Jump to content

Menu

Colleen

Members
  • Posts

    6,215
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    1

Posts posted by Colleen

  1. I do buy books, but use the library for the vast majority of my reading.

     

     

    Same. I'm the anti-thesis of a pack rat. So much so, that I don't even accumulate books. 

     

    As sad as this sounds my favorite literary location was an used\ antique book store ran by one of my mom's friends when I was growing up. Two floors of towering bookshelves filled with wonderful books in the old (1880 or so) part of town. Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames were the highlights :). It closed when I was in Junior High. Wonderful ones out there now but none can compare to how happy that store made me!

     

     

    Not sad in the least; that sounds lovely! The literary location that most sticks in my mind is Chateau Chillon, where Byron carved his name in the dungeon. And when I reread Frankenstein, that whole Lake Geneva area, and Cologny. I have a lot of children/young adult lit location associations. I always loved visiting places while we were doing a read-aloud or studying that locale. Oh, and when you read Annie Dillard's The Living, she really does bring this corner of the world off the page. She evokes well the image of being on north coast, Salish Sea waters, looking toward the islands, dark with evergreens. An example of the natural landscape itself as a literary location.

     

     

     

    I spend a lot of time tracking hurricanes even when hurricanes are not headed in my direction. New Orleans is getting ready for another one...

     

     

    Having gone to college in NOLA and then worked in Houston, hurricanes have been on my radar this season, too. My Ranger school son "enjoyed" remnants of Irma while in the north GA mountains. Now they're in swamp phase in the FL panhandle; should get a dose of Nate there, too.

     

    Kazuo Ishiguro has won the Nobel Prize!

     

    How many of his books have you read? 

     

    Only one, Remains of the Day. I liked it well enough, but came into it battle-scarred by the film. I have a vivid memory of watching that at a wonderful art house theater in Houston. I was with a few friends, and we all prided ourselves on our appreciation of good film. But we each could.not.wait for that movie to end. 

     

     

    Kazuo Ishiguro, in spite of his name, is a British writer. 

     

     

    Kazuo Ishiguro was a poor example...But what about people like Junot Diaz? Born in the DR, raised in New Jersey. When he writes semi-autobiographical stuff about his childhood in the DR, is he primarily a Dominican writer, or is he an American writer? or a Dominican-American writer? Is that a separate category?

     

     

    Good question with no clearcut answer. I think about this even in terms of (US)American authors. I mentioned The Living above. Annie Dillard lived here in Bellingham WA for years as she researched the book. She likely knows the history of this region better than 98% of the people who live here. And yet she's by no means a Washingtonian, or even a Pacific NW native. But what if she had been born and raised here, then moved away as an adult and wrote that book? Would she be a WA author? I realize that's a poor analogy as compared to crossing international boundaries. Just more food for thought.

    • Like 12
  2.  

    Oh, my. Now you've gone & done it ~ but I did ask, didn't I? I kinda sorta hate to admit this, but a 50 States Book Tour entices me far more than the World Book Tour. Maybe because I've already read many of them, lol? But some in the mix, I'd gladly reread. I'm particularly drawn to the Southern Living list, with a few trade-outs here & there. 

     

    So now I must decide: tour the country or tour the world? Or both? Hmmm...decisions, decisions!

    • Like 12
  3.  

    For those considering actually reading books from every country, I know one obstacle she met was that there were no English translations for books from some countries. In those cases, she ended up being mailed manuscripts or translations from various people around the world who helped make her goal happen. 

     

    Yep, I've spent FAR too long perusing her list, checking availability. (Note to self:  Yes, Colleen you are supposed to be Doing Real Life and running library searches until 3am does not qualify.) Roughly every third country presents a challenge. Then, too, some of her options and selections don't appeal to me, and I really am past the point in life wherein I force myself to read something I don't care to read. 

     

    Ok, so since we're veering off into international reading territory, please recommend ONE book from somewhere that you think those of us interested in international reading should read. I know my recommendations would vary by the hour, but for right now, I will recommend:

     

    511OPWG-aIL._SX333_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

     

    The Book of Embraces by Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano.

     

    The NY Times Review: 'There Is a Woman Stuck in My Throat'

     

    FYI, I first discovered this book because I found it on a 2014 list called A Novel for Every Remaining World Cup Team.

     

    Done! I'm won over by any list that relates books to sports. As for recommending one international book, I have to think about it, thanks again to my tendency to read non-fiction. (Not that you limited the suggestion to fiction.)

     

    I flipped through Novel Destinations last night. It was haphazardly arranged and ultimately disappointing.

     

    I glanced through it at the library yesterday and had the same takeaway.

     

    Japan. I know, I know. Nobody is surprised that I choose a small island nation. Everyone is surprised it's something other than England. 

     

    3181564.jpg

     

    Read this a few years ago and loved it so much that I still think about it.

     

     

    Added this to my list as well, thank you!

     

    In my late-night researching, I further contemplated in what order I might tackle the international list. (I honestly don't foresee reading a book from every country, but thinking about it is a fun distraction.)  Alphabetical is nicely systematic. Chronological or geographical makes more sense. Then I came up with the crazy notion of using names, e.g. Cambodia, Oman, Laos, Latvia, East Timor, Ecuador, Namibia. Get it? Ha ha!  

     

    Btw, if anyone has a "50 Fifty Books for 50 States" list, do share. Because we need more rabbit trails!

    • Like 19
  4. Colleen!!! 

     

    :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

     

    I am so happy to 'see' you here... and to hear a few updates about you and your gang of boys!

     

    <3

     

    Eliana

     

     

     

    Eliana! You're here! You and so many others from yesteryear, all in this little snow globe world, just where I left you. *grin*  It truly warms my heart to see so many familiar names & faces ~ and new ones, as well.

    • Like 16
  5. I've been geeking out on the list too! I rearranged it geographically and plugged in the books I've read already, including books from the past couple of years. I've hit 35 countries so far. 

     

    Same! Geeking out on the list, that is. I definitely haven't read books from 35 countries in the past couple of years (or ever, probably). 

     

    So am I missing it, or does she (Ann Morgan) ever address how she went about tackling this? In terms of where she started, and where she "traveled" next, I mean. I'm so systematic, I assumed she read through the countries either alphabetically or geographically. Reading some of her book commentaries, though, I'm not seeing a particular sense of order. Maybe just whatever she could get her hands on next? 

    • Like 14
  6.  

     

    One of my IRL friends and I have also talked about trying to do the 50 states (plus territories) as well. We got inspired at the National Festival of the Book to think on that one. Just a different flavor of the same idea...

     

     

     

    Oooh, I like this, too! Could replace my short-lived notion of running a marathon in each state. Quite a bit more realistic, albeit not as horizon-broadening. (ETA: that last bit was in reference to the reading around the world project. But at this point, reading a book from each state is more realistic than running 26.2 in each one....!)

    • Like 14
  7. I think I wouldn't want to approach it based on familiarity. 

     

    It would be my inclination, but I'd have to resist it. I admittedly don't challenge myself lately where reading is concerned, so the "easy out" would be to first tackle that with which I'm more familiar. I tend any more to do a lot of rereading, at least insofar as novels are concerned. I seldom read fiction, and when I do, it's often comfort food. Revisiting a Willa Cather or Bronte landscape, that sort of thing. 

     

     

    I have finally started Born a Crime  by Trevor Noah. Thank you, Lady Florida for sending it to me. I'm still on the hold list at the library and would still be waiting. That is one popular book. This will most likely be a book I will have my teen listen to. 

     

    Oh, I'm glad for this reminder! I had this on my radar last year and lost sight of it. Still want to read it ~ and yes, sounds like one to recommend to my son(s), as well. 

     

     

    Speaking of books in translation:  Roseanna by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö was a page turner toward the end. Excellent police procedural translated from the Swedish.

     

    Goes without saying that any book by an author named Per must be good.  ;)  This sounds like something to read after watching Brenda Blythen ("Vera") ponder a murder against a brooding Northumberland backdrop.

    • Like 16
  8. I have thought about it as a long term idea (certainly more than a year!) and my rules for myself would be a bit different. Hmmm thanks to your reminder maybe I will try to synthesize my thoughts.

     

    I'd be interested in hearing how you (and others) might approach an idea like this. One thought that occurs to me is that I'd likely begin with which I'm most familiar, and what's easiest to access. Which could set the course for ultimately fading out, kwim? 

    • Like 17
  9. Hey, Jenn!  "Homeschool mom emeritus"...haha. Nice! That'd be me as well, since I stopped homeschooling after my divorce & move into town. Only then did I realize that educating my guys was truly a full-time job, a passion & career. Truth be told, I am still, two years later, fairly lost without that job. Blerg. 

     

    My baby (Kai) just turned 13 and is a 7th grader. What the dickens? How is that even possible? Rafe is a sophomore and Luke is a senior, doing dual enrollment at the community college. Per has mostly worked since graduating high school last year. He spent last winter as a ski instructor in Switzerland. Wanted to travel around like all good young Europeans and Aussies, but realized even backpacking does require money. He's going to the community college and wishing always that he could exist solely on hunting & fishing ~ which I suppose he could, in a Grizzly Adams sort of fashion. Jan, my oldest, graduated from Washington State University in May. He's also Army Infantry and is currently at Ranger School. 

     

    I really have to think hard to remember the days when I had this band gathered around while we read SOTW. Now it's a matter of self-education purely for my own benefit ~ takes a bit more motivation! 

     

    I definitely hope to pop in here from time to time. Currently on my nightstand I have:

     

    Chernow's Hamilton bio ~ Have intended to read it for ages. (As an aside, am I the only one who really a whole lot did not like the Hamilton soundtrack? I tried. But just...no.)

     

    The German War: A Nation Under Arms, 1939-1945 ~ Per thoughtfully gifted me this on my birthday - my birthday in March of last year. That's how long it's been sitting there. It is a tome. I do not expect to ever actually read it. Fortunately, Per has a short memory and has likely forgotten about it so he'll never ask what I thought of it, lol. 

     

    A Raisin in the Sun ~ I read this on a whim one summer during high school. It's on the reading list in Per's cc English class so I thought I'd revisit it. 

     

    "The Awakening" & Selected Stories ~ In the mode for some Southern lit.

     

    Hidden Figures ~ Rafe gave me this at Mother's Day. Haven't read it yet, but I watched the movie on a flight to Hawaii, does that count?

     

    The Best American Sports Writing 2015 ~ I can not tell a lie. These annual sports writing anthologies are my go-to reading. 

     

     

     

     

    • Like 19
  10. Hello, friends new & old (that's "old" in the figurative sense of the word, naturally) ~

     

    Just happened by chance upon this discussion. I've not visited WTM for quite some time but it made me smile to recognize a few names. Also served as a reminder that my book reading of late has been rather lackluster. I perused your lists & mentions and felt inspired, so much so that I considered dusting off my copy of Susan's Well-Educated Mind and pretending yet again that I'd make my way through the suggestions. Well, eh, perhaps not, lol. But a book a week isn't too lofty a goal. And I did already complete War and Peace, back when my college boyfriend and I read it simultaneously while apart for the summer.  We wrote letters ~ actually put pen to paper ~ discussing the book. Ah, the lost art of letter writing! 

     

    In the spirit of spooky & spectacular October reads, thought I'd suggest Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. I have soft spot for it, as it was among the first English books read by my German mother when she was young. 

    Off to reserve a few titles. Nice 'seeing' you!

    • Like 18
  11. I don't really agree with that. Fans of the sport have teams they like dislike in general. EVERYONE likes the Broncos. Everyone likes the Packers and Cowboys (kills me to say that, I hate Dallas).

    Oh, my good grief! Claiming that EVERYONE likes the Broncos & Cowboys (Dallas?! surely you jest!) is proof positive that likes & dislikes are a product of region, whim, and team make-up at a given point in time. In my lifetime, there's been one commonly held opinion across all sports and corners of the map: everyone loves to hate the Yankees (Yankee fans excepted, obviously).

  12. I was responding to this line, and I just disagree. I grew up in New England, and those fans are crazy serious about their teams. I lived near Pittsburgh for almost 10 years, and Steelers fans are just as passionate about their team. And here in TX, there was not much excitement about yesterday's game - because their team was not in it.

    Ah, okay. So you misunderstood me. Absolutely, people here in Seattle are passionate about our team. Four years in New Orleans during the paper bag era assured me of their devotion to the (S)aints. Don't get me started about my long-suffering Cleveland Browns relatives, never wavering from their commitment to the team! My point rather was that aside from devotion to the hometown team & a handful of serious, longtime rivalries, most fans aren't anti-any one team. They're pro-their team and anti-whomever is on the other line of scrimmage each week.

    • Like 3
  13. The stunningly poor play call at the end will go down in the annals of football history as The Stupidest Thing Ever. Second down and goal thanks to an incredible circus act catch by my hometown boy, Kearse. One timeout left. Best running back in the league in Money Lynch Beast Mode. And our godforsaken offensive coordinator calls a pass play.

     

    What. On. Earth. ??????

     

    Never in my life have I witnessed such a stupid, illogical play. I'd like to think this loss will be motivation for next season, but it may instead serve to undermine a lot of trust. As for Marshawn, not relying on him in that clutch moment may mean we've seen the last of him.

     

    Ugh. Worst loss ever. I am glad for football fans in general that it was a compelling game, which so often isn't true of the Super Bowl.

  14. Very few people who are football fans are neutral when it comes to the Patriots --- people either love them and think they can do no wrong, or they dislike them and think they are cheaters.

    Eh, no, not the case. What you describe is true of groupies and bandwagon fans. Akin to Seahawks twelves who play into the 49ers rivalry - unaware that no such rivalry existed years ago, when the two teams weren't even in the same division.

     

    Many - make that most - genuine followers of the game don't care one way or another about the Patriots or any other team. We have our allegiances, and beyond that we're in it for the game. We realize no franchise has a market on honesty or dishonesty. I've been tuned in to this game longer than most players & people in the head office have been alive. Long enough to realize teams don't have one immutable identity or character. Every franchise changes as people come & go and circumstances change.

     

    I've loved the Hawks since their inception. But let's face it, they've morphed over the years - and most supporters are on a bandwagon. All of which is to say, I don't believe people either love or hate the Pats any more than they love or hate the next team.

    • Like 2
  15. I've watched ALL 32 teams play.  Sorry, but I know what I'm talking about.  Not very many people pay as close attention as I do to football.  Most people just watch to see who is scoring and don't really watch the other aspects of the game. 

     

    Fortunately, I'm not "most people". The attentiveness with which I follow sports in general and football in particular borders on the embarrassing.  Pretty sure Dan Patrick et al need to create some room in their man cave for women who know at least as much about the game as they do. ;-D

    • Like 4
  16. The refs don't call holding or pass interference on the Seahawks (especially in the NFC Championship games). It is very difficult, if not impossible, for a quarterback to get a ball to a receiver when the defender is interfering with him (holding his arms). There are rules that the refs are supposed to abide by, but don't when it comes to the Seahawks. I've been watching football since I was 6 years old and I pay very close attention to what is actually going on in the games.

    Eh, I've been watching my whole life, too (and I'm no spring chicken). You're wrong - and if you watched all the Hawks games, you'd realize as much. But really, team loyalty is beside the point. There are no teams that refs always do or don't favor. Bad calls, missed calls are spread around.

    • Like 4
  17.  

    "Q: This has raised a lot of uncomfortable conversations for people around this country who view you as their idol. The question they’re asking themselves is, ‘What’s up with our hero?’ Can you answer right now, is Tom Brady a cheater?

    TB: I don’t believe so. 

     

     [A simple NO is needed here. Instead, we get an answer about how he "feels." Likely, he feels everyone does it, therefore HE is not a cheater.] 

     

     I feel like I’ve always played within the rules.

     

    [Another statement of how he FEELS. Also addresses "playing" within the rules, not "others" altering the game ball on his behalf.]

     

     I would never do anything to break the rules. 

     

    [Notice how this is constructed, I "would never," not I DIDN'T. And likely he had someone else break the rules on his behalf]

     

     

    You're spot on, Trish.  The very fact that he's incapable/unwilling of providing straightforward answers, as opposed to equivocations about his feelings, is telling.  Your last point is particularly well taken.  The Brady Bunch "feel" they can say in all honesty that they didn't do anything to break the rules ~ in the process passing the buck to the equipment handlers.

    • Like 1
  18. SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!!!

     

    To say that I was an emotional basket case throughout that game would be a major understatement. But like all good 12s, I never completely gave up hope. And they did it. They really did it. This team, this group...right here & now we're witnessing something pretty special. It was one of the greatest sports moments I've ever seen ~ and that's saying a lot, given my sports fanaticism!

  19. I very much do use sports as a means of disciplining my kids. 

    I very much don't use sports as a means to punish them.

     

    And in doing so, you're disciplining (teaching) them to elevate their needs & preferences above that of a common good to which they've committed ~ and punishing others in the process.

     

    It is not about elevating sports to an inappropriate position.  It is about honoring your commitments and being a person that others can depend on.

     

    Well said.

  20. Teens get a bad rap :)

     

    (T)here are stressful times and moments, but basically it's fine. They don't get a personality change the day they turn 13!

     

    Teens do get a bad rap, and I don't think parents should approach these years with fear and trembling.  It's like the so-called "terrible twos".  Some children may have a bad spell around that age, while others won't.  None of my guys did.  And none of them so far have had a "personality change" upon reaching age 13, but right around 14 they've entered a new stage.  And particularly when I experienced it the first time with my oldest, I had to learn how to adjust to that.

     

    I find raising a teenager harder for sure. It's harder in a different way...The decisions I have to make now are just harder. 

     

    Exactly.  And even if you weren't a "controlling" parent when they were little, your lack of control is emphasized as you become acutely aware that a young person is very much his/her own individual.

     

    I've traded physical exhaustion for mental and emotional exhaustion. One is cured by a weekend of rest. The others? I don't know. I'm still in the midst of it.

     

    Right again.  Most parents who have btdt will say this.  Parenting young children can by physically taxing.  Parenting teens and young adults can present a different sort of weariness.

     

    In all honesty if I had known how hard the teenage years would be I would have had fewer children. 

     

    I think it's good, when our advice is solicited, to share this with young parents.  It's easy, when children are littles, to be myopic and lose sight of the long term, big picture.

×
×
  • Create New...