Jen's comments
(member since Dec 29, 2007)
Jen's comments from the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die group.
(showing 1-19 of 19)
Libby wrote: "Actually I had no idea that many public libraries had that - I'll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!"
Oh yeah, we're awesome! And we need the support of people like you!
Why not just use the public library? I'm sure in NYC you can get ANY of these titles. In our small library we can get books from just about anywhere in the states using ILL. Seems like a lot of work and money for something you can get for free.
The system has to add the titles. They're not free, so the change is part of the collection development process--same as other books. Better funded libraries will have more to offer others, so keep that in mind.
Actually, Overdrive has just begun allowing titles to be sent directly to ipod. You can't, however, load the software onto a mac, which they're currently working on. The titles available are up to your library/library network, so you should encourage them to use them. I'll tell you, though, that if the stats for people using overdrive don't increase, some libraries may end the program because it's not cost effective. (annual contract plus individual titles, minus low use compared to others.)
I'm listening to Corelli's Mandolin. I'm enjoying it quite a bit.
Sorry you're sick :)I have a whole shelf of audio on my page, so you could check there. I listen to at least two hours a day, so it's got some good stuff. The godfather (multiple cast version) was good, loved Atlas Shrugged (edward herriman read it) and Lolita (jeremy irons, who doesn't want to listen to him?) Postman Always Rings Twice was ok on audio, and Rebecca was great. Check out the rest of the list for more :)
If you don't mind straying from the list for audio, I highly recommend listening to some YA stuff. I find the narrators are usually great, and they're fun, too. The twilight series is great on audio. Also, the northern Lights/his dark materials series was AWESOME on audio.
Feel better soon.
This is one of my favorites. I had to read each line slowly to devour the phrasing and the meaning (and had my dictionary with me). I also enjoyed the balance between the almost magical romance of the earlier times with the more pragmatic flirtation of the modern.Since you saw the movie before reading the book, I think some of the detail was probably lost. The book had an almost gothic quality to me that was lightened up in the film.
Haha, I have a dictionary that I bought a decade ago where I highlight words I have to look up; there are a couple I keep forgetting. I do it less now that I look stuff up on the internet, but searching online is usually for stuff I'm writing, to make sure my use of the word makes sense.
I'm listening to Rebecca right now and am in love.
Just finished the audio version of The Postman Always Rings Twice. Pretty good; I'd seen the movie years ago but didn't remember most of it. I'm a little surprised it's on the list, but it's a good read nonetheless.
Hey everyone, there was a fun editorial in the NYT today re: 1001 books.
If you want a series that's a little younger than you but very good (and quick reads), I highly recommend The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins. The protagonist is 11, and it's written more simply than some of the other suggestions, but it's great and I want everyone to read it :)The first book is Gregor the Overlander.
There is mention of 9/11 in the first few pages, and it was one of the first books published after the day that addresses it. Terrorism and violence is discussed in the book, so that's probably what you heard.
I wouldn't say that Saturday is about 9/11, but it isn't exactly uplifting, either. It's a study of the way things change quickly (over 24 hours) but remain the same. I loved it.I'd recommend Amsterdam. It's pretty quick and hardly depressing, although it is about death.
I just love how McEwan describes the ordinary. So, so good.
Ug, I hated the Kite Runner. I did like A Thousand Splendid Suns, though.I am a huge McEwan proponent after reading Saturday. I found his depiction of everyday life compelling, but I do enjoy the details of reality. Plus, I know a bit about the disease covered in the book, so it was interesting to see authors deal with something that's usually hidden.
I haven't read any of his books that contain "incest," though.
I could possibly do the 24th, but it's the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Watertown is a bit trickier for me, but I can deal. I can't do the 3rd at all. I think Panera's doable in the afternoon, but I wouldn't want to grab up too many tables during lunch or dinner.
I'm in! I hadn't seen this before. What are we doing? Bringing a copy to share?
Just finished On Beauty. Three stars.
My book came in last night, and I'm pretty psyched. I don't have specific numbers yet, but I've read quite a few. This is my project for my birthday vacation next week. Thus far, I'm up to 15, and that's just from pre-1800's and 2000's. I'm surprised to see how many authors have multiple books.
1001 Books You Must Read Before You
