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Overall Reading Goals&Book Chats
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What Did You Just Finish, What Are You Reading Now & What Books Have You Brought Home Recently? (Spoilers Possible)
message 701:
by
Terri
(new)
Mar 12, 2012 04:52PM
Petra: I loved the mini-series too. In fact, I have it on CD. That book is in my top 10 of all time favorites. I've been wanting to read it again as I was only 19 the first time I read it. I wonder if I'll get MORE out of it or if I'll like it less. Hopefully the first choice.
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I am reading Matterhorn--A book about Viet Nam (Novel) written by a retired Marine who was stationed there. He said it took him ten years to write it. It's good but I tend to get lost in all the different character's names and rank. He actually put a chart at the beginning of the book of all the main characters and shows who reports to whom. He even put in a map. So if I can get through all the ranks, names, places and types of amno, I might end up really liking it. It's not one of those books you can put down and pick up a week later--you won't remember who's who.I'm also reading "The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer." While I enjoy learning about how his farm runs, he gets a little too detailed in the daily minutia for me. He also comes across as strong-willed, stubborn, and very angry with government regulations. I understand his beef, but he comes across as a know-it-all. The thing is, I think he DOES know-it-all when it comes to organic, pastured fed beef and chickens. I just don't like hearing about how his way is the right way. Even if I do agree with him. LOL!
I concur with Terri- I don't consider good literature in the category of "romances". There is research being done to identify trait markers of young children that develop schizophrenia. Too bad it isn't further along. The head guy has been quoted as saying that he can reliably identify which children will develop it from watching videos of them with others. He watches for certain reactions and behaviors. If it pans out, it might relieve a lot of anxiety for siblings. But then again, would it be a self fulfilling prophecy for the ones identified?
It is interesting that people with schizophrenia do better in third world countries than in the developed countries. The meds used to treat it actually make it worse, and also the isolation imposed by our society. A friend of my oldest sister has done fieldwork in India (he is a PhD anthropologist AND an MD). There they have a role in their rural society still, and are accepted not shunned. Most have only one "break" and then go on to live normal lives. Only about a third have lifelong problems, yet they function much better than here!
Miriam wrote: "I concur with Terri- I don't consider good literature in the category of "romances". There is research being done to identify trait markers of young children that develop schizophrenia. Too bad..."
I have never heard about different societies impact on schizophrenia--that is very interesting. I wonder why this isn't talked about in the media. I find this information to be very encouraging.
Terri wrote: "Cheryl S. wrote: "Miriam wrote: "I remember, and later found it in my notes, thinking that when the professor/MD was talking about Bipolar Disorder (called Manic-depression back then) that I noted,..."Those are the ones I like too.
I lucked into several books while at my sister.in.laws in NC week before last:A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man
The Kitchen House
Cold Sassy Tree
The Beach House
An Irish Country Village
Toujours ProvenceOn Folly Beach
Rose Gardening from Traditional Home (no link here)
Historic Homes & Gardens of Charleston (South Carolina, no link here).
We don't have Any used bookstores within at least 50 miles of here were are here on the NJ coast anymore (heartbreaking, I grew up here with them all over) and only 1 within 10 miles of our place up north (and the shop is in PA not NJ) so the area of Western NC where we were was such a treat with the Friends Of The Library used book shop and the shop downtown which is huge! One side all new, the other is all used. I haven't been bookshop browsing on a Saturday morning in YEARS! It was a delight!
Jo wrote: "I lucked into several books while at my sister.in.laws in NC week before last:A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man
The Kitchen House
Cold Sassy Tree..."
Sounds wonderful. Cold Sassy Tree is an old fave of mine, hope you like it too.
Jo: I loved The Kitchen House. I gave it to my sister and she was equally enamored with it.I just started reading Man Bites Log
. It's another "green living" book about a writer who is employed by People, then TV Guide who moves from New York to rural Maine. Very interesting. It's light reading and there are breaks about every three pages. I think he might have written each topic as a newspaper column. That's what it reads like. Kind of like Marley & Me was derived from that Author's columns. It's funny, and unlike Marley in that I don't expect anyone to be deceased at the end. :)
I finished reading The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer. Haven't reviewed it yet. I'm a few books behind. I guess I'd give it around four stars. It's written well and kept my interest to the end, even though he is a bit obnoxious in his viewpoints.Still reading Matterhorn.
Cold Sassy is one of my favorites too.Petra, lithium is not given by injection. The injections are the old antipsychotic medications- the ones that have been indicted for making one more prone to having hallucinations after getting the shots. They basically shut down the dopamine receptors so the brain makes MORE receptors. They also have horrendous side effects- basically making a zombie out of everyone who takes them (and chemically castrating them too). If people with schizophrenia are getting shots of antipsychotics, you are not in what was considered Third World in this study. And drug and alcohol use are the key factors in determining whether someone is violent, not the mental illness. All the legitimate studies show this. There are a lot of bad studies floating around, though.
I think I'm going to give Cold Sassy Tree a try. I'm looking for a Southern novel to sink into.
Started "Born on a Blue Day"
last evening as I suddenly realized I have memoir club tomorrow night and hadn't started the book. Been too distracted by hockey and lost track of other things I guess. Anyway the book is fascinating and I shouldn't have trouble finishing it by tomorrow night.
I remember watching the 60 Minutes interview of this guy. He was fascinating so I can imagine what his book would be like. You'll have to share what you think of it after you've finished it. Amazing how the mind works isn't it?
Terri wrote: "I remember watching the 60 Minutes interview of this guy. He was fascinating so I can imagine what his book would be like. You'll have to share what you think of it after you've finished it. Ama..."I'm just in awe of what he has managed to accomplish in his life and sure wish I would have seen that interview. He is much more socialized than the fellow who was the inspiration for the movie "Rainman" maybe because he was kept at home and his parents seem to be saints when it came to caring for him especially with a house full of kids and a brother who is also Autistic. They seemed to understand his unusual needs and cater to them while at the same time encourage him to understand other people have feelings he does not experience. Very worthwhile read and I'm looking forward to discussing it at book club tonight.
Cheryl S. wrote: "Terri wrote: "I remember watching the 60 Minutes interview of this guy. He was fascinating so I can imagine what his book would be like. You'll have to share what you think of it after you've fin..."http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?i...
His part starts at about the 2:04 mark.
Terri wrote: "Cheryl S. wrote: "Terri wrote: "I remember watching the 60 Minutes interview of this guy. He was fascinating so I can imagine what his book would be like. You'll have to share what you think of i..."Hey, thanks. I'll try to check it out. Good discussion last night. A couple of people complained about how detailed he was in the book on explaining how his mind does math and recognizes words. Others found those parts the most fascinating. I skipped over some of the math but it did not dampen my enjoyment of the book.
We decided last night we will suspend our Memoir Club after May and pick up again in Sept. I'm kind of sad and will miss it, but for those with kids at home it just doesn't work well for them in the summer and I do understand.
Finished Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King. It's four short novellas--they were all quite good. At least when I couldn't put the book down, I knew at the most I'd be reading about 75 pgs. Much better than his usual 700. LOL!Started reading
--it's a very interesting and in some ways exciting book. I'm enjoying it a lot. It's a lot to chew on though.
Terri, I read Full Dark No Stars recently. I am not a Stephen King fan but I couldn't put that book down. King is an awsome story teller.
peg wrote: "Terri, I read Full Dark No Stars recently. I am not a Stephen King fan but I couldn't put that book down. King is an awsome story teller."Yes he is. He knows how to spin a tale...
Where Lilacs Still Bloom: A Novel
Historical novel. It was fascinating. Could not put it down. Inspiring.
Just tried to read
for my book club. Yuk! I didn't finish, felt like it was a waste of time. Only 2 members of my club finished and they didn't like it either. It's on the New York Times Top Ten Books Review. Evidently New Yorkers have different taste in books than us Minnesotans.
I read - and reviewed - it. I gave it three stars, but it only deserved two for enjoyment.
My sister gave it to me. I wasn't impressed either. I kept reading it to see if it made any sense at the end, but it didn't. She gave me six or seven books, all from her book clubs or recommended lists, and I wasn't impressed with any of them. Maybe I am leaning more towards non-fiction these days, but they all seemed "artsy fartsy" with too long descriptions of places, foods, etc.
So far I only know one person who said she enjoyed "The Tiger's Wife. No accounting for taste I guess.I'm currently reading "The Memoirs of Cleopatra"
which is almost 1000 pages. Historical fiction, I'm over half done and it's still holding my interest.
Is that the book by Margaret George, Cheryl? I really enjoyed that novel. It's great summer reading!
peg wrote: "Is that the book by Margaret George, Cheryl? I really enjoyed that novel. It's great summer reading!"
That's the one! I'm into it too. I really enjoy a good historical fiction novel once in a while.
Just finished My Ántonia A re-read for me, this time for evening bookclub. A favorite classic because of it's simple yet vivid & beautiful descriptive writing. Her descriptions of the seasons, of the plains, of every day life there are what I love about this novel.
Finished "Cleopatra". It kept my interest until we got to the last lengthy war and then I got a bit bogged down. Once that was over I was anxious to get to the finish. Good for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.Now I'm reading "Immoral"
which is a mystery based in Minnesota by a Minnesota author, Brian Freeman. Good summer reading, don't have to think to hard or keep track of tons of characters.
Finished "Immoral" and would recommend it to all who are mystery fans. I'll be reading more of his series.
I am reading Vanessa Diffenbaugh's "The Language of Flowers" now. It is the story of a young woman who falls victim of a flawed foster care system after being abandoned by her mother at birth. As a young adult, the protagonist discovers the Victorian language of flowers and adopts it as her personal vehicle of expression. It is a beautiful story with references to flowers and gardening on every page. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to garden.
I can't settle on anything and am reading a whole load of books right now.Wait for Me!: Memoirs by the last surviving nutty Mitford sister, the Duchess of Devonshire.
Gypsy Boy. A memoir of growing up in a community of Romanies where thieving and scamming was a way of life and status is derived from violence.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Fiction, I'm listening to whilst I do boring work around the house.
The Emperor of All Maladies. An exhaustively-complete book on the history and everything else about cancer. I keep this next to the stove to read a few pages (it's too heavy for more than that) when I'm cooking.
And I have Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis to take with me to hospital on Tuesday :-) This is because I have had two ops so far, the second didn't work well so I have to go back and I hope the title of this book (which looks really interesting) is going to make them think!
I loved "Corelli" and think "Gypsy Boy" sounds very interesting and have to find "Every Patient" which is right down my alley. I'm sending you positive thoughts for your surgery tomorrow and love the image of you prominently displaying "Every Patient" on your bedside stand where no one can miss it. Good luck and take care!
Thank you :-)My truck won't start. I have to be at the clinic for 7 a.m. and no taxis like coming up into the rain forest. I am going to have to try and get a ride down with all the contractors going for the labourers :-D
Hope all went well with the surgery and you were able to make it there on time. I've been thinking about you!
I'm way into William Kent Krueger's mystery series. Based in Minnesota, with main character half Anishinabee Ojibway which is what the Native Americans are in our area are, and half Irish--hence the name, Cork O'Connor. In other areas of the country the Ojibway are sometimes referred to as Chippewa, but Ojibway is correct. I'm fascinated with the Native American lore included in the books and learning a lot about their issues and attitudes regarding their dealings with the government and white people in general.
Cheryl, if you are interested in Native Americans you might enjoy "Caleb's Crossing." It is historic novel about the first native Americans who graduated from Harvard. Geraldine Brooks is the author.
Cheryl S. wrote: "Hope all went well with the surgery and you were able to make it there on time. I've been thinking about you!"Thank you! The good news is that I am out of hospital with lots of interesting painkillers. The bad news is that my pickup's engine has been damaged by overheating and has to be hauled out, so a) I will have no transport next week when I can drive and b) I am going to have a hell of a bill.
I'm a bit annoyed because it was overheating in April and my garage guy took it from the hospital for me April 13th when I had that op and did a service but ignored the overheating. There isn't anything I can do though, except smile and pay up.
I have almost no mobility right now so I can't garden at all so my kitchen is full of little containers with leaves I am trying to start. I'm itching to get out there and root around in the ground.
Petra, good luck being without transportation. It is not fun, I know. I can understand your frustration at being immobile right now. I keep getting frustrated at having to stop work so I don't hurt TOO much. It sucks.
Petra X wrote: "Cheryl S. wrote: "Hope all went well with the surgery and you were able to make it there on time. I've been thinking about you!"Thank you! The good news is that I am out of hospital with lots o..."
I hear you, Petra. I remember last fall when I was sick and couldn't get outside to do dividing and cleanup. Hope the time passes quickly and you are soon in good form.
I never realised how addicted I was to gardening (although my efforts in the rainforest are pretty paltry) until I absolutely couldn't do it any more. Very frustrating.
Finished reading "The Orchid House"
for my regular book club. Back and forth from WWII and present day, love story and quite well done. Not my usual fare, but kept me reading.
Just finished books 1-9 in the William Kent Krueger mystery series. Great summer reading and will be looking for the next book in the series.Recent book purchases are "Matterhorn", "The Scottish Prisoner", "A Feast of Crows" and "Rules of Civility"
Currently reading "The Glass Rainbow" the latest addition to James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux detective series that I haven't read.
My book club chose "The Paris Wife" for July.
Cheryl S. wrote: "My book club chose "The Paris Wife" for July."I enjoyed that book.
Petra X wrote: "Cheryl S. wrote: "My book club chose "The Paris Wife" for July."I enjoyed that book."
Good to know, Petra. We had a heck of a time picking a book this time. Our usual moderator has been absent the last two months and she is the one who brings possible recommendations. We're getting a updated book list from the library in hopes of coming up some good selections.
When I first joined GR about 4 yrs ago I found many books I have truly enjoyed reading. In the past few months I have found very few recommendations that piqued my interest. Guess I have old fashioned tastes and can't get very excited about vampires etc.
I wrote a somewhat sarky review of that book. I wouldn't read it before you read the book but you might get a laugh afterwards.
Just finished French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in the South of France. It's a charming memoir about an American's vegetable garden that he plants in the south of France while staying in a tiny French village. Quick, light read but made me so eager to get out to my veggie garden for several hours yesterday and take care of all of my precious plants.
Kristen wrote: "Just finished French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in the South of France. It's a charming memoir about an American's vegetable garden that he plants in the south of France while staying in a tiny F..."I really enjoy reading gardening memoirs and haven't read any for a couple years. Your post has given me the itch to look for some new ones to read.
Gardener's Group
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A Garden with House Attached (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
D.E. Stevenson (other topics)Margaret George (other topics)
Bernd Heinrich (other topics)
Adriana Trigiani (other topics)
Konrad Lorenz (other topics)
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