Maria's comments (member since Dec 01, 2008)

Maria's comments from the Chicks On Lit group.

I heard about this last week - ugh can't imagine living this way . Also last night on the news there was story about a young couple that was trying to elope in the Southern Afghan provinces to escape an arranged marriage. They were caught and shot to death by Taliban. Heart-breaking and barbaric.
Something else too on Frontline World last night - story about Madrassas in Pakistan recruiting young suicide bombers. They interviewed a Taliban man who spoke of sacrificial lambs that they used who were under 10 years old.
So sad.
I'm sorry to be writing this actually.
Maria

I just started reading Ghost Wars The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001

I had finished 1000 splendid suns and was interested more details of the afghan story. So far the book is a really good read. I don't read any non-fiction normally (this is a goal of mine to read more.) This book fortunately is not dry at all, is humorous at times (in as much as there can be humor about this situation), and easy to follow and keeps interest. This is not surprising since it won the Pulitzer for non-fiction in 2005.

The main plot of the story is familiar to most regarding CIA, KGB fueled destruction and subsequent abandonment of Afghanistan. But in the book the details are filled in and are enlightening without being too dark and depressing about a challenging (to say the least) part of american and afghan history.

Me too Lori! I've spent a lot of time with it as well - can't just part with it.
And I really like the cover and feel of my orange paperback copy of the Volkohnsky edition for some reason!

Wendy wrote: "Hi Maria, I've recently read two of Bradshaw's books.
"Island of Ghosts", which is about the Roman occupation of Britain and the barbarian tribes that helped them, was just ok for me. There wasn't ..."


Thanks Wendy for the review on Bradshaw's other books! I only heard a review on the Egypt book. I'll have to add Wolf Hunt to my library request as well!

hilarious! The bag-wearing cat wasn't on the site when I looked at it before. What a nut of a cat !! He must be practicing his 6th sense kitty skills walking around "blind-folded". Use the force - Felix !
I totally get my animal fix on that website when I check it now and then. Not having a pet in our home right now, I forget what little crazy individuals they are. : )

I've read a little on Key West - it sounds like Old town has lots of old homes, bars w/music and art shops. Duvall street at times can be an all night party on festival weekends. So we are looking for a place that is at least a few blocks away from that for some nighttime sleeping. I also read that the beaches are not very good in Key West - small and at times funny smelling (?) - it is more of a destination to do active water activities such as snorkeling, scuba, fishing etc. It sounds like there is a nice beach on the drive down the keys around marathon - can't remember the name right now.
We are likely flying into Miami - I would like to check out the everglades and was considering driving all the way across to Naples - which many describe as the best beach in Fl. But alas may need to save that for another trip.
I've been reading some on Trip Advisor forums which is always so helpful!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28...
Maria

Holli - we thinking of planning a last minute trip to the Keys for May...hopefully won't be too many spring-breakers! (There are pretty really cheap tickets from Seattle to Miami - $219 round trip!)
I'm researching a lot today...so this discussion is so great!

the last one for this week is awesome -
the extreme shepherding by the Baaaa-studs
hahaha
my geek sig especially appreciated the pong

that is fun ! for some reason recently i've been intrigued by tarantulas. i think seeing a few on the Colbert Report started it. : )

Ones of my favorite fun websites that I'm sure many are familiar with is Cute Overload. Not interactive but still a hoot to check in on now and then - the captions are the best!

http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/...

I second Ramona the Brave !

Oh - you used to live in Bellevue?! : )
I included a little Seattle bookstore bookmarker with TTW!

So glad to here you now have one near you, Tera. You will probably go home with an armload of books at the opening sale!
My local one always has about 6 library carts full of literature (not mass market) for $1 or $2. At that price - my arms fill up fast.
By the way, when I picked up 20th Wife today - I noticed that the author lives in my town - Bellevue, Wa. Thought that was kinda neat!
Maybe I can order Pope Joan from you when you are done! I mailed of 6 books today for PBS - including TTW to you!

These lists helped me today at 1/2 price books.
I found the follwing on clearance all at $2 each! Woot

The Twentieth Wife A Novel
Portrait in Sepia A Novel
and
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan A Novel

KrisT - I added Pope Joan to my library hold list. Looks very good - thanks for the rec!

Has anyone read any of Gillian Bradshaw's books? I heard good things about them...they don't seem well known on Goodreads as far as # of ratings.

I've been meaning to pick up :

The Beacon at Alexandria

It is a story in 4th c AD about a woman who poses as a man so that she can study medicine at Alexandria.

ok - I'm going crazy with the noms today - and this is another that I haven't read. Wondering if anyone can recommend adding one of Suze Orman's books possibly this one?

Women & Money Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny

I love her advocacy on her shows for getting women to not be afraid of learning about and managing their money. She also advocates taking care and protecting your own finances first so that you can then help loved ones 2nd if needed (rather than everyone sinking).

Also I'm wondering if anyone has read any Gertrude Stein or Collete? I haven't but imagine they may belong on the list. Can anyone else recommend them?

Hurray for Pippi - glad I remembered her too!
Ok, I have another one - kind of goofy.

The Clan of the Cave Bear

Not really literature! But I read as a teenager and was affected by this young different girl who makes her way through a challenging life in prehistoric tmes. Got to love when she bests the men at sling-shotting!

I second
Nancy Drew
Little House on the prairie

I nominate
Pippi Longstocking
A great tomboy - independent and imperfect spirit

Their Eyes Were Watching God
Janie decides to go live a passionate vivid life rather than living as a trophy. This is not done without risk.

Tera - that was me who posted TTW ! I'm going to mail it out on Thursday (sorry for couple day delay ) It's strange that Teri could still see it on your wishlist after you had already accepted it from me.
I'm still tinkering with the packaging to - to see what works for me. Any more wrapping tips from you mailing pros would be great. Does anyone use cling wrap as suggested on the site?

So sorry to hear about the problem Lori! I assumed you had a credit free for signing up when I posted it to your wish list. I'll send it off to you either way - even if you cancel it on PBS.

Thanks Tera about making our bookshelf private - can you make only certain books on your shelf private?