Diane D.'s comments
(member since Oct 14, 2008)
Diane D.'s comments from the Constant Reader group.
(showing 1-20 of 22)
Barbara wrote: "The New York Times has asked opened up a forum for comments about Frank McCourt. Many of his former students posted notes which I found touching, interesting and insightful. It's at the following..."
Barbara - What heart-felt comments on that blog. Thank you for posting. He will be greatly missed, and certainly touched many people, even if he only met them for a moment. I met him a book signing in Los Angeles long ago and will never forget it!
I'm checking in from Los Angeles. Yes, he was prounced dead at UCLA in Westwood, CA
Speaking of Diane Lane - one of my favorite steamy thrillers is Unfaithful with she and Richard Gere.
Barbara wrote: "We watched A Walk on the Moon last night with Diane Lane, Liev Schreiber and Viggo Mortensen. This was made in 1999 and I'm trying to figure out how I missed it before. We thoroughly enjoyed it. ..."
Barbara and Al - so funny, as my hair stylist just recommended last Friday that I see this movie. We were discussing Viggo :)
hi Barbara - Wow, interesting how the footnotes were seemlessly incorporated into the audio. When I read the book, I was glad to have the footnotes, because it gave me much background information that I otherwise would not have known and it definitely enhanced the story for me; but as footnotes on the page, they distracted me and interrupted me. Sounds as though the audio version was much better for this story. Thanks for the post, i was so curious!
hi Barbara -
Regarding the mother's section - I found it intense to learn of her past....but it was also the section I found the hardest to get through and I almost gave up on the book in this section. Obviously I kept going, and was glad I did in the end. My book club felt that all she endured made her as cold as she is.
hi Barb! I haven been a legal secretary for up-teen years! I understand how law school and then actually being a lawyer leaves little time (or desire) for one to read for pleasure!
The mother's section was quite intense, I thought.
Wondering where you all are - Maree, Barbara, Sherry, Candy. I don't want to give any spoilers away, as I have already finished it. The sister's narrative section I think may have been my favorite.
Hi Maree - in my opinion, I don't think the footnotes should hold you back from continuing to listen to the CD. They primarily pertained to DR history, the way the government ran the country, mostly political history and background of which I knew nothing about. While I'm glad they were there (just wished they weren't sprinkled throughout the pages) I don't believe it would have taken away from the storyline for me at all if I did not read them. I feel I missed much more by not understanding the Spanish words that were used. While you still might want to get the book, I don't think you need to stop listening.
Theresa - that is very cool you saw Diaz in person. I love seeing authors i've read. I like that you posted his answer to the use of Spanish. I found myself googling a Spanish to English translation site, and made my own little cheat sheet (and learned a few choice Spanish words :)
Barbara - Yes, the footnotes started immediately. One of the first I remember (sorry don't have the book with me) is the background of the DR government and how things were run.
Barbara - You're right, Oscar is so vulnerable, not at all the stereotype. It must be wonderful to hear this book on audio with different voices for each of the characters. I actually felt terribly sad for all of the main characters. I don't want to give anything away to you and will wait for your progress. How are the footnotes handled in the audiobook?
Keep with it Capitu. I had a bit of a hard time really getting into it, and then struggled with it again about 1/3 of the way through. Then it all came together. It is one of those books that I am really happy I got through and read.
I'll pipe in about the footnotes. I did find them very informative and sometimes humorous. But i did find them distracting because I felt as though interrupted the story, or more specifically my train of thought. Now i am reading the Zookeepers Wife, and it too has footnotes, or references, but they are all at the back of the book grouped under each particular Chapter. And I like that better.
I think it would have been a real plus if a Spanish glossary was included with Oscar Wao as well.
Hi everyone - I'm new to this thread and would love to discuss Edgar Sawtelle in January and Anna Karenina in February (or Feb and March) with all of you. I love the Orientation section, and was able to learn how it all will work. Actually, I had posted a question here before reading Orientation, so thank goodness for the "Edit" button. Wouldn't want to make a bad impression as a new member :)
Looking forward to being a part.
thanks to your post Molly maybe next time i want to use a curse word instead i will try oo-FAH, or OOF-ah ! This was fun to remember my grandmother; we called her Nonie.
I love all the references to Oofah! My Italian grandmother (God rest her) used to say it all the time, particularly if someone or something really annoyed her. I can still hear her - "OO-FAH!"
with the emphasis on the FAH.
I have not even been watching the series, Newengland....protesting you know....!
thanks for the reply Newengland (boo hiss to Tampa Bay Devil rays).
I have no critter favoritism, loving the felines and canines equally. But to go along with your post, when I met my partner (a man) 14 years ago, he told me if I ever got a cat, we'd break up. Here we are 14 years and 3 cats later, and I say, how come you're still here :)
Newengland - (i'm originally from Boston by the way :)
What makes you think because it's a dog book, guys should weigh in...just curious.
Oct 18, 2008 09:26PM
Hi Joy- No I can't say I have a photographic memory. I wish I did though. I have such a hard time when meeting new people to remember their names. I have tried to start looking into their eyes at the first meeting, and then concentrating to make something "click" so i can use it as a trigger to remember the name.
I also have to comment on your comment about reading something a second time for the pleasure of it...although I might love to for a few books, like you i feel I have to get onto another, you know ... so many books, so little time!
