Member: Ganeshaka

Eeee eeeee

URNut eeee

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 7:12 pm (EST) on Dec 20, 2012

Hey Gregory,
I meant to reply to your comment ages ago--this semester seems to be just flying by me! I do need to read more work by Murdoch, and I'll make sure that one goes on my list--there's just too much to read and too little time lately! I'll keep that Wheeling bookstore on my radar, though; I'm afraid I've actually tried to avoid discovering used book stores I'd love around here because I've got so many in my hometown (Richmond, VA) that I like to save the little funds I can spare for browsing used books for that area.

Reviews-wise, I think I have the same philosophy as you--I like to give informal notes/comments moreso than formal reviews, primarily so I'll remember my own reactions years down the road when I might have forgotten otherwise. I have to really love or hate a book to take much more time with a review! But, I do save them in the reviews field, not so much because I care about thumbs as because I like the idea of them being out there for like-minded library-thingers to find, and at easy access for myself!

In any case, I hope you're finding time to fit some reading into this holiday season--I'm doing my best, which isn't very good...
Good reading--
Jennifer

posted by whitewavedarling at 12:05 pm (EST) on Dec 12, 2012

Hey G.,

I'm glad the book won you over; I'd forgotten that particular passage with the ginormo roaches. There's just so much in that book, and it can be enjoyed and read on so many different levels, that for me its become almost like a religious text. I got in to PKD earlier this year. Started, but didn't finish, that new one, pushing 1000 pages, his estate finally put out, The Exegesis of PKD. Eerily strange, but worth the time, I think. If and when you do figure out how to review Infinite Jest, I'll be waiting for it ...

~ Brent

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 11:57 am (EST) on Dec 1, 2012

Hi there! Thanks for the friend invitation. We share 131 books. That's a pretty good stack. Your library looks pretty eclectic, too. Life's too long to read the same thing over and over, eh? All the best from northern California.

posted by rocketjk at 3:43 pm (EST) on Oct 25, 2012

Apparently, my italicization of one word got carried away...

posted by gravitysbook at 5:03 pm (EST) on Sep 13, 2012

Honorable Ganeshaka,

Pleased to hear from you. Hope Pynchon is on your someday to be read list, but no reason to be sorry you haven’t read him yet, with that interesting library of yours. How do we decide what to read next? Some reference in a current reading, the release of a new edition, a long-term interest, the discovery of a new (to oneself) author--you’ve just got to read everything by him now…. I like your description of your interests as coming in “concentrated bursts (of serendipitous origin).” That too.

How’s the Gibbon coming? One chapter a day is an admirable goal. I hope to reread the whole thing (big rereader here), there’s no voice quite like him, though he recalls the best of the disapproving Roman historians. Rather fond of chapters 15 and 16. Haven’t done Procopius yet, or the Graves, but remember being thrilled at the time with the wit and detail of Vidal’s Julian.

Your questions: Rowling on my favorites list may get me banned from the literary snobs group, but there’s achievement in narrative and character there, if not in syntax. And a certain sentimental attachment on my part—it was a fun ride to share with a young member of my family. Listing her in my pantheon is perhaps not so different than listing Lovecraft (whom you also list, alongside the magisterial Dickinson), although she has not, as yet, inspired a generation of authors or engendered a whole substrata of literature (other than fanfiction, ick). Bit defensive on this subject, I am.

You asked about McLuhan, you who lists Understanding Media as a revelation. I’m old enough to remember his heyday and the furor around his gnomic pronouncements, and read him, young. And have reread. While I don’t think all of his nomenclature has fared well (‘hot’ vs. ‘cool’ media), his insights remain cogent, and continue to spark ideas, at least for me--I often wonder how he might have explained some of our newer extensions of man. Fond of both Media and The Gutenberg Galaxy, and his literary criticism is arresting.

This is long and should perhaps have been sent via email (and sooner too). But yes, I found your library interesting, and your profile inviting and funny and sympathetic to some of my own concerns. Thanks for the howdy.

posted by gravitysbook at 5:02 pm (EST) on Sep 13, 2012

So, what happened? Did you get out alive?

posted by copyedit52 at 6:48 am (EST) on Sep 4, 2012

Thanks, Greg. I came out of it okay. I can walk on that leg again, without pain, but need to build up whatever muscle growth was lost when I couldn't. The incision in my back hurts; it's hard to get into a comfortable position or sleep well, but then, that's because I decided to do without the prescribed painkiller. Still, I am better off now, and will be even better off in the coming weeks.

posted by copyedit52 at 2:21 pm (EST) on Aug 24, 2012

"The Tree of Man" is a good place to start. Sorry for the delay but I have been working.

posted by kandinsky at 3:21 am (EST) on Aug 4, 2012

I've been traveling outside of the 'net for a few days and just read your note regarding Lee and The Birthgrave. Thanks! Aside from a couple of short stories, that was the first Lee that I had read, and it was just last week prior to writing my review. I've got The Storm Lord up high in my TBR pile right now.

posted by paradoxosalpha at 8:29 am (EST) on May 29, 2012

Thanks, Greg. I'm filing all that Kingston info away, and I think we'll have to plan a trip up there before too long. I believe the Bibliobarn in South Kortright (a few miles from Hobart) is open all the time. It's worth a stop too. http://www.hobartbookvillage.com/BiblioBarn.html

posted by laytonwoman3rd at 10:56 am (EST) on Apr 14, 2012

Excellent point. I'm kind of new to Melville, but his genius is absolutely overwhelming, as an artist, as a prophet. Moby Dick is of the same proportions as Lear, as Macbeth, as Richard III, as Faust. There's just so much there, man!
Is Melville the Shakespeare, the Goethe, of American literature?
Thanks for your appreciation.
:)

posted by tomcatMurr at 10:56 am (EST) on Mar 24, 2012

Thank you for the info. about the good doc! I think if you have an interest in something you can become an expert! I know a cardiologist wife who also has had much success with the lifestyle changes.

And CONGRATULATIONS on your weight and healthy changes! I will go to that blog.

Thanks, again.

K.

posted by LivelyLady at 8:49 pm (EST) on Feb 28, 2012

You were in Parkersburg, and didn't look me up? Or is that an older picture on your profile?

posted by 2wonderY at 9:27 am (EST) on Dec 2, 2011

brilliant review of Theroux. I"m seriously tempted.

posted by tomcatMurr at 11:10 pm (EST) on Sep 29, 2011

Hey Ganeshaka,

Nope, haven't read Raintree County yet. (I still haven't even gotten to D'Arconville's Cat yet.) Glad you enjoyed it. Looks promising. Hard to believe I found it at a thrift store. I also found another epic avante-garde piece, the two-volume, Miss MacIntosh, My Darling, by Marguerite Young. 1100 pages of dense, experimental prose. Reads like Alexander Theroux minus the archaic vocabulary and volcanic bitterness. (I haven't read the entire thing, but snippets here and there.)

posted by kswolff at 9:51 am (EST) on Jul 29, 2011

Greg: I made an entry on the nature thread about the deanglicization of the book I--we--were working on, and forgot to tell you about it. It was followed by several other postings, by me and others:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/118556#2785427

posted by copyedit52 at 8:52 pm (EST) on Jul 12, 2011

Dark Dance is excellent! Right now I'm working through Venus Preserved.

posted by freckles1987 at 3:04 pm (EST) on Apr 19, 2011

Many thanks for your comments re HP. If you are contemplating reading it, I highly recomment you also read Joscelyn Godwin's The Pagan Dream of the Renaissance, which will add depth to your understanding of all the digressions about architecture, triumphs, gardens, and what have you. Also, you'll need a good mythology reference -- Wikipedia was worth its weight in gold in that respect.

I'm reading 2666 as part of a group read in Le Salon Litteraire du Peuple pour le Peuple, of which I see you are a member. Group reads are always fun and informative. Am also reading Melville's The Confidence-Man under the same aegis.

Thanks for stopping by!

posted by Poquette at 4:08 pm (EST) on Apr 17, 2011

Thought you might enjoy this.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/mar/11/hg-wells-david-lodge

posted by Porius at 3:33 pm (EST) on Mar 23, 2011

One "indulges in a bit of the old Googly-Wikipee" with great hilarity.

posted by paradoxosalpha at 9:11 am (EST) on Mar 23, 2011

Greg: Here's where I'll be, on and off, to discuss and dissect Digging Deeper, beginning March 15th:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/111978

posted by copyedit52 at 12:41 pm (EST) on Mar 13, 2011

Thanks for writing your excellent review on the book by Dr. Esselstyn. I think I'm going to stop by the bookstore on the way home, and pick it up!

posted by beelzebubba at 12:59 pm (EST) on Mar 2, 2011

Indeed, one can forgive Stephen Fry his various literary failings when considering his various stage and screen performances!! :)

posted by notmyrealname at 7:52 am (EST) on Feb 17, 2011

Hello, old friend! Logged on and noticed you'd added a few items, and thought I'd swing by and tip my hat. Hope it's not too late to wish you a happy 2011.

Regards,
Maki

posted by Makifat at 9:44 pm (EST) on Feb 5, 2011

Thanks for that. I'm literally tickled to hear it. I'm telling a particular story, of course, but I also want to capture a point in time that people can recall, or if not that historical point in time, identify with as something they went through too when they were in their twenties or early thirties. Though few seem to be buying the book at the moment, the reactions of those who have read or are reading it have been gratifying in that regard.

posted by copyedit52 at 9:36 am (EST) on Jan 30, 2011

Hot here have just uncovered a library of Doris Lessing, Erich Marie Remarque, J.M. Coetzee and Patrick White. Which one to read first - one of each maybe. Love all the old texts.

posted by kandinsky at 11:54 pm (EST) on Jan 25, 2011

Will Rogers, ha. Had to look that one up. I see. Yeah, I've started doing quick reviews without the personal stuff and synopsis. Don't have the time in college when I have other stuff to read and do. I'll be looking forward to hopefully reading a couple of railings from you when you do the challenge!

posted by g0ldenboy at 11:35 am (EST) on Jan 13, 2011

you're one of my favorite reviewers, but you give too many high-rated reviews!

posted by g0ldenboy at 1:47 am (EST) on Jan 12, 2011

Hey! How's your weather today on the northern end of the O-HI-O?
I see you just added "Stuff" Are you reading it? My daughter reccomended it to me - don't have a clue why - and I'm having problems finishing it and getting it off my piles!

Stay warm. Ruth

posted by 2wonderY at 4:48 pm (EST) on Jan 11, 2011

Oh yes. Used to love walking the streets then, after a big snowfall; as did lots of other people. It was like after the revolution: "The streets are ours!" But a day later it was of course business as usual in the big city.

posted by copyedit52 at 12:35 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2010

Have a great Holidays Greg. I look forward to reading your 2011 reviews. Your last was sui generis.
p

posted by Porius at 3:32 pm (EST) on Dec 22, 2010

Hot off the press:

http://www.amazon.com/Digging-Deeper-Seventies-Peter-Weissman/dp/190655711X/ref=...

posted by copyedit52 at 4:37 pm (EST) on Dec 11, 2010

not a friend of peters, but i added him to my favorites cause as of yet i havent updated and wanted to remind myself to check out one of his books.
afraid your a brit right? definitely wont be neighbors then. i assumed so because of bbc radio and not npr. npr is top notch though not as widely known as bbc is in britain, i believe. but maybe i just think that since i grew up in a conservative household.
haha never looked into the name that much.

posted by iatethecloudsforyou at 8:33 am (EST) on Nov 30, 2010

Very interesting. I'd never heard of these Antirenters. I have, however, visited the ridiculously picturesque village of Rensselaerville, which is not easy to get to. There's very little there but old houses, a church next to a bridge, a stream, and a waterfall, but it's worth seeing the next time you travel about. So is the J.F. Cooper state museum in Cooperstown, which sits opposite a reconstituted farm village and another museum (I believe I told Chris about all the old looms and other such stuff there). More interesting, actually, than the ballyhooed Hall of Fame.

posted by copyedit52 at 4:28 pm (EST) on Nov 27, 2010

Thank you for the review of Auto Da Fe. I am going to finish it soon. I put it down after 150 or so pages several years ago, not because I don't like it, but just because I am an easily distracted reader with no discipline--I always have at least 5 or 10 books going at a time. And I just forget to keep going on some of them. I love your comment on the idea of turning all the books spine in instead of spine out. That would really freak people out. would you be able to tell which book was which from the size and depth of the non-spine side and the position on the shelf relative to other books?

posted by libraryhermit at 3:11 pm (EST) on Nov 27, 2010

LOL!

posted by cammykitty at 5:18 pm (EST) on Oct 5, 2010

Ah, my memory failed me. You're right. 58 isn't old at all, unless you're asking a kid in middle school. In which case 24 is old, and 58 means you might have fought in the French Revolution. 63? Maybe you knew Julius Cesar. Yes, I work in a middle school & they think I'm ancient.

I hope you can find a copy of The Call of Service. Coles was the counselor sent to help the African-American children who were on the forefront of desegregation. He talks about those children and their families in the book, and he talks about many other brave people as well.

posted by cammykitty at 11:20 pm (EST) on Oct 4, 2010

Interesting review on the Dorothy Day book. One of my all time favorite books is Robert Coles The Call of Service. I'm pretty sure Dorothy Day was the Catholic soup kitchen woman he talked a lot about in that particular book. She was a really old woman when he knew her.

posted by cammykitty at 10:49 pm (EST) on Oct 4, 2010

Thanks for sending article. An eye-opening piece to be sure. I sometimes wonder if we are not going to hell in a hand-basket. Thing are dreadful everywhere you look. I try to mind my own business pretty much and keep to my studies. Am reading Wells' Autobiography. Some dull parts but mostly the story of a fascinating man. Messianic, but fascinating nonetheless.
Great last review. You seem incapable of turning out a stinker.
Yr. friend,p

posted by Porius at 2:16 am (EST) on Sep 29, 2010

sorry for the delay spend most of time off line any way the midwest sounds interesting me i,m in the mid south of south australia.

for now kandinsky

posted by kandinsky at 4:55 am (EST) on Aug 28, 2010

Addendum: It's neat that a local TV station will air a bit like the piece on the bookstore. For me, it changes what comes to mind when I think West Virginia. Though I always suspected that Wheeling at al. had a high funk factor (which is a good thing).

posted by copyedit52 at 4:13 pm (EST) on Aug 27, 2010

In The Heart of the Catskills, a book written by a friend of mine, Bob Steuding, the poet laureate of Ulster County (yes, the county has a poet laureate), Borroughs climbs Slide Mountain (the Queen of the Catskills), to mourn the death of his good friend Walt Whitman.

posted by copyedit52 at 1:25 pm (EST) on Aug 21, 2010

Thanks and many thanks G. Your Strachey review was to-notch as always. You will enjoy his other studies, I am a two-bit 'scholar' on the Bloomsberries. Have you seen the movie 'Carrington?' A bit of a white elephant like that VW thing, 'The Hours' but worth it for all that.
As to my revival. it's partly due to your reviews. You know that I'm a sucker for the esoterick and the cryptic, but every once in a while I can churn out something approaching the serious. My little things look so insubstantial next to your reviews. Pick it up I must or be consigned to the rubbish bin of LT. Oh no not that!
PW told me about your visit to Woodstock. He also said that you are the Lewis & Clark of the Used Bookstores of the general area & further on. Tell me about it sometimes when your in the mood.
Thanks again, p

posted by Porius at 12:03 am (EST) on Aug 9, 2010

Ganeshaka,
Thanks you for your reply. I have a copy of The Master of Ballantrae but haven't read it yet. Your recommendation (and similarities to Private Memoirs-- makes me want to read it very soon.) Your comments about "the double" motif in literature has always intrigued me. I remember Dostoyevsky wrote a wonderful short story called The Double which my group read and discussed a year and a half ago. As I read Private Memoirs (Hogg) I noted some great Dostoyevskian ideas in the novel i.e. Robert's plans for the first murder (of the clergyman) gradually turns from just and idea to an accomplished fact with no point in which the decision was final. (Like Raskolnikov's murder of the lady pawn broker). Also the way Gil-Martin/Satan appears first to Robert as his "double" and how like the Dostoyevskian double in the story works to his originals destruction.
My group meets on Monday to discuss Private Memoirs. Will let you know what we found interesting.
Also I am new to Library Thing and have not joined a reading group yet. I have read some of the posts but it seems that people are mainly visiting and/or talking about all the books they own/or have read. I don't get a sense that anyone is reading a specific book in its entirety and discussing themes, motifs, characters, metaphor, style, or plot. I may be looking at the wrong posts but could you enlighten me on this. I belong to two face-to-face book groups and I have a reading partner online. Thanks. S4sando.

posted by suaby at 9:55 pm (EST) on Jul 28, 2010

I've honestly been trying to force myself through that book for ages. Possibly even years. Actually managed to get two-thirds of the way through this time, too. It has now been donated to the local library with the sincerest wish that someone else gets the enjoyment out of it that I seemingly could never locate. Either way, it must have been good for something besides a doorstop, as it is quite nice to meet you. :)

posted by lyrrael at 12:55 am (EST) on Jul 28, 2010

Ganeshaka,
Our book group will be discussing The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner next Monday. I read your review with interest since you obviously enjoyed the novel as much as I did. Quite a wild ride! My fascination was with Robert and his progression from lesser evils to the ultimate and extreme: murder of his family . The theme of gradual corruption continues to intirgue me. Thanks. S4sando

posted by suaby at 10:17 pm (EST) on Jul 27, 2010

Wow. I just read your review of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, and I just wanted to say that you managed to completely sum up my feelings on the book in the most amusing, pithy and absolutely accurate review I have ever read. Thank you for the pleasure. :)

posted by lyrrael at 12:32 pm (EST) on Jul 26, 2010

Oh, wow thank you I'll check it out. I'm not a member of the Ohio County Library yet, I need to get a card there (I moved here a couple years ago). Sorry for the late reply, I haven't been on this site in a while.

posted by gioiadivisione at 4:22 pm (EST) on Jul 21, 2010

I was shocked that they felt the quake in Wheeling but I guess if you get a quake in the right rock layer the shaking will carry itself for many hundreds of miles. Several years ago I did a search on where the safest place in the US that has the least amount of weather related problems or other (earthquake, volcano etc)things and I found I was already living there. Yes, dear old WV.

posted by WillowOne at 10:14 am (EST) on Jun 27, 2010

Quick note, I heard that the earthquake in Canada was felt all the way down into Wheeling, did you feel it? If so, did you bring it with you from AK? Hope all is well there.

posted by WillowOne at 12:43 pm (EST) on Jun 26, 2010

Well done on Wells!

posted by tomcatMurr at 9:42 pm (EST) on Jun 24, 2010

So much rubbish printed about Wells. Though he was something, well more than something of a blighter when it came to women. Hard to find absolution for him on this count, but I will not take it out on his writings. Joyce was a bounder, does this mean there shall be no more cakes and ale? Can't wait for the MR BRITLING review.

posted by Porius at 12:07 pm (EST) on Jun 24, 2010

Great review Ganesh !

posted by Macumbeira at 12:05 pm (EST) on Jun 24, 2010

Don't mean to pester you so soon but I had to compliment you on the Wells review. I've read a great many of his novels and have never come away unsatisfied. You did a bang-up job with TONO-BUNGAY. I look forward to more great Wells reviews in the future. You know what a dedicated proselytizer I am.
p

posted by Porius at 11:23 am (EST) on Jun 24, 2010

This is just to say have a great summer. Here is a little gem from one of my favorite bookmen from the first half of the 20t C. Robert Lynd. SPB Mais was another.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13764/13764-h/13764-h.htm

posted by Porius at 1:17 pm (EST) on Jun 21, 2010

I didn't add this Goran title: BING CROSBY'S LAST SONG. Enjoyed it very much.

posted by Porius at 1:58 pm (EST) on May 25, 2010

Thanks G for the picture advice. Those blank spaces are getting on my nerves. I will look into the Trilogy. I see that you've added Wells. What a good novel it is. He roughs up an American a little bit. Have you read Lester Goran? A native of Pittsburgh. I think that you'd like his stuff.
p

posted by Porius at 1:54 pm (EST) on May 25, 2010

How very generous and sporting of you to pimp my review at the end of your own! Thank you for that!

I thoroughly recommend the American Chronicle series by Gore Vidal!

posted by tomcatMurr at 11:45 pm (EST) on May 16, 2010

Enjoyed your review of "Messiah". Very nice photos too, by the way.

posted by Makifat at 2:33 pm (EST) on May 15, 2010

It has been a long time since I last heard from you. How are the hills treating you and how did you like our winter? Almost as bad as Alaska this year! You thought you were leaving and instead brought it with you. I saw you review on [[The Dark Labyrinth]] and thought I would drop in and say a quick hello. Hope all is well!

posted by WillowOne at 10:06 am (EST) on May 8, 2010

You are building up a fine collection of Durrell reviews there, each one a pleasure to read, and thereby to remember the books. His books were very important to me twenty years ago, but I have not reread many of them since then; your reviews bring back what I loved about him.
Thank you sir!

posted by tomcatMurr at 3:49 am (EST) on May 8, 2010

Been a long time G. Had no choice but to pimp the poetry you brought to The Dark Labyrinth in le salon.

Hope all's well man!

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 12:49 am (EST) on May 8, 2010

How is Spring in the lower 48? Has been idyllick here in Michigan. Gentle west winds and high puffy clouds. Have read two books lately I really think you would like: OLD FILTH & THE FLIGHT OF THE MAIDENS by Jane Gardam. Maybe you know them already. If not they are really fine efforts.
p

posted by Porius at 4:08 pm (EST) on May 3, 2010

I recently read It Happened in Boston? and I have you and your review to thank for it. What a great book it was! Thank you!

posted by slickdpdx at 4:43 pm (EST) on Apr 29, 2010

Happy to have you as a friend. To my shame I haven't yet read The letters of Fanny Brawne to Fanny Keats. It's a lovely looking little book though with creamy uneven cut pages and raised type,there's even a picture of Fanny as the young girl Keats would have known. I can however recommend The Posthumous Life of Keats by Stanley Plumly, it deals with the final year in Keats's life.

I must admit to being a great lurker in your review section and I make copious notes so I think you may be right about my liking Barbara Comyns Carr (thanks for the link) unfortunately my local libary doesn't hold any of her books so it's off to Book Depository.

posted by errata at 3:50 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2010

Got some good news this morning: a new Italian publishing company that got in touch with me a few months ago about translating my book with an eye toward possibly publishing it--I thought it was a scam for money, a la the Nigerian e-mails that are so common--got back to me (I'd sent them a copy) and said yeah, they want to do it. They offered me an advance, laid out a schedulke of royalty payments based on how many books are sold, and estimated a pub date of December 2011. Bizarre, huh? That in the U.S. I had to in essence publish myself, and in this country whose language I can't speak, someone wants to publish me.

posted by copyedit52 at 2:23 pm (EST) on Apr 9, 2010

Hey, Greg, how're you doing? I haven't seen many entries from you lately, nor your appearance on various threads.

posted by copyedit52 at 1:04 pm (EST) on Mar 30, 2010

I selected the link above and read the Chekhov story. Throughout the suspenseful story, I tried to figure out what was going to happen. Was the solitary man going to forsake the millions by just staying in the room where he could read in peace, given that his needs for food and other necessities were satisfied? Or would he take the 2 million and build his own, better, reading hideaway? The second is what I would have done.
But of course, Chekhov had a better plan. He made the man sick and worn out, and ambivalent about his reading, and not caring about the money. I feel that if I could just read all the time, my stress level would go down, and my health would be better, and that the only reason I am stressed out is worrying about having enough money to feed my family and pay all of the bills.
I think what Chekhov accomplished was to describe the eternal issues about existence, ones that are beyond the mundane issues that we are so preoccupied with: family, money, status, etc.
Of course, that is just what is proven by the wealthy banker: sure, you can have a fortune, but what if it dissipates and you have nothing left for all your efforts? There are more fortunes lost than gained. Or another way of saying it is that wealth is created, and temporary pockets of wealth gather in the hands of the few, but the law of entropy pulls wealth out of the hands that are grasping it. Just like sand slipping through your cupped hands. Even though the investment industry says that capital will generate new wealth, the increase in population and the destruction of buildings in floods, wars and earthquakes, means that the wealth is disappearing.
Maybe this is the ultimate message of the story. Even my practice of reading as an enjoyable escape from reality cannot mitigate this, and the 15 year man in solitary confinement saw through all the facade of wealth and any other pursuits, including reading.

posted by libraryhermit at 8:14 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2010

I'm glad I've had my coffee or I would be totally confused. I don't think that the Brontes gave us the spoons; my recollection is that Emily or Charlotte or Anne bought only an ugly red hairnet. To find out, I'll have to wait for paperbackswap to get a copy of the spoons to me. Meanwhile, I had given a passing thought to the coincidence. In my part of the world, the place would be Roses or Woods, and I don't think I've ever seen reference to either.
(For the second time in my LT history, the map thingy picked up my location correctly. It doubleposted, but I certainly don't expect everything to work.)
AND I've browsed your profile with interest. You remind me to push *D's Cat* and *Abyss* higher up Mt. Bookpile. If I continue to mess around here, I'll never get to them, alas.
Peace,
Babbling Peggy

posted by LizzieD at 10:55 am (EST) on Mar 1, 2010

How nice of you to say so - thank you! I thought it was a wonderful book. I do read a lot of fiction and non-fiction about the 19th century (I know this book misses it by a couple of years but it's close enough) but I thought this described the sheer nastiness of life on the streets better than most. Too bad nothing ever really changes. I've never read any of London's other books as I'm not particularly drawn to animal stories but I just might be tempted now.

posted by Booksloth at 3:18 pm (EST) on Feb 22, 2010

Before I forget, I think you would like William Irwin Thompson's THE TIME FALLING BODIES TAKE TO LIGHT. Here's more about WIT:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Irwin_Thompson
You tube has a great long interview with him.

posted by Porius at 7:58 am (EST) on Feb 20, 2010

This might be useful.
http://www.rawilsonfans.com/writing.html

posted by Porius at 7:47 am (EST) on Feb 20, 2010

Hi Ganeshaka,

Glad to hear from you. I’m enchanted by this virtual world. I’ve been so busy poking into other people’s libraries that I have read very little else. But I have been making lists of my shelves in preparation to loading my library. It’s been a great exercise. I’ve re-visited old friends, re-positioned a few stray items, and made a short pile of immediate re-reads. Only a very few have been put on a discard pile.

Welcome to Almost Heaven. Do you have ties here, or did you have other reasons for stopping?
HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT YOUR BOOKS BEING OUT???!!! That’s almost like holding your breath.

I definitely intend to find Paradox Books soon. I thought I had found the proprietor on LT, but maybe not. I got the impression it was a she. TransAllegheny is worth a visit or two, but for some reason, their stock doesn’t seem to change. So once you’ve gleaned what you like, the exercise becomes frustrating.
I worked as a childrens librarian in Belpre, OH and accumulated a partial ton of discards as well as having most desires met by the Ohio Interlibrary loan system. After that I helped open the Borders bookstore at our little Mall. That was good while it lasted, though I’m not at all impressed by the depth of their shelves. Barnes and Noble has better buyers.

I’m just a meek bureau-rat now, but the pay is better. Most of my purchases are from Half.com and abebooks.
I look forward to chitting and chatting.

posted by 2wonderY at 12:18 pm (EST) on Jan 27, 2010

thanks! Cat's Cradle remains my favorite Vonnegut book. Murakami's Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is his most ambitious. I should probably read What is Gnosticism? because I have no idea...

ha, very funny, but only a few of those are true :P

I'm still in college, so you'd probably still consider me a kid.

I enjoy your reviews too. Lots of honesty, even in the face of so-called classics.

A more coherent and specific comment when I get a chance to read another of your reviews. CYA!

posted by g0ldenboy at 4:06 pm (EST) on Jan 16, 2010

Hey, thanks for your nice message! I put you in my interesting libraries because I enjoyed reading your fun, wordy reviews, and you rewarded me with a fun, wordy comment, so that was nice. There are customary winks and nods for skål-ing? Wow. It's so strange and cool how cultural knowledge is fossilized in migrants untill you have a parallel ethnic universe somewhere else, repeating practices that disappear in the place where they originated.

Anyway, I'll be checking for more of your reviews, so take care and cheers! (*wink-nod*)

Vibeke

posted by ekebivibeke at 3:01 pm (EST) on Jan 13, 2010

thanks so much for the title! i will look for it immediately. I am especially fond of books related to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden (and Russia)! I've got some Dag Solstad and Per Petterson and Linda Ollson, and of course, the Knut books. I appreciate a new title to search for as a treasure hunt!

Did you like Hunger or GOTS more?

Take care!
Amy

posted by BlackSheepDances at 8:12 pm (EST) on Jan 2, 2010

Loved your review of GOTS, one of my favorites too. I like how you put in there that Hamsun loved Isak and it showed. I hadn't really thought of it that way, it's different from other Hamsun novels. It's so true, he clearly was fond of that amazing character.

I still hate Olene.

Look forward to more of your reviews!I saw you are reading about Durrell, I'm just starting the Alexandria Quartet series. So far I'm not quite hooked, but hope I will be.

Amy

posted by BlackSheepDances at 8:32 pm (EST) on Jan 1, 2010

Why thank you, G. May you have a killer Kwanzaa kind Sir!

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 2:07 pm (EST) on Dec 25, 2009

Merry Christmas Greg. I look forward to a New Year filled with your immensely satisfying reviews, etc.
I take pleasure in calling you my friend.
p

posted by Porius at 11:17 pm (EST) on Dec 24, 2009

La Rhys a pithy missie...hmmm...I'd have to say, nuh-uh to the power of inifinity, and leave it at that. But look at it this way, I won't be competing with you for the scarce supply of Rhys volumes out on the market.

posted by richardderus at 10:27 am (EST) on Dec 21, 2009

Ha! very cool clip! Looks a bit like downtown Taipei! A semiologist's nightmare!

posted by tomcatMurr at 1:25 am (EST) on Dec 14, 2009

Oh great! I love Jack London. I'll look out for it. Gissing is one of my favourites: the nearest thing Brit Lit has to a Dostoevsky. The Nether World is fabulously gloomy.

posted by tomcatMurr at 8:51 pm (EST) on Dec 7, 2009

Bravo Ganeshaka!

posted by tomcatMurr at 3:35 am (EST) on Dec 7, 2009

G
Sorry to pester you so soon but Markale will be great help on your Quest for Durrell. I've read most of his books and while I can't claim that I have the knowledge to solve all the mysteries you bring up in your review I know that Markale will be of invaluable assistance. He and Lionel Fanthorpe are the best around who deal with these knotty issues. They are sober scholars, and as you know a lot of nuts surface when things like the Templars and other Damned Things surface.
Immensely satisfying review, BTW.

posted by Porius at 7:09 pm (EST) on Dec 5, 2009

It seems you're on your way to becoming one of those LTers who have 10,000 or so books listed, intimidating the likes of me, with my collection of 450 or so, to which I add a book or two every month.

In the NYRB article, Bloom approaches Crumb with a knowledge of how others have written about and interpreted Genesis. Good stuff, I thought. A confession: what with editing manuscripts and working on my own writing, when I want to unwind, it's usually not books I turn to but pieces in such as the NYRB, the New Yorker, even the Daily Freeman(!) No, I'm kidding about that last.

Yes, the thread is going well. I enjoy explaining myself, and when no one comes around to ask questions, finding excerpts that will stand alone and hopefully intrigue prospective readers. What you said to me about communes--the charismatic types who take over, and (in your comment), about people dropping in--why not drop by the thread and say something about communes? It would be interesting, and give me a break from listening to myself pontificate.

posted by copyedit52 at 7:36 am (EST) on Dec 5, 2009

Hello G
If you would take HBHG to Kafka's Penal Place I think you would like anything by JJ Markale. He writes sensible stuff about those eldritch matters. He's a scholar with a deep understanding of Myth and related matters and something of a poet, too.
I'm sure you and yours will have a fine holidays.

Best wishes
p

posted by Porius at 1:23 pm (EST) on Dec 4, 2009

Hi, my name is jodi and I am the owner of Under the Covers. We are reopening in the St.Clairsville plaza on the first of february. I was going to try and rush the reopening for rhe holiday season but due to building permits and such we are forced to wait till february. So before the first I will send you a coupon so you can come in and check us out on me. I love meeting new people and hopefully you like greek coffee so you can come by whenever you like and chat us up about any interesting new reads. Well I hope to see you in the new year and that your holidays are filled with love, great friends, and much peace. Jodi Marie

posted by mjai at 12:20 pm (EST) on Dec 4, 2009

Hi, Greg:

You might have come across this yourself: that Enrique (what an interesting, dynamic character!) has set up a strand for underappreciated writers on the Salon, featuring me in December:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/77721

posted by copyedit52 at 8:48 am (EST) on Nov 25, 2009

Excellent! I read the quintet when it first came out in the 80s but have not revisited it since. Your reviews are tempting me. I shall follow with interest!

posted by tomcatMurr at 7:31 pm (EST) on Nov 23, 2009

Hey Gregory;
I just wanted to pop over and congratulate you for your HOT REVIEW on "Monsieur". It sounds very interesting and a little different.
Anyway, congrats,
belva

posted by rainpebble at 5:00 pm (EST) on Nov 23, 2009

Hi the midwest is a long way to go for a book. Some excellent bookstores in Australia some of which i even get to see but generally i try to search out first editions nobody else is currently reading. It only takes time.

posted by kandinsky at 4:14 am (EST) on Nov 23, 2009

"Look who thinks he's nobody!" Theodicy in action!

posted by keylawk at 8:09 pm (EST) on Nov 22, 2009

Thank you for your excellent review of Monsieur. Are you going to read the whole Quintet? Can we hope for more?

posted by tomcatMurr at 8:05 pm (EST) on Nov 22, 2009

I could be wrong, G., but I would posit that your review of Monsieur is actually a better read than that which you've reviewed. Very nice. Thank you.

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 12:01 pm (EST) on Nov 21, 2009

Th tarot link you sent me was quite good. It also reminded me why I am not and could never be a scholar; finding a source, or just plain laziness, gets in my way. Thanks.

posted by copyedit52 at 9:51 am (EST) on Nov 11, 2009

Gregory;
Oh, lucky you. Finding green spines in the good old U.S. of A. Whoo Hoo!~! I never can find them and so must get all of mine online and the shipping kills my credit card. Tee Hee!~!
Your trip sounds lovely. I am sure that the foliage along the rivers must have been gorgeous. I would love to do that one day. Perhaps when the hubby retires we can.
I know there is major Hemingway bashing going on all over L.T. right now, but I have always enjoyed his works and his "The Old Man and the Sea" is an all time favorite of mine from my childhood days and I can't seem to go more than a couple of years without reading it. I noticed that you added "Green Hills of Africa" to your library. I read that one several years ago (pre my L.T. days) and enjoyed it. Can't help it; I'm a "papa" fan.
Enjoy your day and your Viragos. Elizabeth von Arnim is the "Author of the Month" on L.T. so I am reading some green spines myself this month.
You take care,
belva

posted by rainpebble at 2:55 pm (EST) on Nov 8, 2009

Thanks for the comments. 2666 is a particularly hard book to sum up, isn't it?

"In progress" is pretty accurate, really. I've added around half my books to LibraryThing, the ones easily accessible from my computer chair. One of these days I'll get around to entering the titles in other parts of the house.

posted by lucienspringer at 4:03 pm (EST) on Nov 5, 2009

Lovely river photo G.

posted by Porius at 3:36 pm (EST) on Nov 5, 2009

Thanks for the welcome - I was SO excited to come across this site. I'm looking forward to some great new (or new to me) books. After having read so many wonderful books in my life, I don't have the patience for anything less than outstanding reads. Kon-Tiki is one of the few books I'll reread, because it's so like hanging around with people I like a lot.

I'll check out your recommendations!

Anne

posted by anniemktx at 11:09 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2009

Yes, I have read it many times already, but not in the context of a wider Dostoevsky study. I'll get to it soon.

I have been kidnapped by Nabokov, who is torturing me with bad translations of Pushkin.

posted by tomcatMurr at 5:57 am (EST) on Nov 3, 2009

That's a great Zappa link! He looked so...orthodox, once upon a time.

Thanks!

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 1:10 am (EST) on Nov 3, 2009

Incredible review of Underworld. Thank you.

posted by tomcatMurr at 11:27 am (EST) on Nov 2, 2009

I think the phrase for that Underworld review is, he hit it out of the park and the ball still hasn't landed....

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 11:22 am (EST) on Nov 1, 2009

WHERE in the Southern Tier did you find Viragos? I must go there! I did come across a few in the Biblio Barn in South Kortright, NY, a couple years ago. But mainly I have no luck at all finding them in the wild.

posted by laytonwoman3rd at 10:13 am (EST) on Oct 16, 2009

THANK you for your beautiful review of Kristin Lavrensdatter, which I found as a college girl in my small town library. I just found this site about 45 minutes ago and I'm in Heaven! I'm sure I'll be checking out your library.

posted by anniemktx at 8:46 pm (EST) on Oct 11, 2009

On the strength of your excellent review of Redburn I've taken the liberty of adding your library to my list of interesting ones. And it is interesting!

Best,

David

posted by dcozy at 4:26 am (EST) on Sep 29, 2009

I'm very glad to hear you're doing so nicely G! Sounds like you've got some great book haunts in your neck of the woods; all the more reason to keep walking and rehabbin' that heart, finding those cool finds.

I came across this yesterday in my rounds:
http://www.librarything.com/work/32770/book/51322492
It won the pulitzer in '43. Had no clue it was anything significant when I bought it. The publisher says it does for Columbus what Boswell did for Dr. Johnson. We'll see!

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 7:29 pm (EST) on Sep 27, 2009

I grabbed "beams end" after your review and loved it. So you see : it works.
Keep your reviews comming !

posted by Macumbeira at 4:10 pm (EST) on Sep 26, 2009

super review.
Just ordered redburn from amazon !

posted by Macumbeira at 11:55 am (EST) on Sep 26, 2009

I'm glad you're back writing your reviews. Never in my life heard of Redburn; I'll be looking for it now. If you'll excuse me, I'm heading over to the salon to pimp this really cool review I just read....

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 10:56 am (EST) on Sep 26, 2009

Aww, I'm sorry you didn't take to Strange & Norrell. I love it. But then, it is a very stylistic novel, and undoubtedly an acquired taste.

posted by ncgraham at 8:22 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2009

Greg:

Thanks--a lot--for the five stars and the review. And I like that you read the book as quickly as you did; in one sitting, it seems. That always warms my heart.

--Peter

posted by copyedit52 at 8:54 am (EST) on Aug 27, 2009

Holy Shit G!!!

That's awful! Triple bypass. Man I hate it (as I'm sure you do even worse right now) when real life interferes with LibraryThing. I'm very very glad to hear your surgery went well and you're home from the hospital. Damn. Horrible. But you made it through. You get'cher rest now ya hear! And listen, we're practically related now, as I've got me one of those nasty sternum scars myself from when I had open heart surg. at the ripe old age of 30, a decade ago, to fix a congenital heart defect: "aortic insufficiency," that had they not caught it, would've knocked me flat on my face like it did Pistol Pete Maravich. You take your walks like a good Grampa and do your breathing exercises like you're told now ya hear! Did they make you wear those weird socks for circulation after? Aaaahhhh, morphine. Good times.

You do take care, G, you've definitely been missed around here.
Brent

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 3:45 pm (EST) on Aug 7, 2009

Hey G,

Awful quiet over here in these parts. Hope all's okey dokey. I just happened upon a copy of Harold Frederic's, The Damnation of Theron Ware, dirt cheap, then finally got around to entering it, and there's a review there by none other than Ganeshaka sitting in obscurity that I somehow missed previously. Can't wait to read this book, especially after reading your review.

Best,
Brent

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 10:23 pm (EST) on Aug 5, 2009

Hello G
One star for DROOD. I thought it suuffered from longueurs and a touch of flatulence here and there, but one star? Would you care to let me in on your reasons?
Have you read Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm? Am reading now and enjoying it very much. Beerbohm can write some fine English. Wodehouse comes to mind but not really.
Having a good summer, I hope.
pgt

posted by Porius at 12:01 am (EST) on Jul 15, 2009

Thanks for accepting my friend request. I wish I had been a little older and more aware of zines as they were happening. I love that short-lived diy time period, but I was too young to have know about it at the time.
I really enjoy reading your reviews.
Thanks again!

posted by KoobieKitten at 2:36 am (EST) on Jun 19, 2009

Your review of The Confessions of Mycroft Holmes intrigued me. I am not, however, familiar with the work of either of the Theroux brothers. Am I going to be missing too much to enjoy Confessions, do you think?

posted by laytonwoman3rd at 11:44 am (EST) on Jun 17, 2009

Just added "The Weather in the Streets" to my Wishlist. Thanks, Ganesh.
Tui

posted by tiffin at 9:51 am (EST) on Jun 8, 2009

Liked your "The Strange Case of Edward Gorey" review, Ganeshaka. Made me want to read it to find out about the person behind the quirky little works.
Tui

posted by tiffin at 12:50 am (EST) on Jun 8, 2009

Thanks for the link, but I liked your review better. :P And yes, I suppose I have a long search ahead of me....

posted by ncgraham at 6:58 pm (EST) on Jun 4, 2009

You make me want to find a copy of Beam Ends quite badly! Excellent review.

posted by ncgraham at 3:11 pm (EST) on Jun 3, 2009

Don't mean to be a bother, but excellent review of EXITS. Your butterfly net is every bit as deft as Vlad the Impalers.

posted by Porius at 2:09 pm (EST) on Jun 2, 2009

Very happy to see the stars next to A FEW SELECTED EXITS. A fine review, by the way, of that Kate O'Brien novel. Your reviews have the ease and facility of a passage from Lawrence Sterne.

Here's L.S.:
I define a nose as follows,-----interesting only beforehand, and beseeching my readers, both male and female, of what age, complexion,and condition soever, for the love of God and their own souls, to guard against the temptations and suggestions of the devil, and suffer him by no art or wiles to put any other ideas into their minds than what I put into my definition.------For by the word NOSE, throughout all this long chapter of noses, and in every other part of my work where the word NOSE occurs,------I declare, by that word I mean a Nose, and nothing more, or less.

pgt

posted by Porius at 1:16 pm (EST) on May 26, 2009

I don;t know whether or not you are in your new place, but if you are let this be a little house warming gift,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQBHM__30ZE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlXB4fgj_5Y&feature=related

Pgt

posted by Porius at 12:32 am (EST) on May 16, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p856CfM64w8

A little humor for the ride. Have finished Dan Simmons DROOD, if you get some time it's very good. Exhausting, but very good.

posted by Porius at 12:16 am (EST) on May 9, 2009

Nice to hear from you. Well, I picked up the book on a mid-March trip to SLC, finding it at Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore, amongst the unreadable Mormon tomes, but had to divide my time between it and that other Catholic doorstopper, Blanquerna before hitting it in earnest. So I guess it took about a month, with time out for evenings of reading poetry, short stories, etc. How long did it seem to take? Can't tell you, as the book seems to have the uncanny ability to warp time. I can imagine picking it up to read some of the chapters again - they have a nice quality of self-sufficiency to them, beyond what I would expect from most novels.

Anyway, I ran it home last night with a couple of stiff, straight glasses of rum (no whiskey in the house!), and flashed through the review somewhat under the influence. I'm glad it's not too embarrassing. There were things I wanted to mention, but I'd probably have to get shnonkered again before attempting a revision. It will have to do as it stands, paling next to my illustrious fore-reviewers.

Regards,
Maki

posted by Makifat at 2:58 pm (EST) on Apr 28, 2009

Hard to get a handle where you are, in West Virginia or Alaska, still. Perhaps others, more cyber comfortable, would find this irrelevant, but I carry a geography in my head, and like to picture the unseen (like yourself) in actual places. So, help me out.

posted by copyedit52 at 11:09 am (EST) on Apr 25, 2009

Thank you so much.
I am waiting for a response.
YOU have a great day.
belva

posted by rainpebble at 2:51 pm (EST) on Apr 19, 2009

Gregory;
Wonderful review on "Devoted Ladies". I don't even know what drew me to that page, but I am glad it did. "Virago Modern Classics"; I didn't even know there was such a group/thing. Interesting. Anyway, never having heard of either the titled book nor the author, I have this now on my "to buy/check out" list. You have made it sound to be some very good reading. Thank you.
Also beautiful photo shots. Lucky you to live in such a lovely spot in the world.
Well, back to "Crime and Punishment.
Belva

posted by rainpebble at 1:40 pm (EST) on Apr 19, 2009

Hi Ganeshaka!

The film class is going well, but we hadn't changed over to the new titles until just this week. I picked One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Fahrenheit 451, and Goodbye to Berlin (Caberet). They delayed the start so actually tomorrow is my first lecture. Course development axed Goodbye to Berlin at the last minute, so now I only have the two titles, but we'll see how it goes.

I likes the thematic arc of individuals struggling to maintain their autonomy during challenging times/circumstances of social control and oppression.

I'll fill you in as we go forward-

posted by English99 at 10:29 pm (EST) on Apr 7, 2009

sshh, Moroni is listening

yes, it's prob'ly at this point every 16th account, got lotsa work to do to get it up to every 6th! Though I'm trying.

and I never saw that PBS flick, but it sounds awesome, I'm going to try and hunt it down on YouTube, that is if I can stop laughing....

posted by EnriqueResurrected at 8:19 pm (EST) on Apr 7, 2009

Dear Messieu Ganeshaka!

"There is another world, but it is in this one."

I suspected as much!!!

***off on a quest***

posted by LolaWalser at 3:17 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2009

hello G
splendidious review of the Peake novels. your imaginative powers take a backseat to no one. i too love old Peake's works. i don't recall whether or not i've mentioned the work of the Welsh novelist Gwyn Thomas, but i think you might like THE WORLD CANNOT HEAR YOU, and VENUS AND THE VOTERS, or just about anything by this wonderful wordsmith.
happy trails
pgt

posted by Porius at 8:10 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2009

Important Answers may be found in the Group Description. Where I go you cannot follow. But be of good cheer, for I am with you always, even unto the end of the Book

posted by EnriqueFreeque at 7:23 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2009

Bravo on the Laura Workaholic review. It reads like a giant Alexander Theroux digression. How ornate and meta! Laura Workaholic can also be used a blunt weapon on people who think Kevin J. Anderson is a "sci fi stylist." Those people should be crushed like cockroaches under the jackboot of maximalist literary artifice.

Now back to my Henry James and Edward Gorey.

posted by kswolff at 2:58 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2009

Hi Ganeshaka, glad to know I'm not the only one who doesn't like Harry Potter! We are few and far between :-) Now following you on Twitter, thanks for the follow.

I noticed you have Le Petit Prince in your library - I'm learning French so have been translating this into English as an exercise which is proving fun... but taking longer than I thought! A beautiful book though. I have never read the English version so it may be a while before I find out how it ends!

posted by bluenettle at 3:02 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2009

Old home news: Well, the new town hall has been built, and it's not as bad as I anticipated, though it takes up half of what was once the meadow beside it, and does have an unfunky, prefab appearance.

posted by copyedit52 at 10:14 am (EST) on Mar 31, 2009

Thanks for snapping digital towels with me!
Titus makes me groan with pleasure!

posted by spacegod at 5:38 pm (EST) on Mar 27, 2009

Yeah, I noticed you and I share quite a few Tanith Lee books. And have I read "Dark Dance"? Of course! I actually started the series out of order years back in high school, so I started with "Personal Darkness", which is (no surprise) one of my favorites by her. I just loved how original she made her vampires. They were the first fangless vampires I had read about. And I love how you described the book. It does evoke a feeling of isolation.

P.S. Anne Hathaway would make a perfect Rachaela. I always loved Ruth, though (Rachaela's li'l spawn). She was just so evil. :)

posted by saraslibrary at 1:16 pm (EST) on Mar 25, 2009

Just thought I'd drop by and say I loved your 'review' of "Twilight." I was surprised at how well the movie turned out. Off to peruse your library now. :)

posted by saraslibrary at 1:07 am (EST) on Mar 25, 2009