Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084945 times)

mabel1015j · « **Reply #840 on:** January 23, 2010, 04:49:48 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 read London, as i said before and didn't we read it for a discussion on SN? Did someone else say that?

I read about half of McCullough's Brooklyn Bridge and stopped. I didn't think it was as good as others of his. The material seemed repetiitve and slow. Maybe i just didn't find the building of a bridge as interesting as the building of a country...............LOL

I've put Roses and Sandra Dallas on my TBR list...........how do you organize your TBR lists? I started w/ genre categories, plus one of just authors, but even those indivdual lists have become unintelligible. I star some that seem important at the time and usually look for those first when i go to library, but i'm overwhelmed! $:-\$ $:-\$ jean

joangrimes · « **Reply #841 on:** January 23, 2010, 06:31:56 PM »

Quote from: maryz on January 23, 2010, 02:54:38 PM

Joan, have you tried listening to audio books while you walk?

I jiggle to much when I walk Maryz. Audio books don't work for using while walking. Thanks for trying to help.

Joan Grimes

salan · « **Reply #842 on:** January 23, 2010, 06:43:45 PM »

Jackie, I love Sandra Dallas and have read all her books (unless I accidentally missed one). The Persian Pickle Club was the first one I read and Prayers for Sale was the last one. I really enjoyed both of these.

My tastes in reading have changed through the years; and it also changes during the year. I try to steer away from books that are too "gory", too tragic, too scary, too filled with teen age angst, and too filled with graphic sex and foul language.
I do not read books that deal with child abuse---too depressing.

I have an eclectic taste and seem to take my genres by spells. Right now I am kind of in a slump--can't seem to find anything that holds my interest for long. I checked out "Sweetness in the Bottom of the Pie" and "Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter". Have any of you read these? What did you think? I have started "Whistlin'", but am getting very impatient with the heroine. I am reading "Kim" for the discussion group here and February is Mark Twain month for my ftf book club.
Right now, sitting on my tbr shelf are several books that I would like you opinion on: "The Elegance of the Hedgehog", "The Lacuna", "the Story of Edgar Sawtelle" and "Stone Creek". Have you read any of these?

Joan, out library has books on tape that are on a small portable player (like an Ipod) that you wear around your neck. You can use your own ear buds or purchase a set from the library for $1.00. I can't remember what it is called, but thought that it looked interesting and you don't have to mess with discs as each book is self contained.

Sally

joangrimes · « **Reply #843 on:** January 23, 2010, 06:47:11 PM »

Quote from: salan on January 23, 2010, 06:43:45 PM

Joan, out library has books on tape that are on a small portable player (like an Ipod) that you wear around your neck. You can use your own ear buds or purchase a set from the library for $1.00. I can't remember what it is called, but thought that it looked interesting and you don't have to mess with discs as each book is self contained.

Sally

I tried that kind of device Sally and it still jiggles too much...Thanks for trying to help.
Joan Grimes

PatH · « **Reply #844 on:** January 23, 2010, 07:15:43 PM »

Sally, as a Mark Twain fan, I'd love to know what books you are reading for your ftf club.

We read "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" here. I liked it a lot. It's very French in it's approach, and that was appealing to some and put some people off. Depends on what you like. You can access the discussion in the Archives, but don't read too far ahead, because there are spoilers.

CubFan · « **Reply #845 on:** January 23, 2010, 09:38:24 PM »

Greetings -

I read the The Great Bridge (Brooklyn Bridge)- it was a slow go but I learned a lot and really appreciated the bridge later when I was in New York. I have liked all of his books and the biographies definitely read faster- probably because I know the subjects better. The Path Between the Seas (building the Panama Canal) was also good but slow going.

I've also read London by Rutherford and liked it very much. I have his New York on my TBR shelves after I finish Island at the Center of the World. I try not to read two books about the same topic/area at the same time. I also have two of his Dublin series on my TBR shelves.

I enjoyed all of the Michener books - especially Chesapeake. But then he didn't write about "my neighborhood" so I wasn't picking up on research errors.

My January reading has been a bit too intense. After reading Jeff Shaara's - No Less Than Victory (WWII - primarily the Battle of the Bulge), Cry for the Water Buffalo by James Zitzelsberger (Vietnam - emphasis on post trumatic stress syndrome and its affect on both the servicemen & Vietnamese) and The Kite Runner (Afghanistan), I'm about 1/3 of the way through The Lacuna. I'm also into Lincoln- President Elect & Island at the Center of the World - both of which I'm enjoying. As soon as I finish The Lacuna I'll pick up some fluff for a break. Everything I've read this month has been extremely well written.

I read Elegance of the Hedgehog last year and recommend it. You do have to stay with it until pulls you in as the format and story start out slowly - or at least it did for me.

Have enjoyed reading everyone's comments this month but have been too involved to take time to comment. Am spending a couple of days dog sitting so am getting caught up on communications since I'm not home where I get distracted. Will keep adding titles to my TBR list as you all keep reading and commenting.

Mary

Steph · « **Reply #846 on:** January 24, 2010, 06:25:48 AM »

I listen to books on tape while walking. My tape player fastens to a belt around my waist and works well. I also listen at the gym the same way.. but the cd thing is too heavy..

salan · « **Reply #847 on:** January 24, 2010, 08:10:49 AM »

Pat H., I am going to read Pudd'nhead Wilson. It is one of the few Mark Twain books that I have not read (at least, I don't remember having read it). I am from a small town with a very good library. Nevertheless, copies of specific books are limited; and a lot of the members don't want to buy copies. Consequently, when we choose a classic we usually make it "reader's choice". This has worked out surprisingly well and led to very good discussions and more books on my tbr list!
I, too, am a fan of Mark Twain and it was at my suggestion that we are reading him. I am really looking forward to this discussion.
Sally

joangrimes · « **Reply #848 on:** January 24, 2010, 08:57:55 AM »

I have not tried attaching any thing around my middle to listen while walking but I am sure that anything there would be too heavy for me . I can barely put one foot in front of the other to walk. (notice I did not say waist , because I do not have a waist. I do not wear any kind of belt.) I am just a situation that cannot be solved. Well things will work out in time for me one way or the other.

Thanks for all the suggestions Folks.

Joan Grimes

Babi · « **Reply #849 on:** January 24, 2010, 09:40:26 AM »

"Summer's Lease" sounds like something Val and I would enjoy, GINNY.
Thanks for the tip.

Quote

"I got a lot of B&N gift certificates at Christmas"

Plainly, your family knows what you love.

Oh, yes, Jean! I had a little blank book that I used for listing books
I was interested in. I look back now and there are so many I couldn't
find at the time and never did read. And of course I remember nothing
about them now. Meanwhile, you booklovers here have given me more names to add to my list. I don't use the permanent book anymore, just a paper list in my purse that can be discarded when it's work is done.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #850 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:22:51 PM »

Maybe it is cheating but I shop for books at my library online. I'll have three windows: Seniorlearn, Fantastic Fiction and my library account. When I read about a book here that sounds good I look it up in FF; if the library has it in its catalog. I reserve it. All from my comfy chair. I had to quit buying books when I retired, couldn't afford those $100 splurges anymore. Plus there's no B&N here in Salem. Now I buy only online, usually Amazon or direct from the publisher.

Sally: Sandra Dallas has a new one coming out in March though my library has it already as well as a long waiting list.
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/sandra-dallas/whiter-than-snow.htm

There are two authors I like, in addition to Dorothea Benton Frank, who write about southerb women: Mary kay Andrews: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/a/mary-kay-andrews/
nd Pt Conroy's wife, Cassandra King (especially Queen of Broken Hearts: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/k/cassandra-king/

My favorite Mark Twain lite is the Adam and Eve retelling.

Loved Edgar Swtelle.

nlhome · « **Reply #851 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:30:29 PM »

Jackie, your system of looking up books and ordering them from the library is similar to mine. If a book is actually in my local library, I write it down and look for it the next time I am at the library (I work 3 blocks from there; but if we are home, our Saturday morning routine includes a trip to the library and then coffee downtown with friends, so it's easy to get these books.) If a book is not in my own library, I can order it through the interlibrary loan system and it is delivered to my library.

I do buy books, those that I know my library won't get or that I want to share or that I want to take my time reading and possibly marking up.

salan · « **Reply #852 on:** January 24, 2010, 05:58:17 PM »

My library has redone its web site. Now you can sign in once and it remembers you. Then you can check on availablity of books, request to order, reserve a book or bookmark those books you wish to read in the future. It's great! Now when I go to the library and don't remember my list, I can simply look it up in the computer at the library. So far, thanks to many of you, I have bookmarked a number of books.
Sally

JoanK · « **Reply #853 on:** January 24, 2010, 06:39:03 PM »

I read Sweetness at the bottom of the Pie" and liked it. It's a mystery: rather a naive one, it takes the little girl detective ages to "get" te obvious clues, but endearing because of the child character.

We read "The Island in the Center of the World" together. The information in it is fascinating: unfortunately the writing is covoluted and hard to read. but if you can get through that, you'll learn a lot of interesting things.

We had a wonderful discussion of "Puddinhead Wilson" with someone from the Mark Twain library (did I remember that right?) in the discussion. As a book, it has flaws (like many of twain's) but is really interesting as his view of slavery.

I love Mark Twain too. I think my favorite "Twain lite" is the Jumping Frog. But stay away from the one where someone has a tune stuck in his head and can't get rid of it. Just thinking about it now, I know I'll have that jingle running around my head for at least a week.

nlhome · « **Reply #854 on:** January 24, 2010, 08:57:05 PM »

Sally, I can make a list oon my account at our library also. That's really handy, isn't it?

marcie · « **Reply #855 on:** January 24, 2010, 11:30:25 PM »

As we're talking about lists of books, the following seems a very relevant passage from someone writing about Jane Austen's Emma (there is a new production of Emma on PBS starting tonight and it will be available online too).

" 'Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old. I have seen a great many lists of her drawing up at various times of books that she meant to read regularly through — and very good lists they were — very well chosen, and very neatly arranged — sometimes alphabetically, and sometimes by some other rule. The list she drew up when only fourteen — I remember thinking it did her judgment so much credit, that I preserved it some time; and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now. But I have done with expecting any course of steady reading from Emma. She will never submit to any thing requiring industry and patience, and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding.'

So says Mr. Knightley to Mrs. Weston, Emma's former governess, in chapter 5 of Jane Austen's Emma. Knightley's objections to his future bride are to what he sees as Emma's lack of application as far as her reading is concerned: "handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition" she may be, but she is too flighty, and has not read enough for a well educated girl of her privileged position and class.

Knightley's anxieties about his future bride are very much of the time in which Austen created her hero. Austen's name must always be linked with the Regency period (1811-1820), and indeed Emma was dedicated to the Prince Regent, the future George IV. In England, the Regency period was an age that debated the issue of female education and suitable reading for women in newspapers and magazines, in boarding schools and in private correspondences, and indeed in the pages of novels themselves."

See the full article at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/emma/reading.html

We're talking about Emma at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1023.120

Steph · « **Reply #856 on:** January 25, 2010, 06:30:44 AM »

Woke at my normal early and it is just pouring.. Both dogs have retreated way under the bed and gave me the fishy eye, when I mentioned early morning duties..A little thunder and lightning and they wimp out on that line of work.
I am reading one of the newest Rita Mae Brown.. This is a Christmas story and neat. I like her characters.

Babi · « **Reply #857 on:** January 25, 2010, 10:06:38 AM »

I've run across other characters like that , MARCIE, where the making of
a to-do list is quite enough to satisfy their conscience. They feel they
have made remarkable progress in the matter, and happily go on to
something more agreeable.

JoanP · « **Reply #858 on:** January 25, 2010, 03:43:34 PM »

PBS just sent word that they are providing ten free copies of Jane Austen's Emma. (books, not the DVDs) If interested, please let me know and I'll send you a copy. Also, they sent extra copies of Cranford - and I have two of those (books) left. I NEED to find homes for these books, that or return to PBS, which I really don't want to do...

Steph, I think of Rita Mae Brown as a confirmed cat lover - ie Sneaky Pie Brown - and you more a dog person. Was kind of amused to hear you say you liked her characters.

We're getting ready to vote on some upcoming group discussion titles. If you have any suggestions, please click the link to the Suggestion Box - it's up in the heading here - and post. One under consideration is Anne Tyler's new book - Noah's Compass. Has anyone here read it yet? Would love to hear what you thought...

Steph · « **Reply #859 on:** January 26, 2010, 06:25:09 AM »

Ah, but I have two corgi and Tucker is always a steadfast character in Rita Maes cat series. Tucker provides the muscle.. and is a sweet tempered little corgi..

salan · « **Reply #860 on:** January 26, 2010, 08:07:26 AM »

Has anyone read Pat Conroy's "South of Broad"? If so, what did you think? It's coming up soon on my ftf reading group.
Sally

maryz · « **Reply #861 on:** January 26, 2010, 08:43:33 AM »

Sally, John and I have both read South of Broad and really liked it. We've read everything Conroy has written, and this latest one is more like his earlier books. We didn't particularly care for Prince of Tides and Beach Music. So this one was especially good to us. We felt it was a love letter from Conroy to Charleston.

pedln · « **Reply #862 on:** January 26, 2010, 10:19:11 AM »

Quote

We felt it was a love letter from Conroy to Charleston.

What an interesting way to describe that book, MaryZ. There have been so many negative comments about South of Broad that I had just put it out of mind. But I enjoyed my one visit to Charleston so much, I may have to reconsider.

joangrimes · « **Reply #863 on:** January 26, 2010, 11:05:43 AM »

I have heard lots of people among my friends comment favorably on South of Broad. A friend insisted that I borrow hers to read but it is just regular print and I have not read it. I am going to get it on Kindle and read it. I like Pat Conroy and have heard him speak in person many times.

Joan Grimes

mrssherlock · « **Reply #864 on:** January 26, 2010, 11:19:35 AM »

My name finally came to the top of the list for Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Winner of the Man Booker Prize, Wolf Hall is another look at Herny VIII and his ruthless quest for a son to ensure the Tudor's hold on the crown. So far, page 20 or so, it's a winner. Has anyone here read it? So far I've read several books, novels, mostly, about this pivotal period. There are as many points of view as there are writers hoping to cash in on our fascination with the excesses of this era. The study of history was simply a parade of names and deeds until I started reading historical fiction. Even though I know who dunnit, I'm still captivated by the extent of the betrayals as the supporting players jockeyed for position on the winning side. Losing one's head was literally the booby prize.

maryz · « **Reply #865 on:** January 26, 2010, 01:39:40 PM »

Joan, I had SOB on my Kindle.

But then I had to let John have it for long enough for him to read it. $:-\$

marjifay · « **Reply #866 on:** January 26, 2010, 01:58:08 PM »

Glad to hear you are liking WOLF HALL, Jackie. I have it on hold at my library (18th yet on the list). It won the 2009 Booker Prize and sounded so interesting. It will be discussed in February by a Yahoo group. I'll have fun reading this and finishing up Dickens' Little Dorrit for another group. Thank heavens for still good eyesight!

Marj

ALF43 · « **Reply #867 on:** January 26, 2010, 02:06:20 PM »

I just passed on my copy of South of Broad. I love Pat Conroy's work and have read everything he has ever written. I enjoyed Prince of Tide, the book, but not the movie (and I am a Barbra Streisand fan.)

salan · « **Reply #868 on:** January 26, 2010, 06:16:02 PM »

Alf, Joan, MaryZ, thanks for your comments on South of Broad. I have read all of Conroy's books and really liked all of them (some more than others), so I was very pleased that my ftf reading group chose this one.
Sally

Steph · « **Reply #869 on:** January 27, 2010, 06:22:19 AM »

I love Conroy so will read it, but probably wait until paperback. I am so overrun with books, that hard covers are hard to put anywhere.

ALF43 · « **Reply #870 on:** January 27, 2010, 08:50:25 AM »

Jackie, my favorite genre is Historical Fiction. Yesterday I was finishing up my NY Times paper and the article was about the brilliance of James Patterson in selling so many novels. (Marketing)
When asked what books he was now reading he said "Wolf Hall" by Hillary Mantel. That is a MUST for me, I'm going to see if it is available. I'll read it along with you and Marj.
It is usually feast or famine for me too, Steph. Either I am chomping at the bit to get a good new book or I have 5 sitting right next to me.
I have long been a big fan of Jeffrey Archer and just finished his Paths to Glory, another Historical fiction about the famous George Mallorey of Mt. Everest fame. Archer is such a good writer you just get INHALED into the lives of all of these people. I'm hoping my new order from B & N will be here shortly. When I was at B & N last week I picked up a book called Rescuing Olivia. It is a debut novel by Julie Compton. Has anyone read it yet?
It called me and that is probably because she will be there next Saturday. When there is an author there I get all excited as it reminds sme of all the great fun we had in DC at the Book Festivals we have attended and the wonderful interview that Carol Goodman gave us in NY City last year.
hahah I lie! Any reason at all to buy a book-- I am there. Are any of you going to join JoanP and I in The Book Thief discussion slated for March? We would love to have your insight and I promise - You will not be disappointed! I read it over Thanksgiving vacation at my son's house and am now rereading it. It's a wonderful story about a horrid time in our history.

bellemere · « **Reply #871 on:** January 27, 2010, 09:21:45 AM »

I am reading The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver, and enjoying it. I love the time and place setting: Mexico right after their Revolution; the characters of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo: and I think we somehow end up with the House Un-american activities hearings.
I always like to take a book on vacation that is set in the place I am headed for, but I think I will finish this before I leave for Mexico. anone know another Mexico-based book I might be able to order on one of theused book sites?

mrssherlock · « **Reply #872 on:** January 27, 2010, 11:53:09 AM »

Belle: If you are comfortable with Cormac McCarrhy's stark style, All the Pretty Horses is one Mexico, though not one you are likely to encounter on your vacation. Like Water for Chocolate, by Laura Esquivel, is a book I thoroughly enjoyed; I think I'll read it again. John Steinbeck;s The Pearl is a classic I can recommend. Frida Kahloo is a very complex, interesting woman, well worth getting to know.

joangrimes · « **Reply #873 on:** January 27, 2010, 12:09:55 PM »

I liked " The Pearl" also. I like Steinbeck.

But I am not fond of reading about Mexico.

Joan Grimes

catbrown · « **Reply #874 on:** January 27, 2010, 01:57:03 PM »

I've been catching up with posts this morning and have to chime in about two things. One is donating to Haiti: I always donate to UNICEF during disasters as I figure there's nothing more important than focusing on children.

And "Wolf Hall!" I'm so glad some of you are reading it. I actually got my copy from Amazon UK before it was published in the US, because I'm a huge Mantel fan and just couldn't wait. The fact that the first chapter was published last year in "The New York Review of Books" just made me that much more eager.

I loved every minute of it. Mantel has such an interesting view of all the characters and makes the period come alive in the way historical fiction should. I also found her use of the third person, present active voice extremely interesting. You are always in Cromwell's point of view, but the use of the third person adds a fascinating distance. Very unique.

The only thing I was unhappy about is that we'll have to wait for book 2 to finish the story ... we know how it ends, but ... .

For historical fiction fans, I should mention that Mantel has written another absolutely spectacular historical novel about the French Revolution (main characters are Robespierre, Danton and Desmoulins), "A Place of Greater Safety."

Hmm, and now that I think about it and in relation to Haiti, there's a fantastic, riveting and gut-wrenching historical-novel trilogy about the Haitian revolution by Madison Smart Bell. The first book is "All Soul's Rising," which starts with a scene between master and slave of such violent horror that you'll be tempted to put the book down. But this is a book of immense power and subtlety (not least in respect to the effects of slavery on all participants), so I would strongly urge you to hold on by the seat of your pants and keep going.

Cathy

HaroldArnold · « **Reply #875 on:** January 27, 2010, 04:33:48 PM »

Does anyone here read E books? I have never been keen about reading from a computer screen. I have frequently printed hard copies of 20 to 30 pages Adobe Reader reports that I frequently receive by E-mail from my broker to avoid reading them from the screne. None the less Books for reading on-line have been available for purchase from both Amazon.com and the B&N on line book store. Now there will soon be another on-line bookstore resulting from today’s announcement by Apple of the soon to be Apple’s I-Bookstore and I-Pad Tablet. Actually the I-Pad Tablet will do much more than just read books purchased from the I-Bookstore. (See the 10 things to do with my Apple I pad link below) The cost of the 10in screen instrument begins at $499. Click the following links for more information on this new Apple product
Apple Launches iPad Tablet, iBooks Bookstore http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2358480,00.asp
10 things to do with my Apple I pad http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2358187,00.asp

Yesterday I downloaded the B&N reader available free from B&N from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks/index.asp . You can download the reader for your I-Phone, Blackberry, Dos PC or Mac PC. I downloaded it for my Dos PC. Included were three free books Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, and a Merriam Webster Pocket Dictionary. I found reading from the books on my 22” Monitor using my single vision computer glasses easier than I had thought it would be. Also the software allows the user to easily highlight key sentences or paragraphs for future study. I just might try an E-book read of my next Seniorlearn discussion. I don’t think I would find reading a book from the little I-Phone or Blackberry screens either practable or enjoyable.

joangrimes · « **Reply #876 on:** January 27, 2010, 05:08:23 PM »

Harold,

Quite a few of us on SeniorLearn own Kindles. Kindles are electronic readers from Amazon. They work wonders for those of us, like me who have vision problems... They allow you to adjust the print size. I would not be able to read anymore without my Kindle. There have been several editions of the Kindle and I have one of the first edition put out.

Joan Grimes

mrssherlock · « **Reply #877 on:** January 27, 2010, 06:56:43 PM »

Harold: As a Mac addict of 20+ years, I am excited by the I-Pad. But as a senior on a fixed income I'll have to pass on this new toy.

maryz · « **Reply #878 on:** January 27, 2010, 07:01:26 PM »

I posted elsewhere, Harold, but I have a Kindle. I have had increasing trouble holding books because of arthritis in my hands. I got mine because it was lighter and easier to manage. Those of us who have them love them. Mine is a Kindle 2.

winsummm · « **Reply #879 on:** January 27, 2010, 07:09:30 PM »

Joan G like you I have to blow up my kindle text to the limit. . .six times. but . . .it has a voice test enabled for most books. on the description of the book it tells if it is enabled. you can turn the reader around so as to read it from any of the four sides as well and make the print in a thin column or the full screen. there are adjustments that are new because a year ago I didn't see them. They are constantly upgrading and simply sending the new software along to subscriber for free. Pride and predudice is there too for nothing. most older books or classics are free since they can be found at Gutenberg reader and other places on the net.

as for comfort. recliner plus large pillow plus book at any angle, good glasses and good light. I wouldn't be comfortable in my computer chair for as long as I spend reading o my Kindle. that is hours and hours ad hours.

Claire

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084945 times)