Mary's comments (member since Mar 29, 2009)

Mary's comments from the Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group group.

Thank you so much for your lovely remarks, Joy. It was wonderful to finally meet you! You have done so much for the online group and it was a pleasure to actually be able to spend some time with you!

I will be attending "Falling Leaves", The Chronicle's annual book fair to be held this Sunday 11am -4pm at the Queensbury Hotel. There will be many things to do and see as well as many wonderful people to meet. I hope you have the opportunity to stop by and say hello; I'd love to meet you!

BOOK HAS BEEN #1 FOR FIFTY YEARS On Author’s “Bucket List”...
Over fifty years ago, the love affair between a very young girl and the Adirondack Mountains region of New York began. As the number of years grew, so did the adventures. She knew that one day she must share them with others that had fallen in love with the magnificent North Country.
The Adirondacks that are the Other Half of Me, a book of short stories by
Mary A. Paladin, is told with candor, delight and humor as she shows the reader that the adventures could be about any family, any time, in any situation. Millions of people visit the Adirondacks every year; most come back time and time again.
Early in the book, she treats the reader with her account of the sixteen hour ride in the back (seat down, provision packed, non air-conditioned, makeshift sleeping area) of the family’s cramped, wood paneled, red station wagon. It was a four hundred mile trip they made happily every summer from their central Pennsylvania home.
Captivated by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, touched by the special generosity of the people, and aware of the welcome that comforts thousands, she shares the impact the Adirondack region has had on her. She shares the feeling of home that it gives to her and to those lucky enough to know it; a feeling that burrows deep inside a person and never leaves.
Comments on her book have been tremendous:
“Your stories continue to bring back the flood of memories and I thank you for that.” A.S.-retired educator and journalist; Poughkeepskie, NY;
“It all brings back so many memories.” D.S.- Brant Lake, NY
“Parts of it put a lump in my throat.” S.J.-elementary educator; Riverside, PA
“I felt those same deep feelings that a close family provides.” H.H.-historian, community journalist; Danville, PA
When asked why she wrote the book, Mary’s answer was simple enough: “Because I had to, so many people feel as I do; there was no choice.”

Mary is a freelance writer, artist and illustrator. Her writing and artwork has appearred in newspapers, business publications, promotional pieces, and short stories. Her next book is a historical fiction chapter book set during the Industrial Revolution for middle grades.
The Adirondacks that are, the Other Half of Me
ISBN-13: 978-0-615-29279-3
ISBN-10: 0-615-29279-8

I'm getting ready for my trip to Glens Falls to participate in "Falling Leaves", the annual book fair hosted by The Chronicle newspaper. It will be at the Queensbury Hotel on Sunday; 11-4. Please stop by...I'd love to meet those of you who are in the area!

Mary Paladin (and I'm FINALLY at Brant Lake!)

What a wonderful idea, Joy! There are so many talented people in the region and having an avenue on which to discover them or, be discovered, is beneficial to all!
My book "The Adirondacks that are, the Other Half of Me" are recollections of my lifelong summer residency in the Adirondacks of New York. To be released end of June-finally!!!
My hope is that readers don't consider it to be about me, but instead find it to be a conduit. A way to recognize and recall memorable summers adventures that happen to all families, in many places and in many situations.
The stories are candid, humorous and heartwarming; I hope it brings a smile to everyone who reads it!
Best Wishes to you all that your upcoming summer brings you and your some GREAT memories!
Mary Paladin www.marypaladin.com

Nina wrote: "As for the railroad romance story..Which war and I don't remember ever hearing about a train wreck killing young men on their way to War..Please fill me in on some details..nina"

It was a terrible train accident in PA killing 33 soldiers (heading to Korean War). I have included a link for you to take a look.
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=15...

Joy said: Someone should write a book explaining book titles, how they are/were chosen, what they refer to, and if they're taken from a quotation.

Isn't that the truth! I guess they don't have the room-who knows.

The Goodreads description says: "This first new railroad romance in a generation celebrates that sweet, youthful, evanescent moment, exactly in the middle of the last century, that we now look back upon as a time of innocence." I wonder what they mean by "railroad romance". I DO know what they mean by "a time of innocence". :) About the author (from Amazon.com):
The well known train wreck that killed quite a few young men on their way off to war is featured in the book. It is told with authenticity, vivid details and reflects the impact it had on everyone afterward. It has become popular with railroad enthusiasts and that is probably why it is described as such...

Wanted to mention a book that is a good read. It is written by a friend of mine and it is captivating. Titled "Smart Boys Swimming in the River Styx" by Robert Phillip Bomboy.
It starts in the summer of 1950 (with the Korean war looming).It portrays the lives, loves, losses, and hopes of its main characters. For anyone who enjoys: history, vivid settings, raw emotion, and pleasant nostalgia- this is a good one!
Just short of 700 pages but so enthralling it flies by.

Mary wrote: "Jackie said When is it Jackie? I don't head north for a few weeks (but I will have to put it on my scedule for next spring). Where is it held?!!? Sounds great! "

Sorry...just saw #189! haven't been on in a few days due to a killer bug, and I "missed the boat" on that one! I will definately put it on my schedule for next Spring! I am usually up there by then but am waiting for my book so I am in PA for an extra week or so...

Jackie said<"Is anyone else who lives in the area going to the book sale? It's my big 'event' of the year, LOL"> When is it Jackie? I don't head north for a few weeks (but I will have to put it on my scedule for next spring). Where is it held?!!? Sounds great!

Joy wrote:<As for your "P" book, I suggest _The Pilot's Wife_ by Anita Shreve. It's among some of the best stories I've ever read. I think you'll like it.>
I agree, Joy! It was great; I truly LOVE Anita Shreve's work. She has a writing style that is surpassed by none-in my opinion. She is captivating; I have marveled at every one of her books...

Jim said <turned a bowl>: are you a potter, Jim? I loved to throw when I was in school! Very relaxing (most of the time!)

Joy said<Washington Park, in Albany, NY, is a beautiful place> yes it is! My dad was born and raised in Albany (years ago) and was in the Park everyday. He told many stories about it-the tulips was one!

A bit for you bird watchers: Perhaps you may know of this already but it is alot of fun if you enjoy birds. It is called the Big Backyard Bird Count- it happens in February every year and is run by Cornell U. Lab of Orinthology and Audobon Society. Her is the link; I participated last year and it is neat! http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

<Speaking of tastes in books, I seem to go through stages in my book preferences because I'm curious about the various genres.>
Me too Joy! There are times I am totally ehthralled by mysteries then...humor strikes my fancy. I am, at this time, ready David Sedaris' "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim". (Very funny!) Next week-who knows!

Jackie wrote:I didn't read 'Bees' but I really liked the movie.
You should try the book Jackie...it really is very good.

I have not read the Mermaid Chair yet...it is on my list to read though.

Here in PA the weather is to be 80+ degrees. I am looking forward to potting some flowers and getting our yard and deck ready for summer! In the really sunny spots on my deck (where things tend to dry out)I use those globe waterers; the kind advertised on TV. Stick them in the dirt filled w/water and they dispense as needed. Granted, they empty more quickly than when used inside but...it gives you a bit more time between waterings!
My husband is up at Brant Lake opening our camp, Joy and he says the weather is great! Wish I were up there too!
I keep telling myself (as visions of David Carradine kung fu through my head...), "Soon grasshoppa,soon..."

Please do post your project, Charles...
I have been writing a middle grade historical fiction novel for the past year and, although written for ages 8-12, I think the "wants" are the same: good setting, good plot, good voice, good details. I look forward to reading it...

One of my favorite all time series! Loved John Jakes' Kent Family Chronicles et all..........

I saw it when it first came out on DVD...I am one who is seldom able to follow the multiple subplots (getting lost quickly and easily!) but this was a very good movie. It was well written and I followed the various plot directions with no problem. It was one movie that actually made an impression on me...My memory for movies, TV shows, etc. is very poor-I guess they don't really matter (in the gray matter) to me! The Constant Garner was a good one though.

Thank you Jackie...I am sure I will!