Member: C-WHY

Thanks so much for the compliments! I wrote this blog post the year I read 500 books: http://botheyes.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/reading-500-books-a-day-in-the-life/

My habits have changed quite a bit, and last year I only read 150 books. I would say the main reason I can get through so many books is that I listen to audiobooks while I work out or do housework. Many narrators are very slow, and I find I can play a nonfiction book at 2x speed! I read maybe 50 pages an hour and as much as 200 pages a day.

Since you asked, I'll go through and rate the books I've read this year. :-)

posted by Dyrfinna at 7:00 pm (EST) on Apr 24, 2013

I also was so disappointed in Lori Lansens' The Wife's Tale...made me wonder how the same author could have written the very absorbing novel, The Girls. When I read some of the glowing reviews, I was wondering if we'd all read the same book. Is Jennifer Haigh in your library? She's been a remarkably consistent author - my favorite is Faith. Hope you're reading something noteworthy. I'm about 50 pages into The Orchardist and enjoying it.
Take care,
Pat

posted by pdebolt at 10:32 pm (EST) on Sep 18, 2012

I read your review on "The Female Eunuch" and I was wondering how it changed your life?

posted by Rozax at 1:01 am (EST) on Nov 24, 2010

Noticed you liked The Glass Castle, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in reviewing my new novel and posting your comments here as well as a few other book-related sites. Thought you might like my book since it's also about a dysfunctional family and a bit dark. I could e-mail you the novel in an e-book format if you'd like (I'm out of physical copies at the moment). Let me know if you're interested. Here's a link to a summary (and a sample chapter) in case you'd like to learn a little more about the book before you commit:

http://christophertusa.com/

Thanks,

Chris

posted by cmtusa at 2:20 pm (EST) on Sep 2, 2009

Hi Carole,
I saw your question on how to divide reading time and figured I'd share how I've evolved. I given up the newspapers and magazines. (I don't listen to radio or watch TV news either) Used to try and stay up to date, but began to notice that instead of providing me with useful information all it seemed to do was heighten anxiety levels (Why is it news that yet another ferry in Indonesia sank killing 500 people? The chances of me being in Indonesia are fairly slim to non-existent and if I'm ever there I can decide whether to go on one or not) I thought I had to keep informed to plan my life and/or be a "good citizen". I've just come to the conclusion that what I'm provided with by the "media" does not aid either of those two ends. So I dropped them. Results, I have much more time to read books, I still seem to understand what is going on around me and my anxiety levels have dropped. I know that the above may sound like the ramblings of a "tin-foil hat wearing nut" but I have come to the conclusion that consciously or not, the media does not provide information to any utilitarian end, but rather to attract viewers and that what attracts viewers seems to be predominately disaster and things of which to be fearful. Don't need that. As to the fiction/non-fiction divide for me it seems to be a 75% fiction 25% non-fiction split. Regards, Michael

posted by Northlaw at 1:26 pm (EST) on Jul 26, 2009

just cruising by to say hello! how have you been?

kath

posted by mckait at 5:49 pm (EST) on Jul 16, 2009

Carole

I'm flattered. You inspired me to update my profile. I have a central interest in Canadian military history, so I would guess that overlaps in reading habits would be unlikely. I note you live in Almonte. We lived in Orleans for five years. Loved Ottawa.
I will mention you to my wife, who is a librarian also. Have a nice day, eh.
Bob

posted by RobertP at 11:21 pm (EST) on Jul 4, 2009

Thanks for adding me to your interesting library list. I read your profile and laughed...it could be me...I'm supposed to be retired, and just have way too much to do with too little time.

One suggestion for mags/newspapers---move to a small town...they only publish a newspaper twice a week!, let the magazines expire as they run out, and then only renew after a year. Besides, you can read them at the library. But I'm just counting on spending my time in heaven reading.

posted by tututhefirst at 12:00 am (EST) on Jun 14, 2009

Hi carole, have been away for a week but I got your note and will forward your email address to M.

posted by jbealy at 7:13 pm (EST) on May 27, 2009

Hi Carole,
Enjoyed reading your reviews. What are your favourite brain research books? Have you ever taken a brain gym course?
harrietgate (also in Ontario)

posted by harrietgate at 5:43 pm (EST) on May 27, 2009

Thanks for adding my library to your list of interesting ones. Hope you find some good suggestions there.

~Deborah

posted by Cariola at 3:01 pm (EST) on May 26, 2009

So, after looking at your British fiction, I went wandering all over the net
looking for this and that. I ended up at BetterWorldBooks... (a marvel! )and
lucked out by finding a PD James 3-in-1 for 3.48 used.

I picked up a couple more, resulting in a total of 6 books for 13$ 16 cents for shipping.

I blame you, of course :)

I do love British mysteries..

kath

posted by mckait at 8:03 am (EST) on May 23, 2009

anyone got any good tips as to how to balance reading time among: (1) newspapers (2) magazines (3) books --(a) fiction (b) non-fiction ?

-No, but if you ever figure it out, can you let me know?

posted by ForrestFamily at 6:15 am (EST) on May 20, 2009

Hi there: thanks for the good tips which I'll certainly bear in mind.

Yes, I'm often curious too when there are only two or three other people with 'my' books. I used to be an avid reader of Katharine Whitehorn's column in The Observer. She has a column in the Saga magazine now.

posted by hazelk at 3:52 am (EST) on May 15, 2009

Hi
No, I don't know Maureen. An old roomate of mine had one of her books and I liked it so much I convinced her to let me keep it.

posted by student_of_lore at 9:56 am (EST) on May 14, 2009

Yes, I do know Maureen. She's my neighbour in fact. Do you know her?

posted by jbealy at 3:57 pm (EST) on May 13, 2009

Hi, I just joined this site. I'm a relationship expert and I'm getting ready to a column on love advice & relationships. Anyway, just thought I would connect.

posted by CassandraRichmond123 at 2:11 am (EST) on Mar 14, 2009

Carole,
For too long I've been just 'in and out' of my librarything account...mostly to catalog a few items. I thank you for adding my library as one of interest. As I look over yours, I get the same feeling I do in some discard book racks -a joy to see shelves that resemble my contents...and a delight in some titles new to me.

I am technical staff in an academic library and have never grown immune to the smells of different binding glue, the textures of paper and covers, and the allure of new titles arriving. As to finding balance...I haven't a clue.

I read two to four newspapers a day...read may be a loose word. I fully read what is actually news. Articles having to do with issues that interest me and that won't lose their edge, I often clip or tear out (I'm sure that if I leave these particular papers in the restaurant or staff lounge, people might curse me for finding a page or article missing - even if it was my money that paid for it!). It may be a month or three before I find/make the leisure to read it.

This past week I tossed a pile of book catalogs - had to be realistic in what paper material I hang on to. I already certainly have enough reading to keep me busy for my eternity...but that's not the point of books or obtaining them!

Actually, one thing I'm trying: I moved my tv from my library/living room to the walk-in closet where my LPs and record player were. I came to terms with the fact that I've been watching, or at least having the tv on far more than I want. I moved IT to the walkin closet...available, but not comfortable. I'm re-discovering my LPs, and though I want to sell many, am finding that like my books, it may prove difficult to part with many. I hope to read more with music and 'great speeches' in the background!

posted by walkonmyearth at 3:44 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2009

Hi Carole: Saw the message about you wanting to add me to your list of interesting libraries. Don't know how you found me in particular, but always delighted to find a new LT friend. And one who actually lives nearby. Looked at your reviews, and I have to love someone who puts Middlemarch at the top of her list! I didn't know about the Canadian Bookworms group and will look into that, so thanks for the lead. Cheers...John

posted by John at 7:44 am (EST) on Feb 1, 2009

Yes, I know what you mean. At one time, I had twice as many! When I quit my job and went to grad school, I had to sell most of my first and limited editions to make ends meet. I am kicking myself about that now!

I wrote an elegy/reflection on my book blog:

http://rabbitreader.blogspot.com/

-Jim

posted by rmckeown at 9:27 am (EST) on Jan 30, 2009

Caroleyeaman:

Thanks so much for your kind comments. Yes, unfortunately, Waco is a bit of a "whacko" place, but there are a few of us rational people down here.

My wife and I were seriously considering moving to Canada if McCain/Palin won! I have visited Canada several times, and loved it! Mostly in Toronto up to Georgian Bay, but once I did drive up and over the lake and down into Minnesota.

As far as balancing is concerned, that is a tough one. One rule: I never go anywhere with a book. Waiting comes up at the most unexpected times! Maybe the Bible was mistranslated: "They always read who stand and wait." Magazines are also a passion of mine, and I read my news magazines while watching the news. Others I squeeze in between books, and sometimes I read those on airplanes, especially a short trip from Waco to Dallas, and then I can toss them in recycling somewhere along the way. Sometimes, if I have finished a particulalry grueling book, I will spend a day or two clearing out all my backed up magazine reading.

What magazines do you read? I get The New Yorker, Atlantic, Newsweek, American Humanist, Times (London) Literary Supplement, The Nation, and The New York Review of Books.

posted by rmckeown at 9:24 am (EST) on Jan 30, 2009

Hello Carole,

Sorry for my tardy note of thanks for the compliment about my library....
My lovely volumes and I thank you!

I wish I had advice for you on balancing the heaps of material to be read- and then
add LT to the mix! Since joining, my reading time has been greatly reduced and
the stacks of those TBRs have grown to staggering heights!

I have a great love for all things Canadian especially authors and musicians. One of my
very favourite writers is Jane Urquhart. In my youth, I spent many a lovely summer in
Nova Scotia. Now I'm anxious to visit Vancouver!

Thank you again, and I look forward to perusing your library as well!

Kind regards,
Cate

posted by bleuroses at 10:57 pm (EST) on Nov 6, 2008

Hi Carole,
I noticed you have enneagram books in your library.
Maybe you could consider to take a look at this new group?
http://www.librarything.com/groups/enneagrampersonality
It might be interesting for you, and you would be more than welcome.
Regards,
Richard

posted by Richard. at 12:03 pm (EST) on Oct 26, 2008

Thank you for including me in your interesting libraries . I am able to read a lot more since I retired from teaching!

posted by torontoc at 8:01 pm (EST) on Oct 25, 2008

Hello Carole,
Thankyou for adding me to your list. I've just added another little pile to my library and sit here wondering when on earth I am going to get them all read but my eagerness and curiosity will no doubt spur me on. I read magazines and newspapers and Australia's Quarterley Essay as well as the books but am learning to become more selective these days. Our shared books range about, don't they.

posted by Picola43 at 4:33 pm (EST) on Oct 16, 2008

Hi Carole --

Thank you for adding me to your Interesting Libraries list! How did you find mine? The books we share seem to cover quite a gamut of topics!

posted by MtnSk8tr at 11:10 pm (EST) on Oct 15, 2008

Hi Carol -

Thank you for adding me to your interesting libraries, and welcome to LibraryThing! I think you will really love it here - I know I do.

I am currently unemployed (by choice) and so have plenty of time to catch up on the reading I was unable to do for the past few years. Although, truly, you will find folks here who read way more than I do. And way less, of course. Everyone finds their niche here. (Kind of like going away to college for the first time.) I also write every day - you can find a link to my blog on my profile page, if you are interested.

The "eternal dilemma" for me has become more how to balance my reading time with my online (and specifically, on LT) time. I read two newspapers every morning with my breakfast, but haven't read a magazine since I couldn't tell you when - probably the last time I was in a doctor's office waiting room. I have always been a voracious reader, and am pleased to say that I passed that passion on to both of my (now grown) children.

I worked in a public library, myself, for eleven years, and for most of that time, I really loved it there. So I know that librarians are nothing like most people think they are. (A professional secret, eh?)

Again, welcome to LibraryThing. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Anne

posted by amancine at 9:47 am (EST) on Dec 1, 2007