The Library

[maryz]

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

Steph, glad you liked Some Days There’s Pie.  It is very light reading.  I “met” Catherine Landis last summer.  She was due to be the speaker at our Friends of the Library annual meeting.  She had to cancel at the last minute due to illness in her family.  But she was so apologetic, and actually found her own replacement (who was super in her own right!).  Also, I know Catherine’s mother - they live in Chattanooga.  

My dear friend here had two fairly long, ultimately bad marriages - one ended in divorce, the second with his death.  She (aged 64) said she might date sometime, but never EVER get married again.  Then about a year later, she was out with some friends, they stopped in at a local pub, and wound up meeting a man who turned out to be the man of her dreams.  She was scared to even talk to him, much less go out with him.  He’s a few years younger than she, divorced with two 20ish children (the age of some of her grandkids).  Several of her male friends (my husband included) told him they’d kill him if he ever hurt her. After about a year, they did get married and are still (2+  years later) almost disgustingly silly about each other.  I guess sometimes it just takes a while to find the right one.  And they’re both really happy for the first time in their lives.  

[bellemere]

Yes, Iread "the Unnamed" and I didn't like it nearly as well as his first book..  But it certainly was original.  Credit to Ferris for trying something so unusual: a man's irresistible compulsion to walk, and keep walking unti exhaustion takes over.  I thought the great promise shown in the first novel was not born out in the second. 

[serenesheila]

One of my Christmas traditions is watching "It's A Wonderful Life".  I just love it!!  It is the premise that gets to me, as well as Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.  It always makes me think about how different things might have been, for family and friends, had I not existed. 

I tried internet dating, about four years following my husband's  death.  I met dozens of men, for coffee.  There were 2 that I liked.  But, one of them just disappeared.  The other one it turned out, had a collection of single women on the side.  Among the rest, many of them expected me to be at home, just waiting a phone call from them.  Others told me how to spend my money!  I do not want anyone to think they have the right to tell me how to spend my money.

Sheila

[Steph]

I have  Mary Karrs.. Wild Horses on cd and will probably listen to it in February when I go to NYC on the train..
My Mother was also a woman who attracted men. Short, red headed, green eyes and round as a butterball. After Dad died, I could not get over the number of males showing up.. She vowed never to marry again and did not, but always had a man around..She just flat out loved their company

[marcie]

Thanks, Bellemere, for the information about The Unamed and your preference for Joshua Ferris' first book.

[FlaJean]

Bellemere, I am also enjoying those youtube choral groups.

[bellemere]

It seems that a lot of these "flash" mob events are sponsored by something called "Random Acts of Culture"  Have you seen the Tango dancers in the Charlotte Airport?  and the "Bollywood" Indian dancers in Time Square? 

[Frybabe]

I am going to have to check out the flash mob videos you mentioned Bellemere. I haven't seen those two yet.

On another note, I am happy to report two As and a B for my first semester - better than I expected.

[kiwilady]

The single men over here want a dolly bird about 20 years younger than themselves. This makes me suspicious they want a nurse but do not want to care for anyone themselves!

Carolyn

[kiwilady]

Hope this is not breaking rules but this is who keeps me from doing book discussions and readin as much as I want.

Chich says "Merry Christmas"

I have compressed the photo.

[Frybabe]

What a cutie, Kiwilady. Thanks for sharing Chich with us.

Chich's counterpart, here, is a cat, but he mostly "helps" when I do Latin or my homework for classes.

[serenesheila]

KIWI, what an adorable dog!!!  Wish I had one just like yours.

Sheila

[Steph]

Tango in Charlotte. I must find that one.. Sounds really neat. We had our local singers do a mob thing at the airport in Orlando.
Seems to have gone over very well. It does relieve the holiday pressure.
The dog is cute. My corgi do not pose.. Too busy trying to see what you have in your hands..Might be food.. They like Christmas though.. All that wrapped stuff just might have cookies somewhere.

[roshanarose]

Kiwi Carolyn - I am a bit curious as to what the weather is like in NZ.  It is abysmal here.  Cute as can be pup you have.

The single men here want ladies from the Philippines, China or Japan.  Strange really, as I have seldom met women as determined and equipped with backbones of stainless steel as the abovementioned ladies.  As the Rolling Stones say "You can't always get what you want",or in other words to those guys "Be careful what you wish for".

[Babi]

Good for you, FRYBABE!

  I had the same problem when my children were small, KIWI.  chichi does look like
an entertaining interruption, tho'.  Cats are less demanding of attention, but
they do want to be let out...and in...and out...
  The oriental ladies are no doubt perceived as exotic.  They also have a reputation for being
submissive and obedient, which sounds so good to most men.  IMO, that's mostly a cover-up for that steel backbone you mentioned.

[mabel1015j]

Congrats, Frybaby! As a teacher i loved the older student, they were always prepared, took part in the discussions, had experiences to relate to the younger students, giving them a dose of reality........jean

[kiwilady]

Our weather has been stifling. Very high humidity with cloud and some rain. Its very sunny this morning. Some days the humidity has been in the mid nineties. People are grumpy and sluggish.
Its HOT!

My niece and nephew who work with the Australian aborigines up in the desert are home for Christmas and they are sweating and hot. The humidity is more wearing than their intense dry heat.

Carolyn

[Frybabe]

Thanks, Jean. I had at least one of my fellow students thank me for my comments and insights. Several were helped by my peer review of their works, and also by just seeing mine. I am happy that my papers were setting a good example for them. On the other hand, there was one of the group that apparently didn't care for some of my comments. At the end of the class, in the last discussion, he made it pretty plain, though, that he didn't like the online class nor online classes as a whole. This class was available only online for some reason.

[mabel1015j]

Don't worry abt him, he sounds like a scrooge..........jean

[PatH]

Good for you, Frybabe.

[roshanarose]

Carolyn - It sounds like some weird switch has taken place across the Tasman.  I was wearing shorts and tank top yesterday, the usual garb for this time of the year, but my knees and thighs got so cold I had to change into trakkies and long sleeve top.  Weird!

More power to your niece and nephew for helping the aborigines in the desert.  They need more help.

[kiwilady]

Roshana -My great niece has been in the desert since she was one year old and when she came home she was scared of her grandparents although she talks to them and sees them on Skype. Her dad is brown skinned her mum is a blue eyed blonde so we figured out that my great niece was afraid of the whiteness of her grandparents! LOL.

The tribe insists that my great niece speaks their language although we are not sure if she does or not. My niece has recognised one or two words she says. The little one is just turned 2.

My niece has told me a lot about the sixth sense the tribal people have. They will predict something before it occurs. They also can hear a car coming by feeling vibration in the ground when it is still miles away. Their tracking is legendary. Sometimes my niece goes out with the trackers if they are asked to find a lost person.

I am both fascinated and sad when my niece relates stories to me of life in the settlements.

[marcie]

Congratulations, Frybabe, on doing so well in your classes and sharing your expertise and experience with the other students.

[Steph]

What do they do with the tribe. Are they there to help them in some way??

[roshanarose]

Carolyn Kiwi - I studied Aboriginal languages in a Anthropological linguistics course I did at University.  It came as something of a shock to me that originally there were c.260 Aboriginal languages in Australia before the Europeans arrived.  Note that they were languages, not dialects.  I am, therefore, not surprised that the tribe insists that your great niece speak their language.  These languages are disappearing fast and are on their way to becoming "dead languages".  So sad that so few of the original languages still exist. 

I feel that this is the case with regard to Native American languages as well.

[Frybabe]

I've just received an advance proof copy of Kim Edward's new book The Lake of Dreams to review for another discussion group. The book will be released just after the New Year.  I am likely going to end up comparing it to Carol Goodman's books. The title and the back cover blurb reminded me so much of her. The setting is in upstate New York. When the protagonist returns home, she finds "...herself haunted by her father's unresolved death a decade before." Her first love from years ago enters her life again. He is a local glass artist. She discovers family heirlooms that lead her on to explore her family history which includes the suffragette movement. I'll let you know what I think of it.

[kiwilady]

There is always Govt representatives in each village. The people have an allowance from the Govt as there is no work in the desert. The nomad way of life has been destroyed. My nephew in law supervises the men who do all the maintenance on the village - rubbish disposal, water distribution and all the things the village needs to be healthy and functioning. Jermaine has a way with the men and they love working with him. Amber does the clerical work and much more. At the moment she is giving cooking lessons using healthy ingredients. Although there is a nurse in the next village she is often doing first aid. There is always someone knocking on her door with an injury. They also have the flying doctor come in for a clinic once a month.

This young couple do much more than is in their contracts for the people in the village.They have huge compassion for them. My niece says you have to live amongst these people to understand them. They are very special. They have ancient knowledge we have lost and ancient senses we have lost. This is their second contract. They have already spent a year with them and were away two years before going back. The people continually sent messages asking for them to come back. I am proud of my niece and nephew in law. I love listening to their stories. About eating honey ants with the villagers, about having campfires and eating roasted kangaroo tails. About the tribal laws and the taboos. For instance my baby great niece was not allowed to eat honey ants because the tribe believes she will grow up unable to speak properly if she does.

[roshanarose]

Kiwi Carolyn - Fascinating information.  Jobs like that need the qualities your niece and nephew in law have.  The fact that the people ask for their return is a testament to their compassion and commitment.  The Aborigines are very perceptive people and can pick a "faker" a mile away.  

To all of you who are reading this.  Have a very very Merry Xmas.  It is Xmas Eve here.  I am going to my daughter's at 11.30 today for lunch and then stay overnight for the opening of presents under the tree on Xmas morning.  Mostly the presents are related to technology now that the boys are older.  No more billiecarts these days!

[marcie]

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone here.

Frybabe, from your description of it, The Lake of Dreams does sound similar to Carol Goodman. I'll be interested to hear your report about it.

[kiwilady]

I have almost finished reading Thomas Hardy by Claire Tomalin. Its a really good read and would make a great discussion.

Carolyn

[Steph]

I am leaving this morning to go to my older sons. We will have Christmas Eve there and then on CHristmas morning drive down to my younger son who has the grandchildren. Everyone have a wonderful magical Christmas. I loved hearing about the aborigines and envy your neice and nephew the experience.

[Babi]

They have ancient knowledge we have lost and ancient senses we have lost.

   
 KIWI, hopefully, some of that ancient knowledge will be preserved, but the 'ancient senses' dwelling in these native people cannot be. And that is a very great loss indeed.
  I am a firm believer that our minds are capable of much more than is now accepted. It is only our own attitudes of disbelief that prevents their
development and acceptance. Just think of all that unused portion of our
brains!

[ginny]

Frybabe, congratulations on your successful (very!) completion of your first courses! How many more do you have? Good on YOU for doing this, you're an inspiration!

I'm finishing up the 2nd Lincoln Child book about the research station under the ocean. This one is not as successful as his Death Match but it's OK, almost through. Still reading Cleopatra, and enjoying it and the Clarissa Dickson Clark, those two biographies (and autobiography) are going a bit slower.

I keep reading rave reviews for a book called Rich Boy, so have ordered it, have you heard about it?

Reviews:

"Sharon Pomerantz's debut novel is an often brilliant, always thoughtful, deeply felt consideration of the American class system and the power of personal charm."

"Pomerantz's sweeping tale captures the intimate truths and hypocrisies of class, identity, and one man's quintessential American experience."

What's quite strange about it is the way Amazon presents it. It's apparently  40 years in the life of a young Jewish man who wants to be rich and who at college gets in with the rich crowd. I love that kind of book.

Amazon on its page about the book has this little Youtube thing, a film, with an arrow, it doesn't say WHAT the film is about? It says something like  "Check out related media"...

And here is a mini documentary about a shoe shine boy (but it's a woman) who talks about men and shoes. She works in NYC, and how you can tell what kind of man he is by the shoes he wears and what they look like. For instance what kind of man wears penny loafers and what kind wears Italian shoes.

Turns out it's the author? She worked as a shoe shine boy while writing the book?

Have never seen anything like it, have you?

  Rich Boy


If I had the ability to wave a wand and ensure each of you would have a wonderful day tomorrow and a Happy and prosperous  New Year, I would. Consider it done!

Happy happy!

[mabel1015j]

I'm still reading Below the Salt by Costain. It's a good read, but i alternate it w/ the other books i'm reading and since it is a big book, it's taking me a while to read. I'm learning some history of Eleanor of Acquitaine's children and grandchildren. John turns out to be a tyrant, keeping Richard's so and dgt off the throne and i'm learning abt Stephen of Langton, who John attempts to keep from his assinged post of Archbishop of Canterbury, who will be instrumental in instituting the Magna Carta. The popes and the kings of England were constantly in power struggles.

I'm also listening to Andrea Mitchell's memoir Talking Back. It's very interesting, she's been a reporter for 40 yrs and has covered all the big stories and people. It's interestong to read how many times she tho't her career would end bcs of some flub she made, and her relationship w/  Alan Greenspan. I might have preferred to read it rather than listen to it, the reader sounds loke Katie Curic and that's a little jarring. I have to keep reminding myself that i'm reading about Andrea Mitchell, not Katie Curic.......

I'm also reading Bel Canto abt the hostage taking in a south American country of a group including an opera singer and a Japanese businessman....fiction. It was mentioned by someone on SL. Also interesting, but not compelling.

I have to start a new category in my "read" listing that is "books i've read on line," i am reading only the free books at the moment - i prefer a book in hand and the library is just three blocks away, so as long as i can go there and have tens of thousands of books available to me, that's my first choice - but there are interesting books, especially out-of-print non-fiction books , that i can read on my ipad. At the moment, i'm reading one written in the early 20th century titled Women in Industry and i've got a couple that i've downloaded, but haven't started to read.

Have a good Christmas Everyone!!

[MaryPage]

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

[Dana]

I see the discussion on Barbara Pym is closed--I had been mixing her up with Josephine Tey--not the same at all ! but a good writer--
--anyway, I just read Quartet in Autumn and have started Crompton Hodnet, which seems funny already.  I didn't find QA depressing tho I thought I might.  I thought in the end everyone was left with hope and variety for the future and I thought perhaps that was the point, or a point.  Even Marcia I did not think was depressed, she had her fantasies and her daily concerns, they just weren't quite the usual variety! I don't think she starved herself to death deliberately.  She never had much interest in food and I think her illness caught up with her.  If you want a really miserable book (and why would one really), how about The Lonely Life of Judith Hearn (I think its called) by Brian Moore.  Also about a single lonely elderly lady...I can't remember if I ever finished it, it was so gratituitously miserable

Is actually called The Lonely Passion of Judith hearne

[rosemarykaye]

Dana, Crampton Hodnet is, I think, one of B Pym's earlier novels - they do tend to be more light hearted, and I agree, it's a very funny book.  Have you read "Some Tame Gazelle" or "A Glass of Blessings"? - if you like Pym, these are both wonderful books, full of witty observations and hilarious characters.  In A Glass of Blessings, Wilmet Forsyth, the "heroine", sees herself as very sophisticated and smart, but eventually comes to realise that she has been missing things right under her nose; Some Tame Gazelle is about two middle aged spinsters, Harriet & Belinda, and their life in a small village - all the Pym trademarks - bishops, curates, bazaars, church holidays, etc are there - and all written about with a very light touch.  They, along with Excellent Women, are my favourites.

Rosemary

[jane]

Merry Christmas to you ALL!

[Frybabe]

Ho!Ho!Ho!

Merry Christmas one and all!

[Frybabe]

Ginny, three classes in the Spring, and two each the following two semesters. I should be done in May 2012. I am only going for a certificate this time around.