Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084513 times)

joangrimes · « **Reply #440 on:** December 10, 2009, 10:12:55 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!

Everyone is welcome!

Suggestion Box for Future Discussions

I will never forget meeting Thomas Hoving. I was very impressed by him.

Joan Grimes

ANNIE · « **Reply #441 on:** December 11, 2009, 09:17:35 AM »

Where Judy Laird these days? We haven't heard much from her lately. Hope everything is going well with her and Don and the pups.

bellemere · « **Reply #442 on:** December 11, 2009, 10:23:07 AM »

I have never read Ayn Rand's books,
Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, but reviews summarize her philosohpy, objectivism as emphasis purely on the individual as responsible onloy for his own welfare; no obligation to any others in society - the poor, sick , etc. The books are enjoying a big revival, along with that philosophy, and it is kinda scary to me. Should I take the time and trouble to read these books or one of them? I have so many on my list that I truly want. But I am curious about how this Hitler-admiring author is having so much influence today.

PatH · « **Reply #443 on:** December 11, 2009, 10:58:35 AM »

Bellemere, you're asking the same question I've been asking myself. My husband read those books many decades ago, and his rather unsympathetic description of them convinced me I wouldn't care for them, but maybe I should see for myself what they're about.

Advice, anyone?

mrssherlock · « **Reply #444 on:** December 11, 2009, 12:34:12 PM »

I'm confused and I have a stew of reactions. I'm of the mind that the world will proceed on its way as it will. Second there are cycles, resulting from circumstances, which must run their course. Ayn Rand's philosophy is dangerous and its popularity is a contradiction to the presumed basic American tenet of caring for the underdog. I have a policy of not seeking out ways to raise my blood pressure; there are enough natural stimuli to raise it without encouraging it. This is a resurgance of the fad in the 50s and 60s, there were Any Rand Societies all around. Certainly in San Jose. Libertarianism, also known as Contrarianism, presumes that those fit for success will achieve it and those not successful do not merit any assistance. Fundamentally, if I can afford to purchase protection from fires and my neighbor can't afford it, then let his house burn.

ginny · « **Reply #445 on:** December 11, 2009, 02:28:59 PM »

Ah, so the great man is gone. I am sorry to hear it. Thank you Frybabe for bringing that here.

Quote

From there he went to Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, where he lasted only six months, leaving after an incident in which he punched a Latin teacher.

Hahaha, only Thomas Hoving. I am not sure the world will see one like him again. As they said in "Julius Caesar," "Why man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a colossus," and so he did. But wasn't he kind, generous, and gracious to us?

I think I'll reread his books in commemoration, I've got them all and they are all good. He mentioned, by the way, in email, a couple of years ago, that his online version of King of the Confessors had a new coda he had added to it, one which answered questions. I wonder if it's available in Kindle etc. I still think it's one of the best books I ever read.

I also heard from him more recently after the Euphronios krater was returned to Greece, very much his old self. What a gift and a memory our meeting him is for us.

Aliki · « **Reply #446 on:** December 11, 2009, 05:29:55 PM »

Quote from: bellemere on December 11, 2009, 10:23:07 AM

I have never read Ayn Rand's books,
Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead,

Bellemere, I have read both and preferred Atlas Shrugged. Of course I was just out of high school and was hobnobbing with my brother's crowd of 'would-be' intellectuals.

She did express some ideas that seemed very extreme (as in Hitler was not quite a cuddly toy!) but at that age and being in the inner city where welfare systems were misused and abused and tying up money that would have been better spent I was appealed to by some of her principles, especially about the 'middle men' in business.

As to why she is making a comeback well...as I mentioned above, the monies being spent to support the various buracracies supporting the 'helping' fields might do well to revamp their systems. In my humble opinion, what is happening in America now is close to what I would like to see. Yes, lend a hand...but don't do it indescriminately when so much is needed.
As for her writing, I did enjoy it...and I can't even look at Ann Coulter!!!
I keep Ayn Rand in the same category as Joan Roberts and the Seth Material I guess. But I did enjoy both of their writings.

aliki

joangrimes · « **Reply #447 on:** December 11, 2009, 05:42:20 PM »

For what it is worh..I would not waste my time with reading Ayn Rand. Just my opinion of course.

Joan Grimes

Octavia · « **Reply #448 on:** December 11, 2009, 05:48:38 PM »

we have a tradition in Australia of giving everyone 'a fair go', but it's being sorely tested lately.In this city anyway.People are getting greedier, and angrier.
After a house or bush fire though, the victims are swamped by people donating stuff, so it's still there deep down. Just gets lost in the daily jungle.

Re Christmas cards, John's just about to get his British citizenship so probably feeling nostalgic. He's put it off, but the cost is escalating so......
An Ancestor visa, is a one off, so if he comes back to live, and wants to work again in the UK, he's lost it.

Can't imagine him as a Pom!

I was a bit disappointed with my William Trevor book(haven't started yet) but didn't realise it was short stories. I wanted a novel.

I've been to the Poetry Folder but have to read a season back. I can't focus on snow and ice when the perspiration's trickling down my face.

JoanK · « **Reply #449 on:** December 11, 2009, 06:10:28 PM »

Yes, Octavia: you should post a Summer poem to remind us that it's only Winter in half the world.

ginny · « **Reply #450 on:** December 11, 2009, 06:29:35 PM »

Thinking of taking the e reader plunge? Today's USA Today takes on a comparison of Amazon's Kindle, Sony's Reader, and Barnes & Noble's Nook. I was just in a B&N and they were really pushing it and in fact were sold out. This article is also available online, it's called Tension Mounts in E Reader Saga.

I love the discussion here of older books like the Rand. Cranford comes on here on PBS on the 17th and it looks like a real village cozy (or so the promos show it) type of book, can't imagine how I've missed it, I love that type of thing, EF Benson and his comedy of manners, etc. I think a discussion of Cranford such as is anticipated, AND free books !! (See Pearson's post above) in connection with the PBS series (Judi Dench!) (which are available a lot of times online) would be super.

What are you reading? For my part, I've been engrossed in Pearl Buck's The Good Earth. I haven't read it (and its two or is it three sequels) in years and I wondered if it were as good as I remembered it.

It is. It definitely is. Fell in love with it all over again. Wang Lung has more problems than most of us, and it's good to watch him cope with them. It's really gripping, but somehow inspiring, or as Valentino would say..."Strong!"

I think some of the older authors we remember fondly really could write. I'm really curious about Cranford now.

All this because I made a promise to myself this coming year, I guess you could call it an Early New Year's Resolution, to read some oldies but goodies, whether or not I have read them before: hence a jump start with Pearl Buck.

I've also started Ha Jin's newest A Good Fall, it's also short stories which I normally like. I was pretty stunned a couple of days ago in a gigantic B&N in one of the biggest cities in the world when I had to not only say his name several times, I had to spell it as well. How soon we forget, he's won enough awards that any book seller should know who he is, I mean, hello: Remains of the Day?

Maybe I can't pronounce it? How do you pronounce Ha Jin? I said "hah gin," probably then getting no end of egg on face, but I mean really, how many authors have that name?

Send some of that hot weather over here, Octavia, it's too cold here!

PS! Oh Grayer's back! If you liked the Nanny Diaries, on December 15th the sequel comes out, Nanny Returns, and Grayer is in it.

JoanR · « **Reply #451 on:** December 11, 2009, 09:39:19 PM »

Aliki - who is this Joan Roberts that you mentioned along with Ayn Rand and the Seth material?? Same name as me but NOT ME! Oh, dear - the curse of a common name!! I wouldn't want to be associated with Rand in anything! I'm just a rather kind old lady!!! I try, anyway! Actually, I know of another Joan Roberts who starred in the original production of Oklahoma on Broadway - that wsn't me either!! I think I'd rather be mistaken for her!

PatH · « **Reply #452 on:** December 11, 2009, 10:16:28 PM »

JoanR--one advantage of having been born Patricia Federico and ending up Patricia Highet is that nobody else has your name. (The one exception I've found is a Pat Highet sailing champion, wouldn't mind being mistaken for him.) The downside is that no one ever spells your name right, and they can't find you in the phone book.

serenesheila · « **Reply #453 on:** December 11, 2009, 11:30:34 PM »

JoanK, thank you so much for the link to Susan Boyle's wonderful performance on Britian Has Got Talent. I loved her singing so much that I bought myself a CD and DVD of her. I get chills whenever I hear her voice.

I just began reading a Christmas novel, by Mary Higgins Clark, and her daughter, Carol. It is time for some light, reading, for me. I have finished my shopping, and the gifts are wrapped. A big storm is predicted for this weekend. I live near Sacramento, CA., and we seldom get any snow. But a week ago, we did get some, and it stayed on the ground for awhile. It is so beautiful, but I am glad that I do not have to shovel it!

As for Ayn Rand, I read her books back in the early 1950s. I was fascinated by her novels. I was in college, yet I did not realize that she was a proponent of self interest. I doubt that I would like those books, now. I believe that helping one another is an important human quality. I strongly dislike Anne Coulter!

Sheila

mabel1015j · « **Reply #454 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:11:05 AM »

Ginny - i think i talked about this book on SN so you may have read it, but since you are reading The Good Earth, if you haven' read Pete Conn's bio of Pearl Buck, you would probably enjoy it. She knew EVERYBODY you've ever heard of in the first half of the 20th century. And she was involved in all the progressive causes of the time. She had quite an interesting life. If you get a chance to visit her home in Bucks Co, Pa, they do a good job of telling her story and it's a lovely home. She set up her adoption agency in the "barn."

I read Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged in the early 60's at the behest of a very handsome REpublican college friend. I remember liking them both at the time, (the books, but the friend also

I didn't realize how that flowed together until i re-read it ) as stories, not philosophies.............all i can remember now is that each of her men in F-head was perfect, until you "met" the next one, who had something the previous one didn't!!! ........... maybe i was just fixated on MEN at the time.........LOL.......jean

joangrimes · « **Reply #455 on:** December 12, 2009, 01:29:27 AM »

Serene Shelia,

I dislike Anne Coulter strongly also.

I really do not care for Mary Higgins Clark but for other reasons than I dislike AnneCoulter and Ayn Rand. I love good mysteries but Mary Higgins Clark is creepy. I cannot stand the feeling I get when I try to read her books. Don't know any other word than creepy to describe that feeling...

Joan Grimes

salan · « **Reply #456 on:** December 12, 2009, 06:56:34 AM »

Ginny, I try to go back and re-read a couple of classics each year. It's amazing how my perspective on books changes as my life changes. The good books really are timeless! I read Ayn Rand books when I was in college in the 60's. I thought they were very good at the time, but I have a feeling that I wouldn't think so now.

Alas, Ginny, the days are long gone when you could go into a book store and count on the employees to be knowledgeable. It's just a job and a pay check for most of them. The same is true for most other stores. The clerks are simply there to bag up your purchases and take your money. I really miss the days when employees were truly there to help you. It's bad enough in regular store, but it ought to be a crime in a book store.

This is the time of the year when I mainly read "snack" books--easy quick reads with satisfying endings and with Christmas themes. I have been "snacking" alot; and I must confess that I am beginning to crave an entree or even a full course meal. I am anxious to begin re-reading and discussing Kim in January. My ftf book club has chosen February as Mark Twain month, so I will be re-reading him.

Sally

Babi · « **Reply #457 on:** December 12, 2009, 09:13:28 AM »

I haven't read Ayn Rand, either, on purpose. What I had heard of her
books gave me no desire to read them. I think JACKIE makes the point
very well.

Quote

"I have a policy of not seeking out ways to raise my blood pressure.."

OCTAVIA:

Quote

I can't focus on snow and ice when the perspiration's trickling down my face.

Maybe it would be cooling to sit down with an icy drink and a fan and
read poetry about wind and snow. I find I can't read about ice and snow
when I'm already cold! Much rather read about cozy scenes in front of a
fireplace.
GINNY, are you sure about your date for Cranford? PBS here is running
it on Sunday, the 20th.

SHEILA, I hate you! I just starting my Christmas shopping this morning,
mostly because my kids have been most laggard about giving me some idea of what they would like for Christmas. (I don't really hate you, of course. I'm just envious.

)

I think I know what you mean abOut the creepy feeling, JOAN. I got
it reading Stephen King, which is why I stopped reading him. He made me feel as though I was in danger, personally. One can't enjoy terror that comes too close to home.

CubFan · « **Reply #458 on:** December 12, 2009, 10:08:28 AM »

Greetings -

One of the great things about this discussion group is finding that there are other people just like you. As I read today's notes I found myself going - ya me too!

I read Rand as stories years ago and was not affected philosophically and tried to reread them in the last couple of years and couldn't get into them.

I try every winter to read a couple of classics I missed for some reason other.

In December, in addition to finishing up the nonfiction that I've been reading at all year, I read several what I call, fluff or no-brainer books. Sometimes what I think is going to be a fluff ends up being a pleasure. Then in January I'll dig with a new set of nonfiction and a hefty fiction book.

A lot of kindred spirits here.

Mary

bellemere · « **Reply #459 on:** December 12, 2009, 04:48:11 PM »

Ha Jin is wondful! Ididn't know he had a new one, now my list is getting so long!
You would not have gotten a blank look asking for him in Mass. He teaches at Brandeis University in Waltham Mass. I loved his boo A Life I think it was. His troubles with English were so tragically comic; he had such trouble with "Have a nice day" wondering "What do they want me to do?"
My granddaughter is a Brandeis student, has met him, and wants to take his class next year. This semester she has been in Bolivia, which I always thought of as the garbage pit of the world; she says it is beautiful, with a rich culture and wonderful people. Her blog is called
Bolivin' It Up and can be reacehed at www.emizersmily.blogspot.com

mrssherlock · « **Reply #460 on:** December 12, 2009, 07:36:00 PM »

Susan Boyle will be showcased on TVGuide channel tomorrow.

JoanP · « **Reply #461 on:** December 13, 2009, 08:25:32 AM »

If you found Thomas Hoving one of the most intriguing museum directors and art connoisseurs ever - you might want to read this obit from the Washington Post yesterday...a slightly different take from that published by the New York Times. Thomas Hoving passed away on Dec.10.
In this article there is mention of his book, King of the Confessors, which we discussed back in 1997 or 98 perhaps. Our group met with Tom Hoving in New York for a memorable tour of the Cloisters with him.

Here's a link to the Washington Post Obituary for T.Hoving -

ps. Ginny loves the guy - let's hope she doesn't read the explanation of why he was expelled from Phillips Exeter as a lad...

Babi · « **Reply #462 on:** December 13, 2009, 09:10:48 AM »

A fascinating obituary. What I want to know is why he slugged the
Latin teacher. I'd bet the guy was asking for it.

joangrimes · « **Reply #463 on:** December 13, 2009, 04:40:31 PM »

Thanks JoanP for that obit of Hoving. It is very interesting.

Joan Grimes

ginny · « **Reply #464 on:** December 13, 2009, 06:48:56 PM »

See my 455 above for my Hoving thoughts, but you can't read his obituary too many times, thank you all for bringing it here. Yes I was a great admirer of the great man. How good he was to us.

Babi you are right, it's the 20th for Cranford, I hope they didn't mess it up, it seems they took some license, but hey! I've never read Gaskell (sp) so am looking forward to it.

Bellemere, I would be hard pressed to locate Bolivia on a map, good for your granddaughter, isn't she invigorating, even to read? A real writing talent there, I think. Ah the days of youth, I Shouda Gone to Bolivia!

Of course the hygene there might make one double think.

Sally and Cub Fan, I am glad to find others in the SOS, (Secret Oldies Society) here! hahaha I have finished The Good Earth, often rising at 3 or 4 am to read it, it's magic and very powerful, to me.

Well, and, I have taken up the cadence of his speech. Wouldn't you love to know what the Chinese is for "well, and" and "the expression, food "and to spare."

Mrs. Sherlock, I am actually from Bucks County, was born in PA and lived my entire childhood in Bucks County, before moving to Moorestown NJ, all within about 10 miles of each other, and I have never been to Pearl Buck's house!! I read her description of it in one of her autobiographies but never went, I must put that on my list the next time I go back.

Michener lived in Bucks County, too. He's another one I want to read something of. In his case I've read Hawaii and the Fires of Spring which I absolutely loved and am afraid to reread, but that's all. I would love to read her biography, thank you. Also I must read, have you all seen, yet another new biography of Patricia Highsmith (Ripley and Strangers on a Train which is an early Ripley- esque)....Apparently it's revealed she was a very nasty person, really how could she have been otherwise? I am very interested to see it, I hardly thought she was a saint.

Speaking of Nannies, I'm almost through, unfortunately, watching the BBC series Berkeley Square, wonderful thing: very like Upstairs Downstairs, Netflix has it.

But you really can't beat Pearl Buck for atmosphere, for yanking you away to live in a place which is so real it's hard to come out of it. The Good Earth won the Pulitzer and she was the first woman to win a Nobel for the sum of her work. I've been in China all week with Wang Lung. There are two sequels, I found my old book of the three of them, called House of Earth. They are The Good Earth, Sons, and A House Divided. I need to find out what happened to the land which meant so much to him, as his sons are smiling over his old head when he becomes upset after hearing them talking about selling it when he's gone, right at the end. Talk about cliff hangers!

Good good GOOD book.

Stephanie has to come back, I'm now reading Waiter Rant, one she recommended, I think: it's non fiction and about the true experiences of waiters from their perspective (for instance they hate Mother's Day), and I was very surprised yesterday to find a mystery I had bought which on second glance appears to be a Christmas mystery: it's A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny, who some of you have mentioned here before. Her new book is being raved about and that's how I heard about her. Snowed in Christmas in Canada, huge mansion, sounds like just the ticket!

If I would set myself the task of reading all the Unread But Formerly Looking Good Books in my stack, I don't think I would live long enough.

What are you giving for the holidays book wise, what are you most looking forward to reading, and what are you reading right now? What's on your night table?

bellemere · « **Reply #465 on:** December 13, 2009, 10:43:02 PM »

I'm giving Senator Kennedy's book to husband; he comes from a big Irish family; and for my anthropology major, 1491, about the Ameicas befor the conquistadors arrived. For my son, Rick Steves Guide to Provence where he is taking his students to see Roman ruins. I intend to treat myself to Lit by Mary Karr. And maybe that Thomas Cromwell book. I have never bought an audio book;; but my macular degeration tells me it is time to start.
Oy veh!

mabel1015j · « **Reply #466 on:** December 13, 2009, 10:56:02 PM »

Ginny - my favorite Michener book is Chesapeake and since you know the area i think you would enjoy it too. .....................jean

Frybabe · « **Reply #467 on:** December 14, 2009, 01:50:43 AM »

Has anyone gone to see the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit at the National Georgraphic Museum in DC yet? We are hoping to get down to see it after the New Year. It runs until March 31.

Re:Michener. I bought his Iberia wayyyyyy back when I was in my early twenties. It was a gift that never got given. It is still on my shelf unread. How about that for longevity in the TBR catagory!

Octavia · « **Reply #468 on:** December 14, 2009, 02:52:40 AM »

I don't think anyone would actually want this heat

. The drought is really biting now, and the lagoon near me is just a puddle.

What a coincidence, Bellemere. My youngest son and your grand daughter were about 200 k's apart in Bolivia. She in Cochabamba, and he in Sucre. I see she visited Sucre, and they both went to Potosi and toured the mine. He loved it there, and made so many friends that he gave a dinner party before he left.

Also had his wisdom teeth out in Sucre. He loved Colombia too, despite his mother's misgivings. Young tourists in a foreign country are like a mini UN, everyone mixing together.

I'm reading A Gate At The Stairs, by Lorrie Moore. Getting two books published in 2009 in one month from the library is amazing.

I'm really enjoying it, except that a couple of main characters just disappeared. One, I thought was going to be a terrorist, but he just sank out of sight after a fairly thorough build up.

serenesheila · « **Reply #469 on:** December 14, 2009, 06:28:52 AM »

JoanGrimes, I have never found Mary Higgins Clark, creepy. However, I do find that most of her books seem to be similar. A friend reccomended her to me, about 25 years ago. I had never read a mystery before. I quickly read everything that she had written at that time. I think it is time for another author, now. I have read most of Patricia Cromwell's mysteries.

Babi, I am relieved to hear that you do not REALLY hate me. LOL I began doing my Christmas gift buying in July, on QVC. I am disabled, and going to the mall, is impossible for me. Gifts I have bought are returnable until !/31/10. My son, and his family are coming to spend Christmas with me, from Ohio.

Ella, how are you feeling? Better, I hope. You are on my daily prayer list.

Sheila

joangrimes · « **Reply #470 on:** December 14, 2009, 07:19:29 AM »

Shelia, I am sure that there must be more people who like Mary higgins Clark than there are like me . I just never liked her. I used to devour every mystery that came out. That of course was back when I could see to read.

Ginny I am reading Peter Mayles' new book that you recommended. I bought it for my Kindle and am trying to get it finished. It is good but I am not finding it as interesting as I usually find his books. It has brought back lots of memories though. I bought his book a " Good Year" on the last trip that I took to France with Theron before he passed away. We met him and he autographed it for me in the WH Smith English book store near the Louvre. He signed it to" to Joan. Viva La France".
I was so excited and thrilled over meeting him in person that I could not even tell him my name.I was completely speechless. Theron told him my name and how much I enjoyed his books. We just happened to see a sign in the window of the book store that he was having a book signing that day. That was 5 and a half years ago. I know that without thinking because Theron has been gone 5 years on Dec 18...seems impossible but it has been.

As I was reading the new book last night I remembered all about meeting Mayle . However this book does not seem to have the charm that has always attracted me to his books. Maybe if I ever finish it I will feel differently. It is taking so long to get to Provence. It is much better when one finally gets to Paris with him in this book. As you told us it begins in the US. Just wanted to thank you for recommending the book.

Joan Grimes

Babi · « **Reply #471 on:** December 14, 2009, 09:04:39 AM »

My current holiday reading is Fannie Flagg's "A Redbird Christmas".
Bonus Southern recipes in the back. I've also started Sharon Shinn's
"Riders and Mystics", a fantasy, and for my bedtime reading I have a
Charlotte Heyer paperback on my bedside table. It is small print, and
guaranteed to have my eyes drooping within 10-15 minutes.

joangrimes · « **Reply #472 on:** December 14, 2009, 09:09:35 AM »

Babi,

I was reading Fannie Flag's " Redbird Christmas" five years ago at this time of year...In fact Theron and I had just been to hear Fannie speak and sign her book just a few short days before ...He had read the book first and I was reading it. Another beautiful memory on this morning of memories. I have never finished the book.

Joan Grimes

pedln · « **Reply #473 on:** December 14, 2009, 10:57:07 AM »

Frybabe, lucky you getting to see the Terra Cotta Warriors. I was in DC for Thanksgiving and the week before. We wanted to go, but all the time slots were filled until after my departure.

I used to read a lot Michener, enjoyed especially Hawaii, The Covenant, The Drifters, and The Source. Then I tried Caribbean which I couldn’t get into at all, and haven’t tried any others, except for a half-finished Alaska.

Much as I love to receive books, this year I’m not giving any this year except to our little three-year old. Everyone else reads so widely and no one has expressed any preferences. But I am recycling and taking some wished-for titles from my collection to those who have said they want to read them.

I’ve just finished Gaile Parkin’s Baking Cakes in Kigali, a novel with stories and hope, set in post-war Rwanda. Highly recommended. Am now trying to finish The Professors Wives’ Club by Joanne Rendell. Great plot, great characterization, but just lacking something. It does not come across as a well-written book – kind of stilted. It’s about a group of women trying to fight university bureaucracy and the author does make y ou care about what’s happening. Just got into a Linda Fairstein, Bad Blood – always enjoy those.

Now I have to find someone in my f2f group who’ll trade me their Sara Paretsky Bleeding Kansas paperback for my hardback. Trying to lighten up the plane load. At times like these I’d really like a Kindle. The family will ski and I will read.

nlhome · « **Reply #474 on:** December 14, 2009, 12:07:56 PM »

I seem to need all the holiday reminders that I can get right now, to put me in the mood.

I just finished The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans. Now I'm reading A Christmas Journey by Anne Perry. I may need a break after that.

As for gifts, I always give everyone a book at Christmas. This year a couple got games instead (not computer games), but otherwise I bought new books. We also have a family tradition, from my mom and my aunt, both gone now, of "GS" gifts (garage sale purchase), and this year I bought a pile of used books in excellent shape from our library used book sale. So people will get new and used books. There is a variety of holiday mysteries, gardening books, political humor, etc. The new books are specifically directed to their interests, and I don't usually run into problems. My two sons often share or exchange, because they have the same warped sense of humor.

JoanK · « **Reply #475 on:** December 14, 2009, 03:18:09 PM »

PatH and I have a tradition of exchanging books at Christmas, but if we dont find one, we don't. Of course, I'm not going to say here what I'm doing this year.

And once I've finished reading "Kafka's Soup", I'm giving it to my daughter and son-in-law. In case you missed the discussion in "Books and Food". it is World Literature in 14 recipes: for each author a recipe written in their style. If you have read the author he's mimicing it's funny (although I think I could do a better take-off on Proust): if you haven't, it's kind of "Huh?"

marcie · « **Reply #476 on:** December 14, 2009, 05:30:43 PM »

For those of you who enjoy science programs, Nova has two good ones tonight and next Monday in some area. They are also available online. See my descriptions of the programs on Sputnik and on Darwin in the PBS Programs discussion at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=918.msg52039#msg52039

Babi · « **Reply #477 on:** December 15, 2009, 08:32:59 AM »

I can understand why you wouln't have finished it, JOAN. Something comes to an abrupt end, and it just doesn't seem right to go on as though it hadn't. I wouldn't have been able to finish it, either.

"Hawaii" was my favorite, PEDLN. I read some of his other books in the
same style and enjoyed them, but none seemed to me quite as memorable as "Hawaii".
I loved giving my kids books when they were growing up, but
now I have no idea of what they may have already read. A gift card to B&N is still a good option, tho'.

bellemere · « **Reply #478 on:** December 15, 2009, 10:23:31 AM »

I loved Iberia by Michener. Re-read some of it before my trip to
Spain a couple of years ago.
Octavia, don't give up on Trevor. He has written some fine novels. Felicia's Journey, A Silence in the Garden and his latest, Love and Summer. My book club read Felicia
s Journey and it provied a very lively discussion.
And what a coincidence about our travelers to South America. Emily comes home the 22; we can't wait to see her. My other granddaughter is in Colombia, or rather was; she is on the road again to Argentina, seeking work in a vineyard. you might like her blog: Chica de la Finca, which is reached by http://alionthefarm.blogspot.com Her introductory picture shows Cochabamba Emily and her licking cake batter beaters as little girls.

maryz · « **Reply #479 on:** December 15, 2009, 01:01:12 PM »

I think my favorite Michener (total book) is Centennial. The absolute best, IMHO, was the creation chapter of Hawaii. I also loved Chesapeake - at least up until he got into current time and got lost in the machinations of Washington, DC.

When we drove to Alaska, we bought a copy of M's Alaska, and reread it in sections as we went through the various parts of the state. That was really fun! His research is so meticulous, and the combination of reading about what we were seeing, and vice versa, made for a great experience.

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