Quilt, Read, Eat, Sleep.... What Else Is There? discussion
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We are very glad to have you join us Kim and welcome to goodreads.
Welcome, welcome, welcome Kim! I just read a fantastic YA book If I Stay by Gayle Forman. It was such a good story. Tell us more about you or request to be our friend so we can get to know you better.
Welcome Elizabeth! I hope that you enjoy our group! I will be visiting your fine state for the first time in May. I can't wait to visit.
Jaci wrote: "Welcome Elizabeth! I hope that you enjoy our group! I will be visiting your fine state for the first time in May. I can't wait to visit."Where in Washington are you going?
I love to read YA stuff...It doesn't take 100 pages to get started!
Mod
May is generally a lovely time in Western Wa. Lots of wonderful quilt shops up my way. Arlington, Stanwood,Mt.Vernon. I think you will love it Jaci
Mod
Tanya, have you read any of the Chris Crutcher books? I use to tell the kids in my classroom that I was in love with Chris. It helps that I've met him several times. Sometime, if anyone is interested, I'll tell the story. At any rate, I think his books are wonderful!
Judy wrote: "Tanya wrote: "I love to read YA stuff...It doesn't take 100 pages to get started!"Tanya, have you read any of the Chris Crutcher books? I use to tell the kids in my classroom that I was in love w..."
Which of his books should we try first AND yes, tell us the story.
Elizabeth wrote: "May is generally a lovely time in Western Wa. Lots of wonderful quilt shops up my way. Arlington, Stanwood,Mt.Vernon. I think you will love it Jaci"
Yes! I used his books when I taught middle school in CA. "Whale Talk" was probably my favorite, but I've been teaching elementary for the last 6 years and haven't kept up with his new stuff. What's the story? :)
Mod
OK. Several years ago, like maybe 10 or more, I was the presenter for using technology in the classroom for the state reading conference. The head of the state committee asked me at the end of the first day if I'd give Chris a ride from our hotel to the school where the meetings were taking place. I said sure. I made sure that my ashtray was emptied and sprayed smoke-covering spray in the suburban.
The next morning, I met Chris in the lobby and off we went. On the way, I said, "So, what is it you do?"
C: I write novels.
Me: Oh, you must write for elementary because I've never heard of you.
C: No, actually, I write young adult novels.
I could have just crawled under the seat of the car except then no one would be driving. I tried to cover as best I could and bought several of his books at the conference.
A couple of years later, I presented at the Colorado Language Arts Society at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. The main speaker was Chris. I didn't think he'd remember me, but he did. We laughed about how clueless I had been and had a drink. During his presentation this time, he told the story behind the story for "Whale Talk". It was amazing - and disturbing. He also told the story behind "Chinese Handcuffs".
Before my next meeting with him, I was pushing his books in my classroom. Many of my male students weren't "readers" as defined by those of us who teach English. The boys did like those books, though, and soon the girls were reading them, too. Somewhere along the line, Chris had said if my students had any questions, I could send him an e-mail and ask them. I did that often.
A couple of years went by and Chris came to Gillette as a guest of the public library. He presented at several schools as well as the library. He had a free afternoon and Sue Knesel, the young adult librarian for the public library, asked if Chris could speak to my ELO students. ELO is an after-school study hall of sorts. Teachers refer their students who are failing their classes. We met 2 days after school beginning after the 1st quarter of each semester. I had English ELO at North Campus and someone else had ELO English for South Campus. At any rate, I told Sue sure and made arrangements for the kids to come over from South.
Chris and Sue showed up shortly after the kids from South arrived. The asst principal in charge of ELO had agreed to supply treats. He wasn't there yet. Chris started talking about his books and the kids he had worked with as a social worker. I said, after about 15 minutes, that he really didn't have to censor his language while telling the various stories since no one there had any problems with hearing the truth; they were all young adults and knew when something was used for sensationalism and when it was necessary to be said. I did close the door, however, since there were some who be appalled.
Chris starts to tell the story behind "Whale Talk". The girl in the story is real. Her mother had gotten pregnant by a serviceman who was stationed at a base outside of Spokane. The mother never told the father or he, according to Chris, would have married the mother. The mother was white and father was Black. The mother did marry someone who was a bigot and prejudice. The girl did try to scrub the black color off her skin with a brush and scouring cleanser, maybe Comet. She had to eat after everyone else in the family had eaten. Sometimes she had to eat off the floor. Needless to say, there was a lot of strife in her home.
Chris first met the girl when she was brought to the place where he worked as a social worker. This poor child did not trust anyone, especially men. Chris was asked to work with a group as he was getting ready to start writing full time and didn't want to be tied down to one-on-one counseling sessions. During lunch that first day, when the kids were outside playing, a little girl ran up to him and said, "F***erbi*ch". He didn't react toward her, but asked his co-worker later what the deal was with the little girl who had said this. The lady said, "Oh, you must have met X. That's the way she tests people. If they scold her and tell her she shouldn't talk that way, she never has anything to do with them again. If they don't react, she figures she can trust them." The little girl was only 3 or 4 at the time, just like the girl in Whale Talk.
After lunch, Chris had a session with couples who had been ordered by the court to learn to get along and do what was best for the children. He's about halfway through the session, and one couple gets angry at each other. One calls the other a b**ch and that one calls the other a f***er. "So," Chris said, "you now where she got those words, she just heard them as one."
About this time during the presentation, the principal showed up with the treats. Actually, he was there for "the word"! Not a single kid turned and looked at Doug, and Doug never said a word about it. LOL! It was probably one of the best things I've ever done for kids. Sue had a drawing for some of Chris' books and those kids were thrilled! They'd let others look at the books, but they could touch them. It was kind of funny. I know that some of those kids had never owned a book in their lives.
So, as time goes on, I'm sending questions to Chris from the kids and he's sending answers. I would read the answer to the class and when I got to the end of the message, I'd say, "Love and kisses, Chris." Then I'd just look at them. Then I'd say, "OK. It doesn't say love and kisses; it says Love. I'm in love with Chris Crutcher, you know." And I'd smile. Inevitably, someone would say, "Does Glenn (that's my DH who does tech support at the HS) know about this?" I'd say, "No, and we're not going to tell him." And then I'd laugh. Sometimes one of the kids would see Glenn in the hall or a classroom and say, "Do you know your wife is in love with Chris Crutcher?" and he'd say, "Yes, but we won't tell her I know." LOL!
I could not keep Chris' books on my shelves. I lost many, many copies but I was OK with that. If the kids liked them enough to want to own them, however illogical their reasoning as to why it was OK to keep the book, I was willing to buy more copies.
So I'm in love with Chris Crutcher. Every once in a while I write to him and he writes back. He was at a book event in Deadwood, SD, that a friend and former colleague attended. She talked to him and told him she was a friend of mine whom he might not remember - but he did remember me! It doesn't hurt that he's really good looking! :-)
Judy what a fantastic story. I really liked Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes too. Have you read any of Terry Trueman's books? I know that he and Chris commiserate and share material with on another. When kids get to meet the authors it can really turn them on to reading. We don't get many authors here to our town, but now with the internet the kids can stay in touch and ask questions to their favorite authors.
Mod
Start with Stuck in Neutral, it is short and thought provoking especially since the author has a son that is disabled the way Sean is! I don't keep up with the YA stuff like I used to when I taught middle school, but now that my own daughter is a 7th grader I am getting back in the loop with it.
Mod
Snowing like mad in the Arlington area. Was going to go to Cotton Pickins. Maybe will make it to Aunt Marys'
Hello everyone....I'm new and really not much of a quilter...but an avid reader! I just brought home Blakes' Selected Poems and Greeting Cards Galore. I am currently reading Mr Pettigrew's Last Stand......a Brit lit Fiction!
Welcome. Just saw Mr. Pettigrew's Last Stand in the bookstore and was tempted. Love to hear your comments when you have read it.
Mod
Hey Barb! I am thrilled you are here. I tried Major Pettigrew's Last Stand twice and it just didn't click with me. You are an avid reader, so I will enjoy reading your review. Let us know when you want to start a project, we're here to help!
Hello, another quilter from Washington, Deer Park. I am new to quilting just started last August. I do read - more audio books now days cause of my commute to Spokane for work.So far I don't really have any UFO - haven't even finished a quilt - But am working on it...
I do a better job of finishing my books... thanks for the invite.
Welcome Diane! If you started in August and you like it, believe me you are hooked on quilting. Two audio books I loved were Still Alice and Loving Frank. I'm now trying to get Jane Eyre at the library in audio so I can quilt and listen.
Mod
Just ordered it from the Library. Thanks for the suggestion. I have read Loving Frank. I have a special interest in Frank Lloyd Wright and enjoyed the book.
And Still Alice I found at Audible so I will add that to my wishlist. Thanks.
Diane wrote: "Just ordered it from the Library. Thanks for the suggestion. I have read Loving Frank. I have a special interest in Frank Lloyd Wright and enjoyed the book.
And Still Alice I found at Audible so..."
If you liked Loving Frank have you heard of
The Women by T.C. Boyle? It's all about Frank Lloyd Wright's women in his life. I've not read it yet, a friend gave it to me and said it was really good.
What other audio books have you read?
I am so excited. I just got an autographed Jennifer Chiaverini "The Union Quilters". My daughter was sick so I could not go and hear her speak but I heard she was wonderful and I love her books.
Most of the books I "read" are audio books. I just don't have time to sit and read anymore - I would get less done than I do now. The Spokane County Library District has a great selection of audio books. If I can't find a book at the library then I can usually find it at Audible.com. I have a membership, which I have had for years, I get two audio books for under $15 a month.
So all of the books that I have read for the least 3 years are audio books.
Welcome, welcome, welcome Jill both to goodreads and this fun group. If you go up to pictures you can post some pictures of your projects. We'd love to see some. My husband and I have been married 32 years, so you've got us beat by a few years. Isn't this the greatest time of our life? Our only grandbaby turns one this week. She's a doll!
Mod
Elizabeth, since I can't remember where you live, are you in Denver? I read that she was speaking at the Tattered Cover last Friday - or maybe it was Saturday! Lucky you getting an autographed copy of the book! I finished the book the other and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Kathryn wrote: "Jaci wrote: "Welcome Elizabeth! I hope that you enjoy our group! I will be visiting your fine state for the first time in May. I can't wait to visit."Where in Washington are you going?"
Kathryn, so sorry for the delay, I was out of town when you sent this message! I feel so bad now! Anyway, I'm heading to Seattle for a wedding.
Jaci wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Jaci wrote: "Welcome Elizabeth! I hope that you enjoy our group! I will be visiting your fine state for the first time in May. I can't wait to visit."Where in Washington are ..."
Seattle in May is beautiful. You will enjoy the water, Mt. Rainier and Ivars for clam chowder!
She was at Third Place Books in Seattle. My daughter came down with apendicitis the day she was appearing so nice friends made a special effort to get the book for me. They raved about her presentation so hope if she comes to your city you can see her.
Mod
Judy wrote: "No, she won't be coming here, Elizabeth. The only bookstore we have is Hastings. We're just too small and too far off the beaten trail. She was in Denver last weekend, though, but that's 500+ miles..."We have a Hastings here as well. I didn't realize it was a chain. Our's is pretty bad. It's an old grocery store converted into a books store and they carry music and movies. It's better than nothing, but not that great.
My town has Hastings too! It is a sorry excuse for a bookstore. I would love a Barnes and Noble, but not likely in this economy...
We are lucky here in the Seattle area to still have some book stores that feature authors and programs. Third Place Books is wonderful. We have a small but great bookstore in Stanwood called Snow Goose. They are featuring Graham Kerr. Lots of authors live in this area and Patchwork Place is here too. My pile of quilting books is beyond huge. (naughty me) Anyone know Crapapple Hill. She is in Wa. and what a presentation she puts on. We are now a Quilting/Embroidery group.
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Elizabeth wrote: "We are lucky here in the Seattle area to still have some book stores that feature authors and programs. Third Place Books is wonderful. We have a small but great bookstore in Stanwood called Snow G..."I do know Meg Hawkey who owns Crabapple Hill. Her classes are wonderful and her patterns such a delight. A gal that used to work for her and has now branched off on her own, Cyndy Petterson, has started a company called Prim Point. Her patterns are whimsical and fun. She lives in Leavenworth and Meg Hawkey lives in Benton City near the Tri-Cities.
I did hear all that and wonder when we will see some new patterns from Prim Point? Do you know if Crapapple Hill will still operate? Our nearest quilt shop in Arlington said she was bringing in some new lines too. I love to embroider because I can do it when the T.V is on and not interfer with hubby's programs.
Mod
Elizabeth, is the mystery bookstore still up the hill from Pioneer Square? (I'm not sure that's the name of the square, and I can't remember the name of the bookstore.) I did love that store, though; it was where I discovered Mary Deheim.
Jill wrote: "Hieveryone--I recently joined Goodreads and just found this group. I live 40 miles west of Chicago. DH of 45 years and I are originally from New England, but have lived here for 35 years. we h..."
Welcome Jill, I lived in Wheaton for about 15 years before moving to Deer Park, WA. Liked living in Chicago but have something I never could afford in Chicago.... Land.
Yes it is still there and they feature lots of great authors J.A. Jance, Earl Emerson, Philip Margolian from Portland.Unfortunately no one wants to drive to down town Seattle anymore with all the traffic.
Got State Fair Benny Harper's from last year and will look forward to Spider Web.
Mod
I do not have a book that has a state fair block in it. Do you know where to find it?
Mod
http://www.amazon.com/State-Fair-Benn...
Mod
Quilt, Read, Eat, Sleep.... What Else Is There?
Books mentioned in this topic
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (other topics)If I Stay (other topics)
Where She Went (other topics)
The Women (other topics)
Loving Frank (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Marie Bostwick (other topics)T. Coraghessan Boyle (other topics)
Gayle Forman (other topics)
I had just found good reads. WOW... Your group caught my eye. I have been quilting now for 3 years and love books. I am always looking for new authors and have been stuck on young adult books for awhile. Looking forward to making new friends.
Kim