park has a small donated library.. It works on leave one, take one, but noone ever checks.. So I loved them.. After you ignore the numbered romances ( Its amazing, there are always tons of those), then there is a wonderful eclectic selection.. So I love that my books can find someone new to read them.. Wont have that any more, but my swap club helps take up the slack..

Frybabe · « **Reply #1850 on:** June 09, 2010, 07:49:52 AM »

I generally pass my books on to my Mom and sisters. Some come back, but not all. Now that Mom is in assisted living, some of them will end up on their library bookshelf. They have a really nice selection, including several encyclopedia sets and references. I am also thinking of taking some of my jigsaw puzzles over. Several of the women really like those.

Babi · « **Reply #1851 on:** June 09, 2010, 08:38:05 AM »

You are so right about the tons of romances, STEPH. Obviously, they are
popular in spite of what we might think of them. I'm sure there must be
some good writing in some of them. I suspect them of being churned out
one-a-month with just new names and locations.

Jigsaw puzzles are always welcome, FRYBABE. We have a stock of them at the
local Senior Center, and can take some home on loan. The people who like to work on
the puzzles there always appreciate a new one.

ginny · « **Reply #1852 on:** June 09, 2010, 11:53:39 AM »

I've got some puzzles, never opened, where can I send them? Send me an address by email, yours would be best so I don't drop them on a Senior Center unawares and I'll mail them off, they're beautiful. Some with several copies of each so I can send to both. I'd like for somebody who likes to do puzzles to have them.

salan · « **Reply #1853 on:** June 09, 2010, 02:57:24 PM »

Ginny, I would love to have/share the puzzles. I emailed you with my info. Did you get it?
Sally

salan · « **Reply #1854 on:** June 09, 2010, 03:07:32 PM »

Funny that you should be inscriptions in books left behind. I recently purchased "Possession" used from Amazon and there was a sticky note left in the front with this quote, "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup". I've only read 150 pages and no reference to dragons in the book--maybe later?

Or maybe it is some secret spy code. Interesting, anyway.
Sally

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #1855 on:** June 09, 2010, 06:21:30 PM »

Somebody on one of these boards, or the old S/N board previously used the dragon quote as part of their signature. I wish I remembered who! LOL

Frybabe · « **Reply #1856 on:** June 09, 2010, 06:29:43 PM »

I think the quote is so cute so I looked it up on Google. Here is one site I came up with. It claims to be the worlds largest SciFi/Fantasy community.

http://www.elfwood.com/~mvzuilek/Do-not-meddle-in-the-affairs-of-dragons-for-you-are-crunchy-and-taste-good-with-ketchup.3064335.html

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1857 on:** June 09, 2010, 09:38:24 PM »

This is off topic but I finally got Volume 1 of the letters from Vincent Van Gogh and they are a delight to read. Reproductions of the actual letters with his sketches are interspersed throughout the text. Highly recommended.

marcie · « **Reply #1858 on:** June 10, 2010, 02:07:29 AM »

That's great, mrssherlock. I read some of Van Goghs letters some years ago and recall that they were interesting and inspirational.

Steph · « **Reply #1859 on:** June 10, 2010, 05:44:16 AM »

I love the dragons quote and have a tshirt that says that.. Got it up in Helen, Ga. one summer.
I only like jigsaws when they are somewhere where people can drop in and do a bit.. Sort of fun that way.

joangrimes · « **Reply #1860 on:** June 10, 2010, 08:12:43 AM »

When my husband was alive we used to keep a jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table waiting for anyone who passed by to put in piece of the puzzle...It was fun to have one available that way and everyone who came to our house always tried to put in a piece or two....

Joan Grimes

ginny · « **Reply #1861 on:** June 10, 2010, 10:16:54 AM »

I'm glad to hear the Van Gogh letters don't disappoint, Jackie, that's fabulous.

Sally I did get your letter and will send some next week. I also have copies of some of the puzzles if anybody else would like one.

I love that picture, Joan G, I love that image of a puzzle out and anybody who comes in doing a piece, have always wanted that.

salan · « **Reply #1862 on:** June 10, 2010, 11:20:59 AM »

Where did the Dragon quote originate? Does it have anything to do with the book "Possession"?
I had never heard it, but it did make me smile when I read it. I think I will start putting "sticky" note quotes that I like in books I leave behind or pass on!
Sally

ANNIE · « **Reply #1863 on:** June 10, 2010, 11:30:59 AM »

Hey, take a look at this. Its our library system in Columbus, Ohio.

This month, we have the incredible honor of announcing that Library Journal has selected Columbus Metropolitan Library as the 2010 National Library of the Year. This is one of the highest honors in the library world, and comes on top of our 5 Star rating and our #1 Hennen rating. We are the only library in the nation to have achieved all three distinctions. And, this wouldn't be possible without the wonderful support from our customers. We thank you for making us great. Click here to read the article.

Ella Gibbons · « **Reply #1864 on:** June 10, 2010, 12:40:39 PM »

I know, ANN, BUT WHERE IS THE ARTICLE! We do have one of the best libraries in the nation, wonderful system. It's my library also.

I just finished a wonderful sllim little book and I was so surprised when I got into it to discover its nonfiction!! I KNOW, I KNOW, HOW COULD I NOT KNOW? I am addle-brained at times. But I turned a page and there are pictures of the people, truly, I was astonished. It was on the table in the library where recommended books sit.

It is entitled THE DREAM by Harry Bernstein; He has written another book - THE INVISIBLE WALL - which I intend to read

Click here to read reviews of this book:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Invisible-Wall/Harry-Bernstein/e/9780345496102/?itm=1&USRI=the+invisible+wall

marcie · « **Reply #1865 on:** June 10, 2010, 01:19:03 PM »

What a wonderful library you have, Ann and Ella. Here is a link to the article, with photos:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/883793-264/2010_library_of_the_year.html.csp

marcie · « **Reply #1866 on:** June 10, 2010, 01:23:52 PM »

The descriptions of those books, Ella, written when the author was in his 90s sound rich and full of life. Thanks for mentioning them. My public library has both of them. I'll put them on my "to read" list.

Frybabe · « **Reply #1867 on:** June 10, 2010, 06:51:18 PM »

At 9pmEST, History Channel. The Modern Marvels program will be about the Library of Congress.

PatH · « **Reply #1868 on:** June 10, 2010, 08:30:00 PM »

My weekly email from Politics and Prose this morning included the sad news that the store is up for sale. They are not in financial trouble--their hardback sales alone last year grossed 3.3 million--but the founders, Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade, are 74 and one of them is in poor health. They are looking for someone who will carry on in the right way, but it's scary. The quality of their involvement is crucial to the quality of the store.

ANNIE · « **Reply #1869 on:** June 10, 2010, 08:48:13 PM »

PATH,

DO YOU THINK WE COULD AFFORD IT FROM OUR PETTY CASH JAR??? WHAT A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR SOMEONE JUST A BIT YOUNGER. I WOULD BE WILLING TO WORK THERE, WOULDN'T YOU???

MARCIE,
THANKS FOR THE LINK TO THE WHOLE ARTICLE. ITS ACTUALLY UP ON THE CML HOMEPAGE, ELLA.

PatH · « **Reply #1870 on:** June 10, 2010, 10:38:41 PM »

Alas, Ann, the last time I shook my piggy bank it didn't rattle much, and I'm 2 years older than Carla and Barbara. I'm close, though, about 5 miles away. It is a good place to work; they treat their people right, and the employees care about the books.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1871 on:** June 10, 2010, 11:10:21 PM »

NPR has some really tempting books on its summer reading list of historical fiction; these are all new to me. http://tinyurl.com/nprSummerfiction

Steph · « **Reply #1872 on:** June 11, 2010, 05:47:13 AM »

I loved my teeny little used book store and am sure I would love this one as well.. Bookstores are my passion.. Good ones that is.. However they are difficult to run in many ways.. Still at 72, I would consider doing it again. With MDH gone, the rv travel is gone and that is the reason we sold the other one.. Wanted to see the world.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #1873 on:** June 11, 2010, 01:22:37 PM »

Steph: Great idea, you buy Politics and Prose and some of us will work for you. I'm volunteering my time, and we'll get to read all those lovely books for free!

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #1874 on:** June 11, 2010, 08:57:47 PM »

A very nice article and update on our SeniorLearn book groups in the newest issue of "Bookmarks"magazine. Page 3, July/August issue.
We should see some newcomers or at least a return of anyone who didn't realize what happened to us in the S/N shipwreck!

PatH · « **Reply #1875 on:** June 11, 2010, 09:20:42 PM »

Shipwreck! what a perfect word for what happened. I'll check out the "Bookmarks".

marcie · « **Reply #1876 on:** June 11, 2010, 09:27:14 PM »

Tomereader, thanks for the heads up about the article Bookmarks.

Steph · « **Reply #1877 on:** June 12, 2010, 06:00:59 AM »

My bookmarks copy has yet to arrive..But will always read it.. Love that magazine. One of the few I read when it comes.
Only thing is.. where the heck is the POlitics, etc bookstore.. I live in Florida and I know it is not there.

JoanP · « **Reply #1878 on:** June 12, 2010, 08:22:07 AM »

Steph - it would be a heck of a commute, but we'd love to see you in the DC area -

Look at this link - you have to love POLITICS AND PROSE - and the gals who have been running it all these 25years - They would love to have you take over the shop, I'm sure.

http://www.politics-prose.com/

Here's their rather comprehensive Summer Reading Newsletter - you might find something of interest here :

http://www.politics-prose.com/files/politicsandprose/2010SummerNewsletter.pdf

MaryPage · « **Reply #1879 on:** June 12, 2010, 11:00:14 AM »

Sorry to hear they are closing. Loved the store. Remember as though it were yesterday when they opened.

News:

Author Topic: The Library (Read 2085412 times)