Sher’s Comments (group member since Nov 23, 2020)

Sher’s comments from the Nonfiction Reading - Only the Best group.

I'll start this thread with a biography about Nathanial Hawthorne. I read this a few years ago with a friend, and I like it but on many levels it was disappointing...so much so that when Brenda Wineapple's new book came out about Andrew Johnson- we were hesitant to buy it.

Hawthorne: A Life

This biography looks closely at Hawthorne's life and works and ties them together. All of his writings are analyzed and viewed from the perspective that his works were his life. The author makes hundreds of assumptions and conclusions throughout the book, that I found difficult to accept, because the writer presents her statements as facts, followed by zero evidence. Creative nonfiction? Anyway, the book brings alive the life and times and work of the man. The writing and weave of this book is almost as atmospheric as Hawthorne's writings, which might be a strong compliment. But, I still found myself immersed in so many assertions that I questioned. A difficult book to review.

John wrote: "Sher, I have not see that book. I am not too familiar with the work of Longfellow."

John, you are kidding ? --- Hiawatha. or Evangeline? I am so surprised.... oh I see now that I re-=read your post it says "too familiar" I jumped to the conclusion you had never heard of Longfellow! Geez--- sorry...

https://www.hwlongfellow.org/works_ov...

Hi Kathy-- nice to see you here. I did notice you had been reading a lot fo fiction lately, which is good too. Yes, most members have moved over here and it is nice to see you. No book read discussions here and no pressure to participate, but whenever and wherever you can - it is appreciated. Your Yellowstone book sounds trippy and interesting ... Glad you found us...

John,
I wish you well on your project.

Have you seen this book ? Cross of Snow: A Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I am not a big fan, but this book looks very interesting for my 19th C studies....

Hi John,
I would say go ahead and start a thread, because as the group grows over time it makes sense that African American History could have many books in that thread. Plus, we would know just where to go if we are looking for or wanting to post that type of book. That's my take- if Larry sees it differently- we will just adjust. Thanks!

Hi Terri, Chrissie, and Eileen- great to hear from all of you! I really appreciate knowing what others are currently reading. I have _ A Promised Land_ on my list, and good to hear you are enjoying it.

We recently set up a new thread for you to post what you think about what you just read -- although Obama's book may well make it into the "great" presidential biographies thread. We will see what you all think.

I have just started the end of Hainish Cycle by Ursula le Guin
The Dispossessed

and also a book that has me totally captivated :

The Art of the Sonnet

Traces the art form of Sonnet throughout history classical to modern forms. Of the 100 sonnets - each has an essay and notes attached to help the reader understand the work. Just what I need right now.

Carol wrote: "Saw son on Skype yesterday- my Sunday treat! He said he did know Xmas Cake and Xmas Pudding are not sold in the US and that when he brought back the Pudding (s) I give him he takes it to eat with h..."

Carol:

The flaming fruitcake-- I love it I sent the recipe you posted to my mom to compare with her 19th C recipe. She very much enjoyed seeing the recipe you shared-- thanks.

Carol,
Very nice. Fun details about how Dinky related to Patch. I am attracted to dachshunds, but they are too small for my neck of the woods - since we have nightly roaming bands of coyote....

Do you have any pets now?

Please share with us --
I just finished this book, and here is what I thought about it.

Most books don't make it to the great list but are still good reads, so whether a solid 4 star or a 3, please share your thoughts about your recent read. We'd love to know what you thought.

Please share nonfiction books you have read that were truly disappointing -- perhaps the research was questionable, or the storytelling was weak, or the combination between nonfiction and creative nonfiction was unbalanced, or the arguments did not add up. We have all read a less than inspiring nonfiction book. Please share your thoughts about a book that really disappointed you.

Larry wrote: "Sher wrote: "Hello, as many of you know from other groups, I am a super duper Library of America fan. Their Live Online programs this year have been fantastic. The year will complete with this prog..."

Thanks Larry -- I got the impression it is this year that is the 70th anniversary of Snoopy. And I believe you are correct - the Live events started after the pandemic, and I attend each event. I hope the Live Online continues. It's such a great resource to listen to top scholars in the field.

Hi Chrissie-- this is actually Larry's new group, and he asked me to help him set it up. It's different than the side reads group I previously managed in that we have no set reads and discussions here. The value of this group is it's a great resource to find and share great nonfiction read ideas. You'll see the group has many categories, which hopefully in the long view with a lot of members will be super helpful for finding a book about Asian travel - for example- there should be category for it.

Although I said there are no set book discussions, you will find folks can be plenty chatty about books they recommend, and because many of us read so much, we find lots of connections.

I will still be reading _The Naturalist_ later in December. We have a thread for what you are currently reading- I will probably post it there. I won't know if it will make it as a great nonfiction read until I have read it.

I plan on listening to _The Naturalist_, so if you listen too we can compare notes... I know you love posting your review, so maybe we need a thread for books we just finished but that may not make the great reads pile...

Hello, as many of you know from other groups, I am a super duper Library of America fan. Their Live Online programs this year have been fantastic. The year will complete with this program on Dec 16th. Free but you do need to register.

Wednesday, December 16
6:00-7:00 pm ET
Peanuts at 70: Writers and Cartoonists on Charlie Brown, Snoopy & the Gang, and The Meaning of Life

A conversation with Sarah Boxer, Jonathan Lethem, Clifford Thompson, and Chris Ware
Andrew Blauner, moderator

In 1950 Charles M. Schulz debuted a comic strip that is one of the indisputable glories of American popular culture—hilarious, poignant, inimitable. The Peanuts characters continue to resonate with millions of fans, their beguiling four-panel adventures and television escapades offering lessons about happiness, friendship, disappointment, childhood, and life itself.

Link for more information! I will be attending- if you go, we can discuss it here after the show.

https://www.loa.org/news-and-views/16...

Oh my gosh -- I love this image John! How fun -- what a dog! I can see it now. When I was 12, I got to ride a Clydesdale bare back. So high up and on such a broad back. It was unforgettable for me... when I was 50, I rode a camel, and this brought me right back to the Clydesdale memory -- so high up. But, the gait was quite different.

Well said. It seems -- maybe -- since reading her acceptance speech , you have deepened your appreciation of Gluck.

The connection I make to your comments about today's poets penchant for "grievance and psychological wounds " we see in fiction and also in song. I note it especially in much of the singer songwriter material. It does not resonant with me either, but for many it does...

I also appreciate your comments about how as an "inward" poet - Gluck is able to pull it off.

*******
and aside-- I am thrilled to have started The Art of the Sonnet This book contains 100 sonnets presented chronologically . Each sonnet contains notes and historical background. I am so interested to look at the classic form and have some help -- with Shakespeare and Petrarch, but also to look at how the sonnet has changed and to see the form today. A riveting read for me right now.

I took a subject I was writing in short form essay and tried to turned it into a sonnet. It was a horrible experience. I found it very difficult to take all the rules and keep them in mind while keeping any creative vision alive. Let's just say it gave me an appreciation for how challenging it can be to bring the sonnet form together.

John wrote: "When I was growing up, we had an Old English Sheepdog. Patches was her name. Lovable and especially great with children."

That's fantastic John. Wow. And I love the name too.... My dog growing up was Sugar, and she was a beagle. Mom gave her to me when I was 5 years old, and that wonderful alive gift started it all.

John wrote: "Sher wrote: "And John, Loved the Byron poem about Boatswain. I forwarded that to several of my dog loving friends. I wonder what breed of dog this was..."

Sher, his dog was a Newfoundland."

Same breed that Merriwether Lewis had... well loved. These days I only get to see the Newfoundland in show arena - seem very slow and heavy --not animated - and not at all like the dog Seaman and Byron's Boatswain.

Carol wrote: "Recuerdo reads like a song. I can imagine a folk group singing this. In fact, it reminds me of the song' The day we went to Bangor' by Fiddlers Dram. 'Occasionally the rhythm seems to stumble and t..."

Hi Carol:
We play a fiddle tune called "Give the Fiddler a Dram." That stumbling of beat - we call a crooked tune. It is harder to follow, but it can make for an unforgettable piece in music.

I wanted to share the link to her life and another fine portrait from Poetry Foundation
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poet...

And John, Loved the Byron poem about Boatswain. I forwarded that to several of my dog loving friends. I wonder what breed of dog this was...