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What I'm Reading AUGUST 2015
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In preparation for seeing the Broadway show Fun Home (some day!), I read Allison Bechdel's graphic novel of the same name. Good book, funny & sad. That led me to more comics: Lynda Barry's What It Is (halfway through, love it) and, soon, Roz Chast's What I Hate: From A to Z.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic opened the world of graphic novels for me. Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? is superb. So, of course, is The Complete Persepolis. GR even has a group dedicated to graphic novels. How the funny papers have evolved!
Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? is excellent! Funny & so, so sad. In fact, it's a good companion piece to Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, which I was just writing about in another thread. I have not read Persepolis--thanks for the recommendation!
Portia wrote: "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic opened the world of graphic novels for me. Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? is superb. So, of course, is [book:The Complete ..."
Evolved? You mean those first lessons I took from Jiggs and Maggie and from Blondie and Dagwood when I was a child weren't the real thing? Oh my goodness. I think they are the very foundation for how I see the world today. Hahaha! I'm more than half serious! Oh, and Brenda Starr!
Evolved? You mean those first lessons I took from Jiggs and Maggie and from Blondie and Dagwood when I was a child weren't the real thing? Oh my goodness. I think they are the very foundation for how I see the world today. Hahaha! I'm more than half serious! Oh, and Brenda Starr!
Ellen wrote: "Portia wrote: "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic opened the world of graphic novels for me. Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? is superb. So, of course, is [boo..."Oh yes, Brenda Starr, and the black orchid.
Ruth wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Portia wrote: "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic opened the world of graphic novels for me. Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? is superb. So, of c..."
I don't remember the Black Orchid! Sunday comic? I didn't follow ones that scared me, like Terry and the Pirates, so the Black Orchid may have been one I bypassed.
I don't remember the Black Orchid! Sunday comic? I didn't follow ones that scared me, like Terry and the Pirates, so the Black Orchid may have been one I bypassed.
Ellen wrote: "Ruth wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Portia wrote: "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic opened the world of graphic novels for me. Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? is supe..."The black orchid is what Brenda Starr's mysterious lover Basil (St. John, was it?) would send her.
Ruth wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Ruth wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Portia wrote: "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic opened the world of graphic novels for me. [book:Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?|185..."
Oh, I'd forgotten. But she is why I am a redhead.
Oh, I'd forgotten. But she is why I am a redhead.
Portia wrote: "Evolved, yes, I think so. The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For"
Very interesting! Thanks! You know, what I learned as a kid from the Sunday comics about couples was that we're opaque to each other, and sometimes to ourselves, a lot of the time. Sometimes you have to move through places where you can't quite see where you're going, or where he/she is going, and you just have to trust. That part probably hasn't changed. Or maybe I was reading into the old comics things that weren't there, but I don't know that that's true, now that I've typed the words. Art is art, and it's what you say to the art in your mind and heart that is the most important part of the interchange. There is a woman essayist whose name escapes me, nuts, who says so many of us look at art the wrong way, say "That piece (painting, sculpture, book, poem) doesn't speak to me," and we dismiss it and walk on by. Her position is that we should sit there until we find out what WE have inside ourselves to say to IT, that that's how we learn and grow. So interesting. Thanks again!
Very interesting! Thanks! You know, what I learned as a kid from the Sunday comics about couples was that we're opaque to each other, and sometimes to ourselves, a lot of the time. Sometimes you have to move through places where you can't quite see where you're going, or where he/she is going, and you just have to trust. That part probably hasn't changed. Or maybe I was reading into the old comics things that weren't there, but I don't know that that's true, now that I've typed the words. Art is art, and it's what you say to the art in your mind and heart that is the most important part of the interchange. There is a woman essayist whose name escapes me, nuts, who says so many of us look at art the wrong way, say "That piece (painting, sculpture, book, poem) doesn't speak to me," and we dismiss it and walk on by. Her position is that we should sit there until we find out what WE have inside ourselves to say to IT, that that's how we learn and grow. So interesting. Thanks again!
Sheila wrote: "Just started to listen to Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch for my in person book group"Did she read it herself, Sheila? What did you think?
Susan_T. wrote: "Did she read it herself, Sheila? What did you think?"Susan_T, The CDs I have from the library are read by David Pittu. I'm only on Chapter 1 and making slow progress, I've started it three times now. It doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
Finished Black Elk in Paris: A Novel by Kate Horsley – 2.5** Horsley takes a snippet of history and crafts a novel featuring a mild-mannered physician, a wealthy family’s strong-willed youngest daughter, and a displaced Lakota man in 1888 Paris. I enjoyed some of the philosophical / spiritual discussions, but on the whole the novel didn’t work for me.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just finished
by Candice Millard – 5***** Gripping, fascinating, and informative. Millard’s writing is on a par with Erik Larsen and Laura Hillenbrand when it comes to writing history with the pace of a thriller.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The End of Mr. Y by Scarlett Thomas was recommend to me by an author who is also a keen reader. After a great opening scene, I really warmed to the main character Ariel. The prose was lovely and I liked the way it’s about a book inside a book and the mix up of literary with scientific ideas. However towards the end of the novel I felt the novel strayed just a bit too much into the realms of fantasy and that was really a shame, because it introduced a few intriguing concepts.
I liked Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President as well, BC. What a horrible case study in medical malpractice!
Ann wrote: "I liked Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President as well, BC. What a horrible case study in medical malpractice!"
Book Concierge wrote: "Just finished by Candice Millard – 5*****
Gripping, fascinating, and informative. Millard’s writing is on a par with Erik Larsen and Laura Hillenbran..."
I heard about this on NPR, can't remember which show, some time ago, and it sounded fascinating; not only the grisly end, but the idea that Garfield might have turned history around. Glad to be reminded of it. Thank you.
Book Concierge wrote: "Just finished
by Candice Millard – 5***** Gripping, fascinating, and informative. Millard’s writing is on a par with Erik Larsen and Laura Hillenbran..."
I heard about this on NPR, can't remember which show, some time ago, and it sounded fascinating; not only the grisly end, but the idea that Garfield might have turned history around. Glad to be reminded of it. Thank you.
Ann wrote: "I liked Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President as well, BC. What a horrible case study in medical malpractice!"Yes. Truly cringe worthy.
Great review BC
Ann wrote: "I liked Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President as well, BC. What a horrible case study in medical malpractice!"Well I work for surgeons .... I couldn't stop myself from yelling at the CD player as I drove to and from work ..."WASH your hands !!!!"
Being Mortal by Atul Gawunde – 5***** SUBTITLE: Medicine and What Matters in the End Just because physicians CAN do something, should they? At what cost – not to society or to our wallets, but at what cost to our humanity and dignity? Atul Gawunde, a surgeon in Boston Massachusetts, explores the ways in which medicine (and specifically American medicine and American society) helps and hinders the aged, the infirm, and the dying.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book Concierge wrote: "Ann wrote: "I liked Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President as well, BC. What a horrible case study in medical malpractice!"Well I work ..."
We discussed this in January 2013. Here's a link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book Concierge wrote: " Being Mortal by Atul Gawunde – 5***** SUBTITLE: Medicine and What Matters in the End Just because physicians CAN do something, should they? At what cost – not..."
I liked this a lot.
In need of a physical book I have just started Anuradha Roy's Book longlisted Sleeping on Jupiter, the blurbs I have read mention a certain "violent" incident near the beginning of the book - perhaps I have been reading too much Scandinoir but it wasn't that horrific. Nonetheless the prose and storyline are engaging and her descriptions of the old ladies on the train ring true. Promising 40 pages in.
This book deals with the hand-washing issue. Made me frightened to even visit a hospital. Had a neighbor who contracted sepsis in the hospital. He lived, thank goodness, but he and his family went through some rough days. Better: A Surgeon's Notes on PerformanceRuth wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: " Being Mortal by Atul Gawunde – 5***** SUBTITLE: Medicine and What Matters in the End Just because physicians CAN do something, should the..."
Over the last few days I've listened to another lecture series from The Great Courses. This one was Elements of Jazz: From Cakewalks to Fusion. I enjoyed it and learned a lot. The bonus was listening to some wonderful music. The professor was Bill Messenger. He teaches and has also worked as a professional jazz pianist.
Mary Anne wrote: "I'm listening to farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, read by Tim Robbins. Masterful, all around."I really need to read this. I can't believe I haven't already. I'm putting this audio on my wishlist right now.
I just finishedThe Odyssey, whew what a ride. I loved it. The first read in it's entirety. Do you think I might be ready for the The Iliad? I purchased it for the discussion, but I chickened out.
I agree, Ruth, Being Mortal is wonderful. A hard subject: aging and mortality, but handled so deftly that I was enchanted and began to talk about my own aging, as well as the book, with everyone. Well, not my seven year old neighbor, but with many people. Got two other books that Gawande has written, but he's clearly grown as a writer. This book is so much more engaging.
Jane wrote: "I agree, Ruth, Being Mortal is wonderful. A hard subject: aging and mortality, but handled so deftly that I was enchanted and began to talk about my own aging, as well as the book, with everyone. W..."It made me glad I have the doctor I do, who has a special interest in dying. OMG, that sounds awful, but I'm sure you know what I mean.
Ruth, I laughed out loud. I know exactly what you mean. Look, my sentence said, Being Mortal is wonderful. Not so much really. I don't really feel like dying...but since I will...I'd like to go out surrounded by children, music, dogs, cats, plants and parakeets.
Just finished Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence, and found it interesting and helpful, though a bit redundant. Also slogging my way through The Women's Room. The discussion on it should be good, though, and perhaps I'll come to appreciate it more for what it was in its time.
Karen, I think you'll enjoy Cormier. I used his books so much the few years I taught English, especially to engage boys in reading who otherwise would have none of it.
Oh, help, Franzen's Purity is out! Do I buy it and closet myself away, or wait until my library gets it a year from now? I have to wait... My vow: I will only purchase books I want to bring with me to The Home For The Bewildered.
I am reading A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal by Ben Macintyre. This is one of those rare non-fiction books that read like fiction. Kim Philby was one of the infamous Cambridge 5. These men, from the privileged upper class, were spies for the Soviet Union and infiltrated the British intelligence agency MI6 during and after World War IIBecause Philby came from the "right sort," many of his friends in Mi6 just refused to accept the growing evidence that he was a traitor to his country.
Very interesting!
Just ordered all five in this series Justice Calling by Annie Bellet, because I read an article about how she withdrew her Hugo Best Short Story of 2015 nomination because she was endorsed by people who oppose diversity in the Hugo's.
Amy King, moderator of the Poetry GR group, has been the blogger of the month at The Poetry Foundation, and has been writing about activist writing and diversity, and wow, has she caught all heck.
But I'm not a writer; I'm a reader. What's an activist reader to do? I don't know if I'll enjoy these books or not, but I'm going to support this woman whose personal beliefs brought her to such a momentous decision.
Amy King, moderator of the Poetry GR group, has been the blogger of the month at The Poetry Foundation, and has been writing about activist writing and diversity, and wow, has she caught all heck.
But I'm not a writer; I'm a reader. What's an activist reader to do? I don't know if I'll enjoy these books or not, but I'm going to support this woman whose personal beliefs brought her to such a momentous decision.
If announcements are to be believed (and sometimes the radio station runs an incorrect promo) ursula le guin to be interviewed on NPR's Weekend All Things Considered this morning, which begins at now, 8:00 a.m. eastern time, USA. You can listen to it later (that is, the older shows are available after broadcast, I don't know how long) at http://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-e...
If you want to listen live and don't have an NPR station, you can stream it live by clicking the "Listen Live" box at the upper right of the screen at http://publicradioeast.org/schedule/p...
It's a 2-hour show, so I don't know when it will be aired within that time.
If you want to listen live and don't have an NPR station, you can stream it live by clicking the "Listen Live" box at the upper right of the screen at http://publicradioeast.org/schedule/p...
It's a 2-hour show, so I don't know when it will be aired within that time.
Ann wrote: "I am reading A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal by Ben Macintyre. This is one of those rare non-fiction books that read like fiction. Kim Philby w..."I loved that book, Ann. There was a fine line between those who were excellent spies and those who were working for the other side.
Thinking about putting The Women's Room down. I agree that it is a bit "slogg-y". I need something that moves more quickly right now, as did My Brilliant Friend, even though I wasn't interested in pursuing it or the follow-on volumes. Maybe I need a good old fast-paced thriller this week. Sigh.
The Ocean in the Closet by Yuko Taniguchi – 4**** This beautifully written, poignant novel tackles the aftermath of war and how those aftereffects ripple through multiple generations. I feel I learned a little of the Japanese mentality by seeing things from Hideo and his wife’s points of view. I thought Taniguchi captured the way in which a child thinks, the kind of logic a child would use in piecing together an explanation for what is going on around her. . I loved Helen – her tender heart, her courage and resilience. And Hideo’s quiet strength, endurance and healing heart. And while there is no clearly happy resolution, the novel’s ending looks to the future with hope.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jane wrote: "Ruth, I laughed out loud. I know exactly what you mean. Look, my sentence said, Being Mortal is wonderful. Not so much really. I don't really feel like dying...but since I will...I'd like to go ou..."I want something similar, Jane, with the addition of a 220 lb. mother panda cradling me in her arms as she rocks me gently to my final sleep.
I needed a break from my WWII reading and other serious topics so this weekend I romped through Lisa Scottoline's "Accused", a Rosato and DiNunzio legal mystery/thriller. Certainly not a literary read but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mary wrote: "I needed a break from my WWII reading and other serious topics so this weekend I romped through Lisa Scottoline's "Accused", a Rosato and DiNunzio legal mystery/thriller. Certainly not a literary ..."Nothing at all wrong with just enjoying some "brain candy" now and then ...
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Constant Reader
Books mentioned in this topic
The Ocean in the Closet (other topics)My Brilliant Friend (other topics)
The Women's Room (other topics)
A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal (other topics)
Justice Calling (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Ben Macintyre (other topics)Ursula K. Le Guin (other topics)
Ben Macintyre (other topics)
Robert Cormier (other topics)
Jane Smiley (other topics)
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http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheet...
I find this kind of thing interesting! I am not a librarian but a library fan, and sometimes hand off stuff to my own library.
Last year I mentioned Brown Girl Dreaming (a middle-grade novel published to great reviews & a winner of a National Book Award) to a 5th grade teacher, who had never heard of the book. You just never know!