On the Southern Literary Trail discussion
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General Bookishness
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Retired: What are you reading?
I'm reading Wiley Cash's novel, "A Land More Kind Than Home." Several more as well. No need to list.I like Cash's writing style that not only shows a reader but makes me, a reader, feel the scene.
Meran, anxious to see what you think of Fay... you may find a large space between Koontz & Brown.
Ned wrote: "Meran, anxious to see what you think of Fay... you may find a large space between Koontz & Brown."Yes, me too, Meran--am anxious to hear what you think of Fay.
Oh, Koontz is just light quick reading for me. I've read plenty of heavier (and lighter) works ;) If you're curious, you can check my personal list. Bear in mind, I have a library of almost 6000 books, of which I've read 80% (at least) and haven't had a lot of time to enter them on here. I do have Delicious Library's application with all my books entered in. I didn't begin that until 2004, and I wasn't reviewing books until I got on here, about 3 yrs ago. Also, there were SO MANY books from libraries, and friends, I'm not sure they'll all ever get on here! Much to my disappointment ;)
I prob have a post somewhere on goodreads about favorite authors, but I just can't limit that list to 10. Just can't :D
Will be starting Fay tomorrow, by the looks of it. The book was ordered and came yesterday! (well, Saturday...)
Meran wrote: "My first husband was great on books... We read to each other all the time, recommended books to each other, discussed books deeply as if in a college class.Unfortunately, he was paranoid schizoph..."
That's very sad, I have that illness in family members close to me- very difficult.
10/18/2014NEW DISCUSSION TOPIC UNDER GROUP READS NOMINATED WORKS FOR DEC./ 2014 :
To help you select your reading choices for December we thought it might be nice if you had a little background info. On the authors and the works that were nominated since some of us are not always familiar with the value of the works or have even heard of the author or his/ her works. I am guilty of this most often and sometimes I spend such time looking up information that I miss nominations and voting !!! That is me -- I AM ALWAYS LATE! HA! My Mama said I was born late and I will probably be late to my own funeral while trying to find something to wear! HAHe!!!
I went ahead and invited two people to our group and I am going to remind two that I have not heard from for awhile to vote too. We have a Great Group here and we always have. Sometimes we have to take breaks and we also venture on our own and contribute that way. That is why our group is so special. Also , we have some darn good moderators and this Southern Literature is just so rich with great stuff to read for everyone to get a choice of something they like to read. Discussion and sharing is what makes reading so exciting!!! I love to learn from everyone. So help me out if I write something wrong or step on anybody's tootsies .
I am going to start with the PRE- 1980 choices :
#1 In My Father's House by Earnest Gaines
This setting reminds me of Faulkner's Yoknapatawphna County, and Gaines was a big fan of Mr. Bill. Instead of MS, Gaines story takes place in land more familiar to Gaines, a Parish in rural LA. In this small town a well respected minister and revered Civil Rights leader and devoted family man is forced to confront his despicable past when a young ruffian named Robert X arrives .
Gaines works his suspense well as he uses conflicts to bring out hints of estranged secret relationships that question forgiveness and hope for all involved in order to resolve a situation that will change the lives of everyone . Some questions you may ask yourself as you read are : can God even change the past so you can go on with your life after such a traumatic event happens to a man and his family? Or as the title suggest from the Bible verse John 14:2 , should a man fear what JESUS clearly says as JESUS promises you will have eternal life if you believe in me for I will prepare a place for you and when your time is right I will come for you ?
Earnest Gaines is quite the author !!! He is best known for his last works such as A Lesson Before Dying, which was made into an award winning HBO film. To give you the short , Gaines was born to a share cropping family in rural LA. He was raised by his Aunt who could never walk but drug herself around on the floor to cook and clean for all of his cousins and the Grandchildren because she had too. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman was based on his Aunt's life. Gaines was picking cotton in the fields by age 9. He attended school 5 or 6 months of the year until at age 15 he joined his Mother in CA during WWII and this is when he began writing. Gaines explained there were three places he could go . The basketball court, the movies, or the library. At the basketball courts he was beaten up pretty badly. He did not have money for the movies, so that left the library. He was so homesick . He searched for books in the library that reminded him of home. The closest he could find was William Faulkner, John Steinbeck, and some of the Rural Russian writers, but nothing like home. So he began writing on his own. He wrote his first novel at 17, Catherine Carmier. It was turned down , so he burned it. Later he rewrote the novel and it was his first successful published book. He went into the Army and after he got out , he attended San Fransisco State and then won a fellowship to Stanford. He just kept writing from his heart about things he felt strongly . This is what he feels every writer should do. He never married until age 60. Now he and his wife spend their time between LA and San Fransisco. A natural born , self taught writer. As so many Southern writers he chose his path and made his path.
Thanks for the sympathy, Karen. It WAS hard to give up the marriage. Though it became easier once I saw that the man I loved was no longer "there". It's in the past now, where it belongs. Now it's just experience. ;)I'm into Fay a little bit but I have an edition where there are Study Questions in the back and I don't care for the leading questions... This will be an "interesting" review. I don't think I'd have read this book if it hadn't been a choice on our group.
Dawn, thanks for the author's mini-biography! It does help!And is very appreciated. As a youngster, I never read all the 'unnecessary stuff' in books... However, at some point, I did begin reading those and have rarely regretted it. At the worst, it was self congratulatory... Which would put me off a little. Egomaniacs are boring to me (unless the book becomes unintentionally funny because of it ;) )
Thank you :D
Because I've recently had a strong inclination lately to read non-fiction, am awaiting the arrival of Made in America: A Social History of American Culture and Character, by Claude Fischer. If it turns out to be really fine reading, will let the group know.Anybody read it, by the way?
Currently reading The Circus in the Attic and Other Stories. Really love Warren's style of writing so far.
Am beginning Martin Dressler, The Tale of an American Dreamer by Steven Millhauser. Am supposed to be reading All the Kings Men by Robert Penn Warren for a goodreads group... It was feeling far too dry, at the time. Though Martin Dressler is coming across the same ;)
Diane S. - he Mr. Tall collection is on my list. It might jump up a few spots depending on your experience with it.
Mod
Hey Diane - I appreciate that line too except it might be a male in my bathtub and he would have to be some politician or a movie star !!! HA! I just read or listened to the best book !!! It was an audiobook from our new audio bookclub . My eyes have bothered and I don't watch TV much so I tried these audiobooks ! How pleasant ! I forgotten how nice it was to be read to . All the different voices , by the same person, but so nice. Better yet in 8 hrs , Done!!!
The book was called Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
I wrote a review under the questions under the group for audiables sponsored by Ford Publishers .
It takes place back in the 50's when interracial marriage ( yes even between white and Chinese) was only legal by state just as it is now for gay and lesbians. Which made me think at first that if interracial marriage was not against the constitution and went to the states and the same thing has happened with gay and lesbians then sure as history repeats itself , eventually all states will comply to that law too.
In the book, Marylyn the white girl with Blonde hair and blue eyes , has her Mother attend their simple Justice of the Peace wedding and her Mother begs Marylyn not to marry James , the Chinese Harvard professor. She swears they will be unhappy and their children will be too. They will all be miserable. She leaves and never sees or speaks to them again.
Everything goes well until Marylyn has her son Nath, then comes beautiful Lydia with a combination of James's black hair and Marylyn's Big Blue eyes. Later, comes sweet Hannah with bright eyed unconditional love and a sense for what is right and wrong in the world . She feels she can make it all right.
There is a sudden tragedy that rips this close Union of outcasts apart and threatens to forever change the way they all see the world as indifferent , always bullied and without friends, and just as Marylyn's mother had said ruined.
It is so much more than what I have said. I will leave you with this : " A right is not what someone gives to you; it's what no one can take away from you. " ~ I do not remember who said this but when I started reading this book it was a quote that floated to me clearly.
You could probably read this faster than listen . At times I was impatient because I read so fast too, but I have to take care of my eyes.
This one is a page turner in a fast lane !!! Everywhere you turn there are small insignificant symbols or clues that come together and you can see how important they are in the end.
I hope you try it! Dawn
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Andalusia and I saw the Trailer for this one. We're both interested in it. Interested to know if this is adapted from an original source. It's not exactly clear from the IMDb site, listing screen play and story. Great cast, though. Duvall, Downey, and Billy Bob Thornton, among others. Thanks for the heads up! Your recommendation goes a long way with me!
Mod
I have heard Oscar talk already about this one but that doesn't mean much ! The story line and the actors alone makes me want to run to the theatre ! I ahsve an idea about a Duvall screenplay, but it may be a novel!! I am honing to look into its. I am so sorry I have not written back ! I got your note right away and I wrote a long sweet piece and my stupid iPad froze and I lost it all! I am just about to go crazy with this new update with Apple . I have been working on my new Photography hobby around the yard a bit . I already have a photo challenge and I can hardly work the buttons on the darn thing!!! Do you take photos ( not iPhone ) that does not count in this contest!!! HA! How is the Video coming along !!! I can always come over and do this thing for you !!! HA! Yeah ! That would be s hoot ! I have been reading too much again ! So I joined that audiobook group !! I was a little impatient at first because I read so fast . But I wanted to get used to it before I made it read faster. It was the BEST BOOK ! Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng her first novel ... A page racer if I was turning pages !!! Just a great human story took place when interracial marriages were not legal in all states even marriage between White and Chinese .,,,
Made me think ... Only certain states accepted interracial marriage then and now it is everywhere legally but still not wholly acceptable in all eyes. So , how long now before same sex marriages will be accepted everywhere? How many states do we have now? WOW! How long will it take before that will be socially acceptable. History repeats itself or it never really forgets or forgives. What doctor think?
Well the book is a great little quick read to get your mind thinking away from some of our gritty South for s bit ! Plus the war ! I have been reading war stuff but have not been charting my books ! I need to get it together!!! HA!
Hail to the Queen !! ❤️
Josh wrote: "Diane S. - he Mr. Tall collection is on my list. It might jump up a few spots depending on your experience with it."Here is my review. Thought the Jack story didn't fit and to me it was the weakest. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
i got done with
3 out 5
Review
It is about this guy quest to find love.
It had a Really good areas of the plot that really stuck me in. Some areas made you think why did he do such a thing or did he go mad? The part of plot stood out at me the most is when is shot the dog just because the family did not have enough food.
I really like how the author put some shocking things in the book and felt the detail was good so you can fell like you were there.
MY own problem with the book is I felt the author rushed writing it and was just lacking .
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review
It is about this guy quest to find love.
It had a Really good areas of the plot that really stuck me in. Some areas made you think why did he do such a thing or did he go mad? The part of plot stood out at me the most is when is shot the dog just because the family did not have enough food.
I really like how the author put some shocking things in the book and felt the detail was good so you can fell like you were there.
MY own problem with the book is I felt the author rushed writing it and was just lacking .
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hi yall,
I had two things that I wanted to share with the group real quick. This old interview with William Gay was recently brought to my attention and I must say that it unearths a little bit of mystery and seclusion that surrounded my favorite writer. The interview is almost a half hour long and is worth taking a listen or two of. http://vimeo.com/44541215
Secondly, The National Book Awards are going to be announced tonight. The ceremony will start at 7:40pm (et) and it usually last's around an hour and a half or so. The only southern type book that I see nominated is this biography on Tennessee Williams: Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh Here is a link to The National Book Awards website where you can see the live telecast. http://www.nationalbook.org/ There are some great books nominated tonight and I hope some of you watch the ceremony.
Jason
I had two things that I wanted to share with the group real quick. This old interview with William Gay was recently brought to my attention and I must say that it unearths a little bit of mystery and seclusion that surrounded my favorite writer. The interview is almost a half hour long and is worth taking a listen or two of. http://vimeo.com/44541215
Secondly, The National Book Awards are going to be announced tonight. The ceremony will start at 7:40pm (et) and it usually last's around an hour and a half or so. The only southern type book that I see nominated is this biography on Tennessee Williams: Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh Here is a link to The National Book Awards website where you can see the live telecast. http://www.nationalbook.org/ There are some great books nominated tonight and I hope some of you watch the ceremony.
Jason
Mod
I had two things that I wanted to share with the group real quick. This old interview with William Gay was recently brought to my attention and I must say that it unearths a little bit of..."
Jason, many thanks for bringing this to our attention. I always look forward to the announcement of the awards. I hope to be able to catch the broadcast. I'm sure we'll have some interesting discussion over the results!
I own the Tennessee Williams book but heaven knows when I will get to it. Starting Twilight, tonight. Also reading West of Sunset.
Mod
Diane, I just picked up West of Sunset by Stewart O'Nan from Net Galley. I've enjoyed several of his previous works. A Prayer for the Dying was incredibly moving. It blew me away. Not the language I usually resort to, but the impact was so great, the phrase is appropriate. It will be interesting to see his treatment of Fitzgerald.
Mod
Finished The Right Thing https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... It's lightness is a nice contrast to the darkness of Twilight.
I just got done with
2 out of 5 stars.
Not recommend .The stories was not connected and poorly written.
2 out of 5 stars.
Not recommend .The stories was not connected and poorly written.
I just got done with
Wow was set in Tibet and tells how china rule effects people in Tibet.
It is a really dark book that would leave a impact on you after you read it.
Here is more about the writer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Jian_...
All his books are banned from China.
I think this book would be good for those who like dark read that will shaken you up bad.
Wow was set in Tibet and tells how china rule effects people in Tibet.
It is a really dark book that would leave a impact on you after you read it.
Here is more about the writer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Jian_...
All his books are banned from China.
I think this book would be good for those who like dark read that will shaken you up bad.
One of my very favorite cold weather reads is "City of Thieves" by David Benioff and would recommend this a holiday gift to give yourself. Set in Russia during the frigid Siege of Leningrad, it is a buddy story of two young fellows cast together and forced on a quest to find something seemingly irretrievable. One a handsome, strapping charmer and the other a scrawny chess master, the boys travel through deep snow and myriad scrapes - some farcical, some horrifying - in this astonishingly accurate historical tale.
If you care anything about World War II, about friendship, or having to beat the odds set against you, ya gonna like this book. Not too heavy. Not too light. JUST RIGHT.
Mod
Set in Russia during the frigid Siege of Leningrad, it i..."
That sounds like a great read, Leanne. Making a note of it. I've got a lot of literary irons in the fire. However, I know I'll be hitting Stanley Weintraub's Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce, which occurred one hundred years ago. Along those lines, I recommend the film Joyeux Noel made in 2005. This has become a Christmas tradition at our house, a beautiful film, poignant, but capturing humanity even during the futility of war. And there's always those odd Cockroaches of Staymore. Trippy indeed. I laugh every time I think of your description. Perfection.
Hey Yall - well what am I not reading ??? I have strayed a little to get some books in that I have been wanting to read for sometime. So here goes : I read MARIA OF THE ROMONOV SISTERS which is a historical Fiction book about Zsar Nicholas in Russia and his Family that were overthrown by Rebels at the beginning of WWI. The book is based on letters and diary entries that were found by the older sister Maria. I always had a fascination with this family story since the rumors of Anastasia escaping and Rasputin having something to do with the conspiracy. The book was very good !!
Then another curiosity I settled from my weird WWI reading were about Mysticism and during that time existed a theological philosopher who was considered by all one of the greatest thinkers in the 20th century . From the meek age of 6 she showed tendencies of compassion that were unbelievable . This book was called WAITING ON GOD by Simone Weil. She wrote extraordinary essays on theology, philosophy, and she wrote poetry. But, mostly she gave of herself to others always. She gave into mysticism and began teaching others to not worry with their troubles while they were only waiting on God , Or patience . A very hard read to explain . But so is mysticism ? Anyone care to take on the subject ? I have read other books that recognize the Catholic Saints as Mystics .
I am now reading a wonderful book by Anthony Doerr called ALL THE LIGHT WE CAN NOT SEE ! It is AWESOME !!! I highly recommend this - read it !
That is it until I finish our books for last month!!! Ask me anything ! Except how Stupid I was to miss Ron Rash on November 30th here in Oxford @ Square Books ??? Did not see it in the paper ! I could kick myself in the BOOOTAH !!!
Good evening !! dawn
Mod
Mod
Hey Diane and Laura - what is City of Thieves about?
Mod
Mike wrote: "Leanne wrote: "One of my very favorite cold weather reads is "City of Thieves" by David Benioff and would recommend this a holiday gift to give yourself. Set in Russia during the frigid Siege of ..."
Mike I just requested Weintraub's book from the library and I plan to watch Joyeux Noel next week.
I also have City of Thieves on hand struggling to fit its way into my reading schedule. Today I read an excellent review of another book, The 900 Days: The Siege of Leningrad, which also intrigues me. So many books. Good thing I finished 2 more today, The Quiet American(really excellent and effective) and The Memory of Blood: A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery (another fun entry in this series set in London). Of course I still need to write one review.
Awesome !!! I am reading that Anthony Doerr's ALL THE LIGHT WE CAN NOT SEE right now and it takes place during WWII too. I never realized how many unique characters and situations were inspired by that war. It is Amazing the perseverance of people then and now we thing we have it bad. I believe some of these kids should read some of these stories instead of walking around whining about being mistreated. Let Starving and Hitler get a hold of them for a day or two. Diane - I just met a friend on audiobooks who is terminally ill. She is just now losing site in one eye. She asked me for some recommendations. I looked at her lists and she reads Jodi Picolt, she read Fifty Shades of Gray , Wurthering Heights and Jane Eyre, The Lovely Bones, The Fault in Our Stars, Nicholas Sparks and I know that I have read all but Fifty a Shades of Gray. Oh! She has also read If I Stay the series.
What could I suggest ? I need something positive yet in a place she is in and can relate to right now . If you have ideas , let me know, ok ?
Thank you ... dawn
Mod
What about Roses by Leila Meacham? I don't remember sensitive subject matter. I just read The Thorn Birds and it was good. People do die but it wasn't like a tear jerker.
Mod
Dawn, your friend might enjoy The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, set in Australia. It's humorous and romantic. A sequel has recently been published, but I haven't read it yet. This is not Southern lit, but seemed like the kind of book that your friend might enjoy.
Mod
Finished Driving the King: A Novel https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and starting The Secret Wisdom of the Earth.
Sue wrote: "Mike wrote: "Leanne wrote: "One of my very favorite cold weather reads is "City of Thieves" by David Benioff and would recommend this a holiday gift to give yourself. Set in Russia during the fri..."
If you've read the 900 Days book, then some of the surprises in "City of Thieves" will, well, not be surprises! But I absolutely love this book, and over the years have given it as a gift. The ending is one of my favorites EVER!
Diane wrote: "Lianne Moriarty is Australian also, but "The Husband's Secret" and "Big Little Lies" were both good reads. Funny in a lot of ways, but with good plots and characters."Dianne, we are reading The Husband's Secret right now in my ladies' book club. I'm not finished, but so far, so good!
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On the Southern Literary Trail
Books mentioned in this topic
Happy Land (other topics)Take My Hand (other topics)
Happy Land (other topics)
Happy Land (other topics)
Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Bennett Parten (other topics)Wes Browne (other topics)
Hubert Skidmore (other topics)
Mark Twain (other topics)
Delia Owens (other topics)
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Unfortunately, he was paranoid schizophrenic, not found until his mid 20s. That marriage fell apart. Romantic for a while, yes! But the cost was high... (yes, sometimes my life reads like a book) ;)
I do miss those times: they were the best. I've learned to get the best I can out of my relationships. Sometimes all we "need" is a good Book Friend! And yes, sometimes Goodreads is that for me too :D
Am currently reading Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz. It's intriguing. Next up will be Fay by Larry Brown, our group's read for Nov, I think. This group has introduced me to some Excellent books!