Member: LizzieD
CollectionsYour library (6,152), Currently reading (2), Kindle (131), Read, Reviewed, Given Away (26), Significant in 2011 (19), Significant in 2010 (20), Significant in 2009 (23), Wishlist (1), All collections (6,222)
Reviews104 reviews
Tagsread (1,933), mystery (1,559), scifi (386), history (290), Virago (217), fantasy (171), biography (151), Kindle (137), short stories (129), reread (127) — see all tags
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About meI'm a retired high school English and Latin teacher beginning a fifth year of reading. Unfortunately, I can't read just one book at a time, so it's a day for rejoicing when I actually finish something. Otherwise, I swim, volunteer, take time to pet husband, dog, and cats, and will slowly become a practicing pianist once more.
About my libraryI'm mostly through cataloguing my downstairs library at this point, but occasionally a book pops up that I missed. Almost everything I own is old, was bought used or with a bookstore employee discount or through our Native American offering of Penguin remainders.
Here's my 75 Book Challenge Thread: 2013*6
BOOKS ACTUALLY READ IN 2013
The Bell
Island of Wings
A Plague of Angels (reread)
A Question of Upbringing (reread)
The Sisters Brothers
Above All Things
Precursor
The Thinking Reed
Defender
Hotel World
The Dogs of Riga
The Brontes: Wild Genius on the Moors
The Inbetween People
A Buyer's Market (reread)
The Philosopher's Pupil
Straight Man
Explorer
Dr Thorne
Life After Life
Nightfall
The Acceptance World (reread)
Cleopatra:A Life
At Lady Molly's (reread)
This Body of Death
The Observations
Lamb
Blood & Beauty
Ignorance
The Shutter of Snow
Life After Life
Midnight Riot
Master of the Senate
The Chaperone
We Are at War
The Borgias: The Hidden History
Casanova's Chinese Restaurant (reread)
Heavy Time
Life and Fate
Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume 1: 1884-1933
LT SERENDIPITY
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Groups75 Books Challenge for 2010, 75 Books Challenge for 2011, 75 Books Challenge for 2012, 75 Books Challenge for 2013, Almack's, Barbara Pym, Booker Prize, Eureka! finds, Famous voluminous novels, Feminist SF —show all groups, His Wondrous Works to Behold, History at 30,000 feet: The Big Picture, Infinite Jesters, Iris Murdoch readers, Isaiah, Language, Le Salon du peuple pour le peuple, Lingua Latina, Monthly Author Reads, Orange January/July, Pedants' corner, ravelry, Readers Over Sixty, Science Fiction Fans, Sidebar, Tar Heels, Virago Modern Classics, What the Dickens...?, William Faulkner and his Literary Kin, ZB's Literary Adventure
Favorite authorsMargaret Atwood, Jane Austen, Iain M. Banks, Elizabeth Bowen, Lois McMaster Bujold, P. M. Carlson, Robert A. Caro, Catullus, C. J. Cherryh, Agatha Christie, Deborah Crombie, Charles Dickens, John Donne, Margaret Drabble, Dorothy Dunnett, William Faulkner, Reginald Hill, Horace, Henry James, P.D. James, Guy Gavriel Kay, Barbara Kingsolver, Dean Koontz, Margaret Laurence, Hilary Mantel, Margaret Maron, Ngaio Marsh, Jack McDevitt, China Miéville, Elizabeth Moon, Haruki Murakami, Anthony Powell, Richard Powers, Tim Powers, Barbara Pym, Alastair Reynolds, Kim Stanley Robinson, Theodore Roethke, S. J. Rozan, Salman Rushdie, Mary Doria Russell, Dorothy L. Sayers, Paul Scott, William Shakespeare, Jane Smiley, Neal Stephenson, Wallace Stevens, Rex Stout, Elizabeth Taylor, Sheri S. Tepper, Josephine Tey, Rose Tremain, Vernor Vinge, Virgil, David Foster Wallace, David Weber, Patrick White, Walter Jon Williams, William Carlos Williams, Connie Willis, P. G. Wodehouse, Virginia Woolf (Shared favorites)
Membership
LibraryThing Early Reviewers/Member Giveaway
Real namePeggy
LocationSoutheastern North Carolina (right on I-95)
Account typepublic, lifetime
URLs
http://www.librarything.com/profile/LizzieD (profile)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/LizzieD (library)
Member sinceJan 5, 2009
Currently readingReligions of Rome: Volume 1: A History by Mary Beard
Iris: The Life of Iris Murdoch by Peter J. Conradi
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I enjoyed it, too. I had replied that the appendix with the info about Giulia WAS in our ARC--what did you think of his rationale there?
posted by ronincats at 7:11 pm (EST) on May 30, 2013
And, we shared enough books in our libraries, that I thought your library might be a good place to find new treasures.
posted by NanaCC at 4:39 pm (EST) on May 28, 2013
Enjoy, glad I could give my extra copy a good home.
Regards,
Lisa
posted by LisaMorr at 11:35 am (EST) on May 28, 2013
posted by ChrisRiesbeck at 11:38 pm (EST) on May 10, 2013
http://www.librarything.com/topic/154059
posted by ronincats at 12:27 am (EST) on May 10, 2013
I'm looking forward to exploring your library and finding more books to add to mine -- it's rather an obsession.....
:)
Kris
posted by KrisR at 1:14 pm (EST) on May 8, 2013
Not much going on here. Beth and I went to the library and the grocery store this evening. Kerry and I are sitting watching the Rangers game right now. I expect Beth and I will be doing some gaming shortly!
Stasia
posted by alcottacre at 10:52 pm (EST) on Apr 30, 2013
Colleen
posted by NanaCC at 3:56 pm (EST) on Apr 28, 2013
Tapadh leibh a rithist! -- Jen
posted by outrageoussocks at 3:04 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2013
Maybe sometime I will get to hear yer fine braw Scots!
Moran taing! (Many thanks!) -- Jen
posted by outrageoussocks at 10:37 pm (EST) on Apr 22, 2013
I uploaded your two covers to Librarything and they look wonderful. I've also printed them out and now I am down to eight missing original green covers. La....la...la...
elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 3:39 pm (EST) on Apr 22, 2013
E
posted by Liz1564 at 7:39 am (EST) on Apr 19, 2013
posted by LyzzyBee at 2:24 pm (EST) on Apr 16, 2013
posted by LyzzyBee at 6:00 am (EST) on Apr 14, 2013
Karen
posted by kaggsy at 4:37 am (EST) on Apr 13, 2013
posted by Oregonreader at 9:21 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2013
posted by Oregonreader at 7:26 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2013
I literally stumbled across those books. The VSW I got in Sevenoaks as I explained in the spring thread. The Priestly Huckleberry Finn I found at a boot sale in Durham. I think Priestley had it in his library only because of Christopher Morley's
introduction. They were friends. That one cost me 50 pence.
The Sheridan has an interesting, and for me a very sad, story. I was at my favorite Salvation Army about 30 years ago when I saw all these really old books on one of the shelves. Usually,the Salvation Army never put out really old books because they had a deal with a few book dealers to price their older stuff and the dealers got first dibbs on the good books. Fair enough because the SA is interested in making money for their ministry. I grabbed the Rolliad and Boswell's Tour of the Hebrides. I didn't even realize it was "that" Sheridan" until I got home.
Now for the sad part. There were five old medical books, not a set, but being sold as a set. Some had notes in the margins. They were not in real good shape. They were $50 and interesting only because of the old plates.(I thought). There was a bookplate in each with a doctor's name on it and a military annotation which I wrote down on a scrap of paper. I didn't have that much cash with me so I had to pass on them. When I got home I told Chuck about them and he thought I should go back and get them. I went back the next day but they were gone so I forgot about them.
A few weeks later I was at the Newberry library doing family research when I found the scrap of paper. For the heck of it I checked the info I had copied off the bookplate. Well, it turns out that the doctor was on Washington's personal staff during the Revolutionary War!!!!! I don't even want to think of what those books, with personal notes, would have been worth.
How those valuable books got on the common shelves is a mystery. I suspect that a volunteer just put them out by mistake before the experts saw them. Strange things like that happen. Last week someone left the 1840 two-volume biography of Benjamin Franklin by our recycle bins.
posted by Liz1564 at 10:35 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2013
Have a good day!
Julia
posted by beaniebear at 10:33 am (EST) on Apr 3, 2013
posted by Oregonreader at 1:31 pm (EST) on Apr 2, 2013
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:41 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2013
posted by stellarexplorer at 8:52 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2013
WM was on my "Favorite Reads of 2012" list, an annual email I send out at the end of each year. I could post the text here if you are interested.
So if I check that 75 Book thingie, that'll give me the running commentary on your reading? I follow you so indirectly. Is that what that thread is for? Following people's running reading commentary?
Great to hear from you!
posted by stellarexplorer at 8:22 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2013
posted by romain at 3:12 pm (EST) on Mar 18, 2013
posted by romain at 3:10 pm (EST) on Mar 18, 2013
posted by elkiedee at 10:52 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2013
B
posted by romain at 2:21 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2013
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 9:03 am (EST) on Mar 6, 2013
posted by kaggsy at 1:22 pm (EST) on Mar 5, 2013
posted by kaggsy at 4:26 am (EST) on Mar 5, 2013
posted by immreading at 12:53 am (EST) on Mar 5, 2013
I started 2666 last year with a 5-month group read and that format didn't seem to work out for me. I finished parts 1 & 2, started part 3 and got distracted by other reading, summer travel, etc. I think I'm more likely to finish it if I just keep reading until I'm done.
I see you've already read The Dogs of Riga this year. That was my first Wallender and now I'm eager to read more.
Carrie
posted by cbl_tn at 6:55 am (EST) on Mar 1, 2013
posted by brenzi at 3:58 pm (EST) on Feb 26, 2013
posted by nittnut at 8:35 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2013
I am definitely not a Glastonbury expert but have a lot of affection for Glastonbury and Somerset in general. I was born in that part of England, moved away as a very young child but visited relatives still living there at holiday times throughout my childhood.
I have a copy of A Glastonbury Romance which one day I will attempt but it's such a massive book and I have so many shorter ones to read! When I eventually get around to the book, I will check out those threads from when you, Lucy and others had your group read.
posted by Soupdragon at 5:08 pm (EST) on Feb 11, 2013
It's been a long time but MP wrote realistic, gritty police procedurals,
somewhat similar to the later work of Hill and Rankin.
I might have mentioned Masako Togawa, female japanese mystery writer.
Interesting psychological portraits.
posted by tros at 3:58 pm (EST) on Feb 11, 2013
So pleased The Lifeboat arrived promptly! It's an interesting read.
Old Filth and Excellent Women are re-reads for me. I loved them first time round and still do now. Alys, Always, I've just finished but was a bit disappointed with. I thought it was going to be clever and twisty but it all seemed a bit obvious. I know some people loved it though and I've read some glowing reviews. Perhaps I was just expecting the wrong thing.
I enjoy Phil Rickman when I'm in the right mood but I'm not always in that mood. I downloaded those YA novels because they were on sale for Kindle on Amazon.co.uk and because they are set in Glastonbury. I have a weakness for Glastonbury mysteries!
Happy Reading!
posted by Soupdragon at 2:56 pm (EST) on Feb 11, 2013
Uh, it's Maurice Procter and LT doesn't know anything about Christopher Nichols and
neither do I. ;-)
Currently reading "Lovers for a Day" by Ivan Klima; love his "Love and Garbage".
posted by tros at 9:35 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2013
I love the blues. It was 50+ years ago I bought a Lightnin' Hopkins record a local grocery store for a dollar, or so. I've been hooked ever since. The blues are, essentially, a celebration of life, if in the face of death and tragedy. Sounds familiar!
19th cent. ears? I've found a variety of music is interesting. I've discovered more new-to-me music in the last several years than any other time of my life. It helps to be re-tired and not working, commuting, etc. Nothing to interrupt my education.
posted by tros at 6:21 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2013
I should have checked the 415 books we share. I don't see any Maurice Proctor or Derek Raymond. MP wrote some excellent police procedure novels and DR's factory series are worth checking out.
posted by tros at 5:45 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2013
I really liked all of the Wallander books as well as the PBS series.
I'd recommend Janwillem van de Wetering and his amsterdam cops,
also James McClure's south african cops.
posted by tros at 3:06 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2013
Work is busy and this nasty cold weather brings pain. But, as I write, I am smiling because there are now 11 deer in my yard and six bright red cardinals in the trees.
The deer must be very hungry to be so brazen in coming to the feeder, I sit in the kitchen watching them through the glass patio sliding door. They look up at me and then go back to the sunflower seeds.
I hope you are well.
Love
posted by Whisper1 at 5:37 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2013
Interesting you hated sea. I think I loved it because I was in an obsessional love affair at that time, and because I enjoyed his weird food thing.
I have now forgotten what else I need to respond to you on :) But will revert when I can. Dinner however is now served so have to go
Love to you,
Spj
posted by kokipy at 6:44 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2013
I do have a 75er thread. I know there are so many it can be hard to find a specific one. I don't know how to make a link but the url to my thread is www.librarything.com/topic/148351. Maybe that will help you find it. I am very unskilled in computer language. I have depended too much on my son-in-law to help me with things but I have a goal of figuring out how to make a link and post a picture in the near future.
I will indeed be meeting some LTers this month. Kim and Carol (SugarCreekRanch), and several others. We are meeting at a local bookstore then going to a cafe next door. I am so excited!
posted by Oregonreader at 10:33 pm (EST) on Feb 7, 2013
Thanks for the note. I'm a little confused, however, as to what is meant by "posting all books on one thread?" I noted that people had in the second column, listing how many unread and couldn't figure out how that was done either. But thought I'd try as the 75 Book Challenge seems a good place to find new reads!
Yes, we do have lots of the same books in our library -- I just saw "Feast of the Goat" in yours - one of my favorites. I'll be adding you to my interesting libraries list!
Thanks,
Bonnie
posted by bonsam at 5:25 pm (EST) on Feb 7, 2013
posted by lriley at 8:28 am (EST) on Feb 5, 2013
The Lifeboat began its overseas voyage to you today! Hope it doesn't take too long to arrive.
Dee
posted by Soupdragon at 1:38 pm (EST) on Feb 4, 2013
The Lifeboat is almost a keeper but I've already read it twice (a second time was necessary to understand what was going on) and I know I won't feel the need to again! I'm sure Virago would like us to spread the word too, despite their reluctance to post books overseas themselves ;)
Your library sounds wonderful. As long as the books aren't disintegrating in your hands, I don't think you need worry!
I'll let you know when I've posted the book.
Dee
posted by Soupdragon at 5:24 pm (EST) on Feb 3, 2013
I wondered if you'd like a copy of The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan? I was lucky enough to receive a reviewers copy from Virago, which I have now read and reviewed and now longer need. I noticed you asked on the Virago forum if review copies could be sent to the US and assume that you received no reply as, much as I love their books, Virago seem to be bad at communicating and terrible at maintaining that forum!
Correct me if I'm being unfair in my judgements and let me know if you'd like a copy sent by Virago via me!! It's an interesting read with all sorts going on under the surface and I'd love to hear what you think of it.
Dee
p.s I think I still have your address.
posted by Soupdragon at 12:05 pm (EST) on Feb 3, 2013
Yeah, pescetarian is not like Presbyterian, nor like proletarian, which my spell check wants to change pescetarian to :) I eat fish, just not other types of meat. Sometimes we're called pesco-vegetarians.
I love sentence diagramming!
My old username had my actual last name in it, and once I got active, I didn't want that floating around anymore, for personal reasons.
Thanks for stopping by; I've got your new thread starred!
posted by Esquiress at 11:55 am (EST) on Feb 1, 2013
I have a few Orange books that have been waiting to be read. Must read them this year.
Happy Reading to you too!!
posted by Carole888 at 9:40 am (EST) on Jan 26, 2013
--Tad
posted by TadAD at 2:35 pm (EST) on Jan 21, 2013
--Tad
posted by TadAD at 9:43 am (EST) on Jan 20, 2013
posted by Whisper1 at 7:03 pm (EST) on Jan 15, 2013
posted by Oregonreader at 2:27 pm (EST) on Jan 15, 2013
I am a regular lurker on your thread even if I don't comment. I get a lot of book ideas from you!
posted by Oregonreader at 1:58 pm (EST) on Jan 15, 2013
I love the Cello Suites too, Though slightly partial to that young upstart with the children's game name :)
I was first drawn to this planet by the sounds of Bach wafting through the universe...
posted by stellarexplorer at 10:56 am (EST) on Jan 12, 2013
You are in for a treat with P the Great!
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:25 pm (EST) on Jan 11, 2013
I also read Hydrogen Sonata. So, it was very readable, as all the Banks are. Entertaining, well plotted, interesting, some likeable characters I thought. But it perturbed me. It seems to be commenting on lack of meaning? And the snarkiness of the Minds continues to bug me.
posted by kokipy at 1:44 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 2013
The fact we don't have too much overlap is part of what I find interesting! And by marking your library interesting, your reviews will be added to my feed, for any title we have in common.
Well met, and we'll see where we head!
posted by elenchus at 4:21 pm (EST) on Jan 5, 2013
Wow, we share a lot of books! I'm off to look for your thread, too.
posted by rosalita at 9:43 pm (EST) on Jan 2, 2013
I hope your Christmas was wonderful and filled with blessings and that 2013 treats you & yours favorably.
warm hugs,
belva
posted by rainpebble at 6:52 pm (EST) on Dec 31, 2012
posted by jadebird at 2:10 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2012
posted by jadebird at 2:10 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2012
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 9:33 am (EST) on Dec 25, 2012
posted by LyzzyBee at 10:44 am (EST) on Dec 19, 2012
Is there an Opening Day thread, by the way?
Hooray!
Liz x
posted by LyzzyBee at 9:33 am (EST) on Dec 19, 2012
posted by casvelyn at 11:13 pm (EST) on Dec 10, 2012
posted by casvelyn at 11:11 pm (EST) on Dec 10, 2012
posted by casvelyn at 10:51 pm (EST) on Dec 10, 2012
Becky
posted by labwriter at 12:01 pm (EST) on Dec 7, 2012
Yesterday I came off the bench for my football [soccer] team and made absolutely no difference to an absolutely appalling game and result: really depressing. Consolation came in unwinding by an earlyish bedtime and then reading David Mitchell's 'The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet' until 5 in the morning. Fortunately I had no work commitments today...
Thanks again
Sue
posted by silverwhistle at 12:34 pm (EST) on Dec 3, 2012
posted by JaneSteen at 8:25 pm (EST) on Nov 30, 2012
And a happy Thanksgiving to you (do you celebrate it?)! As you've gathered, I continue to work on that novel. I've had excellent reactions from the five or six who have read the latest version, but I'm still tinkering. I'm so happy that you like current title, which I will probably stick with, although not all are content with it. I had a horrible night's sleep, ill etc., but it's a beautiful day in Los Angeles, and I'd be failing the day if I gave much thought to my stomach and head. Anna's review is at http://www.librarything.com/profile_reviews.php?view=anna_in_pdx
I've made the book available as a B%N Nook book under the title "Neverland, by Alex Austin." I'm still trying to acquire an agent, and I do have a couple that are interested, but I haven't convinced one to commit. So I'm not pushing the book yet, but I'd welcome further reads.
My coffee cup is empty but the line at Starbucks is 30 long.
Take care,
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 2:49 pm (EST) on Nov 22, 2012
Heather
posted by souloftherose at 2:02 pm (EST) on Nov 17, 2012
Sunny day today... perhaps a little reading in the sunshine for a change!
posted by Clersius at 2:43 pm (EST) on Nov 16, 2012
posted by LyzzyBee at 9:21 am (EST) on Nov 16, 2012
I stayed up until the wee hours to finish Life of Pi, scurried over to see if you had immortalized any thoughts on it, and was quite surprised to find that it was nowhere to be found in your lists. Though perhaps I should not mention that... adding any but the most perfect of books to your tottering piles may not be among the most helpful things I could do for you! ;)
posted by Clersius at 6:20 am (EST) on Nov 16, 2012
posted by parrishlantern at 5:52 am (EST) on Nov 15, 2012
That is such a gorgeous tree! Our neighbors three down the way have a slightly less spectacular version in their yard, which I like to stand and stare at whenever I can do so without appearing... creepy. I do so love this season. :)
Yes, I am still frequenting LT, either poring over other people's lists of beloved tomes, or adding new books (and old books that I suddenly remember from my past), or rating books, or jotting down various semi-useful comments to remind myself what I did and did not like about this or that work. I have been on a reading binge (slow, but steady) since you introduced me to this oh-so-lovely man-made fantasy land, and so I thank you once again for doing me that favour!
I see that you have added Assassin's Apprentice to your lists. I just recently re-remembered it and added it to my own... I want to reread it, as I have only partial and sporadic recollections regarding its content. What I most remember is that the series was slightly peculiar (in a very good way), and that it created within me a sort of hollow, sort of yearning feeling that kept me reading to try to fill it up. In the end, that space was only partially refilled, and whenever I think of it, all these years later, the echo of that feeling remains. I can hardly wait to find out what sort of reaction I will have to the Farseer Trilogy this next go round. I hope that you enjoy it as well!
I hope that all is well with you and yours, that your holiday season is spectacular in all possible ways, and that your reading lists will ever stretch into a bright and hoped-for future.
posted by Clersius at 12:10 am (EST) on Nov 15, 2012
posted by alcottacre at 10:18 pm (EST) on Nov 13, 2012
(LOL re parentheses)
posted by lauralkeet at 12:08 pm (EST) on Nov 13, 2012
posted by lauralkeet at 9:57 am (EST) on Nov 13, 2012
I took 2 sleeping pills today to make sure that I got some sleep and I slept through the day. I did not get up until 5:30pm - just in time to cook dinner. I also made another batch of pumpkin muffins that is baking even as I type.
I hope you have had a good day and that all the car matters are resolved!
Stasia
posted by alcottacre at 8:52 pm (EST) on Nov 7, 2012
posted by browner56 at 11:27 pm (EST) on Nov 1, 2012
A Cask of Amontillado
The Lottery
The Most Dangerous Game
To Build a Fire.
These stories are all seared into my brain. I would bet that not just a few of the current Hollywood script-writers and producers of horror flicks were similarly turned on to the horror genre by reading some of the above stories, or ones like them.
I have no idea why, but I always want to leave the room when my kids are watching Underworld or Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Twilight. I know that all of the artists involved in the creation of these are endowed with prodigious talent and are very hard-working. But I hate seeing the simulated gore. Maybe in the end it's only for snobbish reasons, but I like to have my thrills from reading the pages of the above works, as well as those of John le Carre, Stephen King and Peter Straub.
posted by libraryhermit at 10:07 pm (EST) on Oct 31, 2012
Here's hoping that you and your family and circle of aquaintances are safe with all the nasty weather that has been happening.
Oddly enough, my sister and niece left from Alberta, Canada for NYC last week to attend some Broadway shows. The last time my sister and I were there was with my Dad, and two other brothers in 1976 for the Bicentennial. I guess I should try to make the trip a little bit more frequently than once every 36 years, although I got close in 1999 when I saw my close personal friends in York Springs PA.
posted by libraryhermit at 9:54 pm (EST) on Oct 31, 2012
Then I saw the film of The Name of the Rose, followed by reading the novel in French. From then on I was hooked on historical fiction. I still am a sporadic reader of it because I try to keep so many different interests going. Later on I branched out to Jean Plaidy, Heinrich Mann and Judith Merkle Riley.
I know there are at leaset a couple dozen more authors that I should investigate.
Monaldi and Sorti, Robin Young, as well as Luther Blissett have been great treats for me. For the events of The Siege of Vienna,I really would like to get inside Louis XIV's head. Even though he is a fringe character in the Monaldi and Sorti books, I don't care. They are still worth reading for a multitude of other reasons. I can't wait to get my hands on Secretum, as I keep telling pgmcc.
I have come to the conclusion that whenever Italian novelists write about the historical periods mentioned above, it is never not captivating. I just have to move ahead a little bit now and read the copy of The Betrothed by Manzoni that has been in my TBR pile for 20 years.
posted by libraryhermit at 9:43 pm (EST) on Oct 31, 2012
posted by Whisper1 at 3:21 pm (EST) on Oct 31, 2012
We'll be getting winds up 60 mph and the waves outside my window are predicted to be 18-23 feet by tomorrow afternoon. The little park paralleling the lake (where I usually walk) is closed. I'll take pictures. Well, at least it is getting the election off the front page.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 5:49 am (EST) on Oct 30, 2012
I imagine it must have grieved the author deeply to learn that some Canadian high schools tried to ban her novels from English classes for frivolous reasons, such as Hagar contemplating her own sexual experiences.
English in Grades 10, 11 and 12 are memorable experiences for me. Authors introduced in those classes such as Graham Greene, William Shakespeare, Joseph Conrad, Edgar Allen Poe, Stephen Crane, Thomas Hardy and Mark Twain have stayed with me ever since.
posted by libraryhermit at 11:13 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2012
Well, I have finally finished The Hydrogen Sonata and I enjoyed it. I do not think it is one of the better Culture novels, but if you like the Culture you should enjoy it. It is a bit slower than some of the other novels because it includes quite a lot of philosophising.
I have posted a review but if you're anything like myself you will wait until after reading the book before looking at the review.
Keep well and enjoy the Halloween period.
Peter
posted by pgmcc at 3:17 pm (EST) on Oct 27, 2012
posted by brenzi at 10:39 pm (EST) on Oct 26, 2012
posted by brenzi at 10:38 pm (EST) on Oct 26, 2012
Sorry for the late reply - I don't spend enough time on LT! I was surprised when you told me the Juliet Barker book was available on Kindle, so I went to take a look and hooray! It's been reissued and updated. The only trouble is, now I want the new one :)
I was in London recently (at the Historical Novel Society conference - I came back with 10 books...) and saw the original of the Brontë portrait Barker has on the older cover. I sneaked a photo though you're not supposed to.
I've sent you a friend request - I don't have many friends on LT and I really need to start getting more active on this site. I'm severely addicted to Goodreads but sometimes I need a change.
Thanks for looking up my book - mind you, I don't really do much on these reader sites as an author. These places are my playground as a reader/reviewer, while Amazon seems to be where my readers are just starting to send me messages.
I LOVED Caroline Graham! Must read more. I have about 10 books on my pending-review list, which is extremely bad, so I ought to do reviews but life is pulling me all over the place and it's just so lovely to sit down and read a book when I have a moment.
All the best,
Jane
posted by JaneSteen at 5:22 pm (EST) on Oct 24, 2012
posted by Whisper1 at 10:16 pm (EST) on Oct 16, 2012
I note you have a birthday next week!
posted by Whisper1 at 8:13 am (EST) on Oct 6, 2012
I also just ordered Mark Helprin's latest and am eager to get it. I haven't read anything by him for such a long time but he was my favorite in the 80's.
K.
posted by kokipy at 8:30 am (EST) on Oct 5, 2012
Have a great day and I'll be seeing you on the threads!
Mark
posted by msf59 at 9:51 am (EST) on Oct 3, 2012
You are correct about MiL, and as for the other, it is Lisa. :)
I just happened to be looking at various reviews for Our Mutual Friend and noticed that one of the characters is named Lizzie. I recall that, in order to confirm the spelling of your user name, you said "D as in Dickens." I am now wondering if there is a connection between these two pieces of information. Is your moniker modeled after OMF's Lizzie and her author?
I noticed that, while you do have a number of Evelyn Waugh's books, The Loved One seems to be missing from your library. Allow me to seize what may be the only opportunity I will ever have to recommend a book to you, and do so! I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Waugh and Vonnegut (Jr) at the same time, reading The Loved One and Cat's Cradle back-to-back. A truly mesmerizing and, dare I say, magical few days! In fact, I read them back-to-back-to-back-to-back, and was left with my thirst yet unslaked. Anyway, I'm certain you would enjoy The Loved One. :)
Be well!
posted by Clersius at 9:27 pm (EST) on Sep 29, 2012
posted by Clersius at 3:05 pm (EST) on Sep 29, 2012
Never had I heard of Pamela Freeman, nor of the Castings Trilogy. After a few minutes of research, it seems to be right up my alley, so thank you kindly for the recommendation! The addition of Blood Ties to my To Read list should, I believe, "remedy the lack." :]
posted by Clersius at 3:03 pm (EST) on Sep 29, 2012
The photo is of dawn at Martin's splendid new mountain house south of Wilkesboro. The view is more or less what I could see upon raising my head from the pillow. The previous owners had over $1,200,000 in the place but Martin stole it at a foreclosure sale.
I'm sorry to read about the passing of your aunt. At the very least it is a milestone, and another reminder of the longevity genes of your stock.
Parson Woodforde- I could read him for months. I am so glad to have the copiously illustrated edition- lots of nice period watercolors and drawings; is that the one you have?
Today I slept two hours later than I intended, walked vigorously, and painted some metal patio furniture. Talked to Graham, who is on an extended visit to a female friend in Asheville, went to the post office, the local Ace hardware, an old-fashioned downtown grill-soda fountain. Tomorrow I go on a jaunt to some War of Northern Aggression sites in Petersburg with a retired lawyer pal from Durham.
And so it goes,
KE
posted by scribulous at 8:40 pm (EST) on Sep 25, 2012
posted by sibyx at 10:57 pm (EST) on Sep 20, 2012
I just have to kick my rationalizations for keeping books to the curb, and be utterly ruthless.
suz.
posted by Chatterbox at 11:31 pm (EST) on Sep 16, 2012
I have deduced that your country parson is none other than the Rev. Woodforde, whose diary is now on the way to me. Those rural vicarages were real incubators of genius, weren't they.
Have you read Francis Kilvert, the scribbling Nineteenth Century curate?
KE, your prolific correspondent
posted by scribulous at 7:40 pm (EST) on Sep 15, 2012
posted by Armand_Inezian at 9:03 pm (EST) on Sep 14, 2012
posted by drneutron at 8:03 pm (EST) on Sep 8, 2012
Which books of hers have you not yet read? My two main TBR of CJ's are the Cyteen and Faded Sun books...
posted by fuzzi at 9:34 pm (EST) on Sep 7, 2012
I haven't read 1Q84 yet - I like the off-the-wall Murakamis (like Hard-Boiled Wonderland) much more than the whimsical-slice-of-life Murakamis, and I wasn't sure which category 1Q84 fell into...
posted by wandering_star at 11:38 am (EST) on Sep 6, 2012
I enjoyed looking at the list of books I should borrow from you as well - but I wish there was a way of setting that up so that you could hide all the authors you already have, and get some new recommendations for favourites. It's always a bit sad to look at a list of recommendations and think, yes I know all those....
posted by wandering_star at 9:42 am (EST) on Sep 6, 2012
I see a lot of names that I like on your favourite authors list - I will have to investigate the ones I hadn't heard of.
posted by wandering_star at 7:28 pm (EST) on Sep 4, 2012
posted by fuzzi at 10:40 am (EST) on Sep 3, 2012
posted by Whisper1 at 6:17 am (EST) on Aug 16, 2012
posted by drneutron at 8:00 pm (EST) on Aug 7, 2012
posted by fuzzi at 8:48 pm (EST) on Aug 4, 2012
I also added the thread to the hookup thread, so hopefully other will find us!
posted by drneutron at 9:40 pm (EST) on Jul 31, 2012
posted by drneutron at 7:12 pm (EST) on Jul 31, 2012
posted by drneutron at 6:35 pm (EST) on Jul 30, 2012
posted by drneutron at 2:44 pm (EST) on Jul 25, 2012
posted by amandabryan33 at 11:52 am (EST) on Jul 17, 2012
posted by kaggsy at 10:48 am (EST) on Jul 14, 2012
posted by startingover at 7:07 am (EST) on Jul 11, 2012
How are you?
posted by Whisper1 at 10:21 pm (EST) on Jul 6, 2012
I don't want your heat! It's been so humid here though - it's only 19C but 80% humidity. Like a warm bath - yuck.
I would also be sad if we weren't friends :-)
Heather
posted by souloftherose at 1:55 pm (EST) on Jul 4, 2012
posted by scribulous at 9:39 am (EST) on Jun 30, 2012
posted by Whisper1 at 11:19 am (EST) on Jun 27, 2012
posted by drneutron at 9:49 pm (EST) on Jun 25, 2012
Helen
posted by startingover at 9:33 am (EST) on Jun 25, 2012
posted by cyderry at 5:28 pm (EST) on Jun 21, 2012
Lumberton sounds familiar so maybe that's the way we come.
Have to check it out next time we're headed south, okay?
Cheli
posted by cyderry at 10:01 am (EST) on Jun 21, 2012
Next time I'm headed to Spartanburg to see my grandkids, i'll see about about stopping your way to have a meetup!
Cheli
posted by cyderry at 2:02 pm (EST) on Jun 20, 2012
posted by Carole888 at 4:15 am (EST) on Jun 19, 2012
Thanks heaps for the link for I hadn't realised the group existed so I'm really happy you sent the invitation to join. My reading has been up and down lately and I am not covering as much as I would like to read .... but then, that's the way it always is .... "too many books to read"!!
I hadn't realised that I had been the only one to journal The Cleaner. How strange for it is such a lovely book and it would be great to see more journals on the site.
You have an interesting bookshelf and I shall be coming back to check on your reading adventures.
Thanks again, Cheers!
Carole :)
posted by Carole888 at 11:43 pm (EST) on Jun 13, 2012
posted by amandabryan33 at 8:58 pm (EST) on Jun 13, 2012
a.
posted by amandabryan33 at 8:56 pm (EST) on Jun 13, 2012
Aren't those old-fashioned journals fun! I seem to have collected quite a number of them. They were always available in the bookshops of the parish churches or the local country houses. I have one local history where the Victorian vicar cataloged each tombstone in the churchyard and then write a brief history of the person who died. Little gems.
I'm doing okay. I have two important doctor's appts coming up, one June 14 and the other July 2. Then, if all goes well, I'm homefree until October.
I have to get back to Liz Taylor. I slacked off (only because I had read the last two novels). Still I miss the discussions.
Right now I'm reading my next early review Mission to Paris and listening to.....don't pass out....an awful series called Fallen about a 17 year old who loves a fallen angel and is doomed to die and be reincarnated every 17 years. Dear god! When did teen age heroines turn into such wimpy creatures who blubber over beautiful young men. And if you had eternal life (ie the love interest,) would you choose to spend it eternally in high school!!!!! Why am I listening to this? It is brainless fare, easy to fall asleep to, and has the fascination of a train wreck.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 10:58 pm (EST) on Jun 10, 2012
I'm sorry to be so out of touch. May and June were a blur. I'm still dealing with a lot of pain, some days ok, others worse. Work is incredibly busy...A student died, another one had multiple seizures this past semester. Then, there are all those darn paperwork, administrative details.
I'd love to retire in two years, but my TIACREF pension took a big hit because of the stock market.
Now, enough of me. How are you? I think of you often. Stasia speaks so highly of you!
I loved Gilead for the simple, lyrical beauty of the writing. Like you I want to read more of her writings.
posted by Whisper1 at 10:53 pm (EST) on Jun 10, 2012
I've got 2 or 3 F. Stevens books. She influenced A. Merritt and Lovecraft.
I think most of her short stories are available as free ebooks.
Kindergarten in '49? We must both be the same age: ancient! ;-)
posted by tros at 10:19 am (EST) on Jun 7, 2012
Hi Peggy,
James Tiptree jr - Alice Sheldon sounds interesting. I'm curious. Ever check out Francis Stevens (early Weird Tales writer)?
posted by tros at 12:47 am (EST) on Jun 7, 2012
posted by PrueGallagher at 11:53 pm (EST) on Jun 5, 2012
We are still plugging away. The move seems endless, but worth it. So far: professional movers for two days, two moving fans completely full, four or five borrowed work vans full, six or seven pickup loads, and about twenty-five or more car loads.
All that and most (like 90%) of the books and lots of other stuff is still in situ. I estimate another three weeks or so. Then every thing that comes into the new house has to be cleaned, blah blah blah. We are taking our time, but not much reading is happening. Every night I read a few pages of *Treachery* then doze off.
posted by scribulous at 10:16 pm (EST) on Jun 4, 2012
Don't know what to read next. Maybe a mystery...something that doesn't demand so much brainwork.
Elaine
PS. I deliberately didn't read any reviews, however tempting it was. I am now off to catch up...
posted by Liz1564 at 11:16 am (EST) on May 29, 2012
Nice to hear from you. By the way, my sister's name is Peggy (from Margaret). It's Memorial Day so I've got today off. How I miss those twelve and thirteen year olds! It's early morning, and I'm at my favorite Starbucks preparing to revise my novel for the seventeenth time. The whole resists working, but I've had some success with parts. The prologue has just come out in carte blanche, which is published by the Quebec Writers' Federation http://www.carte-blanche.org Another chapter will come out next week in This Literary Magazine http://www.thiszine.org (carte blanche has a print edition and an illustrated digital edition, but they won't be available for one or two weeks)
But I struggle on.
So when are you going to abandon that retirement thing? I can't imagine you not waking up every morning yearning for the workplace. How long can you sit around drinking tea (I'm presuming), reading novels and listening to the birds twitter?
That new BBC Sherlock Holmes is terrific. So damn clever.
I hope you have a great week.
Do you garden?
Best,
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 9:54 am (EST) on May 28, 2012
I've debated the Caro books. I read the R Moses bios, and enjoyed them. I've just never had a strong interest in LBJ or post-War US politics. I read the beginning of the first LBJ book and found it picturesque and evocative. I still suspect giuven the constraints of time, I must forego the pleasure. I trust K, who suspects that despite her marked enthusiasm, I would not feel the time was well-spent. Do I envy those who will profit from such an immersive experience!
Thanks again!
SE
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:26 am (EST) on May 21, 2012
How sweet of you to remember my anniversary!
I read South Riding last year. I also have Poor Caroline and Land of Green Ginger, of course -- couldn't quite resist those covers. I think I'll read The Crowded Street next, though -- that one came out the year after Anderby Wold and I've had it lying around since Persephone reissued it...
posted by littlegreycloud at 7:40 am (EST) on May 21, 2012
Susan
posted by littlegreycloud at 8:04 am (EST) on May 19, 2012
posted by kokipy at 5:35 pm (EST) on May 13, 2012
Anyhow, plan to start tomorrow evening or Monday.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 9:04 pm (EST) on May 12, 2012
posted by Liz1564 at 5:42 pm (EST) on May 11, 2012
What a story, what a life.
Nothing much here either -- 4th day of rain-- all good, we've had 3 inches so far. back tomorrow, lu
posted by sibyx at 9:46 pm (EST) on May 10, 2012
posted by mrstreme at 3:00 pm (EST) on May 10, 2012
I'm awed by your tackling the LBJ biographies. My husband just boought volume 4... and, yes, it is just as fat(600+ pages) as the others. I haven't had the courage yet to start them, but fully intend to; maybe this summer. Apparently, there is a volume 5 in the works. Hubby speaks highly of the books; the research, as you pointed out, is amazing. For some, this might be a life's work, but Caro has written other bios as well.
I'm continuing with my infatuation with William Gay. Finished The Long Home and Twilight and am working on a collection of short stories. Very happy to have found him...
NullaR
posted by Nulla at 5:51 pm (EST) on May 9, 2012
posted by mermind at 7:53 am (EST) on May 7, 2012
The semester is winding down, so more time to read. Although, the reading is mostly fluff. Read the Hunger Games trilogy because the young people are so excited about it and I, of course, don't want to seem clueless. It's excellent as Young Adult fare, but still just another dystopian saga for this jaded reader. I'm donating the books to our local library.
Also finished the latest Margaret George, Believing the Lie. Somewhat disappointing... but still addictive. If she writes another, I'll buy it... or maybe not... there's the library.
One bright spot is that I've discovered (new to me) the works of William Gay. He reads like a cross between Faulkner and Cormac McCarthy, and you know how I feel about Faulkner! This is such a treat for me, I bought every book that was available on Amazon...
I'm also reading my last ARC and need to get the review up... The Man Who Planted Trees, a very interesting tale about the ecology of trees, their relationship to the climate, and the efforts to preserve long lived species. I seem to score a lot of books about the planet Earth... wonder why? Of course, I ask for them... maybe that's a clue.
Well, two more weeks of university and I'll be free!!! Cheers...
NullaR
posted by Nulla at 11:37 am (EST) on Apr 30, 2012
posted by mermind at 2:13 am (EST) on Apr 28, 2012
posted by mermind at 9:55 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2012
posted by noveltea at 7:09 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2012
E
posted by Liz1564 at 10:40 am (EST) on Apr 25, 2012
posted by brenzi at 8:57 pm (EST) on Apr 20, 2012
Yes, I started *Dance*, but as audio book, and I'm not sure that was a good idea. I bought the first movement (books 1-3) on audible and just finished #1. As there's not much action, the narration is very 'even' and I keep missing bits and have to rewind, which I hate because I am mainly listening in my car on my way to and from work. And I get confused with the character names. I'd better get the next movement on Kindle.
posted by Deern at 9:46 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2012
posted by Deern at 7:59 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2012
So what do you think of Hide Me Among Your Graves? The reason I ask is that would once have ticked to many boxes for me: Lord Byron and the Rossetti's. I still have (but plan to get rid of) twelve volumes of Byron's letters, three fat biographies, and a first edition of The Vindication of Lady Byron written by Anon who later is revealed to be none other that Harriet Beecher Stowe.
And my love of the Preraphaelite painters and poets is still hanging on. And, of course, I loved Dark Shadows, Dracula and Spike!
I have to write a review of Sacrilege by S. J. Parris which was my ER win. I really enjoyed it. It is a 16th century mystery set in Canterbury and involves the catholic underground movement to depose Elizabeth I and stick Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. A good portion takes place in the crypt and since I spent almost an entire day in Canterbury's crypt last year I can testify to its authenticity.
It's not a keeper, though, because I won't reread it. Interested?
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 4:34 pm (EST) on Apr 15, 2012
posted by brenzi at 7:27 pm (EST) on Apr 14, 2012
posted by AnneDC at 6:41 pm (EST) on Apr 14, 2012
posted by leahbird at 9:55 pm (EST) on Apr 12, 2012
Genny xxx
posted by gennyt at 9:06 am (EST) on Apr 8, 2012
posted by Stuck-in-a-Book at 3:06 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2012
posted by drneutron at 9:45 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2012
Dinner is ready; we dine so late!
Ke
posted by scribulous at 8:55 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2012
Samantha
posted by Samantha_kathy at 2:08 pm (EST) on Apr 2, 2012
Thank you for your comment on my profile. Oh yes, I remain active on LT -- all the new books I buy ensure that! ;)
I'm sorry to hear about your Aunt Mary.
posted by MtnSk8tr at 7:46 am (EST) on Mar 30, 2012
How are you feeling?
posted by Whisper1 at 8:42 pm (EST) on Mar 29, 2012
I am sorry to hear about Aunt Mary. I was hoping that she would somehow turn around. How is your mother doing about this?
Stasia
posted by alcottacre at 10:46 pm (EST) on Mar 21, 2012
posted by lennonj at 8:28 am (EST) on Mar 17, 2012
posted by stellarexplorer at 2:11 am (EST) on Mar 17, 2012
Perhaps you could expend on respecting but not (I forget your word) thoroughly enjoying Wolf Hall. I gleaned, perhaps unfairly, that it was not then a must-read.
Too bad about the Bonhoeffer. I wonder if the better things to read on him are accounts of how he influenced others? That is in fact how I first became acquainted with him.
posted by stellarexplorer at 8:42 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2012
posted by kdcdavis at 12:01 am (EST) on Mar 15, 2012
liked it, Peggy. The characters and their stories are so layered, it wasn't until I read it for the 2nd time that some situations came clear. I'd love to say it's 'time for a re-read' but I'm a little overwhelmed with the piles of new books at my bedstand! Still, it's a keeper for me and one I'll continue to recommend.
Happy Reading to you too & happy Sunday!
Cxx
posted by bleuroses at 11:06 pm (EST) on Mar 10, 2012
Susan.
posted by vintagesuzy at 8:49 pm (EST) on Mar 10, 2012
Hope spring is springing in your neck of the woods! Daphs are daphing here, all the nut trees are in bloom
and the irises & crocuses are sprouting in strength!
Cxxx
posted by bleuroses at 12:17 pm (EST) on Mar 10, 2012
posted by BONNIEJUNE at 6:32 pm (EST) on Mar 8, 2012
And now I am job hunting - this firm I work for doesn't have enough work for all the senior people so I've been warned that they may fire me. I hate it here anyway, so would love to leave, but there aren't many places for a 56 yr old bankruptcy lawyer with no business, who has to work for AT LEAST another ten years to have any hope of helping the girls with college tuition, not to mention basic self support. Anxious times. But there is always the consolation of reading to look forward to. Star gave me a small volume called Ex Libris, by Anne Fadiman, which is lovely and consoling and which I strongly strongly recommend to you.
posted by kokipy at 9:47 am (EST) on Mar 8, 2012
posted by BONNIEJUNE at 7:26 pm (EST) on Mar 7, 2012
without mishap and arrive in good health!
Cxxx
posted by bleuroses at 1:51 pm (EST) on Mar 6, 2012
Just finished a very good collection of short stories by a Greek writer--Ersi Sotiropolous.
posted by lriley at 1:53 pm (EST) on Mar 3, 2012
posted by karspeak at 4:39 am (EST) on Mar 2, 2012
It could be I'll be retired in a few months and maybe then I'll get back to more reviews. We're hoping to travel some. Ideas about Ireland, Greece, the Mediterranean--France, Italy, Spain. We'll see I guess.
posted by lriley at 6:15 pm (EST) on Mar 1, 2012
Really thought the Last Samurai was great. I think a lot of Urquhart too. A really fine Quebecois writer of thrillers--Louise Penney.
posted by lriley at 2:43 pm (EST) on Mar 1, 2012
Eloy Martinez's book is excellent. I'd recommend it.
posted by lriley at 12:09 pm (EST) on Feb 27, 2012
Jenn
posted by nittnut at 10:17 am (EST) on Feb 25, 2012
I sure do enjoy my Dickens, but I only started reading him in 2008 with "Great Expectations" and since then I've read one of his tomes per year, last year it was "David Copperfield" and the year before "Bleak House", all from the 1001 list. 2010 I was lazy with "Oliver Twist" and a reread of "A Christmas Carol". I now got the complete works in English for my Kindle, and they have twice the length of "Arabian Nights". :-)
posted by Deern at 12:09 pm (EST) on Feb 23, 2012
posted by Oregonreader at 12:14 pm (EST) on Feb 20, 2012
posted by kokipy at 8:10 pm (EST) on Feb 17, 2012
posted by kdcdavis at 4:56 pm (EST) on Feb 15, 2012
I've peeked at the 75 group and it seems like a well organized and very busy group. I just really can't add anything else to my plans for the year. I think I have the least popular thread on 12, though, and am almost tempted to drop it and move on to something else.
I picked up Hen's Teeth at Better World Books...they're having their annual 2/$5 sale. (I broke my No Shopping Resolution and bought an embarrassing number of books...almost all Oranges.) I checked for you....and they still have another copy of Hen's Teeth! (www.betterworldbooks.com) BWB is a wonderful used book site that donates to literacy and is very concerned about greenness and such. And shipping is free! Covers don't always match the pics, and often you'll get ex-library editions, but if you're just looking for a reading copy, it's a great place to shop.
posted by Her_Royal_Orangeness at 5:39 am (EST) on Feb 13, 2012
posted by scribulous at 6:51 pm (EST) on Feb 7, 2012
posted by Esta1923 at 10:20 pm (EST) on Feb 6, 2012
posted by jadebird at 7:46 pm (EST) on Feb 4, 2012
I wouldn’t hesitate to read Aquagensis or Fermat’s Enigma, both books are very much for a popular audience and really entertaining.
posted by jadebird at 7:11 pm (EST) on Feb 4, 2012
posted by gagirl101 at 9:10 am (EST) on Jan 31, 2012
posted by gagirl101 at 9:03 am (EST) on Jan 30, 2012
I just wrapped up a work-related project, so now am off to sneak in some schoolwork. Hopefully I can finish up tonight better than last night - 3am and a headache, to boot.
Stasia
posted by alcottacre at 12:09 am (EST) on Jan 27, 2012
My currently reading collection should more accurately be called my 'currently stalled' collection. I am really reading 3 books. One of my goals for this year is in fact to finish some of the books in my currently reading collection. I've made some progress, I'm sure it contained about 15 books at the beginning of the year.
How is Barnaby Rudge going? That's another book I have marked for February.
Heather
posted by souloftherose at 1:53 pm (EST) on Jan 25, 2012
Thanks for you comment and your invites. I'm not sure I am quite ready to start my own 75 thread, although I definitely want to pull my socks up and spend more time commenting and less time lurking! I'm also interested in the Orange group - I happen to have read Ann Patchett's Bel Canto in January, so it seems meant to be!
Thanks,
Orlaith
posted by ominogue at 8:07 am (EST) on Jan 25, 2012
Nathalie (deern) has also mentioned wanting to read it over the summer so perhaps we could all read together then?
Take care
Heather
posted by souloftherose at 5:30 pm (EST) on Jan 23, 2012
Love
Linda
posted by Whisper1 at 10:05 am (EST) on Jan 23, 2012
Heather
posted by souloftherose at 4:39 pm (EST) on Jan 22, 2012
Orange January is fun, isn't it? Although I haven't yet started my Orange book for the month. I'll have to plan for July well ahead of time -- there are so many appealing group reads here.
posted by RidgewayGirl at 2:00 pm (EST) on Jan 19, 2012
posted by thornton37814 at 4:31 pm (EST) on Jan 1, 2012
posted by sibyx at 9:18 am (EST) on Dec 31, 2011
posted by RidgewayGirl at 5:24 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2011
Looking forward to seeing you around!
posted by eightambliss at 2:58 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2011
I did read The Girl in the Swing, but about 20 years ago. I vaguely recall liking it but no more than that. Someday I plan to re-read a lot of what were my favorites, just to see how they stack up anymore.
I will take a look at those two groups you recommended now.
:)
Lisa
posted by booktruffler at 9:37 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2011
Thank you for your outreach, love and support.
I hope the holidays bring love, laughter and lots of books!
Linda
posted by Whisper1 at 8:12 am (EST) on Dec 23, 2011
posted by laytonwoman3rd at 10:40 pm (EST) on Dec 22, 2011
Also, similar to "Dance", is Ford Madox Ford's "The Good Soldier", a trilogy (quartet?)
set in WW1. Highly recommended.
Happy holidays!
posted by tros at 8:03 am (EST) on Dec 20, 2011
We're up to 400+ books shared!
Noticed you finished Dance to the Music of Time. I read it 30 years ago , or so, and am
just finishing watching the BBC tv adaptation. Excellent! (netflix has it)
I know you're not "into" golden age fantasy but (!), ever read A. Merritt?
He's not unknown or forgotten but definitely under-rated. The Moon Pool, The Ship of Ishtar
and Face in the Abyss are all classics.
posted by tros at 8:46 pm (EST) on Dec 19, 2011
Well you didn't have to twist my arm too hard haha. So I'm a member now and will see what's up. It looks like a personal thread is not required for which I am thankful. I went through the Virago wiki (which I will take an educated guess and say that Laura probably set up)to see if I own any titles, whether they were published by Virago or not, and I have quite a few. I'll probably do as Laura suggested and see what's available on PBS. Thanks for the encouragement. See you on Orange January.
Take care,
Bonnie
posted by brenzi at 10:05 pm (EST) on Dec 18, 2011
posted by romain at 2:52 pm (EST) on Dec 15, 2011
posted by romain at 6:08 pm (EST) on Dec 14, 2011
How I wish she would have spent more time writing about what the women actually reported about Europe in the 1930's. And West was at the Nuremberg Trials and Hertog talks about what West imagined her lover's wife was like! W-T-F!!!!
Well, well,well done!
posted by Liz1564 at 1:26 pm (EST) on Dec 2, 2011
Where have I been? What have I been doing? I hardly know, but I have certainly been somewhat derelict as to LT, which means PA, since you're my only real correspondent here.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was fine- a beautiful day in the country with friends and too much food, too much talk, but all just as it should be.
Last Sunday we went to a nice little concert at the NCMA, where a small chamber group played music of the time of Rembrandt, in conjunction with the big Rem. exhibition goin on there. Paul and Eloise met us there, then we moseyed back to their house for dinner.
I'm reading *Maphead* by Ken Jennings, the all-time Jeopardy champ, a treat for all map geeks. Yesterday I spent much of the afternoon attacking a growing stack of periodicals while recovering from the day before, and I consumed a couple of issues of Popular Photography, the New Yorker, Garden & Gun, and most of a National Geo.
Tell me all is well along the mighty Lumbee.
Kermit
posted by scribulous at 6:57 pm (EST) on Nov 26, 2011
As you well know, next year is a celebration of Dickens life, maybe the 200th anniversary of his birth(?)and I am looking forward to getting to know the man much better than I presently do. Therefore, I came to the expert to suggest where to start my journey. I own and have read previously (long, long ago so a reread is in order) Great Expectations. Any recs?
Hope you are getting along dealing with what's on your plate right now. I'll keep you in my prayers my friend.
Take care,
Bonnie
posted by brenzi at 4:36 pm (EST) on Nov 26, 2011
posted by nittnut at 2:58 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2011
posted by JanetinLondon at 10:20 am (EST) on Nov 9, 2011
I've been working on collecting Viragoes but haven't actually read many of them at all; I'm looking forward to reading a lot more this upcoming year.
The wee girl in my profile pic is me about 33 years ago. :)
Best,
Amanda
posted by celiafrances at 10:49 pm (EST) on Nov 7, 2011
I must have got half way through Cryptonomicon a few years ago when I borrowed it out the library, but didn't have time to finish it before it went back. I really enjoyed what I read though. Of Stephenson's earlier novels, Snow Crash is far and away my favourite. It wears its years lightly, and it's hard to imagine how far ahead of its time it must have been when it was first published. I love how Stephenson weaves together seemingly disparate elements from modern technology and ancient myths into a wonderful narrative.
As for Miéville and Murakami, I know both the names, but haven't read anything by either author. I did, however, buy both volumes of 1Q84 last week, so I shall no doubt encounter Murakami's work soon. The uni library has a few of his earlier works, so I may choose to start with something else. 1Q84 does look fascinating, though, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I see you're reading it at the moment. How is it?
Happy reading,
David
posted by Deinonychus at 9:21 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2011
Nice to meet you on here. And thanks for the welcome.
Always nice to meet a fellow Neal Stephenson fan. I have all his books, but haven't read most of them. I first got introduced to him when Quicksilver came out, which although I never finished it at the time, was enough to get me hooked. Over in the 12 in 12 group, I've set myself the challenge of reading all 12 of his (including the 2 Stephen Bury titles) next year. Although by the end of the year, the first 2 volumes of the Mongoliad will be out. Which brings us to that curious enterprise: It's is an experiment to create an on-line, collaborative, serialised novel. The authors include Neal Stephenson and Greg Bear, and it is published in weekly instalments on-line (at mongoliad.com) and with apps for various smartphones and other handheld devices. It's been running a little over a year, I think it started last September. I've been following it since January, although I'm afraid I've slipped several chapters behind. It's interesting, but a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality, and with multiple, seemingly unrelated plots running at the same time, gets quite hard to follow.
posted by Deinonychus at 9:16 am (EST) on Nov 3, 2011
I am now reading the letters exchanged between Eudora Welty, with whose works I am intimately familiar, and William Maxwell, whom I have never read but whom I know now I should read. I love their letters. They were great friends and shared many passions, and he edited her work for the New Yorker.
the joys of their epistolary [not at all sure that's right] relationship remind me of what fun I have epistolating with you, Peggy!
posted by kokipy at 8:32 pm (EST) on Nov 2, 2011
What day is the best to get hold of you?
S
posted by alcottacre at 8:59 am (EST) on Oct 31, 2011
Thanks for the birthday wishes!
posted by stellarexplorer at 3:34 pm (EST) on Oct 26, 2011
This afternoon I went to our rather grandiose new library- rather astonishing for a town this size, though I was against it- and found the atmosphere just about like a bus station. Phones going off, people talking at NORMAL CONVERSATIONAL LEVEL!, even two staff members talking so loudly that they would have been tossed out when Nannie Crowder ran the old library. I spoke to,one of the ladies at the checkout desk, who said she agreed with me, but "this is the NEW library, more of a community center." Well, this community is full of oafs, and worse, who have no concept of civilized behavior.
Yesterday my Thursday night pal Ken Ferrucio and his ex-wife were guests on WUNC's The State of Things. Worth listening to if
You have nothing better to do. He apparently is credited with starting thenEnvironmental Justice movement in this state because of his protests against Jim Hunt's dumping of PCB in Warren County.
The iPad does odd things with punctuation, it seems, and it adds extra letters.
posted by scribulous at 8:37 pm (EST) on Oct 25, 2011
Cheers
RMD
posted by richardderus at 12:48 pm (EST) on Oct 23, 2011
plc is an abbreviation for public limited company, and the closest equivalent would be "Fitch inc" - does this help at all in context? (I've never read Rebecca Shaw)
posted by elkiedee at 9:24 am (EST) on Oct 17, 2011
How are you? We're doing all right here; lots of ups and some startling downs, although surely I should be beyond startling at this point. I've got some problems dealing with it all, just sort of overwhelming emotionally. But we try to carry on as best we can.
I hope all is well with you and yours, Peggy.
Gail
posted by bohemima at 10:09 pm (EST) on Oct 12, 2011
That 11th hour sounds ominous. I hope on not reading too much into that.
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 8:56 pm (EST) on Oct 6, 2011
I hope things are going well for you. What's new?
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 9:48 am (EST) on Oct 6, 2011
I've gotten some nice play on the new novel's prologue. Please check it out at http://enriquefreequesreads.blogspot.com
Best Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 10:27 pm (EST) on Oct 5, 2011
posted by kokipy at 9:10 pm (EST) on Sep 30, 2011
posted by JanetinLondon at 5:28 am (EST) on Sep 25, 2011
Lucy and I WERE around when you were reading P&C--that's why we are reading it now. ;-) I hope you will chime in. I found your final comments on the book in your thread, but need to backtrack and find the ones you made as you were reading. Did you ever find out how contemporary scholars view the book?
posted by ronincats at 11:28 pm (EST) on Sep 23, 2011
Laughter is truly the best medicine.
G.
posted by bohemima at 9:29 pm (EST) on Sep 22, 2011
The Lansky is such a pleasure (I just posted the quick review that I posted on Shej in August). But I feel I know the characters in the book. They are my grandparents. Their accent is in my bones. For a month now, I haven't been able to resist saying to my son Matthew, "Metthew, I'll peck you a sneck."
OH! There is one anecdote in there that brings me to tears. It is amazing! It is wonderful! I must tell you...but you'll read it anyway...when I have a moment!!
posted by stellarexplorer at 10:54 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2011
posted by stellarexplorer at 10:24 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2011
posted by mrsvjdw at 11:01 am (EST) on Sep 21, 2011
You mentioned Alison Wonderland in your first comment. If you're looking at Helen Smith's books, I think that The Miracle Inspector is the best. I haven't read any of her Emily Castle mysteries, so I can't say much about those.
posted by hideandread at 10:41 am (EST) on Sep 21, 2011
Out of curiosity, how are you cataloging your books?
posted by hideandread at 10:18 am (EST) on Sep 21, 2011
Yes, not too much time to read. . . I wish I just had a couple more hours in the day lately, but I would probably just spend them sleeping. The picture is of my son. He is a great distraction!
Hope you had a good weekend!
Smiles,
Brit
posted by weejane at 8:29 pm (EST) on Sep 18, 2011
My profile photo is one my father took, he's a professional photographer and actually did take some that were used in the Lord of the Rings marketing! (Not his one though) It's one of my favorites. It reminds me I need to get outdoors more and into places that are as beautiful as this!
See you, Megan
posted by Ireadthereforeiam at 7:09 pm (EST) on Sep 14, 2011
posted by JanetinLondon at 4:44 pm (EST) on Sep 14, 2011
Gail
posted by bohemima at 7:04 pm (EST) on Sep 10, 2011
Congratulations, and I look forward to your report on that one as well.
Yes, one can imagine the pleasure of not gearing up for school. With two school-age children, it is quite the opposite here. The level of stress goes up, free time down. But it's presumably all for a good cause!
DB: "hero" is certainly apt.
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:25 am (EST) on Sep 8, 2011
Best wishes,
s.e.
posted by stellarexplorer at 3:56 pm (EST) on Sep 7, 2011
R.
posted by Nulla at 7:18 pm (EST) on Sep 6, 2011
I am back on Caro for now, having last read a book in manuscript written by a very good friend, which I enjoyed tremendously. Someday when it is published I will commend it to you. One of the things I loved about it was hearing her voice and recognizing elements the source of which I was pretty sure I knew.
posted by kokipy at 9:22 am (EST) on Sep 2, 2011
It is good to be home and not good to be home. Came back to a comfortable mattress and the same old...same old
politics!
Didn't get into London to visit the Persephone Store. The Persephones were bought mainly in Hay-on_Wye and two in charity shops.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 8:50 am (EST) on Sep 2, 2011
posted by kokipy at 1:12 pm (EST) on Aug 31, 2011
posted by kokipy at 12:33 pm (EST) on Aug 31, 2011
No school until after Labor Day. They are still riding this week - going to wring out every last second of fun. I have to go to LA Thurs/Friday so will not be able to commence a lovely long last summer weekend until Sat a.m. bummer!
posted by kokipy at 12:31 pm (EST) on Aug 31, 2011
B
posted by romain at 9:03 pm (EST) on Aug 28, 2011
posted by Whisper1 at 10:05 pm (EST) on Aug 26, 2011
posted by drmarymccormack at 10:10 pm (EST) on Aug 25, 2011
your concerned LT friend,
Karen
posted by karenmarie at 8:26 pm (EST) on Aug 25, 2011
posted by kokipy at 9:48 am (EST) on Aug 25, 2011
Usually I'm reluctant to warn people away from a book -- just because it's not for me doesn't mean it's not for you. But in this case, if you ever find yourself on a desert island with just you and "The Shack," don't waste time: just start swimming.
posted by swynn at 8:26 pm (EST) on Aug 24, 2011
I didn't really like Natural History, I liked Keeping it Real a bit better. But not so very much, and not enough to go get the sequels.
I am reading William Gibson now. I read Zero History a while back, and now am reading the two that came before, Pattern Recognition and Spook Country. I am really liking them a lot, more than I had remembered liking Gibson when I read him first a long time ago.
You might well like Among Others, by Jo Walton. I just read it and Star's just finished it and is posting lovely excerpts at the other place. It concerns a 15 year old SF fanatic, a bit of magic and a bit of family dilemma. Lots of fun experiencing her first reads of a lot of old favorites.
Sadly I didn't manage to get to the GH sale, but I've got all of them in hard copy already anyway, I think, so what was I thinking! Don't really need them on the Kindle. It was just avarice, I think.
posted by kokipy at 4:47 pm (EST) on Aug 23, 2011
posted by Whisper1 at 8:40 am (EST) on Aug 23, 2011
I just read Justina Robson's Keeping it Real- have you read those? i am not sure how I liked it. I kept reading, but.... Other Robsons have not been loved either.
posted by kokipy at 4:41 pm (EST) on Aug 20, 2011
posted by drmarymccormack at 3:57 pm (EST) on Aug 17, 2011
I've been listening...my playing days are over, and I was mostly a singer anyway...to a variety. My previous go-to cheer-up music was Grieg's Pier Gynt Suite: I defy anyone to remain morose while listening to "In the Hall of the Mountain King." Current circumstances indicate a need for further mood uppers, so I have run through "H.M.S. Pinafore", "The Mikado", and "Pirates of Penzance". Very bright and cheerful and quite marvelous at altering one's mood. Another good choice is the first act of "Carmen".
The strangest thing happened to me earlier this year. I went on iTunes to access some old folk hits from the 60's: Peter, Paul, and Mary, The Highwaymen, The Brothers Four, Limelighters, etc. I was mad for this music in my teens and memorized entire albums; of course it helped that I was in several choral groups which performed a lot of these numbers. Anyway, I started to play some really old favorites, and simply cried uncontrollably. I don't mean sobbed, but had silent, endless tears falling. No idea in the world why that happened. I've kept any further sessions with that sort of music at a minimum.
I also love Bach. The intricacies of the music are complex enough to thoroughly hold one's attention. DH will often ask what on earth I'm humming. For a more modern sound, and still not too current, really, I like the Holly Cole Trio, Leonard Cohen (oh my, you should give him a try), Roy Orbison, some Zydecko stuff too. Whew! Probably a lot more than you wanted to know.
I wish my reading concentration time would pick up, but I'm having trouble feeling restless, hence so few books read in the past month or so. But I keep trying.
posted by bohemima at 10:17 pm (EST) on Aug 15, 2011
posted by drmarymccormack at 2:15 pm (EST) on Aug 14, 2011
Great to hear from you. The third and final round of injections went well, but today the novacane wore off and I'm sore...fine...but tired and sore.
And, how are you my dear?
posted by Whisper1 at 10:56 pm (EST) on Aug 13, 2011
posted by drmarymccormack at 4:19 pm (EST) on Aug 13, 2011
posted by drmarymccormack at 4:11 pm (EST) on Aug 13, 2011
I just finished the first volume of the Johnson bio - it is really tremendous. Someday you must get to it. Need to get to work - was out of the office yesterday at a meeting in Austin, TX - my first visit there and so timely given the reading material :)
posted by kokipy at 9:49 am (EST) on Aug 9, 2011
I agree with your first impression of the Pilgrims. They definitely didn't see themselves as missionaries. At first I thought it was because they were so caught up in sheer survival but even after they settled in, that didn't seem to be on their agenda. Do you think it was because they saw themselves as a separate "chosen" group?
And as for Standish, what a disappointment to find out what a jerk he was. I still am carrying around my grade school history impressions of this time and I always thought of him as a romantic character. He seems to me to be typical of so many of the early male settlers who's response to everything was violence.
I was surprised at how many Europeans the Indians had been exposed to before the Pilgrims arrived. It's a wonder they didn't kill them on sight! Now Massasoit has replaced Standish as a romantic figure!
posted by Oregonreader at 1:39 pm (EST) on Aug 8, 2011
posted by BiblioEva at 7:51 am (EST) on Aug 6, 2011
JoLynn
posted by JoLynnsbooks at 11:52 am (EST) on Aug 5, 2011
JoLynn
posted by JoLynnsbooks at 11:40 am (EST) on Aug 5, 2011
I haven't revisited the period since, but remember that phase of my reading life as utterly compelling.
posted by kokipy at 10:58 am (EST) on Aug 4, 2011
posted by kokipy at 10:43 am (EST) on Aug 4, 2011
I am now embarked on Caro's bio of Lyndon Johnson, the first volume of which was a bday gift from my sister. Path to Power, copyrighted in 1981. It is awesome. Reads like a novel. I am not sure I've ever read such a powerful biography - researched in unbelievable detail at a time when it was still possible to interview people who grew up with him, written with close and deep perception of emotion and psychology, and in a style that is inimitable - a bit folksy and breezy somehow, very readable, without sacrificing accuracy or thoughtfulness. There are three volumes and if the second two are like the first, all very long. I think I"ll be on this for months, but what a ride.
posted by kokipy at 10:17 am (EST) on Aug 4, 2011
posted by BiblioEva at 10:09 pm (EST) on Aug 3, 2011
"Have you read/do you recommend Noel Hynd's ghost stories? I just yielded to summer impulse and bought a couple. I think I remember one of his spy novels as being quite O.K."
Doesn't sound familiar. Just finishing Uncanny Stories by May Sinclair. Excellent.
"Meanwhile, reading your mail: "homemade limoncello" - YUM!"
It does sound good, whatever it is!
"I also intend to mend my Rosamond Lehmann ignorance this month."
I also still suffer from RL ignorance. Maybe someday?
posted by tros at 7:50 pm (EST) on Aug 3, 2011
Let me know what you think. I think you'll love it.
The Miracle Game is also great.
posted by tros at 4:30 pm (EST) on Aug 3, 2011
posted by kokipy at 10:32 am (EST) on Aug 1, 2011
"One day at breakfast, while Ella ate her oatmeal and rambled on about her brother, I recognized in a humbling flash that she was doing exactly what I'd been doing as a writer all these years: the fictional characters in my books had allowed me to understand what was hard for me to understand (which, so far, has been nearly everything). Much like Ella, I'd found myself with an excess of words, the wealth of which far exceeded the pathetic limits of my own biography. I'd needed narrative space to extend myself into; I'd needed more lives. I, too, had needed another set of parents, and someone other than myself to throw my metaphysical tantrums. I'd cooked up those avatars in the soup of my ever-changing self, but they were not me, they did what I couldn't, or wouldn't do. Listening to Ella furiously and endlessly unfurl the Mingus tales, I understood that the need to tell stories was deeply embedded in our minds and inseparably entangled with the mechanisms that generate and absorb language. Narrative imagination - and therefore fiction - was a basic evolutionary tool of survival. We processed the world by telling stories, produced human knowledge through our engagement with imagined selves.
Whatever knowledge I'd acquired in my fiction-writing career, however, was of no value inside our ATRT aquarium, however. Unlike Ella, I could not construct a story that would help me comprehend what was happening. Isabel's illness overrode any form of imaginative involvement on my part. All I cared about was the firm reality of her breaths on my chest, the concreteness of her slipping into slumber as I sang my three lullabies. I did not want to extend myself into any direction but hers."
So, I guess I was thinking that all those stories and dreams that infuse [2666] have to do possibly with something like this. He's created a vision of humanity that seems fairly complete, albeit heavily slanted towards corruption, violence and misogyny. Many facets of perception, mirrored, echoed by multiple points of view.
I think you are right about the litany of deaths. He is bearing witness, and in the course of it he is also revealing as much as can be known about the cause and perpetrators, and why it will never be possible to either find and punish the killers or end the violence.
posted by kokipy at 11:03 am (EST) on Jul 31, 2011
I am still organizing my duplicates, which I will post on the thread a few at the time.
Don't you wish you were going to England with Elaine? What a lucky girl!
posted by aluvalibri at 10:49 pm (EST) on Jul 30, 2011
posted by nbmars at 9:08 am (EST) on Jul 30, 2011
How are you today?
posted by Whisper1 at 1:32 pm (EST) on Jul 29, 2011
As to reading Rothfuss and Martin at the same time, I have started both but have not gotten very far in either and once one takes hold I will focus solely on that one. I usually just list the 1000 pages+ tomes on my profile page as they take me a lot longer to finish and I don't have to update it every few days.
Now I'm off to check out your thread as we share so many of the same books so I just know I'm going to get some great reviews over there.
posted by KiwiNyx at 6:35 pm (EST) on Jul 28, 2011
Thank you for your response. I agree with you about Hill's focus. It's just that she is so very good that I'm frustrated that she doesn't take the time and effort to be really splendid. I, of course, have no idea what that time and effort would be.
Thank you also for finding my library interesting. I can return the favor with good cheer. Goldbug Variations was my introduction to R. Powers and remains high on my list. I reread Doomsday Book every 4 or 5 years. Albion's Seed sits out as yet unread, but at least it's out. (That's why I imagine that I'm talking to JAF.)
***********
Yes, you are talking to JAF! :--) I love Doomsday Book so much, and also reread it often. I love R. Powers too and just acquired more of his backlist to read. You and I have read so many of the same books - it's too bad we don't live closer so we could swap books and talk about them! :--)
posted by nbmars at 7:06 pm (EST) on Jul 27, 2011
I've just finished The Shadows in the Street and read (JAF's?) review with pleasure. I'm am dying to ask whether anybody else was displeased with Miles's attack on Cat as the dénouement. As much as I love the book and the series, I didn't think that Miles-as-killer was very well done. Am I going to be alone in that?
I hate to say that I don't remember it well enough in that detail to answer that question! :--) I do think however that the author's forte is not the crime stuff so much as the side issues - such as mental illness, cancer, end-of-life issues, and all that. Even Simon seems not to be as central as Cat. I would guess she started out thinking she would do a detective series, but got much more involved with what would be relevant to Cat. And I found that to be just fine with me!
posted by nbmars at 6:22 pm (EST) on Jul 27, 2011
I've been busy at work after returning from vacation. In addition, the cortesone injection rec'd. last week has me wired...then tired.
How are you?
posted by Whisper1 at 1:05 am (EST) on Jul 22, 2011
posted by kokipy at 11:11 am (EST) on Jul 17, 2011
posted by souloftherose at 5:59 am (EST) on Jul 16, 2011
posted by lauralkeet at 6:17 am (EST) on Jul 10, 2011
What amazes me is that the reviewers are treating this book like it is based on the real life of a person.
posted by Liz1564 at 10:42 pm (EST) on Jul 8, 2011
posted by sibyx at 10:02 am (EST) on Jul 6, 2011
Happy July!
posted by kokipy at 8:01 am (EST) on Jul 6, 2011
posted by NancyKay_Shapiro at 11:24 am (EST) on Jul 5, 2011
He weemed to think I could help online. I got the imporssion what he wants to do is have a listing of books that are easier to read...tagging....but I am not sure how to do this with adult books. I have not responded to him.
I amn retired and have actually READ and am reading a lot of the books I amentering. Thirft store,stuff,but where it leads.
Thanks for writing.
posted by carterchristian1 at 10:30 pm (EST) on Jul 3, 2011
posted by carterchristian1 at 9:09 pm (EST) on Jul 3, 2011
posted by NancyKay_Shapiro at 7:20 pm (EST) on Jul 3, 2011
posted by NancyKay_Shapiro at 7:08 pm (EST) on Jul 3, 2011
Thank you for the welcome!
I'm still entering books into LT -- I think I've done about 40% of what I have here so far, but that does include all the Viragos. I've been collecting them for a long time and used to bring back a suitcase-ful from trips to London. Haven't read all the ones I own, but those I have read were all well worth it. I especially like FM Mayor, and EH Young, and I owe my discovery of Sylvia Townsend Warner to the imprint -- she's one of my top 10 most cherished writers.
I see you read "The Blue Flower" this year -- was that your first Fitzgerald? She's astonishing, every one of her novels is so different and yet she also has a style and a worldview that is so uniquely her own you'd never mistake her writing for anybody else's.
posted by NancyKay_Shapiro at 6:18 pm (EST) on Jul 3, 2011
posted by Cait86 at 2:02 pm (EST) on Jul 3, 2011
I see you also belong to Infinite Jesters. I've been wanting to read this for some time. It looks like there is a whole LT world out there beyond the 75ers!
What a sweet group of kids in your profile pic. I assume you're one of them? I remember when little girls wore dresses to school. Actually, I guess I wore them all through high school and then "cut loose" in college.
Thanks again for the invite.
Donna
posted by Donna828 at 2:54 pm (EST) on Jun 24, 2011
posted by wordswordswords at 8:56 pm (EST) on Jun 21, 2011
posted by phebj at 5:34 pm (EST) on Jun 15, 2011
posted by phebj at 5:32 pm (EST) on Jun 15, 2011
I'm glad Luci found her way to NC.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 6:33 pm (EST) on Jun 14, 2011
No that's just "wishful" thinking on my part (although maybe the Book Depository will have it earlier). I just put it on my wishlist. Have you read Sea of Poppies?? I loved it and have been checking Ghosh's website for updates but of course it was Darryl who announced its release. He's more reliable than a publisher LOL.
Take care,
Bonnie
posted by brenzi at 7:08 pm (EST) on Jun 13, 2011
Benjy was indeed an incredibly sweet pooch, gone now a long, long time, almost 30 years. Living in an apartment in Manhattan has helped me resist the longing for another dog, although the building allows them. Maybe when I retire, I'll have more time to manage that particular responsibility.
We do have the same trouble with old mysteries, I see. The newer ones are easier to get rid of, although I did give away all my Matthew Scudders some years ago, in one fee swoop, and sent my J. R. Robb books to Stasia for her daughter. My partner Jim puts his series books on his new Kindle - I just don't want to buy them again - seems pointless. But I do have to get rid of more volumes and make the switch to displaying art instead of book spines.
Nice to hear from you.
posted by ffortsa at 2:59 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2011
posted by ffortsa at 2:01 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2011
Thank you so much for taking the time to share these things with me, Peggy. It means more than you could ever know.
G.
posted by bohemima at 5:14 pm (EST) on Jun 8, 2011
Thanks again!
posted by Poquette at 2:37 pm (EST) on Jun 2, 2011
Be careful, sounds like you're setting yourself up to become a BUFF. I only started reading about the War a few years back, and both my husband and I have become completely obsessed. This year's spring trip went from New Orleans, to Vicksburg, to Shiloh, to Chatennoga -- you get the point.
If by some chance you've never seen Ken Burns "The Civil War" (6 PBS episodes) I can't recommend it enough. Shelby is prominently featured, and is just adorable.
posted by annbury at 2:06 pm (EST) on May 30, 2011
This is Anne from the 75 book challenge, who cited the Civil War book you wanted to check out. MANY THANKS for your comment -- not only are you not teaching Grandma to suck eggs, you are telling Grandma (old lady at least) about eggs she didn't know were there. This evening I will sit down and attempt to figure out the technical thing you noted. I hope it is a way to put books on my list in an interactive format -- seemed to me far too primitive that I just put them up in a list and added new posts when I read one.
The two Civil War books I have noted recently are "1861: The Civil War Awakening" by Goodheart, a new book which is a bestseller and deserves it, and "Redemption" by Nicholas Lemann which is not a new book, not a bestseller, but a real eyeopener for me. What is history? etc. etc. etc.
Thanks again/
posted by annbury at 11:20 am (EST) on May 30, 2011
Its always nice to meet someone where you have something in common like here books.
I am patiently trying to get all mine added then I have to edit them, read, not read , to read etc.. so I haven't done much chatting yet in the groups I am in. I think I have about 300 some books to go to have all of mine listed here but of course i add daily and then get all my reviews of books up here.Its an ongoing process.
I think I am going to slow down on my book reviewing so I can gget into my own library and start reading my books. I hear them calling my name ;-)
Lynn
posted by MissLynn_1944 at 5:48 pm (EST) on May 28, 2011
posted by Oregonreader at 5:27 pm (EST) on May 25, 2011
posted by kokipy at 7:58 am (EST) on May 25, 2011
posted by kokipy at 5:11 pm (EST) on May 24, 2011
posted by Oregonreader at 12:51 pm (EST) on May 24, 2011
I'm so pleased it arrived quickly and am very happy to have provided some excitement for the day!
I am now looking forward to Suspect X arriving through my letter box- (we don't have mail baskets. Something to do with living on a small island where everybody lives close enough together for the postmen to reach all the front door's I think!)
Dee
posted by Soupdragon at 6:36 am (EST) on May 24, 2011
I am interested in the outcome for Sarah. It reminds me of another of the books of the times about female school teachers - I can't remember the name but can dig it up, but the point was that you couldn't teach - your avocation - and be married too. I think I am very showing my generation. There was, I guess? something about the 30s that prevented marvellous female writers from imagining happy female professionals who had happy sexual relationships. Sayers speaks to this sensibility also. Harriet Vane struggled in some of the same ways Sarah Burton struggled, I think. This would be an interesting PhD topic, for me. Are there any books of this era written by women where the woman/women thrive in their chosen profession and also thrive in a love relationship? I see this as an issue of imagination as much as cultural/social possibility.
thank you for recommending this book to me, P. my dear.
posted by kokipy at 9:21 pm (EST) on May 23, 2011
posted by Oregonreader at 4:40 pm (EST) on May 23, 2011
Thought you'd like to know that nthWORD Magazine (a very hip online literary mag)will publish that new opening chapter of MB in its next issue. It will be published under the title "Rhino." I'm very glad the world didn't end before they contacted me today.
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 5:23 pm (EST) on May 21, 2011
I like page numbers and a don't like turning pages that often, but if you read Infinite Jest on a Kindle, that says a lot. A year ago I bogged down on IJ at page 250 (page 2,000 on the Kindle, I guess, if it showed page numbers), and haven't yet had the urge to resume. Speaking of bogged down.... I expect you've tried a few pages of MB, gone glassy eyed and considered polite ways of ducking out of further reading. I just remembered that the world has supposed to have ended. I should check outside before continuing...
No, we're still here. The birds are tweeting, the snails moving no faster than usual, the air smelling cool and fresh. Another day on planet earth. Where was I?...
Oh, yes, that damned book. My literary theory in a nutshell is that novels are a set of problems. The writer has to recognize his problems and solve them. (As Shaw said, if you have something to say, you'll find the style in which to say it. If you have nothing to say, you will never find that style.) Novels work when they keep pulling the reader along; when the reader withdraws, they've stopped working.
I've made major revisions to the novel, especially in the first fifty pages. I posted the new draft at the same url http://www.willcall.org/mothers.pdf
I'd be overjoyed if you haven't yet read a page on that busy Kindle, but if so and you encountered reader's block, please give the new draft a shot. And if it loses you, please let me know the page/chapter of that unhappy event.
Thanks,
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 8:51 am (EST) on May 21, 2011
Donna
posted by Donna828 at 7:13 pm (EST) on May 19, 2011
posted by Oregonreader at 6:41 pm (EST) on May 18, 2011
posted by Oregonreader at 4:46 pm (EST) on May 18, 2011
posted by Soupdragon at 3:56 pm (EST) on May 17, 2011
Dee
posted by Soupdragon at 6:18 am (EST) on May 17, 2011
posted by sibyx at 5:06 pm (EST) on May 16, 2011
posted by TadAD at 12:02 pm (EST) on May 11, 2011
So, what do you particularly recommend? Aside from Elgin (whom I dislike so far), Tepper & Le Guin (whom I've sampled a fair bit), Atwood & Russ (whom I've found). I've tried one Octavia Butler, but have little recollection of it. Where's the heart of this genre?
posted by TadAD at 11:54 am (EST) on May 11, 2011
posted by Bookbets50 at 12:25 pm (EST) on May 9, 2011
posted by Bookbets50 at 6:14 pm (EST) on May 7, 2011
It's good to have you again, and there's no need to feel too guilty. MB has been a most difficult story, and to think I was going to make it more difficult by structuring it like a piece of music. That's why Fingal's Cave (Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony). FC the brass, MB the strings--here lies madness.
I envy your Kindle. I've been thinking about getting one (you can read in direct sunlight, right?) but I haven't done any serious shopping. Does it have your wholehearted recommendation?
I hope things are well with you.
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 5:23 pm (EST) on May 7, 2011
First off, good show on that royal wedding! Bright and beautful, yet also quite human.
I've been cut off from the world (mostly Librarything and Goodreads) while trying to get this novel right. There still is work to be done, but I've posted the latest effort at http://www.willcall.org/mothers.pdf Even if you don't get a chance to read some, tell me what you think of the below, which will serve as a prologue/author's note to MB.
Alex
In the theatre they call it breaking the fourth wall, the invisible barrier that separates the audience from the actors. In a novel a fourth wall of sorts separates the author from his story and characters. The author isn’t supposed to be mixing it up with his creations or explaining what the hell’s going on in Chapter 22. Breaking these walls is taboo, but done, sometimes for shock value, sometimes to expose fiction as contrivance . My purpose is benign. I want to minimize birds killed while passing open windows.
In Mother’s Beach there is a second novel called Fingal’s Cave by Kazuki Ono, a famous Japanese author (fictional). Fingal’s Cave is related to Mother’s Beach the way fiction in general is related to reality (a funhouse mirror). As Mother’s Beach unfolds, Ono is completing Fingal’s Cave. The main character in Mother’s Beach is Hugh Mcpherson. Hugh’s counterpart in Fingal’s Cave is Yuudai O’Keefe. To visually separate the two novels, Mother’s Beach is written in Times New Roman typeface (the typeface you’re reading now),and the text of Fingal’s Cave is written in the Constantia typeface. This is Constantia (not on Librarything, however). So whenever you see Constantia, you’ll be reading Ono’s novel. I considered including separate chapter and page numbers for the two novels, but concluded that though graphically interesting this would not be helpful to anyone (all chapter and page numbers are in Times New Roman). In addition to Hugh, most of the characters in Mother’s Beach have their counterparts in Fingal’s Cave. For example, Hugh’s former wife is Setsuko; Yuudai’s former wife is Sumiko. Hugh’s sons are Takumi and Hitoshi. Yuudai’s sons are Brent and James. Now way later in Mother’s Beach, it’s going to get real confusing, and I won’t be around (in one way or another) to provide further guidance. But as they advised in some distant decade, keep the faith.
This is as far as I go, Gustave.
posted by AlexAustin at 3:19 pm (EST) on May 7, 2011
I also have about 100 pages of Persephone's Manja and I know I'm going to be crying at the end. Plus I have to write a review of Bedford's Legacy and Lady Rose and Mrs Memmary. So many books, so little time.
In other news, just booked our Stratford idyll for this summer. We are renting a friend's rowhouse on Great William Street (about a block from the Birthplace on a quiet street) from Aug 1-31! Only day trips into London because we won't be renting a car. Still, we'll be able to get into Oxford, Birmingham and the Cotswold villages by bus. There is a little bus called "the hedgehog "which stops at every cow path between Stratford and Chipping Camden. It's a fun trip there and back.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 5:52 pm (EST) on May 5, 2011
I had to get a copy of Dr Seuss' Pop and Drop as a gift. Well, Amazon had a copy for $3.83 with free shipping over $25. So I had to find another $21 worth of stuff and checked my wishlist. The Charleston garden book was really cheap all of a sudden so I snagged that. Then I searched Frances Partridge and came up with cheap diaries!
My husband said we are going broke saving money! He suggested that I could have just spent $8 for the original Seuss! Imagine......
Elaine
PS The lesbian short stories came from PBS.
posted by Liz1564 at 12:55 pm (EST) on May 2, 2011
posted by Bookbets50 at 10:47 pm (EST) on May 1, 2011
posted by bohemima at 10:14 am (EST) on Apr 28, 2011
posted by Cynara at 10:55 pm (EST) on Apr 27, 2011
I see your background is English/Latin - well, my undergraduate degree was an English/Middle Egyptian dual major; the original plan was to pursue the latter, but that's on the shelf indefinitely, and I'm just starting my teaching career.
I like A Time to Keep Silence; it's different from A Time of Gifts, as it's a record of a static stay at a monastery instead of a travel tale, but it's equally well-written and charming.
posted by Cynara at 8:45 am (EST) on Apr 27, 2011
I really like Fermor; you should give A Time of Gifts a try some time.
posted by Cynara at 6:08 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2011
You read so quickly that I don't think that some of us starting a couple of days ahead will make any difference. I'm looking forward to it also. This group is proving to be exactly what I had hoped the original thread would be (and was not).
Have a lot of fun on your trip.
Ruth
posted by CanadaPile at 7:44 pm (EST) on Apr 25, 2011
I hope to get a lot of reading done this next week, during spring break. The girls will be riding five hours a day, so there will be a lot of down time for me :)
posted by kokipy at 8:19 am (EST) on Apr 17, 2011
I am so gratified that your mother, and you, liked GlPPPS as much as I did. It was such a bright spot.
We need to revisit Parker when you are done with the Engineering trilogy. I still love the books, but am getting a bit depressed at how tragic they all are. I've been speaking with the star person about this and he has been getting to the same pov.
The girls and I went to see orchids at the Botanical Gardens this morning. They were so wonderful! We bought some last year, most of which have not yet died but haven't really thrived. My black thumb at work again, I am afraid. We brought home one more this time, with a bit more instruction, so possibly we'll do better this year.
Happy Easter to you! My spouse is playing his trumpet tomorrow with a brass quintet at the Palm Sunday service. We are all quite excited.
posted by kokipy at 8:36 pm (EST) on Apr 16, 2011
And why is it, that on the morning of the day I am ABSOLUTELY GOING TO DO NOTHING BUT READ (and catch up on laundry, of course), my daughter needs an emergency trip the dentist? Oh, the humanity. We did add a silver-lining to the cloud, however. (Yes, it involved books.) To cheer us both up, we did a quick jaunt to the local indepedent used bookstore and grabbed "a few things" for both ourselves and my daughter's classroom. Like I NEEDED more books. Right? I blame LibraryThing. When I first got my account here, I only had like 1,000 books. That was exactly five years ago. (Do the math.) (My husband recently did the math, and you should have seen the look on his face.)
Nice to meet you, Peggy. I am confident that this may be the only place on earth where my random ramblings about books may actually be understood and affirmed.
Blessings, Linda
posted by alaskabookworm at 9:29 pm (EST) on Apr 14, 2011
I am also reading Fate, Time and Language, which is a volume including DFW's senior philosophy thesis and related texts, which is where I got the quote re loneliness.
posted by kokipy at 6:54 am (EST) on Apr 14, 2011
I just started Testament of Youth but with little reading time available to me until Friday I probably won't get very far before the weekend. I've already determined (after around twenty some pages)that the writing is exquisite so I'm really chomping at the bit to get to it. I had to choose between it and Dissolution, making me long for the capabilities of a two-headed monster. Ah well.
Happy reading,
Bonnie
posted by brenzi at 12:38 pm (EST) on Apr 13, 2011
posted by kokipy at 7:31 am (EST) on Apr 13, 2011
posted by Athabasca at 7:02 pm (EST) on Apr 12, 2011
posted by lit_chick at 11:28 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2011
posted by sibyx at 9:12 pm (EST) on Apr 5, 2011
posted by stellarexplorer at 3:14 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2011
Sometimes an author's personality is apparent from novels, and I would expect Margaret Maron to be a lovely person (and also an interesting person). What fun to have actually met her! In my opinion, her books have a bit more depth than many of the series mysteries (as do Louise Penny's), and I've really enjoyed her explorations of the different parts of North Carolina. They've made me want to visit the state; I've only been there once, briefly, when we drove up the East Coast from Atlanta to NYC -- in 1971!!!
Thanks re the grandbaby! She's 4 months old now, and I need to post some more pictures. My older granddaughter is almost 7 -- hard to believe!
Now to get your thread starred. This is the first year I've joined the 75 group, and I'm finding it overwhelming, and not very easy to find readers with similar interests. I'm so glad you found the connection!
Ivy
posted by ivyd at 3:31 pm (EST) on Apr 1, 2011
I hope it is finally spring by you.
posted by kokipy at 1:36 pm (EST) on Mar 30, 2011
posted by lit_chick at 12:38 pm (EST) on Mar 30, 2011
Re: J.D. Robb - I really enjoy these books, but a word of warning - the formula has now been repeated 32 (and more) times and they are becoming a bit..er..formulaic. I started reading them years ago and enjoy the fact they're very predictable, but they're definitely a "light" read. (nothing wrong with that, but, for all their popularity, they're not drastically well-written - but great fun!). Thanks for your comment on my reviews - I tend to only review books that no-one else has, so they are a bit obscure! All the best with Brooklyn! (I'm a bit on the long-winded side too!) :o)
posted by Athabasca at 12:16 pm (EST) on Mar 30, 2011
Nice to have met you too Peggy.
Ilana
posted by Smiler69 at 9:38 pm (EST) on Mar 29, 2011
Ilana
posted by Smiler69 at 9:21 pm (EST) on Mar 29, 2011
--Tad
posted by TadAD at 2:48 pm (EST) on Mar 29, 2011
posted by Athabasca at 1:47 pm (EST) on Mar 29, 2011
posted by sibyx at 6:49 pm (EST) on Mar 28, 2011
posted by lit_chick at 12:18 pm (EST) on Mar 24, 2011
posted by mysterysf at 1:07 pm (EST) on Mar 23, 2011
Best,
Tui
posted by tiffin at 10:55 am (EST) on Mar 21, 2011
posted by sibyx at 8:53 pm (EST) on Mar 18, 2011
posted by sibyx at 11:53 am (EST) on Mar 18, 2011
Letters from Egypt wasn't a duplicate. But after I read it, I'll send you my copy. I just don't know when that will be. I think I'll post a trip diary on my Livejournal. I did see the Queen in Stratford, or at least her fushia coat!
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 11:28 am (EST) on Mar 15, 2011
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 6:41 am (EST) on Mar 15, 2011
I bet your forsythia and daffodils are at their peak! mine are just peaking out of the ground, which is finally, mostly, cleared of snow.
posted by kokipy at 11:06 am (EST) on Mar 14, 2011
Warm greetings! I must thank you for Devices and Desires: I am only a third of the way through, but am finding it immensely pleasurable. Wry, perceptive, ineluctable: she is very good. Best thing I've read in a while!
stellarexp.
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:02 am (EST) on Mar 13, 2011
posted by lit_chick at 10:36 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2011
Much appreciated.
posted by Whisper1 at 1:38 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2011
Thank you for your kindness in answering my group read questions. I was wondering how chapters are discussed as I might be able to handle one. I would like to look at this for some classic reads that On my own I have not picked up in years. Was hoping the group push would benefit me.
Great thanks!
Bonnie
posted by BONS at 7:47 pm (EST) on Mar 11, 2011
posted by blackrobe at 11:52 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2011
posted by quartzite at 9:44 am (EST) on Mar 9, 2011
posted by 2chances at 4:11 pm (EST) on Mar 2, 2011
We're up to 120 shared books by now but I still have a couple of thousand books to unpack, never mind catalogueing them... If you do buy "Penelope's Process", let me know -- maybe we can read it together. I'm glad someone else thinks it sounds hilarious. And the tartan really is attractive.:)
posted by littlegreycloud at 3:58 pm (EST) on Mar 2, 2011
You've got a zillion recommendations. This might be dangerous territory.
Still got quite a few of the Blackwater plus a growing tbr pile.
posted by tros at 5:59 pm (EST) on Feb 17, 2011
Just saw the movie "The Heart of Me" based on a Rosamond Lehmann novel.
An interesting flick (w Helena B Carter). Haven't heard of RL before. I notice you have some. Worth reading?
posted by tros at 2:02 pm (EST) on Feb 17, 2011
I was actually afraid of stroke when I pursued the matter, but the physicians have ruled that out mostly; I may have had a stroke in the third nerve of my right eye.
Robert
posted by Mr.Durick at 4:16 pm (EST) on Feb 16, 2011
Helen
posted by startingover at 7:34 am (EST) on Feb 11, 2011
posted by Bookwrapper at 4:08 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2011
How are you getting on with War and Peace I wonder. I read your piece abpout the 'boonies' and I am ashamed to say that I do no tknow htat expression! PLease enlighten me.
Warm wishes
Julie
posted by juliette07 at 2:47 pm (EST) on Feb 7, 2011
Elaine
Uncommon Arrangements is a fun, quick read. The guy I want to kick to the curb is Wells. Geez...his poor wife. Murry was just an insensitive (or "too" sensitive, poor baby)jerk. But he managed to make a few bucks from her memory after she died. Argggg.....
E
posted by Liz1564 at 6:28 pm (EST) on Feb 6, 2011
posted by romain at 6:18 pm (EST) on Feb 2, 2011
The weird part was the thunder and lightening which accompanied the 70 mile an hour winds right outside our window.
I'm cataloguing the last of the books, mainly booklets of English churches, houses, etc. I still have one shelf of Chuck's physics and math books and then I am done (except for the Tuchmans. For some reason I kept her for last.)
E
E
posted by Liz1564 at 1:17 pm (EST) on Feb 2, 2011
Enjoyed your Best of 2010 list. We surely agree on DFW, and as I posted, I am looking forward to Life with a Star. Thank you for calling it to my attention. I am eager to read good works relating to the Holocaust, and have a collection of sorts in that area.
I have not read Cutting for Stone. In fact, I read only one other of Verghese's books: The Tennis Partner. Did you read it? I found it quite good. Though I am an avid tennis player, and that did help to draw my interest. Also, while it reads like a novel, I believe it is actually memoir.
Dervish House is brilliant IMO, and is on my list too. Blackout has actually grown in recollection. As its shortcomings have faded, I am left with what was appealing. Which is a nice feeling.
I look forward to any of your future book reactions!
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:47 am (EST) on Jan 30, 2011
Becky
posted by labwriter at 1:04 pm (EST) on Jan 26, 2011
Take care my friend,
Bonnie
posted by brenzi at 6:27 pm (EST) on Jan 25, 2011
The Sweet Dove has landed. Thanks so much. No idea when I'll get to it.
Take care,
Bonnie
posted by brenzi at 5:39 pm (EST) on Jan 24, 2011
I don't even remember writing about Family Roundabout! I know it's a fantastic book but my memory must be going if I don't remember reviewing it!
Rachel
x
posted by bigpinkmarshmallow at 9:45 pm (EST) on Jan 23, 2011
posted by brenzi at 9:37 pm (EST) on Jan 20, 2011
I am flying to Florida. But wouldn't it be fun to meet someday, somewhere like Severoaks where Knole Castle is. Vita's childhood home not far from Sissinghurst and Lewes. Or somewhere literary here. Walden Pond? Central Park? Amhurst? DC?
We should have a VMC family reunion!
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 12:12 am (EST) on Jan 15, 2011
TK
posted by TomKitten at 11:24 am (EST) on Jan 13, 2011
Thanks for your comment. I'm happy to be part of the 75 Book Challenge this year. I do think we're very much in agreement on The Devotion of Suspect X.
Actually, Restoration is the only Rose Tremain I've read and I do recommend it most enthusiastically. Trespass is in this year's TBR pile but it'll probably be a while before I get to it. I'll have to investigate your ratings and reviews of her other works and see which ones you particularly liked.
TK
posted by TomKitten at 11:15 am (EST) on Jan 13, 2011
posted by kokipy at 6:56 am (EST) on Jan 13, 2011
I also love Patricia McKillip - everything she's ever written, but particularly the Riddlemaster of Hed trilogy. I suspect that I go to fantasy for gentleness and beauty, and to SF for sinew. {a pretty large over generalization, of course} That is one of the reasons I hated the Abercrombie trilogy - no gentleness at all in that mix.
I have read Kay over the years, and did recently add one to my Kindle but he hasn't been a favorite.
I don't know Parker - I'll have to take a look! recommendations in the genre are much appreciated. Also, we need to nudge that number up a little closer to 1000 :D
posted by kokipy at 6:55 am (EST) on Jan 13, 2011
posted by kokipy at 7:46 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 2011
posted by kokipy at 10:20 am (EST) on Jan 10, 2011
posted by kokipy at 8:21 am (EST) on Jan 10, 2011
At the moment--finished Voices from the Grave yesterday which is about the Northern Ireland troubles. Many years after the ceasefires Boston College did a series of interviews with some of the major figures and there is supposed to be a series of books of which this is the first. Mainly revolves arounds the points of view of one IRA guy Brendan Hughes and one loyalist paramilitary from the UVF David Ervine both of whom have since died. I've gone on to Elias Khoury's White Masks which is set during one of the Lebanese Civil Wars. Khoury is a great writer. His 'Gates of the Sun' is what I would call a masterpiece.
posted by lriley at 7:24 pm (EST) on Jan 7, 2011
posted by lriley at 6:13 pm (EST) on Jan 7, 2011
posted by noodlejet22 at 11:52 am (EST) on Jan 6, 2011
Happy New Year!
Danielle
posted by noodlejet22 at 11:51 am (EST) on Jan 6, 2011
Thanks for the sympathy! I came home yesterday and took to my bed like a Victorian lady with a copy of [South Riding]. Promptly read (well, on and off, between dozing) the first 150 pages. Love this book!
I just wanted you to know that because of new guidelines set up by DHS in November, all packages coming into the country have to be screened, including books. My Awesomebooks November shipments arrived just last week. One package of eight books had been opened and resealed. I'm going to miss their quick shipments, but it doesn't look like things will be changing any time soon. Still, you can't beat their prices so it is worth the wait.
Tylenol 600 is truly a wonderful thing...
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 7:39 am (EST) on Jan 6, 2011
Thank you for your thoughtfulness. No we are quite fine here in Brisbane but many towns in Queensland are devastated. It is a bizarre country this...from drought to flood in a matter of months.....you pass through country towns over very high bridges with a creek trickling through the bottom and wonder why they built the bridge so high....and then you see footage on the news of the bridge just about under...other towns sit and wait for the flood to come....our own Brisbane river is very full brown and muddy and has broken its banks....when there is a high tide some low lying areas have flooding but nothing like Emerald, Dalby, Rockhampton, Chinchilla, Bundaberg et al.....I had a beautiful swim in the ocean yesterday off Stradbroke Island and even the surf has apparently been quite brown...but yesterday it was pretty clear...we are lucky....here's a photo of Bundaberg...where the rum comes from.....
posted by alexdaw at 8:09 pm (EST) on Jan 2, 2011
posted by lriley at 7:39 am (EST) on Jan 1, 2011
posted by mrstreme at 8:29 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2010
posted by lriley at 7:10 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2010
posted by lriley at 2:45 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2010
posted by LizzieD at 6:46 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2010
thank you for your Christmas greetings, and for your friendship too. I hope you are still enjoying the snow!
I've had a restful day - finally opened all my presents. Not a single book(!), but some lovely other things, candles, chocolates, bath things, an angel mobile and some beautiful Christmas decorations (I'll need a bigger tree next year at this rate). Also a joke gift from one of the church families - they always give me something deliberately tasteless with a religious theme! This year it is a glittery pink Virgin Mary money box...
I've spent a few hours cataloguing a few books; my Folio editions of the complete works of Jane Austen. Slow going because there are no isbns, and one volume is an anthology of the shorter works which I wanted to list separately also. Fiddling around with cataloguing problems is a happy way to relax!
I hope you enjoy the rest of the holidays, and have a fantastic new year.
Best wishes
Genny
posted by gennyt at 6:17 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2010
I do wish the pundits would have chosen "climate change" rather than "global warming" for their tag phrase.
posted by Liz1564 at 4:18 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2010
Thank you for the Christmas wishes, we have spent a very lazy Boxing Day at home. I haven't read The Gargoyle yet, it was a SantaThing present so I only got it yesterday! Goodness knows how long it will linger in Mount TBR. One of my goals for 2011 should probably be to get my book acquisitions under control somehow....
Love Heather
posted by souloftherose at 3:28 pm (EST) on Dec 26, 2010
I know I haven't been around much. I do pop in from time to time to see what's going on but, frankly, I find I have little to say, so I just lurk. I've developed a bit of ennui as far as having opinions about anything (Early Reviewers excepted) so I don't post much. A couple of months ago, I received an invitation to join the Friends of Maugham group, and I still haven't made up my mind if I want to join or not - even tho' I love Maugham. Terrible, eh?
I'm still slogging thru Anathem. I've read about 300+ pages, but to get there I had to stop every now and then and read several thrillers, a couple of cozy mysteries, two novels and a volume of short stories by Flannery O'Connor and, of course, the coyote book. But, I WILL finish! I hope you're right that the end is worth the journey.
Now that the semester is over, I'll have a couple of weeks free of teaching so, maybe, I'll get more social... or maybe not... :-)
It has been snowing here for the past three hours. Only about an inch on the ground so far, but they're promising us an old fashioned nor'easter, with high winds and a foot or two of snow. Dang! But, as long as the power stays on, we'll be OK... no one has to go anywhere. That's all the news for now....
posted by Nulla at 2:30 pm (EST) on Dec 26, 2010
We have a few inches and it's still snowing. I hope you got some of the white stuff too! Then I guess to be practical we should hope that when it warms up it warms all the way up and melts completely instead of melting just enough to freeze into a sheet of ice. It is beautiful and fun!
Laura
posted by lauranav at 8:35 am (EST) on Dec 26, 2010
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 11:29 am (EST) on Dec 24, 2010
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 9:24 am (EST) on Dec 23, 2010
And thanks for the invitation to Virago - what exactly IS that? Will be investigating when my company leaves and I have more time. :)
posted by bahzah at 10:41 pm (EST) on Dec 18, 2010
posted by OccassionalRead at 12:54 pm (EST) on Dec 14, 2010
posted by wisewoman at 5:04 pm (EST) on Dec 12, 2010
Oh, Peggy! When on earth am I going to read all these! Well, at least the art books aren't really read, are they? I mean, one looks at the pictures and reads the odd description/history.
The few sex books are kind of mixed in with the rest, but they are pretty mild.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 11:26 pm (EST) on Dec 7, 2010
Thanks, that's a relief. It took much rewriting for me to figure out how Ono would function in the story. Toward the end, he's in many scenes with Hugh, so I knew how that would work. But how to focus on him in the meantime escaped me. I was also having problems with Hugh's flashbacks to his life with his sons. Out of desperation, I wondered if I could use Ono in the present as the vehicle for the flashbacks. The concept would be that Ono is writing a book based on Hugh's relationship with his sons (but ficionalized). I'm still fine tuning the pages you're reading, but I think the basic structure works (from your remarks, it seems to work for you). I intend to continue that pattern throughout the story. I look forward to your other thoughts.
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 11:45 am (EST) on Dec 7, 2010
No, no new revise. Just wondering if you got anywhere with the last pages. I understand this is a busy season, but any feedback would be appreciated. I don't care whether comments are positive, negative or neutral--all comments help to ground me in the project.
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 1:28 pm (EST) on Dec 6, 2010
Re Robert Jordan: I also stopped reading Jordan while we were in NM. I figured I'd wait until he finished the series and then start it all over again. I like his world, but he was really not advancing the story much, maybe because he was so ill. The new guy finishing the series seems to be doing a great job and is on target to get it done next year some time.
I used to read fantasy (started with the Trillium series), then went to Eddings who I still like, then Jordan, and then Martin. I think neither Martin nor I will live to see the end of Song of Fire and Ice! And I really like it, but ten years to finish two books is unrealistic. I don't read any new fantasy writers, like I read few mysteries any more, though I did enjoy that last medieval mystery I read.
I'm plugging away at Natalie Barney's biography. Man, if you had money you could get away with anything, but pity the shopgirl who stepped over the line....
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 8:50 pm (EST) on Nov 22, 2010
so very good to hear from you.
sending love
posted by Whisper1 at 10:54 pm (EST) on Nov 20, 2010
posted by ironjawedangel at 1:28 pm (EST) on Nov 13, 2010
Thank you for your comment. It was a difficult review to write. I will be pleased to talk about it with someone so hurry up and read it :) You sound like me....lots of books on the go at the same time. I am looking forward to participating more in the Virgo group. I used to enjoy them many years ago - pre-kids.....and am looking forward to getting back into them and to discovering the Persephone mob too.
alex
posted by alexdaw at 5:40 pm (EST) on Nov 7, 2010
Donna
posted by Donna828 at 7:53 pm (EST) on Nov 6, 2010
posted by stellarexplorer at 2:23 pm (EST) on Nov 6, 2010
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:43 am (EST) on Nov 6, 2010
I donate dog and cat food to our county shelter but I want to get involved with a county-local rescue group that I met though my vet. She introduced me to our local (meaning county) 'dog whisperer', who is wonderful. She helped me with a myriad of issues "I" had with our lab when we got her at two months. They were people issues, not dog issues. It was so cool to realize that dogs think like dogs and we think like people.....and to 'fix' issues, we need to think like the dog. Who would have figured that? Not me, that's for sure.
But she is coming back Sunday to work with me & our new little mini-Australian Shepherd and her snapping, snarling issue which is true to the nature of the herding dog. She has had her business for about 11 years and she and 7 other ladies were individually rescuing animals when they saw the need so they decided to blend together and they are accomplishing wonderful things now that they are banded together. But I thought that perhaps one day a week I could hose out and clean kennels, walk the amicable packs and just do general help things for them. So Sunday will be a good day to approach her about that. People in this country breed dogs just to have them destroyed. It is terrible.
Anyway, hope you have a great day. I am going to. I have great plans. L.T., play with the grand kid as there was no school today, read, play with the grand kid, read, play with the grand kid, F/B, play with the grand kid, read, play with the grand kid; I think you have it by now. Perhaps I will throw in some house work......but that is just a perhaps.
Catch ya later lady,
big hug,
belva
posted by rainpebble at 12:10 pm (EST) on Nov 5, 2010
But it really was a sickness! I went to the Bouchercon and bought all of these reference books with more lists in them! I collected Ellery Queen mystery magazines (sold those on ebay before a major move). I had every Carr, even though I had stopped reading him half-way through his canon because I became tired of his politics which crept into his books. Too many hidden anarchists and fascists behind the cozy, puzzle plots.
Then I went into historical mysteries with every Ellis Peters and those Roman writers and more medieval writers and Elizabethan mysteries and Poe as a detective... If I liked a writer I NEEDED to own every book he or she wrote.
I have the type of personality that has to have lists and has to complete those lists, and books or American Heritage mags and National Geographics fit into my obsession.
What finally made me see the light, somewhat, is a very serious illness in 2001 when we were still in NM. Having flat-lined twice, I returned home and just looked at all of these things I would never really read and I thought of my husband having to get rid of them, not knowing which ones were worth something and which were not. So, before our next move back to Chicago, I began to sell them on Ebay and with ads in the paper. I kept a bookcase of favorites I might someday reread (Christie, Sayers, a few Ellis Peters, one original signed Elizabeth George,). The three I've mysteries I posted about are from that lot. And I found that I can get rid of them now....
Progress, I guess.
Of course, the current obsession, the VCM's, are different. There aren't thousands. I don't want copies of Cather or Du Maurier or Compton-Burnett or the new angry young women from the 70's to now.
A sign of growth, finally?
posted by Liz1564 at 12:07 pm (EST) on Nov 4, 2010
Sweet dreams.
hugs,
belva
posted by rainpebble at 1:31 am (EST) on Nov 3, 2010
hugs,
belva
posted by rainpebble at 11:22 am (EST) on Nov 2, 2010
I hope things are well with you and I just wanted to pop over and say Hello so "Hello".
hugs,
belva
posted by rainpebble at 10:14 pm (EST) on Nov 1, 2010
posted by laytonwoman3rd at 8:24 pm (EST) on Oct 30, 2010
I'll bet, though, we have quite a few of the classics in common, although mine are all in English.
posted by Liz1564 at 5:01 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2010
Then I heard voices down one of the side paths so I ran (literally, I was beginning to panic). But they were on the other side of the wall! And speaking what I later found out was Polish! I started to yell and a few minutes later this curly blond head popped up above the wall. The guy who heard me was a Polish construction worker just packing up for the evening. With what must have been really funny gestures, I tried to let him know I was locked in. The head disappeared (more panic) and then a ladder was hoisted over the wall and a really cute guy scrambled down. He helped me up and over and down into the garden of the empty house he were rehabbing. Had I been five minutes later,he and his two mates would have been gone!
(All this explained to me over drinks at a pub in very broken English. I happily stood the pints.)
So I didn't have to sleep with George or end up in jail for breaking a window to get into the Gothic office to call the cops.
Turns out the cemetery closed a half hour early that day so the staff could attend some annual party. The notice was clearly posted and I just missed it. And the guy in the little garden tractor had gone around the cemetery paths checking for visitors, but since I was talking to George he had missed me. (I found out when I returned a few days later IN THE MORNING for another visit. And I would have been good and stuck..there was no night security guard back then.)
Highgate is spooky at the best of times, but at twilight....
posted by Liz1564 at 12:12 am (EST) on Oct 28, 2010
posted by Liz1564 at 7:42 pm (EST) on Oct 27, 2010
posted by Ygraine at 4:41 am (EST) on Oct 27, 2010
posted by kokipy at 8:53 pm (EST) on Oct 24, 2010
Anne
posted by AMQS at 10:55 pm (EST) on Oct 22, 2010
posted by LizzieD at 10:14 am (EST) on Oct 21, 2010
By the way, Awesome has lowered prices on lots of Viragoes to 1.79GBP. You might want to take a look.
I'm going to post it on the VMC board.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 6:50 pm (EST) on Oct 18, 2010
KERMIT
posted by scribulous at 7:52 pm (EST) on Oct 16, 2010
I keep thinking: "It is only Saturday...Monday is a long way away."
Kemrit
posted by scribulous at 7:51 pm (EST) on Oct 16, 2010
posted by suslyn at 3:53 am (EST) on Oct 16, 2010
Man!! I'm so digging your floor! My husband won't go for it, and that's a shame! Oak? Nice grain.
posted by suslyn at 3:52 am (EST) on Oct 16, 2010
posted by suslyn at 3:50 am (EST) on Oct 16, 2010
Sure would make a pretty scrap page!!
posted by suslyn at 3:47 am (EST) on Oct 16, 2010
posted by kokipy at 6:07 pm (EST) on Oct 13, 2010
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 3:58 pm (EST) on Oct 12, 2010
I just found out from some very kind people here at LT that the book we were discussing a month ago, with the chapter epigraphs by the incredibly creepy Thomas Love Beddoes, is "Have His Carcase" by Dorothy Sayers. Of course, that would be one of the two Sayers' mysteries that I don't own. Well, perhaps when I've read down my huge pile of TBR's just a bit...
posted by bohemima at 5:01 pm (EST) on Oct 6, 2010
Now I think I'll regroup and do some Molly Keane or Barbara Pym. (And I do have my very own copy of Cutting For Stone coming from Paperback Swap market!!!)
I have George Eliot In Love coming from Early Reviewers. That's two for two. I got Wolf Hall from the August listing and the Eliot from the September listing.
Have you read Lifted Veil yet? I confess that I did a little back peddle because of Belva's comment. She made me look at the main character from a different angle and, my goodness, it does put a different spin on it! That's why I love my friends on LT.
But NOTHING, I mean NOTHING will ever get me to change my mind about Four Frightened People!
Take care...
E
posted by Liz1564 at 5:16 pm (EST) on Oct 3, 2010
I'm half way through and I am enjoying it because I'm familiar enough with the characters to appreciate the history. And it is interesting to see things from Cromwell's point of view. I associate him more with the disastrous marriage to Anne of Cleaves than with the events in the novel. (I assume that will be the sequel). I also am enjoying the opposite view ideas of Thomas More, Charles Brandon and other characters who have been sainted or romanticized.
Having said that, and I will give it a favorable review, I wish it weren't quite so introspective. I think it could be trimmed about 150 pages. I keep itching for things to actually happen...Wolsey dying, the king getting his divorce and marrying Boleyn etc.
And it reiterates my personal dislike of Henry...such a waste of a genuine good mind! I am so glad I wasn't born in the 16th or 17 centuries, even if it means not seeing Macbeth or King Lear at the Globe and cheering for the author!
I wish it were more compelling like Cutting for Stone. That novel was long and dense, but I was so enthralled it seemed much too short.
posted by Liz1564 at 8:37 pm (EST) on Sep 23, 2010
posted by lauralkeet at 8:50 pm (EST) on Sep 22, 2010
posted by GingerbreadMan at 6:01 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2010
and reviewed it. Would love to see it done as a single episode on Masterpiece Theatre. Or even read on BBC4 0r 7. Maybe the reading would be best since it is a terribly claustophobic novel. I liked it a lot.
Back to Tudor England...
posted by Liz1564 at 5:46 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2010
Well, I see from the reviews that 2666 does not pertain to a year! I had not heard of it. From the reviews I am not sure it's up my alley. Are you loving it?
Every so often I get fed up with fiction, no matter who wrote it. In the current phase of this mode I started reading Guns Germs and Steel again. I do like Diamond, so hope this time I will not be distracted by more facile reads.
I ordered South Riding, did I tell you? and it should arrive soon. that may save me from the non fiction among us. I do sympathize with the "you bought it, now read it" POV. I am looking at shelves and shelves of that provenance. I do feel I should stop buying until I've worked through some of this material (smiles weakly...)
posted by kokipy at 9:55 pm (EST) on Sep 20, 2010
I want to read Victorian Chaise Longue next and then I should try to finish some of the books that haven't grabbed me this month. Half way through The House and Alec Guinness bio vol one...both good but I wasn't compelled to finish them.
Elaine
PS. Wolf Hall is the first Early Review book I received. I wonder if it was my review of 4FP that got it for me!
PPS. I got the mass market paperback of Victorian Chaise Longue on PBS. No luck from my wishlist so I clicked on the author link one evening. There was The Victorian Chaise LoUNGE listed so I ordered it. Yep, right book, just misspelled!
posted by Liz1564 at 9:34 pm (EST) on Sep 20, 2010
I have ordered South Riding, having snooped in your messages. It sounds excellent. I have not read 2666 but will immediately go look for it. Have you read 1491? speaking of years.... In many ways it is the best book I've read this year. I have also been on a quest to find a book I read as a child that I loved, the name of which I had forgotten. It turns out it was The Invisible Island, by Dean Marshall. Did you ever read any of her books? This was the only one I read as a child but I found a few others on Amazon. Unfortunately they are all out of print and the few copies that are available are very expensive. I have ordered Invisible Island just to see if it is still as good as I remember. Maybe I can get my children interested - a long shot!
posted by kokipy at 8:16 am (EST) on Sep 19, 2010
posted by lauralkeet at 3:41 pm (EST) on Sep 18, 2010
And I am eyeing The Victorian Chaise Longue... decisions...decisions.
Elaine
PS. Saw a fun play yesterday called Hideous Progeny about Byron, the Shelley's etc summer in Switzerland. I enjoyed it but most of the audience was at a loss as to who was related to whom...
posted by Liz1564 at 4:48 pm (EST) on Sep 13, 2010
posted by JanetinLondon at 12:12 pm (EST) on Sep 13, 2010
Having said that, years ago I began to write a medieval mystery with the Wife of Bath as the detective! The Prioress asked her to look into the situation where a novice does not return to the convent after the funeral of her mother. Since the girl was pious and a visionary (I wanted to wax elequent about anorexia causing visions) the Prioress was worried something had happened to her. I think I was going to have the Miller help the Wife solve the mystery!! In my defense, it was the time when Peters was writing the Brother Caedfal's, and I thought I might be able to produce something publishable. But like so many other writing projects, I didn't get beyond chapter three. I have too much fun doing the research and am such a lazy writer.
Wakes and funerals are so stressful. Take care,
Elaine
PS. I am reading The House by Teresa Waugh. I hadn't realized she was Evelyn's daughter-in-law; I thought the relationship was more distant. Or that she and Auberon lived for almost fifty years in Evelyn's house. It just got sold last year because Teresa wanted a place where she could turn on the central heating without breaking her bank account. I wonder if she got the 2.5 million she was asking for it. And who would buy a literary shrine!
I think Hamspray is still for sale for some exorbitant price. It was advertised as a Bloomsbury house, but the latest owners gutted the entire place, either painted over or dismantled (hopefully to sell) Carrington's murals and Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grants stuff. The owners turned it into an 18th century reproduction. Apparently, the owners tried to get the National Trust interested, but there was literally nothing left of any interest.
posted by Liz1564 at 8:24 pm (EST) on Sep 7, 2010
posted by bohemima at 8:23 pm (EST) on Sep 7, 2010
posted by bohemima at 8:21 pm (EST) on Sep 7, 2010
> I just came by to congratulate you on acquiring all of the Johnson Johnsons!
They aren't new, but I only just got round to adding them
> And keeping the pedants in line too.
Ah, I haven't looked in on the pedants for a while, I ought to get back to it!
posted by jimroberts at 12:47 pm (EST) on Aug 31, 2010
You might have to go into your account and activate the wishlist function. Go into your account. On the left is a group of statements :
Your Account
* Personal Details
* Track Your Order
* Change Password
* Address Book
* Order History
* Your Wishlist
Click on Your Wishlist and see what happens. I think I had to do something like declare my wishlist the default wishlist or something.
Of course, I shouldn't be encouraging you to buy more books!
posted by Liz1564 at 1:39 pm (EST) on Aug 24, 2010
we are having a cool wet August. These past few years July has been much hotter than August in these parts. Given how hot our July was, this has been a great relief!
posted by kokipy at 11:27 am (EST) on Aug 24, 2010
Elaine
PS. And I meant Awesome wishlist, not Amazon wishlist!
posted by Liz1564 at 11:59 pm (EST) on Aug 23, 2010
Have you tried it very recently? It wasn't working when the new site went up and just got the bugs out of it this past weekend. Make sure you are logged in (you might have to redo your passwork because of the new site). Then all you should have to do is bring up a book entry and click on wishlist. It should work now. I have wishlisted some marvelous Vita Sackville-Wests and as soon as I get some funds I'm going to order her travel books.
E
PS. I'm going to write my review of 4FP this week and dedicate it to you for the pain and suffering you endured. See, I really wanted someone to read the book to confirm that it was as bad as I thought!
posted by Liz1564 at 12:31 pm (EST) on Aug 23, 2010
I'm reading Mrs Miniver, a lovely little book. And I posted my review of Bawden's Ice House. I'm not a Bawden fan, but this one wasn't too bad. (With Bawden, I feel like I sat down to a meal and got up having an appetlzer.)
Awesomebooks revamped their website and now have a wishlist function. Mine is a mile long already!
Have a lovely week.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 9:12 am (EST) on Aug 23, 2010
It was a week when I felt like Job! But, I'm better now and today was a very productive one.
Take care. And, thanks ever so much for staying in touch.
Hugs
Linda
posted by Whisper1 at 5:41 pm (EST) on Aug 21, 2010
posted by bohemima at 10:17 pm (EST) on Aug 20, 2010
I liked Against a Dark Background. I read it in your honor, as you like Banks so much I felt I owed him another chance. It is dark, but I liked the people and the plot was compelling. He does write well. It is different from the Culture books, I thought. I have had trouble with the Culture ones, for various reasons. But I am persisting!
I have found the Reynolds I've read generally entertaining, but I don't think he is as accomplished as Mac/mcDonald, Banks, Stephenson and so on. Length, though, is never a shortcoming :)
posted by kokipy at 9:56 am (EST) on Aug 20, 2010
posted by kokipy at 9:46 pm (EST) on Aug 19, 2010
I think it was a best seller just because Judy muses about which man will eventually become her lover since the jungle will bring out the uncontrollable lusts in any male around a woman. Yeah, sure. A woman is at her most alluring covered in mosquito bites, dehydrated, and stinky (okay, maybe stinky is a sexual stimulant...). THEN she actually has sex with the man, even though it is understood he is married and won't leave his wife. How daring!!!! (The deux ex machina of the wife divorcing him is cool...she probably has wanted to dump him for years and just needed an excuse.)And Judy gets stuck with an accountant or actuary or something.
The introduction said it could be read on many levels. I disagree. On any level, except satire, it is a really bad book. As a satire, it is hilarious.... I think that's why I noted so many silly things in it.
Or maybe I just had to justify my time reading it. I'm going to write a point by point review and
will let you know when I post it.
Taylor will cleanse your mind.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 4:10 pm (EST) on Aug 18, 2010
Hope this note finds you feeling better!
Your package was returned to me yesterday with an apology from the postlady.
Apparently, with the handful of packages she processed for me, yours slipped
by and didn't get a postage stamp!! Will resend this afternoon.
Cate
posted by bleuroses at 6:03 pm (EST) on Aug 10, 2010
I have been so out of LT lately. Please let me know how the reference goes over. BTW, is this in a Sunday School discussion?
posted by richardbsmith at 11:38 am (EST) on Aug 10, 2010
I too hope you're feeling better. I'm about 10 pages short of a first draft of the new novel and facing lots of revision. I'm hoping to get the FD done before school starts, but.... I haven't had a lot of time to spend on librarything or goodreads, but I will get back to that. In my spare time, hah, I'm trying to record a podcast of The Red Album using music from contemporary Asbury Park bands. It's been interesting and humbling (new technology).
What are you reading?
Best,
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 8:03 am (EST) on Aug 9, 2010
Thanks for the good words.
Richard
posted by richardbsmith at 11:00 pm (EST) on Aug 7, 2010
posted by lyzard at 11:33 pm (EST) on Aug 6, 2010
Thanks for your note. I'll finish Burmese Lessons tonight and write a review tomorrow. Then I'll go back and read your review because I don't remember too much about it but I know you didn't like the book much. I have to say I feel like I read two books--the first one hundred pages were deadly boring to me and I couldn't get into the book at all. I had no interest in her and/or Maung. Then it seemed to turn on a dime for me and I enjoyed the last hundred pages. I don't know it may have just been me. It will be a hard review to write.
What a great opportunity for both you and those Burmese immigrants. I did feel I learned a lot about the Burmese people and the SLORC and the horrible conditions in the country. When I read The Lizard Cage I got very interested in An San Suu Kui (not sure if I have that right, but you know who I mean, "the lady"). That's an amzing story. Good luck working with the immigrants. Meat-packing plant, huh?
Bonnie
posted by brenzi at 10:50 pm (EST) on Jul 31, 2010
posted by Liz1564 at 11:44 am (EST) on Jul 30, 2010
I want to repeat how much I enjoyed Cutting For Stone, a superb book for all the right reasons. Without recommmendations here, I never would have read it because I am not that interested in reading about Africa. And medical novels...yawn.
But, oh, the characters. All so human and flawed, but not really flawed. Why did Ghosh not tell Marion about the letter, instead of leaving it to fate? Maybe a bad judgment call, but so absolutely in character and right for the story. No sweet resolution for Genet who could never enjoy sex because of the mutilation, even with Marion. Did he feel guilty for making her bleed during those fateful two days when they found each other again?. And getting hepitits from the only woman he ever wanted. The book was an onion, layers and layers from a great story-teller.
I was so pleased the author didn't go for the big loving father-son reunion complete with soul searching and family outings.
I can't keep thinking about it. I hope I can find a used copy because I want it on my bookshelf, even if I never read it again.
posted by Liz1564 at 11:41 am (EST) on Jul 30, 2010
posted by noodlejet22 at 8:25 pm (EST) on Jul 28, 2010
Regarding 4FP. Roberton's novel is etched on my brain, rather like a production of Ibsen's Doll's House I saw where the setting is, in actuality, a dollhouse. The male characters were played by midgets and...oh, never mind.... Can't wait to compare notes if you do read it.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 3:56 pm (EST) on Jul 24, 2010
I don't quite understand the Member With Your Books thing, either. You said you show 635 matches. I see "Books You Share (643)". I guess precision isn't a big part of this calculation. :-) Either way, though, you're right. We should show on each other's list. The Weighted I might understand since they do some kind of percentage calculation, but my Raw goes down to people who share 615. So...
Latin teacher? I almost picked "hic_ridete" as my LT name but decided friends wouldn't be able to find me.
--Tad
posted by TadAD at 6:46 am (EST) on Jul 24, 2010
posted by laytonwoman3rd at 6:40 pm (EST) on Jul 20, 2010
posted by suslyn at 5:45 pm (EST) on Jul 19, 2010
The Robinson book is one that I've heard about, but I don't believe I've read it. (When you mentioned it, it sounded familiar enough that I thought my husband had a copy, but if he does I don't have it cataloged.) Glad to hear that you're finding it helpful From the description on its LT page, it sounds like it's more geared to the needs & gifts of "mainline" churches than Unchristian is. I'll look for it!
posted by tymfos at 10:33 pm (EST) on Jul 16, 2010
A Game of Hide and Seek landed at its new home yesterday. Thank you so much for sending it! I hope to read/own all of her books eventually, so it won't be lonely!
Happy reading!
Christine
posted by marise at 8:55 am (EST) on Jul 15, 2010
I have gathered just about all of the VMC's I want. Amazing what a year and an obsession can do. I still will buy them at my coming book sales, if only to pass on to my VMC friends. This is the first Stead I bought because I haven't heard many positive things about her, one of the few authors who doesn't seem to have many fans. I admit that I have read a few that don't do it for me. Nothing would induce me to read Compton-Burnet again and I'm finding it hard to enjoy Bawden. I finish each book with a yawn. it's not that they are bad or anything, but I expect something more. I will, however, continue read her. A few authors I have started and set aside because they didn't grab me at the moment. Jameson's Love in Winter comes to mind. I think I have to start at the beginning of her series. And I can only read so many crazy, but lovable, Southern family sagas.
Have you read Four Frightened People by Robertson? I'm dying to discuss it with someone, but if I mention it on the boards I would have to give too much plot away to make my points.
At the moment I am reading a nonfiction Virago, The Bolter, about Idina Sackville and enjoying it immensely. Then I have to start Cutting For Stone which I got from the library yesterday.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 12:23 am (EST) on Jul 15, 2010
Thanks again!
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:00 pm (EST) on Jul 12, 2010
I am going to Williamsburg VA with family at end August. Very hot. Near you-ish, no? You must be a hardy soul to survive such heat. Or don't venture out of A/C?
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:21 am (EST) on Jul 12, 2010
There seems to be an epidemic afoot of someone named Stieg Larsson. I see you have The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Did you like it?
Hope you are enjoying your summer. It is hot here.
--prospective reader
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:42 pm (EST) on Jul 11, 2010
I absolutely love The Happy Foreigner!! Will probably finish today.
A customer yesterday asked what I was reading and when told, gave me the funniest look! I asked if she'd heard of Bagnold and she said yes, and further that she was familiar with The Happy Foreigner - still with the strange look on her face - and then said, "But I can't believe anyone else has!"
Things got busy and she left before I had a chance to tell her about LT and the Virago Group, but she comes in fairly often, so I'll have another chance I'm sure. Won't she be surprised!
Cheers,
Christine
posted by marise at 2:50 pm (EST) on Jul 10, 2010
Feel free to offer the Yonge on the duplicate thread! I was pleased with the condition of these books. They were as good as my copies and cost a total of .75 each at the Goodwill! Needless to say, I will be going back to that particular store. I just have to avoid the days when the Cubs are in town since the store is two blocks away from Wrigleyhell....I mean Wrigley Field.
I'm going to settle in and finish Four Frightened People which is becoming really intense in a purple prose-ish kind of way
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 2:14 pm (EST) on Jul 7, 2010
I am sure a lapse in taste on my part must be to blame...
(The real reason is that I have not yet started to enter the boxes upon boxes of books I still have in storage and that I have recently started reading SF backwards in time (1930's-1950's) when many subgeres had yet to be invented.)
If you see something you think I would like please tell me about it: the terrible thing about loving books is that there are always more good ones.
Yours,
Lisa Shapter
posted by LisaShapter at 10:49 pm (EST) on Jul 4, 2010
thanks for your message re 'The Aeneid'. My copy is the Oxford's World Classic edition, translated by Frederick Ahl. I checked some internet versions today and they all seem quite different. Most are rhyming and the lines are shorter.
Latin at school.. maybe we did read some Vergil, but certainly not much - after almost 20 years something might have slipped my memory. I remember that we used textbooks only during the first 4 years (Latin was 1st foreign language so we took a slow approach) and then we read some 'De Bello Gallico'. After that came 'Cena Trimalchionis' followed by some Ovid and during the last years we spent so much time on Cicero's speeches... I got the feeling that poetry was always a bit neglected, not just when it came to Latin, but in the German and English classes as well.
Only quite recently I discovered poetry for myself ... and what a treasure that is!
Nathalie
posted by Deern at 1:25 pm (EST) on Jun 22, 2010
posted by digifish_books at 11:17 pm (EST) on Jun 18, 2010
Later on in life, I might appreciate retirement. I'm not entirely sure I'd be able to get used to the idle time. Then again, place a fishing rod and a book in either hand and I'll reneg that statement very quickly. ;-)
I'm a huge fan of Jack Higgins....While he's not the (technically-speaking) GREATEST writer in the world, he entertains me. Sure and I can understand clinging to certain authors.
- Tara
posted by DistortedSmile at 11:03 am (EST) on Jun 15, 2010
posted by Whisper1 at 11:30 pm (EST) on Jun 14, 2010
And thanks for the invite. I did join the Virago Classics group awhile back, but haven't kept up. Thanks for the reminder
The young lady on my home page is my lovely seven year old grand daughter. She is the love of my life!
I hope all is well with you. I so enjoy your thread and your posts!
Linda
posted by Whisper1 at 6:55 pm (EST) on Jun 13, 2010
posted by noodlejet22 at 8:39 am (EST) on Jun 10, 2010
Infinite Jest was just a great book. Haven't really added anything to the group yet though.
Other than that I've not been reading as much as last year. Some stuff going on. Triglyceride and Cholesterol levels went sky high. IMO there was not enough sleep and a bit of stress as well. Doctor put me on some medication and I'm on a diet as well and doing pretty good with it. Getting a lot more exercise--biking and got the inlines and hockey stick out of mothballs.
Tara right now is looking for a job. She's got a lot of applications out and a few interviews but nothing really yet. On the Dean's list both semesters.
Anyway hope things are going fine with yourself. Haven't been trying to ignore anyone on LT really--just laying low.
posted by lriley at 12:12 pm (EST) on Jun 7, 2010
Sometimes you can tell that you're not going to change someone's mind, though!
posted by dtw42 at 4:12 am (EST) on Jun 7, 2010
I hate to confess I've never read Moby, but I did read Bartleby, if that counts! ;-)
posted by tros at 9:31 pm (EST) on Jun 6, 2010
are classics.
Haven't read China Melville. Does James Melville count?
posted by tros at 9:10 pm (EST) on Jun 6, 2010
posted by tros at 7:40 pm (EST) on Jun 6, 2010
At any rate...I don't like (most) mysteries because of their predictability. I read twenty pages into it and can already guess with some accuracy how the characters are going to react, what's going to happen to them and how it will be solved. Some are surprising, but most are disappointing. It's more of a risk for me to read any sort of mystery for that very reason.
Your husband was a beekeeper?! Fantastic! My great uncle used to produce clover honey on his farm. I would never visit (allergic), but the honey was delicious.
posted by DistortedSmile at 10:49 pm (EST) on Jun 4, 2010
Amber
posted by scaifea at 6:57 am (EST) on Jun 4, 2010
Amber
posted by scaifea at 5:07 pm (EST) on Jun 3, 2010
By "Holden" do you mean Holden Beach? I've spent many happy days there- on Lumberton Street, as a matter of fact, but I haven't been there since my friends sold their house several years ago.
I had a fast day in court, since the judge told me before we started that he intended to leave by lunch time. I posed no serious objection and spent half the morning telling people when to return. Thank goodness I didn't have to try the cyberstalking case: a woman had twenty-five pages of Facebook material an enemy had posted.
I've started *The Shipping News,* which promises to be a memorable read. I have calculated that about a fourth to a third of my recent reading has been periodicals- perhaps I should reduce that.
Thunderstorms late this afternoon. Have you been getting a lot of rain? All of a suddden the weather seems more interesting than ever- possibly since I hate the real news.
Bulletin: your last popped up just as I was preparing to post this. I think Boanerges means something like "Thunder preacher." Ah...here it is, from The Free Dictionary:
Boanerges [ˌbəʊəˈnɜːdʒiːz]
n
1. (Christian Religious Writings / Bible) New Testament a nickname applied by Jesus to James and John in Mark 3:17
2. a fiery preacher, esp one with a powerful voice
A good motorcycle name. Of course it killed Lawrence.
Kermit
posted by scribulous at 10:12 pm (EST) on Jun 2, 2010
posted by Nulla at 2:09 pm (EST) on Jun 2, 2010
You asked about The Maids. I'm very ambivalent about it. I liked the first 3/4 of it, but then it started to pale. Somehow the ending seemed too facile and predictable and goodygoody. I'm not sure what I mean by that. Maybe the author, altho' from the Deep South, knew more about its ambience but little of its fabric? ...the real-life schism between white and black???? Just dunno....
Now that I have some time, I'll try to get over to TRP and see what the folks there are up to....
posted by Nulla at 1:54 pm (EST) on Jun 2, 2010
scaifea
(Amber)
posted by scaifea at 3:58 pm (EST) on May 31, 2010
I've decided that if I can find it I need to finish reading *The Country of Marriage* poems today. It is a little hot, but I should be able to sit outside for long enough. Annoying, the bugs have appeared just this week. Grrrrrr.
Lu
posted by sibyx at 11:05 am (EST) on May 31, 2010
Danielle
posted by noodlejet22 at 11:26 am (EST) on May 29, 2010
I am so glad you got Bobbin Up! I was one of one for the wish list on PBS but I had to find a book to make up a $25 order in order to get free shipping and I chose Bobbin Up for $3. When the book arrived Wed I deleted the title from my PBS wishlist. So you got the title I would have received!
(Do you think we were twins separated at birth!!!!)
And I loved The Gentlewoman.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 11:21 am (EST) on May 29, 2010
posted by labwriter at 5:01 pm (EST) on May 25, 2010
Thanks for the compliment re: my 'Magicians' review -- that was very kind of you. I see that, in addition to what you mentioned, we also share some favorite authors -- you had me at Atwood and Austen. :) Delighted to meet a kindred spirit!
Sarah
posted by beserene at 4:33 pm (EST) on May 24, 2010
I'm trying to remember what I can about the Moosepath League book - I read it way back in 2001. I think I found it just too silly. I usually enjoy books that don't take themselves too seriously (love Christopher Moore), but for some reason I didn't take to this one.
I hope that helps. Sorry that I can't remember much else.
And nice to hear from a Mutts fan!
Kelly
posted by kellyslist at 4:27 pm (EST) on May 24, 2010
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 6:12 pm (EST) on May 21, 2010
Get *Ordeal By Hunger.* It sounds delightful. And besides, you'll soon have more credits built up. Still pleasant and cool here, but soon the hellish blast begins. I was surprised to find, while digging a small hole earlier tonight, that a few inches down the soil was still like powder.
Have you read Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison? It's set in the same time period as A River, etc., but is rather different.
Kermit
posted by scribulous at 9:31 pm (EST) on May 19, 2010
I'm a real fantasy lover, but Cherryh's fantasy series everyone raves about doesn't work for me. My fav of her works is The Cuckoo's Nest -- I adore it. As for the Invader et al, I really like the later books best, but you have to slog through all of them to get there LOL I'm sure I'm being a mite unfair. I just got really tired of Bren whining sometimes... he choose his career. Deal with it or get a new job. LOL
Blessings!
posted by suslyn at 5:13 pm (EST) on May 17, 2010
posted by sibyx at 7:45 am (EST) on May 17, 2010
http://www.librarything.com/author/kemalyasar&norefer=1
http://www.librarything.com/author/rannazimhkmet&norefer=1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naz%C4%B1m_Hikmet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ya%C5%9Far_Kemal
most of their works are translated into English as well as several languages, but I don't know if you can find Turkish books easily or not.
Recently, a writer who also writes on the orientalist side, but has more of his own style that I love is İhsan Oktay Anar. Here are the links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ihsan_Oktay_Anar
http://www.librarything.com/author/anarhsanoktay&norefer=1
I know that his books are translated to English, but I cannot find them on amazon:( Nonetheless look out for "The Atlas of Misty Continents", it's marvelous.
I hope this helps for a start:D
posted by ironjawedangel at 4:20 pm (EST) on May 14, 2010
posted by ironjawedangel at 6:53 am (EST) on May 14, 2010
posted by ironjawedangel at 3:43 pm (EST) on May 13, 2010
I like your bits of fun...
posted by nittnut at 12:35 am (EST) on May 13, 2010
posted by labwriter at 4:36 pm (EST) on May 12, 2010
posted by sibyx at 10:49 am (EST) on May 11, 2010
posted by gennyt at 4:46 am (EST) on May 7, 2010
Bekka
posted by BekkaJo at 2:58 am (EST) on May 7, 2010
I think, but am not positive, that we all have an LT wiki.
posted by lindapanzo at 5:41 pm (EST) on May 5, 2010
Every month, SqueakyChu comes up with a challenge and you can either take it (read a book that fits the challenge) or leave it (come up with your own). Some months, all are good. Others, not so much. This month has a few good ones. The main one this month is a book with a one-word title.
Don't be scared by the wiki--speaking as someone who'd never used a wiki before, it's easy.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/89897
posted by lindapanzo at 3:37 pm (EST) on May 5, 2010
I have been reading a lot about the financial markets lately - not sure what fiction will come next. quants and big shorts and so on. Interesting but not usually page turners.
posted by kokipy at 7:33 am (EST) on May 4, 2010
I have a question. TO THE NORTH is listed as a 240-page book on Amazon.com and yet the version you're reading seems considerably longer. Is it often published in an abridged form?
I had no idea you were tackling such a long book--and the reading of it can't be easy. I repeat: I would understand completely if you decided to abandon this project!
posted by wordswordswords at 8:26 pm (EST) on May 3, 2010
posted by rosalita at 9:24 pm (EST) on Apr 29, 2010
Anyway, it's cool to see how many books we have in common! I'm so glad to hear you like Margaret Maron; I've never met her but I'd like to think she's the kind of person I could have a nice chat with, and it sounds like she is. Ditto on the Grafton comment; at this point, I'm reading the new books out of a sense of duty to be able to have read them all, but I haven't really loved any of them since about L is for Lawless, I think.
Hopefully, I'll be "seeing" you around LT! I bet North Carolina is beautiful right now. I have some friends living near Durham (outside of a little town called Siler City, actually), and I love visiting them.
Cheers!
posted by rosalita at 9:23 pm (EST) on Apr 29, 2010
I ordered Stegner today with the best of intentions: to be good and read it on time, and not get my knuckles rapped; I expect it will be fun.
Hmmm, think I'll get that backlighted keyboard I've been considering: the world has dimmed a little in the last few years. But if that's so, why does the sun bother my eyes as much as ever?
Once in a while I run into somebody who has been through the legal system and thanks me for helping to punish them and set them straight. Just last week I encountered a little group at the grocery. The 30-ish son greeted me by name cordially, and the mother said "You sent him where he needed to be. He doin' fine now."
Just heard of the passing of a friend's wife, who succumbed to an illness that was discovered last year when she had a seizure the morning of her daughter's wedding. Now I remember telling you- she made the "asshole" comment.
Dashing out now; it's Thursday night.
Kermit
posted by scribulous at 7:02 pm (EST) on Apr 29, 2010
I notice your review said that you felt like he accomplished exactly what he set out to do. What do you think that was? And, since I am not going to finish the series, what can you tell me about how the characters end up?
posted by blackdogbooks at 9:18 am (EST) on Apr 29, 2010
posted by Oregonreader at 4:31 pm (EST) on Apr 27, 2010
posted by kokipy at 7:25 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2010
posted by kokipy at 11:04 am (EST) on Apr 25, 2010
posted by romain at 8:06 pm (EST) on Apr 24, 2010
Thanks for dropping by and I am glad you liked my library.
Yellow Wallpaper is an amazing short story, just a random pick actually, and it really shook me, won't recommend it as a bedside reading though :)
White Tiger didn't really impress me all that much, quite average actually.
posted by PiyushC at 4:50 am (EST) on Apr 19, 2010
I saw your post on Stasia's thread. Our 75 challenge group is ever growing and it is difficult to keep up with all the posts. Please send your link to me so that I can visit your thread.
Thanks.
And, welcome to our group!
posted by Whisper1 at 5:36 pm (EST) on Apr 18, 2010
posted by kokipy at 3:53 pm (EST) on Apr 14, 2010
posted by kokipy at 8:39 pm (EST) on Apr 13, 2010
posted by elkiedee at 6:58 pm (EST) on Apr 12, 2010
posted by kokipy at 1:17 pm (EST) on Apr 11, 2010
posted by kokipy at 1:14 pm (EST) on Apr 11, 2010
I did enjoy the spring break from my dear students. About six weeks ago I got an entire Russian youth soccer team added to my Beginnning ESL class. It's been interesting. Most of my free time, I've been pushing forward on the new novel, which is taking some turns I didn't expect. Much to work out, including the Mendelssohn. My brain feels intact this morning (a rarity)and I may just solve some problems. I'll get back on the LT discussion train soon. I figured everyone had heard enough from me. I'm still waiting for word on the movie deal. It will probably come to nothing, but its given me some ideas.
It feels like the economy is starting to turn. That would be a great thing.
Best,
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 10:40 am (EST) on Apr 11, 2010
Someone gave me Roots today, and it does look tempting indeed!
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:30 am (EST) on Apr 11, 2010
Me(on Shej.): I have the beautiful 1942 Simon and Schuster edition of Tolstoy's War and
Peace (dust jacket missing). There is a very long foreword by Clifton
Fadiman. It is chilling, downright terrifying, to contemplate what reading
this book meant in 1942. Like Napoleon before him, Hitler was investing
Russia. The Nazis had been pushed back, but were still strong. The outcome
was very much in doubt. Despite the time required to type it, I wish to
share with you a long paragraph:
Fadiman: "At this writing, the titanic battle of Russia, a part of the general
battle for the soul of man, is far from a decision. Hitler's retreat, while
obviously not strategic in the sense he had planned is, on the other hand,
far from being the rout that some wishful thinkers would make it out. But it
represents a physical and moral defeat, the proportions of which probably no
one knows except the German General Staff. Certainly the back of Fascism
does not appear to be broken, as Napoleon's back was broken after Moscow.
Napoleon's dream died with his dying legions in the snow. Hitler's dream --
the same vision, dreamed by a people instead of a single tyrant -- is by no
means dead. We do not know (unless faith is knowledge) whether Hitler will
retrace completely the mighty Napoleonic parabola or whether he will succeed
temporarily in his nightmare design of covering our planet with an Egyptian
night. If he should fail, a new Tolstoy may arise fifty years hence to
chronicle the vast drama of his rise and fall. If he should succeed, that
new Tolstoy will not arise. For there will be no novelists and no poets. The
humane and philosophic view of life from which supreme works of art spring
will have been blotted out."
Me: So there it is. A thought for today, from yesterday.
****
The thread is on page 20 of Tarmin Village.
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:16 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2010
by Romain Gary. Have you read it?
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:05 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2010
posted by sn at 6:29 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2010
posted by sibyx at 5:23 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2010
posted by reclaimingrebus at 4:51 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2010
posted by kokipy at 8:25 pm (EST) on Apr 7, 2010
posted by kokipy at 12:25 pm (EST) on Apr 7, 2010
I believe I ended up with two copies of that older version - if that is correct, and I can find the second one, would you care for it?
posted by kokipy at 11:08 am (EST) on Apr 7, 2010
posted by kokipy at 8:58 pm (EST) on Apr 6, 2010
But C&C - by all means, go for it! it is wonderful. Makes me rethink Mieville. Based on this I will read more of him. But probably not the ones in the Perdito universe.
posted by kokipy at 3:28 pm (EST) on Apr 6, 2010
posted by kokipy at 12:44 pm (EST) on Apr 6, 2010
posted by kokipy at 2:31 pm (EST) on Apr 5, 2010
Prescient!
Richard Neely is another interesting, under-appreciated thriller writer. Try
"Shattered".
Hey, I read women writers. Let me think........ There must be a few....
Dorothy B Hughes, Paticia Highsmith, Ruth Rendell, Atwood, Oates,etc.
posted by tros at 12:26 am (EST) on Apr 5, 2010
The Dead Don't Lie by Kaminsky is brilliant. Ever read Joseph Koenig?
Under-rated thriller writer. Wrote 4/5 books then disappeared. Floater,
Brides of Blood, etc.
posted by tros at 10:55 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2010
Hey,tell those pimps at Le Salon.... Nevermind!
I might wear a black arm band. K. was a truly brilliant writer. The last Lieberman's are some of my all-time favorites.
posted by tros at 10:46 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2010
Just finished 1st book of Blackwater. I'm hooked!
Hate to be the bearer of more bad news, but noticed that Kaminsky died a few months ago. Adios, Lieberman, Rostnikov, et al. I have a few left. I'm looking forward to finishing Kaminisky and also with regret.
posted by tros at 5:24 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2010
With a tiny, (UK-tiny not US-tiny, house, I have to be ruthless and recycle anything which has no sentimental value or which I do not think I will ever read again. If I ever win the lottery, I'm buying somewhere with it's own library and wall-to-wall books in every room.
Tell me, are Ngaio Marsh books still in print in the US? They are like gold dust over here, like the Majorie Allingham's which I found just in as they vanished off the shelves never to appear again.
See you around What the Dickens
Catherine
posted by AuntieCatherine at 4:20 pm (EST) on Mar 30, 2010
Wow, we certainly do share a large number of books--probably about half of them VMCs (although I see Pym, Caudwell, and a lot of classics and contemporary British novels on our shared list). If you don't mind, I'll be adding your library to my list of interesting ones.
I know we've chatted on a few threads but am not sure if we've ever done so privately. It's so good to hear that there are still some readers who love the Jacobean tragedies. I'm teaching The Duchess of Malfi in a class right now; I had forgotten how much I love it. Bosola is probably my second-favorite dramatic villain (Edmund in King Lear being the first). Next fall I am scheduled to teach a seminar in drama that will focus on "Women and/in Early Modern Drama." Of course, there will be a large number of Jacobean revenge plays on the syllabus. I am very excited to see that the course is almost full--often these seminars don't "make the number" and are cancelled, but it should be safe, even if one or two students drop the course.
Hope you're enjoying the weekend and that you find some time for a good read!
Deborah
posted by Cariola at 1:49 pm (EST) on Mar 27, 2010
posted by stellarexplorer at 8:38 pm (EST) on Mar 25, 2010
BTW, have you read River of Gods by Ian MacDonald? Brilliant, I thought. K admired it greatly too.
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:34 am (EST) on Mar 23, 2010
I would like to beg your pardon for using the word "niveous". I am certain that is why we haven't spoken since, and I completely understand.
posted by stellarexplorer at 6:37 am (EST) on Mar 21, 2010
Infinite Jest still going good for you?
posted by EnriqueFreeque at 8:06 pm (EST) on Mar 19, 2010
posted by romain at 6:18 pm (EST) on Mar 19, 2010
posted by romain at 5:10 pm (EST) on Mar 18, 2010
I don't need money for postage and I am sure that in the fullness of time you will find a duplicate of something that I have wanted for ages. This is a very weird Steinish mystery. Some chapters are only one line. But she is writing so tongue-in-cheek that I have to laugh, where if our favorite author Ivy tried it I would be screaming!
I am in the process of dusting my library, something I don't find a chore because I can weed our books I know I will never read again and can let go because I no longer have the sentimental attachment to them. In the last cleansing I was able to part with my medieval archeology books because I realize I will never again go on that type of dig. They went to a grad student at William and Mary who was absolutely delighted with titles such as Survey of Malvern Churchyards With Emphasis on Plague Victims, a book of mainly site maps, graphs, and statistics!
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 5:59 am (EST) on Mar 18, 2010
Do you want a copy of Blood on the Dining Room Floor, not a Virago, but the one with Stein's silhouette on the cover? I just replaced mine with the VMC and would be happy to send it to you. It will do until you can replace it with a VMC.
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 4:24 pm (EST) on Mar 17, 2010
Oh, you are a better person than I am. I got 100 pages into one of I C-B's books (I forget the title)and just threw the book across the room. The dialogue made me crazy. All of a sudden characters start speaking and I didn't even know they were in the room! I am sure her plots are turgid enough to be a fun read in different hands. I doubt that I will ever read another of her books, even in a VMC edition. It puzzles me that Elizabeth Taylor though so highly of her.
I am reading....hold on....Highland Warrior, or at least skimming it. Every time I search Paperback Swap for Virago this book pops up. So when I saw the paperback on the "please take me home for nothing" table at the library, I couldn't resist. "Virago" is how the heroine is described on the back cover which explains the search result. It is the really original plot of a fiery Highland beauty (with red hair, of course) who has to marry the laird of a rival clan to maintain peace. She is verra bonnie. And Hoot, mann, he is verra handsome in his kilt and leather vest...apparently he disdains leggings and shirts or jackets, even in the raw spring in the Highlands. The character all speak pseudoScot, except during the clinical sex scenes. I'm waiting for the haggis...
This is a best selling author with over one million books published. But compared to I C-B she is at least readable.
Elaine
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 2:14 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2010
posted by kokipy at 10:55 am (EST) on Mar 15, 2010
But reading, except during the train commute, is a bit difficult :D
I am working my way through an early feminist tract, called Gyn/Ecology by Mary Daly, which is full of interest, and just finished Woman: An Intimate Geography which was terrific. Now for fun I am reading Elizabeth Peters' latest Vickie Bliss, and I"ve ordered a few more Tremains. I can't find any additional Ruth Adams' books, which is a pity because I did like I'm Not Complaining very much indeed. Although the ending has me a bit fussed. If you read it let me know what you think. I think it was probably very radical for the times, but leaves me unsatisfied in some way.
posted by kokipy at 10:46 am (EST) on Mar 15, 2010
posted by romain at 4:19 pm (EST) on Mar 5, 2010
posted by romain at 4:12 pm (EST) on Mar 5, 2010
Poor Alex! I couldn't help noticing his comment below. We wore the poor guy out! ;-)
posted by EnriqueFreeque at 10:23 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2010
posted by kokipy at 1:51 pm (EST) on Mar 3, 2010
posted by Ganeshaka at 8:45 am (EST) on Mar 1, 2010
on my way!
Lucy
posted by sibyx at 3:18 pm (EST) on Feb 26, 2010
Happy to accept your friend invite. That is you at Shejidan under a slightly different name, right?
posted by Surtac at 6:54 am (EST) on Feb 25, 2010
I finally wrote a short review on the Huxley. Just haven't had the time for anything lately; not even reading. Can you believe that? Today is a good day for it tho'.... rain and sleet and other yuk for the next three days says the weatherman, so I plan to catch up a bit. But I'm NOT starting with Anathem!! It arrived a couple of weeks ago and I'm horrified! The damn thing is over 900 pages! And you've said (I think) that it's a difficult read... I will have to approach it when I'm feeling more aggressive.
I did manage to sign up at the new(?) TRP, but I haven't posted anything yet or even read any of the forums. The site looks very nice... did Rose design it? If so, kudos to her. I'll try to be more social for the future... please keep visiting... ;)
posted by Nulla at 11:41 am (EST) on Feb 24, 2010
posted by kokipy at 9:25 am (EST) on Feb 22, 2010
posted by kokipy at 9:03 am (EST) on Feb 20, 2010
Much love
Barbara
posted by romain at 8:34 am (EST) on Feb 20, 2010
I liked your review of The Spare Room, which was one of my top reads of last year.
I lurk, periodically, on the Virago group, but it seems like such a close community, I'm not really sure where to start...
posted by wandering_star at 9:02 pm (EST) on Feb 15, 2010
posted by kokipy at 10:49 am (EST) on Feb 13, 2010
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:53 pm (EST) on Feb 12, 2010
posted by romain at 7:56 am (EST) on Feb 12, 2010
It is really a very Virago worthy book --
Lucy
posted by sibyx at 6:53 pm (EST) on Feb 11, 2010
posted by romain at 7:58 am (EST) on Feb 11, 2010
Good Luck with the Poppies, I'm sure you'll do fine - they're pretty hearty little things. What fun it will be to see
a little bit of Sunny Cal in Sunny NC!
posted by bleuroses at 12:40 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2010
posted by bleuroses at 11:17 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2010
Say, did you receive the poppies? I think they may work in your climate. Come spring, the hills here are blanketed with them! Just gorgeous!
So cheerful!
posted by bleuroses at 8:30 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2010
posted by romain at 3:38 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2010
posted by aluvalibri at 7:38 pm (EST) on Feb 7, 2010
I looked at pbs. Nothing interesting.
Get Real is pretty funny. Westlake was in good form up to the end.
I found ebook of Tros at
http://gutenberg.net.au/plusfifty-a-m.html#mundy
almost 1k pages though!
posted by tros at 4:05 pm (EST) on Feb 6, 2010
Get Real by D. Westlake is the last Dortmund. Just finished Exit Music by Ian
Rankin. The end of Rebus? Midnight Fugue by Hill seems to be the twilight of fat
Andy. There seems to be a theme here....
posted by tros at 4:16 pm (EST) on Feb 5, 2010
Kaminsky is brilliant. TDDL is an interesting novel, regardless of the "mystery".
We share some interesting lit. Francis Carco is another neglected writer.
Wild stories and characters of '20's Paris, all long out of print.
posted by tros at 10:29 pm (EST) on Feb 3, 2010
"Midnight Fugue" by Hill and "The Dead Don't Lie" by Kaminsky, a Lieberman.
Do yourself a favor!
Making progress in "Blackwater". McDowell also wrote "Beetlejuice" and
"Nightmare Before Christmas". What a wild imagination!
posted by tros at 6:53 pm (EST) on Feb 3, 2010
posted by kokipy at 8:41 pm (EST) on Feb 1, 2010
I don't tend to like Feist. Didn't mean to acquire books by him. One of our friends from the other place likes Janny Wurts quite a lot and these books were apparently written with Feist. I haven't read any of them yet and don't hold out much hope for them.
I hope the knee is better and that the daffodils are on their way down there.
posted by kokipy at 1:31 pm (EST) on Feb 1, 2010
posted by kokipy at 8:29 pm (EST) on Jan 25, 2010
posted by romain at 5:18 pm (EST) on Jan 25, 2010
I just received my ERs book, a novella by Aldous Huxley. It's new to me, so I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing. I've always enjoyed Huxley in the past, but haven't read anything by him in years... this should be fun... I hope!
In the post before mine, I noticed something about a fall. Are you OK? This is no way to behave in retirement!!!! I will say incantations for your full recovery....
posted by Nulla at 8:41 am (EST) on Jan 20, 2010
take care!
posted by kokipy at 10:54 am (EST) on Jan 19, 2010
Elaine
posted by Liz1564 at 8:41 pm (EST) on Jan 18, 2010
I'm sure it should be obvious, but what's pbs?
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 12:08 pm (EST) on Jan 18, 2010
posted by romain at 8:39 pm (EST) on Jan 17, 2010
P.
posted by puddleshark at 3:35 am (EST) on Jan 14, 2010
I have started rereading Light in August for the Faulkner group and made a post this morning, and I've checked back about 100 times today to see if anyone else has contributed but they haven't! so frustrating! I want to talk Faulkner. My copy of The Blade Itself also just arrived so I have to get going with that...
posted by kokipy at 9:48 pm (EST) on Jan 11, 2010
Ah, the Bloomsburies. I'm reading the biography of James Lees-Milne who was the biographer and lover of Harold Nicholson, but not at the same time that his wife Alvide was Vita's squeeze. I was at Monk's House (which, at the time, was run pretty much by volunteers from the village)when the guide was trying to sort out the "relationships" between Vanessa Bell, Clive Bell, Duncan Grant, and David Garnett. Even after I explained the even though Vanessa was married to Clive she had most of her children with Duncan who was also the lover of David who married Vanessa and Duncan's daughter (who had actually watched Angelica being born....a big UGH factor there for me.) However, I don't think the tour guide or the others on the tour with me could connect the dots without some kind of score card! But Monk's House was lovely and I genuflected in front of the bronze cast of Virgina's head and offered a recovering catholic's prayer of thanksgiving to Leonard who gave her a safe haven for so much of her troubled life.
posted by Liz1564 at 7:22 pm (EST) on Jan 11, 2010
[Olivia]. They are such a tangled group of people. Gamel was gorgeous; she looked like a a sprite, some kind of wild woodland creature.
I love the Bloomsburies!
posted by Liz1564 at 4:41 pm (EST) on Jan 11, 2010
A telling observation on your part that Millay is the only woman on my Favorites list! How could that be (he said, blushing)? Is it more a commentary on our social consciousness, or mine? Let it be known, however, that I could have and probably should have included Jane Austen, George Eliot, Virginia Woolf, Jane Smiley, Diane Ackerman, Margaret Atwood, Jayne Anne Phillips, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James, Anne Tyler, and probably several others - this list is just off the top of my head, now that I am prompted to set the record straight. And, speaking of the record - at least the LT record - it will momentarily stand corrected by my addition to my list of favorites of my most favorite of these doyennes.
Thanks for your comments on "Special Topics" - given the height(s) of my TBR stacks, I think I will forego it for a while.
posted by GSLulos at 12:13 pm (EST) on Jan 9, 2010
posted by kokipy at 9:10 pm (EST) on Jan 7, 2010
posted by AlexAustin at 7:50 pm (EST) on Jan 7, 2010
posted by kokipy at 2:43 pm (EST) on Jan 5, 2010
posted by kokipy at 1:51 pm (EST) on Jan 5, 2010
posted by kokipy at 1:50 pm (EST) on Jan 5, 2010
posted by AlexAustin at 1:08 pm (EST) on Jan 4, 2010
I'm taking a break from sci-fi and heading for Val McDermid to air my head. Still have to finish the review for my latest book... apparently, another is on the way! Fortunately, I liked the book... ;)
I have three more weeks of semester break to savor and then it's back to work...
posted by Nulla at 3:35 pm (EST) on Jan 1, 2010
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 10:52 am (EST) on Jan 1, 2010
posted by AlexAustin at 10:03 pm (EST) on Dec 30, 2009
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 8:22 pm (EST) on Dec 29, 2009
I just got the "scholarly" edition of Peyton Place today at my local used book store. Hee, I remember reading the old black Dell edition under the covers with a flashlight.
E
posted by Liz1564 at 3:19 pm (EST) on Dec 29, 2009
Alex
posted by AlexAustin at 11:59 am (EST) on Dec 29, 2009
I loved Byatt's Possession, and read the next three or four on the strength of that liking, but didn't like the rest as much. I like Drabble a lot, although I haven't reread her lately and I am not sure I have all of her books. My sense is that Byatt is more ambitious, and that Drabble's story telling is more reliable. But I may be selling Drabble short.
Some of Carey's are better than others, but they are all very very different from each other and I tend to forget how good he is when I am not actually reading him. I liked the one about the Kelly gang a lot, and Theft is shaping up very nicely.
posted by kokipy at 11:54 am (EST) on Dec 28, 2009
Isn't it a pleasure just to hold a Persephone edition!
E
posted by Liz1564 at 7:28 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2009
Until very recently I was a bookseller, and I could just go to the shelves and get what I needed/wanted--have you noticed how many fewer books a branch library has than your garden-variety superstore these days? Makes me sad...
Anyway, I may just re-reserve the darn thing (and since I'm home, I can do the research first).
I'm really looking forward to working my way through all of these gals' works, and I may even delve into the Heyer Regencies, even though I rarely read in that genre.
Becky
posted by BeckyJG at 12:35 pm (EST) on Dec 27, 2009
I was very lucky to find a copy of Tulku in our new-ish local secondhand bookshop (where I plan to be a regular, inasfar as my groaning bookshelves permit), I remember it as rather a treasure. And any Thirkell I don't have is snapped up without hesitation, I only started to read her about 18 months ago.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas!
Jodie (GeraniumCat)
posted by GeraniumCat at 1:22 pm (EST) on Dec 24, 2009
Peggy, getting to know you here has been a special thing for me this year. Thanks for being my efriend. I hope we can make it real life someday. And I hope that your Christmas season is full of joy. It is hard with older relatives who are not in good health - but there should still be joy.
Much love to you and Graham.
Susan
posted by kokipy at 9:20 pm (EST) on Dec 23, 2009
Fantasy for people who don't like fantsy. No supernatural stuff. Tros goes from
the Celts in Brit. to Gaul, Egypt and ends in Rome. Mundy was quite a scholar, evidently.
Don't give up on the golden age.
posted by tros at 5:02 pm (EST) on Dec 23, 2009
Good to see you again. How is your aunt?
The funny thing is, I don't actually "remember" Cherry Ames (I grew up in East Germany and these books are way to "All-American" to have been published there) but I saw someone talking about them and thought I'd check them out. They seem perfect comfort reads for the next time I'm stuck in bed with a juicy cold...
I hope Santa's bringing you loads of good books -- you can always help him by buying some gifts for yourself (that's been my excuse lately, not that I need much of an excuse).
Cuddles to Chibby,
Susan in Berlin
posted by littlegreycloud at 5:59 am (EST) on Dec 23, 2009
Hi LD!
I hope you have a lovely Christmas!
The Charney interests me as a theme I’ve always felt acutely in The Bard. King Lear and The Tempest prominently – so rich in the depiction of aging, struggling with the waning of previous vigor and power. But, yes, I can see why this is not the easiest topic to reckon with!
The other new acquisitions: I pray there will be time!
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:00 am (EST) on Dec 23, 2009
I'm not addicted to books, "Blackwater" was just my xmas present to myself!
Haven't read much new sci-fi or fantasy except "Hyperion" by Dan Simmons. Excellent!
A few old favorites:
John Carter of Mars series by E.R.Burroughs
Tros of Samothrace by Talbot Mundy, 4-5 vols.
A. Merritt, Moon Pool, etc.
posted by tros at 6:09 pm (EST) on Dec 21, 2009
The crodile woman sounds intriguing. I can hardly wait to dive in to "Blackwater".
Hope the crocs don't get me!
"House on the Borderland" has a unique monster; a giant pig monster! Not many pig monsters in horror lit.
posted by tros at 2:09 pm (EST) on Dec 21, 2009
I finished Storm from the Shadows... all 700+ pages of it! It finished as a cliff-hanger and I suspect that Torch of Freedom is the continuation. That will have to wait a while because now I'm reading the Early Reviewers book (Rewilding the World) that I have to review for LT. I only started participating in this about six or seven months ago and I've managed to snag four books to date. So far, they've all been pretty enjoyable.
We're being socked in by the blizzard right now, but the power is on and we're still toasty warm. Judging by the news reports, you must have gotten hammered also! Stay warm...
posted by Nulla at 8:12 am (EST) on Dec 20, 2009
william is utterly hilarious. The spouse and I used to have some audio tapes we'd listen to in particularly bad traffic jams - made the time fly! I dont know about the other Compton book I sent, but was thrilled to see it was a Persephone so thought it was worth the risk. But of course I had to send you Just William, as you say!
posted by kokipy at 8:08 am (EST) on Dec 20, 2009
I started looking at Blackwater and saw that the matriarch changes into a
crocodilian creature! Nice old lady! I had to order all six! It's all your fault!
;-)
posted by tros at 12:23 am (EST) on Dec 20, 2009
posted by kokipy at 8:45 am (EST) on Dec 19, 2009
No flood series comes to mind.
I tend to be "picky" about my reading. Not really interested in most new fiction.
There are a few exceptions. James Sallis has become my favorite contemporary writer.
His mystery/noir thrillers are excellent.
Hodgson wrote some strange and interesting stuff. "The Night Land" is one of the weirdest novels ever written. Might appeal to a Gormenghast fan.
posted by tros at 5:40 pm (EST) on Dec 18, 2009
Have a wonderful tree day!
love to you,
susan
posted by kokipy at 8:47 am (EST) on Dec 18, 2009
I will email it to you sometime in the next few days. Maybe over the weekend. I hope you enjoy!!
S. Rex Implorator
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:23 am (EST) on Dec 17, 2009
I just became a "life member" so I've been entering a lot of stuff lately.
I read Peake many moons ago. Ever read W.H.Hodgson, House on the Borderland?
I'm fascinated by the late 19th and early 20th c. fantasy/horror; H R Wakefield,
LeFanu, Maturin, Machen, etc.
posted by tros at 11:24 pm (EST) on Dec 16, 2009
posted by petros359 at 11:05 am (EST) on Dec 16, 2009
posted by romain at 3:40 pm (EST) on Dec 14, 2009
posted by susiesharp at 10:44 am (EST) on Dec 14, 2009
Your list of books read this year is impressive - and intimidating, especially with heady books like "Gravity's Rainbow" and "Guns Germs and Steel". I am curious whether you liked "Special Topics in Calamity Physics". I was set to read it, but a very negative review on a mostly trustworthy web site trashed it. What did you think of it?
posted by GSLulos at 9:48 am (EST) on Dec 12, 2009
posted by elkiedee at 6:38 pm (EST) on Dec 11, 2009
I have been reading in the cracks between commuting, teaching, grading papers... I read a bunch of Cherryh, ending with Regenesis. I think I've finally got the Cyteen theme of bio/psycho-engineering straight in my mind, but it took several books to pull it all together. I've toyed with reading some of her earlier stuff, but don't know if it's worth doing. Do you have an opinion? So, now I've escaped to the Honorverse. Weber has churned out a couple more books... I'm currently reading Storm From the Shadows, with Torch of Freedom on tap. That should keep me busy for a while.
I will now limp over to TRP and see if I can post anything worthwhile.
posted by Nulla at 9:00 am (EST) on Dec 11, 2009
posted by kokipy at 10:25 am (EST) on Dec 4, 2009
But I am glad to have read it. It is not trivial and the issues it explores are important.
We have a big weekend planned here - two little girls for sleepovers, the American Girl store, obtaining and decorating the tree, and a trip to the NY Botanical Garden to see the amazing holiday train http://nybg.org/hts09/#gallery/images. I may get some work done too :)
Happy Happy holidays to you!
posted by kokipy at 7:36 am (EST) on Dec 4, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:31 am (EST) on Nov 24, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:39 am (EST) on Nov 24, 2009
Just a note to wish you happy Thanksgiving. I'm eagerly awaiting the next Grafton . . . U. I was thinking today of authors I miss . . . how I used to wait for the arrival of their next book: Brian Moore and Janwillem Van de Wetering and Tony Hillerman and Muriel Spark. Hard to believe there won't be more.
Thank you again for making me feel welcome here.
mollygrace
posted by mollygrace at 6:01 am (EST) on Nov 23, 2009
posted by kokipy at 10:52 am (EST) on Nov 21, 2009
posted by Winter_Maiden at 1:49 am (EST) on Nov 12, 2009
I don't pretend to be more than moderately literary in my reading habits, so while Anthony Powell is on my radar, he isn't much more than that. I haven't read Thomas Wolfe yet, either--I figure when I do next embark on something requiring a major commitment, I'll stick with a crazy Southern boy.
Funny you should mention the Black Death. That was one of my topics in World Lit today (Late Antiquity to Early Modern Europe in 2.5 hours), with clips from *Monty Python and the Holy Grail*, "Sword of the Valiant*, *The Seventh Seal*, and Pier Paolo Pasolini's *Decameron*. And a Halloween skull-on-a-pike for the memento mori. Arriving in the mail just in time was a copy of Greenwood Press *Daily Life During the Black Death*. I have it on reserve in the library for students doing a paper on that topic, but I can't wait to read it. It has all the effect-on-worldview material that I'm always searching for. I love that Greenwood series, but they are ruinously expensive.
How does a Peggy become a LizzieD?
posted by Winter_Maiden at 10:47 pm (EST) on Nov 11, 2009
You say “I looked for Confederates at pbs…” What is pbs? And how do you underline words here? I can find no options for formatting here and I feel I had best be on my toes when corresponding with an English/Latin teacher. This reminds me of something amusing: One of my best friends teaches English at the local community college. He recently required the students in a class to compose a personal essay. One girl’s magnum opus offered this bit of folk wisdom: “My mother always says ‘A cheap tattoo is never good and a good tattoo is never cheap.’ ” Shouldn’t that be knitted in a sampler, to be hung over the hearth?
I forgot about Ferrol Sams- yes, most worthwhile. I have wondered about the authenticity of the pronunciation “wallermillions” that he sometimes uses for the esteemed fruit, but I am a little reticent about making inquiries in knowledgeable quarters. I think he is probably right. More humor from the deep South: Faulkner’s The Reivers. Then there is (less geographically fortunate) McClanahan’s Famous People I Have Known.
Soon I’ll read one or two of the female novelists you mentioned and report back proudly. I think I exaggerated my ignorance, though, since I have read quite a bit of Patricia Highsmith, M.C. Beaton, A.S. Byatt, even V. Woolf, and sundry other worthies.
The Spendid Century was a very good read- for me, anyway, since I am interested in the time and place. Of course you know that the author, W. H. Lewis, was “Warnie,” brother and companion to C.S. Lewis.
I seem to be running out of steam here. It was a long, long day.
Kermit
posted by scribulous at 6:30 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2009
Helen Mcinnes sounds familiar but if I had her I didnt keep her.
posted by kokipy at 2:23 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2009
posted by ElizabethPotter at 6:03 pm (EST) on Nov 8, 2009
I liked A Civil Contract, but it has a very different feel from most of the books - not so funny. But good, and an interesting twist on the general themes.
I don't know what it is about O'Brian, exactly, that I find so captivating. I love the style, and the language, and the sensibility, and over the course of 21 books I grew to love the characters. The plotting is often not the strongest point, and towards the end of the series the books seem to be a single seamless narrative, which in this case anyway I also found utterly engaging. I loved the jokes. Jack has about two jokes, and he loves to tell them and laughs so hard everytime. Stephen tends not to laugh, of course.
Anyway, I would like you to love them!
posted by kokipy at 10:44 am (EST) on Nov 6, 2009
posted by kokipy at 9:13 am (EST) on Nov 6, 2009
This reply may seem scatterbrained since while I type this your message doesn't seem to be available for reference. I haven't gotten used to LT's peculiarities yet, especially with regard to sending messages, and the help files seem a little superficial. I can't figure out how to underline words, as I notice that you have done. Also, the convention seems to be that messages are sent publicly- am I wrong? And to see what I have written to you I have to look at your profile, no copy being retained elsewhere. correct?
I enjoyed your last rambling note, proof that a lot of information is bubbling up from somewhere. I am in awe of your Latin profession, recalling the poor soul who tried to teach it to me in high school. Little did I know then that something actually was absorbed, so that the grammatical structure of other languages, especially German, made more sense. I even embarked on a Quixotic study of Greek when a college senior, with two semesters so I could at least say I had studied it. As to history, I read a lot of non-fiction with no particular concentration, and some fiction, such as Patrick O'Brian and Bernard Cornwell. I see that you like science fiction, which opens up a great topic for conversation. There's some rambling for you.
Kermit
posted by scribulous at 9:57 pm (EST) on Nov 5, 2009
I wonder if the other context you may have for Singapore Grip is the original one, which would certainly show you to be a worldly person. Farrell was being a little bold in choosing the title, though he may have thought that those who could be offended would never have heard the term.
Thanks for the Feicht journal reference. It has already made me want to follow in his path, and I could kick myself for not going to Regensburg when I had the chance....but perhaps I'll correct that ommission soon. Roman history has always been of great interest to me. Have you read Mary Beard's book on Pompeii? I have always wondered when and where the last toga was worn, though am I right to think there had been a substantial change of dress long before Augustulus was deposed? I'll spare you more loosely connected thoughts for now.
Kermit
posted by scribulous at 3:30 pm (EST) on Nov 5, 2009
E
PS. Book on its way to you
posted by Liz1564 at 11:20 am (EST) on Nov 5, 2009
posted by kokipy at 11:19 am (EST) on Nov 5, 2009
posted by kokipy at 11:18 am (EST) on Nov 5, 2009
posted by kokipy at 9:41 am (EST) on Nov 5, 2009
I'll move the Raj Quartet forward in the to-read queue on your recommendation. The Booker-winning Siege of Krishnapur (I'm sorry italics don't seem to be available here) was followed by The Singapore Grip, then The Troubles, thus comprising the Empire Trilogy. Farrell met an early end by drowning, despite having been born with a caul, like David Copperfield.
Charles lamb finally gave up on loaning book; he would only give them away. So you are in good company.
I've signed up at "History at 30,000 Feet," expecting great edification.
posted by scribulous at 8:10 pm (EST) on Nov 4, 2009
AS to what I am up to, I am actually a little bit busy at work but unfortunately my attention span is about 5 minutes so I rush off here or there and entertain myself quite often while nominally productively employed. I am trying to read SERIOUS BOOKS now, having delighted in Heyer for months. I am in the middle of Before the Dawn, a recommendation from 30,000 feet, and also a Jonathan Spence re China. I find I can't read SERIOUS BOOKS straight through, I have to have several going at once. My attention span, you know.
I just echoed your advice to Garp re Atwood by the way. It is fun to join in conversations uninvited!
posted by kokipy at 5:25 pm (EST) on Nov 4, 2009
You taught English too!
The Liz in my name is part of my pen name. Alas, it has nothing to do with Elizabeth Bennett, although I used to tell my students that if I could have written just one novel, it would be P & P. And this was before the current Austen craze.
Are you a Heyer fan? I find her novels about as close as can be to Austen, given the 100 year gap. The modern pastiches just don't compare. I think my favorites are Venetia and Frederica, with maybe Devil's Cub and Bath Tangle and, oh, never mind!
Let's see. What else? I am determined to read Illyrian Spring in the next twelve months. It is on every wish list I can stick it on. I don't care what edition.
I should start posting my books, at least the fiction and history and feminist stuff. And Newspaper is really a one sitting read.
Signing off now...
E
posted by Liz1564 at 11:53 am (EST) on Nov 4, 2009
Powell is a favorite of mine. Have you read his four volumes of memoirs: Infants of the Spring, et al.? I've been wanting to get my hands on the Lees-Milne diaries, which are supposed to be a delicious read.
posted by scribulous at 11:34 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2009
posted by Garp83 at 7:05 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2009
We are all doing fine, getting ready for Halloween. I've got a lot of pumpkins to carve tomorrow!
How are you liking the Morgaine books, I see you are now reading? I like them but they are not my favorite Cherryhs.
I am consummed with finding and then reading all of Heyer. I have about 41 now so unfortunately don't have too many more to go. The good news is that my memory is so poor I can reread them with gusto, as if never read before, once I get through them the first time.
I recommended Heyer to another good friend from that other place who recently reported that he read Cotillion, then read it again and is now on his third back to back to back read. He is another avid convert! This reminds me of when my sister first gave me a Dorothy Dunnett, of whom I had never heard -o brave new world! - and it gives me hope that there are a lot of other wonderful authors out there who have written lots and lots that I've never read and never heard of but will soon do both! what joy.
posted by kokipy at 4:38 pm (EST) on Oct 30, 2009
By the way, I am very impressed with your nearly 5k of books! The vast majority of mine are not on yet, but hope springs eternal.
posted by almalena at 11:46 am (EST) on Oct 30, 2009
Not to worry, real life takes precedence. I hope your aunt will be feeling better soon. Are you reading to her? Thirkell's August Folly or Wild Strawberries might be an idea -- I always think of them as cheer up novels, and they're not too long, either.
Hugs across the ocean,
Susan in Berlin
posted by littlegreycloud at 12:22 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2009
The Matriarch arrived today. Thank you SO much. It goes on the pile but you say it is good? So perhaps a little higher up...
Thank you for thinking of me and sending me such a lovely copy. I am thrilled!!!!
posted by romain at 6:32 pm (EST) on Oct 28, 2009
Was about to ask you what it does.:) Angela Thirkell indeed! I have almost all of her Barsetshire novels. (But then, I listen to The Archers, too...)
I haven't read The Gates of Ivory. I see it's the last of a trilogy, so I suppose one ought to start with The Radiant Way? The last Drabble I read was The Peppered Moth, and I still have The Seven Sisters in one of my many book boxes from the move... can't wait for my new shelves!
We took Isla to the vet today and her eye (or rather, the place where it was) is healing well. I can tell you're an animal person by your comment that it was wonderful *for us* that she is with us now -- lots of people keep telling me how lucky *she* is and seem somewhat puzzled when I say that it's us who are lucky to have her around. Btw, tortoise shell cats are also referred to as Glückskatzen ("luck cats") in German and are said to ward off fires and other misfortunes -- let's hope that's true!
Susan in Berlin
posted by littlegreycloud at 5:18 pm (EST) on Oct 27, 2009
Sounds like you're living in a wonderful household, full of animals and books. (When I met my significant other, I made it clear to him that three things were non-negotiable -- my cat, my plants and my books. He does complain occasionally about my "jungle" and my "fibre-based media" but he adored Wölkchen, even if it took her a long time to agree to share me with him.:)
We're thinking of adding a couple of more cats and maybe a dog to the household once Isla's health issues are sorted out (she came to us with an eye missing and needing surgery -- not that that has stopped her any, mind you).
Due to my heavy workload, I haven't made much headway with the Taylor bio but I do recommend the Drabble -- it's an odd creature of a book, partly a history of jigsaw puzzles and games in general, partly a personal memoir about doing puzzles with a favourite aunt, playing cards as a child etc., containing odd anecdotes such as that about a man who collects jigsaw puzzle pieces that he finds on the street (and only those!) as well as reflections about her life as a writer. She wrote it to take her mind off things while her husband was severely ill. It's ideal for dipping in now and then, just reading a page or two, so I expect it's going to sit in my "current reads" list for quite a while yet.
Hugs to all the furry household memebers,
Susan in Berlin
posted by littlegreycloud at 7:02 am (EST) on Oct 27, 2009
Apologies for disapeearing like that -- what must you think of me! For most of the past five weeks, my life has been nothing but work, and I had barely time to sleep, let alone read or add books to my library -- and the last few days i've spent recuperating and staying away from the computer...
The little grey cat was my Wölkchen ("little cloud"), who passed away this spring. I rescued her in 2000 from an animal shelter in Greece. She was about ten then and she had a heart defect, so I suppose I should be grateful that we were given as long as 8.5 years together but I still miss her terribly.
We recently got a new little feline from an animal shelter in Spain because a house without a cat is not quite a home... Isla likes to curl up in bed with me when I read, which suits me just fine -- we're planning a cosy winter together. Like your Chibby, she is a tortoiseshell, and she's got more personality in each of her multicoloured paws than some people have altogether. (Needless to say, she's already ruling this household.)
I do want to hear all about May the Dog of the House (can't imagine why you think I wouldn't:) and if you have had any luck in getting your feline visitors to move in and what Chibby had to say about that.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Susan in Berlin
posted by littlegreycloud at 4:50 pm (EST) on Oct 25, 2009
LT is amazing!
posted by MtnSk8tr at 11:33 pm (EST) on Oct 16, 2009
I have read those Ferrels Sams books, my own father recommended them to me as very true to his own upgrowing in Georgia during the 20s-30s. I dont remember if I still have them, though.
Stellar and I were visiting, amongst our respective families, a week or so ago and were bemoaning your physical distance. We would so enjoy sitting down with you around the dinner table and talking books! and everything else as well, of course.
posted by kokipy at 2:55 pm (EST) on Oct 13, 2009
Are these books you are adding new or are you still working through the collection?
posted by kokipy at 2:39 pm (EST) on Oct 13, 2009
posted by janeajones at 12:04 pm (EST) on Oct 10, 2009
Sent off a parcel to you this morning using your packaging. It contains the Talbot and a beat up non-Virago copy of a book you don't have on your list.
Barbara
posted by romain at 11:39 am (EST) on Oct 10, 2009
posted by pinkozcat at 10:48 am (EST) on Oct 10, 2009
posted by janeajones at 10:45 am (EST) on Oct 10, 2009
Re: climbing in shorts. Using your knees is considered bad form although all of us will confess to being forced to do so on occasion, lol! The pic was taken on the summit of Isosceles peak in King's Canyon National Park, in California's Sierra Nevada -- we had just put up a new route. It was a great day!
posted by MtnSk8tr at 12:16 am (EST) on Oct 5, 2009
Glad you're liking the KSR. I don't imagine after the first two you'll forgo Sixty Days and Counting?
posted by stellarexplorer at 10:48 pm (EST) on Oct 4, 2009
posted by romain at 10:24 pm (EST) on Oct 3, 2009
Example--Just after the executions, here is the final paragraph of the Savonarola chapter, which precedes the Machiavelli section:
"Four weeks later, no memory remained in the piazza; it was full of the hurrying feet of the future; and Machiavelli crossed it to take up his work in the Palace." Perfect.
I can't read the other now without thinking of this book, thanks to your vast reservoir of literate experience! Off to read your review!
posted by stellarexplorer at 5:38 pm (EST) on Sep 30, 2009
posted by kokipy at 12:28 pm (EST) on Sep 26, 2009
I hope all those health things settle down soon - they must be very distracting. Sending good wishes your way.
posted by kokipy at 7:35 am (EST) on Sep 24, 2009
Not having received my Amazon copy of the f O'C bio, I went to look at it in the local Borders at lunch today, and I have to admit i was not able to pick my mother out of the crowd, but my aunt says she is the third from the right in the picture of the year book staff, so I'll go by her word, since she knew her when.
posted by kokipy at 9:13 pm (EST) on Sep 23, 2009
On another note, I've just ordered Perdido Street Station for my kindle. I am foreseeing a future in which we don't have room for the books, and am trying to downsize by moving things to electronic media now. EG, I just obtained the complete collected novels of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen for about $1.50. All of my Dickens, which is in paperback, is falling apart anyway so the time is ripe. Ithink I'll see if I can do the same with my Faulkner.
posted by kokipy at 7:49 pm (EST) on Sep 22, 2009
It's a long time since I published any poetry, so I don't really feel much like a poet these days. This year my main OU course is in creative writing, which I'm hoping will restart some of my creative juices, which seem to have gone into hibernation.
Thanks for mentioning Steven Saylor. My husband's uncle enjoys Lindsey Davis, so I was considering giving her books a go, but I shall try Saylor instead.
Helen
posted by scarletslippers at 8:25 am (EST) on Sep 22, 2009
There's so much to love about Latin. I enjoy seeing where many English words originally came from, and Roman history is, as you say, fascinating. (I'm sure much of my desire to learn Latin stems from my love of 'I Claudius'. Recently I've been reading more about Roman history, seeing where Graves stuck to known(ish) facts and where he deviated wildly :-)
When it comes to the past, I think my problem is decided whether 'He walked to the station' is a completed action or an ongoing one (completed? assuming he reached his destination). And a sentence such as, 'She didn't like the teacher' - is that ongoing (I presume so, unless she suddenly started to like the teacher!)?
I started with Bill Linney's 'Getting Started with Latin', which I found the perfect introductory text for the beginner, introducing some key concepts, but without frightening away the student with too much information). I'm now using Nicholas Oulton's 'So you really want to learn Latin'. I'm still on book one, although book two is waiting on my bookshelf :-) It's a nicely-done textbook, with a good balance between introducing new material, consolidating information already (hopefully!) learnt, and exercises (many are one-sentence translations, but there are a few whole-paragraph translations).
I think 'Frost in May' was the first VMC I read. I rather regret the passing of the old-style green covers. The new ones aren't quite as thrilling :-)
Helen
posted by scarletslippers at 12:00 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2009
I'm always very excited when I find fellow Virago fans! I'm glad if my reviews have been of some use to you. You have an enviable library of books :-)
I (briefly) studied Latin at school. I have no natural gift for languages, but Latin is the only language that has really engaged my attention and made me determined to learn it. One thing I'm struggling with is the lack of simple past in Latin. My textbook tells me to use past imperfect for 'ongoing' actions and perfect tense for 'completed' actions, but I often struggle to work out what the difference is between an ongoing and a completed action.
Helen
posted by scarletslippers at 6:40 am (EST) on Sep 21, 2009
T.
posted by tiffin at 6:57 pm (EST) on Sep 17, 2009
I see pinkozcat has warned you that I might be stopping by to say Hello. I remember you well from the book discussion group site.
wordswordswords (Joan)
posted by wordswordswords at 12:47 am (EST) on Sep 16, 2009
I suggested that she come here and look amongst the pedants.
posted by pinkozcat at 11:09 pm (EST) on Sep 15, 2009
"She kicked and she screamed in her little trundle bed
The noise she made was quite emphatic.
Her mother heard the noise, and thought it was the boys
Playing in the empty attic."
posted by pinkozcat at 10:14 am (EST) on Sep 15, 2009
I've managed to read and lightly review some books I snagged from Early Reviewers, but that's all, folks! Altho', I did read several of Cherryh's books to try to make better sense of Cyteen and, at some point, I want to talk about them with you and/or stellarexplorer. At present, I'm reading Glasshouse by Charles Stross. Didn't care for it at the beginning, but now I'm involved and curious to see where it goes.
I hope you're good and enjoying life! I'm trying to get organized, so I can too... :)
posted by Nulla at 8:37 am (EST) on Sep 13, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 2:01 am (EST) on Sep 13, 2009
Man of Renaissance: Ralph Roeder?
The memorial responsibility is for the same friend -- long-delayed due to logistical issues.
I am so sorry to hear of the medical issues in your family. Dementia is such a painful and exhausting problem for all concerned.
Oral surgery? Sounds like a good excuse for ice cream!
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:54 pm (EST) on Sep 12, 2009
posted by MtnSk8tr at 11:42 am (EST) on Sep 12, 2009
It has become an interesting place with two Australians, a Canadian and an American and is mostly political rather than about books these day.
My online literary involvement is bookcrossing, librarything and *sigh* amazon.
Do keep in touch ...
posted by pinkozcat at 9:31 pm (EST) on Sep 11, 2009
The read will be on the 50 book challenge.
And we will get more info out as the time
draws near. Right now, we are just trying
to nail down a title.
Thank you so much for your response.
I so appreciate it.
hugs,
belva
posted by rainpebble at 1:34 pm (EST) on Sep 10, 2009
I came upon your note in the copy of April Lady you sent me last spring - I am slowly working my way through the Heyer books, and enjoying them so very much.
We recently moved from the city to the suburbs to get the children into the good public schools, and we are finally reasonably well settled in, boxes unpacked, most of the paintings hung. Whew! now maybe I can get back to do some reading.
I own no Virago editions, but - as you know! - I own many Virago authors. everytime I think of one that I think should be a Virago author she is. So I am looking forward to enjoying the group. Clearly a collection of like minded individuals.
posted by kokipy at 9:41 am (EST) on Sep 9, 2009
"Shibumi" is the book he wrote about a dude born of Russian and German parents in the WWI era who goes on to become an assassin. But the story underneath that was what I found fascinating, thusly causing me to hang on to the book for nearly 30 years. It combines the spy/thriller genre with philosophy/self knowledge seeking and the sport of spelunking. And Nicholai Hel drives a battered Volvo. I found it to be quite comedic for the genre. Rather like Ludlum's works going up against his "Gandalfo", which is funnier than hell. Perhaps it is the one with the computer work.?.?.?. I just don't recall that.
Your hubby sounds like my hubby used to be. Sometimes they can grow out of that. I used to be the social one and he wouldn't join in. And now we have rather reversed the syndrome although I am not as bad as he used to be. He wouldn't even go to his own parent's at Christmas time for years so the kids and I went alone. Now he does. I guess we mellow with age.
Well, have fun on your weekend away. Relax and enjoy it. Hopefully you will return all refreshed and rarin' to go.
hugs,
belva
posted by rainpebble at 10:24 am (EST) on Aug 28, 2009
What a lovely comment to wake up to. North Carolina and books - two great things in my life. Yours too. Thanks for visiting.
It seems you love mysteries too. I've been reading them since about 5th grade. I started with Nancy Drew and was reading Perry Mason by 6th grade. For some strange reason I seem to have acquired a literary bug this year and am reading many more non-mystery and non-romance books than usual. But because I have a 999 challenge category for new mystery authors, I have "found" several new mystery authors this year - Colin Dexter and Peter Robinson come to mind.
I checked out your library briefly and am highly gratified that you also use location tags. Frankly I don't understand how anybody with more than a thousand books or so doesn't use them.
Elaine Pagels is one of my favorite authors and I have read Thomas and Judas.
Well, off to add a new thrift shop acquisition (The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco) then to the library to read my current book A Cafe on the Nile by Bartle Bull.
karenmarie
posted by karenmarie at 7:12 am (EST) on Aug 22, 2009
posted by polutropon at 3:46 pm (EST) on Aug 21, 2009
"Take kindly the council of the years,
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth."
posted by stellarexplorer at 10:22 pm (EST) on Aug 15, 2009
posted by kokipy at 1:24 pm (EST) on Aug 15, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:57 pm (EST) on Aug 15, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:49 pm (EST) on Aug 15, 2009
posted by susiesharp at 6:18 pm (EST) on Aug 12, 2009
If you decide to try Helen Forrester, my favourite is "Lemon Tree"; her four autobiographical books are quite good too. She generally writes strong female characters who know their own mind.
posted by sqdancer at 11:17 am (EST) on Aug 12, 2009
Actually, I think your version of the title is better (good spoof on Star Wars). Have you read any of McCrumb's other books?
I don't have all my SF&F catalogued yet, and I know there is more Tepper to enter. Which is your favourite?
I've only read one of her mysteries (they are a bit hard to find around here). It was one of the Shirley McClintock series, but I'm drawing a blank on the title.
Bernadette
posted by sqdancer at 9:14 pm (EST) on Aug 8, 2009
Hope you are well and staying cool. I think it's going to be another hot one today
posted by noodlejet22 at 7:31 am (EST) on Aug 5, 2009
You are so more than welcome.
Your kind words melt my heart.
Thank you.
hugs,
belva
posted by rainpebble at 10:53 pm (EST) on Jul 31, 2009
The town where I live is in between Northampton and Kettering. They may be on your map.
Happy reading,
Valerie
posted by englishrose60 at 12:10 pm (EST) on Jul 29, 2009
somehow I couldn't see the "combine" place
The link to get there is on any author page, on the right, just above the list of works by that author. Like so often, it's easy if you know how to get there ;-)
I also see that I won't be buying Indo-European Sacred Space anytime soon.
Okay. Frankly it's on my wishlist as a reminder. I'm interested in architecture and a book about concepts of sacred space might be interesting from that perspective. But I'm not sure either.
posted by BarkingMatt at 6:32 am (EST) on Jul 29, 2009
Thanks for your message. Your entry on *THL&BB* gave me such a good laugh. Whatever made me decide to make that public in my library ;-)
Oh well, too late now. LOL.
We DO have some wonderful books in common. I am keeping my eyes pealed for a copy of Music and Silence. I try to only buy secondhand copies of novels these days. Prices for new books are crazy high in Australia. I really enjoyed The Road Home and I sent it on a "Bookring" journey through Bookcrossing.com and everyone else seems to also be enjoying it. The link is here: http://bookcrossing.com/journal/6817995. I'm "FreePages" there and I wonder what you would think about what I said about Lev? I enjoyed "The Road Home" more than "The Colour" only because I got a bit anal (not a theme I'm trying to develop) about some colloquialisms she seemed to confuse between NZ & Aus. Though, it is a very good story. The books you mention do sound very good, they are either on my Mount TBR or my wishlist. I'll get to them one day.
Most definitely Well-met,
Cheers
kim
:-)
posted by KimB at 12:32 am (EST) on Jul 29, 2009
I actually just discovred UKLG a few months ago. I've only read 2 of her books, left hand and a newer book called voices. Both of them I enjoyed. It took some brain stretching to get into left hand but it was worth it. Being the fanatic that I am I've been trying to find everything I can that she has written.
It is tough to find VMCs here, when I do it's like I hit the jackpot. I've been seeing some of the persephone classics in the B&N here and I finally broke down and ordered my first grey from London. When it arrived I was thrilled. I enjoyed your review of The Rising Tide,i think I will start it tonight :)
Danielle
posted by noodlejet22 at 11:41 am (EST) on Jul 23, 2009
Thanks so much for stopping by to leave me kind notes. It is indeed nice to see other NC women here. And I have to tell you that I absolutely love Edward McKays (I think I am developing a habit). I've only recently discovered Nice Price but I do love it. There is something so great about small bookshops in college towns. Anyhow, I hope you found my review of Deliverance Dane helpful but hopefully not discouraging, I'd heard so much about the book and then as I read it started to feel disappointed. I think from now on I will not listen to the hype and happily plow away. It is great to meet you and hope to see you around.
Danielle
posted by noodlejet22 at 11:12 pm (EST) on Jul 21, 2009
Anyway, it's my great pleasure that you have enjoyed the book so much, and that you are now providing it such a loving home! And that you find O'Brien's writing of interest -- nice to have some company!
posted by outrageoussocks at 11:30 pm (EST) on Jul 19, 2009
I had a quick scan of your library and hope it's ok if I add it as an 'interesting library'. I would like to come back and browse sometime.
I tend to read two books at a time, usually 1 from the library and 1 from my TBR shelves. Even so, the TBR shelves are growing by leaps and bounds! So many books I want to read and so little time!
Have a great day. Judy
posted by DeltaQueen50 at 3:59 pm (EST) on Jul 15, 2009
Only Latin that is so well known as to be nearly English, I'm afraid, but one does what one can.
posted by jimroberts at 4:16 pm (EST) on Jul 9, 2009
I bought the Niccolo book without realising it's the 5th in the series. I own the first volume of the Lymond Chronicles but haven't read them yet. A really good friend of mine loved them and I've seen lots of good comments on here, but I need to be in the mood. I take it from your comment that you loved them!!
Right, better go and read 4 days of LT posts and collect my wee boy from school :)
posted by cushlareads at 10:31 pm (EST) on Jul 1, 2009
I feel bad for having recently archived (or deleted) most of my comments. Aside from the books, they are a feature of LT that really give a nice portrait of the person. There are some really wonderful and erudite people on LT. My friend benwaugh has one of the most fascinating profile pages around (don't let the picture scare you).
Truth is, I've kind of been in the process of mothballing my profile and participation. I have two small sons who are home for the summer, and we are getting ready for a month in the UK. I'll still enter books and those little reviews, but I imagine I will be cutting down on "talk" participation in the future. You can get to the point where you feel you are making the same comments/arguments over and over. It's good to step aside and let others talk for a while.
Thank you again for your note. Happy Reading!!
-Maki
posted by Makifat at 10:51 am (EST) on Jun 29, 2009
My reading is a bit slow right now. I'm finishing up Nadine Gordimer's 'The pickup'--also working on Christopher Petit's 'The psalmer killer'--a noirish novel set in the 70's and 80's in Northern Ireland tracking a serial killer associated with the loyalist paramilitaries. It's got excellent tone but we're meandering a bit now. Also reading about 10 pages or so a day of Naomi Klein's 'No logo'.
posted by lriley at 11:37 pm (EST) on Jun 28, 2009
You said:
"'I'm visiting.' ??? Is that a clue? "
To which the answer was yes. If that doesn't do the trick, I will end your misery and disclose all. :-/
posted by stellarexplorer at 8:46 pm (EST) on Jun 28, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 7:10 pm (EST) on Jun 28, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 2:55 pm (EST) on Jun 28, 2009
Hint: The explanation is in the original dazzling post itself.
posted by stellarexplorer at 2:46 pm (EST) on Jun 28, 2009
Isn't magic better enjoyed if explanation is left to the imagination? (And, I wonder, am I authorized to explain? There is the professional code, after all....)
posted by stellarexplorer at 2:40 pm (EST) on Jun 28, 2009
posted by lriley at 6:14 am (EST) on Jun 28, 2009
posted by MissTeacher at 11:12 pm (EST) on Jun 27, 2009
Well, be assured nothing like that happened today. :)
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:02 pm (EST) on Jun 27, 2009
Thanks again!
posted by MissTeacher at 10:24 pm (EST) on Jun 27, 2009
And thanks for "friending" me.
posted by richardbsmith at 11:51 am (EST) on Jun 27, 2009
I have several lexicons, but the one I most use is probably not yet in my LT library. Actually, I must confess most of the books catalogued so far are my boxed up garage books.
When I discovered LT, I was immediately excited to be able to catalogue the boxed up books. For so long they have been inaccessible simply because I did not know what I had or where to find them. I know where to find the books, and what books I have, on my shelves, hence the early focus on the boxed up books.
LT has been a great resource to correct that. And I have moved some books from boxes to my shelves when I find them.
Yes we can become friends. I am honored. Have not done anything with the connection tools on LT. You will be my first.
BTW, Abraham Heschel's book is on my shelves, not in a box. :)
Richard
posted by richardbsmith at 10:52 am (EST) on Jun 27, 2009
I actually think given the size of your library that there should have been more books in common.
I will confess that my primary focus in Christian studies is not in theology, but in the texts themselves - historical and source criticism and in the Greek and Hebrew language.
But I would love for the Christian group to develop threads with more a study focus. Have tried to start a couple discussions.
I have started an Isaiah discussion group - again with my focus the text and the historical contex. Not much going on over there.
Anyway,thanks for the notice and the contact. I guess a gracious nod from a quality member like Garp earns me some attention from other quality members, like you.
Look forward to exchanging more thoughts and info with you.
Richard
posted by richardbsmith at 9:00 am (EST) on Jun 27, 2009
posted by Garp83 at 8:42 am (EST) on Jun 27, 2009
posted by lriley at 6:05 pm (EST) on Jun 26, 2009
I dissociated my fiction from my connections. I now have a whole new set of associated libraries based on my non-fiction alone. It is a fascinating diversion!
TTYS!
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:44 pm (EST) on Jun 25, 2009
posted by callmejacx at 11:56 am (EST) on Jun 25, 2009
posted by jimroberts at 11:22 am (EST) on Jun 25, 2009
"I'm puffed up with pride"
Is that an example of irony, or are you really an adherent of the school of thought that flattery should be laid on with a trowel? :)
posted by jimroberts at 6:57 am (EST) on Jun 25, 2009
"If you ever get into my library, I'll be grateful for suggestions."
You seem to be doing very well without interference, and so quickly! One thing I'll mention though: I'm a big fan of sorting by author, so I would be happier with your library if you had Dante as Dante Alighieri in all cases (your books by Dante), and I'd put "Translated by Dorothy Sayers" in parentheses in the title rather than have it as part of the author. But it's your library, not mine. Oops, two things: you have minor variants on C. S. Lewis, but they sort OK.
Jim
posted by jimroberts at 11:58 am (EST) on Jun 24, 2009
posted by kokipy at 10:48 am (EST) on Jun 22, 2009
The other way we'll get to 800 is by buying things we suggest to each other. CJCherryh's written over 50 books, e.g.
posted by kokipy at 7:26 am (EST) on Jun 22, 2009
posted by kokipy at 8:18 am (EST) on Jun 21, 2009
posted by tuppy_glossop at 8:21 pm (EST) on Jun 13, 2009
posted by kokipy at 9:02 pm (EST) on Jun 10, 2009
I haven't read any of her recent ones - somehow lost interest. I'll have to give that some thought.
I see Stellar's observations re Chanur below. He is always a close and careful reader and his points are always sound, but I disagree with him re Chanur. That is one of those gustibus issues.
posted by kokipy at 3:02 pm (EST) on Jun 10, 2009
In re Chanur, my problem was that I read them under time pressure all in a row. I was Chanured out by the third book. Though I did enjoy the climactic Chanur's Homecoming very much, I questioned the need for such a long road to get there. The response from aficionados was that reading them without pressure, as they were published, the timing was more felicitous and perhaps my circumstances did not afford the most favorable experience. (I must tell you in confidence that though she is on my list of favorite writers, there are many of hers I do not love. But you should know now, before this goes any further, that I love reading but strongly rue that there are so many good books but so few great ones. And despite that, I manage to have something critical to say about so many of the good ones anyway.)
Never read Weber: how strong is your recommendation, and if very high, where to start?
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:34 am (EST) on Jun 10, 2009
I haven't rated many of my books. In general, If I've kept a book it means I liked it. I get rid of books i dont like, space being at a premium. So if it is in my list, I liked it at least well enough to keep it and had the idea that I would want perhaps to reread it some day. when I get a chance I should probably go through and identify the ones I've reread many many times, as they would merit a 5 star rating from me.
I am reverting to Heyer while waiting for the next HH, and dip into GG&S every so often. It is so good to have such a lot of things to read!
posted by kokipy at 8:02 am (EST) on Jun 8, 2009
i am certainly a convert! Maybe a tad too much detail on the tech, but it is easy enough to skip if you dont want to read it, and then if you find you should have, to get a plot point, easy enough to reread.
YOu know, it is interesting we have so many books in common, but there are so many more that are not in common..... So what one should do is spend hours looking at what we dont have in common to see what we should have been reading all these years. Obvious, but it does take me a while.
Did I note that you have not yet entered your Nero wolfe? that will up the commonality quite a bit....
posted by kokipy at 8:19 pm (EST) on Jun 7, 2009
I would have been excited too. Man, you must have been dancing in your shoes!~!
And we don't worry about the small stuff and most of it is just that-----small stuff. Right? You know that each and every one of us has a ton of books sitting right here in our own homes waiting to be read, so it is not like we're gonna sit in the corner and whine. I am very happy for you and hope that you enjoy every word.
(I'm putting a hex upon you even as we speak) hee hee
You have a good one LizzieD.
belva
posted by rainpebble at 11:44 am (EST) on Jun 6, 2009
posted by janeajones at 7:59 pm (EST) on Jun 5, 2009
posted by kokipy at 7:03 am (EST) on Jun 4, 2009
I could strike these teachers!
You must have been able to share your love of reading with your students - it must have been particularly gratifying when you did.
I can't wait to see what you have to say about Chanur. Stellar found the first one or two a bit slow, but agreed they pick up towards the end of the series in a great rush.
posted by kokipy at 5:11 pm (EST) on Jun 2, 2009
Despite what I said below, I do agree that Sayers is better than Allingham, but the later Allinghams get less frivolous I think. Tiger in the Smoke I still remember as chilling, and I liked the Beckoning Lady quite a lot.
posted by kokipy at 9:35 am (EST) on May 31, 2009
posted by kokipy at 9:50 pm (EST) on May 30, 2009
posted by kokipy at 9:47 pm (EST) on May 30, 2009
At one point I had all the Brother Cadfael books, but I fear I may have purged them a decade or so ago when I lost a lot of shelf space. I have for the past 30 years lived mostly in city apartments, and have had no place to store books I wasn't likely to reread many times. I don't keep books these days if I am not likely to reread in my dotage. I may have to put some of them into my catalogue in a read but not still owned category, just so we can keep our numbers rising! do you have Allingham and Delano Ames? I must check....
posted by kokipy at 9:43 pm (EST) on May 30, 2009
I dont know what's wrong with the totals- I think there are sometimes gremlins.
posted by kokipy at 9:33 am (EST) on May 30, 2009
That argument is absurd to me. Every one who writes has his own observations of the world to offer or to rework, etc. All are human beings, with the capacity to do this. I love the Roman poets as a group. I especially love the preservation of a world no longer extant, the sensibilities, the mores, the ethos, the human feeling. How fantastic it is to be able to lose oneself in the thoughts of a keen observer of two thousand years ago. We should all have the experience of putting our little local lives in that kind of perspec----------------
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:53 am (EST) on May 28, 2009
Now that is funny, and who knew it was as true then as now!
I offered you the other quote to say that while his voice is often one of irony or critique, he possesses more broadly the eye of a penetrating observer.
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:19 pm (EST) on May 27, 2009
posted by kokipy at 9:19 pm (EST) on May 27, 2009
I also added another author newer to me, who is mart of your collection:
Epigrams: Bks.I-VII v. 1 (Loeb Classical Library) by Martial
Epigrams: Bks.VIII-XIV v. 2 (Loeb Classical Library) by Martial
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:27 pm (EST) on May 26, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:42 pm (EST) on May 26, 2009
I'm off on The Great Cherryh Adventure - filling the cracks in my sci-fi lit list! Stellarexplorer has advised starting with Downbelow Station next, so I shall. Unless, of course, I get sidetracked... I have David Weber's latest in the Honorverse, Storm from the Shadows, sitting next to an anthology of short stories, both of which are calling to me. I have no discipline!!!
Cheerio!!
posted by Nulla at 10:56 am (EST) on May 26, 2009
posted by kokipy at 10:05 am (EST) on May 24, 2009
posted by lriley at 11:11 am (EST) on May 20, 2009
posted by kokipy at 9:49 pm (EST) on May 19, 2009
http://internationalnoir.blogspot.com/
On Andrew Vaachs--I've hear of him but haven't read him. Always open to recommendation though I've been on a shopping spree today--once at half.com and three times at B & N--once in person and twice on line. It won't surprise me if my wife complains about all that activity but I can be very impulsive.
posted by lriley at 5:20 pm (EST) on May 19, 2009
As for God of small things it builds slowly and it wasn't really until maybe the last 60-70 pages that I started thinking it was really great. Too bad she doesn't write more fiction.
posted by lriley at 1:48 pm (EST) on May 18, 2009
posted by lriley at 11:33 pm (EST) on May 17, 2009
I love the VMC group on here too. My LT time has almost vanished in the last few weeks and it's the only group I've been keeping up with.
I didn't realise you taught Latin - I haven't read any since school but still love it, and keep buying Latin textbooks. They sit loved but unread on the shelves...
DAughter is grabbing the keyboard... and insists that we push "2". So here are some 2s for you:
222
posted by cushlareads at 4:19 pm (EST) on May 16, 2009
On your recommendation I'll try Banks again. CP really put me off. I usually feel a need to like one or more of the characters in a book and there was no one in that book for whom I had any sympathy or liking. I started Excession but it didn't grab me and I dont think I finished it. I also started The alchemist but I dont think I got very far there either. Maybe just the wrong time.
posted by kokipy at 11:40 am (EST) on May 15, 2009
No, I wasn't going to ask that at all. I was pleased to receive your update. I just completed my termination of Steven Hunt's Court of the Air due to insufficiency. I just finished and reviewed my Early Reviewer's Book Full Meridian of Glory: Perilous Adventures in the Competition to Measure the Earth by Paul Murdin. It was very well done, but decidedly not for the general reader. I am attempting to get through Maps of Time so I can go on to one of the several hundred other books in my TBR list. While I see it as full of fascinating information, I have major questions about the Big History enterprise, despite myself being extremely interested in the component disciplines of which it appears to be comprised. I will certainly raise these issues in the relevant thread, but not until I have completed it. Nothing destroys one's credibility as rendering an opinion on a book one has not read. I lost much respect for the learned Harold Bloom when he decried Harry potter as "not high quality children's literature", and then allowed as he hadn't read it.
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:30 pm (EST) on May 11, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:00 pm (EST) on May 9, 2009
As a child, I always thought I'd be spending my adult years in space, exploring other planets. At 15, realizing no space academy had yet been established, I understood my idea had to be radically revised. This precipitated a painful existential crisis.
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:51 pm (EST) on May 9, 2009
Remnant pop: I like strong female characters. I just think this one is overrated, and its chief strength is that it has a woman protagonist. Sorry, for me it lacked more than that, and there are so many good First Contact stories.
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:24 am (EST) on May 9, 2009
Morgan, on the other hand, I've liked a lot, if you don't mind the violence. I thought Thirteen AKA Black Man was his best, better than the Altered Carbon/Kovacs series.
I am probably better read in older stuff. I'd like to read more E Moon; didn't love Remnant Population, but it was OK.
My favorite current SF writer other than Cherryh is probably Kim Stanley Robinson, especially his recent climate change trilogy starting with Forty Signs of Rain.
posted by stellarexplorer at 8:26 pm (EST) on May 8, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:27 am (EST) on May 8, 2009
High school experiences of books are so odd - we also read To Kill a Mockingbird and My Family and Other Animals alongside Great Expectations, and whereas the other two are firm favourites of mine, I've never got in to CD since. Not too late to start I suppose!
posted by LizzieG at 9:54 am (EST) on May 7, 2009
Lizzie
posted by LizzieG at 12:16 pm (EST) on May 6, 2009
What else struck you? What are you thinking about? Is Nulla reading it currently?
posted by stellarexplorer at 11:57 pm (EST) on May 4, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 5:09 pm (EST) on May 2, 2009
The numbers I, II, and III are misleading. They refer to a misguided venture by the publisher, who pulled the book apart and sold it in three paperback pieces back in the late '80s. Does not refer to sequels!
Yes, there are those who dislike the book because of the sense of repugnance around azi. CJC has a way of writing from the POV of each character or group in a way that is more fair and favorable to that group or character than as seen from outside. In her other foundational work in this universe, Downbelow Station, Union looks much more ghastly and monstrous, partly because of the azi. But without them, they couldn't possibly sustain the population necessary to have a viable society. CJC has acknowledged that we are intended to have deeply ambivalent feelings about the azi concept and the CIT-azi relationship.
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:54 pm (EST) on May 2, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:12 pm (EST) on May 2, 2009
posted by featherbear at 11:56 am (EST) on May 2, 2009
It does look like we share a lot of books. I don't read a lot of science fiction, but there are a few authors I like, and I see we share a few sci-fi books too. I also like British mysteries like those of Ruth Rendell and P.D. James.
I envy you being retired. That won't happen for me until I can get my last two kids through college.
Happy reading!
Deborah
posted by arubabookwoman at 7:04 pm (EST) on Apr 29, 2009
Thanks for your message. I have actually read Norweigan Wood but it wasn't out of my permanent collection so I didn't review it on here. If you're interested in seeing my reviews, they are all posted on my live journal account http://lyzzybee.livejournal.com - not trying to spam you to look at my LJ, just thought you might be interested...
Best wishes
Liz / LyzzyBee
posted by LyzzyBee at 1:57 pm (EST) on Apr 29, 2009
Yes, 1944 is my birth year: November 11. We are close to the very same age. Cutting edge of the baby boomers, huh?
Well, I spend most of my time in LibraryThing reading Green Dragon threads; trying to keep up with my 75 Book Challenge peers; and reading a few other odds and ends. I am happy to chat any time.
- Karen
posted by maggie1944 at 9:48 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 12:17 am (EST) on Apr 25, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:58 pm (EST) on Apr 23, 2009
In the meantime, I had started Risk of Darkness and, wouldn't you know it, I've read it! I think they hype the paperbacks as brand new! I had read the hardback which came thru ILL and that is why it doesn't show up in my library. If you don't mind, I'll donate it to our local library. They're on a small budget and can use the support.
I hope I can get back in here soon... only two more weeks of school!!
Best,
Ruta
posted by Nulla at 3:40 pm (EST) on Apr 23, 2009
posted by Eurydice at 2:30 am (EST) on Apr 23, 2009
The year has certainly been begun well, here. Again - thank you!
Julie
posted by Eurydice at 2:23 am (EST) on Apr 23, 2009
I am not about to give up on you! You sound like you are doing quite well with the book; that feeling you describe is so familiar -- I have felt that way during so many of my best reading experiences: wanting to absorb a wonderful story ravenously, and not wanting to depart the book-world when it is over. The joy of reading mixed with the pain of separation!
I so wish I had known earlier :( I had an extra copy of the sequel, and I just promised it to someone else who hadn't read it. I enjoyed it, but it would be hard to write a sequel that would meet the high expectations raised by the first. Worth reading though, and I don't say that about everything.
Thanks for keeping me posted!!
posted by stellarexplorer at 1:13 am (EST) on Apr 23, 2009
Stan
posted by Garp83 at 4:37 pm (EST) on Apr 19, 2009
I have contemplated ancient Greek courses because my attempt on my own has come to naught (although I have not entirely given up -- I bought the texts!) I had planned to audit an intensive course at UMASS but it met daily and I could not fit that into my schedule.
Ciao!
Stan
posted by Garp83 at 9:05 am (EST) on Apr 19, 2009
posted by KrazySkaterChick at 4:54 pm (EST) on Apr 17, 2009
Not a problem on not mailing it till next week, not a big deal (as it's already Friday!) :) That is pretty entertaining that Secret Garden is listed above Silence of the Lambs!
Oh! And if you liked Night Watch, you should def read Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith and Affinity by Sarah Waters also! I loved them! The classic language she uses and the sudilty(sp) of the sex scenes. Great!
posted by KrazySkaterChick at 4:46 pm (EST) on Apr 17, 2009
posted by charlottestar at 12:02 pm (EST) on Apr 17, 2009
Anyway Tara's made two college revisits this week. I went on one of them--the other I was working. She has another visit tomorrow and one on Saturday--I'm working both days but my wife is off. Anyway then she'll have to figure which one she wants-so we will know pretty soon.
posted by lriley at 11:39 pm (EST) on Apr 15, 2009
nice to hear from you. Retirement means you don't have to get your act together. If swimming feels good, do it, and read tomorrow.
I just started taking piano lessons. I should have known you 18 years ago. Its frustrating, but i'm having a good time.
I'm glad you noticed my Book of Hours, it is the high spot of my collection. I enjoy letting visitors look at it, and hold a piece of beauty and history in their hands.
Stay well, Carmelo
posted by cbellia at 1:57 pm (EST) on Apr 13, 2009
posted by Nulla at 8:22 am (EST) on Apr 12, 2009
Now I don't have time to read. I don't know how I ever had time to work. Going through my library has been a great trip. I seem to know all the books I own even if I haven't read them. Its revisiting friends from long ago. I left over a thousand books in my offic at school. When I went back for a visit, I found that they had thrown them away!!!??? I guess I'm more committed to books than, even, the school? Enjoy retirement. Carmelo
posted by cbellia at 7:44 pm (EST) on Apr 11, 2009
Reading wise Rawi Hage's Impac winning book De Niro's game is the best thing I've finished lately. Assia Djebar's Fantasia was really good as well. At the moment I'm making my way very slowly through William H. Gass's very long 'The tunnel', also working on Nicanor Parra's 'After-dinner declarations' and the LT early reviewers copy of Nicolas Dickner's 'Nikolski'--the last one I may finish today.
posted by lriley at 3:52 pm (EST) on Apr 11, 2009
nice meeting you on LT!
A long time ago I used to teach Latin too.
Paola :-))
posted by aluvalibri at 8:10 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 7:45 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 10:43 am (EST) on Apr 10, 2009
The bookplate is from me yes. I'm glad you liked it and the book too! I hope you enjoy reading it! I'm glad it's found a lovely home.
Charlotte x
posted by charlottestar at 4:42 pm (EST) on Apr 9, 2009
I love the contributions of so many people -- including you -- on these LT threads. I learn a great deal and it gives me an opportunity to attempt to speak articulately about subjects I love with others who might feel the same way. Though I have wonderful friends, real life does not offer the same audience for these topics.
Ciao!
Stan
posted by Garp83 at 9:14 pm (EST) on Apr 6, 2009
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:54 am (EST) on Apr 6, 2009
And she lives in CT, just down the street from the party! This is fate!
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:38 am (EST) on Apr 6, 2009
I don't even know how I got here, but my absence from your "member's with" list is a matter of percentages. Hit "raw" and I show up - but there is waaaay too much trash in my house to make the high percentage overlap. Nice library; I'll poke about and see if I can find things I need to read. At the moment I'm trying to update some illustrated volumes in concert with the Golden Age illustrators group - and trying to kick Poetry Fool into a little more sharing. Things are slow. I miss bookstores - at least being on the selling end - that's a real "service" job. cheers, scott
posted by bookstopshere at 1:05 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2009
Nice to meet you here. I miss(most)of my life in bookselling, and still find myself straightening books when I go shopping.
Ann_Louise
posted by Ann_Louise at 8:38 pm (EST) on Apr 2, 2009
posted by kswolff at 8:57 am (EST) on Apr 2, 2009
posted by MisfitKotLD at 12:52 pm (EST) on Mar 30, 2009
posted by MisfitKotLD at 10:33 am (EST) on Mar 30, 2009
the only HTML I've ever learnt has been in order to get LT to work as I want it to. Seems odd that a website that is so advanced and captivating in so amny ways, still requires users to actually enter code. I can offer such advice as I've learnt to date but I warn you now, I'm way far from havingany kind of skill with it.
You at least seem to have managed to get the Random links working anyway.
At the moment we seem to share more crime/ mystery works than SF / F but I'll brouse your library looking for new authors.
posted by reading_fox at 6:11 pm (EST) on Mar 28, 2009
A love of Wallace Stevens is certainly something we have in common.
posted by Fledgist at 2:58 pm (EST) on Mar 26, 2009
posted by charlottestar at 11:57 am (EST) on Mar 26, 2009
posted by charlottestar at 10:59 am (EST) on Mar 25, 2009
Don't get me wrong about the Squire's Daughter it is enjoyable it's just you said it it's kind of scattered. That's a good way of describing it. I'm not sure why since her other 2 are brilliant it's a bit of a shame. Compared to them it doesn't shine but on it's own terms I think it's enjoyable and that's what matters! I recommend The Rector's Daughter. That's brilliant :) x
posted by charlottestar at 10:48 am (EST) on Mar 25, 2009
I LOVED this book & read it in Jr. High ~1967. I need to find my copy: bet it is somewhere at my parent's home! Thanks for "reminding" me about it.
~Sharon
posted by MtnSk8tr at 3:49 pm (EST) on Mar 14, 2009
I'll have a look at your Latin books when you enter them.
Keep in touch.
posted by Romanus at 8:01 pm (EST) on Mar 13, 2009
Nuts. I'll have to think of something else then, or my reputation will be ruined.
posted by setnahkt at 7:40 pm (EST) on Mar 13, 2009
Don't worry about; one of the major reasons for the tattoo is to draw people's eyes away from the rest of me, which is even more likely to freak them out.
-br
posted by setnahkt at 6:39 pm (EST) on Mar 13, 2009
It is a real challenge to have such a large library, keep track of it, make space for it. Once I got mine all entered it became very easy. I can check if we have a book and also I can get rid of books in an organized way. As new books keep flowing into our house I have to do something to make room for them.
Funny you should mention sci fi, because that is an area I have cleaned up by giving them away and taking the rest to secondhand book stores. My son read a lot of sci fi in highschool and his early university years and we had mountains of them. He did not want them and it is much better that someone else gets to read them.
I am looking forward to exploring your library and reviews.
Barb
posted by bhowell at 10:55 am (EST) on Mar 5, 2009
Crytonomicon is one of my all-time favs, and I feel guilty that I'm still stalled half-way through his Baroque Trilogy...and so Anathem is necessarily stacked up waiting for me to return to NS's The System of the World.
I would have jumped the queue and dived right in with Anathem, except that I bounced off the made-up terminology that NS uses.
There's a long tradition in SF of mocking faked exoticism: as James Blish defined it 50 years ago or more : "calling a rabbit a `smeerp.' " Just that sort of gimmick is not enough to make it a science-fictional world.
I've read so much bad SF that I have a nearly allergic reaction to this sort of simple substitution of terms, so I had a hard time enjoying what NS was doing with it.
I'll get to it eventually.
posted by AsYouKnow_Bob at 9:02 pm (EST) on Feb 26, 2009
posted by LolaWalser at 8:35 pm (EST) on Feb 26, 2009
I'm not sure what titles that Bob and I discussed recently--perhaps in one of the groups?--qualify as fantasy--Vernor Vinge's "Fire upon the deep" maybe? I mentioned Lucian of Samosata's "True story" (maybe "True history" in English) in the SF group recently. If this doesn't answer your question, please let me know.
Yes, some 15 years ago I went on a gigantic Woolf/Bloomsbury read. A lot of material overlapped--her books, letters, diaries, other people's letters, books and diaries, biographies and autobiographies... a glorious mess.
posted by LolaWalser at 3:25 pm (EST) on Feb 26, 2009
Anyway I did a review of a first novel by Philipp Meyer--an early reviewer's book through this site called American Rust which I thought was great. Now I'm on Angela Carter for the first time--Fireworks and Halldor Laxness's (one of the best if not the best Nobel writers--IMO) Great weaver from Kashmir which as it happens was his first major work.
posted by lriley at 2:52 pm (EST) on Feb 26, 2009
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. My life and my work have both been a bit crazy.
Oh you've got to read a Door Into Ocean! It's an amazing story. I've actually read it about 3 times, which is something I almost never do. I rarely re-read books because there are so many books I want to read. But I've read Door a few times and Watership Down probably 5 or 6 times--an absolute record for me. And I don't read real crime stuff either. It tends to give me nightmares. :o) Your idea that Dean Koontz is a closet Christian is interesting. Perhaps so, given that all of his books seem to have a message about morality in some way--that's why I like them. And he has a unique way of humanizing even the bad guys, which isn't easy considering how bad his bad guys are. My step brother actually knows Dean fairly well, so maybe I'll have to ask him about this, although I don't get to talk to him very often. And it's not true that I don't like his earlier work. In fact, if you look at my library, that's mostly what I own--his earlier books. The first book I ever read of his was Watchers, which aside from the nauseating violence I found to be absolutely fascinating and very memorable. I also loved Lightning which had me on the edge of my seat. I actually have read very few of his newer books in the last 6 or 7 years or so. I like the stories, but not the graphip violence so much so I only read him when I'm in a really good mood and the brutality doesn't bother me so much. :o)
I know of the Kellermans, and I think I've read at least one of his and maybe some of hers as well, but it's been a long time. I will have to check her out more.
So how did the church thing go? Did you get everything done?
I know what you mean about wishing you could go back and forth between messages on here. What I do is open two windows so I can have my page up in one window and my reply to you in the other. That way I can go back and read what you wrote and then respond to it. It's a bit cumbersome, but it does work.
Well anyway, take care, and I hope your week is going well.
MK
posted by drsyko at 11:38 pm (EST) on Feb 24, 2009
posted by lriley at 9:07 am (EST) on Feb 24, 2009
cheers,
bob
posted by bobmcconnaughey at 1:34 pm (EST) on Feb 23, 2009
posted by kokipy at 8:45 am (EST) on Feb 22, 2009
posted by 50Watts at 5:37 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2009
Nice to hear from you and I'm glad to hear that my map is accurate in your case.
I am sorry to say that I don't live in either of the two places that you mention albeit I ofter travel through Kibworth on the way to Leicester,and I can report that is is a rather nice little place.As you will see if you again consult your AA Guide my home town is Northampton,which is said to be the largest Town (rather than City)in the country.Although not so pretty as the places that you mention,it is extremely historic.
I see that you are interested in 'mysteries',as am I,so you might like to check out my library under the tags - British and American (and other) Crime Fiction.At the same time I will have a browse through your list of books on the hunt for new authors which might well appeal to me.
All the best from the UK and do keep in touch.
Peter
posted by devenish at 3:47 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2009
Back to Paul West for a moment. Most of his work that I've read is good to very good but that one I thought was outstanding. He's an Englishman who lives in upstate New York--in nearby Ithaca. Anyway enjoy your weekend as well but I'm holding out for tuesday, wednesday.
posted by lriley at 11:11 pm (EST) on Feb 20, 2009
posted by lriley at 4:47 pm (EST) on Feb 19, 2009
I hope you had a great day . . . and I agree that it's nice to speak and actually have someone reply.
MK
posted by drsyko at 10:34 pm (EST) on Feb 12, 2009
I'm not sure exactly what amp is but I do a lot of buying and some selling at Half.com which is run by ebay. It's basically just for books, videos and music--it's kind of like a huge garage sale--but very extensive. Prices and postage are set when a seller puts a book etc. up for sale. There's no bidding involved. He or she is competing against other sellers of the same item and a buyer can choose by best price or by the condition of the item--runs from brand new, like new, very good, good, acceptable. It requires credit card information for a buyer and a checking account for a seller. For me it's easier and a lot more hassle free than ebay itself.
I've read Carpentier several times. My favorite is probably Kingdom of this world. The lost steps was very good though. His 'Explosion in a cathedral' was the only one I didn't really care for.
posted by lriley at 1:52 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2009
Anyway here's a few links I started here--the first two on Latin American fiction and the last on modern and post modern Russian.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/10980
http://www.librarything.com/topic/15212
http://www.librarything.com/topic/10641
It's been a while since I've done stuff like this. I really need to find or make the time though. I did something on the Spanish Civil War as well--and was thinking of doing something on Oulipo--which is a French literary group started by Raymond Queneau and most famous for a couple works by Georges Perec--Life: A user's manual--and A void a literary whodunnit (around 300 pages) which Perec wrote without using a single letter 'e'.
posted by lriley at 10:52 am (EST) on Feb 10, 2009
On Vargas Llosa and Garcia Marquez--The war of the end of the world is a fascinating book. I don't know if you've read MVL's Conversation in the Cathedral--but for me that is his real masterpiece. It is a long one however. I did a rundown it seems like a year ago on South American fiction. I'll look it up and give you the link. As a writer I tend to prefer him to Garcia Marquez as well. Both of them are very political in their own way--in that respect I'm more in line with GGM.
My daughter Tara has put in for 6 schools--3 privates--Hobart, Ithaca College and Keuka College--all have excellent reputations. She's been accepted at all of them but Hobart looks out of the picture now as I don't think we'll be able to manage it without quite a bit of financial help. Three are SUNY schools--Binghamton, Geneseo which are two of the three best New York State financed schools--the other is far away on Long Island--Oswego is the third--it's kind of a fallback and would be the cheapest option. I tend to think though sometimes you get what you pay for. Haven't heard back from them yet but from what I hear that's normal--they tend to be later. It's been interesting making all these college trips and it will be kind of exciting for everybody--to see how it all turns out.
posted by lriley at 10:10 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2009
I have a lot of curiosity when it comes to literature and I do float around a lot--one benefit of no degree may be the freedom to go without guilt whereever you choose. French writers were my first love (Celine, Queneau, Zola--even this years Nobel writer Le Clezio I've been a huge fan of for years). I was mainly in Europe and North America though until about 7-8 years ago--a local college professor (romance languages) and her husband opened up a book store out of their home and she especially got me much more focused on Latin American writers.
posted by lriley at 2:23 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2009
I'm a huge fan of Bolano. A great writer. I'll be reviewing his 2666 in the next day or two.
Mention of Powers musical novel brings to mind Thomas Bernhard's 'The loser' also Elfriede Jelinek's 'The piano teacher'.
posted by lriley at 12:08 am (EST) on Feb 9, 2009
Anyway sharing 62 books isn't bad at all.
posted by lriley at 11:47 pm (EST) on Feb 7, 2009
posted by MtnSk8tr at 7:57 pm (EST) on Feb 5, 2009
CJ Cherryh majored in Latin / Classics as an undergrad, and then earned a master's in Ancient History. Her thesis focused not on art or literature, but on Roman politics.
LEGIONS OF HELL & KINGS IN HELL, in the HEROES OF HELL shared world series, speculated about Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Brutus, Caligua, and the gang. Hence, my "Latin" tag...
This link should save you time:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legions_of_Hell
LT will comsume all of your time from here on out. You may even need to give up reading, lol! Welcome again!
~Sharon
posted by MtnSk8tr at 9:15 pm (EST) on Jan 31, 2009
I enjoyed poking around your library & look forward to seeing more as you get it catalogued. Your reviews are also very enjoyable. LT is one of the best sites on the web -- endlessly fascinating!!
I wandered over here after reading the exchanged comments between you & stellarexplorer. One can personally attest to the exquisite quality of his library, as well as the loving care taken of it.
posted by MtnSk8tr at 7:16 pm (EST) on Jan 31, 2009
Example: Discussing cross-cultural contacts recently, I could recommend books using that tag, but also pull up all that show up under "migrations" or "prehistory" or "pre-Columbian Americas", etc.
When I look at my tag cloud, I feel like I am looking at a new 21st century way of seeing myself and my interests -- one that complements traditional means of self-definition.
posted by stellarexplorer at 8:19 pm (EST) on Jan 28, 2009
Thanks for the review of ReVisions: Seeing Torah Through a Feminist Lens⦠by Elyse Goldstein -- Haven't read it, but I can imagine the difficulty with gender notions as applied to god.
posted by stellarexplorer at 9:59 pm (EST) on Jan 27, 2009
Thank you also for the thoughts and prayers. Babyreadseverything is happily kicking away at the moment and every day we get closer to our due date means BRE has an even better chance of arriving safely.
Your retirement doesn't sound very relaxing but it does sound like a lot of fun. The piano playing especially sounds lovely.
posted by Jodyreadseverything at 1:47 pm (EST) on Jan 24, 2009
posted by betsytacy at 7:55 pm (EST) on Jan 20, 2009
Yes, I love Angela Thirkell. My fiance gave me a nice stack of second-hand Thirkells for Christmas, but I haven't started on any of them yet. So many books, so little time!
posted by miss_read at 4:41 pm (EST) on Jan 20, 2009
posted by juliette07 at 11:18 am (EST) on Jan 20, 2009
It is so nice to see new faces around. I used to reach Latin too, many centuries ago.
:-))
posted by aluvalibri at 7:21 am (EST) on Jan 20, 2009
- Helen
posted by miss_read at 4:05 am (EST) on Jan 20, 2009
A quick perusal of your books shows many I have read - particularly murder mysteries. Such a shame none of us live closer. We could meet for tea. I'll let you know if I find Sanctity. It sounds like something I would really enjoy.
Barbara
posted by romain at 3:13 pm (EST) on Jan 16, 2009
Good luck with your cataloguing. I see you are in the Virago Group so I hope I shall see you there.
Thanks again.
Valerie
posted by englishrose60 at 3:52 pm (EST) on Jan 14, 2009
Thanks for your comments. I read this book a few months ago, and yes if you have the time, I would like to know more about Rhoda. Thank you. You have a lot of work ahead of you cataloguing all your books, but so much fun too!
Regards
Valerie
posted by englishrose60 at 11:29 am (EST) on Jan 14, 2009
posted by FleurinherWorld at 5:43 pm (EST) on Jan 11, 2009
But, while I have discovered many wonderful books from Orange shortlists and longlists, like you, I
find some of them too dark and serious. Though I recently read "Monster Love" which was very dark and was stunned by it.
"The Rising Tide" was the first Molly Keane I read for years. I both loved and admired the book, but I can only read her in small doses. I picked up "Excellent Women" a while ago but I couldn't get on with it at all and have pushed it to one side for now.
As to "The Gargoyle - I have never read Stephanie Meyer and I have no plans to - but from what I read of her books I wouldn't put them in the same bracket as "The Gargoyle" - maybe they are bought together as "hot books of the moment". I would describe "The Gargoyle" as brash modern writing and not the sort of book I often read, but the UK hardback edition was beautiful and I had to pick it up in the library. It looked like the kind of book I would either love or hate and it turned out to be love.
I hope you continue to enjoy LibraryThing but, be warned, it is highly addictive!
Jane
posted by FleurinherWorld at 4:24 pm (EST) on Jan 11, 2009
Yes, "The Road Home" is wonderful, but I very nearly didn't pick it up. I used to work in the restaurant industry and I now work for a charity that, among other things, supports migrant workers, so I thought it might be too close to home or I might be disturbed by inaccuaracies. Rose Tremain got it right and I was swept away by the story.
I love what I see of your library and I will be coming back to see what else you add.
Jane
posted by FleurinherWorld at 4:32 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 2009