Donna828 is Overbooked, Ch. 2

"Books are a delightful society. If you go into a room and find it full of books--even without taking them from the shelves--they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome. They seem to tell you that they have got something inside their covers that will be good for you, and that they are willing and desirous to impart to you. Value them much." ~William Gladstone~







Thread No. 1 is here.

Books Read in January

1. The Defector - Daniel Silva. 3.5 stars. (audiobook) - Thread 1
2. Freedom - Jonathan Franzen. 3.3 stars. -Thread 1
3. The Siege - Helen Dunmore. 4.5 stars.
4. The Betrayal - Helen Dunmore. 4.2 stars.
5. Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand. 4.5 stars.
6. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell. 4.5 stars.
7. Washington Square - Henry James. 3.8 stars.
8. East is East - T. C. Boyle. 3.7 stars.

Saved for more stuff...how embarrassing...I don't have any more stuff!

How 'bout this?



Oh yeah...just remembered what I was going to list here:

TIOLI Challenge for January:

No. 1 Rated between 3.8 and 4.2 stars on LT:
Freedom
The Siege; Orange January
The Betrayal
The Septembers of Shiraz; also for Orange January
Cloud Atlas; Mark's Group Read here on 75 Challenge

No. 3 Duplicate Word in Title:
East is East

No. 7 ABC Vowels in Title
The Defector; audio

woah... one day away and you start a new thread, Donna? I can see it's going to be a challenge keeping up with you. ;-)

Wow, aren't you Mrs. Popular! This is shaping up to be another great year on LT, how about it? BTW- Love the quote!

Hi Caroline, first visitor. Welcome! It won't be a challenge because this will be my first real thread. Most of the other one was about the holidays. Now that we're into January, I'm ready for the serious stuff!

Thanks, Mark. I have an entire book of quotes so I won't run out this year. Yup, another great one.

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Well, I did it. I told Caro on my old thread that I was considering a class at Missouri State. I took my shaky knees and quaking heart over there today and did the deed. I'm enrolled in English 557: American Realism.

Catalog description: Significant works from several genres by authors such as Twain, Howells, James, Crane, and Frost; literary developments, 1855-1914.

Now if someone could tell me who the heck "Howells" is, I'll be much happier. I'd hate being the only one in the class who has never heard of one of our authors. I suppose I could look through the seven books I purchased for the class. What have I done????

good for you in enrolling :) you will do great!

Howells? hmmmm

nice quote and got you starred :)

Never heard of Howells, and I'll bet most of the other students haven't, either.

Good for you! And good luck.

Nice new digs, Donna. I love hanging out with the popular kids.

William Dean Howells? Love that google, but even after looking at his wikipedia entry, he's still totally unfamiliar to me. Can't wait to learn more...! Good for you!

Wow Donna, I'm impressed with you getting up your courage and actually taking a college course. You'll do great I'm sure. Maybe you can share some of that knowledge with we peons who don't have your courage.

Hey Donna! 2nd thread already, and it's ummm, only the 7th of January! WOW!!! Congrats on taking the college plunge! You'll love it, and will do wonderfully!

Hi Donna: I've never read any William Dean Howells but I recall my sister having to read one of his books for her freshman seminar at Knox.

He is best known for The Rise of Silas Lapham. I've long meant to read it. If that's what you're reading, please let me know and I may join you.

Congrats on overcoming your nervousness and enrolling.

Which seven books do you have to read?

Thanks for the votes of confidence Kara and Luxx.

>8 Copperskye:: "Oh, William Dean Howells, author of The Rise of Silas Lapham; of course I'm familiar with that famous realist author who died a long time ago," said the senior (citizen) lady sitting in the back row when the professor asked who knew anything about the works of Howells. Thanks for googling him, Joanne. You should be the student, not lazy me!

I'm already having student remorse, Bonnie. Hi Louanne, now that you're here (a real student), I'd best quit my whining and sharpen my pencils!

LOL, Linda. If I'd known you were going to post the name of the book, I wouldn't have had to look it up on wikipedia!

Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately), that is not one of my seven books. It looks like we'll be reading:

The Red Badge of Courage, Tales of Conjure and the Color Line, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The House of Mirth (Big Yay!), The Turn of the Screw, McTeague, and The Country of the Pointed Firs.

I'm surprised they all have touchstones. I haven't heard of some of them. This should be interesting.

>12 Donna828: already having student remorse...

Nervous??? Why???? Being in an English Lit class should be a similar experience to discussing great literature with your LT friends, yes??? You are already so good at it!!!

A+ for sure!

Thank you for putting names in boldface; with my horrible tendency to skim threads I'm always sure I miss something. ;)

I haven't heard of half of them, but that's not a huge surprise - I focus on British vs. American lit, and the American I am most familiar with are slave narratives, etc.

I've wanted to read McTeague. I think that was turned into an opera and performed at the Lyric Opera in Chicago awhile back (need to check on that).

ETA: Yes, it is an opera--debuted at the Lyric on Halloween, 1992.

I'm not familiar with the second title or the last title.

I would love to take a literature class on an audit basis. Just look a look at the Newberry Library seminars in Chicago as well as the University of Chicago (Graham School) noncredit adult classes. One class of interest but not at a convenient time.

As I approach age 50, I realize I might have more opportunities once I reach that milestone.

Donna, I think that's fantastic that you signed up for a literature course. When does it start? I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

>14 L-Anne:: Louanne, I appreciate those encouraging words. I'll be fine -- if I survive the first class. My biggest worry is finding a parking place at 9:00 a.m.

>15 London_StJ:: I'm glad you find it helpful, Luxx. I'm doing a little experimenting with making my thread easier to read.

>16 lindapanzo:: I'm not familiar with the second title or the last title.

Those were new to me as well, Linda. I forgot to say that I am auditing this course at NO cost to me except for my books. It pays to be a senior citizen. The program is called "MSU - 62" and limits free classes to one per semester. That is about all I can handle so it's fine with me.

>17 phebj:: Pat, you are my inspiration for doing this. I wish I could take the shorter and more focused classes you're taking at Boise State, but I'll be thrown in with the young 'uns for a full semester to either sink or swim. My classes wil be on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, beginning next week and going through mid-May. I still have plenty of time to get a backpack. ;-)

Congratulations on the class, Donna! I am sure you will enjoy it. I hope you pass along your newly acquired nuggets of knowledge to us :)

I've discovered that, as of March 1st, I'll be eligible for our junior college's Discovery Program. I was also thinking of Elderhostel, which apparently is now called Road Scholar. I need to look into that one.

I'll enjoy following along with you, Donna.

William Dean Howells also wrote a great little Christmas book called Christmas Every Day. I loved it.

I'll be interested in seeing what you think of the books for your course, Donna. I've read three of your seven as an English major - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, McTeague and The Turn of the Screw. I'll be especially interested in your thoughts on McTeague. I'm curious to see if your response or anyone in the classes matches up with mine...

Good morning, just doing my due diligence here on LT while I drink my coffee. I have several not-so-fun household projects on tap for today which I'm eager to cross off my list so I can do some reading.

Stasia, you can be sure that I'll share any nuggets of knowledge I learn about American Realism.

I like the names of the programs you're considering Linda. Road Scholar in particular has a much more upbeat name than Elderhostel. I'm so glad that there are some benefits to aging!

Ah, so Terri is another Howells fan. I like the idea of Christmas Every Day.

Mary, you sound like the voice of experience. Will I need to cry on your shoulder as I read McTeague?

Edited for runaway bold type.

Wow thread # 2 and it’s only the second week of January! Congrats!

And also congratulations on the college enrolment! Now you’re a student just like me. Hope studying doesn’t cut into your ‘reading just for pleasure’ time like it does to mine. I think I’ve read four of your seven books.

LOL, Donna, "voice of experience" is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when I think of myself, even in an English class. I was a terrible English student and didn't believe at least a paragraph of the papers I wrote for classes - if I could make the argument for it, and it supported the position I took in my paper, I included it. On the other hand, my brother is getting his Master's in English Education and he believes what he writes. He probably would shake his head over me for not liking McTeague - in fact, both my brothers often look at me quizzically because of my statements regarding books/movies that I dislike. I've been known to tell my non-English-major brother that I didn't like a movie because the ending was sad. This baffles him (his stock response was, "But it's still good."). So take what I say with a grain of salt...it's just my personal reaction, and I don't want to color your interpretation of it before you've tried it.

I thought McTeague was strange. Norris (and I'm taking this from my memory of the class I read it for and Wikipedia, just to cite my sources properly) wrote in the naturalist literary movement, and believed that when you strip social constructs away, people are really just their animal urges - sex, greed, violence, etc. - and that's pretty much what he depicts in McTeague. I read it for Film and Literature, and we watched a movie of it, too. I think this was "Greed" directed by Erich von Stronheim, but I'm not 100% certain. I just remember that it was long and took two class periods, and the upshot of the whole experience was that our teacher said she'd forgotten a lot about the book and movie and nixed our paper on it, much to my relief. I'm morbidly curious in what the opera looks like, however....

Wow! We're on chapter 2 already!!? What a popular lady, Donna!
Well, with you and Pat attending classes and I joining in vicariously, do you think I can earn credit for distance learning? From Pat's class I reignited an interest in Hemingway and was introduced to a new to me author, Wallace Stegner and with you another new to me, William Dean Howells. I think that counts for something.

Good luck with your class!

Good for you, Donna!! I'm so glad you took the plunge and enrolled in the course. I think you're going to love it and get so much out of it. I hope you'll share!

I've had The Country of the Pointed Firs on my pile for ages. Perhaps I'll read it with you!

>24 Porua:: Hi Porua, my pleasure reading may be slowed down, I'm afraid. I hope I like this class. I'm looking forward to the Wharton and James books because I haven't read either of them. What are you studying?

>25 bell7:: Oh Mary, that sounds awful -- sex, greed, and violence are not what I read books for. I'll read it with an open mind, though, and give you my thoughts afterward. I don't expect any films in this English class, and I probably won't seek out the opera either.

>26 Carmenere:: Hi Lynda, don't forget my other thread was started in mid-December. I think you should definitely get some kind of credit for vicarious learning. I'd expect Pat's LT 'class' on Stegner to be more well attended than mine on Realism.

>27 AMQS:: Anne, you won't be the only one with homework pressures now, though my one little 3-hour credit course is not exactly a full load. The Pointed Firs book looks quite good to me. I'll be sure to let you know where it fits into the schedule. Do you start back to school next week?

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I finally got Christmas decorations put away, bought a new lamp, and got my hair cut. I'm going to check out a few threads (maybe I'll set my timer!) and then treat myself to a little reading before we meet friends for dinner.

I have also had The Country of the Pointed Firs in the BlackHole forever. Maybe you will inspire me to finally get it read, Donna!

Wow, that's amazing for a book I'd never heard of. Maybe you, Anne, and I can do a mini group read of it, Stasia. I'll let you know when it is assigned. All I know about it is that it's set in Maine.

#30: I actually even know where it is in my house! I saw it the other day when I was looking for a different book :)

Excellent! When I was putting decorations away this morning, I got to thinking about my books on the floor behind the door in my little "snuggery" and got all involved in looking through them. I came up with about 20 of them that I know I'll never read (and wonder why I bought them). They went to no-man's land in the basement in boxes for my next trip to the used bookstore. I actually shelved some of the others upstairs in one of the guest bedrooms so that my stacks on the floor are noticeably shorter. My point here is that I'll probably never find the books I want when I want them from now on!

#32: My point here is that I'll probably never find the books I want when I want them from now on!

Unfortunately, I understand this problem all too well!

>30 Donna828: yes, please do let me know when it's assigned! Sometimes it takes a nudge like that for me to rescue a book from the pile.

My class starts 18 January, so I still have a little precious free time!

Congrats on the class! I know that it takes a certain amount of courage to do such a thing; a couple of years ago I sat in on a math class, of all things (I'm math & science challenged, to put it mildly), and I had a fantastic time and learned a lot. I was a course offered by a colleague of mine for Humanities students to fulfill their science general ed. requirement (i.e. the math phobia types) and was (still is - he still offers the class) entitled "Surprises at Infinity." Once of the coolest non-classics courses I've ever experienced. I hope you have a positive an experience as I did!

OK, you're going to get a mess of us signing up for classes, Donna! ;-) I've decided I'm going to follow your example and sign up for a class at UW in the Spring. (I'm going to wait until then, because I want to be able to walk to the class.)

>28 Donna828: Perhaps I worded it rather strongly (though I did dislike the book), as its more his philosophy of what humans are like deep down inside. It's been a few years since I read it, too, so my memory may be making it out to be worse than it was. ;) I'll be interested in seeing your thoughts, in any case. Like lots of other folks, I never heard of Howells either. Your class sounds neat, I look forward to seeing your reports on it. :)

I'm curious as to how you'll like a real University course, Donna. It takes courage to attend a class with 20-somethings. But, on the other hand, you'll be with like-minded people who love literature. I had the opportunity a couple of years ago to attend a regular (rather than extended studies) class at BSU on Midnight's Children and I chickened out.

I always keep up with your thread but I'll be particularly interested in your posts on Tuesday and Thursdays from now until May. Hope this turns out to be a great experience for you.

catching up :) got 38 posts to read....

Oh No! And here I thought I was all caught up with your thread already! Thank goodness I caught this one while it's still manageable! :-)

Donna, back when I went to college the first time around, I had a gentleman in one of my classes who was in his 70s. I had a great deal of respect for him - it had to be hard going back to college with a bunch of 17-20 year olds, but he did not regret it. I had the opportunity to speak to him several times over the course of that semester and he told me that, although he was the pastor of a successful church, he always wished that he had gotten his education, so he was finally getting to it. I hope you gain as much from your class as he did, even if just to prove to yourself that you can.

Just coming back in to say that we professors *love* 'non-traditional' students. Seriously, post-college-age, actual adults coming back to take classes make the best students: more mature, of course, and wonderfully motivated, and volunteer fantastic insights into the texts discussed - ideas that 20-year-olds just aren't ready to see yet, usually.

>42 scaifea: - I'll second this. Every semester I have students ranging from high school seniors to students with children who are older than I am, and the blend really works in everyone's favor. I have a feeling you'll really enjoy the experience!

Donna- Congrats on going back to school! I'm proud of you. My wife went back recently and got her degree. She was ecstatic! I think I'll stay right here on LT and get my Literature Degree!

When I was a 19-year-old undergrad, one of my fellow students who I learned a lot from and really enjoyed working with was a retired lawyer in his 60s. Definitely a good thing to have a mix of ages in a class, and it's never too late.

I hope you have a lot of fun studying, and learn lots.

>35 scaifea:: Amber, I can almost guarantee that you'll never find me in a college math class of any kind! But I do agree that it is wonderful to be open-minded...that's why I wrote 'almost!'

36: Bonnie, My class is in the spring semester. The forecast for Tuesday morning is a low of 5 degrees and snow! Some twisted kind of spring class. Btw, don't blame me...Pat started me to thinking about doing this!

>39 curlysue:, 40: Kara and Ilana, I'm glad you're sticking with me here. Things will be sure to slow down soon. I'm having the same trouble keeping up with everyone.

Thank you to all my encouragers: Stasia, Anne, Mary, Pat, Amber (again!), Luxx, Mark, and Caty. I'm looking forward to this now that I've gotten over the initial remorse stage.

I've been a student many times in my life and have returned to college twice now as an adult. Once, to finish my undergraduate degree after my youngest child started school, and then to get a Master's degree (1991) which is gathering dust somewhere in a corner of my life. I get the 20-year-itch apparently! No degree in mind this time...just learning and having fun while doing it.

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Once again, I've exceeded my self-imposed time limit here on LT. I'm off to do a personal readathon this afternoon. My goal is to do 5 hours of reading with little or no interruptions. Off to the snuggery!

My goodness you are going to be busy. Just keeping up with this thread is practically a full time job. Congratulations on going back to school and enjoy your reading time this afternoon. That's what I should be doing - reading books instead of threads!

found and only semi caught up :P

Hi, Judy and Kath. I'm a little googly-eyed from my 5-hour readathon this afternoon. I kept a stopwatch handy...and only took two short breaks. Here's my recap:

Donna's One-Woman Sunday Afternoon Readathon

Book read: The Siege
Books completed: 1
No. of pages read: 259
Time spent reading: 5 hrs. 17 min.
Time spent taking breaks: approx. 20 min. total
Time spent online: Zilch!

Key to a successful readathon: Read a great book; have power snacks handy - peanuts and hot tea in my case. Stay focused!

Okay, now I'll go have my leftovers from last night and catch up with what hubby's been up to. Hint: it involves a TV and massive amounts of football. I'm sure all the Ravens fans are quite happy but we Chiefs are embarrassed with our poor showing.

Book No. 3: The Siege by Helen Dunmore. 4.5 stars.

I read this captivating book in two sessions while huddling under a fleecy blanket and drinking hot tea to help ward off the chilling narrative of being trapped by a brutal enemy at the mercy of extreme winter conditions and starvation on "an island of Russia in a sea of Germans." This was the city of Leningrad during the eastern German offensive of World War II.

More of my chilling reading experience can be found here.

Donna: I never did go to university since I studied at a professional college and got my degree in graphic design almost 20 years ago and made a pretty good go of it, as far as career went. I'm not quite ready to take the plunge, but it's certainly not impossible that I may eventually decided to just go and take at least ONE class at uni, or maybe, why not? even get a degree. I think it's great that people of all ages decide to go back to learning. I've been concentrating on taking art classes these past two years at an excellent art school here in Montreal and I can't tell you how much I get out of it. Good for you! :-)

p.s. your one-woman read-a-thon recap made me smile. It feels great devoting all that time to one of our favourite activities doesn't it?

Hi - I'm here!

Hooray! another class I can take vicariously. Good for you. I'm ready, sitting in the front with my pencil and notebook!

I didn't know who Howells was either so I looked him up. See - I'm already studying.

Donna, I'm adding my wishes to all the others for a successful semester at school. I took some history classes at the local community college about 15 years ago - after we moved here and I was a stay-at-home mom for the first time. I was about the same age as the instructor, and we enjoyed several interesting conversations about class topics. Then a couple of years ago, I took a class at the university - a repeat of an accounting course I took when I was working on my degree a hundred years ago, as a refresher. Again, I was nearly the age of the instructor, and when he was talking to the class about preparing for the CPA exam and told them that "the oldtimers" will say this or that based on how things used to be done, he exactly described my own experiences!

It takes a lot of courage to do what you're doing, but I'm confident that you will be fine - I'm sure you'll be able to hold your own with the "kids" in class.

#50: Nice review, Donna! Glad you enjoyed the book.

Sounds pretty intense for a Sunday afternoon read :)
nice review :)

>51 Smiler69:, 52: Ilana, a survey course in art would have been my second choice if all the literature classes had been filled. In this program, I have to sign up on the last possible day and thus take what's left. I have absolutely no talent in art -- my brother got the family's allotment there -- but I do love the study of art and artists. If I ever get tired of Lit classes, I'll go to my second love.

>53 nittnut:: Hi Jenn, I'm glad you'll be with me in spirit. I'll try not to go overboard here with TMI and keep it to the interesting nuggets I learn.

>54 sjmccreary:: Thanks for sharing your learning experience, Sandy. My biggest hope right now is that my professor is older than my children! And it would be really nice if there were some more nontraditional (i.e., older) students in the class. Tomorrow is the big day! I hope we're not snowed in.

>55 alcottacre:: Stasia, I loved the book and thank you again for your generosity in loaning it to me. I hope The Betrayal is equally good.

>56 mckait:: It was intense, Kath, but it was so good that I'm glad I didn't have to put it down. Also glad that I allowed enough time so I didn't have to stay up half the night to finish it.

Donna, wasn't the writing exquisite?! I saved this quote from the novel:
(St. Petersburg)- Here's beauty built on bones, classical facades that cradled revolution, summers that lie in the cup of winter.

Snow Day here in Atlanta. Why is it we gravitate towards reading about
such cold settings in the winter?! I'd like to read some tropical island novel today!

Very nice review Donna :)

thumbs up for me and added The Siege and The Betrayal to my list :)

Hi, Donna - only just getting here. I let your whole first thread go because I was intimidated by the number of posts when I first came around. I was about to do the same thing with this one. Glad I didn't!
Charles Waddell Chestnut's parents were born in Fayetteville, N.C., the largest town in my immediate neighborhood. I knew that; I just didn't recognize the title of his book from your reading list. I think the course looks great, and I applaud you for committing time and effort. I predict that you will be a happy student, and I know the prof will be a happy teacher!

Donna- I just skimmed your review of The Siege. It's sitting very high on my "To Be Read Now" pile! I probably won't get to it until March, with the group read coming up and the "Fantasy February"after that! We are busy reading people! BTW- thanks for your nice comments on my thread! :-}

Thumbs up on your review Donna. I must say that book will stay with me for a long time. Anna's courage and tenacity were so very admirable, like so many of that generation.

Congrats on going back to school, Donna. I'm sure you'll have a grand time, especially since you're going to be taking a course that's near and dear to your heart ... and ours. We're going to be taking the course vicariously through you too, you know. ;-)

>58 GCPLreader:: I love that quote, Jenny. In fact, there were a great many quotes like that in The Siege that were so, well, quotable. ;-) We've got a little snow here but you Atlantans are keeping most of it to yourselves. Snow day for you today?

>59 curlysue:: Thank you very much, Kara. I'm reading The Betrayal now. It's great to be able to continue the story at a later date.

>60 LizzieD:: Peggy, that's great to know about Chestnutt. I already know much more about my books and authors than I did on Friday when I signed up for the class thanks to my LT friends. I'm glad you decided to stop in here. Please come back anytime.

>61 msf59:: Hi Mark, I think (make that know) that you'll like The Siege. Very intense. You make it easy to say nice things about you. I'm looking forward to our group read.

>62 brenzi:: Thanks, Bonnie. I do like books about strong women.

>63 cameling:: Hi Caroline, I'm looking forward to my new status as student. I like that role better than being the teacher, especially since I don't have to worry about making an A in the class. Yup, looks like I'll be the new expert in American Realism around these parts. Ha!

Hi, Donna!
Just adding my best wishes to you for a wonderful time in class! You and my baby are back to college the same week!
--BJ

Donna, I, too, hope you really enjoy your class!

Hi Donna--Have fun with your class! It sounds like a good one.

I read two of Chestnut's books last year, The Marrow of Tradition and Tales of Conjure, and thought they were excellent. I have a third of his, The Colonel's Dream, on my shelf to read this year.

Hi BJ, Terri, and Deborah. I survived my class this morning. The hard part was getting there. We had snow and slippery streets this morning; 10 degrees while I was walking the 15 minutes to class (don't even want to know about the wind chill). But I made it!

Small class (14 students today; a few "wimps" couldn't make it in) so I won't be able to hide in a corner. Actually, there were no corners as we circled up the wagons desks for our introductions and sharing time. I AM the oldest one in the class, but several are in their 40's (? - maybe early 50's) including the professor. He seems laid back and likeable.

>67 arubabookwoman:: Good to know that you liked Tales of Conjure, Deborah. According to the syllabus, we'll be reading it midsemester. We're starting off with James' Washington Square and then on to The Country of the Pointed Firs starting Feb. 1.

Congratulations on braving the elements to get to your first class, Donna. Sounds like a pretty good start--not a huge amount of students and a likeable professor. Hope you like the books you'll be reading. With the exception of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn I haven't read any of the ones you mentioned.

Hi Donna, just thought I'd stop by to let you know that I've moved onto my second thread and it's right here!

I'm glad your first day of school went well Donna!
(As I wrote that my mind suddenly conjured up an image of a little girl in a pinafore, holding a lunchbox and getting on school bus ... but it was probably nothing like that, LOL)

Oh, I'm so glad your first day went well!

More good wishes from me! How many days a week is your class?

eta - And I'm reminded of the joke about the kindergartener who just loves his first day of school until he finds out he has to go back the next day. :)

>68 Donna828: Hi Donna

Now that you've got that oh-so-scary first class out of the way....you can settle in and totally enjoy it! Can't wait to hear more about it all!

Hope you enjoy your class Donna, and kudos to you for having the courage to sign up!

Kudos to you on not wimping out and making it to class, Donna! Sounds like you are off to a good start.

#73 I was reminded of the preschool/kindergarten ritual of "circle time"! At least they didn't make everyone sit on the floor!

Donna, I'm sure you'll easily carry your weight in the discussions in that small class. They will all love you. Just like we do.

Donna, I'm going to guess you're going to be the star student who asks lots of questions and extends the conversation while the other 'kids' sneer at you because they want to get out of class early admire your insight ;-)

Exactly!

Greetings to Pat, Ilana, Laura, Luxx, Joanne, Louanne, Angela, Stasia, Sandy, Bonnie, and Peggy. I appreciate the responses about my 'first day of school' and yes, I did feel like a little girl in a pinafore, although in reality I was an old lady (though I prefer "Star Student") in hiking boots, wool coat and scarf, etc. I'm also glad we didn't have to sit on the floor Kindergarten style!

My big brother has been giving me lots of advice. He told me to "tone it down" with the comments and to not raise my hand at the end of class and remind the prof that he forgot to make an assignment! No worries about either one. I plan to participate "lightly" and the daily reading is on the syllabus. My next class is tomorrow (we meet Tues/Thurs. from 9:30 - l0:45) and I have a long handout to read about the Late 19th Century in American Literature. There is a daily quiz to look forward to. ;-)

Hooray! Glad your first class went well. I was by far the oldest student in most of my classes, except for a few classes I shared with my friend Linda. Linda is this dear little South African lady whom I consider to be my fairy godmother librarian, since it was Linda who inspired me to apply for this program. In general, I thought that my age was an advantage.

and then on to The Country of the Pointed Firs starting Feb. 1. Got it!

I laughed when I saw that you called yourself a "star student," Donna. Not because it's not true, but because I explain to my students how they can become star students. I read an article in which coaches of famous athletes, dancers, and musicians were interviewed, and it was their opinion that what is most apt to make someone a "star" in their profession is not talent, hard work, and practice--though those are all very important factors. The number one thing was that those "stars" were not afraid to make mistakes and that they were willing to learn from anybody who had something to teach them. You definitely demonstrate "star" quality, Donna! Hope you're having fun! :-)

Donna- We are proud of you! How's the big kid, feel?

Donna, way behind but great news about your American Realism class and your first lesson.

And a great review of The Siege. I have a copy but I'm going to wait until it warms up a bit before I start reading!

Waving hello!

Glad the first day of class went well. I think Washington Square is probably my favorite James.

Sounds like you've been well coached Donna! I would probably be the one everybody hates because I probably wouldn't be able to help myself and over-participate. It just drives me crazy sometimes when a roomful of people go mute and the only person making any effort is the instructor!

Catching up with you...

Glad day #1 went well :) and more good days to follow I bet :)

sit on the floor Kindergarten style remember the chairs and the desks in Kindergarten? itsy bitsy

Donna, I was one of those students who somehow only had questions at the end of the class ... but at least I never reminded my teachers whenever they forgot to give out the assignments. ;-)

>81 AMQS:: Anne, I'd love to do a "read along" of Pointed Firs with you if you have time. We'll be discussing pp. 7-30 on Tues., Feb. 1; pp. 31-70 on Feb. 3; and pp. 71-114 on Feb. 8. There, now you have your assignment! Anyone else like to jump in with us? Stasia?

>82 bonniebooks:: Bonnie, the star student comment was in reference to other Bonnie's hilarious observation in Post 78. I like what you said, though. I may borrow that definition to use with my adult literacy student.

>83 msf59:: Hi Mark, feeling tired tonight after reading tiny print on unending handout for class tomorrow. I hope the daily quizzes start next week as I skimmed a bunch of it!

>84 souloftherose:: Hey Heather, The Siege demands to be read with a hot beverage. It is also guaranteed to cool you off on a hot summer day. I think you're wise to wait for warmer weather. Thanks for stopping by!

>85 nittnut:: Hi Jenn, that's great news about Washington Square. I've been wanting to read more by James ever since I read The Master. The only thing I've read by him is the lightweight Daisy Miller.

>86 Smiler69:: Ilana, I don't think "muteness" is going to be a problem in this class. We all seem to be talkers.

>87 curlysue:: Hi Kara, how are things in warm Florida, the only contiguous state without snow? Big kids get the big desks!

>88 cameling:: I'll be mum and have the glazed-eye look the last ten minutes of class. I pulled it off pretty well yesterday!

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I hope to catch up with some more threads in the next few days. I've been neglectful in that area. And I want to meet some of the "new kids" too! We're almost two weeks into the new year and I don't see any sign of a slowdown.

It is very annoying when things keep me out of threads I enjoy.. and this seems to be happening a lot lately.. impossible to catch up, so I am just trying to keep track for now.. *waves*

#89: I am in, now that I know where the book is!

Glad that you enjoyed the first class -- sounds like a great seminar!! All I know of Howells is the name and the title of one or two books -- that is due solely to working in a bookstore where we kept most Penguin Classics in stock as a matter of course.

My grandfather took classes toward his MBA as soon as he retired and could do so for almost free at the University of Toronto. He loved it; the professors and students loved him. I really think those were the happiest years of his life. He even taught himself Egyptian hieroglyphics in his spare time!!

So, have a blast...

>91 alcottacre:: That's great, Stasia. It looks like a good book. At least interconnected stories about Maine sound like they ought to be pretty interesting. I guess we'll find out soon.

>92 Chatterbox:: I loved that story about your grandfather, Suzanne. I'm having fun, especially now that we've gotten the background reading and discussing out of the way and I get to start in on Washington Square.

I was also excited to see in today's WSJ the Book Lover's column about American Realism aka Naturalism. How timely. I chuckled at the quote Cynthia Crossen used to describe this genre: ...sordid, squalid, dirty, slimy, repulsive, brutal and pathetic. So what's not to like? ;-)

I'm so late to the party here, but was delighted to read you're taking that class - it sounds really good. I'm looking forward to reading all about it on here (haven't read any of the books, of course!!).

When I was lecturing, some of my 'mature students' (what they get called in NZ) were fantastic - it is so much fun teaching motivated students who know why they are there and can see the value in learning, and really rewarding watching the ones who were successfully juggling real life and classes. I'm still friends with a couple of them. And the teacher will love your questions, even if you feel like the geeky one!

>94 cushlareads:: LOL, Cushla. I'm definitely the mature and geeky student in class. The best thing about reaching "a certain age" is that you don't care anymore what others think and just do what you want to do! Very liberating. How's Freedom working out for you?

Book No. 4: The Betrayal by Helen Dunmore. 4.2 stars.

I was so happy to see all the good reviews on the home page for this book. I'm going to refer you to Lisa, Bonnie, and Rebecca for their excellent reviews...all on the first page. I didn't have to go further to realize that all the "good stuff" has been said.

I'll only add that this sequel to The Siege didn't quite have the same impact on me that the first one did. The danger in this book was much more subtle which gave it more of a psychological rather than physical survival twist. Nonetheless, it is gripping and highly recommended.

Dunmore's writing is highly quotable. Here is a haunting description of Leningrad in post WWII times under the watchful eye of Stalin:

New little Leningraders play in the courtyards and fill up the schools. Anna glances around at the flat, marshy land with its scrub of birch and larch. It seems impossible that the city can really grow outward as far as this. People would be living so far from the centre that they'd have to get up at dawn to come into work. The thing about her city is that you learn it through the soles of your shoes. You walk it, day after day and year after year. From the day you are born you learn every possible permutation of bridge, water, stone, sky. Your own life becomes part of the alchemy. You're born, and soon you'll die, but meanwhile and for ever you're a Leningrader.

nice review Donna! :) glad I added that one when you reviewed The Siege

Donna! I just caught up with your new thread! I've missed so much lately.

I'm so happy for you - taking a real class. I was just talking about wanting to do the same this very morning - though I'm a bit late now for the spring semester. So, I'll be very interested in your experiences and readings.
I can't remember if I read "Pointed Firs" or not. Don't think I did yet. It's about Maine - so it must be good. Maybe I'll join you too, if I can find it in the library. Or... I might even have it around here somewhere. hmm

I was 46 when I earned my BA. I loved being a non-traditional student. Much more highly motivated than I was at 17. It all made so much more sense.

#95: I am glad you enjoyed that one too. Like you, I preferred The Siege to The Betrayal, but I thought they were both terrific reads.

I just gave a thumbs up to your review of The Siege. I especially enjoyed your quotes from Generals Hunger and Winter. How original, not to mention powerful!

>96 curlysue:: Hi Kara, I think you'll like both books.

>97 -Cee-:: I've always been pretty non-traditional, Claudia. This is my fourth time as a college student. I hope it "takes" this time! I hope you do find a copy of Pointed Firs. It looks like Stasia and Anne will be keeping me company on this one. The more the merrier!

>98 alcottacre:: Stasia, I'm kind of glad that Dunmore didn't keep up that intensity of The Siege. The more I think about it, though, the creepy aspect of living in those post-war days in Russia was even more harrowing than battling the elements.

>99 Smiler69:: Ilana, the protagonist's father in the story was a writer, and I loved his stories and journal entries. Too bad they were cut short too soon.

I obviously have too much time on my hands this sunny Saturday. I couldn't resist going to www.biblioz.com to see what the bestsellers were the week I was born. Well, these are the best sellers for the year I was born! I was born before the magic number of 1950. *groan* ... another reminder of how old I am.

Fiction 1 The Miracle of the Bells Russell Janney
Fiction 2 The Moneyman Thomas B. Costain
Fiction 3 Gentleman's Agreement Laura Z. Hobson
Fiction 4 Lydia Bailey Kenneth Roberts
Fiction 5 The Vixens Frank Yerby
Fiction 6 The Wayward Bus John Steinbeck
Fiction 7 House Divided Ben Ames Williams
Fiction 8 Kingsblood Royal Sinclair Lewis
Fiction 9 East Side, West Side Marcia Davenport
Fiction 10 Prince of Foxes Samuel Shellabarger

Non-Fiction 1 Peace of Mind Joshua L. Liebman
Non-Fiction 2 Information Please Almanac, 1947 John Kieran editor
Non-Fiction 3 Inside U.S.A John Gunther
Non-Fiction 4 A Study of History Arnold J. Toynbee
Non-Fiction 5 Speaking Frankly James F. Byrnes
Non-Fiction 6 Human Destiny Pierre Lecomte du Noüy
Non-Fiction 7 The Egg and I Betty MacDonald
Non-Fiction 8 The American Past Roger Butterfield
Non-Fiction 9 The Fireside Book of Folk Songs Margaret B. Boni
Non-Fiction 10 Together Katharine T. Marshall

I actually own the title in blue. Mine is a copy that once belonged to Carleton J. Fiete. I hope he doesn't want it back if he sees this post! I paid $1.00 for it at one of the many library booksales I've been to over the years.

The opening line is: >Abrupt as anger, depression plunged through him. It was one hell of an assignment." Sounds good to me.

From the back-of-the-cover blurbs: "Required reading for every thoughtful citizen in this parlous century. Mrs. Hobson manages it all with brilliance and dispatch." ...The New York Times Book Review.

I'm off to reshelve the book for possible reading during birthday month and to look up definition of "parlous." I'll spend the rest of the afternoon reading my assignment from the first section of Washington Square and then try (again) to get into Cloud Atlas.

Gentleman's Agreement was made into an interesting film with Gregory Peck; as a journalist just returned from WW2, he is assigned to dig into the phenomenon of anti-Semitism and decides to present himself as being Jewish. It's VERY dated today -- the exclusions that existed then feel very old-fashioned, and yet... Sometimes I'll hear someone, usually over 60, make a quip that they think is funny, and I realize immediately that the "bad old days" still exist. And that there's a quiet form of discrimination that, because it's subtle, can be still harder to combat, I think. Anyway, if you read it, I'd be interested to hear what you think!!

Me too, Donna. I have seen the film version that Suz mentioned, but never read the book.

I don't remember for sure if I saw it, but I remember about the movie version with Gregory Peck. Must have seen it way back when I only watched black and white films on principle!

Donna, I agree with you about The Betrayal not having the same impact as The Siege. I think the historic perspective of the two times she explored made that inevitable. They were both such great reads.

I love the recommendations that Cynthia Crossman makes. Unlike most critics, she likes what I like!

>102 Chatterbox:: Suz, I'll be sure to report back here IF I decide to read Gentleman's Agreement. It depends on how many better choices I have during my birthday month...and I'm guessing that there'll be many.

>103 alcottacre:: Maybe I'll watch the movie instead of reading the book, Stasia.

>104 Smiler69:: Or maybe not, it sounds less than memorable!

>105 brenzi:: I knew I was in for a treat with these two books, Bonnie, because I remember how much you liked them.

I think Crossman is a critic who reads for enjoyment rather than assignment. I'd never heard of her until the 'Dear Book Lover' column started up in the WSJ. I do look forward to Fridays and read that first thing!

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I'm loving the first part of Washington Square. Here is a quote that I got a kick out of... "She (Catherine) confessed that she was not particularly fond of literature. Morris Townsend agreed with her that books were tiresome things; only, as he said, you had to read a good many before you found it out."

Who are these people?

Oh, you should not by any means rely on my faulty memory as any sign of something being 'memorable' or not. There seems to be no rhyme nor reason for why anything sticks to or runs away from my mind!

I'm starting The Betrayal today. I rushed out to buy it last fall when it was longlisted for the Booker Prize. Then I realized I should read The Siege first, so I did ... but it's taken me a few months to get to the sequel.

I am impressed that you not only knew that you had one of the books on your week of birth list.. but could find it so readily!

ugh, I'm so crushed. I missed the first day of your class, and I was so looking forward to it. Glad it went well and look forward to any snippets of interesting info your prof offers.

Also, wishlisted both Helen Dunmore's

G'morning to Ilana, Laura, Kath, and Lynda...and anyone else who drops by.

Ilana, I'm much the same way. The strangest things are forever stuck in my memory, and I can't remember the important stuff!

Laura, you are in for another treat with The Betrayal. I usually don't jump right into a sequel but have these on loan from Stasia so wanted to get them read in a timely manner. Now I have an excuse to go back to Texas to see Haley - and Stasia!

Kath, my books are spread all over my house, but my oldest books are shelved (alphabetically no less) in the tiny paneled room most people would call a study (but I prefer to call a snuggery) where I do most of my reading - and gazing at all the unread books on the shelves in there.

No worries, Lynda. You haven't missed much. The first day was introductions and going over the syllabus; second day was background about what was going on in America between 1865 and 1910. I consider Tuesday to be the real beginning when we start the discussion of Washington Square.

smiling thinking of you in your "snuggery"! :o)

Donna, great news on the class! Your comment at #106, about WS.: Who are these people?" made me laugh aloud.

I think you'll enjoy Country of the Pointed Firs; there's really no plot--or maybe your class will find one--but as a series of connected sketches beautifully detailing another time, it's terrific.

I read Country of the Pointed Firs several years ago, hence, I remember very little about it, but I *do* remember that I enjoyed it very much - hope you do too!

>112 GCPLreader:: Jenny, I plan to spend some quality time in my snuggery after I tear myself away from LT and get some Monday chores done.

Hi Gail and Amber. Thanks for chiming in with two more reasons for me to look forward to reading Pointed Firs.

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I didn't get as much reading done over the week end as I normally do. But I did see a good movie with a friend yesterday. I loved "The King's Speech." I hadn't seen any of the other movies nominated for a Golden Globe, but I was disappointed this one didn't win. At least Colin Firth rec'd the Best Actor award.

Has anyone seen "The Social Network"? My brother and SIL liked it but we have different tastes in movies. I'm not a big FB fan so I may take a pass on this one.

Donna, we also saw "The King's Speech" this weekend and loved it. I'm glad Colin Firth won the Golden Globe (I turned off the TV to read last night and never saw the end).

I saw "The Social Network" and thought it was great. It's a legal thriller that's very well done and a look into the dark side of Mark Zuckerberg's personality. All the actors were great. There are two identical twins played by one guy and you'd never know it. I'm going to go out on a limb and say I think you'd like it. You don't need to be a FB fan and you don't have to worry that this movie will turn you into one either. I think it's out on DVD now so you could always take it out of the library. :)

I'm seeing "The King's Speech" this afternoon with daughter and friend. I'm really looking forward to it.

Hi Donna- I recently watched "The Social Network" on dvd. Like Pat said, it's an excellent film. Very well made and acted. Good story!
I'm also looking forward to "The King's Speech"!
Hope you are enjoying both Unbroken & Cloud Atlas!

Pat- I did not realize that the twins were played by the same actor. Amazing! Did you also know that the director of that film, David Fincher, will be making the American version of Dragon Tattoo?

I do want to see The Social Network, but am a bit wary as I've been reading David Kirkpatrick's book The Facebook Effect and figure that it will pretty much cover the same ground. But the King's Speech is a priority for me. Maybe Thurs or Friday...

Mark, after you mentioned that The Invention of Hugo Cabret was being made into a movie, I googled it and came up with articles about movies being released this year and did see that Fincher was directing the new Dragon Tattoo movie. I also saw that Hugo Cabret was going to come out as a 3D movie in December. So thanks for that heads up.

Suzanne, The Facebook Effect looks good so I WL'd it. I'll be eager to hear what you end up thinking of it.

Hi Donna! Hope you're enjoying your homework.

books are shelved alphabetically ... yes.. I have been wanting to do this.
So Daunting! but maybe.. if I go just by room? I don't know.

Donna

Oh, my, I am very far behind on your wonderful thread.

Kath, last year I took hours taking all books off the shelves, piling them on the floor in alpha order and then re shelving them. Alas, I forgot to leave space for those I would add..Soon, all too soon the order was once again chaotic.

I give up.

Books and movies. What a great combo. Maybe I should pop some popcorn?

>116 phebj:: I didn't realize "The Social Network" is out in DVD. That will make it much easier for me. Thanks, Pat.

>117 mamzel:: I hope you enjoy the movie, mamzel. Thanks for visiting my thread.

>118 msf59:: Hi Mark, I'm moving through Unbroken pretty quickly and then will get back to Cloud Atlas. I also have a little more reading to do before my class tomorrow. Looks like I'll be up late tonight doing my homework!

>119 Chatterbox:: Suz, let us know what you think of The King's Speech. I guess I'll have to take a look at The Facebook Effect, although I really don't care all that much about FB. Maybe I need better friends? lol

>120 phebj:: Hi again, Pat. You are a fountain of information for books and movies!

>121 mckait:: Kath, those books were in boxes for a year or so before we moved back to Missouri from Colorado. It was pretty easy to box them in ABC order and then just give them a dusting and put them on the shelf.

>122 Whisper1:: Linda, you're out and about. That's wonderful! I think that would be a horrendous job taking all the books down and then arranging them. Maybe you should have a "Book Party" and assign everyone a shelf before they can eat! Be sure and leave some extra spaces this time. ;-)

Hi! Just getting caught up on your busy thread.

>111 Donna828: Snuggery That's a perfect word! Everyone should have a snuggery....their own little reading space.

The King's Speech...sounds like a movie that I'd love. Have fun at school tomorrow!

Oooh! Haven't watched movies in ages! I'm going to see Barney's Version with my dad sometime soon (since he gave me the book for Christmas) and I definitely want to see The King's Speech (Colin Firth is just too good to miss). I just went to the iTunes store to see if The Social Network is available for rent, but will have to wait a little longer for it. So I rented The American and Eat Pray Love along with an oldie but goodie, Swimming with Sharks with Kevin Spacey (for just $1, can't beat that!) I don't even want to think how many hours that will all take away from reading this month! :-S

Ok, so I'm not really caught up, but I can pretend can't I? :)

Hi there, Louanne and Ilana. I see nothing wrong with watching movies, as long as you read the book first! In the case of "The King's Speech" there is no required reading unless you want to brush up on British royalty.

Boy, if you snooze around here you get relegated to the second page pretty quickly. I spent my "free" time this morning brushing up on my assignment for class. I was more than a little disgruntled when we didn't even begin to discuss Washington Square. We had four new students so Professor Matt decided to beat the dead horse named American Realism again!

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Book No. 5: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. 4.5 stars.

I included the subtitle because these three words -- survival, resilience, and redemption -- are at the very heart of this book. This is an excellent narrative history about what it takes to survive the horrors of being a Japanese POW during WWII. Hillenbrand chooses to tell this survival story through the experience of Louis Zamperini, but it is really the story of every man who suffered unrelenting cruel degradation and went on to live a productive life.

Of course, not every POW had the experience of being lost at sea in a flimsy rubber raft for 47 days. Louis and Phil, the pilot of the rescue plane they were on that ditched in the ocean, were surrounded and harassed by hungry sharks the entire time they were in the water. I thought that was going to be the worst part, but when they were 'rescued' by the Japanese, the real cruelty began. At least the sharks were doing what sharks are supposed to do. The Japanese captors were supposedly men, but they acted like ruthless animals in the constant abuse of their prisoners. I learned that nearly 37 per cent of American POWs died in Japanese camps, while only one per cent died in German and Italian camps. I'd like to learn more about how they suddenly became our Allies in the fight against communism.

There is so much more to say about this book. I would urge anyone with an interest in WWII or the triumph of the human spirit to read this stunning book...and then tell your friends to read it so you'll have somebody to discuss it with.

>126 Ape:: Stephen, I'll pretend you're caught up here if you'll forgive me for jumping into your new thread without doing my due diligence on your old one. I'm assuming I missed some good Zombie talk?

Zombies, oh yes, Donna. And onions...lots of onions...

Donna, great review of Unbroken. I bought that for someone for Christmas and then decided to keep it for myself--glad I made the right decision!

Donna- Great review! Make sure you post it, so we can thumb you! I'm glad you included some stats in your review. There were jaw-dropping ones in that book.
How did you feel about the ending, when we started releasing their war criminals? It really bothered me. These men were monsters.

Nice review, Donna!
--BJ

Great review, Donna! I've been trying to resist that book, but I think I may break down and read it.

Yes! Between your review and Mark's, it's a sure bet I'll get this one eventually.

I always appreciate your reviews Donna because you don't give away too much especially since I'll read this very soon. Let's see this is a WWII book, I read The Invisible Bridge a couple weeks ago, another WWII book and right now I'm reading Every Man Dies Alone. Help I'm stuck in 1942 and can't get out!!

Excellent review, Donna!

Another nice review, Donna. I already have that one at the top of the pile!

Great review of Unbroken! Going on the wish list.

I'm getting a new project started to get together great recommendations for books by themes. I've called it Books By Themes (BBT) and I'd love to have your suggestions! Here's the link.

I came so close to buying this just the other day but forced some restraint. Still looks like a great book for the wish list.

Thank you to Pat, Mark, BJ, Terri, Ilana, Bonnie R., Gail, Joanne, Anne, and Laura for the comment and/or vote of confidence. For those who haven't read it, be forewarned that there are parts that are definitely not for the squeamish reader. I figured that if the POWs could live through it, I could certainly honor them by reading about it.

I am getting back on track with Cloud Atlas and Washington Square for this afternoon's reading.

>135 brenzi:: Bonnie, it looks like you are joining me on that WWII theme for the month. You will love Every Man Dies Alone. I listened to it and will be looking for a good used copy at the library book sale for my permanent collection. Oh so memorable.

Great review of Unbroken, Donna. Between you and Terri and Mark, I have to read it.

Is your class every Tuesday? I'm enjoying following your classroom adventures.

Hi Donna, I've been interested to read about your class adventures. I hope you enjoy yourself. Sarah Orne Jewett and Country of the Pointed Firs is one of my favorites from the period.

"She (Catherine) confessed that she was not particularly fond of literature. Morris Townsend agreed with her that books were tiresome things; only, as he said, you had to read a good many before you found it out."

I loved that quote. I think that's when I knew I would love the book. I don't know what to make of people who think that way.

I already have Unbroken in the BlackHole. Glad to see you enjoyed the book!

Slip Slidin' Away! I have lousy timing on my return to university. This is the second time I've had to wear my boots to class, and I'm not talking pretty boots. In this repeat performance of last week, we got a few inches of snow; this time enough to cancel the public schools and make driving fairly treacherous. It was also an interesting walk across campus.

Only about half the class (ten of us brave souls) showed up which made for better discussion. I even got to chime in a couple times which I can't do when the teacher's pet wannabes are there with their hands waving in the air. This is an upper level course? I didn't expect this level of enthusiasm! To be fair, class participation is 25% of the grade, although Matt considers one salient comment per week to be good participation.

>142 lindapanzo:: Hi Linda. With your love of disaster books, I think you need to read Unbroken. It is a man-made disaster of the worst kind! Oh yeah, and the 47 days at sea with no rations and a shiver (that is one name for a group - I looked it up!) of sharks in constant attendance make it a disaster in anybody's book!

School is two days a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Not bad for a 3-hour credit.

>143 labwriter:: Becky, I'm certain that I will bore people to tears with my class before the semester is over. Today's discussion was enjoyable. I think it's so cool to have computer access on a big screen. Last week we got to look at a few examples of Realism in art with Civil War photographs by Matthew Brady, and slides of paintings by Thomas Eakins and , my favorite, Winslow Homer. Today we saw some modern-day pictures of Washington Square and he pinpointed its location on a map of Manhattan. I find it interesting to see how many people have liked or own or want to read The Country of the Pointed Firs. Its a book that I'm eager to read now, although I had never heard of it before this class.

>144 nittnut:: Jenn, unfortunately I know a few people like that in real life. They don't know what they're missing, do they?

>145 alcottacre:: I hope you like the book when you get to it, Stasia. I'd loan it to you but my copy came from the library.

Yay! The kiddos are back in school today, Lucky got his walk (thanks to DH - too slippery for me!), and my lunch with the girls is on! We're celebrating some January birthdays today. I'm glad we don't have to cancel because it is so difficult to find a convenient time when four busy people are involved. I got everyone a book and a bookmark. How original!

I hope everyone has a good Friday. I'm looking forward to a quiet week end. I hope to finish Cloud Atlas. I'm still not sure what I think of this book other than the fact that it's very different from anything I've read.

I loved this quote from Part 4, "The Ghostly Ordeal of Timothy Cavendish."

What's a reviewer?...One who reads quickly, arrogantly, but never wisely... And then, the reviewer who panned the book being talked about gets thrown out the window by the author.

Like I said, it's very different. At the halfway point, I'm trying to decide whether it is brilliant or bizarre.

Just catching up on your thread, Donna. Thumbs up on your review of Unbroken. That's definitely one for my obese wish list.

Catching up on you! :)

Nice review of Unbroken! I will get to that one...eventually ;)

#146 Snow....pain in the butt to work/travel in, but it sure does take a pretty picture especially when it is so fresh and clean looking :)

I'm catching up too and agree about the review of Unbroken, but I doubt that I'll ever read it. I'm not sure why.......
I have come to a new appreciation of the patience of you folks to the north in the snow. I love to watch it fall, but then I want it GONE!!!!!!! Take care!

Donna, if you're curious about the evolution of postwar Japan, a place to start might be a book about MacArthur during his years as the country's supreme leader. In terms of becoming an ally, the process was rather similar to what happened in Germany -- defeated countries have relatively few options. In Japan's case, the country ended up as a staging ground for operations in the Korean war; there were still large bases there (esp. navy and air force) well into the 1980s and 1990s. If you're really interested, I can pull out some books and see which ones might be accessible (in both senses -- find-able and read-able). (I did my BA thesis on Japanese defense policy, and went to grad school in northern Japan, so have a lot of this stuff lurking around in various places.) Not really interested in Unbroken, though. If anyone wants to read fiction set in and around the Japan of the prewar and postwar period, I really liked John Toland's two novels, Gods of War and Occupation. Both revolve around the experiences of an American family who had lived in Japan pre-war; the eldest daughter is married to a Japanese diplomat; one of the characters becomes a prisoner of war. It's not The Winds of War but it's pretty good.

Donna

#10 thumbs up from me for your excellent review.

Donna- It sounds like you are on the fence with Cloud Atlas. how does this compare to his other works? More experimental? I'm really enjoying it.
Have a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by Caroline, Kara, and Peggy. Uh, Peggy, I live west of NC in Springfield, Missouri. I would be going stark raving mad by now if I lived in the northeast. I like our managable amounts of snow that we get here. Pretty...and gone....that's the way I like it!

>152 Chatterbox:: The Toland books look good for an introduction to life in Japan during the WWII period. I'll see if my library has them. Thank you for sharing your expertise on the subject. I have a second cousin studying in Japan now and look forward to hearing about her adventures there.

>153 Whisper1:: Thank you, Linda. Glad to see you visiting threads with renewed vigor.

>154 msf59:: Mark, I like being stretched as a reader. Right now, Cloud Atlas is making me feel like Elastigirl! It is definitely a more experimental work than Black Swan Green and Jacob de Zoet. I may be teetering on the fence but I'm enjoying myself, especially now that I may get some cliffhangers resolved. Stay warm!

Trying to catch up.. not possible :P
But at least I can say hello!!

Donna, I would also give a thumb's up to the John Toland books, Gods of War and Occupation. I found them to be excellent reads.

Hi Donna, soooo finding Cloud Atlas a bit on the experimental side eh? It will all make sense in the end, at least, it did for me. But yes very, very different from Black Swan Green, but I really enjoyed both. I still have Jacob de Zoet to look forward to.

I haven't read any of David Mitchell's work and though I don't mind experimental, I have to be in the right frame of mind for it, so I'm thinking I'd probably be better off starting with Jacob de Zoet before making my way to Cloud Atlas, yes?

#159--Ilana -- I tried Cloud atlas before I read anything else Mitchell wrote, and just couldn't get into it. Then I read (and loved) Jacob de Zoet - didn't even realize it was the same author, and now, with Donna's great suggestions and help, I'm back into Cloud Atlas. I won't say it's the most fun book I ever read, but it is, as several others have said, making me stretch my mind. I'm hoping when I get finished, it will make sense and I'll be able to say something brilliant and sensible about it.

Cloud Atlas is my first Mitchell and I am sold. He seems to be a perfect fit for Group Reads too! I'm toying with doing another, later in the year, on Jacob de Zoet, if there is enough interest.

Donna- Hope you have a nice Sunday! It's great having you on the G.R.!

Hi, Donna! How are you? I am sad to say that I am sooooo far behind on your thread! But I am here now (phew) and will try to keep up this time!!:)

Have a wonderful day!

waving hello

>156 mckait:: Kath, it is impossible to keep up with everyone but I appreciate your efforts to try. We do what we can. "Hello" to you!

>157 DeltaQueen50:: Alas, Judy, my library doesn't have these books. The good news is I found a bookstore in Clearwater, FL that has them. Now, if our winter trip there would get on the agenda, I'll have a fun place to visit - besides the beach.

>158 brenzi:: Bonnie, I think I'm finally starting to properly appreciate the brilliance of Cloud Atlas. I loved the quote A half-read book is a half-finished love affair (Pg. 64). It kept me going until I started to zone in on all the connections and understand what Mitchell is doing. I still have a journey ahead of me but at least I'm enjoying it now.

>159 Smiler69:: I know what you mean about 'right frame of mind,' Ilana. It took me awhile to get there.

>160 tututhefirst:: I'm in it for the long haul, too, Tina. Let's hope the payoff is worth it. It does help knowing that others are experiencing some of the confusion with me. ;-)

>161 msf59:: Jacob de Zoet would make an excellent Group Read, Mark. I learned so much from that book.

>162 Apolline:: Bente, I've missed you! How are things in Norway? We finally got a little bit of snow here in southwest Missouri. I was beginning to think that the northeast part of the U.S. was going to keep it all to themselves!

Edited to wave at Jenn as she passes through.

Dropping by to say hi! I’m back after a hiatus of two weeks and trying very hard to catch up with everyone!

#160 Tina, if I just base myself on the synopsis of the book, then I'm much more attracted to Jacob de Zoet while Cloud Atlas seems a bit scary to me from the outset.

#161 I would gladly join a group read on Jacob de Zoet Mark, and then maybe we can have a group read of Cloud Atlas again so that people can compare how they feel about it the second time around (and I can jump in that time!) ;-)

Just passing through to say "Hi" Donna! Have a great week.

Just waving as I head through the threads, Donna :)

Hi Donna!
I'm starting the second half of Cloud Atlas today and I sure hope it gets going. If I did not have the GR tugging on me, I would have left this on the TBR pile. I feel like I have started 5 books in this one and have gotten absolutely nowhere. :P
The observations and comments of others are pulling me through - I sure hope this is worth it. I'm encouraged you seem to have turned a corner. Maybe today's the day for me!

Hi Porua and welcome back from your busy times. Maybe you should try and make us all jealous and make up a story about scuba diving in New Zealand. Or maybe you have a real life story even better than that one. ;-)

>166 Smiler69:: Ilana, "scary" is a great word to use, especially if you're like me and take a big detour around science fiction. I would definitely benefit from a reread of Cloud Atlas.

>167 Copperskye:: I hope you have a great week, too, Joanne. I reserved Howard's End is on the Landing at the library this morning thanks to you. It doesn't sound scary at all.

>168 alcottacre:: Stasia, you're probably on your road trip as I'm typing this. Drive safely. I'm glad your internet woes are over. You will really have to play catch-up when you get home and get your 3 hours of sleep!

>169 -Cee-:: I hope that Cloud Atlas begins to work its magic on you soon, Claudia. I saw a few glimmers of hope in the first half, but it wasn't until the scary Sloosha part that I understood where Mitchell was heading. I loved how the relationship between Zachry and Meronym evolved. Who knows, I might even become a sci-fi fan!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brownies are in the oven and delicious smells are wafting through the house. I have major kitchen cleanup to do, laundry to sort, and my zillions of Cloud Atlas notes to ponder. I'll be back later with some more thoughts on this amazing book.

>164 Donna828::Oooh, I've been missed;) Norway is kind of wet, really! It has been raining for a week now, pouring down. But at least we got rid of all the ice:) Just waiting for it to come back, though:)

Looks like your reading year has been good so far, Donna!

Hi Bente. Just think how green spring will be with all the moisture you've had in the form of both rain and snow. Ice is no good - let's hope it stays away.

Book No. 6: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. 4.5 stars.

So many others have gone to the trouble to describe the structure of this incredible novel that I'll just refer you to the reviews on LT. I was nodding through jhowell's (Jen) review which pretty much said what I thought, including her past aversion to Science Fiction and her favorable response to those sections in this book. It's good to read with an open mind!

I've changed my mind about books before, but on this one, I did an almost complete turnaround. I thought it was pretentious and gimmicky in the beginning, but as I got into the story lines and saw the connections between them, Mitchell's brilliance shone through and I am a convert. I still don't think it's a book for everyone, but for those who enjoy challenging books written on a large scale, this one is worth the extra work and will give the reader food for thought for some time to come.

I'm so sorry I wasn't able to read Cloud Atlas with Mark's group read. It sounds like a little support would be helpful in getting through the beginning of this book. I own a copy and hope to get to it soon. I will have to check out Jen's review.

Donna- I'm so glad you ended up really enjoying Cloud Atlas. I'm not sure I have it all figured out but I'm more than satisfied and I am now a big fan of Mitchell. It was great having you on the G.R.!

>173 phebj:: No problem, Pat. Just read the comments of the group as you go along. It really is helpful to read what other people are thinking and discovering. There's a lot of depth to Cloud Atlas. I'll be doing a reread of it within the next year or so. I know I missed a lot of connections.

>174 msf59:: Mark, after listening to Mitchell's BBC interview, I'm not sure that even he has it all figured out! I've heard people say that they finished a book and turned around and immediately started at the beginning for a reread. This is the first book that I've been tempted to do that with - but who has that kind of time?

I hear what you are saying, Donna. I haven't finished Cloud Atlas yet, but I already feel like I'll want to start all over as soon as I reach the last page. I know I'm missing A LOT because most of the time I'm not sure what I'm looking for. But to reread this book again, now? Too many books, too little time.

Ah, good, I'm glad to see you "converted" on Cloud Atlas! I thought it was amazing, if very different from my typical fare.

1. See the puzzle.

2. Put the puzzle together.

3. Ah ha!

Glad you ended up loving Cloud Atlas Donna. So who's organizing the Jacob de Zoet group read? :-)

Great recommendation for this book.. Thanks Donna! It is on my wishlist and someday, I may get to it.. if I do, it will be partly because of what you have said.

Ooh, you finished Cloud Atlas. Glad to see you enjoyed it in the end. I still haven't started reading the second part which I am now looking forward to even more after your comments about the Sloosha part which I think is next up for me to read.

How's the class, Donna?

Hi Donna, I am glad you enjoyed Cloud Atlas so much. My reaction was similar last year and I rated it with 4,5 stars as well. It's so great how it all falls into place in the second half. I read parts of the first half again after finishing and so much suddenly made sense!
I had been reading Calvino's If on a Winter's Night a Traveler parallely, another book consisting of unfinished stories (but those were interrupted never to be continued) and I kept thinking how much better Mitchell had done it.

# 170 Nah, nothing fun like scuba diving took me away from LT! Just the usual pressures of life.

Nice review of Cloud Atlas!

# 183 I read If on a Winter's Night a Traveler last year. I didn't hate it or anything. The book just failed to excite me. Haven't read Cloud Atlas yet but am seriously contemplating doing so.

Never mind that I have hundreds on my currently reading list and I'm slow, I'm starting Cloud Atlas RIGHT NOW!!!!! Thanks, Donna.

GO, Peggy! It's tough in the beginning - just keep going! It helps to read the comments on the GR thread. Donna has been the best encouragement. (Thanks, Donna)
I'm so glad I'm doing it now. ;-)

>176 -Cee-:: I'm hoping that next time I read Cloud Atlas I can pay more attention to all the little details that make it so interesting.

>177 lauralkeet:: Yup, Laura, I saw the light!

>178 brenzi:: I usually don't enjoy working puzzles, Bonnie. Maybe that's why it took me so long to appreciate the book.

>179 Smiler69:: Ask Mark that question, Ilana. He's thinking about it. I've already read it and think it would be a good book to discuss.

>180 mckait:: Awesome, Kath. Just please don't blame me if you don't like it!

>181 souloftherose:: I'm looking forward to your comments, Heather. It's very quiet on the group read threads.

>182 labwriter:: I'm still enjoying my American Realism, Becky, although I'll be glad to get out of Washington Sqaure. I may be consulting you when we read Huckleberry Finn this spring.

>183 Deern:: Hi Nathalie, I've never been tempted to read the Calvino book. I like a little resolution in my stories.

>184 Porua:: It's very experimental, Porua, in a post-modern kind of way. Just saying! I know how you love your classics.

>185 LizzieD:: Wonderful news, Peggy, you can probably catch up with the others still reading the book and post some comments on the group read threads. I'm still eagerly awaiting more words of wisdom on Cloud Atlas.

>186 -Cee-:: Claudia, I get the sense that you have become a fan of the book as well. I can't wait to see your thoughts on it. You have such a way with words. ;-)

Donna- I'm listening to the BBC interview with Mitchell, (thanks to Benita). I have a few minutes left but it is an excellent interview. He's very engaging.

#188 Donna, when are you finished with Washington Square?

Oh, Donna! You don't like Washington Square? I'm so sorry. I'm a real James fan, and I think *WS* is a perfect little gem. What displeases you about it, I wonder?

I am curious as well. WS was probably my favorite James... I'd love to hear what you're thinking Donna.

Swinging by to say hi.

I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression about Washington Square. Just because I want to get out of Washington Square doesn't mean I don't love it! To me, it's a book that can be read in a few hours and discussed in one or two class periods rather than the five hours we are devoting to it. It doesn't help that I am in the minority in liking the book! I think it's way too slow for the majority of the class who don't have the maturity to appreciate the way James is building the tension in the story.

I have been so tempted to read ahead, but (Professor) Matt asked us not to. I'm looking forward to finishing it today and also to finishing the discussion of it in class tomorrow because of all the negativity in the classroom. Thanks Peggy and Jenn for letting me clarify my position. I agree with you, Peggy...it is a little gem.

Hello to my two Linda visitors.

passing through :)

it is a pass for me on Cloud Atlas for right now but I will keep it in mind if I want a challenge :)

>194 Donna828: I think it's way too slow for the majority of the class who don't have the maturity to appreciate the way James is building the tension in the story.

Did you mean: I think those young whippersnappers should still be reading Dick and Jane books! ;-)

I haven't read any Henry James yet, but I look forward to reading The Turn of the Screw and The Aspern Papers in February and I also have Portrait of a Lady on my tbr.

>196 brenzi:: *snort*

>195 curlysue:: Hi Kara, I owned Cloud Atlas for almost two years before I got up the courage to read it.

>196 brenzi:: Bonnie, you are such a mindreader!

>197 Smiler69:: Ilana, I think I'll be reading Portrait of A Lady sometime in the near future. I got my feet wet with Daisy Miller last year and Washington Square this year so now I'm ready for the big books.

>198 lauralkeet:: *double snort* That Bonnie has a way with words, doesn't she?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I posted a short review on Washington Square as a way to finalize my thoughts. I'm looking forward to the Prof's analysis on the book tomorrow in class. So far he's been fairly quiet and letting the class carry the discussion for the most part. I hope he's a Catherine fan. I'm tired of being the lone cheerleader, although I do feel somewhat vindicated after reading the last quarter of the book today. Oh no, I'm like her controlling father in always wanting to be right!

>197 Smiler69:, 199: I have Portrait of a Lady lying around waiting to be read, too. Hmmm ... group read?

Donna, I liked your review of Washington Square. Thumb from me. Will have to look this one up as I think I might like to eavesdrop on society in New York City before the time of the Civil War...

Thanks for sharing your homework with us...

#200 I'd be up for a group read of Portrait of a Lady. It's been sitting around here too long.

Donna, I first read Cloud Atlas in 2009 so the group read of it this year is a re-read for me. I can honestly say that I am getting more out of the book than I did the first time, so I hesitantly say that I think you will too if you ever decide to re-read it in future.

Hi; Donna! Go you! (in your classes) I think the young ones need to hear other perspectives than the ones they have. Maybe they just need a little push in the right direction? I studied nordic lit in uni (just one year) and found other peoples thoughts to be very helpful in my own analysis.

Well, I am adding Washington Square to my book pile:)

A thumb for your review. Nice. My favorite HJ is The Bostonians. We read a lot of him when I was in school, but I didn't read that one for a class, maybe because of it's length, I'm not sure. My experience is that some professors are just plain lazy, teaching the same darned thing year after year. Or maybe they're just "human" and like everyone else they get stuck in a rut. I think I studied Portrait of a Lady twice. Meh. It's a book that a "well read" person should know, but it's not my favorite James.

Did you say you're doing Country of the Pointed Firs next? I love that book. I'll be interested to see what you think. And Donna, I'm quite sure that your point of view in that class is very appreciated by your professor.

Hi Donna,
Interesting book for your professor to choose. Good review - and of course now my interest is piqued! Ah me! Thumb and WL !

As a non-traditional student (as they liked to call anyone over the age of 25), I often found my views, perceptions, understanding were quite different and I know the professors loved it. I have to say though... I was also impressed by the young ideas. It helped open up my mind a lot! Wish I could go back to school again. Love it! :)

ETA: Got it for $0.95 on my Kindle. Cool.

>200 lauralkeet:: Laura, that works for me, especially if we wait a month or so.

>201 L-Anne:: Thanks, Louanne. I'm afraid that my homework will be shared here on a regular basis.

>202 Smiler69:: Now we are three! Any others interested in a GR of Portrait of A Lady?

>203 alcottacre:: Hi Stasia. I used to think that rereading a book was a waste of time, but now I enjoy a second (or occasionally a third look at a book) and always take away something new from it. I'll be reading The Color Purple for the second time for next week's RL book group.

>204 Apolline:: When you come right down to it, Bente, the students in my class are all in the same boat with reading the material and making sense out of it according to our different life experiences. We can all learn from each other. I hope you enjoy Washington Square.

>205 labwriter:: LOL at your comment about the well-read person, Becky. That is my current goal so I guess Portrait of A Lady is in my future...along with The Bostonians. Yes, Country of the Pointed Firs is up for next week. I'm disappointed that we're not reading the entire book. Well, I own it now so it will be read in its entirety!

>206 -Cee-:: I'm glad I piqued your interest in W.S., Claudia, and that you got a Kindle bargain. Enjoy! I am enjoying my fourth time around as a college student. This 'old dog' is delighting in learning some new tricks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SCORE for the Old Dog Lady! In this morning's class, I made my point in favor of Catherine, and Matt (the hip professor) nearly fell off his chair with joy at Donna's bold conjecture that W.S. was not such a tragedy because Catherine ended up living well on her mother's money and was not dependent on either her father or her cad of a fiance. The real kicker was when I said Catherine was a chip off the ol' block because she was just as obstinate as her father.. I said more than that and it's not really a spoiler - more of an opinion - but since I've influenced a few people to read it, I want them to come up with their own bold speculations.

The discussion got more lively and not everyone agreed with me, but at least I got them to think about the book a little more. I love playing Devil's Advocate!

>202 Smiler69:, 207: re: Portrait of a Lady Group Read, yay! Like Donna, it's best for me if we wait a month or so ... say, March?

I've read some Henry James and wouldn't mind joining you in your group read.

The discussion got more lively and not everyone agreed with me, but at least I got them to think about the book a little more.

Huzzah! Good for you for speaking up! Those always make for the best classes.

I loved hearing about your class discussion, Donna. It's always good to have someone express a strong and different opinion. It really livens things up. I don't remember reading anything by Henry James so I'll join you for a group read of Portrait of a Lady as long as it's not before March. Looking forward to it.

I think I have just reached critical mass on Cloud Atlas. I hope I never clap eyes on it.

I have The Bostonians on my shelf.. never read it ... :P

Thumbs up on your review of Washington Square! That was exactly what I loved about the book. I was so happy that Catherine prevailed in the end and made her own life. I would have loved to be in class with you today. The words passive resistance come to mind when I think of Catherine. She didn't make a fuss, but she knew what she wanted and methodically achieved it.

Donna, I know what you mean about playing Devil's Advocate. I inherited that 'role' from my mum, who always speaks up, even when she shouldn't, and I often just can't help myself... even when I really shouldn't, which has made me unpopular with some people over the years. I try to tone it down now, but that truly requires a great effort!

#208 I agree to wait at least a month for Portrait of a Lady since the list of books I want to read in February is already out of control! March would work for me, or later too. I think we'll have Pride and Prejudice around mid-March over at the Austenathon group reads, but I can probably handle them both at the same time. There's little chance I'll mix up the stories I expect.

>209 lindapanzo:: you bet, Linda! The more the merrier.

It's a bit early to create a thread isn't it? I've made a note to create a thread in mid-February or so. Assuming most are OK with March. If folks would like to wait longer, that's OK too.

>208 lauralkeet:, 9, 11: Laura, Linda, and Pat...how does mid-March sound to you for a starting date for a group read of Portrait of A Lady? I wonder if Ilana can wait that long? I don't have a copy of the book but we can decide how to set it up when it gets closer to that time. That will also give us time to "talk it up" and maybe get some more participants.

>210 London_StJ:: Thanks, Luxx. My class is made up of a pretty talkative group of upperclassmen, graduate students, and one old fogey. There have been some good discussions so far. The prof does a nice job of neutral listening, but he does interject an opinion occasionally.

>212 mckait:: Hi Kath, so are we overdoing the Cloud Atlas talk on LT? I remember when I first started chatting here several years ago, everyone (except maybe me because I was such a newby) was sick to death of the Kristin Lavransdatter chit-chat.

>213 nittnut:: There was profound relief on Professor Matt's face when I stood up for Catherine. A few of the quiet young men in the class backed me up, but most of the young ladies were so upset with C being a pawn in the men's "game" that they didn't recognize her strength of will. "Passive resistance" is right on. I wish you were in my class, Jenn.

>215 lauralkeet:: You're on top of things, Laura. I could probably start March 1 if that's what the consensus is. How long is the book?

Mid-March sounds perfect to me for the Portrait of a Lady group read.

I give up with this cross-posting. Hi Ilana, looks like I totally missed your post. I'm usually a very mild-mannered person, but sometimes my evil twin takes over and says something completely out of character!

Hi Donna- How are you? Sick of Cloud Atlas talk? Why, I never! I read Portrait of a Lady several years ago and thought it was excellent. I had heard James was a difficult author but he worked just fine for me. Hope everyone enjoys it!

I'm fine with waiting till mid-March Donna. In fact I don't mind waiting longer either. The book's been sitting there for at least a couple of years so a couple of months here and there won't make a difference at this point, and goodness knows I've got plenty of other reading material on hand!

Evil twins are wonderful. I'm sure yours is still very polite. :-)

>216 Donna828:, 217, 220: Mid-March is just fine with me, too! We can probably wait til closer to end of February to create the thread and "talk it up," right?

>217 phebj:: glad to see we've hooked you into the group read, Pat!

#221 Me too! Looking forward to it. :)

I'd like to join the group read of Pof L as well, please. Mid-March would be a perfect time for me.

Donna, I'm so glad you spoke up. Even when others don't agree, they can be forced guided to explore and defend their own opinions, which is a good thing, I think.

>219 msf59:: Me, sick of Cloud Atlas talk, Mark? No way! I'm one of the few still posting on the group read thread to keep it alive for the ones still reading. I never get tired of talking about books, especially ones that make me think as much as C.A. did.

>220 Smiler69:-223: It looks like mid-March will be the starting time for Portrait of A Lady. Good, that will give me time to gather more orphan books to take to the secondhand bookstore where I will hopefully find a lovely copy of the book.

I'm glad you're joining in with us, Gail. I like that word 'guided' and, yes, forming, exploring, and sometimes defending opinions is what reading is all about. I've even been know to change mine about a book...see long Cloud Atlas discussion upthread - unless your name is Kath. She's had it with that book! ;-)

Hi, Donna!
I am also interested in the Portrait of a Lady group read. I have never read any Henry James.

Sounds like your class is going great! You go girl!
--BJ

#221 I'd say end of February would be a good time to get the thread started, but then I don't know much about running group reads... what I DO know is I have to re-shuffle my February reading list, which I'm happy to do for a good cause! :-)

>225 billiejean:: Yay! BJ's in! I've read two of his short works, but Portrait of A Lady is a biggie -- my copy has 548 pages.

Yes, I found a copy! I got industrious in early January and rearranged some shelves so I could get some of my TBRs off the floor. It's still a work in progress and, as I feared, I've (temporarily) misplaced some books.

I've spent the last 30 minutes or so searching my shelves for embedded words in titles for one of the new TIOLI challenges for February. My head is spinning but I was happy to find the James book.

>226 Smiler69:: I'm busy planning a few February reads too, Ilana. That TIOLI is getting tougher. Every book I read in January has fit a category so I'm glad to see the tighter challenges.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been read-a-thonning this evening. I finished my T.C. Boyle book and, as usual, I'm a bit flummoxed as to how to rate and (possibly) review it. Maybe things will be clearer after a good night's sleep. I don't take these read-a-thons seriously enough to mess with my zzzzzzzs!

I'm enjoying both the discussion and the reviews (yes, I read more than one after going to see yours--sounds like Catherine made the best possible choice, given the circumstances) of Washington Square. Sometimes, that's just enough, don't feel like I have to read the book, but am interested in Portrait of a Lady in March.

>227 Donna828:: hmm, you're right about the chunkiness of Portrait of a Lady. I was deceived by the small paperback edition I have but I just checked and the book itself (not counting preface and afterword) is 522 pages. Not out of the question for me, but I'll be glad to be reading with friends as that can sometimes keep me motivated.

Kristin Lavransdatter!! OMG! I think I was the one who started the rebellion... lol
Ninety thousand threads on the group read.. lol and it leaked onto on other threads every day. I had loved it when I read it years before but reached overload.. :P

Actually, it is a good thing to sometimes just have had enough of a book .. allows me to remove it from my wishlist, as I did Alas :P
It makes me feel as if I have some sort of control .. :) and yes, it is a ridiculous notion.

Morning Donna- Did you say T.C. Boyle? He's one of my favorites and another one I've been neglecting.
And yes, it was an absolute joy to have you on my G.R. You are invaluable. Hope you have a terrific day.

Wow, I left your thread unread for too long! I'm partially caught up and am also interested in a group read of Portrait of a Lady. It's my favorite James book, but I haven't read it in a long time, and I'd love to hear others' thoughts.

just stopping by! what a busy lady you are :) have a great weekend!

Okay, the Readathon is officially over. It's fun to do these, although I don't attempt to miss any sleep or rearrange my schedule in any way, so my participation is more like reporting in on my regular reading. Well, I might have spent more time outdoors today if I hadn't been reading. I'm heading out for a sunshine fix as soon as I finish posting here on my neglected thread.

I read a total of 7 hours in this just-completed 24-hour 'thon' finishing one book East is East by T.C. Boyle, which I'm still contemplating, and beginning a wonderful bio of Emily Hahn called Nobody Said Not to Go. Oh yeah, I read a total of 308 pages in those seven hours. Not exactly speed reading unless you're a snail!

>228 bonniebooks:: Bonnie, we'd love to have you aboard the group read of Portrait of A Lady in March. It sounds like a great group of readers is forming.

>229 lauralkeet:: I agree that reading a longish book with a group is a good thing. And I don't think this one is considered Henry James "Lite" like the other two I've read by him.

>230 mckait:: Rebellion it was! Almost scared me completely out of the talk threads here. For the record, I loved Kristin Lavransdatter!

>231 msf59:: Aw, gee, Mark, thanks for making my day. Yes, I am a T.C. Boyle fan, too. I don't think I've rated any of his books higher than 3.5, but I look forward to them and like the last one, I'm always glad I read it - even if I'm still shaking my head a bit about it. Maybe I'll come up with a short review later today or tomorrow.

>232 carlym:: I'm glad to hear that you liked POaL, Carly. We'll be glad to have an "experienced" reader join us.

>233 curlysue:: Hi Kara, it's good to be busy. Right now I feel like a big slug because I've been in my snuggery reading when I should be out enjoying a winter respite day. Off I go!

I have to look up the new TIOLI thread! Thanks for the tip-off!

I also loved Kristin Lavransdatter!
--BJ

How sad, I think LT went down for the afternoon just before I clicked 'submit' on my review for this book. I'm not as happy with this reworked version. ;-)



Book No. 8: East is East by T. Coraghessan Boyle. 3.7 stars.

T. C. Boyle debunks the American Dream almost as soon as castaway Hiro Tanaka washes up on Tupelo Island, Georgia. Instead of the City of Brotherly Love, he finds danger and condemnation. Tension quickly overtakes the comedic introduction of a 200-pound half-breed who jumps off a Japanese ship with a well-loved copy of The Way of the Samurai taped to his chest looking for cowboys and a vague idea of sharing a cheeseburger with his hippie father. His only champion in the land of “butter stinkers” is Ruth, an insecure member of the writer’s colony on the island who turn out to be as ruthless as the blood-sucking insects that torment Hiro.

Boyle is a master of quirky fiction. In this book he manages to satirize both the Japanese and rural Georgians with his stereotypical observations. That’s the beauty of Boyle! If you haven’t read any of his books before, you can expect the unexpected. You may laugh or you may cry (probably both), but you will experience his artful writing and piercing look into humanity. I am so glad that the release of another book by Boyle is imminent. I’m not sure what it’s about, although I am certain that another literary treat is in store for me.

ETA: Looks like the touchstones are broken!

I've never read anything by T.C. Boyle. The next time I'm in a bookstore I'll have to pick one of his books up and see if I like it. Great review, Donna. Love the cartoon.

Thanks, Pat, I had plenty of time this afternoon to surf the net. Dr. Boyle is a literature professor at the Univ. of Southern California. He looks nothing like my professor. Methinks he was a hippie in a former life...or maybe he still is one!
As you can see, he is quite a caricature...er, I mean character.

Neat picture! Makes him seem more interesting. Do you have a favorite book of his?

I liked Tortilla Curtain and Drop City. Still no touchstones.

Sounds like an interesting book and an interesting author Donna. I like the cartoon too.

Ha! I just inherited a class using T.C. Boyle's Greasy Lake; I've never read him before (or even heard of him, actually), but I thought I'd give the original prof's recommendation a try.

ETA: I saved the cartoon to share with my class...

Donna, I learned the hard way! I do all my reviews on Word first. Have lost too many by doing them directly on LT post. :(

Your review still came out good - and I am tempted.
Cute cartoon!

ps - I finished Cloud Atlas! Loved it! Took a 20 mule team to get me started, but what a reward!

Donna- Liked your review of "East is East". That's a definite reminder to get to more of his work.

Pat- My Boyle suggestion, would be Drop City. It's not only a 5 star read, but one of my favorite reads of the past 10 years or so.

I do my reviews on Word too! Faster and safer.

Stop it, Mark! Stop it! La,la,la,la,la... I can't seeeeeee this! :P

LOL

Lots of action after being offline this afternoon. I'm watching a tense basketball game between Missouri State and N. Iowa. We're behind one point with 5.2 seconds left. Rats! Can't win 'em all.

Back to books...

Ilana...some people call Boyle 'weird' rather than interesting! ;-)

Luxx...very curious to see what you and your students think about Boyle. He has a plethora of stories out there. I'm not sure when he dropped his cumbersome middle name.

Claudia and Mark...sometimes I get lazy about writing reviews and just pop them out on LT. The ones I really think about get composed on Word first.

ooh, Donna, thanks for reminding me to read East is East. I always enjoy his novels --Tortilla Curtain is a favorite. I've given a few of them 3.5 stars (they're not perfect), but Boyle is always interesting and fast-paced. I love how you referred to him as quirky! :o)

The only Boyle I have read to this point is Tortilla Curtain. Obviously I am going to have to look for East is East too. Thanks for the recommendation, Donna!

I might try to read Portrait of a Lady with you as well. I'm not sure if I will like James' writing style or not, but I've been told that's the best one to try.

We'll see what I have going when you start the read - hope I can join you!

Hi Jenny, Stasia, and Angela. Please join me on my new thread.

A big storm is heading our way so I'd better get this up before the ice and snow arrive and I lose internet service.

Angela, I hope it works out that you can join us on the group read of The Portrait of A Lady in March.

Hi Donna aka Devil's advocate, glad you spoke your mind in class re: Catherine in WS.

Count me in for the group read of The Portrait of a Lady. I had planned on reading it this year as part of my chunkters category for my 11 in 11 challenge and it will be much more enjoyable with a group.