Pam’s Comments (group member since Jul 12, 2018)

Pam’s comments from the Never too Late to Read Classics group.

I’m 30% into the book and really enjoying it! I love the psychological aspect, especially relating to the mother Beret. I relate to her the best and am in agreement with her emotions. I’m sure I would’ve felt the same way (terrified, apprehensive, and hoping to return to civilization) as a settler! It seems that the women never had a say in these, what some might call hare-brained, decisions to venture out into the wilderness and settle in the middle of nowhere!

In the opening section about the author, there is a story about the author’s mother asking him, when he was a child in Norway, what he wanted to do with his life. He responded that he wanted to be a poet! That didn’t seem very likely, in a remote fishing community, but somehow he managed to become a writer. I think the poet in him absolutely comes through in this book! The writing is really beautiful.

I’ve only read 2 of these authors (and Langston Hughes was a LONG time ago) so I’m definitely interested in trying a few of them!

Samantha - I just saw the news about the wreck but missed where it occurred. That’s terrible and really scary! I feel for your community and all the people involved. I hope there are no more casualties. ❤️

I’m reading Giants in the Earth by O. E. Rölvaag.

I just started it tonight. I’ve been reading a lot of speculative fiction lately and this is a nice change of pace. If I like it enough then I will plan to read the rest of the trilogy.

I never got to finish this one but will try again at some point.

Lesle, I plan to read it! I just checked it out on Hoopla. I remember reading it in high school and it was one of the few required reads that I liked! I’m wondering how much I will remember or if it will feel like a new book.

I support Les Mis!

I support Gerald Durrell books and Innocents Abroad.

Lesle - It's 2 hours earlier here. We had a perfect view! We were in the exact middle of the eclipse path and had a clear sky. We could see the ring for almost 5 minutes! I thought it was going to get dark but it only darkened a little, like early dusk, but the temperature really dropped! Our grandson had a soccer game at the same time as the event so we were watching both the game and the eclipse. The next solar eclipse (full) will be on April 8, 2024.

I wound up not going to the Balloon Fiesta BUT the winds were in our favor on Friday and several landed on the soccer field in my neighborhood. We had a great view (again)! This is the best year that I can remember for the Fiesta. I am thrilled, especially for all of our visitors! There was only one morning that the ascension was cancelled due to weather (wind) but they still did a static display. Last year was mostly a bust and very disappointing with rain and wind.

Penelope - Thanks for the tip on Jonathan Coe’s Bournville book. He’s one of my favorite authors, although not that well known in the US. I’ve added it to my 2024 TBR!

Lesle - Thanks! I will definitely get to see the eclipse. I picked up some free viewing glasses that have been distributed throughout the state to parks and libraries. The time you listed is closer to when it ends. The partial eclipse starts here at 9:13 am MDT and the peak (annular eclipse) starts at 10:34 (lasts for almost 5 minutes) and the partial eclipse ends at 12:09. NASA is going to livestream from Albuquerque & White Sands NM and Kerrville TX. I can’t believe we have front row seats! 😄

I just found out that there is a planned Balloon Glow with ~70 balloons during the eclipse Sat morning, after the mass ascension! (The balloon glows are always at night. The balloons inflate and fire up their burners.) Since we are in the direct path of the eclipse, I think it will be dark for ~5 minutes. That’s going to be so cool! I feel like I can’t miss this event.

Lesle - It’s exciting, no matter how many years you’ve lived in Albuquerque, to see balloons landing in your neighborhood or wherever you are! One year a balloon landed in the middle of a soccer game near my house. It was pretty funny! They haven’t blown my direction this week but I still have a good view. We are in the direct path for viewing the solar eclipse this Saturday so lots of places are having eclipse events including Balloon Fiesta, which will make it an even bigger attraction! I’m trying to decide whether to go.

I’ve never heard of Bournville and have never eaten Cadbury chocolate. I’ve heard of Cadbury eggs though! If Bournville is dark chocolate then that’s my choice! 🍫

John - Even though Greenland is part of Denmark, it is considered part of North America, which I didn’t realize until I queried North American countries. I looked for suggestions for Greenland but couldn’t find anything.

What?! There’s a place called Cadbury World! That sounds awesome and delicious and fun!

I will support Zora Neale Hurston.

Are we also including authors from North American countries other than the US and Canada - Mexico, Caribbean islands, Central America and Greenland?

There’s a new hot air balloon this year AND he’s a classic literary character! The balloon’s name is Le Petite Prince and he’s wearing the light green outfit (from the book cover) and has the crazy bright yellow hair. So cute!