Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084256 times)

mrssherlock · « **Reply #240 on:** November 12, 2009, 11:38:49 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!

Everyone is welcome!

Suggestion Box for Future Discussions

Ella has my good wishes for her speedy recovery.

The "8th Grade Examination" seems to be an authentic document but it has no notation that it is for 8th graders. Here is a site with its scanned image and it has the word "applicants", implying it is intended perhaps for teacher candidates. http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/a/1895exam.htm

marcie · « **Reply #241 on:** November 12, 2009, 11:41:05 AM »

Sending good thoughts to Ella and wishes for her recovery as soon as possible.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #242 on:** November 12, 2009, 01:28:10 PM »

So sorry about Ella's accident......hope she can get access to a laptop soon, this site will be much duller w/out her giving us her fabulous comments on everything and maybe can take her mind off of her injuries for a while..........feel better soon, Ella. I understand the Plavix issue, that is the scariest thing about taking that medicine, that needed proecdures become very dangerous.

45 minutes for the History section!?! I don't believe it was for 8th graders. I have a masters degree in history and have taught college history classes. Any three of those questions could make up a college history exam that could take an hour, easily, to complete................jean

Babi · « **Reply #243 on:** November 13, 2009, 08:00:28 AM »

AArgh! I couldn't have answered those questions when I graduated from college, ANNIE. Sheesh!

jane · « **Reply #244 on:** November 13, 2009, 10:22:55 AM »

I suspect it's a hoax....just as some others of these so called tests from 1895 have been.

See: http://www.snopes.com/language/document/1895exam.asp

I suspect, if it was a typical school in 1895 it was being taught by a young woman who was probably 19 or 20 and had only had what would be equivalent to a year of two of "normal" school. I think the emphasis was probably on numbers and mental arithmetic and those kinds of practical things.

marcie · « **Reply #245 on:** November 13, 2009, 01:28:24 PM »

There are lots of programs that might be of interest showing on PBS this week, including "Surviving the Dustbowl" and "Collision" (written by Anthony Horowitz who created "Foyle's War"). Check them out in our PBS discussion at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=918.msg46210#msg46210

There also are several programs on photographers:

Documenting America" brings to life the remarkable stories behind the
legendary group of New Deal-sponsored photographers who captured the face of Depression-era America. See http://www.documentingamerica.org/Home.html

"No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos" provides an intimate portrait of the 50-year journey of two giants of modern cinematography and the deep bond of brotherhood that
transcended every imaginable boundary. See http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/no-subtitles-necessary

maryz · « **Reply #246 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:57:52 PM »

I've had the best time last night and today. Our Friends of the Library annual meeting was today, and our speaker was Allan Stypeck of Second Story Books in Washington, DC, and one of the NPR Book Guys.

John and I picked him up last night at the airport, took him to his B&B, and took him to dinner. What a delightful story-filled man he is. We had a great evening, talking constantly. I picked him up this morning to take to the luncheon. His talk was great - all about how he got into the used/rare books business and why he stays in it. Plus he did some appraisals of books that folks brought in for him. Hearing how that process works was fascinating.

I was so glad that I had been asked to undertake the "chore" of being his guide and chauffeur while he was here. And I really hated to leave him off at the airport. We'll surely go by his store the next time we're in DC.

marcie · « **Reply #247 on:** November 13, 2009, 04:53:11 PM »

That sounds like a great event, maryz. I'm glad you were rewarded for being such a good hostess.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #248 on:** November 13, 2009, 05:09:19 PM »

Jane - my mother was one of those 20yr old teachers in a one-room school in 1918. She had gone to normal school for 2 yrs, taught for two yrs and then went back to get her 4 yr degree. She was a good role model for me. She and her older sister both had BS degrees by 1923, from a farm family whose 3 sons did not go to college.

Mary - that does sound like a unique, fun opportunity. ................ jean

Frybabe · « **Reply #249 on:** November 14, 2009, 04:58:01 PM »

Where is every one? I've been checking in to see what is going on but haven't seen much activity for two days. How unusual.

I just got my latest shipment of books from Amazon. My best friend, who was here for his daily feed, raised his eyebrows. More books?

He should be happy that he only has to compete with the cat for a place on the sofa

mrssherlock · « **Reply #250 on:** November 14, 2009, 06:32:52 PM »

I guess they're all over at "the Cape". I never did get my book, waiting list too long, so I'm sitting that one out. Some of us are posting in Poetry, and Science Fiction, and Mystery.

marcie · « **Reply #251 on:** November 14, 2009, 07:25:35 PM »

LOL, Frybabe, re your friend and his raised eyebrows at your book shipment. He must know you very well :-)

Frybabe · « **Reply #252 on:** November 14, 2009, 07:44:35 PM »

Marcie, yes he does. In fact, when we were getting our degrees and I had little money to spare, he always knew just when to pull me out of the bookstore. I've probably been making up for my lean book years ever since.

At the moment, I am reading Carol Goodman's Lake of Dead Languages. The subject matter, teen suicide, is not my idea of a fun topic but the mystery and threat of danger is keeping me going. Besides, she writes so well that I probably read anything she wrote just to savor the flow of her writing.

marcie · « **Reply #253 on:** November 14, 2009, 11:04:01 PM »

Frybabe, it's great that you've had such a good friend for so long.

The "Lake of Dead Languages" was mysteriously compelling. I too enjoy everything that Carol Goodman writes. She includes very interesting settings, including the arts, that make me want to learn more about them.

pedln · « **Reply #254 on:** November 16, 2009, 11:22:37 PM »

You are invited to a

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE for Book and Food Lovers

December 1 - 20

Guests will be YOU and authors of your favorite books that combine a good story with good tips on food. Do drop in and tell us about your favorite foodies, real and otherwise, be it Rachel Ray or Kate Jacobs or Tyler Florence or Joanne Harris. Who's your favorite cook?

Frybabe · « **Reply #255 on:** November 17, 2009, 06:11:42 PM »

Well, I am about 3/4 through The Lake of Dead Languages. I was right when I picked out who was in the deer mask and I am absolutely positive I know who is causing all the current troubles. I will know soon enough if I am right.

marcie · « **Reply #256 on:** November 17, 2009, 10:25:52 PM »

, Frybabe

Frybabe · « **Reply #257 on:** November 17, 2009, 10:56:11 PM »

AhHah! I was right. What an ending. And she tied everything up in a nice new beginning for the "survivors".

Now comes the hard part - deciding what to read next from my piles.

ginny · « **Reply #258 on:** November 18, 2009, 07:18:19 AM »

Frybabe, that's always the issue, isn't it? You've been off on an adventure in the old book and now, one is adrift for an uncomfortable bit before choosing a new one.

I finished Peter Mayle's A Vintage Caper, I think it was, it was a good book, not as good as his Chasing Cezanne, with lots of atmosphere. It's a mystery I guess you'd call it, tho no blood or bodies, and some interesting bits on wine and famous cellars and lots on France, Marseilles in particular, so there's a lot to learn about.

It's light and frothy and possibly a little strained but it's fun escapist stuff, I like Mayle and his books on Provence, he's got an insouciant attitude which comes over well in his books.

___________________

I started Riverside Drive by Laura Van Wormer, I had never heard of her but the book looked good, looked like a beach book. I got as far as her describing the trees in Central Park as doing their "precious best" to bloom and YEOWEE, did she actually say that? Reread. Yes she did. Put that one down.

So I started, again, Elizabeth Taylor's Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont and this time read half of it in one shot, and got up at 4:30 this morning and read another quarter, very little to go. it's a fast read, with the same sort of plot and characters as the movie but the characters are subtly different. They are more complex and ....different.

In many ways it's kind of depressing and in some ways it's not. Ludo is completely different, I am really enjoying it, she really IS an excellent writer.

__________________

For some reason I really like Christmas mysteries, maybe I need the tart, too, is anybody reading a good one they can recommend? Seems like the ones appearing on the shelves now are all about puns, or start out with a harried, irascible heroine. Some of them seem like formulas.

I keep hearing about Sarah Waters and her new book The Little Stranger. Big old house, scary doings, I hear it's fabulous, am going to look for it today. She wrote Fingersmith, which, when we went to the National Book Festival the last time, the really neato book store at the subway entrance closest to the Harrington raved over it. I haven't read it either, has anybody here? I wish I had a bookstore like that one close by me.

__________________

Gosh the holiday open house coming up in December here in the Books looks wonderful! Can't wait for December 1, just the ticket! For a person who can't cook, I sure have the cookbooks.

What are you all reading?

mrssherlock · « **Reply #259 on:** November 18, 2009, 12:21:44 PM »

Donna Andrews is very good at wacky mysteries. Six Geese Aslaying has one memorable scene. She is overseeing the town's Holiday Parade, theme is Twelve Days of Christmas. As ther gather to liner up the twelve drummers drumming are facing off against the eleven pipers piping. The drummers with accompanying fifers are dressed in revolutionary war uniforms and the (bag) pipers are each in his own clan plaid. One group is playing Silent night and the other is playing Little Drummer Boy. At top volume. While this is going on the three camels, named Larry, Moe and Curly, are being walked, the elephants are arriving, the boy scout clean up crew is arming itself with shovels and plastic bags, and so on. Coming up I will be choosing among these:
Face by Sherman Alexie, Sixty Feet Six Inches by Bob Gibson and Reggie Jackson, Gladys Taber's Stillmadow Cookbook, Murder on the Eiffel Tower by Claude Izner, Time Travelers Never Die by Jack McDevitt, Knit 2 Together by Mel Clark and Tracey Ullman; there's more but I'll stop here.

pedln · « **Reply #260 on:** November 18, 2009, 08:40:37 PM »

Quote

Gosh the holiday open house coming up in December here in the Books looks wonderful! Can't wait for December 1, just the ticket! For a person who can't cook, I sure have the cookbooks

Ginny

Gosh, I can't wait either. And I've got two new titles to share, haven't read either, and haven't heard anyone say anything about them, but they really sound good and they're about food. A friend is reading one of them -- it's set in Rwanda, but she says it's very uplifting. Will say more at the open house.

JoanK · « **Reply #261 on:** November 18, 2009, 09:06:10 PM »

Ha, Padlin, now you've got me really curious.

My pile is getting taller and taller. Trouble is, I always think I have to read the library books first, 'cause they'll be due. Then they ARE due, and I go to the library and get more. So the books that actually paid money for just sit and sit.

There's a lesson in that, but I'm not going to learn it. Everyone has something that they HAVE to buy, even if they don't need it. With two of my friends it's shoes; with me, it's books.

PatH · « **Reply #262 on:** November 18, 2009, 09:22:54 PM »

Imelda Marcos had 4000 pairs of shoes. How much more sensible to have 4000 books--maybe cheaper, too.

Mippy · « **Reply #263 on:** November 19, 2009, 07:08:46 AM »

PatH

You are really on the mark!

Do any of us ever estimate how many books we own?
Dangerous topic warning ...

ANNIE · « **Reply #264 on:** November 19, 2009, 08:09:23 AM »

SHE'S BAAAAACK!
Ella called me last night and now she is moving to a different place which is brand new, with single rooms, dedicated to therapy for post acute care. Annnnnnnnnd, they have WIFI! So, we have talked her into buying a laptop!! Yaaaaay!
She really sounded good. Like her old self. She had been to see the surgeon who will operate on her right foot early next week and then it will be about 2 months before she can leave the post acute care place but when she does, the dr says she will be walking out the door! "Its a 'murical', Clyde!!"

mrssherlock · « **Reply #265 on:** November 19, 2009, 10:41:47 AM »

You can't keep a good woman down for long. Hooray for Ella. I sprained both ankles once, stepping down off a porch, losing my balance, shifting my weight as the first ankle twisted, then the second caved in, too. It took mere seconds but seemed to be in slow motion.

marcie · « **Reply #266 on:** November 19, 2009, 10:47:48 AM »

What good news for us that Ella will be able to continue to participate as she heals. There are many Thanksgiving deals for laptops.

Ouch, mrssherlock, that sounds painful.

Babi · « **Reply #267 on:** November 20, 2009, 07:59:50 AM »

Donna Andrews is fun, isn't she, JACKIE? I'll have to look for that one.

Well, JOAN, expnsive as books may be, they're certainly cheaper than
shoes! As PatH also noted. I also read my library books first, for the
same reason. But once they are in I really want to read my other books
before getting any more. I mean, that's why I bought the thing.

ANNIE · « **Reply #268 on:** November 20, 2009, 09:20:50 AM »

Does anyone know why the Civil War was fought?? Over what problems?? I just read a line in our book for February, "America's Prophet" and wondered if it was correct.

CubFan · « **Reply #269 on:** November 20, 2009, 09:57:00 AM »

I think the causes that were answers on history tests included:

The South:

economics - the tariff laws were hurting the Southern economy

statess rights - the South was upset with what they considered federal government interference in state matters

slavery - which was reflected in economics and states' rights

The North:

to preserve the country

because the North had been attack

and for some slavery issue - but in most instances the Northern soldiers did not consider themselves as fighting for the "Negro"

What did "America's Prophet" say?

Mary

mabel1015j · « **Reply #270 on:** November 20, 2009, 12:31:43 PM »

Joan - you and i must have the same brain in two bodies. I mentioined before that i went to the library building to vote and meant to vote and leave............HA!.......i went into the stacks and came home w/ 6 new books.......a week later when i took back 4 books i had already had at home, i meant to drop them off and LEAVE! HA!..............i came out with 5 new ones! IT'S ADDICTIVE!. How do people work in libraries and book stores?

I just finished 2 good books: American Empress: Marjorie Merriwether Post, by Nancy Rubin would be a good book for a book discussion. She involved in so many pieces of the history of the first half of the 20th century. And there is the Christian Science aspect, her beautiful houses, her Russian arts collection, (her homes and collectioins can be seen on the web), her marriages, her massive wealth and what she does w/ it, etc. There would be a lot to talk about.

The other book is Carley's Song by Patirica Sprinkle. It's sort of a stream of conscience narritive by a 12 yr old in a very small town in North Carolina in the early 1950's. Sprinkle writes very well, the story moves along nicely and captures that time, providing memories for those of a certain age. Her books have a little mystery in them, but are not shelved in the mystery section in my library. I read her Remember Box about 10 yrs ago. It was very good, i gave it 3 stars in my "read" list....................

Cubfan Mary........good summary of CW causes..........what DID the American Prophet say?

So glad to hear Ella is doing better....................jean

bellemere · « **Reply #271 on:** November 20, 2009, 08:43:23 PM »

Help me choose a book for my friend Donna. I drew her name in our Book Club Christmas drawing. We choose a book we think the recipient would like, but that also might prove a good one to discuss if we all read it.
Donna: retired last year from her job as librarian for Clarke School for the Deaf, a world renowned school for deaf children. Married, to an English teacher, one grown son. Loves good novels and memoirs. Also likes some historical novels or nonfiction,biographies. Loves travel, the theater, both plays and musicals, very aware of current events, outgoing, entertains beautifully , and is unfailingly nice and good company. No chicklit. I know she likes the author Dennis Lenane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) but enjoyed Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, kind of a quirky book by Jonathan Safran Foer. any suggestions?

bellemere · « **Reply #272 on:** November 20, 2009, 08:50:23 PM »

Forgot to mention that Donna's gift must be a paperback, so that let's out bestsellers.

ginny · « **Reply #273 on:** November 20, 2009, 10:18:48 PM »

Wow, she sounds like somebody who needs to be in here! hahahaa Have you invited her in?

She's probably read everything I could suggest, that's the trouble with intelligent literate people.

Does she have the new one which just won...was it the National Book Award, biography of Corneliuis Vanderbilt? I want to read it, myself. How about the new Tracy Kidder about the African refugee who became a doctor?

How About Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont? I bet she has not read it? I don't know anybody who has. Has she read the EF Benson Mapp and Lucia series?

Talk about bookstores, Jean, just today I made the great mistake of going in Barnes and Noble and came out with a pile, I guess that will stop but like Imelda Marcos, I need books, anyway, if you guessed a million years (was looking for your Six Geese a Laying, Mrs. Sherlock, could not find it) what I came out with?

About as unfestive and un holidayish that you'd ever dream of: Dracula! I have not read it in years and it's a GOOD book, B&N have a handsome cheap new edition with a super introduction, so I'm looking forward to rereading Dracula. I'm also going to reread Pearl Buck's China books, The Good Earth is the first one, were there 3 in that series?

ALF43 · « **Reply #274 on:** November 21, 2009, 10:40:56 AM »

Ginny, while reading Bella's post, I thought the very same thing. "Get her in here and we'll find her a book she'll like. "
Have you invited her in here to check us out, Marie?

I do the very same thing that you did, Ginny. Before I left for New Mexico I had 2 birthday presents to buy and went into B & N for them. I came out with two bags of books. The only thanks I gave was that I was able to accomplish my intentional mission. When I got home, I scratched my head over many of my choices - but I have learned to follow my heart when choosing books.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #275 on:** November 21, 2009, 11:09:13 AM »

If you are looking for quirky I have the perfect choice but it's not in PB; used at Amazon can be $6.

Quote

Emily Arsenault has worked as a lexicographer, an English teacher, a children’s librarian, and a Peace Corps volunteer. She wrote The Broken Teaglass to pass the long, quiet evenings in her mud brick house while living in rural South Africa.

I must admit that I've never pondered the question of what goes on in the preparation of a dictionary. Reading Simon Winchester's The Professor and the Madman did not fill in the blanks for me about the nitty-gritty of lexicography. Along comes Emily Arsenault. From the author's website:

Quote

Charged with wit and intelligence, set against a sweetly cautious love story, The Broken Teaglass is a book that will delight lovers of words, lovers of mysteries, and fans of smart, funny, brilliantly inventive fiction.

I wish I could have said it so swell.

Frybabe · « **Reply #276 on:** November 21, 2009, 04:37:18 PM »

I hadn't intended on buying more books (I was looking for clip art CDs) but I did. Mill on the Floss and Peer Gynt. I had read Eliot's Silas Marner in high school so it was time to read another. Peer Gynt, to my surprise, is a Henrik Ibsen play and Grieg's music was written for the play. Here I always thought it a classical piece inspired by some Norse tale.

PatH · « **Reply #277 on:** November 21, 2009, 06:28:12 PM »

I didn't realiize the Grieg was written for the play either. As you said, the play is inspired by a Norse tale. My main memory of the play, which I read eons ago, is how creepy I found the button-molder. I'll be interested to hear how you find it.

JoanK · « **Reply #278 on:** November 21, 2009, 08:34:17 PM »

bellemere: yes, get your friend in here. Mystic River is a mystery: does she like mysteries? I just finished "Open Season", a mystery by C.J. Box -- not as dark as Mystic River, but some of the same themes: detective's child in danger, can you trust old friends, plus life in a town in the Idaho high country. The author is an environmentalist, but presents both sides.

Babi · « **Reply #279 on:** November 22, 2009, 08:22:59 AM »

Quote

.."lovers of words, lovers of mysteries, and fans of smart, funny,
brilliantly inventive fiction."

Doesn't that description fit us beautifully, JACKIE? Naturally, I'll
go at once and check if my library has dear Emily. (checking) Alas, they do not. I'll try the county branch as well, later.

I've read "Mill on the Floss", but not Peer Gynt. Except for Shakespeare,
I haven't read many plays. I'd also like to know what you think of it,
FRYBABE. Certainly it is a classic, so maybe I've missed something here.
As a rule, I haven't found Scandinavian authors a good fit for me. I'm
really not sure why.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084256 times)