Random books from Esta1923's library

In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden

The Origin of the Brunists: A Novel by Robert Coover

Earthly possessions by Anne Tyler

Sisters by Elizabeth Fishel

The Borrowers Afloat by Mary Norton

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

The Green Hills of Earth by Robert A. Heinlein

Members with Esta1923's books

Member connections

Friends: michaelbartley, mrgrooism, sonyagreen, TheresaWilliams

LibraryThing authors: John Caris (JCaris)

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Esta1923's reviews

Reviews of Esta1923's books, not including Esta1923's

Member: Esta1923

Library606 books — see library

Reviews60 reviews — see reviews

Cloudstag cloud, author cloud

Tagsessays (3), Biography (2), perils of reporting in war zone (Early Reviewer ) (1) — see all tags

GroupsMade into a Movie, Readers Over Sixty, SF Bay Area Librarythingers, South American Fiction-Argentine Writers, The Green Dragon

About me I cannot remember a time when I didn't read. . . and since I am 85 now, that means a lot of books. I've not cataloged all I have but tonite I'm thinking I'd like to single out those I've read many times (how many others re-read?) and to tell (brag) about the authors I've been fortunate to speak to (more than the casual murmer at book signings). I'll do this soon. Meanwhile anyone else who wants to follow suit, GO AHEAD! (I'll try to catch up to you.) Esta1923

About my library Books all over the apartment, and some in storage closet in carport. Many oldold and dear, some I got from publishers when I was "The Book Hustler" on KOSU-fm, Stillwater, OK, many years ago. (Got that job after being interviewed by Susan Stamberg on NPR.) Because I have been a bad lender I fell into being one-who-tells-about and still do that, tho I've lent a few recently (and gotten them back!).

Homepagehttp://www.westgatehouse.com/esta.html

Also onFlickr

Membership LibraryThing Early Reviewers

Real nameEsta Wolfram

LocationWalnut Creek, CA

Emailesta.wolfgmail.com

Favorite authorsNone specified

Account typepublic, lifetime

Connection NewsConnection News

URLs http://www.librarything.com/profile/Esta1923 (profile)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/Esta1923 (library)

Member sinceJun 27, 2006

Comments from other LibraryThing-ers

(Leave a comment.)

oh! and ps

I see! the edit thing is great! Thank you!

posted by mckait at 3:35 pm (EST) on Jul 26, 2008

Hi Esta, re My Illegal Self, I think Carey deliberately left it open ended. We just don't know if he was allowed to stay or not. What we do know is that there was a whole life lived beyond the pages of the book, and that our narrator is very much an older self talking about a particular episode. I think though that there's a hint that he wasn't -- he runs back for the hug, and that's what he gets to keep -- the memory; the life-change; the love. I fully expect some kind sequel, but it wouldn't suprise me on the other hand, if Carey decided to leave his readers hungry. Maggie

posted by maggieball at 7:37 pm (EST) on Jul 20, 2008

Hi Esta -- Have we California Green Dragons set a meeting date? I checked the thread, but the last post was in march (I think), so I'm not sure anything was actually organized. I'd be happy to drive you if it's a day I can go -- I live in Richmond and could easily pick you up somewhere on the BART line.

Liz

posted by aviddiva at 7:57 pm (EST) on Jul 19, 2008

Hi Esta,

About my review of Earth Abides, I'm a librarian. That's a review I wrote to entice patrons into reading the book -- or let them know if they will like it. Did you think the annotation was accurate? Got anything I should have put in that I didn't? I tend to really like apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic science fiction. Do you like that same type of novels, or just Earth Abides?

Karen

posted by ktoonen at 4:01 pm (EST) on Jul 17, 2008

Hi Esta,

Well, of course you haven't read "The Damnation of Theron Ware", it was "book of the year" in 1896, and you're far too young to remember the fuss :D

Seriously, I think the title - which was never the author's intended title - puts people off. It suggests the work is contemporaneous with the settling of the American colonies, that the book is riddled with the anachronistic dialect of Cotton Mather, and that a bit of heavy lifting is involved. Perhaps retitling it "Dude! Reverend T Is Hitting on the Catholic Hottie?" would work better in today's marketplace?

I enjoyed your Flickr postings, as did my 14 year old granddaughter. My enjoyment was informed by Miro and Dali, hers by the myspace artwork of Mexican experimental bands like error.error and lalala4a. But it's all the same...the many roadsigns on the paths up the mountain to God.

I'm glad the review was of some use. Let me know if you like the book.

Peace,
Ganeshaka

posted by Ganeshaka at 12:51 pm (EST) on Jul 17, 2008

You're quite welcome Esta! Thanks for the poem. I've met one literary figure myself so far in my lifetime, Kurt Vonnegut, back in the early 90s, and when I have more time I'll share it with you. It's a humorous encounter, which you'd expect from a man like Vonnegut.

Ciao,

"Lola"

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 12:25 pm (EST) on Jul 16, 2008

Hi Esta,

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I noticed your review of "Lucky Jim" and absolutely love the fact that you wrote to Kingsley Amis and he personally responded to you. I hope you still have his note -- it might be worth something (though if it were me I could never sell a gem like that). What a treasure! Please hurry and begin "bragging" & boasting some more on all the other authors you've had the good fortune of meeting over the years -- now's not the time to clam up, Esta. Your fans are impatiently waiting. Your literary experiences in radio would undoubtedly make fascinating reads for librarything's audience...what better place to share your recollections than here? Look forward to reading more from you.

Warm regards,

"Lola"

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 7:35 pm (EST) on Jul 12, 2008

Hi Esta

So nice to hear from you! It was AMAZING meeting Helene. That picture was taken back in 1995, and I have cherished the memories of meeting Helene very much, esp. after her death.

The Night Climbers was an interesting read. As you might have noticed, I have such eclectic tastes in literature!!! I am happy reading anything! WEll almost anything.

Good to hear from you - must sign off - cooking dinner. Hope to chat with you soon.

ken

posted by Kenkwa at 6:56 pm (EST) on Jul 7, 2008

Thanks for the encouragement. It's not that I hate "A Canticle for Leibowitz", it's just that it came highly recommended here on LT and I guess I expected more from it. I don't really get what all the fuss is about, but this might be one of those books that come together at the end, so I think I will finish it. I'll let you know how it turns out.

posted by Vonini at 3:11 am (EST) on Jul 7, 2008

It is always fun to meet someone new on LT with whom one has something in common. I note that the ten titles that we have in common happen to be ones that are particularly interesting! They each happen to hit an particular interest of mine.

Jill(mwo)

posted by jillmwo at 7:01 pm (EST) on Jun 29, 2008

Glad you approve! I didn't want to make anyone mad at me, but I weary of people complaining about things that are available as a privilege. Especially when said things are free. Thanks for the note! I'm happy to make your acquaintance! :)

posted by lefty33 at 7:45 am (EST) on Jun 29, 2008

We probably don't share books only because I have more books that I haven't entered than entered. A year ago I bought one of those scaners to make it easier to scan books into my library. Still haven't touched it, heee heeeee!

posted by mrgrooism at 8:32 pm (EST) on Jun 28, 2008

I just received messages from the people who run library thing stating that inappropriate comments were made to you using my login. I, the real person behind mclark, did NOT make the comments. I don't even know at this point what was said. My students in the school I teach in sometimes use my login in order to add books to my list. Obviously that will have to stop because they changed everything on my account and were inappropriate using my name. I'm trying to find out what really happened here, but I am so very sorry if you were hurt in the process.

Michelle Clark

posted by mclark at 3:39 pm (EST) on Jun 28, 2008

I was hoping it was clear that the story is self-contained. We are left to wonder if Esta indeed gets to draw the Dragon. I say yes, she does!

posted by mrgrooism at 5:10 pm (EST) on Jun 27, 2008

Hope you like the story!

posted by mrgrooism at 4:04 pm (EST) on Jun 27, 2008

I just love his writing! When I finished, I closed the book and sat there for about ten minutes. I am going to get to another soon.

-Jim

posted by rmckeown at 5:32 pm (EST) on Jun 24, 2008

Esta:

I started Fly Away Peter this afternoon, and just finished it. WOW! I understand your being haunted by it! The insanity and wastefulness of war!

This was my first by Malouf, and I have five more to read. I can't wait.

-Jim

PS: My review is up.

posted by rmckeown at 7:45 pm (EST) on Jun 22, 2008

Ha, I have a couple hundred on my list already, it's a matter of picking one!, And now you have added a couple more ;P

I was just surprised when it seemed to come out of the blue is all. Thanks for the suggestions.

posted by readafew at 5:04 pm (EST) on Jun 20, 2008

Just curious as to what prompted you to post those suggestions on my profile? I started looking at some of those authors and I might have to try a couple.

posted by readafew at 2:39 pm (EST) on Jun 20, 2008

Sorry! I have just discovered Malouf via a friend in Australia, so I havne't read it yet. I think I have six titles, but I bought them all last week at a super bookstore I visited in Knoxville, TN

Stay tuned, I am going to read one shortly.

-Jim

posted by rmckeown at 5:23 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2008

That's a fair question, considering your previous experience!

I work for LibraryThing, and on my first day, Tim and Abby talked about how much they liked you. That was at the end of February. Since then, your name has popped up several times, and I noticed that a gentleman I spoke to at the Philadelphia Book Festival (who then set up a LT account) had a greeting from you. I'm impressed with your inclusiveness and community spirit - something I hope to be like.

So, I'd like to keep up on what you're reading.

Cheers,
Sonya

posted by sonyagreen at 2:18 pm (EST) on May 21, 2008

Someone has offered to be a "friend" and I accepted the offer. Just what happens technically when I have a friend? Besides having her on my friends list, of course.

posted by davidt8 at 11:12 am (EST) on May 21, 2008

That sounds like a beautiful edition of ALICE, I'm going to google it and see if I can find any pictures...

posted by Tane at 3:45 am (EST) on May 17, 2008

You're more than welcome, I think it's great that technology gives us the freedom to express ourselves artistically in pretty much any way we want... AND that there's an audience out there to see it.

Keep up the good work :-)

posted by Tane at 3:30 am (EST) on May 10, 2008

Indeed, it does seem to have a bit of a lull. It used to be a lot more active then that. Oh well.

posted by dodger at 6:29 pm (EST) on Apr 16, 2008

Thank you for your response. There is a publicity e-mail address on the back cover of my copy; I'll use that if I can get around to it. Was your bound copy full of typos?

I could be quite happy with a list of DVD's. They seem to be pretty hard to shop for, my collection of 71 notwithstanding (I'd be happy to send you an excerpt from my Access file if you want it). We have a group at church; one other fellow brings versions I have not seen listed. I shop mostly at BN.COM but drop into the Met's shop from time to time, excruciating as that might be.

Robert

posted by rdurick at 5:30 pm (EST) on Apr 11, 2008

Thank you for the note. I hope it didn't sound like bragging in my original posting about it. I was really ignorant on the whole ER etiquette. I don't think you are bragging. I think it is cool, and that you must have written one heck of a review!

Ferris

posted by hemlokgang at 5:06 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2008

Hi Esta,

Thanks for your comment about Death of a River Guide. To answer your question, I absolutely loved the book. Flanagan writes beautifully, and I liked the intertwining stories of past and present. Flanagan's protagonist comes to understand a sense of his own history and how that has affected his present. On the downside, this was a pretty dark book.

Thanks for visiting my blog Literary License (www.litlicense.blogspot.com) to look for the review. Because I read so many books, I do not have time to review them all on the blog, so that is why this book is not on the blog.

Gwen
posted by gwendolyndawson at 12:30 pm (EST) on Mar 26, 2008

what do you mean?
posted by lovexmexorxhatexme at 8:50 am (EST) on Mar 21, 2008

(Sorry: I have now re-read your message properly.)
It's interesting how little you can tell about "Kleinzeit" from LibraryThing, which offers a range of curious tags (including both "american fiction" and "british fiction"!). I'm certainly curious, and will look out for a copy. But I think my next will have to be "The Lion of ...", which we have, but I've never opened.

I found "Fremder" hard going, elusive, and actually rather unsettling.
posted by MyopicBookworm at 3:07 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2008

I'm glad to have discovered Hoban. He is one of the most versatile novelists I have encountered. (I guess you mean "The Mouse and his Child": you actually wrote "Elephant" - perhaps thinking of Kipling - which is an interesting substitution that reminds me of some great jokes...

Q: How do you know if you've got elephants in the house?
A: GREAT BIG holes in the skirting boards.)
posted by MyopicBookworm at 6:35 am (EST) on Mar 14, 2008

Hi,

Ti-Coyo is described as "an immoral fable" by the author. It's irreverent really, but not that much considering it's French.

I bought my first copy from a schoolmate whose family were emigrating to Canada. This happened over 40 years ago when I was 15 or 16 years old. It was a thick paperback (Corgi Giant to be exact) which included the sequel "Son of Ti-Coyo", another delightful story.

The years rolled by and the book went missing. Until I sourced a copy over the Internet in a second hand book in New York. I don't rember the name of the store but I now have a hardbound copy of Ti-Coyo.

I happened to mention the story to my younger brother, who comes up with "I've got it!". And sure enough within a few days I'm back in possession of my original battered copy.

Keep in touch.

Charles
posted by cgatt at 1:32 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2008

Hi,
Thanks for stopping by. I think it takes about two weeks for the hormone levels to register on a home test kit. The way the author jumps topics made me wonder how much time elapsed, I'm not sure it's the next day or just another day.I was wondering if there might have been a question about who the father might be, since Olivia spent November sleeping with both men, and the baby was born in August. I wish the author had filled in more of the blanks, maybe it's because she writes so many short stories. I've ordered some of her older books since I heard they fill in the earlier years of some of the characters.
Enjoy your books,
Mel
posted by readaholic12 at 9:16 am (EST) on Mar 4, 2008

Just paste the entire link address into a comment for me!
:o)
posted by clamairy at 7:34 pm (EST) on Feb 24, 2008

Hi Esta and thanks for your suggestion. I haven't read Dancing At The Rascal Fair--guess I'll have to remedy that soon. I've heard Ivan Doig read a couple of times (the last time when he was on a book tour for [The Whistling Season], but I haven't spoken to him. It's fun to hear from someone else who enjoys his books!

Janet
posted by streamsong at 10:12 am (EST) on Feb 7, 2008

Thanks for the thought. Today, with internet book-finding, everything is possible. I will read some Hrabal and pass idiosyncratic judgment on your taste!
:)
posted by bookstopshere at 12:57 pm (EST) on Jan 28, 2008

Hello Esta,

Thank you for the message. I just logged-in to LT today,and read your message.
Yes, i'm using a Macbook for a year and just last month I've "upgraded-it" to a Macbook Pro which came with a Leopard OS CD (but i haven't install it on my Pro, due to the fact that there are still some applications which doesn't support Leopard yet).. so, i'm still using Tiger OS for now and it's still great though..
I have a book about Leopard coz i would like to know and learn all about it :), sometimes i feel i know nothing about..everything, and feel "the urge" to find out and study them myself !

I always love reading since my childhood, i guess it's becoz i saw my parents (especially my mom) always had a book in her hands (in English or Dutch). And since i'm an Indonesian, i don't know any single word of english at the time. And my mom didn't always have the time to explained to me about her english books that i've interested in.
So, i made a "vow" that I had to learn and be able to understand or speak english. And...voila ! now i can understand (most) of english words (i can understand english more than i can speak though..).

I love reading so much, it's just sad that english books/magazines in Indonesia is still expensive for some, as i know that there are so many good books/magazines out there (whether they're stories, knowledges, literatures, biography etc).
I also "teach" my 3 kids to love reading as i do..(i took them to bookshops everytime i went out with them, at least twice a month.. and we could spent hours there reading and choosing which books we're going to buy). My youngest son (8 yrs) loves reading almost as much as i am, but sadly the other two not as much.

Well, hopefully they will eventually :)

Have a nice weekend

Marie
posted by preciosamio at 9:50 pm (EST) on Jan 25, 2008

HELLO eSTA, tHANKYOU FOR THE lHASSI RECIPE. iS THAT MALAYAN? oops caps lock was on!1
I plan to try it soon. I also make a lovely mango salad with fresf diced mango ,half a small sweet onion diced very finely, all mixed together and dressed with sour cream or plain yoghurt if you want to be 'good'. Season with salt and pepper and a sprinkle of chopped chives. The Nam Doc Mais are picking now ,common name banana mango. They arte my favourite. Bye for now, CHris H
posted by cayman at 1:20 am (EST) on Jan 21, 2008

Hi Esta

How very right you are regarding Anne Tyler's early works. Dinner at the Homesick Resturant is a gem...
posted by Whisper1 at 8:03 pm (EST) on Jan 20, 2008

Ever so many thanks! -- Hugh
posted by hfglen at 4:23 am (EST) on Jan 20, 2008

Glad to know we're "neighbors!" I would have to reread [The Mudlark] to review it, since I barely remember it -- it's been on the shelf a long time! If it's as charming as you say, I'll have to add it to the TBR pile.
posted by aviddiva at 2:58 pm (EST) on Jan 9, 2008

LOL! *blushes*

Gotta love spell-checkers! Technically speaking, it is a word and I did spell it right. Hee he. Thanks for noticing ... that's a rather embarrassing typo. ;-)
posted by dodger at 6:43 pm (EST) on Jan 5, 2008

You can use this sequence. Find the file address for the flickr pic (i.e. http:// etc.) and where you want to post it enclose the following in s -> img src="http://etc"
posted by WillSteed at 10:46 pm (EST) on Jan 4, 2008

I would be honored to see a list of your YA literature books. I am currently reading The book Thief and can't put it down!
posted by ourbookobsession at 6:00 pm (EST) on Dec 31, 2007

Thanks for dropping by my accounts on both Flickr & LibraryThing. Sorry your email bounced. The address posted is the correct one.
I write a blog over at http://randomwonderer.blogspot.com/ . I wonder about mostly books, technology, life's purpose & how to cope with an empty nest.
posted by Tasses at 4:13 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2007

Thanks for the birthday greeting and photography compliment. I'll be sure to check out your pics.
posted by monohex at 12:37 am (EST) on Dec 27, 2007

Esta, thank you for your note and your question. When I asked you to join my friends list, it was because I respected your library and your comments both to me and on your profile. I certainly would not use anyone's information on any other web site. I actually never even thought of that until you brought it up. My main intested is in exchanging comments about common interest in reading. Of course when we read, we sometimes find something that touches our own life and it can be important to share that too. For example Rules for Old Men to Live By, it is both a excellent book, but it caused me to think of my aging. When we read, we read from our own history. At any rate I hope this answers your question.
Michael
posted by michaelbartley at 7:57 pm (EST) on Dec 25, 2007

Esta, thank you for the correction, yes they are the books I mean. I loved both of them, the Poncey book is the better one but Old Filth was good, I could see that being done as a Masterpiece Theater. Anyway thanks for your comments and your e mail. Happy Holidays
Michael
posted by michaelbartley at 5:43 pm (EST) on Dec 24, 2007

Thank you for your kind reply to me, it was much appreciated!
posted by petersfamily at 11:13 am (EST) on Dec 15, 2007

Hi, I read most of your reviews, I've not read any of those books, but several sound very interesting. Good work on the reviews. :)
posted by MrsLee at 3:10 pm (EST) on Dec 13, 2007

Thanks for the encouragement.
posted by karogers at 11:54 am (EST) on Dec 12, 2007

No problem, might have been a temporary glitch, I liked the limerick by the way.
posted by readafew at 4:59 pm (EST) on Dec 10, 2007

Thank you. I've found Anthony Adverse and others of his at Abebooks. Too many books; too little time.

Robert
posted by rdurick at 6:41 pm (EST) on Nov 17, 2007

"I cannot remember a time when I didn't read..."

That's a beautiful, wonderful line right there. I thank my parents often for instilling in me a love for books and reading, not just as a ways and means, but as an essential part of a fullfilling life.
posted by TeacherDad at 3:27 am (EST) on Nov 8, 2007

Well, we don't have a formal process, but the publisher will be checking the page on LibraryThing for each book, to see when the reviews have been posted.
posted by ablachly at 3:18 pm (EST) on Nov 5, 2007

Oh, that's fantastic news! Thanks for letting me know, I'll go try and find it myself!

Abby
posted by ablachly at 12:04 pm (EST) on Nov 2, 2007

Thanks for your comment regarding Timothy Findlay's books. I'll watch for them and be sure to add them to my bookshelf. My reading habits are very eclectic - I tend to go in intense spurts in varied directions where I will grab every book I can find in the used bookstore or on the local bookseller's shelves and read until I nearly go blind. Then I'll find something in one book that sends me off in another direction so I focus on that for a while. I guess it's sort of an ADHD type of reading! Recently I've been reading a lot about Australia and the penal colonies and the early settlements there. Who knows where my reading will take me next. I have a voracious appetite and only since I started keeping track have I understood how much I read. In the past year, I have accumulated 11 bankers boxes full of books that I've read. They are sitting downstairs waiting for me to enter them into LT which I've been sadly neglecting.
In any case, thanks for the recommendation, I'll be looking for the Findlay books. I appreciate your suggestions.
posted by warbrideslass at 11:35 pm (EST) on Oct 22, 2007

Yes, I kept "The 79 Squares." It made a HUGE impression on me, and continues to influence my thinking to this day. It definitely holds up well to the passage of time. I had my husband read it a few years ago, and he loved it as well. I wonder if anyone else around here has it? Maybe I'll go search.
posted by fidoknits at 9:32 am (EST) on Oct 5, 2007

Esta, thank you for the recommendations. I will add them to my shopping pile and let you know how I get on.... Alison
posted by finebalance at 11:27 am (EST) on Oct 2, 2007

I know songs??!!! I ~LIVE~ songs. Hand me that giutar!!!!
I've worked out maybe a thousand of them, and at lest half of them seem to be pretty close to right.
Glad I could abate your sleeplessness.
WHL
posted by WholeHouseLibrary at 12:10 pm (EST) on Oct 1, 2007

Dear Esta

Many thanks for your comment. My apologies for the belated response. Life has been a little busy and I haven't been getting to the LT site as often as I would like. I have shamefully to admit that Russell Hoban is a complete gap in my reading. I have never been introduced to his work, hence his absence from my library. Where would you recommend I start?

Oh dear, I can see that to be read pile growing ever higher!
posted by finebalance at 3:29 am (EST) on Oct 1, 2007

Esta: I guess I have missed Shute's No Highway. Most Shute books I've read are related to aviation, which was my career. Thanks for your post.
posted by oroboros at 3:12 pm (EST) on Sep 18, 2007

Dear Esta, I was first attracted to your posts because you, like me, use your date of birth with your user name. At least I am assuming it is you year of birth.

Thank you for the kind comment. I have enjoyed looking at your library and reading various things you have had to say. I just enjoy Librarything.com a great deal and you are part of the reason.
posted by maggie1944 at 2:36 pm (EST) on Sep 16, 2007

Esta,
Thank you for the birthday wish. This year was decidedly pleasant compared to past ones.
posted by brlb21 at 6:33 pm (EST) on Sep 14, 2007

Esta, thanks so much for the Malouf recommendation. I have placed it on my TBR list.

Sean
posted by SeanLong at 8:11 am (EST) on Sep 10, 2007

Esta,
Yes, I am a Hugh Laurie fan. However, I have never seen that show. I've recently heard about it from the threads around here, and I'm seriously thinking about ordering the series from Amazon. I did just get his book (apparently he's multi-talented). I hope to start it soon. Until then, I'll just have to settle for House reruns.
posted by drsol at 7:49 pm (EST) on Sep 5, 2007

Hi Esta, I'm flattered by the comment. Goodbye to a River is one of my most prized intellectual possessions. The book is very special to me. I haven't heard of John Janovy. LT and wikipedia don't have much to say. I did find a website by him (http://bsweb.unl.edu/labs/janovy/books.h...). I'm interested. My library has Vermilion Sea, so I requested it. Hope I can fit it in my reading list somewhere. Cheers,d.
posted by dchaikin at 5:55 pm (EST) on Sep 2, 2007

Generally prefer non-fiction for that sort of thing, and it was over 20 years ago, and made to read it, which is never good.
posted by bluetyson at 1:38 pm (EST) on Aug 26, 2007

Esta,

I do have or had "Back in Keith County". Thanks for the suggestion and sorry for the belated reply. I don't really visit the Library Thing much.
posted by ksbioteacher at 9:05 am (EST) on Aug 23, 2007

Hi Esta,

Thank you for the movie recommendation of "Funny Bones". I've placed it on my Netflix queue. Looking forward to watching it! :)
posted by tygerlilli at 10:05 am (EST) on Aug 22, 2007

Dear Esta,

I find it always amazing the paths that lead us from one place to another. You once posted a poem for me,
and now I find you again after finding Theresa Williams today. Art is Life.

I'm now officially a Californian - living in the central valley. A little too far from San Francisco but
still much closer than NYC.

Looking forward to seeing you in Theresa's group - and within your own library.

Cate
posted by bleuroses at 1:07 am (EST) on Aug 8, 2007

Esta, do you have some way of posting the picture of the statue that made you weep? I wish I could see it. I'm excited about your book recommendation, "The Two Deaths..." and have ordered a copy for myself. I can't wait to read it.
posted by TheresaWilliams at 5:31 pm (EST) on Aug 6, 2007

I do wish you luck, Esta. I love shorter texts, novellas I guess they're called now. I think it's a shame publishers don't print many of them. There are a few, but not that many. I invited you because you seemed like a really interesting person with a lot to say. Thank you for coming and I hope to see more of you here.
posted by TheresaWilliams at 3:25 pm (EST) on Aug 6, 2007

Hi Esta -- I wish I could help you with The Mudlark, but I'll confess, it has been years since I read it and I don't remember it well. In fact, I was confusing it with another (juvenile) historical novel about a young boy, Master Skylark, which is also in my library. Your review makes sense, as far as I can tell. I had no Idea it was based on fact, or that there was a movie made. I enjoyed looking at your library -- we share more than just The Mudlark! (and more than my library would indicate -- I only enter things from time to time, and have many more books "to be shelved," so to speak.) I also noticed that you live in Walnut Creek -- I'm in Point Richmond, not too far away.

Sorry I couldn't be more help, but nice to get a virtual conversation going!
posted by aviddiva at 12:59 am (EST) on Jul 26, 2007

Hi, Esta. I'm curious as to what drew you to Gordon Baxter's Village Creek. Gordon was a local "personality" where I grew up and was a completely fascinating man because of his many talents. I see that we are the only ones who have this particular book in our libraries and that we rated it equally highly. I suppose I'm just surprised that the book sold outside its particular region.
posted by SamHouston at 7:24 pm (EST) on Jul 21, 2007

Thanks for the recommendation of "Rules for Old Men Waiting" -It looks wonderful and I've put it on my ever growing Amazon wish list.
posted by writestuff at 10:17 pm (EST) on May 31, 2007

Thanks for the comments - I loved Ahab's Wife, too (although I only read it once, I am not a re-reader). It was for my book group and I loved the discussion we had about it. There are 2-3 men in my group and they really thought it was chick-ish. They also thought, and I agreed, that some of the situations were contrived or far-fetched - but I thought, so what, it's still a great story, isn't it?

I, too, was prompted to read Moby Dick because of Ahab's Wife, but I chose to tackle it first. I am not sure what you thought of it, but I really didn't like it at all and can't believe that I spent the time reading the 1,000 + pages (compulsive finisher). I don't think I am smart enough for it - I couldn't see the time wasted on writing 3 pages about rope, for example, but I am sure Melville had a purpose. One of the men in my group read it, too, even though I told him not to bother - he didn't like it either...

Oh well - another day, another book. At least I can say I did it (not much consolation).

Nice to "meet" you - keep in touch!

-Concetta
posted by Concetta at 8:07 am (EST) on May 19, 2007

I would hate it if anyone messed with how I have my books ordered. Of course, right now it's not that easy to find them - putting books in order by color is fun and pretty but not particularly useful ;)

But thank you :):)
posted by bluesalamanders at 4:58 pm (EST) on Apr 21, 2007

Thank you Miss Esta1923, for your poem! And I love your Mac artwork!

I just joined the SF Librarythingers group as we're moving back to the Bay
area this summer! In the early 90's, I worked at Aardvark books on Church & Market!

Let's keep in touch - perhaps we can organize a SF LT group outing sometime!

Cate
posted by bleuroses at 6:55 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2007

Thank you for welcoming me!:D I've re-read and re-read so many books, its not even funny... I think i've read Pride and Prejudice seven times, The First Princess of Wales three, the Warrior Heir five or six... its kind of crazy. Most people, even bookworms, think im crazy! Do you have that same addiction?
posted by chloelou3 at 2:00 am (EST) on Mar 28, 2007

Re: Sky Burial, I don't know really if it's true or not. I did think it was a very evocative book, with lots of "true details", but whether the story happened exactly as portrayed, who can be sure? Even if it's a writer's device, I still thought it was really well done. An enjoyable read, for sure!
posted by Atomicmutant at 10:13 am (EST) on Mar 22, 2007

Hi Esta. Thanks for your kind response to my opening comment. I found it by accident--I guess I have to check into my own profile to see some msgs. I haven't got the hang of this yet. At first blush the mechanics here seem far less sophisticated than I was used to in the mid nineties, but more probably, I am the one who is far less sophisticated than I was then. Oh well, I'll keep plugging.

Thanks for my only human interaction so far--g
posted by gosomo at 2:07 am (EST) on Mar 20, 2007

You've been very quiet lately. Is everything okay, Esta? Or am I not leaving The Green Dragon often enough.

Clare
posted by clamairy at 4:35 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2007

Hi Esta
I did not know there was a movie of The Sound of One Hand Clapping. Shall look it up on Amazon. Have you read Richard Flanagan's other books?
Amanda
posted by amandameale at 7:20 pm (EST) on Mar 6, 2007

Thanks for the comment on my library and reviews! I do try to have fun with this, I just love this site. Keep posting at the Green Dragon, that certainly is a fun place, not what you'd expect at a bookish site, but definitely a bonus! I'm gonna go look at your library now!
posted by Atomicmutant at 10:45 am (EST) on Feb 12, 2007

Thanks for your message. It's good to have you on the Radio 3 Group. I hope that you will contribute from time to time. Happy listening!
posted by antimuzak at 2:47 am (EST) on Feb 1, 2007

Ere what, which, why, when, wherefore? Thx for looking up from the pages and making contact. :-}
posted by uffishread at 11:14 am (EST) on Jan 4, 2007

Welcome! I saw that you posted. Sadly, for some reason, the body of your post did not show up! When you get the chance, you can edit it or just repost. Sometimes LibraryThing is a little wonky.

Happy New Year to you too!

Clare
posted by clamairy at 11:02 pm (EST) on Dec 26, 2006

I really do agree with you about Anne Tyler's work. I really love her earliest work and most of her other books up to the last half dozen or so which don't do much for me. I've read them but I haven't really enjoyed one of them in a few years in comparison to how I enjoyed the earlier ones. You know, sometimes I wonder if the author changes that much or if it's me as a reader who has changed. I've had the same reaction to a few other authors and that's what makes me wonder.

Thanks for your note.
posted by SamHouston at 6:23 pm (EST) on Dec 24, 2006

Hi Esta,

I just checked my Flickr account today (after neglecting it for too long), and noticed your comment, so thought I'd let you know I'd replied. I took the photo because Whitelaw is my mother's maiden name, and I loved the memorial (I'm sure there's a name for those statue things, but no idea what it could be!). I live quite near the Necropolis too, and it's a fantastic place for photography - even amateurs like me.

Best wishes,
deargreenplace :)
posted by deargreenplace at 9:02 am (EST) on Dec 20, 2006

:-)
posted by sunny at 12:03 pm (EST) on Dec 6, 2006

Hoban fans have a small but friendly if fanatical online presence.
http://www.ocelotfactory.com/hoban/index... is agood place to start
posted by SimonW11 at 5:11 pm (EST) on Nov 29, 2006

I love your Books for Children and Intelligent Adults category! I'm a bit heavy on the number of children's books I've catalogued. I don't know that they mean more to me than those that I have read more recently, but my memories of them are so lovely that I can't resist lingering. [The Borrowers] and [[Marjory Sharpe]]'s Miss Bianca were characters that I never tired of!
posted by liberlibri at 1:40 am (EST) on Nov 15, 2006

Ah yes, now I see my spelling error in my post--though I protest that it is actually the company’s spelling error and not mine! Flickr, what is that? That is not a word! You’ve heard of a hopeless romantic, well, I am a hopeless pedantic--though that is a adjective and not a noun, but hopeless pedant does not really work in my play on words...but you see, there goes my pedantry again! I must now move on...

I have a basic Flick[e]r account, though I have only uploaded one photo, months ago, and it is marked private, so no one can see it...as I type this, I realize that I am uncertain why I even have an account there. I have considered many times breaking down and paying for a full account, but I have yet to do so.

Not being one to blatantly ignore a "shameless plea for attention," I shall indeed take a look at your pictures sometime, though you may want to update your LibraryThing profile and include your Flickr account in the "Also in" portion of your profile, that way, all of the fine people you meet here on LibraryThing can easily locate you on Flickr too.

Take care,
Ryan
posted by dodger at 8:03 am (EST) on Oct 15, 2006

...Answering your note about "Junk Food" by Rubin, Rollert, et al.

It's a very odd, funny, and little-known humor book about cheap and BAD FOOD IN AMERICA. I haven't read the whole thing, but big chunks I recall as wierd and funny. This book marks the official debut of "hampster-on-a-stick."

Thanks for writing. It's fun to connect with somebody over something strange like this.
posted by erickneil at 10:40 pm (EST) on Oct 6, 2006

Hi Esta,

Cool site - the ben frank quote . . .

They that can give up essential liberty for a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, 1759

Is a real peach - food for thought in quite a few "civilized" countries at the moment.
posted by psiloiordinary at 4:24 am (EST) on Oct 6, 2006

Thank you for joining!
Yes, I think this website is absolutely wonderful. I have already met a lot of very interesting people. Isn't it great to have a place where everybody else is a bookworm? Where people understand why you cannot get rid of books and, actually, increase your collection whenever you can?
I never thought something like this would ever exist but, lo and behold! it does!!!!!!

Paola :-))
posted by aluvalibri at 1:46 pm (EST) on Sep 18, 2006

Hi esta,

The Shimoda book sounds interesting. Not having read it I cannot comment but knowing the Stone Bridge Press as quality publishers of anything on Japan I would think it must be good. Thanks for the tip. I'll get a copy and get back to you on my thoughts.

signature103
posted by signature103 at 3:45 pm (EST) on Sep 2, 2006

Hello Esta,

Thanks for the comment! I stumbled upon Chitra Divakaruni sort of by accident. I was browsing in a used bookstore, not really looking for anything when I saw Sister of my Heart. I think I read the whole thing in one day, I was so engrossed in it. Since then I've read a handful of others by her and still a few more on my shelf to be read. I'd love to see her in person! I'll have to be on the lookout! Happy reading!

Annie
posted by blissfulwitch at 6:24 pm (EST) on Aug 28, 2006

Hi Esta, thanks for your note! Coincidentally, The Living House would be one of the few books that I'd really condone someone stealing from a library. It's such a wonderfully interesting book, but it sort of defies classification so a traditional library system probably wouldn't tend to lead a reader to it, except by chance.

I promise that I didn't steal mine either, though - I met it by chance because I love the illustrator's work so much that I've been buying his most obscure works through eBay and Abe Books. I've read a few curious books as a result, and Living House is certainly the most unusual one.
Regards, Kath.
posted by kaffles at 11:32 pm (EST) on Aug 13, 2006

Esta - Thanks for leaving your note about Moon Tiger, which I agree is a much neglected novel. How long does it take before schools consider something "classic" enough to add to their reading lists? I like your specific reference to the quote about the child fixing his argument on the existence of the "WORD dragon", especially as reading it on its own, it conjures up an image of a beast known as a "Word Dragon", like some vast compendium of the OED and Roget all in one. Now THAT is a beast I'd like to meet.
posted by Eleran at 7:19 pm (EST) on Aug 11, 2006

Thanks Esta, interesting. Was lucky to hear Brautigan give a reading and Q&A here shortly before he moved on to another level.
posted by Kinch at 8:29 pm (EST) on Aug 8, 2006

Hello, Esta -- thanks for the comment on my Hoban books! I've been a Hobanite for years, first through the children's books (I could tell you of a five year old boy and girl in the 70s who listened to a tape recording of Bread and Jam for Frances over and over, and over) and then finally into the others. For years I was drawn to and also put off by Riddley Walker: once I finaly "got into it" I did a lot of recursive reading, to be sure I was getting was was going on. It became one of my all time favorites. Kleinzeit was my next delight, then the Mouse. For some reason, "The Trokeville Way" really captivated me, too. I was at a librarian's conference, reading it in my hotel room, when the Columbine massacre occurred, and the book will always be intertwined with those memories for me. I haven't yet reread it to figure out its appeal, but it's on my list (and my shelf).
As for the website and the Kraken internet group: I was one of the first members! I was part of the group that sent Mr. H. birthday cards and bottles of Scotch for the first couple of years after the group was formed. Work has kept me from being one of the more active memebrs, and distance and budget have of course kept me from the Sympoasyum, but I try to keep in touch with the group. Hoban certainly is gracious. I once received an email thank you for a birthday greeting.
Now I've got to get to work on entering some miscellaneous and some children's books, before I go back to the school year! Best wishes to you -- Jane
posted by janehyde at 4:12 pm (EST) on Aug 6, 2006

So far I have only read volume 1 - volume 2 waits the right mood. I agree it's a great book but I find it less satisfying than I had hoped - maybe Vol 2 will redeem it.
posted by papalaz at 11:44 am (EST) on Aug 2, 2006

Greetings -- I don't remember what set of circumstances resulted in me reading Possession, since I've never known anyone else who read it, and I've never read any other Byatt books. Maybe it was on sale. But I was absolutely blown away by what she was able to do with the English language, particularly in constructing relatively complicated and realistic-feeling poet characters.
posted by kukkurovaca at 10:31 pm (EST) on Aug 1, 2006

You're welcome. I should have added that once you submit you can also edit if you don't like what you said or how you said it, but you probably figured that out.
posted by Linkmeister at 8:46 pm (EST) on Aug 1, 2006

Hi,
I noticed your question "How do I post reviews" over in the "What are you reading now" group.

Easily. Select the desired book in your catalog, click the "Edit" button, and you'll get the book information screen. The (I think) second box on the screen is titled "Review." Type in your review, and hit the "Submit" button at either the top or bottom of that screen.

Hope that helps.
posted by Linkmeister at 5:39 pm (EST) on Aug 1, 2006

Hello Esta1923, and thanks for your comment. The book Fly Away Peter is one I have not read (comes from my partner, though that's not an excuse!) and for some reason I have not been drawn to read David Malouf's books. Is this a good one to start with, do you think?

According to AustLit website, the novel was first titled 'The Bread of Time to Come' from a Wallace Stevens poem, an author Malouf identifies as influencing him the most. When I come across anything that comes close to answering your question I'll get back to you about it.

I notice you have Death of a River Guide- have you read it? If so, what are your thoughts?

Cheers
posted by thewordygecko at 4:18 am (EST) on Jul 16, 2006

Thanks for my first comment :)

I agree with you! I think Julian Barnes' work is wonderful. Though I haven't quite read it all, I mean to. I highly recommend A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters.
posted by PicNique at 7:52 pm (EST) on Jul 11, 2006

Thanks for my first comment :)

I agree with you! I think his Julian Barnes' work is wonderful, though I haven't quite read it all. I highly recommend A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters.
posted by PicNique at 7:51 pm (EST) on Jul 11, 2006

I'll definitely look for a copy of The Sound of One Hand Clapping. I was impressed with Flanagan. And I found a website that had all of the watercolors Gould did. It was fun to see some of the fish that didn't make it into the book! :)

Thanks for the recommendation.
posted by jennyo at 6:02 pm (EST) on Jul 10, 2006

Glad to have been able to help. :-)
posted by Malleus at 1:19 pm (EST) on Jul 9, 2006

Hi there. To delete duplicate listings, go into your catalogue and look on the far right side. You should see a red X. Just click on the red X of the listing you want to remove. Hopefully that helps. :-)
posted by Malleus at 3:00 pm (EST) on Jul 6, 2006

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