Whisper1(Linda's) Thread Number Four

Here is Thread #3:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/83894
Here is Thread #2:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/82493
Here is Thread #1:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/79072

Books Read Thus Far:
January 2010
Ah Sweet Mystery of Life by Roald Dahl
Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith by Kathleen Norris
Boy, Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell
Elsewhere by Gabriielle Zevin
Ghost(Vintage Contemporaries by Alan Lightman
Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom
Holes by Louis Sachar
Kevin Kling's Holiday Inn by Kevin Kling
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn by Alison Weir
The Measure of Our Days: A Spiritual Exploration of Illness by Jerome Groopman
Number The Stars by Lois Lowry
Politically Correct Bedtime Stories: Modern Tales for Our Life and Times by James Finn Garner
Politically Correct Holiday Stories: For an Enlightened Yuletide Season by James Finn Garner
Ties That Bind, Ties That Break by Lensey Namioka
The Trespassers by Zilpha Keatler Snyder
The Underneath by Kathi Appeit

February
Crow Call by Lois Lowry
The Leisure Seeker: A Novel by Michael Zadoorian
Lizzie Siddal: Face of the Pre-Raphaelites by Lucinda Hawksley
Looking Back: A Book of Memories by Lois Lowry
The Man From The Other Side by Uri Oriev
The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots: A Novel by Carolly Erickson
The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
The Wife's Tale: A Novel by Lori Lansens

March

Joni Mitchell: The Complete Poems and Lyrics by Joni Mitchell
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

I don't think I've ever been the first to post on anyone's thread before, so I couldn't resist!

Whoohoo.... I'm second in!

I'm third. Do I get a bronze medal?

You all get gold because, to me, you are all very special.

The Wicked Wicked Ladies in the Haunted House by Mary Chase

Thanks to tloeffler (Terri) for recommending this one. It was a delightful read, filled with wonderful images. This is a story of a bratty, nasty little girl who rarely listens to anyone and is fascinated with a crumbled down mansion called "The Old Messerman Place."

Disobeying her parents, she finds her way into the mansion where she gets into trouble and finds that her nastiness nets her the same treatment in spades.

There is nothing in depth about this book. It is an easy, breezy, delightful read and I recommend it primarily the highly creative writing style.

*We are the champions, my friends* .. ...altogether now....

#8: Love that gif, Caroline!

Just wanted to let you know I am here too, Linda.

#7 The Wicked, Wicked Ladies sounds intriguing Linda. And congratulations on thread number 4!

My granddaughter recently obtained a kitten. Here is a photo that warms my heart:

Oh, how sweet!

What a cute picture, Linda. I hope they have many years of comfortable companionship. There is nothing, in my opinion, like a cat.

Rossetti: His Life and Works by Evelyn Waugh

This is an interesting journey by the author of many well-known books, including Brideshead Revisited and Decline and Fall.

Written in 1927, when he was only 24, this was Waugh's first publication. Blasted for their non-traditional form of art, at the time, there was little interest in the Pre-Raphaelite artists. For exaggeration, critics who savagely were opposed to the Pre-Ralphaelite movement, chose the provocative, avant garde, mysterious and self destructive Rossetti as their framework for derision.

Waugh's later writings depict the hypocrisy of the British aristocracy and, while he pointed a wicked finger at the rich, and was known for his witty satire, throughout his life he was also deeply attracted to the lifestyle. Knowing this helped me when reading his look at Rossetti and the Pre-Raphaelites.

Waugh did an excellent job at depicting the formation of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, attentively researching each member and their contribution. However, his portrayal of Rossetti appears to be in keeping with the jealous and ignorant. His picky nastiness is what I would deem pinkies in the air, tea cup in hand, little old gossipy lady like.

Using Fanny Cornforth as a model, Rossetti's masterpiece Monna, Vanna, is currently prominently displayed in the Tate Gallery in London



Of this incredible painting, Wauch noted it was the "most sumptuous vision of barbaric glory and on the whole more than a little absurd."

Waugh deemed Rossetti a "meloncholy old fraud."

History and the Pre-Raphaelite paintings stand the test of time. Certainly Waugh was entitled to his opinion and art is very subjective. I simply wish Waugh's pettiness was not so prominent throughout the book because it greatly detracted from his young accomplishment.

Wow! That was for both the amazingly adorable picture of your granddaughter and for your comments on the Rosetti book. I like Waugh, I like art, I like reading about art... this is going on my wish list.

I'm with Donna; that was a great review of Rossetti: His Life and Works (wish listed and thumbed), and an even better photo!

Love the photo, Linda. That's definitely one that will put a smile on your face each time.

Good review of Rossetti ... I've added that to my wish list.

#7 - The Wicked Wicked Ladies in the Haunted House sounds like something I'd really enjoy. I'll need to see if my library has a copy.

#11 - The picture of your granddaughter is precious!!

--> 11

Awwww! Such a sweet picture!!

>11 Whisper1: That's a keeper Linda. Sweet.

Great review of the Rosetti book. I'm adding it.

What a great photo! One of my cats used to insist on sleeping under the covers with me when she was a tiny and v. fearful kitten (I rescued her from a local deli...) Now she's big, she think that my back, hip, leg, etc. etc. is her mattress or pillow!

Waugh on Rossetti sounds v. interesting. I'm amused by his pettiness and jealousy -- I know people today who have exactly the same attitude toward the Wall Street community; the "I'm just as bright or brighter than they are, so why don't I have all the money?", to which I want to reply, because you're bright enough not to have chosen that path in life and to have had more satisfying options, and if you think that money makes them any happier, you're dead wrong. But when channeled through someone with a flair for writing, that envious tinge can make for great writing -- look at Waugh and, I would argue, Tom Wolfe in Bonfire of the Vanities. Will have to look out for this book; I keep tripping over references to the pre-Raphaelites and yet know very little about them beyond the names and a couple of the scandals, like Lizzie Siddal.

Love the granddaughter picture! And I'm glad you liked The Wicked, Wicked Ladies in the Haunted House. I thought it would be something you would enjoy.

Oh codswallop. You've got a new thread, and read more books. *sigh*.

And I would like to argue the idea that we are all special. I'm not, and I object immensely to being referred to as such. You didn't think I'd take such a comment lying down did you??

Oh, Jenny, you are the most special of us all. If I had any money, I'd send you that ticket to St. Louis and hope you'd marry one of my sons.

Awww, you're so sweet. I'm blushing. I really don't deserve it.

Send me their pics and if I like what I see, I might be able to swing to my own ticket. ;)

You never know, you might be able to arrange the first 75ers wedding. I'm not sure I'd be a very good daughter-in-law though!!!

http://www.librarything.com/home/LoefflerKids

The two taller ones are single. Craig has his own thread too: http://www.librarything.com/profile/craifish

My only requirement for a daughter-in-law is that she makes my son happy. So far, I'm 1/1.

#26

I'll take Craig please. Love his smile! There ya go, one wish solved already this evening :)

Craig is awesome, if I must say so myself. Good choice.

Linda- Just swinging by the new thread and saying hi!!

Sigh -- too old for the Loeffler guys. Will have to look elsewhere for my own personal bibliomaniac...

Obviously, I am way, way, way behind on posts, so I just discovered the lovely picture of your granddaughter.
How fortunate for that little kitten to have someone like your granddaughter to hug him and love him. It looks like he has found a wonderful home.

> 11
How adorable Linda!
Two sleeping beauties :-)

Anita

Still Life A Mystery by Louise Penny

This book was recommended by many, including Brenzi (Bonnie), Richard, Stasia, MusicMom41 (Carolyn), Cyderry (Cheli) and others.

They are right! It is a wonderful book and I'm glad this is a series with many more to read.

The small town dynamics are wonderful. The characters are likeable. The images are delightfully written.

The pace is slow enough to feel as though you are sitting around a table having a cup of coffee with the cast of characters, yet, fast enough that as you read your mind races along the twists and turns and, drawn to different paths, are never bored.

Well respected and liked, Jane Neal was 76 when she died from an arrow wound to her heart. Chief inspector of homicide Armand Gamache and his team are called to the sleepy village of Three Pines to investigate and solve the murder.

We get to know the town folk through their eyes and like a great piece of art, the layers unfold to shed light where there is darkness.

I was hooked right away and even though I wanted to know who committed the murder, I hated to see the book end.

Highly recommended.

Hi, Linda! *waves* I've finally caught up with you... Thanks for all the great reviews! The pic of your granddaughter and the kitten is adorable. How are you?

How did I miss the move to the new thread? Also adore the granddaughter/kitten picture!

#33: Woot! Another 75er moving to Three Pines with the rest of us!!

Hi Marcia, Roni and Stasia

Marcia, I'm having some complications that are Arnold Chiari related. But, this is part of life, and as you know, this is a wicked condition.

Roni...Before I had grandchildren, people would rave about the experience and I would politely smile. Now, I know the sheer delight of it all.

Stasia..Thanks for recommending this book. I'll be sure to read the next ones. I know Richard raves about them as well.

I caught up! I may try Still Life A Mystery. Sounds fun.

Hi Linda,

So glad you enjoyed Still Life. I have the next two books sitting on my shelf and hope to start Book 2 soon.

O.K. - I can resist the Louise Penny pressure from you guys no longer - I have broken down and bought a copy. Hope it can overcome my severe mystery-itis problem...

I love, love, love the Three Pines series and can't wait to be Ruth Zardo when I grow old.

I only have one book left and may just wait until she writes the next one before I read it since having no more waiting is a heartbreaking thought.

I liked Ruth Zardo...Is she a character throughout the series?

#42: Yes, she is. Nancy is going to be Ruth Zardo when she grows up and I am going to be Grandma Mazur.

I just think everyone in the 75ers group should move to Three Pines, young or old.

I have Still Life on my Kindle for a trip that's coming up. I guess I'll find out what all the fuss is about then.

Stasia

What a wonderful fantasy. However, I think that in "real life" Mitford and Three Pines might not really exist. I lived in a small town through my high school and young adult life. it was invasive, stifling and I hated that everyone seemed to know the business of all. I shrank from the nastiness, the pettiness and couldn't wait to leave it behind.

I think a lot of my perception hinged on the fact that I was shy and my family was poor. I grew weary those who let me know "my place."

Yes, there are good things about small town living, but the years I spent in that atmosphere were not positive.

#45: You are raining on my fantasy parade, Linda. I figure with only LTers in Three Pines, it will be a wonderful place.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

Oh, my, but this is a humorous tale told in a Lemony Snicket fashion of four children who are disliked by their parents and who dislike the parents in turn.

There is a wonderful, loving, cookie baking nanny who takes charge when the parents leave the children behind to venture on a vacation wherein they plan not to return.

There is a rich grieving business executive who finds a baby on his door step, thus turning his life into happiness and joy.

There is a happy, happy ending.

This tongue-in-cheek book is so very much unlike any other written by Lowry. Whereas Number the Stars is serious, this is cleaver and funny. Whereas The Giver thought provoking, this is a skip down a sunny, funny lane.

The book is witty, smartly written with funny, humorous witty banter.

A sheer delight!

#47: Adding that one to the ever-expanding BlackHole. It definitely sounds like something different from the others I have read by Lowry.

Hmmm. . . I stay away a couple of days, and you have a new thread with 48 posts . . .

The photo of your granddaughter is adorable!

#47 - I'm heading right over to my library to see if they have this. It sounds exactly like what I need right now!

My husband and I used to jokingly muse over the thought of having kids we didn't like..........fortunately that wasn't the case, we couldn't be happier....With that said, it will be amusing to read about The Willoughbys and find out how they fared. On the the wishlist.

#47 - You sucked me right in. It's on the list. It sounds fun for me, and for my 11 yr. old, who on odd Fridays doesn't like me, and is convinced I don't like him. Purely the age right?

Added The Willoughbys to the wishlist. Thumbed the review.

Yes! Ruth Zardo is a recurring character. Long live Ruth.

You enumerated every fear I have about small towns, but what Stasia proposes is a Three Pines filled with this wonderful group of people that already exist in community. And with Ruth Zardo and Grandma Mazur there will be plenty to gossip about. Hopefully a little less murdering though. So see, that's a different town altogether. :-)

One of the things I love about Three Pines is that everything that has been taken over by chainstores and corporations here still exists there (cafes, groceries, art and bookstores etc).

I go away for a long weekend,come back trying to catch up on my reading, finally finish Millard Fillmore and find you not only have added to thread three but moved on to 53 messages on thread 4! How am I to keep up?

Ooh, The Willoughbys sounds delightful! Onto the wishlist it goes...

I've started on the Louise Penny series too ... and I love it already. Can't wait to read the rest in the series.... but in my usual ditzy fashion, I brought the wrong one with me, and instead of starting with the first in the series, I think I've started halfway through ... with A Rule Against Murder. Oh well... it's great anyway and I'm a third through

I lost you for a few days Linda, but happily, I've tracked you down. The picture of your granddaughter and her new kitten is adorably cute! I'm so glad you enjoyed your first Three Pines book. It's a great series that gets better with each book. I've got the fifth one, The Brutal Telling, to start soon.

>56 cameling: You started with my favorite!

STAR!

That is one that I didn't read Caro.. although it sort of feels as though I did,because of how it is mentioned in another of the books. Not sure about Willoughby's :P

I enjoyed The Willoughbys too, glad not to have to add to my tbr pile.

A Dab of Dickens & A Touch of Twain, Literary Lives from Shakespeare's Old England to Frost's New England by Elliot Engel

This is an insightful and interesting look at 17 famous literary authors and their fascinatingly flawed lives.

From Geoffrey Chaucer through Robert Frost, Engel provides amazing insights into their lives, works and the motivations.

Should you want to toss around facts at a cocktail party, or if you are playing trivial pursuit and need the answers, it might help to know:

Charles Dickens earned 68 million for his writings. He is the top grossing author studied in school. A financial failure, his father's irresponsibility led his family to be thrown into debtors prison. Twelve year old Charles went to work in a shoe polish factory.

Vowing not to be like his father, Dickens became a very shrewd business man. In marketing The Pickwick Papers, Dickens invented the concept of the paperback book.

Edgar Allan Poe had a terrible, heartbreaking childhood and his doom and gloom horrific life bled into the pages of all his works. Interestingly, the inspiration for The Raven came from a conversation with Charles Dickens whose beloved pet -- a raven -- drank lead poison and died.

Oscar Wilde contracted syphilis from a woman prostitute. The use of mercury for a "cure" turned his teeth black. Sadly, later in life, at the height of his career, because of a law suit that should never have occurred, Wilde has disgraced and ostracized. He died a lonely pauper.

Mark Twain has Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women, to thank for his early success and acclaim for Huckleberry Finn.

Disgusted by the topic of the son of an alcoholic who took a river boat trip with a black slave, Alcott went to the Massachusetts library board and had the book banned, stating it had nothing to do with the "good" and "proper" society, and that it was too low and dirty, containing "dirty incidents." Alcott's rantings backfired.

Twain, counting on the fact that people might be intrigued with a book containing "dirty incidents," shrewdly turned this to his advantage and took out full page ads in magazines and newspapers noting the book had been banned. Sales then sky rocketed.

Charlotte Bronte's character Jane Eyre, was portrayed as a plain governess. In life, a young man attending a dinner party noted of Charlotte that "she would have to be twice as good looking as she actually is to be considered homely."

Thomas Hardy was thought to be stillborn. Cast aside as dead, the midwife noticed life. Fearful that he would actually die, his mother did not bond with him. Throughout life, he could not stand to be touched.

I tremendously enjoyed this book. The author's writing was clear, insightful and incredibly informative.

#61: That one sounds right up my alley. I will see if the library has a copy. Thanks for the recommendation, Linda.

So glad you enjoyed Still Life Linda. I read it last month and loved it and have been meaning to get the sequels out of the library.

I've also added The Willoughbys and A Dab of Dickens to my wishlist - both look like good reads.

Morning Linda- A Dab of Dickens sounds enticing! Thanks for all the tasty tidbits! Poor Charlotte!

I'll have to look for A Dab of Dickens, too. Thanks for the great review!

want!... I think that one sounds really good :)

I'm going to have to pick that one up as well.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

This 2001 Newbery Honor award winning book is so breathtakingly poignant that I struggle to write a review that would do it justice.

It is filled with genuinely real people, real pain and honestly portrayed real-life situations.

Sixteen year old Hope Yancey has many reasons to give up hope. Life is difficult. As a tiny baby she was abandoned by her mother. Raised by her wonderfully sensitive and kind Aunt Audie, she learns to persevere.

Aunt Audie is a restaurant cook and manager; Hope is a waitress. When a colorful co-worker steals their money and their hope, they move from Brooklyn to Mulhoney Wisconsin to manage the Welcome Stairway Diner.

There they find rotten politics, a corrupt corporation and a tainted policeman. Balanced with this is the owner of the Welcome diner, a honest, open, sincere man who runs for Mayor to displace the long-term incompetent, dishonest incumbent.

In Mulhoney Wisconsin the good people find love, renewed hope and they learn that where the heart breaks it also heals.

Highly recommended and destined to be my #1 read of 2010.

I've most definitely got to read A Dab of Dickens ... sounds too interesting to pass up. Thanks for the recommendation, Linda.

*sigh* and how could I not add Hope Was Here as well to my wish list after your review.

OK - 2 books added to my list. Well, really one, because I was reading Newbery Awards anyway... but still.
A Dab of Dickens sounds like great fun, and I'm happy to see a good review of Hope Was Here, I'm moving it up the pile!

Caroline

These are two wonderful books. I think you will enjoy them!

Jenn

It is nice to learn of another member of our group who is reading the Newbery award winning books. I'm interested in knowing which ones you have read.

I've been reading them with my son for the last couple of years. Sadly, I've only reviewed the ones we've read since I found LT. Sometimes I think about going back and reviewing them all... still thinking...

Crispin: The Cross of Lead (reviewed)
The Higher Power of Lucky (reviewed)
Criss Cross (reviewed)
Holes
Walk Two Moons
The Giver
Number the Stars
Sarah, Plain and Tall
The Hero and the Crown
Jacob Have I Loved
A Gathering of Days
Bridge to Terabithia
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
The Grey King
Julie of the Wolves
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
Summer of the Swans
The High King
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweller

We are working on Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! and The Slave Dancer right now. I'm reading The Graveyard Book to preview.
We read them, and cross them off our bookmark list from the library. He's read a few I haven't, and I just try to keep up. He's 11, but reads at about an 11th grade level. This is my answer to keeping him reading challenging yet still age appropriate books. Are you sorry you asked? (:

Now...not sorry I asked. Walk Two Moons, The Higher Power of Lucky, Number the Stars were some of my favorites.

Congratulations to you for spending so much time with your son and encouraging him to read.

Adding Hope Was Here to the BlackHole. My local library has a copy, so I am hoping to be able to read it soon. Thanks for the wonderful review, Linda.

Ooh, A Dab of Dickens goes onto the wishlist!

I'm glad you loved Hope Was Here, Linda. It's one of my favorites, and Joan Bauer is one of my favorite authors. I hope you get around to reading some of her other works. They're pretty much all great!

Marcia
I saw that you read this book. By the way, your name is listed as the #1 person with whom I share books..

I'll be sure to read more of Joan Bauer. Is there a specific book you recommend for my next one?

Stasia, oh, do read this book as soon as possible. I praise it to the sky!

I've thumbed your wonderful review of Hope Was Here (It was already on my list.) I have not read any YA books this year yet!! I'm slacking!! I'm still desperately trying to get to The Silent Boy and Never Let Me Go.

Got to add A Dab of Dickens to the list. Thanks Linda.

Linda, that's awesome that I'm your number 1! I haven't looked yet today, but you're usually right up there on mine, too.

For Joan Bauer, Stand Tall is really good. It's about a really tall 12-year-old boy dealing with his parents' divorce and has a great relationship between the main character and his grandfather, a Vietnam Vet.

Rules of the Road and its sequel, Best Foot Forward are really enjoyable stories, too.

Hi Linda! I'm really struggling to keep up to date with your thread these days, but a lovely picture of your granddaughter with kitten and some great reviews. A Dab of Dickens... sped onto my Wishlist before I could even think about it!

Hi Fliss!
Thanks for stopping by!

just stopping to say: hi!

Passing through..... *waves*

Linda, Hope Was Here sounds really good, it's gone on the wishlist.

TWO hot reviews at once! Congratulations.

How do you find these great reads, Linda? Dab of Dickens goes to the wishlist.

Linda,

Two hot reviews?? At the same time!! Wow! Congrats!

Hello there - I've added both books to the Wishlist.

Congratulations on the 2 Hot Reviews, Linda!

Woo!

Just caught up on yr thread(s) and added a pile of books..... such good reviewing....

Thanks for the recommendation on The Willoughbys. I just finished it and loved it! What a delightful little book.

No wonder I lost you! I was 2 threads behind. What a wide range of reading you've done this year. Have caught up now--looking for the Lois Lowry book I loved The Giver.

Stand Tall by Joan Bauer

What a season! January and February winter winds whipped the air. One NE Pennsylvania snowstorm brought 17" of icy cold accumulation. What at first provided a beautiful white wonderland, became ugly, gray piles that stubbornly refused to abandon their steadfast mountain.

Finally after unrelenting days of heavy, pelting rain, the tangible reminder of cold, bitter days melted into the wet earth.

Today's sunshine brought a harbinger of spring. And, the delightful book I finished tonight was a breath of fresh, clean, cottony air!

My winter reads included Never Let Me Go and Unwind, both of which dealt with the heavy topic of futuristic dystopian worlds of cloning and recycled bodies. The Death of Sweet Mister, while excellently written, was indeed dark and grim in subject matter. The Measure of Our Days was read during a time when my beloved friend struggled valiantly during her final battle with ovarian cancer.

Thus, when reading Stand Tall I welcomed the cool, fresh breezy of a gentle story which included a delightful cast of characters who overcame difficulties, planted their roots and reached through the branches of the tree to see a clear blue, bright sky.

"Tree" is an awkwardly tall 6' 3" twelve-year old boy whose family is facing divorce. Newly transplanted, unsophisticated Sophie is the butt of jokes from the oh so pretty snobs. Tree's grandfather is a Viet Nam veteran who recently experienced a leg amputation, and Bradley is Tree's aged dog who is tired and weary.

In the hands of Joan Bauer each learn to call upon inner strength they need to walk forward and stand tall.

The book contains flag waving, flute playing, drum banging and good ole spirit that warms the heart.

Many thanks to allthesedarnbooks (Marcia) for telling me about his wonderful book.

Highly recommended.

Hi, Whisper, just found your thread again...

Moi aussi! Long time no see. :)

#95: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

#95 - What a lyrical and wonderful post! I'm adding Stand Tall to the TBR mountain.

Thanks to all for stopping by and for your kind comments.

Hi Linda- Stand Tall sounds good! It's interesting how many quality YA books are out there! Thanks to LT for spreading the word. I'm getting ready to start listening to When You Reach Me. Have you read it?

Yes, I did read When You Reach Me. It rec'd. the Newbery medal for this year.

I hope you enjoy it.

Just stopping by with a quick hello!

Hi Kath. Thanks for stopping by.

Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson

This stunningly beautiful 2008 Newbery Honor award-winning book is just what great writing should be.

It is filled with wonderful images, crisp, clear words and a story line that resonates in the soul of anyone who receives, seeks or longs for hope.

Emily Dickinson's poem Hope is used as the springboard for the storyline.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all

While there are coming of age elements swirling on the canvas of this book, there are larger brush strokes and elements of light shining on varied hues.

This is a heartfelt tale of 1971 and eleven year old Frannie who lives on the wrong side of the tracks, her spunky, loving brother Sean who is deaf, her mother who has experienced the sadness of miscarriages and her father who works very hard to provide the necessities.

When the new kid, a lanky pale white boy named "Jesus", appears at school, the tables are turned.
He is the minority and the one who struggles to belong.

Frannie's best friend Samantha is the child of a pragmatic fire and brimstone preacher. Samantha is enamored with Jesus and thinks he is sent from God.

Hope abounds:

Frannie's parents hope for a new life to grow; Frannie's brother hopes for inclusion in the non-deaf peers; Samantha hopes that Jesus is the real deal. Jesus, the new white kid, adopted by a black family, hopes that he can overcome the tremendous bullying and find a place on both sides of the tracks.

Personally, I was left hoping that there might be just a little of Jesus in all of us.



Here is a youtube video I found regarding a powerful passage in the book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlSXG6pPmP4

Hello. Book 34 sounds great. I'm going to see if I can get hold of a copy.

#105: Yet another book from your thread sending me scurrying off to check the library's website. *sigh*

Wow! Numbers 36 and 37 both sound great - where do you find all these books? Of course, they've gone on the wishlist.

I look forward to reading Feathers. Thanks for a great review!

One of these days I hope to read the Newbery winners too. Your reviews make them all sound so good.

Feathers certainly does sound interesting! I think I may have seen it at the library recently... hmm...

Linda, I want to start collecting Newbery winners for my grandkids, and this looks like a perfect beginning. I love that Dickinson poem and also the double entendre of your last sentence..."Personally, I was left hoping that there might be just a little of Jesus in all of us." At least, I took it as an ending with double meaning. :-)

It is official..I will never read all the books on my shelves. I will never stop collecting books. I've been trying to control myself, but my local library had a table of paperbacks for .10 and today I obtained

Hush by Jacqueline Woodson
The Vicious Vikings by Terry Deary
Shades of Simon Gray by Joyce McDonald
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christine
The Ravenmaster's Secret by Elvira Woodruff
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (previously read this book, but decided for .10 I could have my own copy
Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
The Stolen Lake by Joan Aiken
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
and
Watership Down by Richard Adams

Oh happy, happy day!

Woo Hoo! What a haul!

It is good to finally admit the truth isn't it?

I feel the same.
:(

so many books so little time

The best part Linda???? You only spent $1.20!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and what wonderful books you found! Because of Winn-Dixie is such a sweet book!

Linda, Hi! I just did a marathon read of your threads. Yes, all of them! I wanted to reiterate my thanks for your kind comments over the last couple of weeks and thank you for your invite here. Although I don't know if I put as many books under my belt weekly as most of the 75 book readers, I do feel more inspired by the different threads I am being exposed to on a daily basis. Now that things have slowed down on the home front I have been able to finish up a few books and get started on a few others. Reading has become possible on a regular basis again and I hope to offer some interesting threads up for everybody's consumption. Thanks for your creative and thought-provoking reviews. I like the way you choose a descriptive parallel for each book, like the weather or a painter's canvas.

Big score, Linda! And yes, isn't it nice to be able to admit our addictions -- and embrace them instead of rejecting them??!!

I was robbed! Someone call the cops! I thought I was fortunate to nab 18 books for 10 bucks at my library sale last week, but $1.20 for 12?!

Lynda, I felt so guilty at the price that I gave them a contribution.

#118 Mary Beth, I'm thinking of you and your grief process. I hope the sun is shining for you today.

This isn't a post regarding books, but if any of you are interested in the history of art and the lives Caravaggio, Bernini, Rembrandt, David, Turner, Van Gogh, Picasso and/or Rothko, then you might like to watch an excellent BBC series narrated by Simon Schama. There are three dvds and each one is approximately four hours.

It is incredible. I obtained this from my local library! Power of Art by Simon Schama is HIGHLY recommended. He has a book as well, but truly the DVD is a must watch.

Power of Art is now in transit, to me, from one of my local libraries. Thanks for the heads up, Linda

Thanks, Linda; I've added this set to my Amazon wish list.

Have you seen or are you planning to go to the Picasso exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art?

Oh, yay, I'm so glad you enjoyed Stand Tall! Feathers is going on the wishlist. I love YA books so much! :)

Darryl
I believe the Picasso exhibit is at the Phila. Museum until April 25th. I hope to see it. Have you had the chance to do so?

I haven't seen it yet, Linda. I'll be off from work for two weeks starting next Saturday, and I'm now leaning toward spending a week or more with my parents in Philadelphia, instead of going to San Francisco (I'll probably go there in May). If I do go to Philly, I'll definitely see the Picasso exhibit.

The Four Story Mistake by Elizabeth Enright

Thanks to Stasia for recommending this delightful, easy, breezy book. There is nothing spectacular about it, no complicated plot, no difficult story line, and there is no page turning, cannot wait to get to the end feeling.

But, there is a calm sense of wonderment regarding the way in which the author painted an idyllic childhood of four lovely children who were uprooted from a house in the city to a large mansion-like structure in the country.

There is a loving widowed father, a nanny who is kind and gentle, a dog, and warm food and cool drink.

There are streams, tree houses, wintry ponds for ice skating, bikes for riding, fields with gentle breezes that rustle the flowers, summer storms that necessitate the lighting of candles, crisp leaves of merry color and a hidden, mysterious room to be explored.

Reading this book is like a slow walk down a lovely fall lane, like a gentle summer rain, like a lovely, sparkling winter snow fall and like a field of spring daffodils.

Recommended for anyone who needs a break from stress that requires balm for a weary soul.

I'd already wishlisted this from Stasia's list, but your lyrical language would have moved me to do so had I not already done it.

#128: I am glad you liked it!

> 128 Wow, fantastic review. I remember my delight as a child in reading about all those things. I always wanted siblings when I read stories like that.

#38 sounds like a great nap-time read. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Tks for reminder re Picasso... Went to see the Gorky exhibit in Jan with a friend and it was great -- we were thinking about a repeat for Picasso & it seems as if I should get us organized!

I loved the Enright books as a child, and probably still would today....

Great review Linda. It reminds me of your review for The Summer Sherman Loved Me; which made me want to read that book immediately as well.

What a good review of Feathers - I'll have to add that to my wish list. Thank goodness I've already got The Four Story Mistake on there so there's one less from your thread for me to add. Nice review though.

Recommended for anyone who needs a break from stress that requires balm for a weary soul.

Who isn't in that category??

The Most They Every Had by Rich Bragg

Bragg writes about Appalachian poverty so well that you can hear the southern drawl, see the rough, calloused hands, watch as the moonshine slides down the throat, observe the bare light bulb hanging by a thin cord from the ceiling of the tiny mill owned shacks that teeter on their foundations.

Mainly, the reader cannot help but feel tremendous respect for the honest, integrity filled, salt-of-the-art people who helped to shape this country by their toil.

Bragg is one of my favorite authors, and while his subject matters are difficult and heart wrenching, I'll continue to read as long as he writes.

In this latest work, he chronicles the history of the mills that maimed, that filled the lungs with unfiltered cotton dust and robbed the workers of life and breath.

These same mills that brought death, gave hope to the workers who stood in line to obtain a chance for a job. Working long, hard, grueling hours for pittance, the company store took the money long before it was earned.

This book is an excellent slice of American history, including the necessity of unions, and the people who lost life and limb in the mills, only to see the mills closed as cheaper labor was obtained overseas.

Highly recommended.

What a compelling review, Linda. Sounds like a depressing read though. I'd like to put this on my wish list, but I think I'll need to be in a particular mood before i can read this.

I'd have to echo Caroline's sentiments. Compelling review! The book sounds good, but probably requires a specific frame of mind to digest (at least for me).

Bragg writes about gritty, real-life situations. A few years ago I read All Over But the Shouting and was immediately drawn into the story. The pain of his childhood was stark and compelling. I recently found the audio tape of the book narrated by him. At times, while listening and driving, I had tears in my eyes.

His writing is worth the reading, even if the subject matter isn't rosy.

He admits that he has a large chip on his shoulder from his childhood. It has motivated him in is writings and his life. I believe his observations are spot on regarding the treatment of the poor from the wrong side of the tracks. I believe he is one of the best authors who portrays American poverty and I think that he is destined to be right up there with the classic American writers.

I was just stopping by to say hi and in so doing I have found Rick Bragg, a new author to investigate. There's always something new cooking at Linda's!

Cooking? Food? Where's the food??

*snuffles round the thread hunting for the cooking*

I'm also a big fan of Rick Bragg and will look for his latest at the library. I still need to read The Prince of Frogtown by him. Curious title. Have you read it?

Donna
That is the only Rick Bragg book I haven't read. Thanks for the reminder.

Linda,

I love to read stories about real people even when they are gut wrenching. That was one of the reasons I loved American Salvage and those stories have stayed with me. These are the people who make up our great country. I still have to read Bragg's memoir All Over But the Shoutin and I'm adding this one too. Thumbed your review.

I loved All Over But the Shoutin' and this one sounds right up my alley as well. Onto the wishlist.

Bonnie

I was able to get a copy of American Salvage from my library, but had to give it back before reading it. I'm heading to the library after work and hope to nab it again.

The only one of Braggs' that I have read is All Over but the Shoutin'. I am going to have to look for his others as well.

Hello Linda, found your thread and interested to see all the other books you found at that library sale (message 113). I hope you enjoy The Stolen Lake; the only other ones I know on that list are Black Beauty and Watership Down which were both favourites of mine as a child.

Too many new ideas for further reading in your posts... I was managing to read a lot in January & February as I was off sick, now I'm back nearly full time at work I'm struggling to find time again, especially as I'm also spending time on LT and on these message boards!

Linda- I saw the Bragg review this morning but I did not have time to leave a message! Excellent job! I also listened to All Over But a couple months ago and fell in love with it. I plan on getting to them all. Once again, great review!

I know I've got All Over But in my TBR Tower but haven't managed to get to it yet. Perhaps I should move it up a little and try to read it this year. Seems like you're all shouting out rave reviews about it.

I've added several of Bragg's titles to my list now!

I'm going out on a limb to say that I think you all would appreciate Bragg's writing.

Just popping my head up to give another thumbs up to Rick Bragg. I read both Ava's Man (my copy of which has mysteriously vanished---if you see it, send it home, OK?) and All Over But the Shoutin'. I have a collection of his newspaper stories on my shelf yet to read. He makes his difficult subjects accessible.

I'll try to get to All Over But this year .... and I'll provide a little cushion under that limb for when you fall off it, should I not like it, Linda. ;-)

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

A heartbreaking story of a young woman who commits suicide and then sends cassette tapes to fellow classmates whom she believes were responsible for her emotional breakdown.

A must read for teachers who deal with teen aged children. There were signs along the way and subtle cries for help, the teachers simply didn't pick up on it or chose to ignore her comments and behavior.

Oh wow ... imagine the guilt of the classmates upon receiving those tapes ... and since she committed suicide they weren't given a chance to make amends. I think I'll skip this one, Linda.

Why is it that I am automatically drawn to dark and sad books like that? Not sure what it says about the state of my mind :/

Heartbreaking indeed.... :(

I try to avoid that sort, but sometimes, they are just must reads...

#158 -- Luna, that you are aware that life really isn't a bed of roses and look for authors who reflect that strangeness and absurdity, in case they have something thoughtful to say?? At any event, I wouldn't worry unless you're drawn to mindlessly violent ones!

While the subject matter of Thirteen Reasons Why is difficult, I think it worth reading. It is the author's first work and he did a very good job and portraying the turmoil of trying to fit in, of nasty picky cattiness, of boys who make insensitive comments regarding the physical development of young women, of the hypersensitivity of this time in life and of the ways in which it impacts us, perhaps for a long, long time.

From experience, my teenaged years were not a bed of roses. We moved often. Tenth grade in particular was hellish. I could relate to the book.

You have been reading wonderful books Linda!
Sadly no translations available (yet) :-(
But I do enjoy your reviews.
Anita

Ah! I get it now. Jenny is mindlessly violent, which explains why she is drawn to these books. Thanks for clearing this up, Suzanne.

:(

I'm not mindlessly violent, I consider and think about every single act of violence I commit. How is that mindless??

Yes, Jenny is thoughtfully violent .... she will think of it before she boffs you on the head, Darryl.

> 156 As a general rule, I don't encourage teenagers to identify with other teenagers who have committed suicide. I'll look this one up with trepidation.

Franny Moyle Desperate Romantics:

Focusing on the beginning of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and the artists who formed it, this book takes an in-depth look at the lives of Rossetti, Malias and Ruskin whose lives became entwined. These were men from the upper socioeconomic rungs, they chose models from the lower economic scale, whom they called "Stunners." Lizzie Siddal, Annie Miller, Jane Burden and Fanny Corforth all represented the sulky, beautiful women who indeed forever transcended the criticism of both the art movement and the definition of beauty..

Recommended for those who appreciate the works of the Pre-Raphaelite artists.

I've seen Thirteen Reasons Why before but never picked it up due to the subject matter... but now I shall have to add it to the wishlist and give it a try! Thanks, Linda.

Thirteen Reasons Why Sounds like a compelling read Linda, but I think I'll give it a miss...

The Book of Kehls by Christine Kehl O'Hagan

A well-written, poignant story of a very brave woman and her family devastated by generations of young men debilitated by muscular dystrophy.

Christine Kehl O'Hagan discovered a photo of "the boys" hidden in the back portion of a drawer and thus learned her families hidden secret that her mother became an only child when both her brothers died from DMD (Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.)

Her mother married, had two healthy daughters and one son who, in his early years, developed the tell tale signs of DMD. Sadly, at the time her brother Richie was born, there was little research and Jerry Lewis telethons were not a reality.

By the time Christine became pregnant, research indicated that it is the female who is predisposed to pass the faulty gene to male children. Despite this knowledge, Christine and her husband took a risk and became pregnant. Their first son was fine and they gambled one more time when their second son was born. Despite denial, sadly, Christine and her husband had to face the fact that their second son Jamie had DMD.

This heartbreaking, yet hopeful story chronicles the way in which Christine's grandparents, parents, her brother, she, her husband and two sons coped with this terrible muscle wasting disease.

This is an author who can write and express complex emotions. While at times the passages are raw with pain and grief, it is well worth the time spent in reading.

Recommended.

#170: I think I will pass on that one, as well-told as it is.

I obtained the book on a sale table at a very large book store in Beavercreek, Ohio. It was only $2.00 and the description on the cover mentioned the words "grace", "humor." I did find lots of grace, but did not read about humor.

The writing kept me interested and I learned a lot about MD. Overall, I'm not sorry I read it.

#172: I learned about the horrors of MD from personal experience. I faithfully watch and pledge to the Jerry Lewis telethon every year in the hope that one day a cure for the various diseases can be found.

Nice review, Linda. However, I'll definitely pass on reading it. I lost a good friend to multiple sclerosis, a somewhat similar degenerative disorder, years ago, which initially struck her just after she graduated from law school and got married. Hers was a particularly virulent and recalcitrant case, and she died roughly five years later, in her early 30s. I was devastated by her illness and death, and I am heartbroken whenever I take care of kids with degenerative disorders in the hospital (which, unfortunately, occurs on a regular basis).

The Book of Kehls looks wonderful!

My boss's wife's family has suffered with DMD...her brother had three sons, and two of them were affected. (Their uncle also had the disorder.) To compound the tragedy, their third son, who did NOT have DMD, was killed in an automobile accident between the deaths of the other two boys. I don't know how people cope with such things, let alone write hopeful books about them afterward.

Given the content, I'll pass as well although your review was interesting, Whisp.
>176 laytonwoman3rd:: I don't either. That sounds like the worst that could happen to a family.

Fantastic review, Linda (as always, I might add). I will keep this book in mind, but I don't think I'll look it up any time soon.

>156 Whisper1:: Thirteen Reasons Why seems apropos given the news in the Phoebe Prince story up in Massachusetts.

Darryl, wow, only 5 years with MS, that is horrifying. I lost a family friend to ALS, a high school friend is now battling it six years post diagnosis and the sister of another close friend has just been diagnosed. So I'm not up to reading about more real-life tragedy, however much grace it contains...

>176 laytonwoman3rd:, I suppose that writing about them is a way of coping. I know that post 9/11, I was keeping a big diary/chronicle, parts of which I sent out via e-mail. Looking back on those e-mails now, it strikes me how much I literally can't remember experiencing at all -- it has been blotted from my mind utterly and completely, entire days and weeks of time. But I do recall that at the time, writing stuff down was what kept me at least somewhat sane. Perhaps it's the same with a long-term drawn out trauma like this.

> 180 Suzanne, that's amazing that you have that record of your thoughts and experiences. I was just talking with a colleague yesterday about our illiterate clients and how they don't have methods like journaling to help in times of stress. Even reading for solace is not available.

Yes, illiteracy may have been a not disabling option in an era where the way to share things was sitting around in the smithy with your friends and talking (as my great-great-great grandfather did with his 2 years of education), but these days...

Not that looking back on those thoughts/experiences is altogether welcome. I refer to the 18 months that followed 9/11 as the months of death and destruction. Every time things were back on an even keel, someone else died, it seemed, or there was another memorial service, or I'd have a month straight of being unable to sleep without nightmares. Scary to head for work one normal day and find yourself in the midst of scenes that some folks who have been in war zones found terrible. And to know that if you'd been a responsible person and been on time that day, you'd be dead since you were supposed to be at a risk management conference in 1 WTC.

Suzanne

Yours are powerful emotions and I'm in awe of how you were able to get through it all. There are many stories and each one is gut wrenchingly sad.

One of the editors on the yearbook staff has a father who happened to be one of the last firemen out of the building before the tower collapsed. He is unable to work, unable to concentrate and has vivid nightmares. Lo these years of counseling have helped him put one foot in front of the other -- barely.

Another fireman that we met at Cape May NJ at a very nice bed and breakfast inn sat on the veranda during the wine and cheese get together and told us his story, with tears running down his cheeks. His lungs were functioning at a minimal level; his wife thought he did not make it through because she had not heard from him until many hours after the event. He was hospitalized and no one called her, thus she was distraught believing he was dead.

Another student called me from Washington DC to tell me "his second mom" that he was watching the Pentagon burn.

My heart goes out to you. Thanks for sharing sounds trite, but I sincerely mean this.

>182 Chatterbox:: what an extraordinary nudge of fate, to be late and therefore alive. Perhaps your journal will form part of a future history, Suzanne, so I hope you don't toss it because it holds difficult things for you. Having read many of your wonderful, bright, sparky and spunky posts here, I am so glad you didn't make that meeting on time.

#184...You are such a sweet, loving kind person who always has nice things to say.

I second your comment -- Suzanne I too am very glad you did not make that meeting on time!

I'll third that comment -- so glad you were not in that meeting in WTC 1!

And so sorry for what you did have to go through! I just cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like for you.

There are days I'm glad I didn't make it and days when I wish I could change places with some of the people who I knew and who, frankly, I feel had more to contribute to the world. I suppose that is what is glibly called survivor's guilt. And anything I went through was a drop in the ocean compared to what those who lost loved ones experienced. I feel guilty even discussing how it makes me feel now, in the context of that level of pain; it feels almost presumptuous. I rarely discuss any of it any more. A chunk of the world is bored of it, as 9/11 has been used to justify so much else; another chunk is sometimes voyeuristic about it (like the tourists who visit Ground Zero and take pictures of themselves against the construction site).

#173 Stasia, the author of The Book of Kehls had positive things to say about the way in which the Jerry Lewis MD foundation helped her son, particularly with a very expensive motorized custom wheel chair.

#174 Darryl, I am so sorry for your loss. I can relate to the grief of losing a friend to a disease that twists and turns the healthy body into an enemy.

On a personal note, because an MRI indicated a hyper intense degree of white foci, my neurologist sent me to the Medical College of PA for an appointment with Dr. Flamm- an MS specialist.

My heart went out to all those in the waiting room. I was diagnosed with an Arnold Chiari Malformation and MS was ruled out. Since that time I've developed a tremendous respect for those who suffer from MS. Years later, when reading the book Hillary and Jackie and then watching the movie, I immediately flashed back to that waiting room.

Again, I'm so sorry for your loss and for the loss your friend's family felt/feels. I'm also sure it is very difficult for you to diagnose and observe children with degenerate illness.

#176 Linda, How very, very sad and tragic.

Message #179 Tad, my thoughts exactly. After finishing Thirteen Reasons Why, a few days later the news indicated those who were responsible for harrassing Phoebe Prince to her death will be tried in a court of law. I couldn't help but think of the similarities between the book and this sad situation.

Morning Linda! Just swinging by to say hi! Have a good day!

#188: Thanks, Linda. Fortunately, the vast majority of the kids I see are previously healthy kids with self-limited illnesses that only require a couple of days of inpatient care. It's very rewarding to see a young child improve through the illness, and become normal and adorable kids again.

I cope with kids with degenerative illnesses here by..sort of staying in the moment.

We have a child with Duchenes... his family refused to allow him to be fitted wieh AFO's years ago.. she said he is going to die anyway. Now a huge child, who cannot weight bear, due to turned ankles.. he is also content.. pleasant and sweet.

There are so many stories like that .. and we are not a huge facility. I get so angry, I dare not think of it.. I have to try very hard to stay in the moment .. and think about the child not the dx. I will most likely get that one then add it tour our staff library..

eta

it is easier when they are in another classroom.. harder when they are in my own..

#188 "like the tourists who visit Ground Zero and take pictures of themselves against the construction site" When my husband was in college he had the opportunity to travel in Europe, and visited Dachau, where he was sickened to see people placing their children in the open doors of the ovens to snap their pictures. I don't even want to know what could be going through their minds.

#192: I don't even want to know what could be going through their minds.

Neither do I.

Hi Linda,

I get to your thread to catch up and find it's like reading a full length novel, so much going on here.

The Phoebe Price case is absolutely heartbreaking and I know people who are not in education don't understand how the school didn't intervene but as a school principal it's not as easy as it looks. First of all, the bullying generally takes place under the radar, out of view from teachers and administrators. Kids are usually smart enough to know that what they're doing is heinous and they don't want to get caught.

Then there's the problem of walking a fine line between intervening and letting kids know that you know what's going on AND not making things worse for the victim. So many times parents will come to me with a situation and ask me to do something without letting the bullies know that their child told on them because that would just make things worse, thereby tying my hands.

I'm not defending the school because something obviously fell apart I'm just saying it's a terribly difficult problem to solve and I'm glad to see that the students are being charged. Now their parents can face up to the fact that they've raised a monster. I deal with elementary age students not high school students, but it's elementary school where these bullies start thinking they can get away with this stuff, so that's where the intervention needs to begin big time.

Whew! **rant over**

When my lads were in public school (K to 8 here), there were anti-bullying programs being put on. What bullying is was identified to the kids in all its forms, with strategies for handling these situations. Now this was about 17 years ago, so I don't remember details but it seems to me that exposure was key, along with peer/social pressure against it. It was done under a zero tolerance for any kind of violence umbrella. The teachers were trained in how to handle bullying and then it was presented as a program to the kids (no point in having kids who know what's going on trying to report to teachers who haven't got a clue what to do).

It didn't eliminate it totally but it identified it and gave the kids permission to be brave about dealing with it, so it reduced it a lot. One of the unexpected side effects, the principal told me, was that it brought to the surface kids who were bullies because they were being abused at home. The school resource teachers were able to bring in support for these kids.

Sorry to threadjack, Whisp!

A new form of murder -- tormenting someone else until they take their own life, thus saving you the bother of doing it yourself... Horrifying. A new kind of sociopath, formed at a young age.

>196 Chatterbox: Exactly; just terrible.

I haven't been to your thread for awhile and was going to skim it, but now see that there are some really interesting conversations going on here, so I'll be back later and read everything! (Sure love that Has Read Marker feature!)

Just saying Hi for now.

--> 170

I'm going to read this book, most likely because a former work colleague of mine had a son (I don't know how he's doing today) with Duchene's MD. Her son and my oldest were the same ages and going through high school at the time. I remember many conversations we had about how our kids were similar yet different. She had an older healthy daughter, but this was her only son. Some of the behavioral problems she thought were due to DJD, I thought were due to just having a teenage son!

I think reading about the difficult experiences of others helps put you into their shoes. It helps strengthen readers by not being so ignorant about subjects which are unfamiliar to them. I had this same feeling after reading Gaby Brimmer, a book about a woman who suffered from severe cerebral palsy (which is not degenerative) and a book which I would highly recommend. That being said, I understand completely why such reads would be too difficult for others, especially those very close to others who suffer or have suffered from such diseases

This is a very well thought out and helpful book review, Linda. Thanks!

#189, Hi Mark. Thanks for stopping by!

#190, Darryl, What you do makes a difference!

#191, Kath, I so admire you!

#192..Linda...I agree. How very insensitive!

#193, Hi Stasia!

#194, Bonnie, thanks for your comments. I agree, it is difficult for the school system to be all things to all people. I do believe that if a parent knows their child is harassing then they need to firmly intervene. Likewise, a parent whose child is harassed needs to be in the loop.

Your excellent, thought provoking comments hit the nail on the head. This is difficult to stop and in some cases, it becomes exacerbated when the situation comes to the light. Now, the abuser (s) want revenge.

All around, it is sad.

Your job is an important one, and I'm sure there is lots of stress involved.

#195, Tiffin...hijack any time! I love these discussions generated from the books we read. It is what makes this group so wonderful!

The situation you describe sounds best case scenario.

#196, Suzanne...Bingo! Excellently stated!

#198, Terri, thanks for stopping by. I hope you are well.

#199, Hi There Madeline..nice of you to drop by. Thanks for mentioning Gaby Brimmer. This book is now on the tbr pile.

And, thanks to all for these incredible conversations!

like the tourists who visit Ground Zero and take pictures of themselves against the construction site

When my son gets time off from school for educational trips, one of the things we have to do is document where he's been. Which generally means a picture of the site, with him in it, unless photography is absolutely prohibited. Maybe people think that's morbid or insensitive in some cases, but its the price of getting him the educational opportunity he'd otherwise miss and I refuse to apologize for that -- though in some cases I might try to be as discreet as possible.

>101 msf59:, it's not that kind of photograph I'm talking about, it's the kind where people are mugging for the cameras. It's a bid odd now, because there's really nothing to see except a building site, so perhaps that's why you have people doing the most grotesque stuff, like pretending to fall out of a window. Hopefully it will settle down when the memorial park is created and there is actually something to photograph other than a hole in the ground and a barrier fence. I also hate getting stopped by tourists there who want to find someone who was there to tell them about it. That happens a lot, say friends who work in the 'hood and I've had it happen several times.

#202 Oh, I can't imagine mugging for the camera there! Ugh! Double-ugh!

I think the wanting to talk to someone who was there would be common. I live not too far from the Shanksville site where Flight 93 crashed, and some locals have volunteered as "ambassadors" to visitors who arrive at the temporary memorial and feel a need to talk to someone, or would like someone to interpret that empty space so they understand it better, exactly where the plane crashed and all.

But that crash site was totally different than what went happened in NY, where there was so much death and destruction on the ground. I think that's why people here have an easier time talking about it.

I think that would definitely be different. Firstly, they are volunteering; secondly, hopefully they didn't have a first-hand experience of some kind of trauma or loss. It's hard to find someone who lived or worked in the area of the WTC who didn't lose someone or experience something they don't want to be asked to relive by a complete stranger who stops them in the street. I've taken two groups of friends to the site, for instance, so that they understand what they see.

192 ye gods......................!

And Terri, I don't think it is quite the same..
The door of the oven?

:{

Emily Post never covered this kind of thing, did she?
#201 We did the same with our daughter when she was in grade school and high school. But pictures weren't required; she just had to write about the experience. And of course, that was all pre-9/11, and concentration camps weren't on the itinerary. But Civil War battlefields were. Children can be taught to behave with reverence and respect. Sometimes I wonder about adults.

#204 I do know that many of the first responders to the Shanksville site, and those who helped with the recovery efforts and the identification process found the experience quite traumatic; and folks at the Shanksville school (which the plane missed by seconds) were pretty shaken up.

But it wasn't the same as you all who lost friends and colleagues and lived through the equivalent of an active battlefield experience. I can't imagine it; I've read accounts by those who were in or near the towers when it was all happening, but I can't comprehend what it must have been like. I do know that at least some people WANT to comprehend and perhaps that's why they ask questions, but folks need to respect what you all went through and not be intrusive.

Hi Linda, I took some time today (finally - I was woefully behind) to read through your thread. I was alternately cheered, horrified and entertained by all the comments. What fascinating discussions!

Hi Linda! Drive-by hug

#187, 192, 202 Goodness, can't people be insensitive - why are they going to these places, if not to put (recent & not-so-recent) history into perspective?!

I have to say that when I visited New York for the first time a few years ago, I refused to go to the site of the World Trade Centre, but I suppose we did take a field trip to the Flanders battlefields when I was at school (doing GCSE history) and, although the Somme looks very different now, it was also a place where far too many people died, just not as recently.

The difference there however was that we were also taken to the war cemeteries (Allied and German) and to the Menin Gate for the last post. Memorials really are a very good way to bring home the reality of these tragic events, as well as somewhere for people to mourn.

fliss

How right you are. Each and every time I visit the Viet Nam veterans memorial in Washington, DC, I cry.

It is so incredibly powerful to see all those names etched in black marble/granite.....and to witness the respect shown.

My ex husband is a Viet Nam veteran who was emotionally "damaged" by the experience. The first time I visited the memorial with him, he wept when we found the names of those who served with him, and the names of people from his home town.

The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton

Highly recommended by Terri, Jenn, Donna, Linda, Amy, sjmccreary and others here on our 75 challenge group, this book did not disappoint!

At first it was slow and methodical, but after the first 20 pages I was enthralled by the development of the story and the characters.

This is a wonderful, delightful and intoxicating book.

A must read. For excellent reviews, check here .

#212: Already in the BlackHole. I really must get to it soon.

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

#212 Hi Linda. That one's already on the wishlist - glad you enjoyed it!

>210 flissp:, Fliss, ironically, I spent part of two summers working at a WW1 battlefield (Vimy Ridge) as a guide. In slow periods, we'd sometimes go down the abandoned tunnels and explore. When you find metal cigarette and snuff boxes dating back to Christmas 1916, even 60 years later it's impossible to view the site as anything but what it was -- a bloodbath. And every so often, a sheep would wander over an unexploded bomb. Man's inhumanity to man is, it seems, the only thing that lives on.

oh my..........

Linda, just want to let you know that I am very much enjoying Schama's Power of Art. The re-enactments are done quite well, Schama's narration is very enjoyable (he's so passionate about his subjects) and, of course, he zero's in on art that is beyond compare. Still a disc and a half to go but I tend to forget to thank people if I put it off too long. So thanks!

Ah, The Moonflower Vine is already on the neverending wishlist, so I'm spared from having to add it! Ah, the relief. :)

Hi Linda, I bought a copy of The Moonflower Vine after Donna had read it and loved it but I haven't gotten to it yet. I'm so glad you liked it too. Thanks for the reminder to move it up closer to the top of the pile.

#218: Lynda, I am enjoying watching the series too - thanks to Linda's recommendation. I have watched the first 2 discs at this point and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the third from Netflix.

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Corey Doctorow

Disneyworld is now inhabited by factions of those who are techno geeks wanting an enhanced science fiction experience at the House of Presidents and the opposition group running the haunted house who want to enhance the technology but keep the experience personalized.

This science fiction book was highly rated by LT members and reviewers on Amazon. I am in the minority.

I simply could not relate to the mixed up story line where, in the future world, people don't die, they simply get reprogrammed from a back up model. I was lost on the terminology used and overall was confused by the points the author was trying to make.

I love Disneyworld! I liked the fact that the book was set in the magic kingdom. But, I realize I'm not an avid fan of this type of science fiction. Overall, I kept reading, hoping it would get better.

1/2 star.

#222: I started that one and abandoned it. I really could not get into it at all - part of the problem I am sure was due to having to read it through Daily Lit, since a copy is not available yet at my local library.

Lynda and Stasia

I'm still watching this series. As you know, each of the three disks contains hours of material. Last night I watched the disk containing Rembrandt. It was fantastic! I'm learning so much! For example, I didn't know that Rembrandt went bankrupt and that he purposely destroyed part of a masterpiece.

Lynda, you are right about the passion that Schama brings to the narration.

I started to read the book The Gardner Heist and learned that an exquisite Rembrandt was stolen and lo twenty years later has never been recovered.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/feb/19/ulrich-boser-gardner-heist

Linda - on your recommendation I asked my library to purchase the dvds of Power of Art, which they are doing. They have the book Power of Art but I'm preferring to wait till the dvds come in. The BBC had an excellent series a couple of years ago on works of art - The Private Life of a Masterpiece - I managed to see the ones on Hokusai's The Great Wave, Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Botticelli's Primavera. Here's the wikipedia link

Somehow I lost your threads, but I'm back just in time for the new one :)

ETA Happy Easter!

#222 - I've tried to read Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom and couldn't get into it either. I've met Cory Doctorow and he is an odd duck. He's extremely intelligent and techy, and I think unless you're as equally techy as he is, quite a bit of his writing is going to be lost.

--> 222

Half a star! Ha!!

I think my lowest rating ever was one star. I forgot about the ability to give a half star. I definitely have to keep that option in mind, although I hope never to finish reading a book that bad.

A previous read that I did finish that I gave one star was a book that turned out to be a horrendous diatribe against Hillary Clinton. I have no idea why I even finished it. I can't remember the name of that book (nor do I even want to).

I may actually have to try the Cory Doctorow book -- the premise sounds amusing. I will borrow, not buy, however; being mindful of the half-star...
I'm tetchy, too, so I can relate. I'm working on being a curmudgeon before I turn 50.

#222 - I read that book a couple of years ago and while I was able to follow the tech stuff, I just didn't like it. I did like that it was set in the Magic Kingdom though.

Oof.... half a star ..... thanks for the heads up, Linda. I'll be keeping far away from that book.

#218 and 221

I spent a few hours today finishing the excellent Power of Art dvds. This is such an incredible series! Tonight I learned about Turner and his motivation for masterpieces, including this one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Slave_Ship

Here is yet another Turner masterpiece.

http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=14812&searchid=9210&roomi...

Turner always strikes me as being about a century ahead of his time; ditto El Greco, by at least four centuries!

>222 Whisper1:: Half a star! I think I gave it 3 stars because as Suzanne said it had an amusing premise. Also, I read it at Disney World and thought it was spot on about crowd control issues, and I learned about some cool behind-the-scenes stuff.

I don't read much sci-fi at all so didn't feel qualified to even write a review of the book. Sorry, if I steered you wrong on this one, Linda. 3 stars is not a very good rating from me, but I did find a few interesting parts in it. Oh well, at least you liked Moonflower Vine which I talked up on my thread.

I must look into those Power of Art DVDs. I dropped out of my Art Appreciation group several years ago because I got so busy with other things, and I miss that cultural connection I was building. Thanks for sharing.

Donna

I did enjoy the setting of Disneyworld. I simply could not related to the terminology.

I think you would like the Power of Art DVDs.

Happy Easter!

I Had Seen Castles by Cynthia Rylant

Young, hopefull, energetic and idealistic John Dante is 17 when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. Swept away with patriotism, John eagerly awaits his 18th birthday when he can enlist in WWII.

Years later, now retired, John tells the reader his story of how his war experiences shaped and changed him.

Rylant writes with compassion, insight and poetic sparseness of beauty. This is a small book that packs a big wallop.

Sadly, because it is labeled Young Adult, many may never read this incredible gem!

Highly recommended.

#232: I thought the history behind that painting was interesting, if heart-breaking. Turner was incredible, wasn't he?

#238: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for yet another great YA recommendation, Linda.

Onto the neverending wishlist I Had Seen Castles goes! I remember reading and loving Missing May when I was younger, but I don't think I ever read anything else by Rylant.

Morning Linda! I love the paintings and I Had Seen Castles sounds very good!

ditto 242 :)

Just stopping by to say hello! =)

Wow! Just making it in before the thread change. Half a star?? I'm wondering how you managed to finish it. It sounds awful Linda. I'm not a sci fi fan either so I'm not going to bother with this one. Glad to see that your next read was better.

Thanks to all for stopping by!

Bonnie, how will you spend your birthday (Thursday)?

Thanks for posting the Turners - I love his work.

I'm adding I Had Seen Castles to the list. It sounds wonderful.

Also adding I Had Seen Castles. Cythia Rylant sounded so very, very familiar but I couldn't place her until I looked up her books. We have a rather large collection of her Henry and Mudge first reader books here in the house.

Must add I Had Seen Castles to my wish list... sounds like a good read. Thanks for the recommendation, Linda

*new thread soon? hint hint*

So, Linda; new thread-a-liciousness?

So is Richard our new 'new-thread' police?

ETA Have a safe trip.

not new.. he is an old hand at it.

new thread is here