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message 51:
by
Nicole
(new)
Aug 11, 2010 07:51AM
:-) How sweet!
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:-)Just over a decade ago, I never imagined to what extent I would ever use the internet. Even then, I never considered that I would be coming into contact with so many different people and how each would affect me.
It's definitely a different way to live, compared to what we did before.
Additional subject: I cannot say I'm a purist and that the book is always better than the movie or miniseries. I just finished reading the first "Wallander" mystery, and I didn't like it at all. But I enjoyed the PBS miniseries starring Kenneth Branagh.Anyone had a similar experience with this or another book?
With a few exceptions (Austen's works), I usually just enjoy seeing the story come to life even if it is a bit different. Sometimes it may be better for different reasons as when A Beautiful Mind movie version left out much of the mathematical equations that were beyond my understanding. Or The Thorn Birds miniseries, at first I was quite put out that the protagonist, Meggie, was a brunette rather than a redhead as portrayed in the book but now I can't imagine her differently. However, in Fellowship of the Ring, I missed not seeing Tom Bombadil and Goldberry.Sometimes it's fun to see a story updated to modern times, like Great Expectations with Gwyneth Paltrow.
Charly, I have been mocked by a teenager for having a cell phone that was too big. Not one of those 'bricks' they had in the '80s when they first came out, but a late '90s one maybe 3/4 of an inch thick. [Sarcastically:] To think we survived without cell phones before! And e-mail! Why didn't we all die of lack of access to instantaneous communication?! [end of sarcasm:] But seriously, they are nice conveniences. (And now I have a little one.) A few years ago, I watched an episode of Remington Steele and someone's car broke down, and I had a 21st century 'moment', thinking "Why doesn't he just call for help on his cell phone?"
Reggia, I've liked most of the Austens I've seen. But I confess I'm not a fan of the famous, beloved Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth (not that I dislike Colin Firth). Have you seen Clueless? I still haven't... Nor have I seen that GE you mentioned--but I guess it's good?I had not read Lord of the Rings before the movies came out. The first movie made me want to read it, so I did. I thought the movies did an excellent job streamlining the story--and they put all those trees on the screen so we didn't have to read pages of descriptions of them!
I remember reading Gone With the Wind and then seeing the movie. I was shocked at how they changed some things and left out over half of the book. But then I realized movies should be made from short stories and novellas (Stand By Me) because they are so short. GWTW is still a good movie. Though I still after 20+ viewings want to smack Scarlet.
I wanted to smack Scarlett so much just from limited exposure that I never finished reading the book or watching the movie.
I always thought that I was the only one who couldn't stand the pride-filled idiocy of Scarlett...although I thought the hottest line was when Scarlett says something to the effect that, "That man (speaking of Rhett) looks at me as if he can me see right through my chemise!"It was such bad history that I just couldn't stomach the whole book or movie. After all hoop skirts didn't come into fashion for another 20 years!
Maybe the guy who ran Margaret Mitchell down in the street didn't like the book either.
Ouch! ...But I somehow doubt it. Would most men read that book?
Question #whatever: In your reading, do you notice authors mentioning books or other authors within their books?I noticed in Dear John that Sparks mentioned Carl Hiaasen several times as a favorite author of the protagonist/narrator.
Alexander McCall Smith has more than once mentioned the author, Ian Rankin, in his 44 Scotland Street series.
In her Twilight series, Stephanie Meyer sometimes has her main characters refer to plays/books, such as Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights, that they're studying together in high school; and she draws certain parallels between themes in those works and things that her characters are experiencing.
I find that a lot, sometimes trying to promote a friend author (Like Tony Hillerman mentioning Norman Zollinger's westerns). Norman won the "Buffalo" something that was the highest award the Western Writers of America gives but only enjoyed it for about 2 years before he died. He writes more intellectual westerns and one mystery. Also another woman mystery writer her in NM whose protagonist works at U of NM library (but I can remember either name at the moment!!!)
Yes, some writers do mention books within their books. As Werner said, Meyer does it prominently. Jim Butcher does it in the Harry Dresden novels; Harry is a Tolkien fan. Jasper Fforde has a series pretty much based on the very premise--Thursday Next, literary detection agent--but that's an extreme example.
Present! :-)Been gone reading. :-) And working. And hiking. Sometimes moping, and othertimes accomplishing nothing.
We've entered the season of beautiful weather here in the Phoenix area. Highs aren't much past 90, and nighttime temps are dipping into the 60s. I'm trying my hand at patio gardening. It's not going so good. I'll need to buy some new plants, maybe roses, they do well here and I have some pots large enough for them.
Since my hospice volunteerism has come to an end, I've decided to give my time to the local library. Wow! do I ever have a new appreciation for them. I am amazed at the sheer volume of materials that passes through there on a daily basis. Just the special requests alone take up a whole room. No wonder they charge when these items aren't picked up.
Anyway, what's everyone else been up to? How're you doing, Charly?
Present, too! (I have posted in this group since August --just not on this thread. :-) ) Like Reggia, I've been reading and working. Barb and I helped celebrate our oldest grandson's fifth birthday this past Sunday (his actual birthday was Monday, but it worked out better to celebrate it on the weekend). And if I get any free time, my writing activities (such as they are) usually gobble it up pretty quickly!
Present, too! But I guess Syra contributes a lot to our discussion energy, and she's been gone.Sorry to hear about the moping, Reggia; but I've done a bit of that, too. A coworker died, and there have been some other things. Otherwise, I'm just doing the usual.
Hi Charly, it did get pretty quiet here.We had a birthday on Monday, too, it was my older daughter's 20th. Her boyfriend invited me out to lunch, presenting me with a diamond ring and asking blessings for my daughter's hand in marriage. :-)
Sorry to hear about the coworker, Callista. I hope the "other things" get worked out.
My next local book discussion is tomorrow. I've yet to reach P. 100 in a 400 page book. I sort of lost my drive to read it when thinking I couldn't go. And in typical last minute style, I decided to ask my boss again but he won't give me an answer until today! But I did realize why he has been reluctant and understand better now. Looks like I might have to give up on the book club. And there's a question tidbit for this thread:
Anyone ever participate in a local book discussion? What kind of group or books? Where did you meet? How was your experience with it?
Reggia--I hope you like your daughter's now-fiance!I've never wanted to join a 'real live' book club. I did enough required reading in college that I want to read what I choose to read, on the schedule I choose to read it. Plus, I have the kind of personality that usually leads to me sitting by and listening to others talk when I'm with a group of people.
Reggia, warmest congratulations on your daughter's engagement, and best wishes to the happy couple!I've done book talks for a few face-to-face book clubs, as a librarian and as an author; but when it comes to joining one, I have the same couple of issues Callista does. Nonetheless, I pined enough for a chance to talk about books in a serious way that back in 2003 I started the Bluefield College Literary Society. We met three times a school year in the college library, and discussed a pre-chosen poem (or group of poems) or a story --or, if we had all summer to read it, a whole book. The group lasted for a few years; but though we had some good discussions, it was always struggling to attract members (we only had three or four that were pretty hard-core), and it was especially hard to interest any of the students. (My original idea was that a college was a natural matrix for this sort of thing, but not so --college students have so much of the required reading that Callista noted that most of them just don't have much time for leisure reading!) So we finally decided to give it a decent burial. Now that I've found Goodreads, though, my pining is over at last! Goodreads and books go together like apple pie and ice cream. :-)
I'm back! Had a great time with my family in VA but I miss them already and we got back Sunday. Missed you guys. Next time I'm getting a super laptop to take with me. My #2 sister (have 4 and I am the first) is avid reader. Worked in library for 20 some years, esp. with children's books. Now into SF/Fantasy with some mystery, history, etc.
Syra, you need to invite her to join Goodreads! It's good to have you back.
Welcome back, Syra. You *should* ask your sister to join us!
Charly, good suggestion! It turns out we actually do have a thread like that, titled "Welcome!" and started by Reggia back in January 2009. Several of us posted on it, but it subsequently got buried under newer threads and lost to view. :-) To keep that from happening again, I've tagged the thread as "important." Hereafter, it will show right at the top of the folder --and since that's the first folder, it will always show right at the very top of the group discussions!
The first message (which should be the first one they encounter) in that thread says, "Please introduce yourself here." Was that what you had in mind, Charly?
great idea Charly. Then those of us with "senior moments" can remember who every is. Don't think I introduced myself but will ask Callista. She keeps me on track.
I'm supposed to be keeping you on track, Syra? I didn't know!!! ;-) I'll have to look at that thread and see if I even introduced myself. I don't remember! {later} There! Now I have introduced myself.
You have for the last how many years? When I forget something or screw up you covered for me, remember? And you stuck around when others didn't.
But I think we need more intro than that! Or maybe I could make one up. hehehehehe
But I think we need more intro than that! Or maybe I could make one up. hehehehehe
I'm a cover-upper? Hhm. This could be a marketable skill.
You crack me up. Guess that is part of the reason I keep you around. hehe
Did I say I got my Kindle? Still not giving up books but helps with arm and neck pain from big hardcovers.
Currently reading The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde on it. My husband got one and downloaded all his star charts and recipes and and and from his computer on to it. Amazing technology these days.
Did I say I got my Kindle? Still not giving up books but helps with arm and neck pain from big hardcovers.
Currently reading The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde on it. My husband got one and downloaded all his star charts and recipes and and and from his computer on to it. Amazing technology these days.
Glad you are enjoying your Kindle. I can see how it would be easier to hold than a regular book, especially a thick one. (As I re-read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I'm tending to prop the monstrosity on the arm of the couch.)Curious to hear what you think of Dorian Gray. I've meant to get around to that one for quite some time.
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde develops his plot and characters in his own way (which involves a fair amount of philosophical discussion and other passages that aren't characterized by what you'd call slam-bang action and great narrative force); and he writes the whole novella in the normal diction of the late Victorian era --which is to say, not our typical diction. You have to be willing to deal with that in order to read it, so it's not for everybody.
Charly, I've noticed that like many groups, ours sometimes tends to post in spurts. So intervals between spurts are pretty normal. :-)
LOL, Charly! No renovations but hmm, should I change the lounge picture?The Picture of Dorian Gray is also on my to-read list. Thanks for the heads up on that, Werner.
You're welcome, Reggia! Actually, though, the real credit for first mentioning it goes to Syra (message # 105).
I'm eager to hear what she has to say about it as well. Syra, how's it coming?
I remember seeing the movie years and years ago (old black and white) but never go around to reading the book. Very slow going because of style. I sometimes have to re-read passages but am enjoying it. About halfway thru.
We haven't seen any particular storms here in my little corner of Appalachia. So everybody around here is okay!
Sunny and chilly out here in the west but I think CO has had snow.
My dad said there were flurries up around Farmington, but in the ABQ area, it's just been nippy.
I know the majority of you live elsewhere, but I'm going to post this here (instead of in events, on purpose) and ask any of you with New Mexico ties to get the word out to anyone who might be interested. Thanks!Albuquerque Old Town Holiday Stroll
Friday, December 3, 2010
http://www.cabq.gov/crs/newfun.html
Commemorative, collectible lapel pins are now on sale for $8. Purchase of a pin entitles shoppers to discounts at select Old Town merchants. Pin sales also benefit the Barrett House Shelter for homeless women and children.
Contact the Barrett Foundation at (505) 246-9244 for more information.
No internet connection -- using a coffee spot to log on at the moment.
Charly!! LOL, I was over-the-top-exhausted, I couldn't even think of the simple word "shop" when I said that. Happily at home in front of my own computer, and drinking the coffee from my own pot and cup.
Charly you are the greatest and always make me smile.
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Picture of Dorian Gray (other topics)Great Expectations (other topics)
Travels With Myself and Another (other topics)
