Luxx's Lounge: Sixth Round (really!)

I'm starting a new thread, even though the Thread Police are busy preparing for a certain event taking place tomorrow afternoon...

"To tell people what to read is, as a rule, either useless or harmful; for the appreciation of literature is a question of temperament not of teaching .... But to tell people what not to read is a very different matter, and I venture to recommend it as a mission..." - Oscar Wilde, "Letter to the Pall Mall Gazette on the Subject of 'The Best Hundred Books'" (qtd. Wright, Built of Books, 317).

Luxx's Lounge: First Round

Luxx's Lounge: Second Round

Luxx's Lounge: Third Round

Luxx's Lounge: Fourth Round

Luxx's Lounge: Fifth Round




I'm #5 on the introduction thread!

1. 'C' is for Corpse by Sue Grafton. 1.3.10. ***
2. The Penguin Who Knew Too Much by Donna Andrews. 1.4.10. ***
3. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. 1.13.10. ***1/2
4. Poetic Lives: Coleridge by Daniel Hahn. 1.13.10. ****
5. Pig Tale by Verlyn Flieger. 1.15.10. *****
6. Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan. 1.16.10. **1/2
7. 'D' is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton. 1.18.10. ***1/3
8. 'E' is for Evidence by Sue Grafton. 1.20.10. ***1/2
9. Naptime is the New Happy Hour by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor. 1.25.10. ****
10. Once Bitten by Kalayna Price. 1.27.10. **
11. Cockatiels at Seven by Donna Andrews. 1.30.10 *****

12. Six Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews. 2.1.10 *****
13. Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton. 2.5.10. **1/2
14. Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett. 2.10.10. ****
15. Soulless by Gail Carriger. 2.13.10. ****
16. Oedipus the King by Sophocles and Dudley Fitts. 2.14.10. *****
17. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. 2.16.10. ****
18. Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris. 2.17.10. **
19. Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett. 2.28.10. ***

20. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. 3.7.10. *****
21. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke. 3.11.10. ***
22. Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips. 3.17.10. ****
23.The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. 3.18.10. ****
24. How to Wash a Cat by Rebecca M. Hale. 3.25.10. ***
25. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. 3.27.10. ****1/2
26. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz. 3.28.10. ***1/2
27. One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon. 3.31.10. ***

28. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare. 4.8.10. *****
29. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs. 4.11.10. *****
30. A History of the Wife by Marilyn Yalom. 4.17.10. ****
31. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. 4.22.10. *****
32. Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian. 4.24.10. ***1/2
33. Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong. 4.28.10. ***1/2

34. Changeless by Gail Carrige. 5.2.10. *****
35. Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. 5.4.10. *****
36. Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern. 5.7.10. ****1/2
37. Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl. 5.7.10. *****
38. Two for the Dought by Janet Evanovich. 5.12.10. ****
39. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. 5.13.10. *******
40. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris. 5.14.10. **
41. A Treatise of Witchcraft by Alexander Roberts. 5.18.10
42. Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison. 5.22.10. ***
43. Poison by Sara Poole. 5.29.10. ****

44. Bullet by Laurell K. Hamilton. 6.4.10. ***
45. Embraced by Darkness by Keri Arthur. 6.8.10. ***
46. Built of Books by Thomas Wright. 6.10.10. ****1/2
47. Working IX to V by Vicki Leon. 6.10.10.
48. I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells. 6.13.10. *****
49. The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues by Susan Griffin. 6.19.10. ***
50. Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb. 6.22.10. *

51. Bedlam: London and Its Damned by Catharine Arnold. 7.2.10. ****
52. The Trouble with Magic by Madlyn Alt. 7.5.10. ****1/2
53. Mine-Haha, or On the Bodily Education of Young Girls by Frank Wedekind. 7.6.10. *****
54. Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman. 7.9.10. **
55. The Elfish Gene: Dungeons, Dragons and Growing Up Strange by Mark Barrowcliffe. 7.15.10. ***
56. Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews. 7.17.10. ****
57. Stork Raving Mad by Donna Andrews. 7.18.10. ****1/2
58. The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett. 7.19.10. ***1/2
59. A Charmed Death by Madelyn Alt. 7.22.10. ***
60. Still Life by Louise Penny. 7.28.10. ******

61. Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman. 8.1.10. ****
62. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. 8.6.10. *****
63. Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong. 8.8.10. ****
64. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny. 8.12.10. *****
65. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. 8.16.10. ***
66. The Critic as Artist by Oscar Wilde. 8.21.10. ****
67. Mad Kings & Queens: History's Most Famous Raving Royals by Alison Rattle and Allison Vale. 8.21.10. **
68. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey. 8.23.10. ***1/2

69. Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman. 9.2.10. ****1/2
70. The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny. 9.3.10. ****1/2
71. The Unknowns: A Mystery by Benedict Carey. 9.10.10. ****
72. Oedipus the King by Sophocles and Dudley Fitts. 9.11.10. *****
73. Governess by Ruth Brandon. 9.13.10. ***
74. Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks by Ethan Gilsdorf. 9.13.10. *****
75. Blameless by Gail Carriger. 9.17.10. ****1/2
76. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny. 9.27.10. *****
77. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. 9.29.10. ****
78. Taken by Midnight by Lara Adrian. 9.30.10. ***1/2

79. Swan Lake by Patrick Kill. 10.1.10. ***

Reposted from my last thread:

71.
Author: Benedict Carey
Title: The Unknowns: A Mystery
Publication: Hardback, 2009.
Pages: 259 pages
Genre: Mystery, Young Adult
Acquisition: Teaching Text - 5-8 grades
Date Completed: September 10, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Adjacent is a place to hide the unwanted but necessary. The little island is home to a large nuclear plant, the hard-working families that keep the plant running, and the garbage that is generated by the communities around them. The children of Adjacent spend their time running between trailers, hiding is broken down buses, and watching the garbage come in on large barges.

When the narrator begins on the first page, "people were praying for something twisted to happen last summer. ... We wanted a problem, and a hairy one, just for something to do," the reader really isn't surprised.

The surprise, though, is that they get what they ask for.

People start disappearing from Adjacent; ordinary people that live on the island, and no one seems to care what is happening to them. But when a local math tutor disappears two of her students are determined to find out what is going on, and work their way through a series of mathematical clues they're sure Mrs. Clarke left behind.

The mystery goes far deeper than they ever expected, and Di and Tom gather together an unlikely group of conspirators to help stop the disaster that is looming.

I purchased Carey's book to kick off my 5th and 8th grade language arts classes at a math and science academy. The mathematical theme of the book flows naturally with the narrative, and the reader is able to develop and theorize along with the protagonists. I believe that The Unknowns will be very appealing both for young readers who have an interest in reading, and those who proclaim that math is just plain boring.

And the monsters, for company:





Both from today.

Starred as usual! I don't care how adorable they try to look, they're still monsters! *cowers under desk*

Ah, but you didn't link to it, so that's still a violation! It's just that the reprimand is less severe. Which is to say, there is less swearing. Count yourself lucky! :P

this is true.. and I have to say that I am too old to be a whippersnapper and I have to say that a linkless new thread is not a new thread at all. /It is like Schrodinger's cat..

Using cute kids will get you nowhere.. btw

Shoot, the cuteness doesn't get them anywhere, either. At least once a day they hear me saying, "Mommy has no sympathy."

Ok, ok, ok - I goofed. Please don't hit me.

16, 72.
Author: Sophocles
Title: Oedipus the King
Publication: included in Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing.
Pages: 37 pages
Genre: Classical, drama
Acquisition: Work text
Date Completed: February 14, 2010, September 11, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

I always look forward to reading Oedipus Rex in English 112. I now read the play twice a year, and it never ceases to draw me in.

No hitting.. but seriously.. this on the same day you mention that you did not Like Hummingbird's Daughter??

Difficult.. very difficult..

I work with kids.. lol
Cute only goes so far :P
They are too far away to snuggle.. so..

but I might have to forgive... or if not. ... just keep suggesting books that you might add to your TBR tower???

just keep suggesting books that you might add to your TBR tower???

Oh no! My living room floor is groaning already.

And there is a very good reason why I teach adults instead of children. I really admire people who have the patience to work with kids. I love my monsters, and I adore the children of my friends, but years and years of living in a daycare household cemented my feelings on "strange" children.

I do know what you mean... but my issues with work are firmly centered on the adults I work with and the imbeciles running the place. And.. dare I say it, some of the parents.

The kids .. well.. my biggest problem with them is that we do them a disservice every day by not teaching them how to behave in a socially acceptable manner.
Some of what I see horrifies and astounds.. it does their parents no favors either..

it seems that the administration goes along on the assumption that the kids are just idiots who cannot understand simple and basic behavior standards. So it turns out that corralling and managing the many horrible behaviors not only takes attention away from other kids.. but shifts the focus from teaching.. anything.. anything at all. IT is a lose lose situation with a big smile pasted on it.

6, 7, 8: Dontcha just love Kath. On your thread she's giving you a hard time for not linking to your new thread, and on mine she saying you let me off the hook too easily for doing the same thing! ;)

Found you again, Luxx! Love the pictures of the boys.

I can completely understand your work complaints; too often it seems that parents work against their child's well-being. My limited personal experience has made me feel like the school system is simply dumbing itself down and accepting a wide range of, well, failures and laziness, with the excuse that nothing can really be done.

Yes, something can be done. You can allow teachers to actually teach their students. Just a thought.

Stephen, I've been well and thoroughly chastised. *hangs head in shame* ... will you send your police officer my way?

Hi Stasia! It must have been some party, if you're visiting my thread so late!

No worries, Luxx. We all make mistakes...

...just don't let it happen again! *tries to look menacing*

Max makes that look, but it's usually with a mouth full of avocado.

Colum McCann back in Maryland!

English vs. Irish

Somehow, Stephen, that is exactly how I imagine you most of the time...

Terri: Ha, I can't imagine why you'd picture me like that. I never wear shirts with collars! ... =P

Found you and starred you...It's always a pleasure to visit your thread! :)

Aha - found you again!

It's amazing just how much your boys have grown between each thread ;o)

>21 BookAngel_a: - Aw, thank you dear!

>22 flissp: - Ssshh, you! Don't say such mean things! They're little babies and always will be.

When I was making dinner yesterday Brooks climbed up on my step stool, so that when I turned around I looked him straight in the eye. It was completely surreal for a minute, and I just hugged him and said, "never grow up!" while my best friend cackled.

Honestly, I can't wait to see what kind of people they turn out to be.

Blameless mysteriously ended up in my Amazon cart just now, and I don't know what happened! I only meant to pick up the MLA Guide to Scholarly Publishing, and came away with two books. Oh dear. I guess I'll trudge through.

Amazon has such good customer service, it puts things into your cart for you......
great idea eh?
:)

Hi, Luxx! Your "monsters" are so adorable!

Can't imagine how Blameless just happened to jump into your cart. . . ;)

Tomorrow is another Amazon haul day...the last, boo hoo...but I expect to tempt you mightily with ONE tome. *rubs hands evilly*

Luxx, ditto what Terri said... about everything! LOL

Amazon Prime is the best and worst thing to happen to me (at least as far as book buying goes). Oh dear.

Richard, I will make a point of avoiding your thread in the near future.

A couple more, to bring me just shy of the goal.

73.
Author: Ruth Brandon
Title: Governess: The Lives and Times of the Real Jane Eyres
Publication: Hardback, 2008.
Pages: 257 pages
Genre: Nonfiction
Acquisition: LT 75er suggestion
Date Completed: September 13, 2010
Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Ruth Brandon's Governess treats a subject well-known to anyone who has any level of experience with nineteenth-century British novels. Historically, the governess is a sad figure, isolated from all societies by the strange social distinctions her occupation creates. Brandon's presentation of a few selected women seeks to enlighten readers as to the true experiences of this fictional trope, but as a reader I question her proclaimed intentions versus the material she actually presents. Indeed, Brandon presents brief biographies of selected governesses, based on careful research and primary documentation such as letters and journals. However, my own reading suggests that Brandon's true goal is to champion the rights of women - socially and intellectually - as opposed to exploring the occupation and the effects of that occupation on the individuals. Much of Brandon's text is concerned with presenting the shameful realities of women's lives (kept purposefully ignorant, losing rights to their children, and specific maltreatment at the hands of various men), while the material itself is selected based on the fact that the women were at some time or another a governess.

This is not to say that Brandon's text is unsuccessful - rather, it is an interesting examination of individual lives that illustrate larger social problems - but I found the subject of governessing to be, at times, secondary to questions of gender analysis.

If a reader is at all familiar with the lives of the Brontes or Mary Shelly, or even if they've read a novel such as The Tenant of Wildfell Hall or Jane Eyre, Governess will provide no enlightenment. However, if a reader has only a brief understanding of Victorian culture, Governess will provide an interesting introduction to the roles of women in society.

74.
Author: Ethan Gilsdorf
Title: 8485805::Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks: An epic quest for reality among role players, online gamers, and other dwellers of imaginary realms
Publication: Hardback, 2009.
Pages: 295 pages
Genre: Nonfiction
Acquisition: Teaching Text - English 101
Date Completed: September 13, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks is everything that The Elfish Gene is not: Gilsdorf's travel narrative is endearing, open-minded, warm, and welcoming. Like Mark Barrowcliffe, Ethan Gilsdorf spent his youth buried in the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons. And, like Barrowcliffe, Gilsdorf eventually left the realm of fantasy, only to return as an adult to explore the ghost of an interest that remained.

Here the differences end. Ethan Gilsdorf's narrative is accepting of geek culture, even as he expresses adult reservations, and he seeks to explore the world of geekdom with an open mind. Fantasy Freaks sets out to understand just what draws certain individuals to a particular set of interests, and how their experiences influence their personal development. Gilsdorf shares a number of stories as he travels to cons, gaming events, and even joins in for a weekend of LARPing. Unlike Barrowcliffe with his scathing comments and sense of superiority, Gilsdorf allows his research material to speak for itself, and presents his findings with an air of sympathy that will not necessarily impact the reader's own interpretation of the cultural events.

Fantasy Freaks is a celebration of geekdom for those who are (or perhaps simply adore) geeks, and an interesting exploration of fantasy worlds for those who have no experience with the subculture. Gilsdorf's travel narrative will appeal to all readers, and I dare say there's at least one chuckle for everyone somewhere in the pages.

Fantasy Freaks sounds great! And I really liked both of your reviews. :)

#29: I already have Governess in the BlackHole and I really must add Fantasy Freaks as well. Thanks for the recommendation of that one, Luxx!

Ah, I like your review of Governess: The Lives and Times of the Real Jane Eyres! I haven't read Jane Eyre or Wildfell Hall, so I'll be one of those readers who learns plenty from it.

And, I'm definitely going to find a copy of Fantasy Freaks!

You won't be disappointed!

I am actually using a chapter of Fantasy Freaks for an English course, and I had to contact Ethan Gilsdorf for his permission. He gave me his blessing, and sent me some materials to share with my class. He's lovely!

>33 London_StJ: *grumble* Don't you have an ounce of kindness in you? Hmmm? Even one? Making a man who's spent all his gift certificates already add not one, oh no we can't have that, but TWO books to his oinking, porcine wishlist?

For shame, young woman, for shame. *tut tut*

>4 London_StJ:: I love when their elbows are still dimples. And darn about the governess book...it could have been so good!

>35 tiffin: - I love the chubster. They both have dimples when they smile, though, and I only hope those dimples stick around!

>34 richardderus: - Excuse me, sir, but weren't you just threatening me with your own gems? Those who live in glass houses, my dear ...





...should keep their books in their laps when they read naked.

Oh, and to add - Fantasy Freaks actually just came out in paperback!

HAHAHAHAHA I think I got you back!! I just added:

RELUCTANT CAPITALISTS: BOOKSELLING AND THE CULTURE OF CONSUMPTION

...from my birthday gift certs!! I bet you'll want that one. *gleeful giggle*

I'm not even going to look it up. Neener neener!

Since I have read both Jane Eyre and Wildfell Hall (note to self: must get around to Agnes Grey), and I'm finding Kathryn Hughes's book The Victorian Governess reasonably interesting when I remember to read any of it, I think I shall skip the Brandon book. Doesn't sound like it would be teaching me much. Great review, though!

Governess does look good... :)

>40 Eat_Read_Knit: - I focused on Victorian novels for my MA, and studied the Brontes for both my undergraduate thesis and MA writing project, so the plight of the governess is more-or-less familiar at this point.

The only review for The Victorian Governess claims that it reads like a thesis, but I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. Would you recommend it?

>41 mckait: - Give it a go!

With the caveats that it's been a few months since I read any significant amount of it, and I'm only parts way through...

On the basis of what I've read so far, yes, I'd recommend it. The tone certainly tends to the academic side, but I haven't found it dull or dry.

Hhmmm, I'll add it to the list, but given the $50 price tag on Amazon I'm not so sure I'll be getting to it anytime soon.

I started The Red Queen last night, and I'm really enjoying Matt Ridley's narration. We share a lot of the same ideas, and even if we don't I can appreciate his reasoning. Plus, I'm a sucker for the exploration and understanding of sexuality, so I am bound to find a discussion of sex and human evolution appealing.

Of course, Blameless arrives today, so I have a feeling Ridley may take a backseat for a day or two.

#44: Luxx, I found copies of The Victorian Governess on ABE for as little as $10 from England (granted, shipping will run about $10 too) or for about $20 + shipping here in the States.

Hey, $20 for a book is completely reasonable. ABE, you say? I don't think I've heard of that before.

#46: ABE represents booksellers from around the world. I have been ordering books from them for between 6 and 7 years now and have had a problem once. The website is www.ABEBooks.com.

Nice review of Governess, Luxx!

Thanks, Darryl!

Stasia, that's a wonderful endorsement. I already logged on and ordered a copy!

Good morning, just checking in.

Good morning to you, too. I'm already done with work for the day.

Well, I'm done with the day's lecture.

I've also found ABE very useful, especially for second-hand academic books. I hope you do manage track down an affordable copy of that book, Luxx: I didn't realise it was so expensive. (I picked up my copy at a little bookshop near the V&A in London for £5.)

ETA: I need to read and type quicker. I'm glad you found one!

If it's at all related to academic publication, then I'm not entirely surprised it's so expensive. After all, who else would spend $50 on a book? I happily buy academic texts second-hand, although I'm really picky about having someone else's notes in my books. I make enough notations on my own.

That being said, Marginalia can be really fascinating, as Jackson's text suggests.

Oh my gosh, ABEBooks! Subscribe to their newsletter, Luxx, it's just delightful! Send me your email and I'll forward a sample. The site is owned by Amazon, for those averse to same, but it's completely different in its a/effect.

>53 London_StJ: I used to scribble opinions in books before reviewing them. One day, an author came to my house and picked up his book. He happened across the Unvarnished Truth of my mediocre review.

Still doesn't speak to me, seventeen years later.

Thanks for making me snort out loud in a quiet office, Padre. ;)

I merely report. I am a camera, as the old saying goes.

I still have all my old undergrad textbooks: I scribbled so much in the margins, and did so much highlighting, that I'd never be able to pass them on other people. I don't mind the odd comment from other people in second-hand books. (And you do get some very odd comments...)

#55 Oops. Seventeen years' silence is a bit of an over-reaction, though.

I've never put reviews in books, but the red-inked NO!! and RUBBISH!! in some margins might be best kept to myself.

Hi Luxx

thanks for your kind words about my book. Yes, it's out in paperback (spread the word!) and I'm glad some of you out there have found it. I'd love to hear from you ...

all best,

Ethan

Ethan Gilsdorf
author of "Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks: An Epic Quest for Reality Among Role Players, Online Gamers, and Other Dwellers of Imaginary Realms" | NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!
ethan@ethangilsdorf.com | http://www.ethangilsdorf.com | http://www.fantasyfreaksbook.com

Join FF&GG's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fantasyfreaksbook

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ethanfreak

"Geek Pride" blog at Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/geek-pride

blog at Tor.com: http://www.tor.com/index.php?blogger=Ethan_Gilsdorf

Luxx

As always, I love the photos of the boys.

And, can it be that you are one book away from completing the goal? Kudos both on your reading and your parenting.

Great review of Governess Luxx. I'm tempted to give it a go.

Ethan, I have been happily spreading the geek love. My students really enjoyed the chapter we discussed in class, and quite a few have since sought out the book for themselves.

Lynda, thank you so much. :) I will hopefully hit 75 within the next day or two - Blameless is sitting on my bed right now...

60- That's right! You and I both posted book #74, Luxx...I wonder who will post book #75 first...:)

I'm betting on you, since I don't have any books close to the finish at this point...and one of the books I'm reading is Proust...so of course that's not a fast moving one, lol!

#49: Wow! That was quick. I have been ordering from ABEBooks since before they were owned by Amazon. Suffice to say, that was a while ago.

I'm very impulsive when it comes to buying books...

Angela, I gave myself a free afternoon to read, and I'm hoping to finish something fun before diving back into work (and, ok, faire) this weekend...

Ahh, book number 75 was just what I was looking for!

75.
Author: Gail Carriger
Title: Blameless
Publication: Paperback, 2010.
Pages: 355 pages
Genre: Steampunk
Acquisition:
Date Completed: September 17, 2010
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The Parasol Protectorate series is delightfully silly and entertaining in every way, and Blameless is no different. The most recent book picks up where the previous narrative ends, and the reader is treated to the story of consequences that arise from Alexia's singular predicament.

Congratulations of hitting 75 books for the year, and with a delightful book. I just bought Blameless yesterday, and have been saving Changeless until I had them both, but will have to wait as this weekend is saved for Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Congratulations of hitting 75 books for the year, and with a delightful book. I just bought Blameless yesterday, and have been saving Changeless until I had them both, but will have to wait as this weekend is saved for Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Congrats!

Congratulations on reaching 75!

Congratulations, Luxx!

Congratulations! :)

Congratulations, and I'm glad #75 was a satisfying read.

It is nice to reach the goal....

Congratulations!!!

YAAAY! 75 REACHED!! YAAAY!

Thanks everyone!

ETA: I was very happy to see that there is another Parasol Protectorate novel coming out in July - Heartless. So much fun.

Congratulations Luxx:)

This is how a shady character spends a beautiful Saturday afternoon in September:



Highlights of the day: Obtaining the belt I wanted for my Sheriff of Nottingham costume, shop keeper asking where I "managed to obtain such a beautiful corset" (made it myself!), and random 14-year-old boy coming up and asking for a picture. I'm sure there are all sorts of jokes on Facebook about that one by now...

Sharing one more. My brand-new sister in law and I, corsets and tops by moi:

Whoo-hoo, congrats on hitting 75!

The only thing I don't like about the Parasol Protectorate series is... we have to wait nearly a whole YEAR for the next installment!

We were so spoiled to get 3 books in the series this year!

Great picks, Luxx! Looks like you had a great time.

Ooh, I meant to ask, do you make your corsets from a pattern, from a corset-making book, did you take a class...?

I saw a corset-making book at a craft shop once, and I highly regret not buying it. That's one sewing project I'd absolutely love to attempt.

Love the pictures, Luxx. The new sister-in-law in a corset, huh? Did she do this already, or is this her initiation into the family? :D

Stephen, she actually asked if she could borrow one - I didn't have to push it on her at all! I adore Mandi.

>84 dk_phoenix: - I've done a lot of trial and error. Historical undergarments have been a favorite research project for years, and about five years ago I decided to try to make my first corset. I don't sue patterns or use books, so not everything comes out, but exploring is still fun.

If you're looking for some good books I have a few suggestions. Waisted Efforts is a popular one in the corsetry community, as it Corsets: Historical Patterns and Techniques. And then there's Corsets and Crinolines. I've never tried any of the patterns (although I love looking through the books), but I enjoy using illustrated texts like Support and Seduction, and Historical Fashion in Detail for inspiration.

There is an Elizabethan corset pattern generator lurking online - you punch in your measurements and it spits out a custom pattern, along with instructions. I can try to dig it up if you're interested.

And I highly HIGHLY recommend CorsetMaking.com for good corsetry supplies. They have everything you could want, fair prices, fast shipping, and excellent customer service. If you are in the Philly area you can even pick up your supplies yourself, but I've never had to wait long for shipping from PA to MD.

/geekery

Luxx

No wonder you have such lovely, lovely little boys -- you and your hubbie make a beautiful pair! Hey, I just realized, that there is a pun in that sentence. ....
a pair of boys...a pair of beautiful parents...

get it? Ok, I better cut back on the pain medications, they are making me really goofy.................

Happy Sunday to you.

Ha! You must be on some good stuff. ;)

Happy Sunday to you as well, sweet!

Good morning Luxx dear, head over to facebook and search up "Society of Steam" for some amusement.

*smooch* to all you crazies.

76a.
Author: Garth Nix
Title: Abhorsen
Publication: Paperback, 2003.
Pages: 102 pages out of 512 completed
Genre: YA Fantasy?
Acquisition: Intended as a teaching text for 8th grade
Date Completed: never
Rating: 1 star out of 5

It is rare that I abandon a book, but after 102 pages I am putting down Abhorsen for good. It is in no small way my own fault; I did not realize that it is a later novel in a series, and I picked it up because I had heard wonderful things about this volume in particular.

After 102 pages I still had very little idea what was going on, and absolutely no emotional or intellectual attachment to any of the characters. Making it through a handful of pages felt like a chore, and just looking a the cover leaves me feeling annoyed.

My rating of the book is based purely on my present experience, and is in no way indicative of whether or not I feel others should pursue Nix's series. Reading time is too precious to waste on unappealing books, so I will be moving on to other things.

Congratulations on hitting 75 Luxx! And on being such a clever seamstress too:)

You are so incredibly talented...sewing your own costumes for the Renaissance Faire...I'm so jealous (the good kind of jealousy, don't worry!)

I went to the PA Ren Faire once, in costume. We went to thrift shops looking for old dresses that could be easily converted...and we managed to look authentic enough with very minimal sewing. But your costumes look much better!

I always tell people to hit the thrift stores when they're looking for costumes! You can find all sorts of wonderful treasures.

Sewing is just a hobby, but it makes me happy. Thank you for your compliments.

I'm sorry the Garth Nix book wasn't better for you, Luxx. I still need to give him a try, haven't read a single thing by him. Maybe I'll put it off a little while longer yet...

Luxx

Years ago I made dresses for my girls. I had such fun doing this. They reached an age when the politely told me to retire the sewing machine.

I admire your talent!

I'm sorry you didn't get into Abhorsen, but not surprised if you have read neither Sabriel or Lirael. Abhorsen is not a complete story in itself but the second half of the story started in Lirael, while Sabriel gives you valuable background as to what is going on and why.

Garth Nix bored the socks off me in Sabriel. I can't imagine reading another one. Good call, IMO.

95 - I live in terror of the day when my boys say the same thing!

96 - It was almost a relief to realize that Abhorsen was later in a series, although it was interesting coming to the middle of a story cold. I'm assuming at this point that Nix develops sympathy for his characters much earlier on; the characters seemed incredibly flat in the excerpt that I read.

97 - It just confirmed my theory that fantasy really isn't for me.

I'm reviving my own thread, just so I don't lose it.

I'm currently buried under 100 different projects. On Tuesday I came home from work and dedicated the day to making a new corset, and yesterday I spent the afternoon working on a paper for the Northeast MLA conference in April (I'm trying to get into the panel on vampires). As of now I have a stack of about 80 papers I need to grade (for four classes), and there's not enough coffee in the world to motivate me at the moment.

Shoot, and I need to leave for work in about forty minutes. Today will be a nap day.

*But* the next few days will be lovely! We started One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in my MWF class, and my TTH class will be in the library on Tuesday, so there's no need to prepare a lecture. If I can make it through this morning the next few days will be a breeze.

I used to sew for my kids too.. back in the day :)
clothes, haloween costumes..what fun!

I too, eventually received word that the time had come to stop..

:P

oh well.. I miss those days!

Hope you make it through today easily, and enjoy the next few....

Good luck making it through this morning, Luxx!

I would wish you luck on getting into the panel on vampires, but somehow that just does not sound right :)

>86 London_StJ:: Thank you, thank you! I'm going to keep this list handy and possibly attempt to amass these books in a covert manner... (I swear my shelves are about to break...). Trial and error makes me cautiously optimistic, in that case -- I won't expect to get it right the first, second, or possibly third time. And I'll have a look online for that corset generator and come back to pester you if I can't find it :D

>102 dk_phoenix: - Top hit on google! Elizabethan corset pattern generator. I love that thing. Keep in mind that it's for a Tudor pair-of-bodies/stays, and not a Victorian corset (which is the lovely hourglass- S that we tend to associate with corsetry).

Just when I get a shape right I either a) get knocked up b) finally lose weight or c) go for something experimental. C is the case with my last two corsets (I made one Friday and one Tuesday), but at least one of them will be good enough as a costume piece.

Happy sewing!

Wooohooo! I just scored the hardcover of A Rule Against Murder for $1.50 from Amazon, and Lynda's recent suggestion of After the Holocaust from an Amazon seller for $0.15.

I added Boneshaker and another book just because I felt like I could!

I could use some brain candy right now.

#104: Nice, Luxx!

You received After the Holocaust for .15!!! what a buy!

And they're set to be delivered today! 18-hour service - you can't beat it

18-hour service!?!? oh my!

There is an Amazon warehouse pretty close by, so occasionally we get very fast service!

VERY nice!

Heading over to Amazon to check out the deals. Thanks Luxx(I think).

Anyone in the Seattle area? Show your library love.

Hi Luxx,
I can see from your thread you are a high octane lady! Don't know if I can keep up with you... but I starred you anyway.
You have a happy, lively thread!
Beautiful boys you have there... glad it's you! lol
Cheers!

Thanks for stopping by. I never manage to keep up with anyone's thread around here (no matter how much time I dedicate), so I've set up camp on the "thought that counts" side of things. I appreciate the thought. ;)

Quack

Moo

76.
Author: Louise Penny
Title: A Rule Against Murder
Publication: Hardback, 2008
Pages: 322 pages
Genre: Mystery
Acquisition:
Date Completed: September 27, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Louise Penny does not need another glowing review for the Chief Inspector Gamache series; those who have made it this far into the series already know full well what to expect from Madame Author, and she still does not disappoint. Instead, I would like to share a personal response that has been building as I make my way through the series:

I loathe Beauvoir.

Gamache's second-in-command makes my skin crawl. Even when other unappealing officers are involved in the narrative*, Beauvoir seems like the real monster on the team. And yet, it is her ability to present such a detestable individual as one of the "good guys" that makes the series so compelling.

Penny's characters are people, with all the flaws ad undesirable characteristics that the term can imply. In Three Pines there is no true good and evil, because the town is made of life, and not fantasy.

* I would also like to say that I was very pleased with the resolution involving this particular team member in the last book. I won't say anything more, for fear of spoiling another reader's enjoyment.

Smoochiekins, if you think Beauvoir is bad **now**, wait a few books. Ooo.

I grow more and more repulsed with each novel, so I can only imagine what the future holds. *Shudder*

Oh, and remember the other team member you're not happy to see? A very central place for the said person in the latest book. VERY central. One is never free in the Pennyverse.

I am glad you are continuing to enjoy the Three Pines series, Luxx. Thanks to Richard, I will be reading Bury Your Dead this week so that I can continue my love affair with the place as well.

yeah.. what rd said.

Richard, if we're thinking of the same character, then I actually liked that team member in the book before A Rule Against Murder.

I still hold out hope that Peter will be the next victim. Or guilty party.

And I adore Ruth.

I adore Ruth, too. If I cannot be Grandma Mazur when I grow up, then I want to be Ruth.

>123 London_StJ: I really hope Penny has something devastatingly ghastly in store for Peter too. But then, but then...what devastation will that wreak upon dear, dear Clara? Two decades plus suddenly...pffft...gone?

See what I mean about never being free in the Pennyverse?

>124 alcottacre: But...but...Stasia! You already *are* Grandma Mazur! And Luxx will grow up into Ruth, I feel sure. Only she'll wear corsets instead of tatty old cardigans.

Ok, ok... I just got the third book The Cruelest Month. I'll move it up my TBR list. I just don't want to devour all the books at once and end up sitting around pining for Penny to write another.
* heavy sigh* ... doesn't matter whether your comments are positive or negative. Can't resist reading on! btw, I adore the snow & cold!
Have a great Tuesday!

>126 -Cee-: Claudia, Luxx had it right when she cited as her acquisition justification of the previous Penny, "Resistance is futile." I know some people on the site don't like Penny and Three Pines, and goodness knows I'd never advocate burning them at the stake or anything drastic like that...but they *are* morally defective and should be shunned.

Oh well, Richard. So much for "should"!
These books are lightweight and qualify for an upstairs (read-in-bed) book. I'll sneak them in under the covers.

>125 richardderus: - I already know that I'll grow to be a cantankerous old woman, so turning out like Ruth seems like a justifiable life goal. I do prefer corsets to cardigans.

>128 -Cee-: - If you have to sneak them under the covers then I suggest a change in bed companionship.

I already am a cantakerous old woman so I'm the first one who gets to be Ruth.

Everyone wants to be Ruth. I want to be the lady that runs the bookshop! Right near the cafe! What was her name? Rats! I have to run upstairs to look. ;)

Mirna, isn't it?

Honestly, my first thought was that I want to be Gabri.

Due to all of the Penny-chat in these parts, I was forced to check out Still Life and see what everyone is talking about. I'm going to try and wait until the Read-a-thon next weekend to start reading, but we'll see.... so many LT people can't be wrong!

127 harsh, but apt.... lol

I want to move to Three Pines and be independently wealthy.
and me!

hah! take that ... lol

I gotta say...I've never detested Beauvoir. I can understand why you might, though. I guess I feel sorry for him. And my pity overshadows the potential for loathing, lol...

Peter drives me crazy. I've had a like/hate relationship with Agent Nichol over the series...and Ruth initially shocked me, but now that I've seen more of her...I love her.

Oh god.

I just submitted my very first abstract for consideration. Oh god, what was I thinking?

The plus-side is that it's a virtual submission, so the organizing professor can't laugh directly in my face. Of course, she could just save that for the conference itself.

I think I need to go rest.

#136: I have no idea what an abstract is, Luxx, but I hope it is better than you seem to think it was!

Luxx

All the best re. your abstract!

Your place on the panel is assured.

crossing fingers for you :)

Stasia - It's basically a paper proposal that states the main argument and main support for that argument. I am hoping to present a paper at a conference in April.

Thanks, all! I discovered last night that my submission wasn't delivered (yikes!), so I spent a panicked few minutes trying to resubmit it. Oy, I'm not cut out for this. ;)

Even if my paper is rejected it will be a fascinating conference. The panel I applied to is called Dracula and Beyond: The Evolution of the Vampire.

Of course.

Sounds like a perfect fit for you, Luxx! Best of luck with the abstract.

Oh, good. Now that I know what you are talking about... Good Luck!!!

Give us an executive summary? Pretty please?

^ ^ ^ Monster nerd

Ok, here's my attempt to boil it down to a sentence: I am arguing that Dracula is an experiment in alternative reproduction, in response to the theories presented in contemporary 19th-century evolutionary theory.

Really, my proposed paper is part of a two larger projects: one, tracing the evolution of vampire mythology and why we are now stuck with Count Dracula, and two, exploring asexual/alternative reproduction in Gothic literature.

77.
Author: Ken Kesey
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Publication:
Pages: 320 pages
Genre: Fiction
Acquisition: Teaching Text
Date Completed: September 29, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Another twice-yearly work read.

78.
/P/0143105027.01._SX140_SY225_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg">
Author: Lara Adrian
Title: Taken by Midnight
Publication: Kindle Edition
Pages: 400 pages
Genre: horror/romance
Acquisition: impulse buy
Date Completed: September 30, 2010
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

What do I do when I've spent weeks studying vampire mythology academically? Read a contemporary vampire romance novel, of course.

Standard for Lara Adrian.

Sounds like a cool paper. Any chance you need some reviewers? :)

Asexual reproduction = *clean*; male dominated; unsullied by female reproductive organs, long a source of discomfort for Victorian society.

Also allowing displacement of the erotic impulses that Victorians so resolutely rejected as part of a family. The list goes on...will you also include ol' Varney the Vampire?

I've never read Varney, but it's on my list. You've hit the nail on the head for the attractions of asexual reproductions, but it introduces some unexpected "consequences" as far as sexuality and sexual identification go.

The vampire figure evolves from a succubus strangling babies with her long hair to a suave aristocrat seducing everyone in sight.

Really, it's all delicious.

Doc, if I do I'll let you know!

It sounds totally fascinating to me! I really enjoy reading papers/dissertations on this stuff, mostly because I know I'll never have the mental chops to pull it off myself! Kudos to you, and crossed fingers too! You sound like a shoo-in to me!

Here's Varney. E-able and all.

You know, the Darwin bomb reverberated so far through the pop culture of the day, I can't imagine why it's so underexplored academically. I'd love to see a Victorian-London sex crimes *reporting* study...I bet a lot of Darwinian subtext is visible.

Consequences?! Books about men able to reproduce *without women* are nothing but consequence! *gazes mistily into a femaleless future, sad he won't live to see it*

Thank you for the link, sir!

Evolutionary readings of novels have been quite popular. There is Darwin and the Novelists by George Levine, and Darwin's Plots by Gillian Beer. Seacord published Victorian Sensation about Robert Chambers' Vestiges of the Natural History, as well as editing a popular edition of the text. My MA writing project was a Darwinist reading of Jane Eyre (now that was fun!), so I've dipped into what's available academically.

Oh my, I just remembered that I have a book on psychology and Charlotte Bronte. Why haven't I read it yet?

*glances at TBR tower* Oh. Yeah.

>149 LauraBrook: - Thank you for the vote of confidence! I'm going to pursue the project regardless, but having the motivation of a conference will really hep kick me into high gear.

Varney is now on my Kindle. Crapawesome.

>152 London_StJ: You are in for one amazing ride through Victoria's reign. Craptastic! Crapawesome! But waaay more revealing than the author thought.

Sure, sure, literarians speaking to literarians like the Darwin-bomb idea...Jane Eyre, really? cool...but I'm interested in the hoi polloi's responses, and I don't know a better place to look for that than the police blotter.

I love the *idea* of school, but I hated hated hated the reality. Just too piss-poor a bureaucrat-tolerator. I call 'em jerks and fools and numbnuts as needed, and they bounce me out of their precious systems because I fail the respect test. Your PhD will vindicate me...a covert subversive creative freethinker *can* play their game!

Richard! Ethan of Athos by Lois McMaster Bujold.

Luxx, if I may make a recommendation on a subject of which I know next to nothing? I am currently reading The New Annotated Dracula and the introductory material is extremely interesting. Varney is one of several authors mentioned. The book might be worth a look for you.

Yes, exactly! *There's* a future I can really get behind! (First bad pun earns a flying boot.) But I will be long dead, my genes already relegated to the same place as the pterosaur and the moa on the evolutionary tree when it comes to pass.

*sniff* Poor me.

>153 richardderus: - I've always been intrigued by the subversive sexuality of Jane Eyre, and evolutionary theory gave me the context I needed to truly argue my ideas.

I was very very lucky when it came to formal education. I hated high school, so I graduated early and found myself in the most wonderfully engaging and supportive academic environment: Washington College. It's a private college, so the bureaucratic bs is kept to a minimum, and I learned the ropes of the system so I could manipulate my degree to reflect my own interests. I took just two classes I wasn't personally interested in, but I ended up with extremely engaging professors that made the classes interesting.

My MA ... was hindered by red tape and my own attitude problems. There were some highlights, and I know for a fact that I want to continue on to a PhD.

>155 alcottacre: - Which edition are you reading, Stasia? I am working with the Norton, and I love it. I really enjoy reading annotated classics.

79.
Author: Patrick Kill
Title: Swan Lake
Publication: Ebook
Pages:
Genre: horror
Acquisition: reviewed by HugeHorrorFan
Date Completed: October 1, 2010
Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Swan Lake is my first introduction to Patrick Kill, and to the materials available at the Horror Mall. I enjoy the subversive and the taboo, so HugeHorrorFan's review caught my interest. My first impression of Swan Lake was a comparison to Henry Miller's Under the Roofs of Paris or perhaps a work by the Marquis de Sade. While one could argue that the intent of the work is to provide a commentary on contemporary beauty, my own reading left me with the impression that Patrick Kill is using a shallow reference to contemporary criticism to provide a forum for exploring alternative sexuality. My personal preference would direct me to deSade or Henry Miller over another Patrick Kill, but I'm glad I gave it a try.

fascinating discussion.. nothing to add....
will be back for more...

But they don't leave out sex! At least, not always...

#157: I am reading The New Annotated Dracula by Leslie S. Klinger. It is published by Norton, so it may very well be the edition you are using.

I heard an interview on CBC radio the other day with Louise Penny about her novels being translated into French for the first time. She and the translator were on together. Fascinating! Was wishing all of you Penny fans could have been listening in with me.

Just stopping by to try to catch up . . .

Belated CONGRATULATIONS on passing the 75 mark!

Thank you, dear!

*confetti toss*

75 75 rah rah rah!

OH, you are swift! I've always known that about you.

I have clicked my way through the twisty path that your thread has traveled and believe that I have found you. (Hope that this is your most recent up-to-date one.) Later, I shall stay longer and find our what you have been up to.

Really great pix and I do love the library joke on you latest profile picture.

Lovingly, Ruthie

PS Congrats attaining the big seven five, girl.

Hmmm I hadn't even noticed that you surpassed 75! Congrats!

168: That's because she distracted everyone with her lovely photos right after hitting 75! :)

#169: Buttering Luxx up to get back on her good side, Stephen?

I didn't know Luxx had a *bad* side.

#171: Stephen can tell you about it, Ruth, since he is on it :)

Hello Ruth, and welcome! Yes, this is my most recent thread.

Stephen is a sexist pig, but only when it comes to zombies. Otherwise, I think he's delightful.

And ah, yes, faire photos. Sigh. I still need to get to work on my court gown for the last day of faire. Hhmmm.

Not to mention go to the wine-tasting class at Anne Arundel, raise two young boys, be married, teach at three separate and distinct institutions, and feed an insatiable reading habit. Oh, and be a daughter and a sister.

I think you're amazing.

Nonsense! I think I justified myself adequately on my thread...I hope. :(

*afraid of Luxx's bad side*

Careful, Richard - my head will get even bigger! :-*

I do want to take wine appreciation classes, but I think the artisan bread classes would be even more fun! Life is busy, but I like it that way.

And trust me, Stephen - no one of LT could possibly deserve my bad side. I just pick for fun. ;)

Hi Luxx....loved the joke, the new blonde you, and the name tags on your profile page. Thanks, Ruth, for pointing me there. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in peoples' words and book comments that I forget to check out what's new in their 'other' life.

More belated congrats on that 75 book milestone!

Thank you very much! And I absolutely adore the photo of you and Miss Haley - she's simply beautiful.

Blonde has been fun - especially because no one recognizes me anymore. I've colored my hair one dark shade or another since I was 15, so this is a big jump.

Oh, and the name tag lies! Max will not be twelve months old until Saturday, dammit - he's still my baby.

Trudging through threads on a rare bored night at class--Just wanted to say congrats on hitting 75!

(p.s. 6'7" 22 year old Keith is still my baby.)

(p.s. 6'7" 22 year old Keith is still my baby.)

Oh good! But holy cow, it must be difficult to coddle a 6'7" little boy...

I do dread the day when I have to look up to the monsters, but I know it's coming. They won't be nearly as tall as Keith, but their father is 6'4" and both of my brothers are well over six feet, so I doubt they'll be little (I'm 5'6", which isn't really that short, but certainly feels like it in this crowd).

Terri has it right... once the mom always the mom... The older the kids the more complex the love...

Thanks, Kath - the future is looking much brighter.

#180: I have had to look up to Beth since she was 12. I know how it feels, Luxx!

I hate wireless printers, I hate wireless printers, I hate wireless printers that go offline whenever they damn well bloody feel like it.

I'm trying to shake things up in my class tomorrow, so of course my printer decides to fail right when I need it. I have to be up in seven hours to get ready for work, and work isn't even ready. UGH.

Yikes! I hope you got the problem resolved, Luxx - and manage to sneak some rest in while you are at it.

Wonder Husband came home and beat the printer in submission ... but it ran out of toner halfway through the job.

Oh well. I got a few things done this morning, and I have a giant bag of candy to take to class, so hopefully things will work out. ;)

Hooray for Wonder Husband. Boo for the printer. I hope you have a good day in spite of everything.

Technology, can't live with it, can't live without it. Ugh!

Boo hiss to evil printers. The giant bag of candy will surely be very helpful, though.

Everything went really well today, actually. I tried to convince my students that I'll ditch the Powerpoints if they do the reading and participate in class, and today was a lot of fun.

>190 London_StJ: ODG, not PowerPoints!!!!!! No wonder they hate you. Wait...no...you bought them candy! No one can hate someone who bought them candy. Speaking of which, I seem to be running low on root beer barrels. Since every one I eat has to be matched by one for the Jindo, I think I can work out why.

I prefer to use PowerPoints in place of a blackboard, because I don't want my students to strain to read my writing, and I have a difficult time writing and speaking at the same time. However, when students don't respond to the material the presentations get longer and longer...

I much prefer open dialogs, discussions, and activities, and if they give me feedback we'll be able to move back to it!

At that hour of the morning, what on EARTH makes you think they're *capable* of offering feedback?

Boring Old Man Story: In 1983, I registered for a second round of college, since the first Did Not Take. I was forced by a malign deity to take an 8a class in American History MWF. I lived 35mi from campus. When is rush hour? 6:45a-9a.

It was hell, and no amount of caffeine made it better. The prof, who was not a morning person, took care of this by making 8-8:30 read-a-story time. He picked short stories from the American Lit book that related to the period under discussion (1865-present) and, after we'd filtered in and read the story, we related that reading to our lecture materials. There were 40 or so of us. Everyone HAD to speak just enough to show you'd processed the info in the reading.

I hated it slightly less than an infectious rash after that.

In 1983, my parents were still teenagers.

Why Stephen, so was I! I was a mere *quick calculation* negative six at that time, since I am but 21 even now!

At that hour of the morning, what on EARTH makes you think they're *capable* of offering feedback?

Ah, because they're there that early on purpose. I, for one, never took a class before 10am, because I knew how likely I was to function in an earlier class. History at 8am? You were asking for trouble.

There are a number of sections of my class open every semester, so students who take the class that early are usually doing it for a reason. For example, I teach a 9am class on MWF, and one of my students drives a school bus. The early hours let her fit in a class or two between her rounds.







My parents married in 1983. If my father ever realizes that my mom left for a reason they may be divorced by the end of 2010...

HA! Ethan Gilsdorf just tweeted my review of Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks.

very cool !!!!!

GOD does this site need a "like" button! Way cool!

#197: Congrats, Luxx!

Thanks, guys. It was a funny moment. I don't check twitter very much anymore, and scrolling through I had a moment of deja vu ... and realized it was because it was my own writing. He used LT as the link, too, which I thought was cool.

80.
Author: Howard Greenfeld
Title: After the Holocaust
Publication: Hardback
Pages: 141 pages
Genre: Nonfiction
Acquisition: reviewed by Whisper1
Date Completed: October 7, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Howard Greenfeld's project is an engrossing and heartbreaking look at the lives of young people who survived the Nazi regime, only to be forced to endure countless further hardships as they try to gain some sort of "normal" existence. After the Holocaust carefully balances research with first-person accounts, so the history itself becomes personal, and the book is all the more moving for the stories and photos shared by the participating survivors. I appreciate Greenfeld's attempts to move beyond the initial horror of the war and concentration camps to show contemporary readers the continued plight of an abused people. Likewise, I appreciate Greenfeld's attempts to widen the scope of victims; while the personal accounts are all related by Jewish survivors, Greenfeld's analysis frequently refers to the other ostracized and victimized peoples who fall victim to the same prejudice and horror. Recommended for everyone.

#201: I already have that one in the BlackHole thanks to Linda's recent review. Unfortunately, I cannot get my hands on it at the moment. Grrrr.

>197 London_StJ: ok, Luxx... I think I get this now - the tweeter thing.
So, that's pretty cool! High Five! (does anyone do that anymore?)

(does anyone do that anymore?)

My two-year-old is a fan. ;)

Banned book bracelet!

It's that time of the year ago - research paper time. One of the topics I give my students is to read/analyze/research a banned book. So far this year my students have selected the following:

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen (I'm not so sure this actually satisfies the requirement - does anyone know of a challenge against this book?)
Bible

Oh wow, I just realized I meant to post this two hours ago...

Sorry I cannot help about the Dessen book. No idea if or why it has been banned.

>178 London_StJ:: A Very Happy First Birthday to your Max tomorrow. He shares the day with my son-in-law who is also a pretty cool guy.

And my baby boy (father of the precious Haley) will turn 35 on Sunday, 10-10-10!

That's a very special birthday!

Maximus says thank you.




Thanks anyway, Stasia. I did a brief search and nothing popped up, so it doesn't look promising. I've asked the student to point out some preliminary info if she wants to use the book...

I also have a couple people using J.D. Salinger, and I think I have one To Kill a Mockingbird and at least one Harry Potter.

The censorship topic is usually the favorite topic, and I love how energized my students get. The research librarians appreciate the prompt, too, so everyone wins.

Love the bracelet...

birthday cake and video to follow I assume??

Just finished the birthday cake. Whew! What a job!

Breakfast tomorrow is a birthday cupcake, followed by cake for lunch. My little monster is going to explode.

203, 204 re: High Five:

Does he know the "on the side"/"on the other side"/"down low"/"too slow" variations? Our little boy (now 28) used to love those. Good times!

Karen O.

Heh, not yet, but his uncle plays "too slow" with him all the time. ;) It's hilarious to watch the twenty-year-old play with the two-year-old...

That's so sweet...wonderful for both parties.

Karen O.

Congrats on the tweet Luxx and happy birthday week to Max!

Happy birthday, Max! I cannot believe it has been a year already! (of course, I am still thinking Catey is 6 - she is going to be 20 in January)

Max is 1? Already? Happy Birthday, Max!

Happy birthday to Max. I better hurry up and start growing, he'll be catching up to me! :)

Ack! I lost your thread but caught up just in time to wish your darling little Max a very happy birthday.

Thank you, everyone!

He was born one year and six minutes ago. Oh my.

Dr. Aubrey Luxx! CEASE posting pictures that make me want more children! The Divine Miss and I do not NEED children!!

I want to kiss his chocolatey cheekie-weekies, though, drat you!

Sorry, Padre - just sharing the love/misery. Two children is the right number for us, but Max is so sweet and easy that I can't help but want more.

You can always borrow mine!

Stolen from brenzi:

On your nightstand now: Boneshaker by Cherie Priest and Candide by Voltaire.

Favorite book when you were a child: Where the Wilde Things Are when I was in preschool, The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause when I was seven or so, and then The Immortal by Christopher Pike

Your top five authors: Ooo, tough one. Charlotte Bronte, Oscar Wilde, Christopher Pike, Bram Stoker, Jane Austen

Book you've faked reading: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Book you're an evangelist for: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Dear lord, I try to get everyone to read it...

Book you've bought for the cover: I only buy decorative copies of books I already own. I bought a big beautiful copy of The Hunchback of Notre Dame for the cover.

Favorite line from a book: The first one that comes to mind is "The world must be peopled!" from Much Ado About Nothing, but I could also pick out a dozen lines from Wilde, Austen, Bronte...

Book that changed your life: The Silver Kiss - it inspired the fascination with vampires that is now fueling my professional/graduate career

Book you most want to read again for the first time: Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

Obviously I need to schedule a visit. That is the most adorable child! Brooks ain't no slouch, but I have bad memories of the Terrible Twos...Max is the perfect age! Then I don't wanna know from 'em again until they're four to eight; then someone else can keep 'em until they're in college. Boarding school always seemed like a wonderful idea to me. I wanted to go to one, too, but Mama wasn't having it.

*sigh*

Brooks is edging out of the terrible twos, thank goodness. He throws fits about getting ready in the morning, but is otherwise pretty pleasant.

Yesterday I wore fishnets to work, and he said, "Oh no! Socks! Brokey socks! Mommy, brokey feet, brokey socks." It was adorable.

Brokey socks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I wet myself.

220: Crap, he really is catching up! *concentrates on growing a mustache or something*

>220 London_StJ:: Both of those pictures are too precious...making my heart melt here. Give the birthday boy (and his brother) a big hug from me.

Btw, you've made me want to read The Picture of Dorian Gray again. Love that book. It also got my great-nephew interested in reading again when I gave him a copy a few years ago. He's 17 and still enjoys reading!

Your children are just absolutely too cute for words, Luxx! Thank you for sharing the pictures.

Isn't it amazing, the difference one little year can make? He's so cute!
I want some of that cake.

The afternoon cake was a repeat of the breakfast massacre. It was glorious.

Thank you for all the kind wishes! We had a lovely day, and today we're stomping off to my inlaws for Birthday Celebration 3.0.

229 - Behold the power of Wilde! I still haven't convinced my partner to read it, but last night he agreed to try Dracula "the next time {he's} in the mood for fiction."

rd has lost it with all the gifs. srsly

<232 Oh! Richard! I'm sending this gif to my crazy marathon, physical therapist daughter! Good one...

Hi Luxx - remember 1 year ago??? Happy birthday to Mom and Max!

I thought Richard didn't do gifs. Oh that's right he doesn't allow them on his thread. My mistake.

Your children are just so beautiful. Each picture simply confirms it Luxx.

I have to get to The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dracula both of which are on my shelf waiting patiently.

Hey! Whot happened to my message? Drat!

To repeat:
>232 richardderus: Good one Richard! I'm sending that gif to my crazy marathon, physical therapist daughter who keep trying to get me to move more.

And Luxx! Happy Birthday to Mom and Max! Remember 1 year ago? You always will!

I was awakened from a sound sleep at 2:50am by screams from Auntie's bedroom. She was too lazy to pull up the covers and got cold, so she woke me up to come do it for her.

As my back was *killing* me after a Stella incident, I was loopy from the pain meds and went on a GIF binge. That one made me laugh so hard I wasn't even mad at Auntie anymore!

And Luxx...the little quizziedoodle over on my FB wall has a "what animal you remind me of" item, and you have always reminded me of a lemur...quick, big-eyed, curious about everything, and irresistibly cuddlydorable.

Happy Belated Birthday to that super-smoochable Max and to you too, you hardworkin' Mama! Dorian Gray is SUCH a wonderful book, can't wait to get to the movie this week, courtesy of your glowing review. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

I love the film because it is an interpretation of the novel (which, in my opinion, is the best a director can do when trying to translate between mediums). I hope you enjoy it!

>237 -Cee-: - Ah, one year ago... My sweet sweet baby came into the world, and just as we arrived in our room they dropped the bomb - they wouldn't let my toddler visit us in the hospital because of swine flu. I had to go three days without seeing my first monster, and that was tough. The little squish made it a bit easier, though. ;)

Now I have them both, which is just how I like it.

Padre, I had to google lemurs. I dig the stripes.

Aren't they adorable? I jes' luuuv 'em!

Just popping in to say Hi, Luxx!

Belated happy birthday to Max! (He's such a cutie!)

catching up and moving on..

Also catching up ... and, before moving on ...

May I please add that seeing you and Max on his birth day is so touching and lovely. He IS absolutely adorable looking, Luxx. Enjoy him each and every day, which I can tell, you do already.

No wonder both of your boys are so *handsome* with a terrific looking Mom like you. Your hubby must be given acknowledgment here for contributing fifty per cent of the *beauty* genes. Bet, he's a hottie, too.

I'm not sure that I will ever catch up entirely on your thread, but, I surely enjoy stopping by to check in on your reads and your busy, rewarding and possibly, exhausting life! You rock.

>244 womansheart: - You certainly know how to make a mama happy, don't you?

B gets his gorgeous curls and luxurious eyelashes from his daddy, and Max may well follow in those footsteps. Follicle steps?

I'm a big fan of these men.



Thank you for taking the time to pop in. I never ever manage to read all of the threads I want to, so it's nice to exchange passing hellos once in awhile. ;) Happy reading!

Now it's back to lecture planning, and then off to Three Pines...

I have four words for your future: Western Connecticut State University.

#245: What great pictures, Luxx!

I hope you are enjoying your current Three Pines read.

>246 richardderus: - You lost me, sir

>247 alcottacre: - Oh dear, it is so hard to put down The Brutal Telling when it's time for bed. I don't have much time to read before then, so I always look forward to camping out before bed, but 20-30 minutes just isn't enough time in Three Pines.

#248: You are right - 20-30 minutes is not enough time in Three Pines! Maybe you will have more time for reading on the upcoming weekend, Luxx.

>248 London_StJ: I was feeling sybilline last night. I had dreams of an extremely specific nature. Your future lies at WCSU, or at least my dream said it did, and I gave up arguing with dreams.

Maybe you will have more time for reading on the upcoming weekend, Luxx.

I'm cramming work just so I have time to read, actually. And sew.

Although we're taking the monsters to a plantation in VA on Saturday for a day of fun, games, and pumpkins. Our friends take their three boys every year, and we can't wait to check it out.

You know, I just realized something - MD has started Richard's all-male society. It's a big joke in our circle that girl babies don't exist; the last thirteen births in our family/friends have all been boys. Make that fourteen. Wait ... at least fifteen- one friend just had a little boy...

>250 richardderus: - How could your dreams be wrong? I'll check it out. ;)

Wait...sibylline...and that's just o.0 about the babies.

>252 London_StJ: It's in Danbury. Near Lake Candlewood.

Just realized I hit my limit. This thread is probably a little picture-heavy anyway.

The sinister seventh

>254 richardderus: - Still no clue, but that's not surprising - I've lived in this area my whole life and I still can't tell you if the road that runs one mile away is 424 or 450.