Author Topic: The Library (Read 2080207 times)

PatH · « **Reply #19000 on:** June 02, 2018, 08:37:00 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.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19001 on:** June 02, 2018, 10:08:08 PM »

Aw sorry to hear about the passing of Tomereader's husband - that is a rough patch to be in - I doubt Tomereader is taking time now to check into the Library but in case - my thoughts are with you, Tomereader and for the challenge of developing your new life - sorry to hear of your loss.

Bellamarie I will always have a todo list - so many things I want to do and it is how I prepare for holidays as well as get through the month with all of my todo's - living alone a list is the reminder that living with others often provide.

Glad you and your husband have done the clear out - it is so much easier isn't it to do it with someone who knows you and what will be important for you to save and to just help with the pushing, pulling, shoving and carrying - that is why I am so looking forward to my daughter's help -

I've not much left from their childhood - cleared out nearly all of that about 20 or so years ago - it is all the Real Estate stuff and coming to terms with many needlework and art projects started that I will never finish - and all the cookbooks and cooking supplies - my one grand likes to cook but he is really into barbecue, sausage making and he makes a mean Louisiana boil. However he does not do any baking or other kind of meals that require the assortment of cookware that I have collected over the years. I may just end up boxing up some of this till they are all older and setting up their married life.

There are still too many Cds and too many videos - some are tapes that I hate to throw but few even have a tape player any longer - on and on it goes - need to pare down - I may decide to move in the next couple of years and I do not want all this to worry about as well. And there is no sense in keeping that front living room as is - I never use the room - good sofa or not, it has to go - I'm thinking of lining the walls with bookcases and getting all the books from the bedroom turned library and then turning that bedroom back to a sewing/art room. And then I really need to cull some of these books - its hard - in the past when I have done it, sure enough a month or so later I'm looking for a quote that was in a book I got rid of.

Then on top learned my Enneagram explains how difficult it is for me to cull anything - seems I hold on tightly to what I have - I can see that, just as I explained the risk I feel getting rid of a book that I may need for a quote after it is gone - oh dear - this is going to be a challenge but better with my daughter's help because I really want to empty this house so I can breath and without unfinished projects over my head causing stress. Just getting rid of the Real Estate promotional material I never sent out will be huge.

Several of you did not read The Joy Luck Club back when it was all the rage - I remember my sister and I read it and compared it to the experience of Chinese women we knew - reading it here of course I will join in - seems to me Amy Tan went on to write several successful books - one of them I have on my list to read is, Saving Fish from Drowning Not as well known as some of her other books but American's traveling the Burma Road appeals to me and the write up does not say it includes the sadness and horrors typical of many Chinese women and girls. Not as much in Joy Luck but lots of it in The Bonesetter's Daughter

Whoops gotta go - my TV program is about to start.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19002 on:** June 03, 2018, 09:07:15 AM »

Barb, I too am someone who likes to hold on to things. I suppose it's my way of looking at something and being reminded of the who, what, where and how I felt when it came into my life. I've gotten so much better about letting go in the past couple of years. Now that all my kids are married and own their own homes, I don't have to save items thinking they may need them. I go by the saying....."One day at a time." If I can manage to accomplish something each day, even if it's a small thing, I pat myself on the back and say, you did it! It truly does help to have someone there to encourage you, or even to just share the moment with remembering and then placing things in the "get rid of" pile. I'm glad your daughter will be there to help you. My son's family moved thirty minutes away into a quaint town called Perrysburg last summer, and are begging us to sell our house and move there near them. My hubby and I love right where we are, but yes, we to glance around to see the "for sale" signs when we visit them. We have been in our home since 1984, and lived in this particular area since 1978, so I am very attached to my community and church. We shall see..... I keep my mind open to where God wants me to be. We've been working on redesigning our front and back yards and I have it to almost perfection, and can't imagine leaving it any time soon.

maryz · « **Reply #19003 on:** June 03, 2018, 09:08:54 AM »

Tomereader, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how traumatic it is.

hats · « **Reply #19004 on:** June 04, 2018, 05:43:34 AM »

Very sorry to hear about the loss, Tomereader. Prayers for you and family.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #19005 on:** June 04, 2018, 05:57:49 PM »

I want to send my thanks to all the members here who have so thoughtfully sent their prayers and good wishes for me and my family. So kind, so dear. But of course I knew that. Consider you all as real "friends".
thank you again.

Jonathan · « **Reply #19006 on:** June 04, 2018, 09:18:29 PM »

So good to hear from you, Tomereader. And how nice to read the expressions of sympathy in the posts. I got some comfort from them myself. I lost my dear companion two years ago.

Please accept my condolences.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19007 on:** June 05, 2018, 12:34:16 AM »

So nice to hear from you Tomreader.

Thought this was a bit interesting......Is the Book Always Better than the Movie? | It's Lit! | PBS Digital Studios

https://www.facebook.com/pbs/videos/213683905900504/

What do you think, is the book always better? I have to say most of the time I agree, the book is better, but then I have seen some books turned into movies which have brought the characters more to life than the book. One I can think of immediately is Little Women. But, one I can recall disappointing me greatly was The Help. The book dealt with racism, domestic abuse, and elitism, where the movie basically skipped over these issues, and made the book more of a comedy.

PatH · « **Reply #19008 on:** June 05, 2018, 04:23:18 PM »

I'm with you, Bellamarie, the book is usually better. One exception is the old classic The African Queen. The book is decent reading, and it has better stuff about boats, but the movie is a real gem, and the plot has been nudged to make a more coherent, satisfying story.

I'm sorry to hear about The Help, which I just finally read about a month ago. The book was pretty scathing about some things that need to be said. Guess I won't bother with the movie.

PatH · « **Reply #19009 on:** June 05, 2018, 04:27:57 PM »

Time to count noses. Who is interested in discussing Three Men in a Boat? It would probably last only about two weeks, then on to something else. If we don't have enough, we'll discuss something else.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19010 on:** June 05, 2018, 04:58:26 PM »

Good - I'm in - finally - we have brought this book up so many times and never did anything about it plus, it is on so many lists of books to read - looking into the book I did not realize it was written during the nineteenth century and was an allegory to the political and social issues of the day.

I'm thinking what Barchester Towers was to the nineteenth century church of England and the social life among the parishioners is what this is gong to be to the political and social scene. Now I am really looking forward to this read... love seeing life in the past through the eyes of not only an author but a satirist. By the way there are at least two additions available free or for .99 on Kindle. We've got it made...

Jonathan · « **Reply #19011 on:** June 05, 2018, 05:51:28 PM »

I'm in for Three Men in a Boat. I need something light. I've just finished a second biography of Princess Diana's stormy, stressful life, and about to start the Paul Burrell book, but first a week or two on the Thames. We'll be sailing right past Windsor Castle. And many other historical places. A splendid introduction to British humor. Easy rowing. It's all with the current. I have a splendid illustrated, annotated, introduced and afterworded copy. I can't remember when or where I ever got it. I would love to read it in your company. Let's see if we can make a sailor out of Bellamarie. Bring your picnic hampers.

Frybabe · « **Reply #19012 on:** June 06, 2018, 07:44:30 AM »

Me Too! I thought I already had it downloaded months ago, but I can't find it, so off to Project Gutenberg I go.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19013 on:** June 06, 2018, 09:48:29 AM »

Okay, Barb and Jonathan have enticed me to jump in the boat with the rest of you, so I suppose I will sink or swim. I'm in! How can I resist this.....

Jonathan,

Quote

We'll be sailing right past Windsor Castle. And many other historical places. A splendid introduction to British humor.

Barb,

Quote

I did not realize it was written during the nineteenth century and was an allegory to the political and social issues of the day.

Jonathan you always have the best finds with books. I have followed Princess Di since her engagement to Prince Charles, and have the Ashton Drake doll collection of her in her beautiful dresses. I have so many books on her. She had her flaws which made her human just like the rest of us, and I truly adore her and her two sons. What lovely women they have married, and that little Princess Charlotte has stolen my heart.

Frybabe, Thanks for the heads ups, I'm off to Project Gutnberg as well.

PatH., When do we begin? Two weeks will go by so quickly.

lindahart · « **Reply #19014 on:** June 06, 2018, 11:07:01 AM »

I’m In for reading Three men in a boat. I actually was able to download it from our library. Don’t know exactly how much time I’ll have on our trip to Alaska. But I do plan to do some reading so maybe I’ll have time to comment also.

PatH · « **Reply #19015 on:** June 06, 2018, 02:32:38 PM »

Good. We definitely have enough. I'll work on setting up a site.

Frybabe · « **Reply #19016 on:** June 07, 2018, 06:27:56 AM »

I've downloaded the book from Project Gutenberg.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19017 on:** June 07, 2018, 08:35:50 AM »

I downloaded the book as well, began reading a little of it, and can see the humor!

CallieOK · « **Reply #19018 on:** June 07, 2018, 10:10:30 AM »

My copy is also down-loaded.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19019 on:** June 07, 2018, 01:35:51 PM »

I'm roaring laughing - cannot wait to share - the bit about being ill versus lazy as a kid is just too funny - my copy has a map of their trip - evidently all three where real people and only the dog is fictitious.

Jonathan · « **Reply #19020 on:** June 07, 2018, 03:12:23 PM »

Yes. In the preface we're assured that it's all true.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19021 on:** June 09, 2018, 12:58:31 AM »

Just saw on my local news tonight there is a portrait of Henrietta Lacks, hanging in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, to honor her in our nation's capitol. The lead into the story was, "A woman who's stolen DNA cells, that continued replicating, was used by scientists who did not ask her permission, eventually helped researchers to develop the polio vaccine, chemo therapy, invetro fertilization, and many, many other treatments." They mentioned the book we read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. The portrait is on display there until November 4th.

PatH · « **Reply #19022 on:** June 09, 2018, 10:37:03 AM »

I'm guessing the portrait is based on the photo on the cover of the book we read, since that's about all there is. I love that photo--she's standing there confident, hands on hips, with a cocky attitude toward the whole world, in spite of the many problems she had.

bellamarie · « **Reply #19023 on:** June 09, 2018, 12:16:14 PM »

PatH., It is not the one on the book cover, which I also like. I think this one was specially painted, and called "The Mother of Modern Medicine" by Kadir Nelson, oil on linen.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/16/health/henrietta-lacks-portrait-smithsonian-tmd/index.html
Here is a link to see the portrait. It is very beautiful.

"The oil-on-linen work, “Henrietta Lacks (HeLa): The Mother of Modern Medicine” will hang inside among the primary entryways of the National Portrait Gallery through November.
No other painted picture of Lacks existed prior to this, stated Dorothy Mo ss, the manager of painting and sculpture at the National Portrait Gallery."

mabel1015j · « **Reply #19024 on:** June 10, 2018, 11:33:36 AM »

I just found this on Gutenberg, sounds intriguing

Behind a Mask, or A Woman's Power is a novella written by American author Louisa May Alcott. The novella was originally published in 1866 under the pseudonym of A. M. Barnard in The Flag of Our Union. Wikipedia
Originally published: 1866
Author: Louisa May Alcott

I was confused when I downloaded it because it said the author was A.M. Barnard, but then I found this statement, that it was one of her pseudonyms, an illustrative piece of history of how women survived while being confined to their tiny little pedestal.

Jean

bellamarie · « **Reply #19025 on:** June 10, 2018, 12:57:29 PM »

Yep, women either were published as anonymous, or used a pseudonym, being a male name.

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/12-female-writers-who-wrote-under-male-pseudonyms/

PatH · « **Reply #19026 on:** June 10, 2018, 01:31:25 PM »

The discussion site for Three Men in a Boat is now open HERE

Come on in and say hi.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #19027 on:** June 10, 2018, 02:12:18 PM »

Some pretty libraries with some interesting guests

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/these-portuguese-libraries-are-infested-batsand-they-it-way-180969276/?utm_source=smithsoniantopic&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180610-Weekender&spMailingID=34651443&spUserID=NzQwNDUzNjY5NzES1&spJobID=1300836992&spReportId=MTMwMDgzNjk5MgS2

PatH · « **Reply #19028 on:** June 10, 2018, 05:39:58 PM »

Indeed, beautiful libraries. Evidently keeping down the insects is more vital than the risk of guano.

Interesting list of women writers disguised as men, ranging from well-known to ones I never heard of. My favorite in terms of successful disguise is Alice Sheldon/James Tiptree Jr., the name taken from a marmalade jar. She was a highly regarded sci-fi writer for many years before the word leaked out. She had a years long friendship via letters with Ursula K. LeGuin, without LeGuin ever suspecting. And one of my battered paperbacks of her short stories has a lengthy introduction by Robert Silverberg explaining how foolish the rumor of her being a woman was, comparing her to Hemingway. I think only a woman would have written some of those stories, but she had already been outed by the time I read her stuff, so it's not a fair test.

ginny · « **Reply #19029 on:** June 21, 2018, 08:09:40 AM »

I'm back but sorry to see such sad news here. So sorry to hear of the death of your husband, Tomereader, {{{HUGS}}}. Please accept my sympathy in your great loss.

Also, Bellamarie, {{{HUGS}}} as well for the death of your brother in law, what a loss to your family and your sister. My sympathy to you all.

ginny · « **Reply #19030 on:** June 21, 2018, 08:18:43 AM »

I came in to see what everybody is reading. I read the most enchanting definition of what a Beach Book is, and now I can't find it to copy it in here, but the idea was a Beach Book is any book you read any time which takes you out of your current situation and that you can sink into and enjoy with no other constrictions than just pure pleasure.

That in mind, I have to say that those of you who enjoyed the book The Woman in Cabin 10, by Ruth Ware, run, don't walk, to get her new one The Death of Mrs. Westaway.

It's wonderful. Best Sink Into It and Let the Rest of the World Go By book I've read in a long time. I opened it one day and did not put it down until it was half over (and it's a good size hardback physically, 368 pages), and I put it down reluctantly then.

A tarot card reader who doesn't believe in Tarot receives notice of an inheritance which was sent to the wrong person, and goes to the funeral..... and.....

Wonderful book. So far. Ware is kind of famous for her last minute twists, so who knows what's coming...but so far it's just marvelous summer reading. She's so YOUNG, looks about 30, I don't see how she writes like this but she does.

10 thumbs up. So far.

What's everybody reading?

Frybabe · « **Reply #19031 on:** June 21, 2018, 10:05:42 AM »

Hi Ginny, glad you are back.

I am in something of a reading lull right now, doing only Three Men in a Boat and an anthology of post-apocalyptic short-stories (Wastelands, edited by John Joseph Adams) which include the likes of Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, Jack M^cDevitt, and Orson Scott Card.

BTW, when the Latin class enrollment opens up again, let me know where you want me since I skipped this past year. As usual, I didn't get very far on my own except to translate a few more of Cicero's letters; I get too side-tracked with other things. I do miss the interaction.

Mkaren557 · « **Reply #19032 on:** June 21, 2018, 03:55:14 PM »

Welcome home, Ginny. I hope you had a superb trip; I have missed you. I am still trying to feel like myself again. My legs are still very weak and I ttire quickly. There are very few of us left in my condo as the snowbirds have flown the coop. I do think my mind is better. I have my Latin book on the kitchen and I try to translate the Livy I missed in the spring. I did a semester of Livy in college but that was a lifetime ago.

I am currently reading a wonderful piece of non-fiction by Jon Meacham The Soul of America: A Search for our Better Angels
He writes of times in our history when it seemed that we had lost "our way" and the men and women who brought us back from the chaos. I have also read Every Note Played by Lisa Genova and Woman in Sunlight by Frances Mayes then a bunch of true beach reads: new offerings by Dorothy Frank Benton, Nancy Thayer, and Elin Hilderbrand. I am looking forward to the discussion of Joy Luck Club

CallieOK · « **Reply #19033 on:** June 21, 2018, 04:25:06 PM »

I just finished "Eisenhower's Women" by Susan Wittick Albert. Supposed to be an historical fiction about Eisenhower, Mamie and Kaye Somersby but I think it's more fiction than history. The author's notes explain how much supposition she had to do mainly because the Eisenhower family objected so strongly.

Getting ready to start "A Spool Of Blue Thread" by Anne Tyler and "High Tide Club" - definitely a Beach Book (Ginny) by Mary Kaye Andrews.

I chuckled my way through "Three Men In A Boat".

hats · « **Reply #19034 on:** June 22, 2018, 05:31:26 AM »

BelleMarie, I've just started The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen. It starts off wonderfully. It's Historical Fiction and a Mystery, and I hope a love story.

CallieOK · « **Reply #19035 on:** June 22, 2018, 10:30:38 AM »

Hats, I enjoy books by Rhys Bowen. Have read all of her Royal Spyness series and am working my way through the Molly Murphy series. Glad to know about another book of hers.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #19036 on:** June 22, 2018, 01:51:28 PM »

I’m just starting The Dream Lover by Elizabeth Berg, a fictionalized version of the life of George Sand. So far, it’s interesting and may lead me to read some of Sand’s work. Going back to the 19th century is just the escapism I need in 2018. Watching the news is impossible for me without having tears roll down my cheeks, or being infuriated by the lies. I definitely need “beach reading.”

For my library presentations and discussions I’ve been reading First Mothers by Bonnie Angelo. She writes with insight and humor about presidential mothers from Sara Roosevelt (a more sympathetic look at FDR’s mother than has been the story since the characterization of her in Sunrise at Campobella) to Virginia Clinton. I think it’s superb.

I’m also readingThe Raising of a President by Doug Wead. He is sometimes too in love with his subjects, but basically it’s well researched and written about some presidents and their families. He talks about “founding fathers and mothers”, Lincoln, “the Roosevelts” (FDR), the Kennedys, and the Bushes.

Yes, my subject this month is “first mothers.” Did you guess? 😊

Jean

bellamarie · « **Reply #19037 on:** June 22, 2018, 03:17:53 PM »

Welcome home Ginny!
Thank you everyone for your kind words, of the loss of my brother in law. He was truly not just an American hero, but he was my hero, who I loved listening to his war stories. I have been in a bit of a slump, and am trying to get back into just enjoying a light read. All your titles sound interesting, and not too heavy for the summer. I couldn't make it through the discussion Three Men In A Boat, I guess the timing was just not meant for me to read it.

Hats, let me know as you go along how you like The Tuscan Child, I had my eye on that book to read.
MKaren, good to hear from you. I am sorry your recovery is going on so long. But then it does provide you with a good reason to read all day long.

Speaking of "beach reading" I always felt it meant to read summer books, that takes you to a beach, especially places like Nantucket, which is my favorite place for summer fictional love novels.

I am still muddling through Max Lucado's, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe and Family Album by Penelope Lively. Neither of these books have been a page turner, so I can't recommend them at this point.

hats · « **Reply #19038 on:** June 22, 2018, 03:39:44 PM »

I'm glad you're back, Ginny. Have a nice weekend.

CalllieinOK, Reading the Royal Spyness series is a future goal. I'm anxious.

Bellamarie, So far, it's very good. Rhys Bowen is one of those authors who seems to please me every single time.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #19039 on:** June 22, 2018, 04:29:34 PM »

Glad you are back safe and sound Ginny - where did you visit in Europe? You timed it nicely to miss the summer heat but I bet you knew that when you first made your arrangements. Anxious to hear about some of your experiences.

Hats I 've seen Tuscan Child as an offering that I wondered about - please let us know what you think - and you too Callie into books written by Rhys Bowen - the name is familiar - I need to look and see what I have read by this author.

Sounds like it will take a bit for you to get past the death of your Brother-in-law Bellamarie - just as it should be for someone who was important to you.

Jean that is a reminder - I have a couple of Berg's books that I never got past the first chapter - need to pull them down.

Did read a cutie that was actually serious with a sitcom type way of telling the story - but it was a quick, one long night read... Bless Her Heart (An Ellery Novel) - I laughed - if I had heard once I too have heard a million times 'Bless her Heart' over many happenings in my life and the many ways I screwed up. Ah so - never know if I am being patted on the head as incapable or blessed because I pulled through - probably a bit of both.

With Katha visiting we are gabbing up a storm and not reading so again I am behind but tonight we both have dinner obligations separately and I come home way before so I am hoping to get further caught up with Three Men in a Boat Like Callie I'm finding it hilarious.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2080207 times)