Member: oldblack

Just a couple of things I forgot to respond to...

Yes, I'm very fond of that kid of mine. His musical tastes are so eclectic that we have lots of areas of overlap and some where we don't. I try everything he tosses at me with an open mind, though, and he's introduced me to several things that I absolutely love. He's a good friend, too--he knows how to make his mom laugh. (And not just a dainty, well-behaved laugh, either.)

I'm afraid that you won't find very much about Pullman--it's an oasis in the wheat fields, but has nothing to compare with Australia, I'm afraid. I can, however, impress people in Saskatchewan.

Your website is intriguing. You hold your cards pretty close to your chest, yes?

Interesting stuff. :)

Best,

Barb

posted by smallwonder56 at 11:31 pm (EST) on May 25, 2009

Hi Michael,

Well, I'm glad you're forgiving of delays because right now "delay" is my middle name. I think I explained before that my one and only son is graduating from high school the first week of June and I'm going to be having a houseful of guests the day before and the day of the ceremony. I also realized that since I gave birth to him, I've evidently been reading with my spare time and not cleaning the house, so I have a ton of work to get done before June 6th. My life returns to something resembling normal much more after that, though.

And all of that is part of saying that I'd be very pleased to hear from you, whether here, or at my email address. If you want to tell me what makes you low, I'd be happy to listen, and I'd be delighted to hear the less-than-low side of you, too.

Stories. It all comes down to stories, doesn't it? I loved a piece about that which I heard on US National Public Radio: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story....

Thank you, also, for the book suggestion you left for me. As soon as I'm past the graduation hurdle, I'll eagerly take a look.

Warm regards,

Barb

posted by smallwonder56 at 11:12 pm (EST) on May 25, 2009

Hi Michael,

Sorry I haven't replied before now, but my son is graduating from high school in two weeks and getting him to finish everything that needs to be done is taking a lot of my time.

I wanted to thank you for the kind words about my reviews. For me, reading is a very personal thing so what I'm most interested in is how people feel about what they've read. I've done the "critical" thing, before in my life but now I'm interested in what is resonant in a book. I see that in your reviews, too. (Which, I might add, are very well written, as well. I really enjoyed reading your reviews.) Your book list has provided a lot of material for my "to be read" list. I'm especially interested in the books you like that aren't from the US. We share a lot of overlap from Britain, it looks like, but you've added a lot of additional authors to the ones I'm looking for. Thank you for that.

Once again, thank you for your kind remarks. It's nice to find kindred spirits out there.

Warm regards,

Barb

posted by smallwonder56 at 12:55 pm (EST) on May 22, 2009

Hi Michael,
This has been such a crazy week - some day I'm going to spend one whole week doing nothing but reading. I haven't yet read your Disobedience review, but look forward to doing so. I find it so interesting to discover what someone else found that I missed. I do so hope you like The Condition as much as I did. I am now reading Songs for the Missing by O'Nan with great expectations.

I am wondering where you work and what you do - and I especially hope that you like doing it. You asked where I find time to do some of the things I do. I was very fortunate to grow up in a privileged home with a father whose mantra was "Much is owed from those to whom much is given." His numerous volunteer activities and the way he lived his life gave us a good foundation, and I've always found that I benefit in countless ways from attempting to help other people.

I'd love to know which Austrailian writers you recommend. Sydney sounds like a fascinating city with so much to offer. Did you grow up there? By the way, the Austrailian accent is absolutely divine to Americans, but then you probably know that. Does it differ from the New Zealand accent substantially?

Hope you're considering wearing happy colors - one of my wishes for my dear friend, Michael.
Fondly,
Pat

posted by pdebolt at 4:10 pm (EST) on Mar 14, 2009

Hi Michael,
Oh, yes, opportunities (under our noses) that we missed - they are numerous. Nancy Pearl has some good book selections on her site, and I'm sorry you missed her, but I hope she comes again to Austrailia. The rule of 50 is a good one - too many good books, too little time to waste on something you don't enjoy. I am going to a writers' seminar this month featuring Chris Bohjalian (I hope that's the correct spelling) - I enjoy his writing and am eager to hear him speak. My daughter, Kris, who is also a dedicated book lover, and I go every year to hear the authors - last year was Joanne Harris. The writer's process is so fascinating. Hope you'll have time during your reading marathon to stay in touch :).
Pat

posted by pdebolt at 10:52 am (EST) on Mar 1, 2009

Wow, Michael - what a windfall. I can understand your difficulty in choosing which book to read first. Please let me know what you think of them.
Pat

posted by pdebolt at 1:08 pm (EST) on Feb 18, 2009