What are you reading the week of July 25, 2015?
Talk What Are You Reading Now?
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1fredbacon
I'll kick things off again this week. Here's a biography for Astrid Lindgren with thanks to Wikipedia
Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren (born Ericsson; Swedish 14 November 1907 – 28 January 2002) was a Swedish writer of fiction and screenplays. She is best known for children's book series featuring Pippi Longstocking, Emil i Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and the Six Bullerby Children (Children of Noisy Village in the US) - as well as her children's fantasy novels Mio min Mio, Ronia the Robber's Daughter and The Brothers Lionheart.
As of May 2013, she is the world's 18th most translated author and the third most translated children's books author after H.C. Andersen and the Grimm brothers. Lindgren has sold roughly 144 million books worldwide.
Astrid Lindgren grew up in Näs, near Vimmerby, Småland, Sweden, and many of her books are based on her family and childhood memories and landscapes.
Lindgren was the daughter of Samuel August Ericsson and Hanna Jonsson. She had two sisters, Stina and Ingegerd, and a brother, Gunnar Ericsson, who eventually became a member of the Swedish parliament.
Upon finishing school, Lindgren took a job with the a local newspaper in Vimmerby. She had a relationship with the chief editor, who eventually proposed marriage in 1926 after she became pregnant. She declined and moved to Stockholm, learning to become a typist and stenographer (she would later write most of her drafts in stenography). In due time, she gave birth to her son, Lars, in Copenhagen and left him in the care of a foster family.
Although poorly paid, she saved whatever she could and travelled as often as possible to Copenhagen to be with Lars, often just over a weekend, spending most of her time on the train back and forth. Eventually, she managed to bring Lars home, leaving him in the care of her parents until she could afford to raise him in Stockholm.
In 1931, she married her boss, Sture Lindgren (1898–1952). Three years later, in 1934, Lindgren gave birth to her second child, Karin, who became a translator. The character Pippi Longstocking was invented for her daughter to amuse her while she was ill and bed-ridden. Lindgren later related that Karin had suddenly said to her, "Tell me a story about Pippi Longstocking," and the tale was created in response to that remark.
The family moved in 1941 to an apartment on Dalagatan, with a view over Vasaparken, where Lindgren lived until her death in 2002, at the age of 94.
Lindgren was almost blind a few years before her death.
Lindgren worked as a journalist and secretary before becoming a full-time author. She served as a secretary for the 1933 Swedish Summer Grand Prix.
In 1944 Lindgren won second prize in a competition held by Rabén & Sjögren, a new publishing house, with the novel Britt-Marie lättar sitt hjärta (Britt-Marie unburdens her heart). A year later she won first prize in the same competition with the chapter book Pippi Långstrump (Pippi Longstocking), which had been rejected by Bonniers. (Rabén & Sjögren published it with illustrations by Ingrid Vang Nyman, the latter's debut in Sweden.) Since then it has become one of the most beloved children's books in the world and has been translated into 60 languages. While Lindgren almost immediately became a much appreciated writer, the irreverent attitude towards adult authority that is a distinguishing characteristic of many of her characters has occasionally drawn the ire of some conservatives.
The women's magazine Damernas Värld sent Lindgren to the USA in 1948 to write short essays. Upon arrival she is said to have been upset by the discrimination against black Americans. A few years later she published the book Kati in America, a collection of short essays inspired by the trip.
In 1956, the inaugural year of the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, the German-language edition of Mio, min Mio (Mio, My Son) was recognised by one of six special awards. (Sixteen books written by Astrid Lindgren made the Children's Book and Picture Book longlist, 1956–1975, but none won these main prizes.)
In 1958, Lindgren received the second Hans Christian Andersen Medal for the Rasmus på luffen (Rasmus and the Vagabond), a 1956 novel developed from her screenplay filmed in 1955. The biennial International Board on Books for Young People, now considered the highest lifetime recognition available to creators of children's books, soon came to be called the Little Nobel Prize. Prior to 1962 it cited a single book published during the preceding two years.
On her 90th birthday, she was pronounced Swede of the Year by a radio show.
In its entry on Scandinavian fantasy, The Encyclopedia of Fantasy named Lindgren the foremost Swedish contributor to modern children's fantasy. Its entry on Lindgren summed up her work in glowing terms: "her niche in children's fantasy remains both secure and exalted. Her stories and images can never be forgotten."
Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren (born Ericsson; Swedish 14 November 1907 – 28 January 2002) was a Swedish writer of fiction and screenplays. She is best known for children's book series featuring Pippi Longstocking, Emil i Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and the Six Bullerby Children (Children of Noisy Village in the US) - as well as her children's fantasy novels Mio min Mio, Ronia the Robber's Daughter and The Brothers Lionheart.
As of May 2013, she is the world's 18th most translated author and the third most translated children's books author after H.C. Andersen and the Grimm brothers. Lindgren has sold roughly 144 million books worldwide.
Astrid Lindgren grew up in Näs, near Vimmerby, Småland, Sweden, and many of her books are based on her family and childhood memories and landscapes.
Lindgren was the daughter of Samuel August Ericsson and Hanna Jonsson. She had two sisters, Stina and Ingegerd, and a brother, Gunnar Ericsson, who eventually became a member of the Swedish parliament.
Upon finishing school, Lindgren took a job with the a local newspaper in Vimmerby. She had a relationship with the chief editor, who eventually proposed marriage in 1926 after she became pregnant. She declined and moved to Stockholm, learning to become a typist and stenographer (she would later write most of her drafts in stenography). In due time, she gave birth to her son, Lars, in Copenhagen and left him in the care of a foster family.
Although poorly paid, she saved whatever she could and travelled as often as possible to Copenhagen to be with Lars, often just over a weekend, spending most of her time on the train back and forth. Eventually, she managed to bring Lars home, leaving him in the care of her parents until she could afford to raise him in Stockholm.
In 1931, she married her boss, Sture Lindgren (1898–1952). Three years later, in 1934, Lindgren gave birth to her second child, Karin, who became a translator. The character Pippi Longstocking was invented for her daughter to amuse her while she was ill and bed-ridden. Lindgren later related that Karin had suddenly said to her, "Tell me a story about Pippi Longstocking," and the tale was created in response to that remark.
The family moved in 1941 to an apartment on Dalagatan, with a view over Vasaparken, where Lindgren lived until her death in 2002, at the age of 94.
Lindgren was almost blind a few years before her death.
Lindgren worked as a journalist and secretary before becoming a full-time author. She served as a secretary for the 1933 Swedish Summer Grand Prix.
In 1944 Lindgren won second prize in a competition held by Rabén & Sjögren, a new publishing house, with the novel Britt-Marie lättar sitt hjärta (Britt-Marie unburdens her heart). A year later she won first prize in the same competition with the chapter book Pippi Långstrump (Pippi Longstocking), which had been rejected by Bonniers. (Rabén & Sjögren published it with illustrations by Ingrid Vang Nyman, the latter's debut in Sweden.) Since then it has become one of the most beloved children's books in the world and has been translated into 60 languages. While Lindgren almost immediately became a much appreciated writer, the irreverent attitude towards adult authority that is a distinguishing characteristic of many of her characters has occasionally drawn the ire of some conservatives.
The women's magazine Damernas Värld sent Lindgren to the USA in 1948 to write short essays. Upon arrival she is said to have been upset by the discrimination against black Americans. A few years later she published the book Kati in America, a collection of short essays inspired by the trip.
In 1956, the inaugural year of the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, the German-language edition of Mio, min Mio (Mio, My Son) was recognised by one of six special awards. (Sixteen books written by Astrid Lindgren made the Children's Book and Picture Book longlist, 1956–1975, but none won these main prizes.)
In 1958, Lindgren received the second Hans Christian Andersen Medal for the Rasmus på luffen (Rasmus and the Vagabond), a 1956 novel developed from her screenplay filmed in 1955. The biennial International Board on Books for Young People, now considered the highest lifetime recognition available to creators of children's books, soon came to be called the Little Nobel Prize. Prior to 1962 it cited a single book published during the preceding two years.
On her 90th birthday, she was pronounced Swede of the Year by a radio show.
In its entry on Scandinavian fantasy, The Encyclopedia of Fantasy named Lindgren the foremost Swedish contributor to modern children's fantasy. Its entry on Lindgren summed up her work in glowing terms: "her niche in children's fantasy remains both secure and exalted. Her stories and images can never be forgotten."
2snash
I finished a LTER book Gateway to Yellowstone. This history of the town of Cinnabar which existed for 20 years just north of Yellowstone Park gives a good picture of life in the American frontier west. My favorite chapter was "The Town Itself: Life at Cinnabar". Other parts of the book went into details of moves, ownerships, etc that were convoluted and too detailed to interest except that they did convey the reality of the difficulties involved in making a living on the frontier, consistently juggling to make it.
3fredbacon
I finished up The Diary of John Evelyn last night. Evelyn (born 1620, died 1707) was a member of the landed gentry in England during the 17th century. He served on several government commissions at the request of the King. His most important work was as a Commissioner for the Care and Treatment of Sick Wounded Sea-men and the Care and Treatment of Prisoners of War during the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars. It was a task he took to heart, eventually advocating for and overseeing the construction and administration of several large hospitals. He was also a founding member of the Royal Society. Curiously, he only meets Isaac Newton at the very end of his life.
His diary is less gossipy than is Pepys' diary, but it can be quite heart breaking when he discusses the deaths of his children and friends. (He and his wife had eight children, but only one outlived them.) He lived during a turbulent century in English and European history, and his diary is an essential record of life in that era. Overall, it was an excellent book.
His diary is less gossipy than is Pepys' diary, but it can be quite heart breaking when he discusses the deaths of his children and friends. (He and his wife had eight children, but only one outlived them.) He lived during a turbulent century in English and European history, and his diary is an essential record of life in that era. Overall, it was an excellent book.
4Limelite
Finished The Ginseng Hunter by Jeff Talarigo. I liked the story about a Chinese farmer/ginseng hunter who lives along the Tumen River that borders N Korea as a tale. But I found the protagonist's thoughts and those of the N Koreans "westernized"; I did not "believe" they were Chinese nor Koreans. I'd call the novel a literary writers' camp project -- artful, restrained, dramatic, poetic but not good because it was impossible to suspend disbelief.
2/3 finished listening to Thirteen Moons on CD. I like it much better than Frazier's Cold Mountain. Haven't been driving much, so not making a lot of progress there. Falling asleep too early to plow through A Conspiracy of Paper, although I did arrive at the place in the book that gives it its title. David Liss writes involving historical novels centered on the beginnings of finance and economic development -- things like the Federal Reserve The Whiskey Rebels and the commodities market The Coffee Trader. "Paper" is about the stock market, The Exchange and Bank of England.
Can't make up my mind what to read next. It's between Ishiguro's The Buried Giant and The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Flanagan.
2/3 finished listening to Thirteen Moons on CD. I like it much better than Frazier's Cold Mountain. Haven't been driving much, so not making a lot of progress there. Falling asleep too early to plow through A Conspiracy of Paper, although I did arrive at the place in the book that gives it its title. David Liss writes involving historical novels centered on the beginnings of finance and economic development -- things like the Federal Reserve The Whiskey Rebels and the commodities market The Coffee Trader. "Paper" is about the stock market, The Exchange and Bank of England.
Can't make up my mind what to read next. It's between Ishiguro's The Buried Giant and The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Flanagan.
5rocketjk
I am about two-thirds through the absolutely fascinating The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789 by Joseph J. Ellis. This a history of the drive by a very small number of American leaders to abandon the loose confederation of states that was favored by most Americans right after the Revolution in favor of a stronger federal government as eventually embodied in the U.S. Constitution. The book is very well written, and it is filling in some major holes in my knowledge of the period. Ellis is the historian who wrote Founding Brothers, which I have not read.
6seitherin
Still working on The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox, The Sparrow, and The Crossing Places.
7nrmay
Half way through Blizzard's Wake by award-winning author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
YA novel based on true event - sudden March blizzard that swooped down into N Dakota from Canada in 1941
YA novel based on true event - sudden March blizzard that swooped down into N Dakota from Canada in 1941
8jnwelch
Thanks, Fred. I loved the Pippi Longstocking books when I was a kid.
I just finished H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald and Landline by Rainbow Rowell. On tap is the new Longmire, Dry Bones, and a return to the lengthy but very good The Warmth of Other Suns.
I just finished H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald and Landline by Rainbow Rowell. On tap is the new Longmire, Dry Bones, and a return to the lengthy but very good The Warmth of Other Suns.
10enaid
I went to the library yesterday and came back with a wonderful bag of books. I've got two on the go: Around the House and Garden which I really like. It's a quiet and meditative memoir about homes and healing. I found myself really thinking about footboards, for the first time ever.
Also, Maurice by E.M. Forster which I read it back in my 20's and missed so much that this is almost a first time read. It got off to a slow start but, all of a sudden, I really cared about Maurice even though I don't really like him. It's beautifully written.
Also, Maurice by E.M. Forster which I read it back in my 20's and missed so much that this is almost a first time read. It got off to a slow start but, all of a sudden, I really cared about Maurice even though I don't really like him. It's beautifully written.
11mollygrace
This week I read poet Maxine Kumin's memoir, The Pawnbroker's Daughter, the second volume of George Wilkins Kendall's Narrative of the Texan Santa Fe Expedition, and Anne Enright's latest novel, The Green Road.
The memoir was delightful and illuminating. I liked the way Maxine Kumin used many of her poems to help tell her story.
Kendall's descriptions of 1840s Mexico and his often very moving accounts of the hardships and suffering he witnessed as a prisoner -- as well as the many acts of kindness by the people of Mexico in response to the the plight of the prisoners -- was quite touching. Too often, however, his animosity and cultural prejudice toward his captors was hard to take -- a product, some of it, of the time and circumstance, but I kept wanting him to rise above it. Still, I'm grateful for the chance to read a detailed and well-written account of the expedition by someone who lived it.
I'm always amazed and heartened by Anne Enright's writing, by the complex and oh, so real Irish families she brings to life right there on the page. (How does she do that?) This is a book I already look forward to reading again someday.
The memoir was delightful and illuminating. I liked the way Maxine Kumin used many of her poems to help tell her story.
Kendall's descriptions of 1840s Mexico and his often very moving accounts of the hardships and suffering he witnessed as a prisoner -- as well as the many acts of kindness by the people of Mexico in response to the the plight of the prisoners -- was quite touching. Too often, however, his animosity and cultural prejudice toward his captors was hard to take -- a product, some of it, of the time and circumstance, but I kept wanting him to rise above it. Still, I'm grateful for the chance to read a detailed and well-written account of the expedition by someone who lived it.
I'm always amazed and heartened by Anne Enright's writing, by the complex and oh, so real Irish families she brings to life right there on the page. (How does she do that?) This is a book I already look forward to reading again someday.
12cdyankeefan
I finished Paris Red yesterday-meh now I'm working on The Last Bookaneer Dexters Final Cut and still still still reading The Women
13mollygrace
I'm reading T. C. Boyle's The Harder They Come.
14rockinrhombus
I finished See Also Murder this week and feel a stronger red pencil beneficial. Very repetitive, and boom! the mystery was solved, just like that. Interesting about work as an indexer, however.
I started American Ghost: a Family's Haunted Past in the American Southwest last night and it is very entertaining when your neighbors' new puppy is howling all night long. I lived in New Mexico for a bit, and my father was born there at the turn of the last century when it was truly the Wild West.
I am certain it is entertaining at any time, but it helped last night immensely.
I started American Ghost: a Family's Haunted Past in the American Southwest last night and it is very entertaining when your neighbors' new puppy is howling all night long. I lived in New Mexico for a bit, and my father was born there at the turn of the last century when it was truly the Wild West.
I am certain it is entertaining at any time, but it helped last night immensely.
15brenzi
I finished Willa Cather's The Professor's House and continue to admire her ability to give the reader a sense of place, this time the American Southwest.
Now I'm reading Mary Dorian Russell's Epitaph, her follow up novel to Doc. This time she takes us to Tombstone and the OK Corral.
Now I'm reading Mary Dorian Russell's Epitaph, her follow up novel to Doc. This time she takes us to Tombstone and the OK Corral.
16CarolynSchroeder
I am reading Ready Player One and, being a child of the 1980s, enjoying it immensely!
17TooBusyReading
Having read some fairly depressing or intense books lately, and still listening to the brutal, sad Matterhorn, I wanted something light and non-challenging so I'm reading the first of a detective series by Mike Faricy, Russian Roulette. Free on Kindle, entertaining, and the popcorn kind of book I need now.
19enaid
I finished Maurice and was very moved by it.
I started Fingersmith last night and, so far, I'm becoming warily engrossed in it. All the characters seem kind of grotesque and sort of make my skin crawl.
I've also gotten a few chapters into Bellweather Rhapsody which is likable and interesting but it isn't really engaging me.
I'm afraid I'm still pondering Maurice and not really ready to start something new.
I started Fingersmith last night and, so far, I'm becoming warily engrossed in it. All the characters seem kind of grotesque and sort of make my skin crawl.
I've also gotten a few chapters into Bellweather Rhapsody which is likable and interesting but it isn't really engaging me.
I'm afraid I'm still pondering Maurice and not really ready to start something new.
20PaperbackPirate
I'm almost done with Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin. grkmwk said it was one of her favorites in 2011 so I finally got around to reading it. Great recommendation!
21ahef1963
Hi, it's Allie. It's been a tumultuous few weeks both in the degree to which my mental health difficulties have increased, and because I've had to make some very large decisions about my life due to the state of my health. With the help and support of my son, my psychiatrist, my mother, and my boss, I've decided to retire from the work force. It's been a difficult decision, very hard, and I don't handle change well. I don't think I can manage autobiographical info for this group for the foreseeable future, and I apologize, but I'm having to say "no" to a lot of things for the benefit of my state of mind. Thanks to all of you who enquired about my health while I was absent. It was kind of you.
22ahef1963
I've actually found reading quite soothing, so I've been through a few books: four of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith; Cheryl Strayed's excellent memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail; and the enjoyable novel Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.
I'm reading Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino by Joyce Rupp right now, and will probably pick up something fictional to accompany it; I'm probably going to begin The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon later on this evening.
I'm reading Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino by Joyce Rupp right now, and will probably pick up something fictional to accompany it; I'm probably going to begin The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon later on this evening.
23snash
I finished My Antonia which I thoroughly enjoyed, such vivid pictures of place, time and people.
24jnwelch
^My Antonia is one of my favorite books ever. It was (is) vivid for me, too.
25mollygrace
I finished T. C. Boyle's The Harder They Come, another excellent book by this author.
Next up: A Slant of Light by Jeffrey Lent
Next up: A Slant of Light by Jeffrey Lent
26Limelite
>22 ahef1963:
The Shadow of the Wind is one of my favorite reads of the last couple years. Why did it take me so long to discover Zafon? I read it as slowly as I could, savoring it in small bites, trying to make Zafon's horrifyingly wonderful escapist creation last as long as possible.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I know there a lot of other fans of this book on LT. Happy reading!
The Shadow of the Wind is one of my favorite reads of the last couple years. Why did it take me so long to discover Zafon? I read it as slowly as I could, savoring it in small bites, trying to make Zafon's horrifyingly wonderful escapist creation last as long as possible.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I know there a lot of other fans of this book on LT. Happy reading!
27NarratorLady
>19 enaid: Creepy yes, enaid, but definitely stick with Fingersmith. I was delighted that I did!
28Meredy
I've just finished Nevil Shute's lovely Pied Piper and fallen back onto the sixth Dresden title, which isn't exactly what I wanted right now, but it's due back at the library soon. Not sure which direction I want to go at the moment: it's hard to find a book that's both rich and undemanding. Shute is one and Butcher is the other.
>21 ahef1963: I'm so sorry for your troubles. Thank you for being here, in any event. I was trying to save your spot for you here, but I'm sure there'll be someone to step in if you can't manage it right now. Getting better is the main thing.
>21 ahef1963: I'm so sorry for your troubles. Thank you for being here, in any event. I was trying to save your spot for you here, but I'm sure there'll be someone to step in if you can't manage it right now. Getting better is the main thing.
29seitherin
>21 ahef1963: I understand all about depression having been thru it. Take care of yourself.
30framboise
Reading the new book on decluttering The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. I have read many recent articles about this book, translated from Japanese, by this decluttering expert and consultant who is very popular in Japan. Easy, quick read.
31seitherin
Finished In the Best Families by Rex Stout. Liked it well enough tho it was not the kind of book I was in the mood for.
Started Half a War by Joe Abercrombie.
Started Half a War by Joe Abercrombie.
32momom248
Ahef1963 I hope you feel better soon and happy that reading is helping. Take care of yourself.
33CarolynSchroeder
I finished Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and it was great, geeky, 1980s fun.
(((Ahef1963))) - Sending love.
Not sure what is up next! I have an ER novel due to arrive today, but the Man Booker Longlist has a few singing a siren song to me.
(((Ahef1963))) - Sending love.
Not sure what is up next! I have an ER novel due to arrive today, but the Man Booker Longlist has a few singing a siren song to me.
34Travis1259
Ahef1963, so glad reading helps you.
35nrmay
Just finished the great sea adventure by Jack London - The Sea Wolf. How is it I never read that until now!
Starting Storm Warriors by Elisa Carbone,
a novel based on the surfmen of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station on the Outer Banks of NC, 1890s.
Starting Storm Warriors by Elisa Carbone,
a novel based on the surfmen of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station on the Outer Banks of NC, 1890s.
36Tara1Reads
>22 ahef1963: It's good to see you on the thread! I am so glad you're reading books you enjoy. I loved The Shadow of the Wind.
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I am currently reading and enjoying The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez.
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I am currently reading and enjoying The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez.
37Erick_Tubil
Just finished reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding
38CarolynSchroeder
I am reading Learning to Breathe by Alison Wright and loving it.
39vivienbrenda
I read Shadow of the Wind several years back at the recommendation by a friend. Started the book on a winter afternoon which quickly became deep gray northeast twilight. Before I could get to the end our area suffered a major blackout. No lights anywhere. With a flashlight I kept reading, and when I got to the end I picked up the phone to call my friend who was also siting in the dark to thank her for recommending such a wonderful book to keep me company while waiting for the lights to go back on.
I just finished Maude DonnaFoley Mabry a page-turning story of her grandmother's long life in the midwest. I've now started The Circle by Dve Eggers, a gift from my son. So far enjoying this satire of the utopian state that has become all giant technology companies. I'm talking about you Google, Amazon, Apple....
I love being member of this fabulous reading group. I get soon many ideas from you all, and continue to enjoy great reading.
I just finished Maude DonnaFoley Mabry a page-turning story of her grandmother's long life in the midwest. I've now started The Circle by Dve Eggers, a gift from my son. So far enjoying this satire of the utopian state that has become all giant technology companies. I'm talking about you Google, Amazon, Apple....
I love being member of this fabulous reading group. I get soon many ideas from you all, and continue to enjoy great reading.
40princessgarnet
Finishing The Voyage of the Basilisk by Marie Brennan
#3 in her "Lady Trent" series, Isabella and her young son Jacob are on the high seas in search of dragons around the world.
#3 in her "Lady Trent" series, Isabella and her young son Jacob are on the high seas in search of dragons around the world.
41fredbacon
I've started the new thread over here.
42grkmwk
>21 ahef1963: Take care. Setting boundaries is hard. Peace.
