Author Topic: The Library (Read 2610526 times)

bellamarie · « **Reply #15000 on:** April 15, 2015, 12:33:27 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!

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I do like how in the beginning of the book of the Letters, it has the Biographical Notes, with a picture of each sister. It gives me a personal feeling for each of them. Then it has Index of Nicknames, and then followed by The Mitford Family Tree, and Editor's Note and Introduction.

Steph and MaryPage, thank you for the info, I can't wait to begin. I have my list ready for my trip to the library tomorrow!

Jonathan · « **Reply #15001 on:** April 16, 2015, 02:04:06 PM »

What did you find at the library, Bellamarie? You're right about the interesting Biographical Notes pages in the letters book. Six beautiful faces with their symbols. A quill. Two cooking utensils. A crescent. A swastika. A hammer and sickle. And a coronet for Deborah. And their nicknames. Soo. Woo. Honks. Bobo. Hen. And Miss.

Could you find Deborah's book, Wait For Me? Published in 2010. Doesn't that sound just right coming from the youngest? She died less than a year ago, at 94. I'm sure you will enjoy the book. Why don't you propose it for discussion.

Or how about Jessica's book, Grace Had an English Heart.

Or Nancy's Madame de Pompadour.

Or Diana's Loved Ones.

Or Pamela's cookbook. If you can find one.

What might Unity have written?

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #15002 on:** April 16, 2015, 02:15:57 PM »

Looks like it is the time of women authors as the work of the Mitford sisters are being shared here and then look, at the London Book Fair the stars of the event are: Diana Athill, age 97, and Edna O'Brien, age 84 ---

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/apr/16/diana-athill-new-book-london-book-fair-edna-o-brien?CMP=EMCBKSEML3964

MaryPage · « **Reply #15003 on:** April 16, 2015, 03:41:27 PM »

I think they were most often called Lady, Woman, Honks, Boud, Decca and Debo.

bellamarie · « **Reply #15004 on:** April 16, 2015, 04:33:38 PM »

Jonathan I have:

The Sisters The Saga of the Mitford Sisters by Mary S. Lovell

The Pursuit of Love & Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford

Daughters (Hons) and Rebels An Autobiography by Jessica Mitford

A Talent to Annoy Essays, Articles and Reviews 1929-1968 by Nancy Mitford Edited by Charlotte Mosley

I also have a sample of, The Mitfords Letters Between Six Sisters

Just how many books are there out here by these sisters? I chose these particular ones since MaryPage and Steph recommended starting here. I have begun The Sisters, but since this author refers to Love in a Cold Climate and Hons and Rebels, I am wondering if I should begin with one of these that are actually written by the sisters themselves.

Happened to come across this list of where to begin:

https://wherediditallgorightblog.wordpress.com/mitford-sisters/

I'm sure others would put them in a different order, as I was reading reviews, some indeed did.

MaryPage · « **Reply #15005 on:** April 16, 2015, 05:32:38 PM »

LOADS AND LOADS! Of books. By and about the Mitford sisters!

I have never heard about the collection of Nancy's writings put together by Diana's daughter in law. Sounds good, but you know what, I have probably already read most of what is in there.

I would start with Mary Lovell's book. Or you could begin where apparently both Steph and I did: Nancy's Love In A Cold Climate. Curl up with that and a sherry or mug of hot cocoa and prepare to giggle. Then see if you can get hold of the film. In addition to that, there have been a number of documentaries about the Mitfords. And if you have seen the recent series on PBS about grand houses of Great Britain, the one titled CHATSWORTH has the Dowager Duchess Deborah Vivian Freeman-Mitford Cavendish appearing and speaking once or twice. I have a bunch of her books, as well. Basically, she wrote most, if not all, of them to make money for Chatsworth. I visited, as a paying tourist who never set eyes on HER, Chatsworth in June 1971.

MaryPage · « **Reply #15006 on:** April 16, 2015, 05:44:21 PM »

By the way, funny story some Brits swear to and others swear holds not one word of truth. Me, I wouldn't know, now would I? But I love, love, love it!

You see, Deborah Mitford became, in due time, the Duchess of Devonshire and mistress of a number of great estates, including the famous Chatsworth and a castle in Ireland. If you visit England, you will discover to your bewilderment that Chatsworth is actually in Derbyshire, not Devonshire at all. Far from Devonshire, in fact.

The story I cannot confirm is that when Queen Elizabeth I went to create the very First Duke of Derbyshire, she mistakingly said Devonshire, and because she had done so it had to be that way! And has never been fixed!

bellamarie · « **Reply #15007 on:** April 16, 2015, 07:33:44 PM »

MaryPage, I decided on The Sisters The Saga of the Mitford Sisters by Mary S. Lovell, and am really enjoying it. I loved the story about Nancy scaring the crap out of Pam. I laughed so much I couldn't read for tears in my eyes. I must share this:

But despite her cruel streak, Nancy's sheer funniness endeared her to everyone, even when they were the butt of a painful tease, for she went to great lengths to make them laugh. Here, her skill in acting and disguise_learned in countless home-produced plays __ came in useful. During the general strike of 1926 Pam helped to run a temporary canteen on the main road to Oxford for strike_breaking truck drivers. According to Decca, Pam was the only one who knew how to make tea and sandwiches, and how to wash up, and she was given the early shift each day because she was an early riser. One morning at 5 a.m., while Pam was alone in the shack waiting for a customer, a filthy tramp lurched in from the half-light and asked for 'a cup ' tea, miss', When Pam started nervously to pour it he nipped round the counter, slipped a grimy arm around her waist and thrust his hideously scarred face into her, slurring, 'Can I' ave a kiss, miss?' Pam screamed, tried to run, fell over and broke an ankle. The tramp was Nancy.

MaryPage · « **Reply #15008 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:01:48 PM »

Bellamarie, I am overjoyed that you are experiencing the wonders and joys of the Mitfords. I tell you, real life beats fiction every time!

bellamarie · « **Reply #15009 on:** April 16, 2015, 10:05:05 PM »

MaryPage, I so agree, it is very difficult for me to read fiction anymore, when you can enjoy such real life experiences. Thank you for putting me on to the Mitford family.

Steph · « **Reply #15010 on:** April 17, 2015, 08:02:56 AM »

Ah recent enough to try Thrift books, I am sure

Frybabe · « **Reply #15011 on:** April 19, 2015, 06:00:43 AM »

Interesting new cafe/bookstore just opened in Lancaster, PA. http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/04/rabbit_dragonfly_cool_spaces.html#incart_river

I checked their website and discovered that, so far, they are only open three days a week. There isn't much listed in their events calendar yet, but I am keeping an eye open.

PatH · « **Reply #15012 on:** April 19, 2015, 07:59:45 AM »

If you're thinking of going there, better catch it quickly. It doesn't look like something that will survive, cool though it is.

Frybabe · « **Reply #15013 on:** April 19, 2015, 08:05:49 AM »

I agree, PatH. Not likely. I think, from what I read, it is supposed to a place for creatives to gather. It looks more like something out of NY. My first thought was Bohemian. Remember the Beatniks?

bellamarie · « **Reply #15014 on:** April 19, 2015, 08:57:26 AM »

We have a Barnes and Noble where you can sit and drink coffee, have a sweet, enjoy your reads, or use your computer/tablet with wifi. It would be nice to begin a book club there. I have always wanted to open a book/cafe, there was a really cute quaint one in Frankenmuth, Michigan I stopped in and loved it.

Steph · « **Reply #15015 on:** April 19, 2015, 09:39:42 AM »

Don't know about your B&N..but I do know that some of them do encourage book clubs and provide space.. I do laugh because our Panera is the unofficial gathering spot. I go every Friday and 9am and meet a variety of friends and acquaintances. We solve the worlds problems, laugh a lot and celebrate. Very relaxing. Panera here encourages this and has a windowed room if you want to reserve it. We generally stay out in the main population, but I do know that last Friday. someone was having a wonderful baby shower and decorated the room and they looks to be having such fun.

MaryPage · « **Reply #15016 on:** April 19, 2015, 09:52:00 AM »

Our huge Barnes & Noble has a Starbucks Cafe that is quite large AND they have some comfortable easy chairs in several sections of the store itself.
Down at City Dock we have had for years now the HARD BEAN COFFEE & BOOKSELLERS. Very bohemian. Outside cafe tables, as well. Scrumptious goodies to go with the coffee, a smallish actual bookstore at the back, but loads of author signings and parties for things like the latest Harry Potter. Went there years ago with 2 of my daughters at Midnight for one of those! Fun! You always see loads of people munching and reading down there.

maryz · « **Reply #15017 on:** April 19, 2015, 11:11:19 AM »

Our 7:30 a.m. swim class adjourns to Panera Bread every MWF by about 9, for coffee and chat. The big table is usually sought after, with different groups taking turns - usually for about an hour. As Steph says, Panera is welcoming - the staff tends to remember what each of us usually orders. It's a special place and time.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #15018 on:** April 19, 2015, 11:53:09 AM »

Steve Berry has been on booktv this weekend, i never heard of him or his books. They are fictional historical mysteries. Has anyone read him? Should they be read in order? It sounds like some of them have a common character. He's very entertaining in his verbal presentation on tv, if his books are like that, they sound very interesting.

Jean

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #15019 on:** April 19, 2015, 11:55:03 AM »

here is a treat - a time lapsed video of Yosemite - just scroll to the second picture that is the video - then keep scrolling for the second video and more full page still shots

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1fWIcq/1JujO-OKj:At+BwjVk/projectyose.com/

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #15020 on:** April 19, 2015, 12:42:47 PM »

Mabelj, steve berry writes "fictional, historical mysteries". We just read one for our f2f Mystery book club. I enjoy his books, some find them "fantastical" plot-wise. We read "The King's Deception". He does have a main recurring character. I guess you could read them "out of order", as the stories are not linked, but you learn a bit more about Cotton (character) as you go along.

Frybabe · « **Reply #15021 on:** April 19, 2015, 12:57:27 PM »

Jean, so far, I have read two of his stand alone books, The Amber Room and The Third Secret, and tow of his Cotton Mather series, The Last Templar and The Alexandria Link. I tried reading the stand alone, The Romanov Prophesy, but didn't like it, never finished. I have two or three more in my TBR pile that I haven't gotten to yet. His books are quite exciting with lots of action. If you like Dan Brown's The De Vinci Code , etc., you will like these.

Berry's character, Cotton Mather, is a bookseller in Sweden (if I remember correctly). The Alexandria Link, not surprisingly, is about finding the lost works of the Alexandrian Library. It is my second favorite of the series so far.

The Templar Legacy is my very favorite. Berry based his novel on a real life place and mystery (or hoax). The French have turned it into something of a tourist attraction these days.
http://www.renneslechateau.nl/mystery-of-rennes-le-chateau/

Do a search on Rennes le Chateau for lots of pix of the place, including this lovely fellow who is holding up a font in the church lobby. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Le_Diable_-_Asmodee_-_Rennes-Le-Chateau_en_1990.jpg

If you recognize the name Sauniere, you aren't mistaken. Dan Brown had a character by the name of Jacques Sauniere. The real Sauniere, Berenger, was a local priest much involved in mystery/conspiracy theories that grew up around his parish and Rennes le Chateau, one of which was hiding/protecting the bloodline of Christ.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #15022 on:** April 19, 2015, 01:33:05 PM »

Thanks for the reviews everybody. He's going on my TBR list.

Steph · « **Reply #15023 on:** April 20, 2015, 08:56:24 AM »

I think I will try one of Steve Berrys. I know he is popular, but just never dug in to see why.

bellamarie · « **Reply #15024 on:** April 20, 2015, 10:44:19 AM »

Now that I am retired, I just may have to ask around and seek out a meeting, book club. Nice to know Panera welcomes gatherings, I will keep that in mind.

Jonathan · « **Reply #15025 on:** April 20, 2015, 05:51:36 PM »

Retirement is wonderful, Bellamarie. Like a second life. You'll miss the kids, but you'll never lose them if you write for them. Good Luck!

Just look at Diana Athill. Thanks, Barb, for the link to the London Book fair. Wow! Another book at 97! 'Really,' she says, 'I just did it for fun.'

I've had a curious book on my shelf for many years, and I often take it down and read it with great pleasure. Until now I was sure she had to be the oldest author at 95. Hedwig von Bismarck, cousin of the famous Iron Chancellor. (Erinnerungen aus dem Leben einer 95 jährigen) What a lot of memories. Published in 1910. I found it at Brattles in Boston years ago. Found it in the book barrow on the sidewalk for a dollar!

I'm almost through the bio of Diana Mosley. What a life. Waiting for me is Nancy Mitford, by Selina Hastings. I just realized that Deborah's book Wait for Me! came out when she was 90! I'm well along in that.

All this in praise of older women! Keep it up.

maryz · « **Reply #15026 on:** April 20, 2015, 06:31:31 PM »

Last week, at the end of the PBS News Hour, Gwen Ifill talked with Cokie Roberts about her new book, Capital Dames It's not listed on BookTV yet, but I bet it will be before long. It's about influential women during the Civil War.

Steph · « **Reply #15027 on:** April 21, 2015, 08:49:32 AM »

Ah, the joys of discovering the Mitfords. Truly remarkable family in so many ways. Unity's life was so wild.. This passion for Hitler, that he seemed to share and then her suicide when he destroyed her faith in him.

Frybabe · « **Reply #15028 on:** April 21, 2015, 10:08:49 AM »

I picked up this little ebook from somewhere not realizing it is geared to children. (I didn't have much of a description at the time, so I thought it was a satire on misspelled words.) Is absolutely delightful. The author does imply that we "old people" seem to like it too. It even includes some fairies and some wizardry.
http://michaelmartineck.com/Misspellers.asp

mabel1015j · « **Reply #15029 on:** April 21, 2015, 10:54:43 AM »

Maryz - i saw that comment about Cokie Roberts new book also. I like her books so much, i look forward to reading this new one on the women of the Civil War.

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ACokie%20Roberts

Jean

bellamarie · « **Reply #15030 on:** April 21, 2015, 11:37:59 AM »

Jonathan, I thought I would miss the kids coming five days a week from 6:15 a.m. til 5:00 p.m., but I have to say I don't miss it at all. I am Facebook friends with the families so yes, you are correct, we are still in touch. I actually have families who share pictures with me of their children that were in my daycare at diaper age, and are now going off to college. I am still enjoying my sweet little 4 yr old granddaughter on Tues. & Thurs., so I get my kid fix. I have only one more year with her before she goes off to Kindergarten.

I am loving retirement! There still does not seem to be enough hours in my days, how can that be?

The Mitford sisters have me captivated. I also am reading Kristin Lavransdatter. Not sure how I am liking this fictional book just yet.

Frybabe, I love when I come across a book at a garage sale, or quaint shop, for a buck or so, and it turns out to be a gem.

Steph, So sad to hear Unity commits suicide. I am no where near learning that as yet.

jane · « **Reply #15031 on:** April 21, 2015, 12:40:01 PM »

Bellamarie...WELCOME to the wonderful world of Retirement. It's a blessing that those still working don't know the freedom and joy of doing what YOU want when YOU want to do it. What you will wonder is how you had time to work!!

I've worked since I was in eighth grade until I retired in 1999 after part-time jobs in high school and college and then full time for 36 years. I had NO idea retirement would be so wonderful.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #15032 on:** April 21, 2015, 04:43:26 PM »

I retired several years ago (I've lost count--think it was 10 or 12), but some days I enjoy retirement, other days I wish I was still working. Other than a lot of reading (which I promised myself I would do) I haven't done a lot of the things I thought I would. Travel: but my DH doesn't like to travel, and my friends are all getting of an age, where they don't / can't travel anymore.
So, here I am doing lots of reading, movie watching and general ennui. Housework gets done on an as needed basis but it still takes up a lot of time. I do get on line for Senior Learn and Seniors & Friends and all the book publishers websites. I do manage to get some naps in, which I never used to do! Hmmm, wonder why that is?

Steph · « **Reply #15033 on:** April 22, 2015, 08:45:54 AM »

I loved retirement when my husband was alive and we had the rv..
Adventures each and every month. Now five years in, I love retirement, but I do not love the alone part. Still I do a lot of things that interest me.. and travel as much as I can. Tomorrow I am off to Ireland and very excited for sure.

bellamarie · « **Reply #15034 on:** April 22, 2015, 09:02:35 AM »

Thank you Jane, I really am not big on traveling, and I am not so sure our income will allow trips out of the country, but we did so much traveling throughout the years while the kids were growing up, and after they left the nest, I just like small day or week end trips closer to home now.

Steph, how exciting to be going to Ireland! I remember you sharing some of your RV trips with us. Safe travels. Tom, I too plan to catch up on some reading. We have six grandchildren that keeps us constantly going with sports and activities, from 4 yrs - 19 yrs old, it's like we can't keep up. I love Facebook, because I get to visit with all my friends and family everyday, who live too far away to visit often.

Barb, I can't wait to get my hands on the new book coming out, Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich – May 5, 2015
by Peter Schweizer

http://www.amazon.com/Clinton-Cash-Foreign-Governments-Businesses/dp/0062369288/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429707806&sr=1-1&keywords=clinton+cash

I don't know what it is about the Clintons, that intrigues me. I think, like a lot of people, I am drawn in by Bill's southern charismatic personality, and Hillary's aloofness. I worked on her campaign back in 2008, but I have to admit, today I am not so sure if I would feel compelled to help her get nominated. But that is for another topic. This book is going to set a firestorm, with her now declaring her run for the presidency. She has refused to comment about it, but her protectors are out in the media defending things in the book. If anything, I just want to see what the author feels is connecting the dots to her pay and play behavior, while SOS.

maryz · « **Reply #15035 on:** April 22, 2015, 02:50:37 PM »

Steph - have a wonderful time in Ireland. This is when we were supposed to be there, too - leaving on 24 April. But it was not to be - at least not this year. Maybe next year. Enjoy it for us, too.

Steph · « **Reply #15036 on:** April 23, 2015, 07:47:05 AM »

up..dressed....limo at 9:30am.. Being silly about how Daisy , the corgi is making out at her two week temporary home. Last night when I took her to the dog sitters,, she has two boys, the younger elementary school. Daisy took one look, bounced into his lap and washed his face and he was giggly and charmed. So hopefully she has someone to love while I am gone.
So excited..

Frybabe · « **Reply #15037 on:** April 23, 2015, 07:49:18 AM »

2015 Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Has anyone read it? I think someone has mentioned it in the last few weeks.

ALF43 · « **Reply #15038 on:** April 23, 2015, 08:56:08 AM »

I come with a very heavy heart to notify all of you of the passing of one of our most beloved members- Pat Westerdale.
Pat was instrumental in our original SeniorNet and stayed with us for a long time on SeniorLearn, teaching us her tech savvy skills.
We traveled many places together with this organization and she high lighted each trip for me with her knowledge, her stories and her humor.

Her daughter, Sara, emailed me with all of the particulars, knowing that I touched base with Pat a couple of times each week. As most of you know Pat had been failing for months and months, fighting a tough battle with her heart and with cancer.
She was beloved by all and I know of NOONE who loved her Lord, her family and her friends more than she did.
I am deeply saddened to lose her.

MaryPage · « **Reply #15039 on:** April 23, 2015, 09:03:43 AM »

Like each of you, I am sure, it is so upsetting to me to lose another dear soul from our group. I joined SeniorNet in 1999, and find myself deeply resenting each and every time Death snatches one of us away. God Speed, Pat.

My dear first cousin and closest friend told me some months ago that All The Light We Cannot See is a great read and one I must see to. I have not as yet, but will get there eventually.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2610526 times)