On the Southern Literary Trail discussion
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General Bookishness
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Retired: What are you reading?
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Angela M
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Jul 06, 2016 01:50PM
I finished reading Marlene . 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Carol wrote: "I posted my 5-star review of James Sallis' Willnot. It fits the broader definition of Southern appreciated by this group, generally, and is not to be missed. Here's the link: http..."
Wow, excellent review. I've been wondering about Sallis for a while now but haven't ever read him. I'm definitely adding this one. Thanks so much for the nudge. My library system does have copies.
Mod
Mod
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker – 3*** The novel – a combination of historical fiction and fantasy – tells the story of two supernatural creatures who appear mysteriously in 1899 New York. In general, I like fantasy, and I love magical realism, so I really wanted to like this book. But it never really captured my attention, and I found it tedious to read in places. I was not swept away. Still, there are passages that were riveting and I never felt like I should just give up on the book. Final verdict: a decent but uneven debut, and I won’t be in any hurry to read the planned sequel.
Full Review HERE
I read Fragments of Isabella: A Memoir of Auschwitz. 5 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Angela M wrote: "I read Fragments of Isabella: A Memoir of Auschwitz. 5 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."Truly excellent and stunning book.
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie is what I am reading
I just finished Absalom's Daughters. I give it around 4 stars. Being that it is the first book I read after GWTW it was a tough act to follow. Thank you Tom for sending me your copy. Next up is Redemption Road. Question: my nine year old wants to read Gone With the Wind after hearing me rave about it. How young is too young? She has read an 870 page book before but it was Harry Potter not an adult book. Just curious.
Brina, I was nine when I read it. If your daughter is a good reader, I think it's fine as long as you explain the book reflects a time that thankfully is past.
Janie I was actually more concerned about Scarlett lusting after Ashley and infamous scene where Rhett carries Scarlett up the stairs.
Brina wrote: "Janie I was actually more concerned about Scarlett lusting after Ashley and infamous scene where Rhett carries Scarlett up the stairs."As a parent, I looked at book moments like this as great conversation starters to share our values about relationships, boundaries, love, etc. ... And nine is a great time to start that sharing, and to start introducing real, complex adult novels. By the time she's 13, you may have less influence than you do now to shape the conversation. Then again, I see great books as the start of almost all of my best parenting conversations, so my bias may be showing,
Brina. 9 is too young in my opinion. Not that you asked for it! When my kid was in second grade, he was raving at an 11th grade level so I understand what it is like to have a child who is able to read anything. What they can and what they should obviously two very different things. Why don't you read it together in six years?
And in the meantime, why don't you read a book that is more on her developmental level? I had zero desire to read The Hobbit but did it with my kid years ago. Dianne and Laura always have excellent suggestions for middle school books.
Leanne thank you. All of kids are reading at high reading levels. Yes she could read GWTW but the idea of a kid reading about Rhett carrying Scarlett up the stairs is wrong to me. The Hobbit would be a great idea for my three kids to read together, if I actually enjoyed Lord of the Rings. I don't even like the movies much but take part in viewing them when the rest of my family decides to watch.
Yes, those scenes are lusty. Maybe re-read them yourself to see if they are inappropriate. Then again, compared to some of the nasty stuff on TV and in movies, GWTW may be a better model of tasteful lustiness
And at least Rhett didn't "twerk" Scarlett.
I was interested in that book! But I'd like to read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn first and then add this to complement the reading. The way my schedule looks now both will be in the winter.
Brina , very different but both worth reading.
Mod
My parents let me read whatever I wanted provided that I read a wide variety. My mother even introduced me to Boccaccio's Decameron. Granted, not everything I read was morally uplifting but by constantly reading I developed a passion for it that has served me well throughout my life. As Carol mentioned above, reading also offers many opportunities to discuss all sorts of topics and your daughter is at a great age to be talking with her.
Mod
I would too.
Ok y'all thanks for the advice. We are going to try GWTW and worst case she will not be interested and we'll put it away for a few years. The protagonist in Because of Winn-Dixie was 10 and she read it so all I can do is try.
Mod
So. . . the related point to me is that, when kids are interested in reading something, in my experience, they are interested in reading it right then. The chance that they will be interested in reading that item several years later, that we then want them to read, is a fantasy. By then, they'll be on to something else. Again, just my dirty lens, but I learned to strike while the interest was there when I wanted to encourage something because the interest is the thing and it is quite fleeting.
I was reading at a 7th grade level in first grade. I could read just about anything, but my mom asked me not to...and she was right. Right around actually being in 6th/7th grade, I read Jane Eyre, then Wuthering Heights, GWTW, Rebecca, and so forth. While I would have comprehended the words at 9, I doubt I would have appreciated the adult emotions. The Secret Garden, the Little House books, and others kept me occupied. I was very aware of sex, as my older sister fancied herself as a Scarlett for the 20th century and had a plethora of beaus coming to the house. But I preferred horses, magic, dragons, adventures at that age. Of course, TV then was milder. Just the commercials today are nothing we ever could have imagined back then, Viagra, condoms, et al.
My mother never censored my reading either. I was an early reader and she pretty much left it up to me what I wanted to read. My children are much stricter with their children. Anyway I pretty much agree with Carol and they see so much more on TV and in the games they play on their devices. Chances are she is just testing you and GWTW won't appeal to her anyway. Your decision, your the mom. Our opinions don't really matter.Finished A Meal in Winter
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My first glimpse of sex in a book came at age 10 via Hawaii. In my head the scene had something to do with the wind but in a way I'd not heard of before. My curiosity was piqued. After Hawaii, I read The Drifters: A Novel. Oh baby!
I'm guessing she'll read it and parts will be over her head. Anyway today I'm reading Redemption Road. It is captivating. I didn't vote for it but I wish I had because I would have liked to ask John Hart a question in the group discussion.
Laughing at elementary-school-Doug's intro to lustiness via Michener. Holy hula skirts! I was reading Agatha Christie books during that time period. There was no gettin jiggy wid it for poor old Miss Marple.
Doug wrote: "My first glimpse of sex in a book came at age 10 via Hawaii. In my head the scene had something to do with the wind but in a way I'd not heard of before. My curiosity was piqued. After..."Mine was Rosemary's Baby, age 12. Nothing like sex with Satan to keep you on the straight and narrow for some time.
I was reading Grace Livingston Hill (Christian) romance novels in 3rd grade, because my mom and sister were reading them. They addressed all things physical in a manner similar to how I understand Bollywood movies do - with couples dancing into the woods and having a baby some time later. (Wait, can I get pregnant from dancing into the woods??)
Carol, and I thought rattlesnakes was the only reason to stay out of the woods.
Janie wrote: "Carol, and I thought rattlesnakes was the only reason to stay out of the woods."Not if there's a soundtrack accompanying your romp :)
Just finished The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy about the 1944 fire in Hartford, CT. Here's my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For those of you reading Rocket Boys, I understand that it is a lighthearted read. If your palate has just been cleansed by that refreshing story, you might just be ready for Bottomland. It is a moody story set on the plains during the time period before and then after World War 1 and is told by five family members, one after another. The primary event is the disappearance - abduction? elopments? runaways? accident? - of two teenaged sisters from their family farm. This probably falls into the category of "unreliable narrator" because like the blind men feeling the elephant, we get different pieces of the story depending upon which of the siblings or parent is telling the tale. Really well done - gave it a 4.5.
Now onto a fluffy story for book club, Big Little Lies - so far, I'd say that if Agatha Christie wrote the screenplay for the movie BAD MOMS, this would be it. Party like a mother!
Mod
I think I read those two books in the same order although I think I was close to thirteen. Of course, by that time I think I had read Fanny Hill so I don't recall that either were all that sizzling.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"
I remember seeing that one in a bookstore and thinking that it was an immense tragedy. A week later 9/11 happened and somehow this one didn't seem quite as significant. I guess it's all a matter of perspective.
Tom wrote: "Connie wrote: "Just finished The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy about the 1944 fire in Hartford, CT. Here's my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"
It makes a difference if tragic, shocking events happen during our own lifetime. We'll never forget where we were when 9/11 occurred. In 1944 the circus fire was terrible news, but many of the war stories like Pearl Harbor were even more shocking in that era.
Connie wrote: "Just finished The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy about the 1944 fire in Hartford, CT. Here's my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"
We took our boys to the circus on Sunday evening, and it got me in the mood for a three-ring read. But all I had at the house was my old copy of Water for Elephants and didn't want to re-read it...so I gave it to my 13 year old. Looks like I've got one now, too! Thanks!
LeAnne wrote: "Connie wrote: "Just finished The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy about the 1944 fire in Hartford, CT. Here's my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"
Water for Elephants sounds perfect for the 13 year old. The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy would be too intense in places for your son. A grit lit reader like you would be fine!
I like the new trend in circuses where they are no longer featuring the exotic animals from Africa. I stopped going to circuses because I felt so bad for the caged animals. But I would love to see a show like the Cirque de Soleil.
Connie wrote: "LeAnne wrote: "Connie wrote: "Just finished The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy about the 1944 fire in Hartford, CT. Here's my review:https://www.goodreads.com/revie..."
I hear you about the animals. I won't go to Sea World for the same reason and am glad at least the elephants are no longer in the show. They do still have tigers, camels, and poodles. The guy who was the trainer for the camels - while gorgeous Asian women rode them - had a big barrel chest and reminded me exactly of the guy in Water for Elephants! The kid is liking it so far!
Connie wrote: "LeAnne wrote: "Connie wrote: "Just finished The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy about the 1944 fire in Hartford, CT. Here's my review:https://www.goodreads.com/revie..."
does anyone have a extra copy of THE CIRCUS FIRE: A TRUE STORY OF AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY? I have been wanting to read
Mod
Good point. After I posted this comment it occurred to me that my 2x great grandfather died when the SS Sultana burned on 27 April 1865. Even though this is the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history very few people know about it. After four years of war, 700 thousand deaths, and the first assassination of an American president, the deaths of 2,000 returning POWs barely made the newspapers.
Mod
Amazon has used copies of this book available for as low as a penny, plus postage.
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