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

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

I inquired at our used bookstore and the library about the Primo Levi book. I was told that they don't have it and it is out of publication. However, my library has Survival in Auschwitz and The Reawakening: The Companion Volume to Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi, which I checked out. It looks like they might be the same books but published under different titles.

Has anyone played the Jane Austen boardgame? I saw it at the bookstore yesterday.

Hi Jimena and welcome to the group!

Thanks Samantha. I do use the ILL process. I even found one of my favorite books ever through the system. My experience recently is, that by the time I get the book, I’m reading other books and don’t have time to read it. The last few books I’ve requested I returned unread. I feel guilty doing that. I might request one later in the year, though. For January, I’ll likely order the book so I can read it in January.

Thanks Samantha! I’m interested in the books for Jan, Feb, June, Sept and Nov but will probably not be able to fit in all of them. My library only has 2 of them. I might order If This is a Man. Interestingly enough, that title was a crossword puzzle clue recently that my husband asked me about.

I finished the challenge but had to get a little creative with September. I had a book that I didn't even realize was in the classics range. That was a fun challenge, Lesle! Thanks for putting it together.

I just realized that I also completed the Relaxed Reader (see message 3). I finished it up with An African in Greenland by Tété-Michel Kpomassie (French) This book was published in 1981 but is non-fiction set in the mid 1960s.

I read the first chapter but struggled with the second one because of the writing tyle. I will probably pick it up again in 2025 and give it another try.

I plan to read Emma but not sure when. Hopefully, it will be during the 1st quarter. I’ve seen the movie.

Welcome Moss! Glad you found our group!

That’s great Lesle! I hope it’s an easy day for you at work. Now, you will lots of time to catch up on your reading and other fun activities! 😀

Rosemarie - I’m glad to hear that you are a vegetarian and for so long, too! That’s amazing. I eat vegetarian when I can but haven’t adopted the lifestyle completely. It’s one of my goals.

Luis and Pyangje (and whoever else has an unexpressed concern) - Good luck with your health concerns! Here’s to a healthy 2025 for all of us!

Nancy - keep going with your sugar elimination! I’ll be doing the same. I said no to chocolate cake last night! That felt like a win. Surprisingly, my grandson did, too, which was an odd one!

I hope everyone has a good day! ☀️

Karin - That’s great! I hope I can get to that point also. There are so many temptations when it comes to sugar!

Nancy - Good luck! You can do it. Bread is much more important to me than sugar. I don’t think I could give it up unless my life depended on it. Tortillas, too. 😀 Maybe I will try to cut back on both of them.

Nancy- I cut out added sugars for 2 months in 2023. I felt better and lost 5 lbs. I wish I would’ve continued with that lifestyle but it was right before the holidays and I started eating holiday treats! I’m trying to do it again now. The trick for me is to keep fresh or frozen fruit on hand. Gelato and ice cream are the hardest things for me to give up! Understanding which processed foods include added sugars is also important.

I’ve also had to cut out caffeine. I’m doing really well with that. Giving up iced tea was the hardest thing for me. It’s taken me years to be consistent! Now, I stick with water and herbal teas.

I don’t know where I’ve been for the last few months but I just realized we have a bunch of new members, which is really exciting! Welcome to all of you! Hope you all find some great classics to read and are able to participate in our group reads and challenges. There’s lots to choose from!

Thanks Rosemarie for the idea! I checked it out today. I remember there was a tv show when I was a kid but I never watched it. I’m listening to the audiobook for Under the Greenwood Tree. It’s easier to listen to than to read! Maybe I’ll finish both of them.

I’m doing an A-Z title challenge and am down to 2 letters- Q and U. So, I’m reading Quicksand by Nella Larsen, which is really good so far, and possibly reading Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy. The Hardy book is a little boring to start so I may not finish it.

Here are the events my library sponsored this week for Jane Austen week:

1. Regency Era Dancing (a dance is taught)
2. Chat and Craft: cross stitch cameo of Austen
3. Create a regency dance card (and bring it with you to the Ball)
4. Letter folding and calligraphy
5. Regency ribbon ornament
6. Grand Ball with dancing, music, food, tea, Austen-inspired activities, parlor games, a celebratory toast and cake cutting. Floral arrangement door prize. Optional: Bring a book for a White Elephant exchange, wrap it up and write a note about why the recipient should read it or why you are giving it away.
7. Coloring page with a woman in a regency gown. Color/decorate the gown, cut it out, and they will be displayed on their Christmas tree. This is the only activity I will be participating in but next year, I want to go to the Ball! I love that idea! I have a year to read some of her works and figure out a dress/costume.

Chad - I just saw your comment, as my daughter, grandson, husband and I are sitting here talking about the topic! I hope they figure this out soon. Just bizarre.

I accidentally fell asleep listening to the audiobook and went from ch2-ch5 so I will have to go back to the ebook. Some of the history I already know, especially relating to the southwestern tribes in NM and AZ but it is still very interesting and so disheartening. Several years ago, I read Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis by Timothy Egan. I learned so much from that book. I highly recommend it!

Great idea John and thank you for organizing the challenge! I definitely want to participate. I’ve only read 2 of Austen’s books but own the others since my husband is a fan. My local library branch is doing a Jane Austen week this week, with different events each day. I can share the types of activities if anyone is interested in organizing or suggesting similar events in your community next year. They also did this event last year and I’m hoping they will do it again next year. I’m on a wait list for 2 events. They filled up super fast!