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Constant Reader
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What I'm Reading - Feb 2013
Lyn wrote: "Finished A Partial History of Lost Causes, well written and enjoyable to the end. "I liked it a lot, too. Although it could have ended more satisfyingly if it had ended sooner.
Ann wrote: "John,It's hard to tell if the awkwardness is due to the original author or to the translator. Another problem can occur when the translation reads smoothly, but is not accurate.
I know that when..."
To me it had the feel of (at least the film) Forrest Gump. Not something I cared for really.
John wrote: "I bailed on that one early.
"
LOL You were smarter than I was in that case.
Yes, Carol, exactly.
Re translations, I think there can be different views about what makes a good translation. Sometimes a translator has to choose between choosing the vocabulary that most closely matches the original in meaning and choosing the words that best echo the rhythm of the sentences. Which is best? There are always trade-offs.
Larry wrote: "For the last 40 days, I have been with my mother as she died. First in a hospital (Virginia Hospital Center), then at Capital Caring's Halquist Hospice House, and then at a nursing home for the las..."Larry, thank you so much for your post. My husband and I have been in Hanover, New Hampshire since January 18 on vigil while his mother dies. It's amazing all the feelings you have during this time, one of which is the desire to go home and be normal, along with the gratitude that you can experience loving someone so completely.
Gina,My sympathy to you and your husband during this very difficult time.
Gina, my thoughts are with you and your husband. Having been through that process so recently, I understand what you are saying.
Gina, that is a beautifully written note. Again, your husband's mother is lucky to have both of you.
We will be here , Gina, as you go through your vigil.
Gina, I'm so sorry you are all going through this terrible time. We find reserves of strength in ourselves at times like this. Endurance and love are a powerful combination. Don't forget yourselves though, to keep up your own strength.
Barbara wrote: "And, the only way you can truly know is to get the opinion of someone who read it in the original language."Barbara, I fully agree with that. The only alternative is if the author, when he or she knows the target language, has given the translation his or her seal of approval.
Good point, Bernadette. Unfortunately, so many of the translations I've read have been by authors who are no longer alive.
I decided to make a kindle investment in Jose Saramago this afternoon. There is a collection of his novels and one novella, sold today for $6.60. If anyone is interested the link to the page is http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004...I haven't yet read any of his books and only have Blindness on hand. It seens worth wile to have the collection for less than the cost of one book. Now I'm hoping I find these books interesting.
Larry wrote: "For the last 40 days, I have been with my mother as she died. First in a hospital (Virginia Hospital Center), then at Capital Caring's Halquist Hospice House, and then at a nursing home for the las..."Larry, I'm so sorry for your loss. My father died last year at the age of 90 ... after several years in a nursing home. Even when you "expect" it ... it still comes like a kick in the stomach. You and your mother are in my prayers.
My "heavy" reading is being done on audio right now, so for text I'm keeping it light ...Finished reading Sick Puppy – Carl Hiaasen – 4****
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Sad to be finished with Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick – 4****
I just so enjoyed this book, I wish I were still immersed in it.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Yesterday, I decided to start The Good House, an audiobook narrated by actress Mary Beth Hurt. I was able to get into the novel quite easily, though I wasn't sure I'd like it. Anyone else read it, or have it on their TBR pile? Seems like one folks here might enjoy.
John wrote: "Yesterday, I decided to start The Good House, an audiobook narrated by actress Mary Beth Hurt. I was able to get into the novel quite easily, though I wasn't sure I'd like it. Anyone else read it, ..."I just read the description John and it sounds interesting. I'll be looking forward to your review.
North and South – Elizabeth Gaskell – 3.5***Audio book performed by Clare Wille
Can opposites attract? Can the self-made Mr Thornton woo and win the refined Margaret Hale? I’ve seen this described as “romance with a social conscience” and I agree. Clare Wille does a superb job performing the audio book. But that ending – abrupt hardly covers it. I actually exclaimed aloud, “Is that it !?”
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I just finished Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, which was engaging for a long time, but the end was (of necessity) quite underwhelming to me, though treated as something profound by the author. I'm also in the middle of Dr. Joel Fuhrman's latest book, The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes. The man is brilliant, and I am in love with his brain and his candid manner of speaking truth. Experience also bears out for me rather remarkably the wisdom in his approach to health and wellness, which has as a byproduct weight loss if it is needed. If someone is going to read one book about food or wellness, it should be one of his. I have also read his Eat to Live: The Revolutionary Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss and Eat For Health: Lose Weight, Keep It Off, Live A Longer More Enjoyable Life.
I'm interested in Fuhrman's books, Lyn. But, his titles like Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right put me off a bit. No one can disease proof a child, no matter how well they eat. And, I wonder about his books about fasting as well. However, your recommendation has me interested enough to try Eat to Live.
Barbara wrote: "I'm interested in Fuhrman's books, Lyn. But, his titles like Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right put me off a bit. No one can disease proof a child, no matter how well they eat. And, I ..."I just got two of his books on eating. Some of it sounds right to me, so I wanted to explore further.
Finished The March. By the time I was done I wished the characters had been fleshed out just a hair more, but I still found it enjoyable and interesting.
Just finished the biography of Pauline Kael, starting up McCann's bio of Cary Grant, which seems to be the only one that actually restricts itself to the sources, rather than gossip. Also reading Jim Steinmeyer's bio of Howard Thurston, "The Last Greatest Magician in the World: Howard Thurston vs. Houdini & the Battles of the American Wizards." The first couple of chapters didn't catch fire, but once Thurston gets on the road to fame, Steinmeyer's story takes off. Great book for anybody who likes magic, early twentieth century popular culture, or good biographies.
I'm reading A Train in Winter: An Extraordinary Story of Women, Friendship, and Resistance in Occupied France
The Paris Wife – Paula McLain – 4****Audio book performed by Clare Wille
I really enjoyed this novel that looks at the relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. Focusing on Hadley’s point of view, this is a good companion piece to Hemingway’s memoir A Moveable Feast.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Barbara wrote: "I'm interested in Fuhrman's books, Lyn. But, his titles like Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right put me off a bit. No one can disease proof a child, no matter how well they eat. And, I ..."Funny, Barb, I just put one on my check-out list though the titles also kind of put me off. I chose Eat for Health -- maybe because I've been sick all this week? But I've been aiming to eat healthier in order to lose and keep off some weight -- slow as it goes, I'm not in a hurry just tired of not losing it.
Gary wrote: "I'm reading A Train in Winter: An Extraordinary Story of Women, Friendship, and Resistance in Occupied France"That looks very good, Gary. Let us know what you think when you finish.
Dottie, I feel the same. I haven't been sick, but frequently dabble in books about healthy eating. They can usually be pretty inspirational when chocolate and pizza keep calling to me.
Finished The Brief History of the Dead which I found strange, poignant, compelling, and thought-provoking. I suppose it could be called a fantasy novel, but it has a literary feel, and the writer has been in many literary mags inc. the NYer and has prizes from both the literary and sf communities. I recommend it.
Kat wrote: "Finished The Brief History of the Dead which I found strange, poignant, compelling, and thought-provoking. I suppose it could be called a fantasy novel, but it has a literary feel, and the writer h..."Totally agree. Liked it very much.
Just finished Don't Look Backby Karin Fossum. I am really taken with her work which,of course, is published here in translation. My review:These Norwegian mysteries starring Inspector Sejer are really wonderful reads. This is the third one I’ve read and I’m planning to continue through the series. Fossum has a remarkable talent for bringing her characters to life and exploring their psychology.
Joan wrote: "Just finished Don't Look Backby Karin Fossum. I am really taken with her work which,of course, is published here in translation. My review:These Norwegian mysteries starring Inspector Sejer are re..."
Thanks Joan. I seem to be in a mystery frame of mind right now.
Today I finished The Painted Girls, which was an enjoyable bit of historical fiction that isn't quite what you might think from the title. Was interesting that some of you felt put off by Fuhrman's titles (that just did not occur to me). I discovered him several years ago when I knew I had to find something that worked to improve my health and help me lose weight or could kiss quality and length of life goodbye. I holed up over Christmas break that year and read dozens of books, trying to find something I felt would work and I could do. One of them was Eat to Live and though I didn't necessarily believe it on its face, it spoke to me enough to give it a trial of a few weeks, in which I discovered for myself that it improved my health remarkably and the weight fell off like never before. I'd be interested in knowing what you guys think once you've read and perhaps tried some of his suggestions.
Gina wrote: "Larry wrote: "For the last 40 days, I have been with my mother as she died. First in a hospital (Virginia Hospital Center), then at Capital Caring's Halquist Hospice House, and then at a nursing ho..."Gina,
You express the feelings that my wife and I during our own vigil so well. I'll be thinking of you as you go through your own experience.
Larry
Just a note to express my deep gratitude for all the messages that I got from my posting about being with my mother as she died. Throughout all of this, my wife was my constant and faithful companion ... my next best companion was my Kindle ... perfect for reading in darkened rooms.I'm now into the fourth book of the James Lee Burke series on Dave Robicheaux. This is A Morning for Flamingos. Great series for its depiction for New Orleans and Louisiana. The Robicheaux series is a bit violent for my own tastes, but I'm still enjoying it. It probably was my subconscious at work that had me choose this series next. My mother and father were married in New Orleans, but that was 1943 ...
Just finished Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk. I gave it three stars. It felt like I stuck with Marjorie through 500 pages, then she copped out to mediocre living. But maybe Wouk made a point that we all make compromises with our dreams, especially when they are not based in reality. Maybe I should give it 4 stars because it made me think, but the ending really bothered me.
Bud, Not Buddy – Christopher Paul Curtis – 5***** and a ❤Audio book performed by James Avery
In Depression-era Flint, Michigan, 10-year-old Bud Caldwell is determined to find his own way and sure that the things his Momma left him are clues to his father’s identity and whereabouts. I love Bud. He’s imaginative, intelligent, resourceful, well-mannered, curious, and ever-hopeful. James Avery is marvelous performing the audio book.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I'm reading Ian McEwen's new one Sweet Tooth. Coulda used an editor. My, he doth go on. And on. And on.
Am rereading Catch-22 and have just started BRING UP THE BODIES, which seems not quite as smooth as I remember WOLF HALL being. But I haven't gotten very far yet.
Larry wrote: "Just a note to express my deep gratitude for all the messages that I got from my posting about being with my mother as she died. Throughout all of this, my wife was my constant and faithful compani..."Larry, a bit of a coincidence. I've recently been going through a dvd of the hundreds of photos and papers we have from my mother's home and among them is the wedding notice for my father's parents in Algiers, LA in February, 1910.
I do enjoy James Lee Burke Robicheaux books. If you continue with the series, I think you'll find the writing continues to get stronger and stronger. His writing around Katrina, such as The Tin Roof Blowdown, is amazing. The books have violence but I don't see it as gratuitous, more an outgrowth of the corruption endemic in the area.
Larry,I'm from N.O., living a little north nowadays. Fantastic place.
I've only gotten up to In the Electric Mist With Confederate Dead of Burke's so far. I truly love his writing, but as you say, it can be violent and dark. I haven't read him in a few years, have to get back to it. Soonish. :)
I've just finished Paul Auster's The New York Trilogy, and YAYS, I made it. finally. I'd read the first of the trilogy about 6 years ago, and put it aside. Lately decided after having read 4 or 5 of his other books to give it another try. So verra happy I did.
The man has def seen too many Twilight Zone segments! I know, so have I. hah
Thank you Larry and everyone who sent good wishes our way. We came home for a few days to enjoy our family, friends and puppy. We celebrated Valentines Day with a small potluck with our friends. It has been a good break for us to get away, even if only for a few days.
I am loving THE ESSAY by Robin Yocum. His style is unique in my view.
Ha Ha, T.G.! I'm reading The Way of the Dog, and I'd say Sam Savage has a "unique style", too. However, if that's the first of his books folks tackle, the reception would be far less charitable - I'd strongly recommend the novella Glass first!
I have to be in a certain mood for Erdich but The Painted Drum was my favorite and I look forward to The Round House. I have been on a mystery kick: Anne Perry and Charles Todd but I took a break with a very curious and fascinating book Crossing the Border by Kim Chernin. It's memoir written in the third person with the author interjecting her thought and reflections in first person. It takes place mostly on a kibbutz in Israel, an erotic Journey and intermeshed love stories.
The Dead and the Gone – Susan Beth Pfeffer – 4****I liked this sequel to Life As We Knew It somewhat better than the first book. Yes, there are still gross errors and omissions, but I connected to Alex and his sisters and thought that they were written as fairly accurate portrayals of kids their age.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Book Concierge wrote: "The Dead and the Gone – Susan Beth Pfeffer – 4****I liked this sequel to Life As We Knew It somewhat better than the first book. Yes, there are still gross errors and omissions, but I connected t..."
I read the first one, and as you say, it is far from perfect in composition, but I felt it true to a 16 year old's view of events. You mention in your excellent review the stockpiling of certain items. I thought the mother in the first book actually did that very thing....
I have the next two waiting in the wings. Probably ought to read them before I totally forget the first. :) I like that the second one will focus on Alex instead.
Becoming Queen Victoria – Kate Williams – 3*** Read this for my F2F book club. Interesting background on the politics and intrigue that led to Victoria becoming Queen, but I really wanted more of her story. Victoria isn’t born until page 156, and she doesn’t learn she is Queen until page 284.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
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Constant Reader
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Larry, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. You did a fine and loving thing being with her till the end. Hard as heck on you, but a blessing for her. And that's all we can do for each other.