Thank you, Barbara! He is my sunshine! I never dreamed time would fly like this, though...it all happens too quickly!

And, Eli is certainly a cutie!

Misty, I thought about you as I was reading Serena. I would never have discovered Ron Rash without you. Welcome back. I know how engulfing babies can be. But, in the end, it's nice to talk to adults again.

Thank you, Ruth and Sherry! Actually, I haven't read Serena yet...I think it's under the Christmas tree! I'll return to the thread, catch up, and add something after I've read it. I am looking forward to this!

Oh, I'm so glad to see you back, Misty. Which book are you going to start with. I expect you might have already read Serena by Ron Rash since you were the one who recommended him.

Hi Misty, glad to see you back. Yes, motherhood can be pretty consuming, can't it.

Hi, everybody! I'm back, and I've missed all of you! I was active (somewhat) about a year and a half ago. Then I had my baby, resigned my teaching position to be a stay-at-home mom, and got caught up in the joys of motherhood! It is a true joy, but I miss reading and discussing literature...Goodnight Moon isn't quite the same, is it? Anyway, I look forward to picking up the next book and getting involved once more. Happy reading!

Sherry wrote: "Hi, Diane. Welcome to Constant Reader. You sound like you'll fit right in. One of the disappointments I had in moving to Asheville, is that they don't use volunteers for their libraries except when..."

My volunteering days are the highlight of the week for me. At one library I work in the Outreach Department for the local seniors in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, and at the other I work with the ongoing Book Sale. The number of books donated weekly is nearly overwhelming, and as a result I'm constantly tempted by new reads. It's a good source of funds for this new and wonderful library. I'm so glad to be a part of both of them.

Hi, Diane. Welcome to Constant Reader. You sound like you'll fit right in. One of the disappointments I had in moving to Asheville, is that they don't use volunteers for their libraries except when they have book sales. I loved volunteering at the Palm Harbor library when I was in Florida. It was almost an all-volunteer library.

Thank you, Ladies, for the welcoming words. I look forward to entering into the discussions.

Welcome, Diane! We're glad to have you here.

Hi Diane. Nice to see meet you. This is terrific group. A lot of good books and discussion here. Lots of terrific people to get to know.

Hi Diane,welcome to this site.

Hi from Diane! My husband and I live in semi-rural Maryland, where we are both retired and avid readers. I volunteer twice a week at two of the local libraries, so I'm never at a loss for new reading materials. I always have an audio book in my car and a stack of books on my nightside table. I love good books, but I'm not afraid to abandon a book that doesn't deliver after a reasonable amount of time. If I don't finish a book, however, I don't count it as read. So many books, so little time!

Barbara wrote: "I feel the same way about rereading books, Stevie. The only thing that seems to motivate me to do it are new, well-reviewed translations. Last year, I reread Anna Karenina and War and Peace becau..."

I had to reread Anna Karenina, too, Barbara because of the Pevear and Volokhonsky translations. And I have the new translation of War and Peace to read as I never made it all the way through the old one.

And, audiobooks are growing on me. Never thought I'd say that, but times change.

Thanks for the welcome. I look forward to some interesting discussions.

Stevie and Dvora, happy to welcome you to the group!

Welcome from me, too, Dvora. Glad to have you here.

I feel the same way about rereading books, Stevie. The only thing that seems to motivate me to do it are new, well-reviewed translations. Last year, I reread Anna Karenina and War and Peace because of the new Pevear and Volokhonsky translations and was glad I did. Audiobooks also allow me to reread favorites without using my precious print reading time.

Dvora, welcome to you too! I'm glad you jumped right in.

Welcome to Stevie and Dvora.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I do enjoy the discussions here so far, very much. I will try to jump in and "add my distinctiveness to your own..." ;)
when I can.

I can perfectly understand re-reading a book - heck I watch movies over and over (some so many times I am sure if pressed I could quote the whole screenplay) I just dont ever seem to end up re-reading a book - no matter how much I enjoyed it (Most recent example would be Life of Pi as I enjoyed it SO much I can see reading it over again, but I know I wont. There just always seems to be another new unread book begging me for its attention.

- Stevie

Hi, I'm new here although I've already posted in a couple of threads. I think when I first took a look I missed the Welcome area.

I've been meaning to take a look at the Name of the Rose discussion. I read it last year and was disappointed. I thought it was well written, but it didn't interest me. Too much Church politics, maybe.

I'm currently reading The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood. I read books a second time although not often, but I read this last year and liked it a lot -- he writes beautifully. So when I recently finished Christopher and His Kind, also by Isherwood, where he explained a lot about the real characters that The Berlin Stories were based on, I decided it would be worthwhile to read it again.

Welcome, Stevie. We do have some great discussions here and please feel free to jump in.

Hello, Stevie - I'm new to this group as well. I agree with your comments about Franzen, and wasn't in the least surprised at his whole I'm-better-than-an Oprah-book fiasco. I loathed his book, and thought the number of times he used excrement as a reference or metaphor was ridiculous. I threw the book across the room. Actually, my books lead a hard life; I'm always throwing books across the room. My most thrown book, though, is Bridges of Madison County. Good God.

Can relate to mommy brain; I had four children in 4-1/2 years (it seemed like an intelligent idea at the time). They're now 24, 26, 27, and 28. Still some worries, but like Sherry, I agree they're not so much work now.

Welcome, Stevie. I hope you have time to take part in our discussions. My kids are about the same amount of years apart, so I know how much time they take up. Now they are 31 and 33, so they're not as much work now. :>

Hi - New to the list! I'm Stephanie (although everyone has always called me Stevie) I am married to a writer and we have two little boys (Sam, who will be 3 in Feb. and Ben who is 6 mos.) I just finished reading todays digest and there are just so many topics I wanted to pop in on and comment. But as a newcommer it seemed rude to just add my $.02 without any introduction. :)

RE: Literature I Loathe: I also didn't enjoy Confederacy of Dunces because it seemed the author wanted you to enjoy the sad state of the main characters life. The Corrections hit me that way as well. It seemed petty and mean spirited. I may just be overly sensitive. ;)

I also wanted to say that I am thoroughly enjoying (although in no way want to become part of) the Globel Warming Email controversy thread.

Currently reading Under the Dome - Stephen King. This may become one of my King favorites (joining The Stand and The Dark Tower series)

I read Eco's Name of the Rose quite a few years ago and I am not one to re-read a book - however I hope to be able to add to any discussion utilizing my ever dwindling memory (I blame Mommy-Brain).

I am looking forward to more fascinating discussions and great book suggestions to add to my ever growing TBR list.

- Stevie

Welcome Ellen,and have a goodread time

I see you're from Waukesha, Ellen. I used to live in Milwaukee. I love Wisconsin.

Thank you, Sherry and Barbara - yes, I always like to look at people's profiles and libraries; it's fascinating to see what books others like and have.

Yes, the ability change font (obviously larger :) is Kindle's only attraction for me!

Welcome from me as well, Ellen. I took the liberty of reading your profile and am sure you will enjoy the discussions here.

Welcome to Constant Reader, Ellen. Yes, you can adjust the font size on a Kindle. One of its main attractions for me.

Thank you, Ruth and Dottie. I just turned off the "Add to my Update Feed" which I'd cleverly left on when I posted my introduction. Whoops!

Any friend Ruth's -- well -- welcome to CR, Ellen. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the discussions and other reading as well. There are a couple of other threads on the Kindle active -- I'm sure you will find many questions addressed there. I've toyed with electronic reader options but have not yet succumbed to any of those offered. That could change in the future, of course.

Hi Ellen, I'm glad to see you here. I'm sure you'll be a great addition to the group.

Hello, my name is Ellen. I heard about the group from Ruth, who encouraged me to join. My reading interests are pretty broad - theory, novels, poetry, drama, nonfiction, memoir, etc.

Say Sherry or Scott - are you able to adjust the size of the font on Kindle? I'm old school and prefer the texture and heft of books, but my eyesight doesn't agree :).

Best investment in a gadget ever. Nothing like downloading 100 books for a grand total of about $20. Classics are free, lot of great books at 99 cents. Life doesn't get much better. :)

Welcome to Constant Reader, Scott. How do you like your Kindle? I love mine.

Welcome, Scott! It sounds like you will enjoy our discussions when you have time. I have two sons who are now grown, but I well remember the whirlwind days when they were 5 and 3.

Good Morning everyone. My name is Scott. I've always been an avid reader. I'm currently reading The Feathery on my Kindle and The Divine Comedy in hardback. Quite different reads, but that's one of the things I love most about reading, I can escape into any kind of world I feel like on any given evening. Favorite authors include King, Koontz, Rowling. I recently published a novel of my own and am working on a four part series now. We'll see how long that takes as I have a full time job and 2 boys, 5 and 3. :)

Welcome from me, too, Kerry. I'm glad you found us and hope you take part in the discussions.

Welcome to Constant Reader, Kerry.

Hi Kerry!

Hello everyone!

My name is Kerry and I am a 21 year old college student right now. I've very excited to jump into your conversations here.

carol (akittykat) wrote: "to all the new members, welcome to our little corner."

Thank you!:)

Thank you:-) and welcome El!

to all the new members, welcome to our little corner.

Welcome back from me, too, El. I hope you're able to take part in some of our discussions.

Welcome back, El. I know how much life can get in the way of reading and discussion. We look forward to hearing your comments.

Hello El! It's great to see you here! Now I have two places to enjoy your input!

Hello. I joined this forum a while back, made a few comments, but alas, it was not the right time or some such thing, so I left. But I think maybe it is the right time now, or at least I've decided to give it another try. :) Looking forward to being a part of some of the discussions and hopefully finding some new and interesting reads.