Author Topic: Fiction ~ Old ~ New ~ Best Sellers #2 (Read 776196 times)

Steph · « **Reply #1600 on:** March 01, 2011, 06:18:47 AM »

This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.

Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?

Discussion Leader: Judy Laird

Yes, I was thinking of Jill Churchill.. I feel like you do. The early ones are great fun, but the later ones, not so much. There are a number of authors who writer about food and mystery.. I had read some of Flukes as well.. My problem with most of them is they love butter and cream and never ever try to cut the calories..
I am reading a book about The Peculiar Crimes UNit.. It is english and I love the humor..Two older men who work as policeman, but treat crime solving quite differently. Christopher something is the author.

maryz · « **Reply #1601 on:** March 02, 2011, 08:30:22 PM »

I'm just finishing Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. What a DELIGHTFUL book! Thanks to whoever recommended it first. I'm surprised there hasn't been a movie made from it.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #1602 on:** March 03, 2011, 01:19:09 AM »

Oh I'm sure there will be!

I just bought another copy in the PDSA shop for £1 - am giving the two new ones I bought as presents, so this can be mine

Rosemary

Steph · « **Reply #1603 on:** March 03, 2011, 06:04:21 AM »

Moving all of the basket tbr books upstairs this am. I am having the carpets in two of the bedrooms and the two sets of stairs cleaned today. They will work around the heavy stuff, but want the lighter ( HOHOHO) stuff moved. Now I realize that the more books, the more heavy lifting involved. Oh well. My two low riders bump their bellies on the steps and oh my, do they need shampoo..
Our book sale got rid of about 12,000 books, but we still have right around 2,000, so we are having a week long free for all in the lobby of the library.. 3.00 a box of books and we are knee deep in people. They dig into the boxes, we only have room for four tables, so we just stack boxes everywhere and bring in 40 more boxes a day, so people return to see what is what. Great fun to talke again to serious readers. I used to see them in my book store and I do miss the day to day chat on whats around.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #1604 on:** March 03, 2011, 06:23:07 AM »

Steph - the last time we had our carpets cleaned my husband arranged the date then swiftly went off on a business trip - I too was told only to move the "light" stuff - it quickly transpired that what the cleaning guy meant by that was "you don't have to move the beds (if you're really sure you can't)".

We did not have carpets downstairs apart from a large Turkish rug in the sitting room - this was my pride and joy, and there was a rule that the door had to be kept closed when we were out so that the animals couldn't get in there. Needless to say that was ignored - one of my cats had a good clawing session in one corner, then our now deceased dog decided to relieve himself on it when he had a stomach upset (retrievers eat everything......). I was not happy!!

I know exactly what you mean about talking to serious readers. I have noticed that at our big Christian Aid sale - even if you are just another browser like me, you soon get into conversation with people, and have the kind of chats that you - or at least I - can't have with many other people. I would love to work in a proper bookshop (not Waterstones, as I could not bear to have to "push" big names that I can't stand). I understand that even Waterstones is inundated with applications. I think there are still a few independent bookshops in Edinburgh - and I came across a wonderful second hand one in St Andrews (I walked in and the owner said, more in hope that expectation - "I don't suppose I could interest you in 10 volumes of fly fishing?" (or something like that - I can't remember now exactly what it was, but it was something esoteric). I said sadly no, but we then had a very jolly conversation and I had a long and happy browse). I don't know if these places make any money, but what joy it must be to work in them.

Where was your shop and did you specialise?

Rosemary

mabel1015j · « **Reply #1605 on:** March 03, 2011, 01:37:52 PM »

At the library yesterday a women and i who were both bending over to look for a book on the bottom shelves decided libraries need to have rolling shelves, like file shelves in doctors offices. Just push the button and each shelf would roll up to eye level.

then a librarian who is probably near age 50 came by and she agreed. She said she can hardly get up from the floor when shelving books. We knew exactly what she meant!

CallieOK · « **Reply #1606 on:** March 03, 2011, 02:27:23 PM »

Oh! How I do agree with the need for rolling shelves in libraries. I often look for books by the author's name and, most of the time, I need to scan the bottom shelf.

Do you s'pose an upside down periscope would work?

FlaJean · « **Reply #1607 on:** March 03, 2011, 02:48:22 PM »

Callie, you might have idea there.

JoanK · « **Reply #1608 on:** March 03, 2011, 04:00:22 PM »

Haven't tried any of the recipes, but I've been warned they are too sweet.

Octavia · « **Reply #1609 on:** March 03, 2011, 08:38:41 PM »

I've always thought that books should be stacked lying down, because I get a kink in my neck from trying to read the titles sideways.
The last time I went to the Library, I wanted a book that was on a shelf behind a reading table. There was one only man at the table, reading a newspaper. His chair was pushed way back, almost touching the shelf where I was trying to locate the book, but he didn't budge an inch.
I don't know what perverse satisfaction he got out of blocking me, I'd hate to meet him on the road.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #1610 on:** March 04, 2011, 01:53:58 AM »

Octavia - there is a variation of that in some of our charity shops. As soon as you start looking at the books, a fearfully over energetic helper comes along and starts to rearrange them - usually right in front of where you are standing. I have given up and left on more than one occasion.

Rosemary

Gumtree · « **Reply #1611 on:** March 04, 2011, 02:24:46 AM »

Rosemary - and don't you just HATE that. Seems to happen more than it should.

Octavia - that guy would be a road hog for sure.

Every book I want seems to be shelved on the bottom shelf especially when it comes to art books which are often rather large and heavy. I didn't notice it so much before I injured my shoulder but now it can be a minor problem to lift them up.
I was surprised recently to visit one of our libraries which I don't use so often and find their stock had increased so much that they were using the TOP of the shelving - I'm fairly tall but those books are just beyond my arm's reach and the reach of my glasses as well - and no handy step to help those who are height challenged. Great to see the added books though.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #1612 on:** March 04, 2011, 02:45:35 AM »

Gumtree - I sit on the floor sometimes. But then I have to get up....

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #1613 on:** March 04, 2011, 03:45:47 AM »

And here I have been scolding myself for letting myself get so out of shape - oh what a relief to hear this is a common issue - even here at the house it is an effort that has to be thought through with a campaign plan that includes an “end state” to get things from the bottom shelves of the lower kitchen and bathroom cabinets - at least my lowest book shelves are off the floor by 15 inches where I slide baskets under the shelving - I do have one wall of books that the bottom shelf is an inch off the floor but I had decided to fill that shelf with books I do not have the heart to get rid of but if I need once every two years I am lucky.

Don't you just love the book stores that have long library tables piled high with books - now that is what I wish they did in a library but it probably takes more space.

We just have to start being independently sophisticated with a fancy retractable cane in our purse preferably with an interesting knob or handle that we can whip out and use to help us off the floor. As it is in order the read the print on the cans in the grocery, although I wear a trifocals the reading lens no longer allow me to read the small print so I carry a pair of slim size high resolution magnifying glasses so that while shopping I wear two sets of glasses - I am beyond the curious looks - I've even resorted to this trick to read a contract where I am supposed to look so business put together - it has come down to competence or looks - with enough of us aging maybe retailers will get the hint to make the world more accessible.

Steph · « **Reply #1614 on:** March 04, 2011, 06:30:05 AM »

I love the rolling bookshelves idea.. How much easier it would be to look.
Rosemary, I had a used book store, primarily paperback.. Specialized in Science Fiction and fantasy and mysteries. I loved it, but it is always a hobby. Used book stores unless they own their store premises do not make money. The rent kills you.. But I loved it dearly and shared it with MDH when he retired. He had fun working two days a week and I got a break. We sold it when we wanted to travel in the rv.

Babi · « **Reply #1615 on:** March 04, 2011, 08:43:57 AM »

I am now more pleased with my small contribution in the library. I
check in the bulk of the books, those left in the outside book deposit.
I have always made it a point to put the largest and heaviest books on
the top shelf of the book cart, to make it easier for the librarians to
handle them. A small thing, but one I have learned to appreciate myself.

pedln · « **Reply #1616 on:** March 04, 2011, 10:25:47 AM »

Oh those bottom grocery shelves, usually where they put the cheaper items, and the ones I want -- almost impossible to read the prices.

It's not just books on the lowest shelves that are a problem. Where are places to sit when you're out shopping. I complained at Barnes and Noble the other day because it's a long walk for my knees, from one end of the store to another, and the only chairs were in the front, in the cafe. No place to sit and browse. The manager told me that headquarters had sent them a MAP telling them how to arrange the store. And it didn't include chairs.

ursamajor · « **Reply #1617 on:** March 04, 2011, 11:51:31 AM »

They want you to BUY the books, not browse. A chair would make you too comfortable.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #1618 on:** March 04, 2011, 12:01:12 PM »

Then they wonder why we shop Amazon from the comfort of out chairs with a fresh cup of coffee at our elbow.

salan · « **Reply #1619 on:** March 04, 2011, 07:04:23 PM »

Ever since I started having back problems (2 yrs. ago), my browsing and shopping has been limited. Most stores do not have convenient places to sit and rest. I find myself catering to businesses that provide seating. Our local drug store has some folding chairs and I drag one over to the greeting cards and sit and read. Our library has an on line program that works well for me. I go on line and check to see if they have the book and then reserve it. They then put it at the front desk for me to pick up. Of course, this is only if I know what I want; but thanks to all of you, I have a BIG list! When my back is really bothering me, I use the riding cart in stores that provide them. However, you can't reach anything up high or down low. Sigh.....
Sally

roshanarose · « **Reply #1620 on:** March 04, 2011, 10:09:27 PM »

Reading your posts about seats in Shopping Centres reminds me of an incident that proved to me, not for the first time, that there are some good people in the world. I had not been out of hospital long and my ankle was still healing after being shattered in an accident. I had been in hospital for five weeks and at home not able to go out for 3 months. To say I was "stir crazy" would be an understatement. I was looking forward to going to the shops So I walked the length of the centre without my stick. When I got to the end of the centre, I sat down on the seat supplied. A woman approached me and asked if she could help. I was in a great deal of pain and evidently she could tell. She told me that my face was completely white. I told her my problem and she went away to fetch the security man who came back with a wheelchair. I thanked her and asked how she knew I needed help. She said "Not enough people see other's pain" and walked away. The security man asked if he could help me with my shopping and took me all around the shops in the wheelchair. It was like having a chauffeur. I thanked him too.

I don't know if many of you have been in wheelchairs, but it is amazing how differently people treat you. Mostly with courtesy, but sometimes very rudely. What complex creatures we are! I agree - we need more seats in public places.

That's what I liked about Borders. You could sit down, have a coffee and read the magazines if you wanted to. I am one of those people who won't read a magazine unless I have bought it. Many people woukld spend hours in Borders reading mags and books. Perhaps that's why they went broke?

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #1621 on:** March 05, 2011, 02:53:36 AM »

Gosh Roshanarose, that is amazing. I really can't see that happening in our shopping centre. Gives you some faith in human nature, doesn't it?

I think they are gradually taking away the seats everywhere - I'm sure there used to be a lot more in our shopping centre and also on the streets. In most shops there are none, presumably because they take up valuable floor space and we are not buying anything when we are sitting. They don't seem to realise that many of us won't come in at all if we can't get a rest.

I remember - about 17 years ago! - sitting on a display platform in a deserted Boots to feed my son. There was nowhere else, it was a dismal bank holiday, and husband had gone off sailing or something. Anyway, no-one seemed to notice, but it would have been nicer if they had had a chair.

Our Waterstones used to have chairs, but I have noticed that they have gradually disappeared - they have presumably been told to get us buying not browsing. I sit on the ledge in front of the books. One good thing, however - John Lewis have put signs on some of the sofas in their furniture dept (which is where the restaurant is, so there are always people hanging about waiting for friends, etc) saying "feel free to sit here" - amazing!

Rosemary

Babi · « **Reply #1622 on:** March 05, 2011, 09:13:42 AM »

Apparently the River Barge Explorer had to shut down operations
for a couple of years, but it back in operation now. So far as
I can tell, tho', it originates in New orleans, not Galveston.
It's a Mississippi River cruise.
Thanks for sharing that story, ROSHANA. It does give me a lift
to hear of people taking notice and being caring.

ursamajor · « **Reply #1623 on:** March 05, 2011, 09:54:24 AM »

In some places chairs have been removed because homeless people have come in and occupied them. I remember staying in hotels, particularly in New York, where there was no place to sit in the lobby; I was astonished. I understand this is also a problem for libraries in cities; they are public areas and dirty and smelly people just have to be endured unless they actually threaten people. This is surely a problem for us Seniors; I have some difficulty walking from one end of a mega-supermarket to the other. Beautiful new store in Knoxville, but why do I want groceries from both ends of the store? $:-\$

marjifay · « **Reply #1624 on:** March 05, 2011, 11:28:03 AM »

I really sympathize with those who need to rest occasionally as they shop, walk, etc. I had my appointment for my annual mammogram yesterday. My son drove me to where we thought it was, and then drove back to park in their lot. Turned out my appoinment was at a different building. When finished, I came out and tried to find a place to wait for my son, hoping he would be able to see me. Not a bench in sight -- finally sat on a curb and he did eventually find me. I'm going to write them and suggest they put a few benches for people like me with back problems to sit.

And, yes, why is that the food you most need in a grocery, like milk, dairy products, and meat are always at the very rear of a huge store. Thankfully my son now does my grocery shopping for me.

Marj

mabel1015j · « **Reply #1625 on:** March 05, 2011, 12:09:34 PM »

What happened to " listening to our customers"? I have mentioned somewhere before that in our town we had a " small" Acme store in the center of town which was a great place to run into after work and be in and out in ten or fifteen minutes. It was also nice that i frequently met someone i knew and had a quick chat. A large Acme was at the opposite end of town and about 8 yrs ago Acme announced they were building another huuuge Acme at the other end of town in a new shopping center that wld also have a Wegman's and they were closing the "little Acme." i HATE the big and huge stores so i wait until my pantry is bare before i go shopping for groceries, abt every 6 weeks or so. Last week Acme CLOSED the "new" Acme, their invevtory was enormous, how can that be cost effective? My back and feet hurt every time i am finished walking forever and they kept switching things from one place to another.

I wrote them a note saying maybe they should reopen the "little" Acme (tic) . Of course i
know they won't, but it made me feel good to do it. But if your're thinking abt your customers, smaller stores would be easier for everybody. Borders might think abt having an online catalogue of their millions of books, but then have a pick-up, like the library does. People might buy something else when they come to pick up their book, don't you always get other books when you go to the library? According to someone i heard this morning B' owes tens of millions of dollars to publishers....

And even our library has seats everywhere. Of course, when having a feedback discussion abt 5 yrs ago, i suggested to the librarian it wld be wonderful if the chairs sat higher then a foot off the floor and didn't sink even further when you sit in them, bcs it's very uncomfortable seating AND they are hard to get out of! AND there population is getting older and older. ................. The chairs are still there (sigh).

Jean

Gumtree · « **Reply #1626 on:** March 05, 2011, 12:37:29 PM »

Mabel: A few years ago when I was more active in public affairs I broached the subject of chair heights with our librarian. At the time almost all chairs in the library were extremely low except for those at desks which were extremely straight and hard. It took a while for the machinery to crank up but we now have range of chairs to suit all ages - low, medium and high - the chairs at the desks now have armrests and are padded so are much more comfortable, there are a couple of low sofas and even bean bags for the younger patrons. In fact I recently noticed a student sitting/lying? on a beanbag down in my favourite area which overlooks the council gardens - she had bare feet, her shoes were tucked in beside her - she looked very comfy, kept wiggling her toes and was working steadily on her laptop. I sat nearby in an armchair from which I could easily rise despite my knees and hips. Needless to say the librarian responsible for the changes has gone on to bigger things. He, DH and I became quite good friends over the years and still see him occasionally - I still refer to him as my 'tame librarian'

maryz · « **Reply #1627 on:** March 05, 2011, 01:49:06 PM »

Babi, RiverBarge Explorer was always based in New Orleans. Here's a link to their last web site. http://www.riverbarge.com/ The boat went up the Ohio well past Cincinnati; up the Mississippi to St. Louis; up the Cumberland to Nashville; up the Tennessee to Huntsville, AL; from New Orleans on the Intra Coastal Waterway to Galveston and South Padre Island, TX. We'd make reservations in a heartbeat if they were back in business.

Steph · « **Reply #1628 on:** March 05, 2011, 04:41:21 PM »

MaryZ.. me too.. I want to try the barge. It was on our list, but even with him gone, I would still love to try the trip.
I used to talk to a manager of a Barnes and Nobel a lot when I owned the bookstore.. I even bought books from them. The problem with all of the chairs, etc .. You make it too comfortable and boom.. people drag out the really expensive art books, etc plop into a chair with a drink and boom.. instant nonsaleable books..A lot of them. Very expensive indeed for them.

Babi · « **Reply #1629 on:** March 06, 2011, 08:16:45 AM »

Yeah, JEAN, that 'switching things around' is really frustrating.
I think every new manager feels he has to do something to show
he's up-to-date in marketing. Or research by corporate geniuses
has 'proved' that a different arrangement works better. At least,
the big stores do have those motorized shopping carts that allow
you to drive around if you're especially tired.
It is, unfortunately, a bad time to suggest changing the seats
at a library. With the budget cuts, they're doing well to buy some
new books.
I think your ideas are great. Who knows, somebody in the companies
you contacted might actually pay attention.

Now see there, MARYZ, how ignorant I am of my own 'backyard'. I
was unaware ot an Intra Coastal Waterway linking New Orleans and
Galveston. I thought if you wanted to sail from one to the other,
you went out into the Gulf. As far as I could tell from the links
I found, they are back in business. I found links about them going
out of business, then about plans to re-open, and then one that
invited reservations. I'll see if I can find that one again.

Babi · « **Reply #1630 on:** March 06, 2011, 08:27:09 AM »

Okay, I found the site again, but since it is not dated, I can't tell if it
is new or pre-dates their closing. You can check it out and see if it is current. http://smallshipcruises.com/travelform.php

maryz · « **Reply #1631 on:** March 06, 2011, 11:37:58 AM »

Babi, that looks like a generic small-ship trip finder. You tell them where you want to go, and they find you a ship that goes there. I did look at their company listings. River Barge Excursions is listed, but as "out of service in 2009-10". Thanks, though.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #1632 on:** March 06, 2011, 01:27:32 PM »

The Phildelphia Flower Show starts today and it looks like it's going tp be a stunner! The theme is Paris and they've build a replica of the first third of the Eiffel Tower at the entrance which includes the light show every hour. I think it is one of the best in the country, so if you are a traveler or a flower enthusiast, put on your bucket list....... Jean

Steph · « **Reply #1633 on:** March 07, 2011, 06:09:49 AM »

When we lived in New England, the Boston Flower show was a must go to.. It made the world seem possible..
Reading a Giles Blunt. I do like him. In this one, his wife who had mental problems is discovered dead and judged a suicide. He is now investigating.

Aberlaine · « **Reply #1634 on:** March 07, 2011, 03:30:35 PM »

Just finished reading Empire of the Summer Moon with a group here. Outstanding history of the plains Indians and, in particular, the Comanche.

Being from the northeast, we didn't study the plains Indians in school. Many of our lakes, rivers and towns are named after eastern Indians: Cayuga, Seneca, Onandaga, Susquehanna, Delaware. I never realized how many different Indian tribes there were in the U.S. before we arrived. We literally conquered an inhabited country and called it our own. Such chutzpah!!

mabel1015j · « **Reply #1635 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:35:10 PM »

I peeked in on your discussion of Empire......i saw some of the discussion about why the woman who had been kidnapped as a child may have reluctant to be rescued. We have so little education about Indians' lifestyles. But i've been reading about the women's roles in Native American communities. In the northeastern nations- Iroquois, Delaware, Powhatan, etc. women were quaranteed social and political rts. In fact, most were matriarchial-women heads of family, and even tribes; matrilineal - the line of descend were thru the mothers; and/or matrilocal- the groom came to live w/ the brides family. No women was forced to marry w/ out her consent, altho families may have made recommendations or arranged the marriage. Divorce was not a shame and in matrilocal tribes, if the husband wasn't behaving, the wife could put his belongings outside the house and they were divorced, unless there was a negotiation between the family and the husband to solve the problem.

Clan mothers sometimes choose chiefs, or the chief was the son of the most important woman of the clan or tribe. They were in dicussions and decisions abt going to war. Bcs they controlled the foodstuffs, they cld control when the men cld go hunting or to war. They were sachems, medical experts and religious leaders. Cockacoeske was "chief" or Queen of the Pamunkey tribe in Virginia for 30 yrs in the last half of the 17th century and signed the treaty w/ the British to end Bacon's Rebellion. Her niece Betty - probably not her Indian name -

succeeded her for a decade, and she was succeeded by another woman.

Of course, their lives were very difficult, but they were held in much higher esteem then the European women were held in their societies. So, maybe after growing up w/ the Commanche she was not only comfortable there, but when she was back in white society, may have felt less respected and less free.

Jean

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #1636 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:40:49 PM »

Plus she carried the stigma of being impregnated by an Indian - life worse than death - and then in those years - shoot she could do better having a black baby and that was hell on wheels - the stigma to women was big time so she probably had few or no friends and would be pointed at and the object of gossip if she left her rooms for any reason.

Steph · « **Reply #1637 on:** March 08, 2011, 06:35:43 AM »

Just went to a lecture from a Black Seminole,, descendent of escaped slaves and the Indians in Florida. Interesting.. A whole subtribe of people.. Never really had realized that many escaped slaves from
Georgia, etc made a beeline for Spanish Florida.. Hmm.
I have Mohawk way way back in my line.. Upstate New York , quite a few of the original Dutchmen took Indian wives.. As long as they became Christian, there did not seem to be a stigma.. But I do have a distant ancestor , who befriended a woman who was abducted as a child by the Indians. She lived until an adult with them, married and had children, but when her husband died, she asked for and returned to the village where she was abducted. Mary Jamison,, she lived in upstate New York and had quite a lot of land given her by the local Indian tribes. Her children were grown when she left the tribe and they remained. My ancestor helped her to settle back iinto white society. Not sure it went well.

MaryPage · « **Reply #1638 on:** March 08, 2011, 11:40:12 AM »

Steph, I have Mohawk as well, and all! My mother's great great grandmother was a Mohawk squaw and she married a French Canadian named Collier. Her name was changed to Phoebe, so she is on our family rolls as Phoebe Collier. They lived in the Au Sable Forks region of waaaaaay upstate New York and are buried in the cemetery in Jay, New York, which is just down the road a bit from Au Sable Forks. This valley is quite close to Montreal.

I remember studying the Seminoles when I went to school in Florida. Fascinating tribe. And yes, the white Europeans conquered a nation with millions of Native Americans already living in villages from sea to shining sea. Our fore fathers told themselves these were uncivilized vermin and the army followed orders and massacred them. Sad. True. We lack the moral ground upon which to point fingers at others.

JoanP · « **Reply #1639 on:** March 08, 2011, 04:24:27 PM »

The Final ballot for Spring Discussions is now open until March 13. The original 14 titles are down to 7! You'll find the Ballot Box in the heading of the Suggestion Box

Remember to choose THREE titles.

News:

Author Topic: Fiction ~ Old ~ New ~ Best Sellers #2 (Read 776196 times)