Socializing III Showing 1,551-1,600 of 1,957

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I haven't been paying attention to my stated 2020 goals. Now I'm looking to see if I can combine the summer season goal of reading only owned books with my other longer term goals. It's simply amazing how much time can be wasted spent perusing book titles.

[Bryony]

Thank you! Encouragement will definitely be appreciated as I have a terrible habit of setting aside longer books in favour of ones I can complete in a few days.

I actually started counting the number of 500+ page books sitting unread on my shelves and I’m ashamed to find it’s more than a hundred. Many are classics that I downloaded to my Kindle for free, but there are also books I’ve bought and still haven’t found the time to read. Time to do something about that!

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I sent a package to Phoenix for my great-granddaughter's 2nd birthday later this month. A very active and inquisitive 2-year old in the house! So my granddaughter hid the package in the refrigerator.

[Connie]

That's a cute story, Elizabeth!

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Just an FYI, the Christie with Lexile file as been updated. This file can always be found in the Member's Corner folder.

[Rosemary]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I sent a package to Phoenix for my great-granddaughter's 2nd birthday later this month. A very active and inquisitive 2-year old in the house! So my granddaughter hid the package in the refrigerator."

My upstairs neighbours have twin girls just that age! So cute. Luckily we have a big shared garden where they can run around, otherwise I imagine it would be difficult stuck in an apartment at this time...

[Katy]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I sent a package to Phoenix for my great-granddaughter's 2nd birthday later this month. A very active and inquisitive 2-year old in the house! So my granddaughter hid the package in the refrigerator."

Ha ha! That sounds like my daughter, who's almost 2. It has been a bit tough being isolated in a NYC apartment with an extremely active 2 year old, for sure. As soon as this all happened, my brother and my parents sent care packages of new books for her, which she likes, but not as much as she likes climbing all over the furniture and exploring every nook and cranny! I would have to hide things in the fridge too :)

Luckily, the city has shut down car traffic to a number of streets, including one big street near my house, so people can get out of their homes and walk/bike/hang out outdoors without getting too close to others. So we put on our masks and go out to play most days -- but the rest of the time it's all about working from home and entertaining her in the living room!!

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

In the Russia thread Valerie wrote: "It has been 6 years since I read The Master and Margarita , so my memory may be a bit vague, but I think it would fulfill the requirement for Russia. I LOVED it, but it is hard core magic realism."

I'm glad Valerie commented over there for Bryony who was asking about this book. I think that was my problem with it. I usually shy completely away if any hint of magical realism and yet I like Louise Erdrich very much. There are others from the Native culture where I've felt the same way. I cannot explain it. I have no Native heritage, have never been around it, though there is a significant Native population here.

Does anyone else who accepts some magical realism and not others?

[Ed]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "In the Russia thread Valerie wrote: "It has been 6 years since I read The Master and Margarita , so my memory may be a bit vague, but I think it would fulfill the requirement for Russ..."

I don't have any specific examples....but I agree with you Elizabeth. In small doses I enjoy elements of magical realism. The Master and Margarita was too much for me. Gabriel Garcia Marquez' books are about my limit.

[Bea]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Does anyone else who accepts some magical realism and not others?"

Yes. My ratings range from 2 - 5 stars on books with that genre. Most of the ones I like are newer writers who seem to incorporate the technique better into the story so that it seems more natural, whereas the ones on the lower end of my ratings seem to be South American writers.

I do not like being hit over the head with the technique so much that the story is lost or second place.

[Valerie]

I have a feeling academics would say The Master and Margarita is fantastical political satire; but in my mind magic realism covers it.

I liked The Master and Margarita (a bit) better than One Hundred Years of Solitude, mostly because I felt a bit lost in Marquez' book for quite a bit of the time! If I find the story compelling I have a high tolerance for magic realism/fantasy. I do think Bulgakov is often more understandable than Marquez; but maybe I 'get' political satire easier than complicated family sagas!

Your question is interesting, Elizabeth. I don't have any Indigenous heritage either, but growing up on the West Coast I found the Indigenous culture to be obvious and accessible (sadly, not for good reasons - instead the usual of the colonials putting the Indigenous artifacts in museums.... however that is another discussion.) Anyhow, I've always been interested in West Coast peoples culture. That translates to books when I read Eden Robinson. There is definitely magic realism in Monkey Beach but it doesn't seem as obtrusive.

[Bryony]

I haven’t read a lot of magical realism but I have mostly enjoyed that which I have read. I don’t read a lot of fantasy and I think partly that’s because I struggle to follow books set in a completely unfamiliar universe. I often find the world building of high fantasy books a bit difficult to follow and I struggle to remember all the rules by which the alternative world operates. In some ways, I think magical realism appeals to be because it has elements of fantasy which I like but the overall setting is still one that is familiar.

I enjoyed Chocolat by Joanne Harris, which has elements of magical realism although they’re not as pronounced as many other magical realism novels. I loved the setting of the book though, it has a really timeless and slightly unreal aspect to it, while at the same time being clearly grounded in the ‘real’ world.

[Bryony]

Katy, I definitely relate to the difficulty of isolating in an apartment with children. My husband and I and our two children are isolating in our London apartment, and it’s definitely been a challenge! My oldest just turned four and my youngest is one, so they are both full of energy and used to spending a lot more time outdoors than we’re able to at the moment. Our furniture is basically being treated as an indoor play area by them both!

Having to hide something in the refrigerator away from children reminded me of a funny incident we had last week. I had some groceries delivered and after I’d tidied everything away I noticed a couple of items were missing. I just thought they must have been lost on the way here and I was going to email the shop and ask for a refund. Until that evening when I was tidying up some toys and discovered my groceries had been neatly hidden away in the children’s play kitchen! I’m not sure which of them was responsible, I guess they were trying to help and thought a pretend kitchen was as good a place as any to store food. At least I hadn’t already emailed the shop or I’d have needed to send an embarrassing follow up to let them know I’d found the missing items!

[Deedee]

Several scattershot comments:

Magic Realism -- literary books that could be called fantasy but the authors/publishers believe that a literary book cannot be fantasy, so they call it magic realism. There isn't any difference between magic realism and fantasy. Maybe magic realism has fewer fantastical episodes than 'traditional' fantasy, but that's it. I've read that Margaret Atwood originally resisted the label of "science fiction" for her science fiction novels (like The Handmaid's Tale) but those novels still fit the definition of science fiction.

Everything here in Georgia is opened -- my family is extra-careful, and still severely limit where we go (like grocery stores) -- especially because my medically fragile son lives with my husband and me and he'd have a hard time fighting off disease --

Today the library opened. There are some limitations: plexiglass shields between librarians and patrons; a nurse that takes your temperature before you can enter the library; only 25 people at a time allowed in the building. And ... returned books are put into a 10 day quarantine before being checked in.

[Valerie]

Deedee wrote: "Several scattershot comments:

Magic Realism -- literary books that could be called fantasy but the authors/publishers believe that a literary book cannot be fantasy, so they call it magic realism...."

I agree with that comment about magic realism/fantasy completely. I have always loved fantasy (and grew up reading it) which I think is why I like magic realism.

As for being open - be careful. Ontario is very slowly opening, but I'm still going to go out of my way to avoid crowds. (Although we're still not supposed to go about in groups of more than 5.)

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Ah, magic realism = fantasy. Probably why it mostly doesn't work for me. When I mentioned Louise Erdrich above, please note that she uses what is called magical realism in more of a religious/spiritual sense. I would not call that fantasy, though perhaps others would. When used this way, it is more understandable to me.

[Deedee]

Valerie wrote: "Deedee wrote: "Several scattershot comments:

....As for being open - be careful. Ontario is very slowly opening, but I'm still going to go out of my way to avoid crowds. (Although we're still not supposed to go about in groups of more than 5.)..."

I hear you! We go to the grocery store every other day, and today, with my mask on, I went to the library to return my books (they have to get checked in before I can check out any new ones). That's it. Fortunately, my husband works from home (2012 to today), computers are amazing to enable that, so our day-to-day life has been minimally impacted. We need haircuts -- we'd like to go to the movies, or out to a restaurant -- but not now.

[Valerie]

Deedee wrote: "Valerie wrote: "Deedee wrote: "Several scattershot comments:

....As for being open - be careful. Ontario is very slowly opening, but I'm still going to go out of my way to avoid crowds. (Although ..."

I've been making a real effort to stretch out the grocery shopping. I've made it to the 10 day or so mark so far between trips. Of course, I am a little tired of veggies that last a long time! ha, ha....

[Valerie]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Ah, magic realism = fantasy. Probably why it mostly doesn't work for me. When I mentioned Louise Erdrich above, please note that she uses what is called magical realism in more of a religious/spiri..."

Yes, that is how Eden Robinson uses it as well.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Valerie wrote: "Yes, that is how Eden Robinson uses it as well."

I added Monkey Beach to my wish list based on your comments earlier.

[Bea]

Although I kinda like the comment on magical realism = fantasy and understand the viewpoint, it leaves me puzzled about myself. I love fantasy...in almost all ways. But my experience with magical realism is more a love-hate thing. So, although both genres are using an imagined magical world, magical realism comes over more like a writing technique that sometimes works and sometimes does not for me as a reader...not a part of the imagined world so much.

[Coralie]

I have heard that the difference between fantasy and magical realism is that in fantasy the magic has rules, but in magical realism it just happens. This could have something to do with why people who love fantasy don't always enjoy magical realism.

[Bea]

Coralie wrote: "I have heard that the difference between fantasy and magical realism is that in fantasy the magic has rules, but in magical realism it just happens. This could have something to do with why people ..."

OK...that might be true for me and explain my reaction. Thanks, Coralie.

[Valerie]

Coralie wrote: "I have heard that the difference between fantasy and magical realism is that in fantasy the magic has rules, but in magical realism it just happens. This could have something to do with why people ..."

That statement makes sense to me.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Well, I don't read books that are strictly fantasy (or science fiction) any time. I need something more reality based.

[Lynn]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Ah, magic realism = fantasy. Probably why it mostly doesn't work for me. When I mentioned Louise Erdrich above, please note that she uses what is called magical realism in more of a religious/spiri..."

I have only read one book that is primarily tagged as Magical Realism - Like Water for Chocolate. My problem was the ending and the passive/repressed personality of the main character. Because of this book I avoid anything tagged Magical Realism. Yet, I have read many Fantasy books that I enjoyed - think Ursula Le Guin, Mary Stewart's Arthur novels, and Harry Potter. So if Magical Realism = Fantasy then perhaps I should give it another try.

[Lynn]

Coralie wrote: "I have heard that the difference between fantasy and magical realism is that in fantasy the magic has rules, but in magical realism it just happens. This could have something to do with why people ..."

This is very astute. Perhaps I need the magic to have rules. Again going back to Like Water for Chocolate, the ending just seemed inexplicable to me.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I've tried to do a bit of reading since this conversation broke out. For me, true fantasy is set in an unreal world. Some of the rules/behavior of the real world as we know it may or may not apply. Magic realism is set in the real world where most of the behavior of peoples as we know it apply, but where there is also an aspect of unexplained "other worldly" beings or happenings.

I'm not sure I'm saying this very well. I think there are many ways authors express the fantastical.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I have a completely unreasonably-sized list of possibles for summer and I don't even know all of the tasks yet.

How is the planning going for you?

[Anika]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I have a completely unreasonably-sized list of possibles for summer and I don't even know all of the tasks yet.

How is the planning going for you?"

I know I'm getting over-excited and doing some serious over-planning (also trying to finish up a challenge for another group to read a book from all 50 U.S. states), but I've been able to find most of the books I need either on my bookshelves at home, on my mom's or sister's shelves (we're meeting for lunch at my mom's house today and I'll be leaving with a decent-sized box of books they're lending me), or on my virtual shelves (thank you, Amazon Prime monthly free books!). There was only one book I have planned that I couldn't find anywhere so ordered off of ebay and am keeping my fingers crossed it arrives before June 1!

Can I just thank you and Kate one more time for all of the work you put into this group? It has been my saving grace during this troubling time (and at several different difficult times in my life, as I've been a member of this group for, what, at least eight years now--really bad break-ups, the passing of my father, a murder in my front yard, etc.)...I know I'm not a frequent commentator in the Socializing groups, but I always read what is going on and feel warmed and a kinship with everyone in this group.
Thanks for creating and maintaining this haven/heaven on the internet.

[Connie]

I've found books for all the tasks so far. My library just started "grab and go" pickup for a limited number of books on hold per library patron. We don't have inter-library loan available yet, and I was not able to get any newer books because of a long hold list. So I got some older British novels last week to use in my "Traveling around the UK" challenge that I have been working on. I found books in my bookcases to use for the foreign country tasks, and hope to pare down my owned books.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Anika wrote: " on my mom's or sister's shelves (we're meeting for lunch at my mom's house today and I'll be leaving with a decent-sized box of books they're lending me),"

Love this type of inter-library loan.

I'm glad you were here for *us*, Anika.

[Karen Michele]

My planning is going pretty well. I just can't seem to keep my brain from looking for combos. I see a book and say to myself - wow! that fits 4 tasks, and then say, that doesn't matter, just choose by which ones you really want to read;) I think I'm actually more under control than usual, though. So far, I'm trying to find a place for all of the other group projects I want to do and make sure I have them in some form by the 1st and that's going well so far. I'm having a lot of fun with it as usual and stage 2 of my planning will be taking a look through all of my shelves of print books which will really be fun!

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Karen Michele wrote: "I just can't seem to keep my brain from looking for combos. "

You're not the only one. ;-)

[Ed]

Anika wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I have a completely unreasonably-sized list of possibles for summer and I don't even know all of the tasks yet.

How is the planning going for you?"

I too appreciate the work the mods have done to adapt this season's tasks and styles to the situation we all find ourselves in. I have already started reading the Bible...for next season....no problem about getting to the 50% mark by June 1.

I have 52 other books I would like to get through.....not including audible books. It is possible although unlikely that I will get through all of them.....but then again...there are few distractions these days.
I'll be making a major dent in my Pop Sugar and Around the World in 52 Weeks challenges.

[Ed]

Strike one book from my list....just tried to borrow an ebook....and it won't be available until June. sigh

[Joanna]

Anika wrote: "I always read what is going on and feel warmed and a kinship with everyone in this group.
Thanks for creating and maintaining this haven/heaven on the internet."

Me too! I've been participating in this challenge since Fall 2010 and I've benefited so much from it. Thanks to everyone who keeps it running and who participates to make the group feel special.

My planning has way more books than I'm likely to get to over the summer, but it's fun going through my shelves for things I have and making sure that if there are a few things I want from the library I get them borrowed now.

I have two books that haven't found a home yet, so maybe they'll fit one of the remaining tasks.

[Karen Michele]

I have a few that are "iffy" on being available in time. Good luck!

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Some of you will be pleased to learn that Christie's Evil Under the Sun has had it's low Lexile restriction removed. Nick posted it with styles. BPL no longer has it shelved with any type of YA designation.

[Lynn]

I am excited about Summer because of the bonus for reading books you own. I am not planning at all. There is also the bonus for reading more deeply. I hope I will whittle down my stacks and the categories may just be hit or miss.

[Valerie]

Lynn wrote: "I am excited about Summer because of the bonus for reading books you own. I am not planning at all. There is also the bonus for reading more deeply. I hope I will whittle down my stacks and the cat..."

I agree, Lynn. I also find it very freeing that there are no combos for this season. Not that I would want that all the time, but it will be nice to pick from the pile without analyzing the potential score! :)

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

We're glad you're liking these two features this summer. The no combos thing is going to feel odd for us approaching the score keeping angle, for sure!

As a reader, I can't make up my mind whether to just plough into the stack and get a ton of books read (mysteries, for example), or whether to indulge in longer and therefore neglected titles when I won't get as many off the shelves.

Do any of you have a hoped for goal?

[Valerie]

Before I (try) to answer Elizabeth's question, I wanted to say that I echo Anika's sentiments above. I had been thinking just before she posted how much the structure of this group's challenges helped me focus during our 10+ week lock down (we're still not completely open yet). As I mentioned before, I read when things seem out of control around me - which is evidenced by my unprecedented score this season. I realized how grateful I am/was for the various tasks within our challenge this season, otherwise I would have resorted to sticking to 'comfort reads' of mysteries. Even though they are my favorite genre, that does wear a little thin! So, big 'Thanks' to Kate and Elizabeth!

As for the upcoming season.... I don't know if I have a goal exactly. I am definitely embracing the owned/possession style, and since I will only have 4 books that fall into the 'possession' category, I guess I hope to make a BIG dent in the tottering owned pile. I have a small handful of books that I would like to read first for the challenge, then I am thinking it would be fun to pick suggested reads randomly. I'm old school, so I've written the titles from my reading plan on slips of paper to draw out of a bowl. I do have 9 books from my A-Z Classic Author challenge slotted in, so if they don't end up being picked randomly I will read them before season end.

[Connie]

I read 10 owned and 17 library books for the spring challenge, and I hope to reverse those numbers for the summer challenge. After I've read some books set in England (mostly mysteries) for my ongoing UK challenge, I'm going to pull books from my bookcase for the rest of the summer challenge. I've got lots to choose from--contemporary and classic paper books in many genres, including several large college anthologies of classic plays and other works that I picked up at used book sales. I also have many classics loaded on a Nook (that I usually only use when the power goes out since I prefer paper books).

I found it difficult to concentrate on reading at the start of the pandemic in March. Then a close friend died unexpectedly. In April I had some emergency surgery and felt foggy for a few weeks, but I'm feeling fine now. So I'm happy that Elizabeth and Kate designed a relaxed summer challenge. I imagine everyone is going to be dealing with some sort of stress during the pandemic, and will need some "light escape reads" at times.

[Lynn]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "We're glad you're liking these two features this summer. The no combos thing is going to feel odd for us approaching the score keeping angle, for sure!

As a reader, I can't make up my mind whether..."

Yes, I have wanted to read a few books for a while - one or more years - but they get pushed down the list because they do not fit criteria for either of my two reading groups. The Postman by David Brin here I come. Then it's completely reading on a whim.

[Connie]

Thanks to the mods for all their effort during the spring season. The Blackjack sub-challenge was an especially fun challenge to plan, and I hope we do it again sometime. Looking forward to the summer challenge!

[Ed]

I concur...thanks for a fun and challenging season.... and also thanks for all the thought behind the Summer season tasks too.

[Tien]

Ditto! Loved Blackjack!

[Anika]

I loved this whole season and am so excited to start working my way through the giant pile of books I have prepared for summer! I also wouldn't be sad to revisit Blackjack--I have my deck of cards already written up and ready to reuse ;-) Thanks for the fun times <3

[Karen Michele]

I also loved the season! I’m finishing up a few books, but I fell asleep for a while this afternoon, so probably won’t post them so it’s a wrap for me!