JanOMalleycat wrote: "Fiona said: " 402486 Here is my list to read for August, wish me luck lol: "

Good luck, Fiona! :-)

Did you ever read White Teeth? You were absent from the board while most of us were..."

No I never read the book sweetie, but am takin the audio on holiday with me nxt week x

Donna said: "I have to figure out what I want to do and try to make that fit with what I CAN do. "

Donna, you have special concerns with Parkinson's, but I think you've spoken well for all of us second- and third- acters (not actors?)

I've always had excessive energy and will and nowadays I'm constantly surprised at what I cannot do on some days because of aches and pains or a lack of energy. I'm finding everything a matter of budgeting my time and commitments.

I'm with Kate in saying "You go, girl!" Change can be scary, but exciting!

Jan O'Cat

Fiona said: " 402486 Here is my list to read for August, wish me luck lol: "

Good luck, Fiona! :-)

Did you ever read White Teeth? You were absent from the board while most of us were reading it.

Jan O'Cat

Donna in Southern Maryland wrote: "Well, I must be a late bloomer! At the ripe old age of 55, I'm trying to re-invent myself. Trying to figure out what my purpose is for the second half of my life, with different physical capabiliti..."


You go girl!! It's never too late and I think reinvention is what makes life exciting.

Kate

Donna in Southern Maryland wrote: "Well, I must be a late bloomer! At the ripe old age of 55, I'm trying to re-invent myself. Trying to figure out what my purpose is for the second half of my life, with different physical capabiliti..."

I am now on my third act, never mind the second. LOL
Political work was the second act -- although somewhat continuing -- and then 7 years ago moved up to Buffalo and have reinvented again. Good luck Donna. Change is OK and enjoying each day is definitely possible.

Barbara

Here is my list to read for August, wish me luck lol:

Over The Edge - Jonathan Kellerman
Hollywood Wives - Jackie Collins
Succubus Dreams - Richelle Mead
The Colour of Heaven - James Runcie
Succubus Heat - Richelle Mead
Plain Truth - Jodi Picoult
Birdman - Mo Hayder
The Brutal Art - Jesse Kellerman
Meredith's Treasure - Philip Harbottle
Triptych - Karin Slaughter
Fallen Idols - Neil White
In My Sister's Shoes - Sinead Moriarty
Run For Your Life - James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
Scarpetta - Patricia Cornwell
The Chemistry of Death - Simon Beckett
The Girls He Adored - Jonathan Nasaw
Knife Edge - Malorie Blackman
The Fog - James Herbert (AUDIO)

JAN: Holy cow, what a great deal, Alias! Congratulations! (And you know we'll all still be here in 2050, watching your current reads updates.)
-----------------
Or maybe my book reports will only make you feel like you've been reading them for 40 years ! :)

Well, I must be a late bloomer! At the ripe old age of 55, I'm trying to re-invent myself. Trying to figure out what my purpose is for the second half of my life, with different physical capabilities (and some mental) than I've had all my life, due to the Parkinson's Disease.

Since my son and grandchild are at a distance, I've been like a cow who's calf has been taken away to wean. (Yes, I've bellowed a LOT! :o) I have to figure out what I want to do and try to make that fit with what I CAN do.

Donna in Southern Maryland

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are some "July" books :)"

Neat list! I'll add




I enjoy Howard Engel's Benny Cooperman mysteries, set in the Niagara area.

From your list of July-born authors, i saw Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose works i've enjoyed over the years. He may well be my favorite early US authors.

Thanks for the fun, Alias!

deborah

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "The Poisonwood Bible gave me a new look at the damage that missionaries have done to the African continent, all in the name of God. How arrogant to assume that these people need to be "saved"."

This was driven home for me in the much shorter Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I haven't read PB, so won't say "better". I felt it illustrated the same point from the African point of view--how rich their beliefs were.

Jan, i am sad to learn that school is so close to beginning. Why, it seems like just yesterday you were defrosting the freezer as the opening fanfare of summer! Bummer.

deborah

Traveler wrote: "Then Amy fell through the ice when she and Jo weren't speaking. Oh nooo...
So I guess I am getting into it afterall. :-)"

Traveler, your post reminded me of when our daughter began reading Pride & Prejudice for the first time 2 years ago. She began reading my copy here, so i told her to take it with her for her return flight. She said, "Good! I'm so eager to learn what Mr. Darcy does and whether Lizzy marries anyone at all." LOL! Her enthusiasm reminded me of my joy in reading that classic the first time.

I was in my mid-30s when i first read Little Women. DD had already read it, so had fun with me in the same way i did with her above. :-)

deb

Kim/kparksrec wrote: "I know people that think their life is not what they wanted (suburban life) but don't take steps to change it. Or are not satisfied with their car, home, job, etc. but most of these are based on choices (good or bad) that have been made."

This was part of the discussion on Revolutionary Road. We knew a woman who was so dissatisfied she turned to the Jehovah's Witness church. It threw her family & all her nearby friends into a whirlwind. Suddenly birthday parties, scouts and other facets of our every day lives were being evaluated! Last i heard each of her children left the church as soon as they left home but her marriage is continued.

deborah

Good deal, Alias! I love "I waited & found..." stories but this score is ACES! Well done!

deborah

You just gave me an idea. We have this terrific used book store that is called Rust Belt Books. I should go look around.

Barbara

Alias said: "Well, the used book store guy had the entire set for $30. I figured it was a great deal, so I bought it. For the price of one HC, I got the whole series in PB. I'll let you know what I think of the series when I finish reading it in the year 2050. :) "

Holy cow, what a great deal, Alias! Congratulations! (And you know we'll all still be here in 2050, watching your current reads updates.)

Jan O'Cat

I started doing political work when I was 40. We are really an interesting group aren't we? But then we knew that.

Barbara

Traveler said: "So at 40 most people reevaluate their life and decide to either accept where they are and stick with it or make a DRASTIC change."

I started teaching the year I turned 40. Before that I had done mostly restaurant work and I liked that, but I think I had a realization that physically I wouldn't be able to do it forever.

Jan O'Cat

Now now kitty. Be good!!

Barbara

jTraveler said: "I know most people have read this but NO SPOILERS please. I don't know much about it. I do know one BIG spoiler but don't know which sister it happens too."

::::biting tongue:::::


Jan, the naughty O'Cat

Lynne said: "I finally got to one of my M/T series books I sent up here from TX. (A BITTER FEAST/SJ ROZAN)"

Lynne, I love Rozan's Bill and Lydia series. I can't remember any of the specifics of The Bitter Feast, but I know it's a Lydia, so I know I loved it. LOL! I just can't get enough of that Chinatown stuff.

Jan O'Cat

I'll let you know what I think of the series when I finish reading it in the year 2050. :)

Alias, if I am still around I could make a lot of money. LOL

Barbara

Kim/kparksrec wrote: "Jan, I really like Laura Lippman books too. I've never read her series but think her stand alone books are great. "

Kim, for what it's worth I like Lippman's standalones much better than her series. The series is okay, but not nearly as intriguing or thought provoking as the standalones.

Jan O'Cat

Barbara, guess what. I went with a friend to a used bookstore. She said I would like it as it had a large history section. The man who runs it teaches history/law.

Before we went to the used book store we stopped at B&N. I was prepared to pay $20 for the first book in the Churchill series. But they didn't have it in stock. Well, the used book store guy had the entire set for $30. I figured it was a great deal, so I bought it. For the price of one HC, I got the whole series in PB. I'll let you know what I think of the series when I finish reading it in the year 2050. :)

The owner of the store said books 1, 2, and 6 are must reads. He read the entire series.

Traveler wrote: "I think I mentioned somewhere else that I just started reading Little Women.
Yep, I've never read it. I'm reading it online.... At first I thought this book still wasn't going to hold my interest...But I actually got teary eyed tonight. HA!!

This delights me. I've been cautious about re-reading some of the books I enjoyed so many moons ago, afraid that the magic would be gone. Yet, when someone reads one of my past favorites, even though it's a first time for that reader, I'm encouraged. A book from the past can't morph into anything worse than some of the new junk that's being churned out.

Lois

I feel very sorry for the person who is never satisfied.

I agree Barbara. I remember when I was thinking about going back to school. Here I was almost 40 years old; thinking about quitting my job and getting another degree. Was I crazy. Then I read an article that it is very common at 40 to rethink your life and decisions. A lot of people aren't happy with work, etc. So at 40 most people reevaluate their life and decide to either accept where they are and stick with it or make a DRASTIC change. I made the drastic change and have NEVER regreted it. I made a few decisions that people may advise against (ie: quitting a State job; taking money out of retirement to pay for school) But it was the RIGHT thing to do and worked perfect for me. No regrets and No debt.

Kim/kparksrec wrote: "Barbara, you are so right. Dissatisfaction with life is very different than conflict and Revolutionary Road is based on the married couple both being unsatisfied with where life has taken them.

..."

I thoroughly agree with your post. And I did take steps to change my life many years ago and people told me I was courageous. Somehow they were "happy" or quite frankly afraid to make change even though they were totally dissatisfied.

I feel very sorry for the person who is never satisfied.

Barbara

Taking a break from Hollywood Wives - Jackie Collins and gonna read Meredith's Treasure - Philip Harbottle. A Western genre book lol.

I think I mentioned somewhere else that I just started reading Little Women.
Yep, I've never read it. Just couldn't seem to get into it.
I'm reading it online. At first I thought this book still wasn't going to hold my interest.
But I actually got teary eyed tonight. HA!!
I'm only on Chapter 8 but Beth, the shy one, went over to the house next door and hugged Mr. L for her cabinet piano that he sent her.
Then Amy fell through the ice when she and Jo weren't speaking. Oh nooo...
So I guess I am getting into it afterall. :-)
I know most people have read this but NO SPOILERS please. I don't know much about it. I do know one BIG spoiler but don't know which sister it happens too. I was afraid it was going to be Amy when she fell through the ice but she's OK.

Glad you are starting to enjoy Poisonwood Bible, Jan. It was my favorite book of the year when I read it a few years ago.

I finally got to one of my M/T series books I sent up here from TX. (A BITTER FEAST/SJ ROZAN)

I also read DEWEY THE LIBRARY CAT last week.

One of these days I will spend time updating my goodreads list, but not today.

Barbara, you are so right. Dissatisfaction with life is very different than conflict and Revolutionary Road is based on the married couple both being unsatisfied with where life has taken them.

That is why I thought it would be such an interesting book to discuss. What makes someone be unsatisfied with their life? I know people that think their life is not what they wanted (suburban life) but don't take steps to change it. Or are not satisfied with their car, home, job, etc. but most of these are based on choices (good or bad) that have been made.

I once worked with someone who admitted that she would never be satisfied. If she had a million dollar house, then she would want a 2 million dollar house. It is sad that someone would always want something that is not there.

Conflict is part of life I guess. Dissatisfaction is a different issue. And so as Sonny and Cher used to say "The Beat Goes On."

Barbara

Barbara -

Maybe I thought the issues were fresh because I know many stay at home moms that are really conflicted about their choices to stay at home and are not truly satisfied with their lives.

I work and am conflicted so I think there is no good answer :)

I was reading about unhappiness and dissatisfaction with their suburban lives -- the key here is the word suburban -- and it just sounded so late 60s and early 70s when women were realizing that they actually had choices. That is why I said I thought I had been down that road.

Barbara

Jan, I really like Laura Lippman books too. I've never read her series but think her stand alone books are great.

Keep us updated on Poisonwood Bible. I will get to it eventually!

Kim/kparksrec wrote: "Jan, I had forgotten about Poisonwood when I finished Revolutionary Road and started Life Sentences. I'm only about 20 pages in but also need to pick up Mockingbird. So....decisions, decisions,decisions"

Kim, Life Sentences is a good choice too and you can probably finish it faster than The Poisonwood Bible. That'll help you get to Mockingbird.

I really like Laura Lippman (I assume that it's her Life Sentences).

Jan O'Cat

Finished the Catherine CoulterKnockOut An FBI Thriller


I think I'll give it a 4 out of 5 stars; it kept my attention and added to the character development in the series.

Donna in Southern Maryland

Jan, I had forgotten about Poisonwood when I finished Revolutionary Road and started Life Sentences. I'm only about 20 pages in but also need to pick up Mockingbird. So....decisions, decisions,decisions....

Barbara, the issues in Revolutionary Road seemed fresh to me as I know people dealing with issues of infidility, unhappiness and unsatisfaction with their lives. It is not a happy read but one I found intriging!

I read it so long ago I don't' recall much at this date. I recall the discursion was great. I do remember I was the only one who had some sympathy for the father. Not that what he did was right, but more that I understood what motivated him or caused him to be the way he was.

The Poisonwood Bible gave me a new look at the damage that missionaries have done to the African continent, all in the name of God. How arrogant to assume that these people need to be "saved". Especially when this "saving" managed to destroy much of the tribal system that allowed these people to live independently. Now so many of them re dependent on outside help. Makes me sick.

Barbara said: "As I recall I had a hard time getting into Poisonwood but was glad I stuck with it."

Barbara,
I read quite a bit more of The Poisonwood Bible yesterday and I'm finally starting to get into it. I've been piddling around with the first 50 pages for so long that I'd forgotten that the book is divided into sections. I came to the end of the first section last night and I think it was literally an introductory unit. I'm now reading the mother's part of the next section and she's foreshadowing all kinds of stuff. I think the story is going to pick up from here!

For a BFB, it really reads fast now that I've made myself stick with it.

Thanks for your wishes about my school year. Naturally, I'm hoping it will be better too! Last year was so bad that it's left me with a deep feeling of dread that makes it hard to go back. But I've experienced this before and know that once I get there I'll settle in and everything will be normal. Not that normal is always good in my job ;-), but when I'm lying in bed at night brooding, I can really get myself worked up. At this point I just have to remember to breathe.

Jan O'Cat

Kim
I read some reviews of Revolutionary Road and in a way I am sorry to hear that the issues are still fresh. My first impression was that I had been down that "Road" too many times -- and maybe lived it.
So tell me more.

Barbara

Jan,
As I recall I had a hard time getting into Poisonwood but was glad I stuck with it. I know that this is a busy time for you so I can understand the difficulty.
And just to add I am hoping that this school year will be a LOT LESS STRESSFUL.

Barbara

Kim/kparksrec wrote: "I finished Revolutionary Road last night and really liked it. It is amazing that it was published in 1961 but the writing and issues are so fresh that it could have been written yesterday."

Kim, are you going to start The Poisonwood Bible next or go on to something else? I'm not making good progress with TPB (don't everyone yell at me at once.) I'm sure it will be fine once I get past the introductory part and get all of the daughters straight in my head. But right now it doesn't call to me and with the rush of trying to get everything done before school begins, it's easier not to read!

Jan O'Cat

I just finished reading The Whole Five Feet: What the Great Books Taught Me About Life, Death, and Pretty Much Everything Else by Christopher Beha. I enjoyed it quite a bit. The author, who is dealing with illness, decides to read the 51 volumes of the Harvard Classics. The Harvard Classics was published in 1909. A that time only 3% of the population attended college. The collections aim was to make through "faithful and considerate " reading of the books , even if the reader can only devote 15 minutes a day, it would provide a good facsimile of a liberal education.

The author weaves his self assigned task with the death of his beloved grandmother and his own Hodgkin's lymphoma and other ailments. Don't think that it's a maudlin book, it's not at all. I found it quite uplifting.

Along the way I picked up some interesting tidbits. One was, do you know why the flag is comprised of stars and stripes? Yes, we know about the colonies and the states. However why not "chevrons or fleiurs-de-lis?" It turns out that the Washington family crest is, yes, red and white stars and stripes.

One quote that I liked in the poetry section was, "A poem is a fragment of life rounded into momentary completeness" Carleton Noyes, a professor of poetry at Harvard.

I found the book engaging and even inspirational. You don't need to be well versed in the Classics to still find Baha's book accessible and fun to read. The way he weaves back and forth between his personal life and the Harvard Classics was insightful for him and will be for the reader.

Just finished the brillant Succubus Nights - Richelle Mead. Will now carry on reading Hollywood Wives - Jackie Collins.

I am thoroughly enjoying Mistress of the Art of Death. As I previously posted one of the reviews on the back cover say that it is a combination of CSI and The Canterbury Tales. Well, it takes place in the 12th Century. The main character is a woman doctor from Salerno and as it is not usual to have a woman doctor that creates all kinds of situations.

This is the first novel I have read in a long time where I can't wait to get back to it to find out what happens next.

Barbara

Cathy (Catsluvbooks) wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Cathy (Catsluvbooks) wrote: ."What's the Churchill book you guys are talking about? I keep seeing references to it but not the title...



============================
It..."

I would love to read the 6 volumes -- it would probably take me 6 years -- one volume a year. But my library doesn't seem to have it available. So I am reading and enjoying the abridgement which they retitle Memoirs of the Second World War.

Barbara

Alias, after finishing Revolutionary Road, I am dying to see the movie. It is funny because Leonardo does not really fit the husband character as described in the book but I can totally see Kate Winslet as the wife.

Alias Reader wrote: "Cathy (Catsluvbooks) wrote: ."What's the Churchill book you guys are talking about? I keep seeing references to it but not the title...



============================
It is the 6 volume set ..."

Oh, wow. are you guys reading the six volume set or the abridgement????

I am reading the abridgment because my library system didn't have an available copy of The Gathering Storm.
So it is Memoirs of the Second World War for me. I am really enjoying it -- and for all my own memories and history lessons I am learning a lot. Mostly I think because we tend to view everything from the United States point of view and this tells me more about details of what was going on in the British government that I was unaware of. And so far is explaining to me how and why in the prewar period the roads were taken.

Barbara