What books did you get from the library, bookstore, or online? ~ 2023

[Lilli Gilliam]

My mom just bought me these books:
Clown in a Cornfield
It Only Happens in the Movies
The Forbidden Book: A novel
Sunkissed
Sisters of Sword and Song
Summer and the City
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry

[Alias Reader]

Lilli Gilliam wrote: "My mom just bought me these books:
Clown in a Cornfield
It Only Happens in the Movies
The Forbidden Book: A novel
Sunkissed
[book:Sis..."

How nice to receive a book haul ! I hope they are all winners for you.

[Alias Reader]

For the Kindle Rewards program there was a 200 point bonus that ended today. So I decided to purchase:

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham

I frequently see Meacham on MSNBC and I like his calm reasoned discussions.

I normally get my books from the library. However, for these longer tomes, I prefer to own the book. I'll probably get from Audible the audio at some point down the line when I read the book.

[Cathy]

I have Anxious People and It All Comes Down To This. I also picked up a collection of Willa Cather, including O pioneers and Song Of The Lark from the freebie shelf. It’s always worth a look!

[Alias Reader]

Cathy wrote: "I have Anxious People and It All Comes Down To This. I also picked up a collection of Willa Cather, including O pioneers and Song Of The Lark from the freebie shelf. It’s always worth a look!"

I read Anxious People-Fredrik Backman back in 2021 and gave it a top rating.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I also read Willa Cather : O Pioneers!-Willa Cather and enjoyed that one, too.

[Michele]

I just finished My Antonia. New Willa Cather fan

[Petra]

Michele wrote: "I just finished My Antonia. New Willa Cather fan"

Michele, you're in for a treat with her other books. She's a wonderful author.
I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed your first Willa Cather book.

[Alias Reader]

Michele wrote: "I just finished My Antonia. New Willa Cather fan"

:)

I recall seeing a Cather PBS documentary. I think it was one of the American Masters series. I don't know if it's on YouTube

However, I found this

Willa Cather documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1AJD...

[Michele]

Thanks

[Alias Reader]

You're welcome !

[madrano]

Lilli Gilliam wrote: "My mom just bought me these books:
My mom just bought me these books:

Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry

..."

What a good title! I hope you enjoy these books, Lilli.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "For the Kindle Rewards program there was a 200 point bonus that ended today. So I decided to purchase:

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham
..."

I hope you like it, Alias. I read it for my Jackson bio and it was fine. However, it mostly covered just the White House years, as subtitled. As you know, i prefer fuller bios. Another curious fact about this one was it seemed there was almost more about the societal behavior than the Presidency itself. It's probably just me, as it was a new approach to presidents.

[madrano]

Cathy wrote: "I have Anxious People and It All Comes Down To This. I also picked up a collection of Willa Cather, including O pioneers and Song Of The Lark from the freebie shelf. It’s always worth a look!"

Cather is a winner in my book, Cathy. The topic of Lark is about a young woman with a creative spirit, who lives in a place of limited creative options. It's said to be a bit autobiographic.

I hope all your selections are winners!

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote:
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham
..."

I hope you like it, Alias. I read it for my Jackson bio and it was fine. However, it mostly covered just the White House years, as subtitled. As you know, i prefer fuller bios. Another curious fact about this one was it seemed there was almost more about the societal behavior than the Presidency itself. It's probably just me, as it was a new approach to presidents.."

I always check your Presidential Challenge list before I purchase.
I, too, prefer some of the childhood info. Unfortunately, not many cover that. It can make all the difference for me. I recall the Nixon bio I read did cover his upbringing.

[madrano]

To be honest, i don't think Jackson had much of a childhood, as his dad died before the boy was born. His mother moved them to her sister's place. Before he was 15, his home was taken over by the British & the family had to serve them.

Several bios i've read skip the childhood, which is unfortunate. Likely, not much is known or can be verified.

[Cathy]

Catching up with the posts here and adding Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry to my want to read list and also The Country Girls trilogy by Edna O’ Brien.

Right now, I’m reading another play, Mrs. Miniver, by Jan Strothers. I love reading plays with stage directions included. I believe Jan was the real life Mrs. Miniver who wrote home front columns at the start of WW2.
Waiting for Pineapple Street and Life on the Mississippi, early Mark Twain, on hold at the library.

Happy reading!

[madrano]

Cathy wrote: "Catching up with the posts here and adding Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry to my want to read list and also The Country Girls trilogy by Edna O’ Brien.

Right now, I’m reading another play, Mrs. Minive..."

Cathy, catching up with posts is a pleasure but my To Be Read pile increases dramatically, once finished. :-)

I didn't realize Mrs. Miniver was a play, as well. Drawn to the movie, i researched a bit, finding Jan Struther's book. Finally, i read The Real Mrs Miniver--Ysenda Maxtone Graham, which filled me in more. I still love the film, of course.

Like you, i find a pleasure in reading plays. What is it that draws us? Perhaps part of the allure is allowing our imaginations to set the stage & see the directions as we interpret them? Regardless, i join you in enjoying them.

[Alias Reader]

My TBR is in notebooks they are so long ! I don't mind as it always gives me ideas for books I want to read.

I enjoy reading plays, too, Cathy. I also listen to some. Right now I'm listening to A Streetcar Named Desire-Tennessee Williams

It's a recording of a stage production that I got from Audible.

[madrano]

Alias, is it easier to listen to a staged production? I'm wondering about audience sounds and whether they are distracting. At least that's what i presume a stage production would be like.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "Alias, is it easier to listen to a staged production? I'm wondering about audience sounds and whether they are distracting. At least that's what i presume a stage production would be like."

I know this play very well so it's not a problem for me to listen to the stage production. However, when they are not talking and moving about the stage or gesturing etc. if one is not familiar with the story I guess that could be confusing.

This was free with my Audible subscription.

About This Audible Original
Following his 2019 production of A Raisin in the Sun, celebrated as "an absorbing, watershed revival," by The New York Times, Robert O’Hara returns to Williamstown Theatre Festival to direct this Tennessee Williams masterpiece. With Emmy, Grammy, and six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald as Blanche DuBois alongside Carla Gugino as Stella, O’Hara takes a fresh and visceral look at the emotionally charged relationship between these two iconic sisters. Haunted by her past, Blanche seeks refuge with Stella and Stanley (Ariel Shafir) in New Orleans, where she wrestles with the nature of her sister’s husband, her sister’s denial, and her own unraveling mind.

Product Details
By: Tennessee Williams
Narrated by: Carla Gugino, Audra McDonald
Length: 2 hrs and 52 mins
Performance
Release date: 12-03-20
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Entertainment & Performing Arts

[madrano]

Thank you for the explanation, Alias. Good cast.

[John]

Tomorrow (Thursday) is another 2x Kindle Rewards day.

[Bella (Kiki)]

John wrote: "Tomorrow (Thursday) is another 2x Kindle Rewards day."

Thanks for the reminder, John! :-)

[Bella (Kiki)]

Alias Reader wrote: "My TBR is in notebooks they are so long ! I don't mind as it always gives me ideas for books I want to read.

I enjoy reading plays, too, Cathy. I also listen to some. Right now I'm listening to [..."

One of my favorite plays, Alias.

[Cathy]

How do I get the post reference in my posts?

[Cathy]

Madrano, I checked out Mrs. Miniver on DVD today! I’ve seen it,but not in a while AND I was looking for the book you mentioned, The Real Mrs. Miniver, but didn’t have time to search who the author was, so thanks for that! Putting on hold now.

[Bella (Kiki)]

Cathy wrote: "Madrano, I checked out Mrs. Miniver on DVD today! I’ve seen it,but not in a while AND I was looking for the book you mentioned, The Real Mrs. Miniver, but didn’t have time to search who the author ..."

One of my mother's favorite movies! Enjoy!

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Tomorrow (Thursday) is another 2x Kindle Rewards day."

Thanks, John ! I have 504 points. So I can get the $3 coupon. However, I'll probably still get something for the 2x points.

[Alias Reader]

Cathy wrote: "How do I get the post reference in my posts?"

Cathy, I'm not sure what you are asking.

If you are asking about getting another persons post so you can reply. Just click on Reply under their post and it will open a box for you to type along with the quote from the top of the person's post.

[madrano]

Cathy wrote: "Madrano, I checked out Mrs. Miniver on DVD today! I’ve seen it,but not in a while AND I was looking for the book you mentioned, The Real Mrs. Miniver, but didn’t have time to search who the author ..."

I was fortunate that my library had the Real Mrs. M in ebook form. It was just what i wanted. Good luck.

[Cathy]

Alias.. Thanks for the info, exactly what I was trying to ask! I have been reading and posting from an iPad and I don’t think it’s an option on the app to refer/reply directly. I’ll try desktop later!

[Alias Reader]

Cathy wrote: "Alias.. Thanks for the info, exactly what I was trying to ask! I have been reading and posting from an iPad and I don’t think it’s an option on the app to refer/reply directly. I’ll try desktop later!"

I don't have an iPad. I'm on a laptop. Maybe someone with an iPad can chime in.

What I see under a persons post, on the right side
is: Reply

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Tomorrow (Thursday) is another 2x Kindle Rewards day."

I used my $3 credit and purchased An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963 by Robert Dallek

The purchase came with 130 points X 2. So now with the other points I had, I have another 300 points ($3) credit which I will use the next double points day.

Thanks, John !

[madrano]

Cathy wrote: "Alias.. Thanks for the info, exactly what I was trying to ask! I have been reading and posting from an iPad and I don’t think it’s an option on the app to refer/reply directly. I’ll try desktop later!"

Cathy, when on the road i use my iPad exclusively. For me, the reply is in the same place as on my desktop computer. At the bottom right of each post i have a "reply" place to click. Then, the form gives the first few lines the person posted, plus space for me to write my thoughts.

I hope you can figure this out, as when traveling or out of the house, using the iPad is ideal. Good luck.

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "John wrote: "Tomorrow (Thursday) is another 2x Kindle Rewards day."

I used my $3 credit and purchased An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963 by Robert Dallek

The..."

I ended up getting three historical travel books:

Viva Mexico!

Memoirs of a Bengal Civilian

The Pharaoh's Shadow

The last one is modern travel, but I understand focuses a lot on Ancient Egypt.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote:I ended up getting three historical travel books:

Viva Mexico!

Memoirs of a Bengal Civilian

The Pharaoh's Shadow.."

Very nice.

[madrano]

It sounds as though the Anthony Sattin book would fill me in even further with regards to the intriguing Egyptian history i learned when reading Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction. Enjoy those titles, John!

[Alias Reader]

I purchased the Kindle version of
William Henry Harrison: The Life and Legacy of the First American President to Die in Office by Charles River Editors
for the Lifetime Presidential challenge that we have here at BNC.

Sometimes it's difficult to get a book on these lesser known presidents. So when I saw this was only $3, I decided to get it.

[madrano]

I agree about the difficulty in finding bios for some presidents, Alias. For me, reading in chronological order, the brevity of a Harrison book is equalized by the next President, John Tyler, which usually includes the debates and upsets of his predecessor dying in office. At the time, it wasn’t even clear that a VP was to resume the Presidency!

[madrano]

Earlier this year Michele wrote about her enjoyment of books by Dorothy Dunnett. While the historical novels didn’t call to me now, her mystery series did. My library had only the later books, so i began with Tropical Issue, originally published as Dolly and the Bird of Paradise.

The narrator is a 4’9” Scottish makeup artist, Rita Geddes, who tells her own story about meeting and working with the series’ detective artist & amateur detective Johnson Johnson. Their travels cover Atlantic island i the North Atlantic and Caribbean, she working for a wealthy celebrity. Told from her viewpoint, it is quite humorous but also intriguing. I hope to read further in the series at a later date.

Thank you, Michele, for the introduction.

[John]

madrano wrote: "It sounds as though the Anthony Sattin book would fill me in even further with regards to the intriguing Egyptian history i learned when reading [book:Empress of the Nile: The Daredev..."

I'm reading it now, feeling you'd like it.

[madrano]

Thanks, John!

[madrano]

I am avoiding Libby books for awhile, hoping for more patience. So, presently i’m reading Martha Washington: An American Life—Patricia Brady. Somehow i purchased (library sale, no doubt) a large print edition, which is most restful on my eyes. And i can record my notes, using direct quotes, onto my iPad, using its microphone. Nifty. This is the first time I’ve tried it.

The book itself is chronological, barring the prologue, which helps me. As i have read many books about our colonial era, there is some repetition of facts, such as homemaking, roads, etc. I can bear with it because she introduces just enough new-to-me tidbits.

Martha herself drastically limited what we know about her by burning her correspondence with George after his death. Darn it!

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "I am avoiding Libby books for awhile, hoping for more patience. So, presently i’m reading Martha Washington: An American Life—Patricia Brady. Somehow i purchased (libr..."

I read that back in 2013 and liked it a lot. I gave it 4/5 stars.
Enjoy !

As to Libby, even though Overdrive is discontinued, it still seems to be working for me, so that is what I am using until its last breath.

[madrano]

I thought you read the Brady book, Alias. How nice to know my memory hasn’t failed me yet again. 😊

I checked out a lot of books just before Overdrive ended but finished up the last of those. Now i cannot get Overdrive to open my library accounts. I can, however, still see my history, which has been a valuable tool for me.

[madrano]

I checked out Texts from Jane Eyre: And Other Conversations with Your Favorite Literary Characters—Mallory Ortberg, so you don’t have to. There were some amusing bits but unless you are well-versed in ancient classics, Am/Brit classics and some contemporary novels, you’ll miss much. Maybe it was my mood?

[madrano]

Moving on from Martha Washington, i’ve turned my eye toward the story of two young teenagers taken by the Yavapais tribe in the Southwest in the 1850s. While this is for our 2023 Challenge, prompt #97- a color in the title, it was on my TBR because one of the women settled in Sherman, Texas, not far from where we lived.

The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman—Margot Mifflin, has written well about the Mormon sect, which Olive’s family followed, as well as the challenges of wagon travel. She seems balanced in her presentation of tribes, as well as the US government. Thus far, i’m engaged and i don’t know what else i’d want.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman—Margot Mifflin, has written well about the Mormon sect, which Olive’s family followed, as well as the challenges of wagon travel. She seems balanced in her presentation of tribes, as well as the US government. Thus far, i’m engaged and i don’t know what else i’d want...."

Sounds good deb. I hope it continues to be an enjoyable read.

[madrano]

Thanks.

[madrano]

This weekend i read, almost in one sitting US Representative (Dem., California) Jackie Speier’s Undaunted: Surviving Jonestown, Summoning Courage, and Fighting Back. The prologue has Speiers recounting the shooting she experienced in South America, when Jim Jones and his followers tried to kill people on the airport runway, successfully murdering several.

The rest of the book is a chronological accounting of her life up until 2018. She begins with her very tough parents and her Catholic upbringing, which she credits with most of her outlook and survival. Her mother, who is a very driven woman, taught upholstery until she was 90 years old, yet until her shooting, Jackie did not feel as though her mother truly loved her in the way, the daughter felt a mother should.

I found her story riveting, and her writing about how she overcame some of the blows life gave her, is inspiring. I knew very little about her prior to reading the book. Therefore, i was unaware of how long she had been associated with representative, Leo Ryan, and why she was with him on the runway when he was murdered.

While it is a pretty short book, i was impressed with all the history she could cram into it about herself and the various movements which are signs of our times.