Ghouled Afternoon

It is Halloween and while you might have been expecting some narrative regarding a BOOk, I wAs unins(VAM)PIREd regarding a specific topic. Perhaps I could have expounded about the abundance of PIRATEd media currently available in the market or the GHOSTly, rather ghastly, treatment of the copyright but that is a MONSTER of a topic for a simple Blog. I WAS also going to mention I hope you CARVED out a moment to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, if you have not done so already (GBC Tim). So, as you have your conversation BY the sidewAlk with CANDY and ponder in WITCH spot to place your pumpkin, look for that next inspiring idea.

Hope you enjoy THE END of your day!

Writer's Only...

In August, I suggested that you might be interested in Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss if you wanted a grammar review. In truth, I have had this book for a couple of years, but had never actually read it. This week was my turning point for the book. I could write that I finally selected this work because I have been proofreading a bit more than I normally do (which is true), however I think logistics played a more important role. I have not visited our local library in a few weeks so was perusing my bookcase for something not yet finished. (It is like using those random items in your pantry for a meal when you do not want to go shopping. I am guilty of this as well.)

The first fifty pages dedicated to "The Tractable Apostrophe" have been entertaining and include those dry English examples of subtle wit that I have come to adore. Her illustration of "Cyclist's Only (his only what?!)" reminded me of several GBC discussions regarding observed signage in the local area.

Check your apostrophes and don't end up in a comma.

Fall Colors

We are just a few weeks away from the November 17th release of The Original of Laura by Vladamir Nabokov. This "book" was intended to be burned after Nabokov's death and was in fact, 138 unordered index cards upon which various scenes were sketched. In 2008 after over thirty years of reflection, Mr. Nabokov's son, Dmitri Nabokov, agreed to publish the manuscript. The book will also contain reproductions of Nabokov's index cards which can be removed and rearranged to change the story. This addition to the novel was the idea of Chris Kidd, Alfred A. Knopf's associate art director. [Upon reading the ability to shuffle the cards, I wondered if Mr. Kidd was a fan of B.S. Johnson's The Unfortunates which was published in twenty-seven sections with the intention of the middle twenty-five sections to be read in random order; the first and last sections are set.]

For those of you who are Playboy subscribers (for the articles of course), you have the opportunity for the first read of The Original of Laura in the December publication (available November 10th) with a 5,000 word passage.

I was first introduced to Nabokov's writing in my first year of college; his use of color in several works was the subject of a term paper for my Honor English class. I wonder if I still have a copy...

Squash

The content of my mailbox advises me of a change in the air: Holiday catalogs. Crate and Barrel wants me to think of Christmas, Pottery Barn reminds me of Thanksgiving, and Heifer International wants me to consider being an "Ark Angel" (I am not kidding). My alma maters are also reminding me to donate prior to year end.

Perhaps some of you have already made your holiday plans and are on the verge of gift preparations. These catalogs were my first prompts to even consider the holidays, but I feel it is too early. I want to enjoy an autumn day, think about pumpkins and squash, go for walks on crunchy leaves before I make a transition into a festive world of red, gold and green. The last quarter of the year seems to go all too quickly, and right now I am content pondering the number of layers I will need for the day.

Wanted: Cmmercial Wholesaler [sic]

This week I have read a number of job postings which have contained grammatical and/or spelling errors. These mistakes do not bode well for the company image, however should you judge a corporation on an individual error? If you are interested in the position, should you apply and ignore the mistake? Should you contact the company regardless of whether or not interested in the role to advise the poster of their blunder? My HR sources indicate that one should not point out spelling errors during interviews.

So what, then is the appropriate course of action?

1. Ignore. (It is hard to ignore something you have noticed.)
2. Tweet about it.
3. Incorporate the headlines into business lectures.
4. Collect errors and one day publish an award winning business book entitled Spell-binding
5. Advise the company to correct it.
6. All of the above.

The Bookclub Tale

Last night was another great gathering for the GBC Book Club. Special thanks to GBC K for hosting our discussion. Having breakfast for dinner on a cool autumn evening was fantastic, and I think each of us had more than one serving of the delicious egg casserole and cheesy potatoes. The east side of the table was also equally fond of the biscuits and Early's preserves, as well as the mixed fruit. The west side managed the coffee cake and cupcakes. Needless to write, no one left hungry.

Last night we welcomed a new member and drank toasts to the health of three of our missing readers: Safe travels, Get well soon, or Get your work done! (as appropriate - you know who you are)

We had a very healthy discussion of The Thirteenth Tale and were mixed regarding the "Who's Who" of the ending (though we each had our theories). We managed to collectively recount the narrative for those that had not yet finished, leaving room for the imagination and the temptation to finish. It was a very nice read and a lovely evening to be with friends.

Full of October

I turned to poetry this weekend for company during my short travels. My bi-lingual edition of Isla Negra by Pablo Neruda includes an English translation by Alastair Reid. Although the collection of poems are autobiographical and likely should be read consecutively, I enjoyed randomly selecting a work and testing the memory of my Spanish before reviewing the translation in my native tongue. Love, war, friendships, places, emotions and observations are wrapped in a melody of words that captured my attention on a cool autumn day. One of my favorites from yesterday's read was Pleno octubre (October Fullness).

Pablo Neruda was the 1971 recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature; his Nobel Lecture as well as other bibliographical information can be found here.

Mid-October Muse

I have been in no rush to start a new book. I think this delay is, in part, due to the fact that I have a very special knitting project in the works, and I cannot read and knit at the same time...yet. Secondarily, well, the reason may soon become clear.

My non social-media serious reading (NSMSR) the last two days has been limited to: news items, a sewing machine instruction book (the bottom bobbin is tricky!), and random selections from Light on Yoga before falling asleep. One quotation from the text that has stayed with me this last few days is "The yogi's life is not measured by the number of his days but by the number of his breaths." For me, this meant, take a pause, so I am.

Hopefully this weekend you will discover (or rediscover) something that gives you reason for reflection, and you will find joy in the pause.

October Rambles

Our next meeting is less than a week away, so you may want to take advantage of these rainy days to read The Thirteenth Tale if you have not already had the chance to do so. It is perfectly paired with a cup of cocoa. I am anticipating a delightful evening at GBC K's home.

Today's agenda includes a trip to our downtown library to find a few suitable books for the upcoming weeks. Thank you for the suggestions. If you are in the area, you may want to check out the photo exhibit from Magdeburg, one of our sister cities, which is on display through the 24th at the Main location.

I was remiss in reminding everyone of the Southern Festival of Books last weekend; hopefully you were able to stop by and meet some great people.

Finally, if you are inclined to write about food or drink, the Tennessee Writers Alliance is sponsoring a poetry contest. Details here.

The Reader II

I thought I was an avid reader until last night.

The background: Local softball fall co-ed league which plays each Monday night.

The weather: Overcast gray skies with a sunset behind a storm cloud that looked like a Thomas Kinkade painting. (Please note I am not a fan of Thomas Kinkade paintings, but the light was rather dramatic and this is my best description after only one cup of coffee.)

The players: Mish-mash of persons from Nashville and surrounding areas with a joy of playing a sport that surpasses a desire to win.

The main character, a.k.a the "reader": Our pitcher. (Just makes for the right story, don't you think?)

Timing: Mid-way through the game with our pitcher next up to bat.

The statement which made me re-think reading: "Guess I'd better put my book down and get on deck."

While I had assumed he was keeping track of Monday Night Football, he was actually reading via his iPhone. Incidentally, he had a great night at bat.

What to Read Next?

After spending a day outside in cool fall weather, I have accepted the new season. Now I am in search of the next read to keep me company with a cup of tea. I have a list of books just waiting to be selected like the old toys once stored in our gigantic plastic elephant toy box with the rosy red cheeks (or maybe that was just me). Should I choose a classic? Newly published? Randomly selected by the book's jacket from the library? From my list or off the list? I'm open to suggestions.

Prost!

If you are reading this blog today and live in the neighborhood, we need to have a serious discussion. Go outside and enjoy the street festival!

For anyone else who is outside driving distance, well, go outside and do something that makes you happy. Later, have a nice cold beverage and raise your glass our way.

Sweet October

Have you ever looked at a book you were reading and been conflicted about whether or not you wanted to finish it? Your goal is to finish. You want to finish. Yet, if you race to the end, it's over. That's it. Another story under your belt and well...you do not want to rush it. To me, a book can sometimes be like a decadent dessert at the end of a very fine meal. You know you will order it because you want it. You have been thinking of it since the first course, anticipating a delicious selection, but yet not quite certain the taste your palate will crave. When the dish arrives (likely containing some type of chocolate unless you are GBC Sondra), you take your time between forkfuls, savoring each bite, until you reach an empty dish with a sweet satisfaction that the world is indeed beautiful and each of us is lucky.

Last night, The Thirteenth Tale was my dessert.

The Seventh Tale

By now, you likely know I am a fan of the Man Booker Awards. This year's prize for fiction was awarded to Hilary Mantel for Wolf Hall which is a look at 1500s England and the rise of Thomas Cromwell. (I am certain my sister would enjoy this book.)

In other news, I have begun our October book club selection, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I started reading the book an hour before a meeting yesterday and had to keep a sharp eye on my watch to ensure I did not lose myself in the story. When I finally stopped reading (ending on the chapter "Meeting Miss Winter") so I could review the meeting material, I am certain the receptionist did not hear me sigh. I am presently at the half-way mark and understand GBC Kim's enthusiasm to complete the book.

A sunny day is underway; hope you enjoy it.

October Grays

My plane read yesterday was courtesy of F.L. Right and our September GBC informal book swap/lend. I chose the book based on size and density (like a good engineer), and if you travel frequently, you know this is key for optimal mobility. One of the great things about being in either a book club or a circle of readers is that you will be exposed to books that you would otherwise miss.

I was not familiar with Christoper Rice but I picked up his A Density of Souls for my next travel read. The book was published in 2000 and follows the interactions of four friends as they begin that period of hardship and discovery that we call high school. (Though I haven't checked, I am certain this book made a challenged list somewhere.) The story is somber with a hint at mystery. Moreso, though, it reminded me of those interactions we have in the South where you know that something troubling has happened in a person's past, but you are not certain what that "something" is. Rice does not leave you wondering as you move through the book, and the revelations are generally quite painful. After completing it, I was left with the more general question of whether or not a novel set in New Orleans could ever be cheerful when copious amounts of alcohol and general geography tend to cast a dark shadow. (This link to a January Magazine interview with Rice is also worth a read as Mr. Buchsbaum poses an interesting question regarding Manning which was released around the same time.)

To continue our gray theme for today, I also wanted to share this link to an NPR interview by Terry Gross with Michael Greenberg author of Hurry Down Sunshine: A Father's Story of Love and Madness which was released in paperback last month. One of the quotes which struck me during the broadcast was his "I have diabetes. I have cancer, but I am schizophrenic" referring to identity and illness. I have added this book to my list.

Shelf Space Anyone?

Luckily today, we will have missed the rush.

October 1st was purported as "Super Thursday" in the UK as 800 titles were released for sale. The goal is to maximize distribution during this peak purchase time before the holidays. Imagine the new titles which may (or may not) make our reading lists. Look for an increase in book reviews from all your favorite sources and have a super Saturday.

Challenge for October

You may not have realized that we are in the midst of "Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read" which is held the last week of September, and this year runs September 26th through October 3rd. The American Library Association is one of the sponsors of this week, and its website is full of resources regarding the history of the event and various other statistics regarding challenged authors and books. (We do love math.)

The ALA reports that from 2001 to 2008 just over 3700 books have been challenged with nearly even thirds of these occurring in classrooms, school libraries, and public libraries. The leading challengers were parents in 51% of the cases. Would you be surprised to hear The Kite Runner ranked ninth in the Top Ten 2008? Several of our previous book selections (Golden Compass was fourth for 2007) and many of the "classics" have made the lists. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is one of the most challenged titles of last decade.

So for October, be daring and add a challenged title to your book list.