Violet Crown Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 Julia, you have my prayers for Christ's strength in this difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin M Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 I'd love an electric kettle but hubby isn't in agreement. We have a 10 + year old Cuisinart coffee maker which is only used to heat water for my tea. It's all crusty from hard water deposit and collects a lot of dust. I'm ready to move on to something simpler. Just like when I started complaining about my old car, hubby will most likely now get in the mood to take the whole thing apart and clean the heck out of it. :rolleyes: Think I'll stop by target tomorrow and see what strikes my fancy since I'm the only one who will be using it anyway. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: to all of you with aging parents, especially with parents who live far away. It is a rough journey. And, about tea kettles. I get having a tea pot in which to steep the tea if you are going to have more than one mug, but...but.....is it so very wrong to just boil the water in the microwave? There isn't the romance of the whistle of the kettle or the zen like quality to the ritual of making tea, I know, but my microwave is so happy to be of use. It scrolls out the words "enjoy your meal" when you open the door after the ping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 My deepest sympathies, Julia. My dad is 71 and also totally independent until a few weeks ago. My brother called this afternoon to tell me he is back in the hospital. I'm also waiting to see if I need to travel. There aren't enough words to express how much I really don't want to face this reality. The worst thing is hearing my dad ask how this could be happening when he thought he was doing so well. The doctors have made it clear that his heart has been damaged for some time and it's amazing that he didn't have any symptoms till now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 And, about tea kettles. I get having a tea pot in which to steep the tea if you are going to have more than one mug, but...but.....is it so very wrong to just boil the water in the microwave? There isn't the romance of the whistle of the kettle or the zen like quality to the ritual of making tea, I know, but my microwave is so happy to be of use. It scrolls out the words "enjoy your meal" when you open the door after the ping! Yes, it is very, very wrong :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 OUAT :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 "And, about tea kettles. I get having a tea pot in which to steep the tea if you are going to have than one mug, but...but.....is it so very wrong to just boil the water in the microwave? There isn't the romance of the whistle of the kettle or the zen like quality to the ritual of making tea, I know, but my microwave is so happy to be of use. It scrolls out the words "enjoy your meal" when you open the door after the ping!" You are not alone. We can find the zen in a 60 second meditation while we listen to the microwave hum and focus on the turning mandala within. The pause that refreshes. ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 All done with Leonardo Da Vinci. I'm surprised it hasn't been republished (not counting on-demand and boutique presses) in forty years, given the readability of the novel and the general appeal of the subject. Anyhow, a recommend for anyone who can manage to get hold of a copy. I finally found my 2014 book list, and I'm three books ahead of where I thought. Posting it here in case I lose it again: 35. Dmitri Merejkowski, The Romance of Leonardo Da Vinci 34. Boccaccio, The Decameron 33. W. E. B. DuBois, The Souls of Black Folk 32. Nancy Brysson Morison, The Gowk Storm 31. Christopher Rush, Last Lesson of the Afternoon 30. François Mauriac, Life of Jesus 29. R. L. Stevenson, The Merry Men and Other Stories 28. John Buchan, The Strange Adventures of Mr Andrew Hawthorn and Other Stories 27. John Buchan, The Thirty-Nine Steps 26. The Poetic Edda 25. Walter Scott, Rob Roy 24. Robin Jenkins, The Cone-Gatherers 23. Henry James, Washington Square 22. James Hogg, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner 21. John Stuart Mill, On Liberty 20. Thomas Mann, The Magic Mountain 19. Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ 18. Colette, Music-Hall Sidelights 17. Colette, Gigi 16. Colette, Claudine at School 15. Balzac, The Black Sheep 14. Mark Holloway, Heavens on Earth 13. Brian Moore, The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne 12. Byron, Don Juan 11. Aphra Behn, Oroonoko, Or the Royal Slave 10. Richard Brautigan, A Confederate General From Big Sur 9. A. J. Symons, The Quest for Corvo 8. Jane Austen, Mansfield Park 7. Hildegard von Bingen, Scivias 6. Shakespeare, As You Like It 5. Guy de Maupassant, "Le Horla" 4. Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories 3. Nathaniel Hawthorne, The House of the Seven Gables 2. Frederick Rolfe, Hadrian VII 1. Thomas Mann, Death in Venice & Other Stories Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: to all of you, my friends, with parents facing difficulties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 Sending good thoughts to all of those who are facing difficult times with family and friends with ill health. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 All done with Leonardo Da Vinci. I'm surprised it hasn't been republished (not counting on-demand and boutique presses) in forty years, given the readability of the novel and the general appeal of the subject. Anyhow, a recommend for anyone who can manage to get hold of a copy. I finally found my 2014 book list, and I'm three books ahead of where I thought. Posting it here in case I lose it again: 35. Dmitri Merejkowski, The Romance of Leonardo Da Vinci Looks like you can find some free online versions here: https://archive.org/details/romanceofleonard00mererich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 I finished Oedipus the King and The Bacchae so I'm moving on to The Aeneid, which is the last of the reading assignments for Greek and Roman Mythology. I'm almost there! I have to get a little ahead if I'm going to try and do the second paper, which looks downright scary. I also downloaded Five Weeks (Seven Series #3) for my kindle. I have mixed feelings about this series but I'm willing to try one more book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 This evening I finished the historical romance The Escape (Survivor's Club) by Mary Balogh. It's the most recent of a series but it could stand alone well. I enjoyed it. "In this poignant novel of longing and salvation, a hopeful widow and a resilient war hero discover the promise of love’s magic and new beginnings. After surviving the Napoleonic Wars, Sir Benedict Harper is struggling to move on, his body and spirit in need of a healing touch. Never does Ben imagine that hope will come in the form of a beautiful woman who has seen her own share of suffering. After the lingering death of her husband, Samantha McKay is at the mercy of her oppressive in-laws—until she plots an escape to distant Wales to claim a house she has inherited. Being a gentleman, Ben insists that he escort her on the fateful journey. Ben wants Samantha as much as she wants him, but he is cautious. What can a wounded soul offer any woman? Samantha is ready to go where fate takes her, to leave behind polite society and even propriety in her desire for this handsome, honorable soldier. But dare she offer her bruised heart as well as her body? The answers to both their questions may be found in an unlikely place: in each other’s arms." Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 :grouphug: and prayers to both Julia and Onceuponatime and their families. These decisions are such a shock even though logic said it was most likely coming soon, my mom is in her 90's but was still living a really active life. Dh and I went through it with his parents and my dad. Living so very far away makes it so much worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 This evening I finished the historical romance The Escape (Survivor's Club) by Mary Balogh. It's the most recent of a series but it could stand alone well. I enjoyed it. "In this poignant novel of longing and salvation, a hopeful widow and a resilient war hero discover the promise of love’s magic and new beginnings. After surviving the Napoleonic Wars, Sir Benedict Harper is struggling to move on, his body and spirit in need of a healing touch. Never does Ben imagine that hope will come in the form of a beautiful woman who has seen her own share of suffering. After the lingering death of her husband, Samantha McKay is at the mercy of her oppressive in-laws—until she plots an escape to distant Wales to claim a house she has inherited. Being a gentleman, Ben insists that he escort her on the fateful journey. Ben wants Samantha as much as she wants him, but he is cautious. What can a wounded soul offer any woman? Samantha is ready to go where fate takes her, to leave behind polite society and even propriety in her desire for this handsome, honorable soldier. But dare she offer her bruised heart as well as her body? The answers to both their questions may be found in an unlikely place: in each other’s arms." Regards, Kareni My best friend has been reading and really enjoying this series this week also. Now that you like them also I feel like I should be joining in or I am missing something! ;) The next Julia Quinn arrived at my library yesterday so will start reading it later today. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 And, about tea kettles. I get having a tea pot in which to steep the tea if you are going to have more than one mug, but...but.....is it so very wrong to just boil the water in the microwave? There isn't the romance of the whistle of the kettle or the zen like quality to the ritual of making tea, I know, but my microwave is so happy to be of use. It scrolls out the words "enjoy your meal" when you open the door after the ping! I used the microwave method for many years but to be really honest I think it is better if you pour the water into a fresh not heated mug and make your tea. That is what my mom does. Something about heated pottery. When we get done with this discussion we can move onto if the milk goes in before or after the tea! ;) In my world you need to ask when you are serving locals and everyone cares. Serving tea is work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeacherZee Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: To all you with aging parents. I have an electric kettle. Without it I would probably have home insurance that was through the roof :lol: I am currently reading Common Threads which I am sure someone here recommended a while back. Quite interesting so far. Although this line "...and observers complained about the 'erratic Irish-born priests' being a problem" made me think of these Irish Catholic Priests (warning NSFW and NSFC and please please I am in no way trying to insult Catholics, the Catholic Church or Priests) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 My deepest sympathies, Julia. My dad is 71 and also totally independent until a few weeks ago. My brother called this afternoon to tell me he is back in the hospital. I'm also waiting to see if I need to travel. There aren't enough words to express how much I really don't want to face this reality. The worst thing is hearing my dad ask how this could be happening when he thought he was doing so well. The doctors have made it clear that his heart has been damaged for some time and it's amazing that he didn't have any symptoms till now. OUAT, :grouphug: I'm deeply sorry that this is happening to you as well. Mumto2 is right, we all know that these things are going to happen but when they actually do it is such a shock. Thank you, everyone, for your hugs and kind words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 When we get done with this discussion we can move onto if the milk goes in before or after the tea! ;) In my world you need to ask when you are serving locals and everyone cares. Serving tea is work! I used to be a staunch 'milk first' girl but when I moved to America something shifted and I've become part of the 'milk after' tribe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 My deepest sympathies, Julia. My dad is 71 and also totally independent until a few weeks ago. My brother called this afternoon to tell me he is back in the hospital. I'm also waiting to see if I need to travel. There aren't enough words to express how much I really don't want to face this reality. The worst thing is hearing my dad ask how this could be happening when he thought he was doing so well. The doctors have made it clear that his heart has been damaged for some time and it's amazing that he didn't have any symptoms till now. I'm sorry. What a thing to be dealing with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 Well, for those of you who read in the tub, here's a nifty idea posted on a Buzzfeed list: 10. This retractable leash that might save your damn life*. imgur.com *Your book’s life. :lol: That looks like something Encyclopedia Brown might come up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 Stacia, I thought The Dud Avocado was amusing--but then I might just have some Sally Jay in me. This is not a book for all readers but for people like me who sought travel, adventure and big city lights back in my 20s, it resonated. Not that I roamed Paris in an evening gown during the afternoons... I did not realize that Europa books had a mystery imprint, World Noir. Or had I forgotten? I have dropped everything to read a mystery by Maurizio de Giovanni set in Fascist Italy. My library only had the fourth in the series, The Day of the Dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Robyn Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 I just returned from my trip with my grandma. The performance of Much Ado About Nothing was way funnier than anything I imagined in my head while I was reading it. I'm very glad I saw it performed by the skilled and talented folks at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. I started reading Altazor while I was packed and waiting for her to arrive at my house so we could go, and I read a good chunk of The Kreutzer Sonata aloud as we drove. And now I feel like I'm in the middle of too many books at once - not one of the really terrible problems a person can have, and one I'll be more than happy to take care of by reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 Jane, I agree that The Dud Avocado was amusing. I guess I was expecting great, but got good/amusing instead, so I felt a little let down at the time. Still, worth reading if it is a topic/style of book that would interest you, I think. I'm not sure if I ever mentioned Europa's World Noir books or not...? I read the first one of de Giovanni's (or is it just Giovanni's) books from that series: I Will Have Vengeance. Found it (of course) in my sister's library system last summer when I was visiting there. Here's what I wrote on Goodreads about it last year: 3.5 stars. Enjoyable mystery set in 1930s Naples -- an interesting mix of noir & The Sixth Sense. Compelling enough that I read the entire book in one sitting. As always, this is a lovely edition from Europa publishing, a part of their "World Noir" series. Recommended.For more info on Europa's World Noir series, check out their website at: http://info.worldnoir.com/ I don't think I've read anything else from Europa's Wold Noir series, though I keep meaning to.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 Oh, crstarlette, I can't wait to hear what you think of Altazor! I think it is the only poetry I've ever read that I can say I really & truly loved from the start! Re: The Kreutzer Sonata -- are you also going to read Second Person Singular (since The Kreutzer Sonata plays a part in it)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawneinfl Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 Finished Walden On Wheels by Ken Ilgunas. An entertaining memoir about the author who graduates from college with $32,000 in student loans and no job prospects. He spends the next several years living as frugally and creatively as possible and ends up getting a masters from Duke entirely debt free by living in a van in the university parking lot. Makes me dream about tiny house living. Though, with a family of seven, I'm not sure how that would work out. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I have just a few seconds to pop in...so, the brief version: First of all, :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: to all of you going through trials with your parents. I'm so sorry - saying a prayer for you all tonight. The panel Patrick Rothfuss was on was not that great, though he is always erudite and funny, and to his credit doesn't take over panels anymore -- he lets other authors talk. He said he never plans ahead when he is writing -- if he did his books would get done sooner. Also said book 3 is a mess and he knows it has to be really, really good so it is taking a long, long time!! :toetap05: I know he's getting a lot of flack over this, so I'm not going to add to it, but... :toetap05: :toetap05: :toetap05: If you are reading History of the Ancient World, this week we are on Chapters 34 and 35. Who is still plugging away? Sorry to say I lost interest back in chapter 10 :leaving: I'm still plugging away, albeit half-heartedly.... :leaving: For my reading, I finished: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore - loved. (Thank you, Jane!) The Horse and His Boy - with the kids, my least favorite of the Narnia series, but they enjoyed it. Glad to be moving on! You Can Teach Your Child Successfully by Ruth Beechick. I felt there were some parts of this story that were priceless. There were other parts that I was meh about . Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Just finished and I am so glad I read this! It's a book written to writers, and yes, I did find some gems in there about writing. BUT! I found that the application to a reader was fantastic! Ironically, before I started this book, I was listening to a podcast by Lawrence Goldstone, the guy that wrote Deconstructing Penguins, and he was talking about how literature is structured and that what the author injects into his/her book is not by chance (paraphrasing here...) and that is something I've always struggled with. Reading Lamott's book was really eye-opening in giving me the writer's perspective behind books. I had wanted to get into this more, but my dh just walked in the door and I've got to get dinner on the table before some people come over this evening. Will try to pop in later this week.... Stacia, I got S awhile ago, but am a little intimidated by it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I am theoretically still working on HOAW. In reality I'm sick again and mostly playing computer games… :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 This is not a book for all readers but for people like me who sought travel, adventure and big city lights back in my 20s, it resonated. Not that I roamed Paris in an evening gown during the afternoons... Well, this is an enchanting image indeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I hope that you feel better soon, Rosie. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 For those who like science fiction and are interested in reading books set in a variety of countries, here is a blog post that might be of interest: Circumnavigate the World Through Genre! by Leah Schnelbach Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoseInABook Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Praying for everyone dealing with health issues with family. *hugs* Still reading Anansi Boys but it's been such a long week I haven't had time to do much. Introverted me is so very burned out on go, go, go, go and do more stuff and go, go, go some more. I really need a few hours to sit in a quiet room with a book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Robyn Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Oh, crstarlette, I can't wait to hear what you think of Altazor! I think it is the only poetry I've ever read that I can say I really & truly loved from the start! Re: The Kreutzer Sonata -- are you also going to read Second Person Singular (since The Kreutzer Sonata plays a part in it)? So far, Altazor is a great ride. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll say more when I've finished it. I am reading The Kreutzer Sonata as pre-reading for Second Person Singular, but it's not like I'm going to jump right into SPS as my next book or anything - just opening up the possibility of reading it whenever I get the urge - because I'm too anal to read SPS without having first read TKS even though I'm sure it stands alone just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Et voila! Modern... Vintage... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 Finished Jeremy Bushnell's The Weirdness tonight. In general, I tend to think of myself enjoying extremely modern/different/surreal fiction (plots/characters/etc... that don't fit the 'traditional' mold of what a book or story is) & actively seek it out. So, with that said, this book (to me) was weird-lite. :lol: Meaning, I guess, that it wasn't really a weird book for me but to those who are firmly rooted in traditional lit, this might push your boundaries a little bit. Imo, it was a good summer read -- entertaining & unpredictable with some funny &/or action bits tossed in. I liked that the ending was different & actually moved to a slightly denser level of thought, perhaps raising a few interesting questions. Fun, entertaining, reasonably unpredictable... & the Devil uses PowerPoint & drinks great coffee. What more can you ask for in a summer read? 3 to 3.5 stars. I think I found this book because I am trying to read books published by the companies listed in Flavorwire's 25 Independent Presses That Prove This Is the Golden Age of Indie Publishing. The Weirdness is published by Melville House. Right now, it looks like they have a fun promo going -- a copy of the book along with a can of a custom-blend coffee. Lol. (And you're definitely going to want your own great cup of coffee on hand when reading this book because reading about the coffee-drinking in there is going to make you want some good coffee.) What do you do when you wake up hung over and late for work only to find a stranger on your couch? And what if that stranger turns out to be an Adversarial Manifestation—like Satan, say—who has brewed you a fresh cup of fair-trade coffee? And what if he offers you your life’s goal of making the bestseller list if only you find his missing Lucky Cat and, you know, sign over your soul? If you’re Billy Ridgeway, you take the coffee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 So far, Altazor is a great ride. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll say more when I've finished it. I am reading The Kreutzer Sonata as pre-reading for Second Person Singular, but it's not like I'm going to jump right into SPS as my next book or anything - just opening up the possibility of reading it whenever I get the urge - because I'm too anal to read SPS without having first read TKS even though I'm sure it stands alone just fine. :lol: about why you're reading The Kreutzer Sonata. (I read the books in the opposite order, fwiw -- SPS first, then Tolstoy's work.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I am theoretically still working on HOAW. In reality I'm sick again and mostly playing computer games… :( Right then, feet up on the couch for you, strong tea and choc coming your way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 Rosie, hope you feel better soon. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Right then, feet up on the couch for you, strong tea and choc coming your way... And six blankets over my feet, thanks! It's only 46F here! You know what I really want? I really want some blood orange juice. I bought some blood oranges then got sick before I could locate the box the juicer is hopefully stashed in. They look disgusting, but they are so yummy. :drool5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 And six blankets over my feet, thanks! It's only 46F here! You know what I really want? I really want some blood orange juice. I bought some blood oranges then got sick before I could locate the box the juicer is hopefully stashed in. They look disgusting, but they are so yummy. :drool5: I like them with fresh medjool dates :drool5: :drool5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I could go some of them too. :drool5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Here you go, I'll share... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Here you go, I'll share... I would take dates over most candy bars. And that's coming from a gal that really likes candy bars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Rosie, Feel better soon! :grouphug: As far as HotAW I still consider myself to be reading it although no progress for the past few weeks. I will return to it because I am farther then I was before and consider myself to past some of the boring bits ;) so no intention of quiting now. I simply need a fluffy book break for awhile because that is what I appear to be capable of concentrating on. Finished The Accidental Vampire last night by Lynsay Sands. Overall enjoyed it. The main character was somehow turned into a vampire during a car accident in Mexico. Her best friend realized what had happened and helped her change. Using the movie Dracula ( the book was checked out of the library ;) ) they organized her life with the help of the rest of her small town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uff Da! Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I finished the Book of Margery Kempe. This is decidedly not one of my favorites. At some point, I realized that I value seeing personal growth in the people I read about. The way she portrays herself shows very little personal growth except in the beginning. Instead, there's a lot of weeping to show how devoted she is and how she suffers. Blah..... I also finished C.S. Lewis's Reflections on Psalms. I thought his view of marathon psalm 119 interesting. http://merecslewis.blogspot.com/2011/03/psalm-119-sweeter-than-honey-part-1.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I've got some escapist fluff to keep me amused this week. The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow is a steampunk/urban fantasy/mystery mash up that isn't necessarily good, but is entertaining enough that I'm enjoying it! I'm in the middle of claiming a now-empty kid's bedroom as MINE, ALL MINE! I've been moving bins of legos, stacks of books and dragon figurines out of the room and filling the shelves with music and the closet with fabric and yarn. My sewing machine is going to be permanently set up and ready for action! A few dragons and legos will likely stay as sentimental tokens of their former reign in this space. But otherwise this is MY room! Finally, after 22 years, a space to call my own in this house! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 I have now started The Blazing World by Siri Hustvedt; it's a nominee for the Man Booker prize this year. I've just barely started it. Shukriyya, just from the first few pages, plus this paragraph from The Guardian's review make me think it's a book that might interest you (feminism, art world, etc...): "All intellectual and artistic endeavours," writes the female painter-protagonist of Siri Hustvedt's new novel, "even jokes, ironies, and parodies, fare better in the mind of the crowd when the crowd knows that somewhere behind the great work or the great spoof it can locate a cock and a pair of balls." The absence of women artists in the history of painting is an old feminist topic, but it is one The Blazing World approaches head-on. The novel concerns an embittered painter living in New York at the close of the 20th century, whose belief that she has been the lifelong victim of cultural misogyny becomes so intolerable that she decides to take action by persuading three of her male contemporaries to show her work under their own names. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 For those that like picture books (or, you know, if your kids do too ;) ), we love the book The Adventurous Chef: Alexis Soyer by Ann Arnold. We read it years ago when my kids were younger but I recently picked it up again from the library on a whim. We all read it again & enjoyed it. :lol: (I will never outgrow my love for picture books.) Jane & the other BaW foodies might really like this one too. Love the illustrations in it. KIRKUS REVIEW The illustrator of the splendid Fanny at Chez Panisse (1997) offers a fascinating pictorial biography of an engaging personality, the French chef Alexis Soyer. Apprenticed to his brother, he was a chef by the time he was 17, already expressing his vivid personality in raffish clothing and spouting off all sorts of ideas. In 1837, he participated in the design of the Reform Club kitchen in London, and Arnold provides a marvelous double-paged spread of its interior workings, all carefully thought out by Soyer. He invented a number of cooking utensils and created various ways of feeding the poor and hungry in London and in Dublin. After tragically losing his young wife, he threw himself into the task of feeding soldiers in the Crimea. Arnold’s brilliantly colored illustrations, with their precise and nervous lines, convey the hive of activities involved in feeding people on a large scale. Large panoramas and small vignettes, like Soyer at the bedside of an ill Florence Nightingale, balance and inform the text. The excitement of food and food preparation set in a historical context radiates from every page; middle-grade readers and those ready for a biography of a totally unique individual, irreplaceable by all accounts, will be fascinated. (Biography. 8-12) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 For those that like picture books (or, you know, if your kids do too ;) ), we love the book The Adventurous Chef: Alexis Soyer by Ann Arnold. We read it years ago when my kids were younger but I recently picked it up again from the library on a whim. We all read it again & enjoyed it. :lol: (I will never outgrow my love for picture books.) Jane & the other BaW foodies might really like this one too. Love the illustrations in it. Thank you. I am always on the hunt for fantastic picture books. I just put this on reserve at the library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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