The Library

[Steph]

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

 
Carolyn, will put that on my long long,, find this book list.
Ah Christopher Guest married to Jamie Curtis..I loved Best in Show.. I loved all of his stuff. He is a funny astute man..
I have gotten in touch with an old and dear friend.. I am trying to see if she would like to go to the dog show as well.. The only difficult part for me will be New York in February.. That will be cold for a
Floridian.

[bellemere]

New York in February is cold for New Yorkers!  but if you enjoy the dog show, go ahead!  When you get home the Floriday sunshine will feel just that much better.

[jeriron]

One of the problems of flying in Feb. is there can be a lot of delays, sometimes due to snow. So you are taking your chances.

[mrssherlock]

Maybe the train?  Takes longer but there's lots to see outside the windows you can't see from the plane.

[Steph]

I love trains and hate flying, so I may take the train.. Much more expensive with the little cabin, but a delight to me..

[maryz]

Sounds like you have a plan, Steph! 

[mrssherlock]

Another dog book?  Yes.  In Last Dog on the Hill Steve Duno recounts how his life changed when he picked up a feral puppy on a vacation trip through Northern California.  Lou, as he names his dog, is a wonder dog and reading Duno's life with Lou is an enjoyable experience.  I'm a sucker for dog books even though my life is under the control of two cats.  Not as funny as Marley and Me it is a remarkable tribute with gratifying tales of Lou's prowess.

[pedln]

Go for it Steph, and take the train.  You can read, you enjoy the scenery. Flying's a pain no matter what time of year.  Eloise just took a 10 hour trip from Montreal to NY and back to come to the get-together.

What?  You don't remember the plot?  Read below and be assured.  You are not alone.

The Plot Escapes Me

[Frybabe]

Read your link, Pedln. I must emphatically agree. Do not recline - it is impossible.

[PatH]

Do not recline?  I do half of my reading curled up in bed.  I'm glad to know I retain some Gestalt from the stuff I can't remember, though.

But, thinking about it, I'm also impressed with the huge number of scenes or bits of scenes that impressed me through the years which have stayed in my mind and become part of my thinking.

[Gumtree]

But, thinking about it, I'm also impressed with the huge number of scenes or bits of scenes that impressed me through the years which have stayed in my mind and become part of my thinking.

Me too PatH. Simply amazing at times but I think that's part of what reading is all about.  I used to feel sorry for people who don't read and so know nothing of the riches we share through our reading but over the years I've come to realise that they simply have a different way of assimilating the world around them.

[Steph]

Pedlin.. Loved the link.. I have the Editors Choice New York Times on my IPAD, but it did not have that or if it did I did not find it.. At least it gives me a better picture of what my brain does and does not do.. I read so much, fiction, non fiction, etc. and hate it when I know I read the book, can see it clearly in mybrain, but cannot remember a name or a plot twist or something in the book.. Now at least I know why.

[MaryPage]

I do most of my reading in my easy chair with my feet up on its matching hassock.  I have little pillows behind my back and head and under each arm and under my legs, and it is my favorite spot in this World to be.  Very, very cozy and comfy.

It has been my own discovery, for myself that is, as I am certain many others have discovered this long before me, but no one has ever told me this, nor have I read it anywhere, that temperature affects the workings of my brain.  If it is over 76° in my home, I cannot take in what my eyes are reading.  I need between 68° and 76° to have the wiring in my brain function.  72° is about perfection.

[Babi]

Loved the essay, PEDLN.  He's right, of course, but at the same time I have a small
demurral. If you asked me I probably couldn't tell you much of the plot or
the title or author of many books. Still, I find I retain many bits of knowlege stored
away, which pop up at odd times and leave me puzzled as to how I knew that!  

  Interesting observation, MARYPAGE.  I'll have to check that out.  Next time I can't seem
to concentrate, I'll check the temp. Be nice to have something to blame it on.  

[nlhome]

That essay is great, Pedln, thanks.

I am just reading, I realized last night, RE-reading, Blood Lure, by Nevada Barr, set in Glacier park. Grizzly bear research is part of the plot line. It is very descriptive of some of the research techniques and landscape.  I read an article, actually in the NYT, about grizzly research and tracking in the Cascades, and the article was more relevant to me because of the book. I could almost (almost) smell the bait used to get the bears to the "traps" for catching fur. I bet I retain more from rereading the book and this article.

Of course, why I really need this knowledge is another issue.....

[FlaJean]

Pedln, an interesting article, thanks.

[JoanK]

"“It’s there,” Wolf said. “You are the sum of it all.”

Fantastic, and a little scary!

Not recline! Impossible! I have a nook, like Mary's, and I'm not giving it up.

Funny what we do and don't remember. Since I like birds, I remember any bird trivia that comes my way. The article talks about the Hiss-Chambers affair. I haven't read a book on it, but one detail I'll never forget. It was a BIRD that finally did Hiss in.

[marjifay]

Really enjoyed the article, Pedln.  Glad I'm not the only person who forgets stuff.  But I think we remember more than we think we do.  I can't read in bed.  One sentence and I'm in dreamland.

I keep a record of what I read on my computer, by date, with a short (sometimes long) summary, why I read it and my rating.  Also keep a list of books by just the title and another by author, primarily so I won't buy the same book twice.

Marj

[Phyll]

I can't remember titles but do remember authors and often forget the plot ending but have vivid recall of my imaginings that are brought forth by the author's words.  I can clearly recall Jane Eyre walking across the moor and Kathy calling for Heathcliff in the fog, even the sounds that are described by the author come through clearly but I'm one of those, too, that can't remember the twist of the plot.  However, that isn't why I read.  I read because it gives me pleasure.

[kiwilady]

I have an online record of all the books I have borrowed from the library its in my account with the library. I can't afford to buy many books these days and in fact its got to be a good sale for me to buy any at all. We have an excellent library system so I am not missing out!

Carolyn

[mrssherlock]

Carolyn:  Same here.  The only books I'm buying these days are ones my library doesn't have, either knitting or cookbooks.  I bought the Latin 101 book and I'm buying Left Hand of Darkness for the October discussion.

[jane]

Because of privacy issues here in the US, I don't think any libraries will keep a listing of what materials a person has checked out.  That became a very touchy issue here some years ago.Some of you may recall that controversy about the FBI and checking who had checked out books on various topics,  and so libraries here go to great lengths to maintain the privacy of what is checked out by whom.  This was even true in our school libraries, where, before automation, we were instructed by the State to use a heavy black magic marker to obliterate the name of the student who had signed the card to take out any book. 

I do keep a book journal of my own for my own faulty memory!     It also lets me find out what book I'm remembering when I just remember some of the plot or a character since I write my own annotation for it.

I buy those books I love and will re-read, something I never used to do. My husband loves history and   we've discovered 1/2 Price Bookstores and there's one in a city where we go to shop...so it's always a Must Stop and LOOK when we're in that city!

jane

[Tomereader1]

On our library's website, you can keep lists of what you read/check out. HOwever, prior to making your list, it tells you that the list is subject to inspection by law enforcement, etc.  I have yet to make a list there.

[jane]

I'd guess that since you're putting your own list out there, be it at the Library's site or Facebook or your own website, then the Library isn't responsible for what you reveal of what you read, etc.   It's your right, of course, to reveal whatever you wish.  

Some people had a problem when we'd respond to their request to know who had a certain book out that we could not reveal that.  We often had to explain the privacy issue, but not all of them liked it or really understood the issue involved, I guess.


jane

[kiwilady]

I find the fact that anyone would be interested in what we read strange. If authorities need to find out anything they have powers to do so. Its the same in your country under the anti Terrorism laws.  There is NO privacy these days. I don't really care if anyone looks at my reading list there is nothing to hide.

Carolyn

[Steph]

I guess I dont understand why anyone would care what I read.. But then,, I dont read books on how to bomb people or poison, etc..
Memory is such a tricky thing.. I am finding that if  I let a small good memory in, that helps me, but if I let a huge wonderful memory in of my marriage, I break down in tears still.. So I try hard to get up and move and do something in that case.. But the small delights. Ah, they can linger and I smile and have a nicer day..

[jane]

Steph...It didn't used to bother me when people commented on what I was reading.  However, lately it really bugs me.  I have a  lovely quilted cover for paperbacks, and people seem to be bugged by that cover because  they can't see the cover.

 Hmmm...how is that different from asking me other personal things that strangers have no need to know, I wonder.   I think this new "attitude" on my part comes from people who feel they can comment on the "worthiness" of my selections. "Oh, a light mystery?  Oh, really? " with what I sense is an "attitude" I don't like.    "Oh, I only read about the human condition"  or "I read philosophical works in the original French."  Why is one genre considered acceptable and laudable and another "unworthy"?   I'm so tired of hearing "Oh, I never read [westerns, romances, fantasy, fill in whatever genre you like]" with a tone that implies they are smelling something very bad.  

I guess I'm the oddball.  I don't like people pushing their reading choices on me, either insisting I borrow a book they have or, worse yet, spending money on buying me something I haven't requested.  That's in the same league, to me, with buying me works of art.  Don't bother!  What you like and what I like are probably miles apart.

OK...now, I've vented and feel better.  

jane

 

[Babi]

JANE, my library will keep such a list if the patron requests and
signs for it when taking out a library card. Privacy issues never
occurred to me. Why should I care who knows what I read? Now that
you've brought it up, though, I can well imagine scenarios where
people definitely would care.

[MaryPage]

Everyone has an "Attitude,"  the big change since my generation (1929) is that the current culture in the young things of today is to be "In Your Face" with that attitude any time everywhere.  I was taught it was extremely rude and would make people think I was not properly brought up if I deliberately challenged another person's choice of reading, dress, menu, political leanings, religious belief, manner of speech, you-name-it.  I sort of kind of yearn for the ability to write a song titled:  "Where Did Civility Go?"  I lack the proper gifts, but then again, no one would listen.  C'est la Vie!

[CallieOK]

I often get the "I never..." response in "that" tone of voice. 
Since I can cover family, church, shopping and entertaining in about 3 minutes, that usually leaves me with nothing to talk about.

So - may I please ask (anyone) what sort of conversational topics you use visiting with someone other than close friends?
I ask this (ever so politely) because, although I would never criticize another's choice, I am often interested in what it is about that choice that interests them.
Apparently, that would be considered NOMB and I would be seen as nosey and tacky.  <Sigh>

[Phyll]

I'd listen, MaryPage.  We share the same generation and the same frustration.

[mrssherlock]

Asking about the other person opens a subject they can comfortably talk about.  I don't bring up personal choices without an invitation to do so, that is without the other person introducing the subject.

[CallieOK]

Jackie, would you mind defining "asking about the other person"?  That's a good opening if one has never met the other person but difficult if one already knows most of the "basics".

There are many people who believe that "getting the other person to talk about themselves" is a good thing; if so, then, IMHO, they should be willing to do the same thing.

On subject   ,  I'm almost through reading "The White Queen".  I've never read this "slant" on the York/Lancaster/etc. battles and am finding it interesting.  However, I wish the author had put a few more names on the genealogy chart; I'm having trouble keeping the similar names in the right slots  .

[jane]

I guess it's the way/tone/attitude in people's chatting that I object to.

I prefer "Have you found anything good to read lately?" in place of asking specifically what I'm reading or why I'm reading a light mystery or whatever.

I guess this is my personal "hangup."

[CallieOK]

The nice thing is...those of us who participate here would never have a problem!!!

Has the NYC meeting taken place?  If so, is there a place where comments have been posted.

[Frybabe]

Odd, I always have a book with me, but rarely get asked what I am reading. When I am sitting in a waiting room with someone else reading a book, sometimes I will ask about the book. It is another way (besides here) to find books/authors to add to the long TBR list. At the last encounter, I was given one of James Patterson's books. Her sister had given it to her, but she already had a copy.

I also read Tee-Shirts. If you are going to wear a Tee-Shirt with a statement, quote, or creative ad, then you may find me staring at you for a moment or two. So far, I haven't been slugged or called a name.

[Frybabe]

CallieOK here it is. Lots of nice pictures posted.

http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1459.msg84320#msg84320

[CallieOK]

Thank you, Frybabe.  What a fabulous time together!  I loved reading all the Adventure stories!

[kiwilady]

With my best friend we talk about politics both local and State. We talk about our kids. We talk about world affairs and we talk about how we are both doing. We have been friends since the age of 11. There is nothing we cannot tell each other.

We both like the same books and most movies.

Carolyn

[mabel1015j]

I just discovered this site os free ebooks, tho't some you might like to take a look

http://manybooks.net/

They have a lot of the classic novels and newer ones also,as well as non-fiction. If  I keep finding these sites of both history and fiction, I'm never going to have to go to the library or buy another book, again..........yeah! Right!....

Check out the ."collections" link, interesting stuff.............Jean