The good news about having a slow Internet connection is that I have ample time to think. I have renewed interest in The World is Flat due to a conversation with a fellow yogi yesterday. I am pursuing on.
I have also decided to add a few more history books to my spreadsheet of items to read. The inspiration? This morning I was fortunate to attend a Western Civilization lecture at my undergraduate campus. (I don't think I stood out too much, but I do think at least one or two students noticed the slight resemblance that I have to the teacher.) It was nice to sit in class, listen, learn and not worry about what might be on an exam. College is still the same cross-section it was when I attended with a variety of dress and the ever present pony-tail for the “early morning” class at ten. It is nice to see how things change and how things still remain the same.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Differences of Opinion
I finished The Time Traveler's Wife Thursday afternoon and had the opportunity to discuss it with five other women later that evening. It was interesting to see who had read the book and who had instead seen the movie and then compare the likes/dislikes of either media (in relatively general terms since all present had not seen or read). The conversation reminded me that a portion of the joy of reading is the later discussion regarding thoughts and feelings that we each experience when exposed to a work. (Thank you book club.)
I enjoyed the book and think I read it at just the right place in my life. When exploring something new, the "when" is as important as the "what", but of course, you already know that.
I enjoyed the book and think I read it at just the right place in my life. When exploring something new, the "when" is as important as the "what", but of course, you already know that.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Find in the Garage Box
“I’ve never read a Nancy Drew book”. I gasped when I saw this morning’s email from GBC Paige and then smiled while reading Meg Daly’s review of Confessions of a Teen Sleuth by Chelsea Cain.
Of course I wondered how a child from the ‘70s missed reading Nancy Drew, but then quickly realized if not for my Aunt C, I too would likely have not read the mystery stories. My Aunt is a librarian and loved books. She introduced both my sister and I to numerous worlds beyond our small town. Some of my fondest memories of a child were my Aunt and Uncle driving to our house with boxes of books that were intended to have been destroyed but were rescued and delivered to two eager girls. These days were as good as Christmas, and we never knew what we were going to find for reading material. There were books about states, books about science, Reader’s Digest bound collections, Seasame Street books of cooking, Shakespeare (if you can believe it), Little House on the Prairie, and of course, Nancy Drew. I am certain my mom loved these visits as well, as the house became quiet for a few weeks again as my sister and I devoured the books.
I have a box in the garage of some of these childhood delights; my parents are storing the remainder (thank you) that my sister does not have. This morning I found five Nancy Drew Mystery Stories of four titles; for some reason, I have two copies of The Clue in the Jewel Box. The library markings are still evident though fading and each book has its mark for storage in the “Y” section of the library under “Kee”. Four of them also have their library cards with the signatures of those souls who read these from 1972 to 1981.
Of course I wondered how a child from the ‘70s missed reading Nancy Drew, but then quickly realized if not for my Aunt C, I too would likely have not read the mystery stories. My Aunt is a librarian and loved books. She introduced both my sister and I to numerous worlds beyond our small town. Some of my fondest memories of a child were my Aunt and Uncle driving to our house with boxes of books that were intended to have been destroyed but were rescued and delivered to two eager girls. These days were as good as Christmas, and we never knew what we were going to find for reading material. There were books about states, books about science, Reader’s Digest bound collections, Seasame Street books of cooking, Shakespeare (if you can believe it), Little House on the Prairie, and of course, Nancy Drew. I am certain my mom loved these visits as well, as the house became quiet for a few weeks again as my sister and I devoured the books.
I have a box in the garage of some of these childhood delights; my parents are storing the remainder (thank you) that my sister does not have. This morning I found five Nancy Drew Mystery Stories of four titles; for some reason, I have two copies of The Clue in the Jewel Box. The library markings are still evident though fading and each book has its mark for storage in the “Y” section of the library under “Kee”. Four of them also have their library cards with the signatures of those souls who read these from 1972 to 1981.
I do love reading and I am eternally grateful to my Auntie who helped fuel this habit.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Traveler for Travel
My airport selection left me with The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Highlights for me thus far (about 1/4 read) include the setting in Chicago and the fact that the author teaches letterpress printing, which I adore. A visit to her website gave me links to libraries and a cemetery; I regard both of these as a plus.
This is also another example of book to film this summer. I am certain this is yet another reason that the book caught my eye: effective airport marketing combined with small selection. I typically like to have a gap between reading and viewing so that I am not too critical in a film review. Timing is everything.
This is also another example of book to film this summer. I am certain this is yet another reason that the book caught my eye: effective airport marketing combined with small selection. I typically like to have a gap between reading and viewing so that I am not too critical in a film review. Timing is everything.
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