Retired: What are you reading? Showing 3,501-3,550 of 5,490

[LA]

Kim, that is absolutely an outstanding idea!

[Brina]

We kind of do that Saturday nights already. This week was already reserved for What About Bob so I guess I will have to pick a classic for next week. We absolutely love Some Like It Hot.

[Kim]

My son could not figure out why I laughed so much when Tony Curtis was wooing Marilyn Monroe, then we watched North by Northwest & he immediately got it. He loves Cary Grant, & says when he goes to college he is going to hold film evenings & do for others & do for them what we did for him. My middle child, my second daughter, fell in love with Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, and Jr year her prom dress was GK & the next year very AH. My older daughter adores the classic Woody Allen, Bullets Over Broadway got her through wisdom teeth removal. Another fave for us all is 1,2,3 with Jimmy Cagney. All of us love John le Carré books, and have watched movie adaptations with mostly pleasure.

[Brina]

As of now kids' favorite classics are Some Like It Hot, original James Bond movies, Rocky movies, My Fair Lady, The Wizard of Oz. Star Wars counts, right ;). Looking to add to their repertoire so Saturday night at the movies is going to be part of our routine.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Kim wrote: "I started that on Friday evenings with my kids. We watched Some Like It Hot, North by Northwest, The African Queen, Arsenic and Old Lace, and many others. We got started on it because they were mis..."

What's on tonight? I'll bring popcorn!

[Faith]

I finished The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock. A good book but very bleak. My review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jane]

On page one hundred of Underground Railroad it is nail biting stuff historical fact skillfully woven into fiction

Could be no one historical fiction but am torn

[Jane]

Number one but I am torn between Underground and Homegoing oops

[Doug H]

Kim wrote: "I will say that in the case of Cat on the Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, or The Glass Menagerie, seeing the movies ( or a live production of them) is really how they are meant to be enjoye..."

Agree with you, Kim.

I read T. Williams' Small Craft Warnings a month or 2 ago and thought it was okay, but not great. Then saw it performed live a week later and it was an entirely different experience. A couple of the actors weren't great, but the leads definitely were and they transformed it into an almost metaphysical experience for me. Things I didn't realize were meant to be humorous were suddenly hilarious and some things that I brushed off as seeming maudlin on the page suddenly hit me as deep truths and I had to struggle to hold back tears. At one point, it seemed some of the actors could tell they had a "live one" in the audience and they started directing energy my way. In order to hold it all in, I had to use emotional muscles I never knew I had.

That said, I love reading plays. I think much of my enjoyment comes from the same part of me that prefers being "shown" a story than being "told" one.

[Brina]

Our movie night was a hit last night. Kids loved What About Bob. I finished reading Fried Green Tomatoes and loved it so maybe that's next week's choice.

[Jane]

Fried green tomatoes is an amazing novel and film it is plot perfect and her best in my book

[Brina]

I have finished 5 books this week- 2 novels, 1 kids, 1 essays, 1 plays. Currently reading The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt but I need a novel to read this week too. Anything that you think I will love that will actually be at library without be having to put on hold first? Thanks y'all!

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

This month's poll winner, "Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All" is a great story, and is old enough that if your library has it, there should not be a wait for it. It's a long one, almost 700 pages, but as fast as you read, that's nothing.

[Brina]

The length scared me away but I will look.

[LA]

Doug wrote: "Kim wrote: "I will say that in the case of Cat on the Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, or The Glass Menagerie, seeing the movies ( or a live production of them) is really how they are meant ..."

That is pretty amazing. While a book or play gives us hours on end to consider the characters' choices or the environment in which they "live", when a stage (or film) performance comes about, the latter generally cannot measure up to what we've concocted in our own minds. Whomever was the director - and those two lead actors - deserve big accolades.

Very nice to hear.

[LA]

Jane wrote: "Fried green tomatoes is an amazing novel and film it is plot perfect and her best in my book"

I've not read it, but thought the movie version was really good. This week is when both my book clubs meet, and one of them is doing a movie night instead. We're going to see Arrival, based on the short story Stories of Your Life and Others. Has anyone read it?

[Blueberry]

Jane wrote: "Fried green tomatoes is an amazing novel and film it is plot perfect and her best in my book"


Ditto what you said.

[Brina]

Decided to finish my Williams' trilogy and read The Glass Menagerie. Also attempting Doctor Zhivago. Keepers of the House should be here by the end of the week it looks so interesting from all your reviews.

[Carol]

Brina wrote: "I have finished 5 books this week- 2 novels, 1 kids, 1 essays, 1 plays. Currently reading The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt but I need a novel to read this week too. Anything that you think I will lov..."

It doesn't look as thought you've read Jonathan Odell's Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League . It's a fast read and wonderful.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Y'all I'm crying and laughing through Pat Head Summitt's book Sum It Up. The audio is amazing. If you love a strong woman, basketball and the south this is a fabulous memoir.

[Brina]

Laura, isn't it amazing!!! I was crying near the end. We are 5 hrs from Knoxville and yet the week she passed people had RIP Coach Summit signs at a baseball game. I think I really lost it at the WNBA finals when Candace Parker said "This is for Pat" at her interview. Ooh I hope the Vols have it in them to win this year.

[Brina]

Carol- adding. I will get to it eventually. I have a lot to read again after my trip to the library.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I was crying 5 minutes into it. I grew up 30 minutes north of Knoxville. A funny election thing that happened at early voting, one of my friends posted was at the polls a lady complained that they were letting a voter promote their candidate. When official asked for clarification the lady said, that woman has a "we back Pat" shirt on. Anyone in TN should know Pat is Pat Head not a candidate. It was a funny story. I'm not finished but it's so good.

[LA]

Laura wrote: "I was crying 5 minutes into it. I grew up 30 minutes north of Knoxville. A funny election thing that happened at early voting, one of my friends posted was at the polls a lady complained that they ..."

That is a hoot! Love that story.

Louisiana once had a governor by the name of Edwin Edwards who was blatant in his disregard for the law and happily accepted bribes without even hiding them. His FOURTH term, after the legal system was just catching up to him, had him face off with a guy named David Duke. Duke, although he had tried to change his spots, was the former grand wizard (or grand dragon? grand something?) of the KKK! Horrifying.

Although Edwin Edwards was the epitome of corruption and scandal, we all had bumper stickers that said: VOTE FOR THE CROOK. IT'S IMPORTANT. And we did, although the governor later went to jail for 10 years.

Flash past the election against the grand wizard/dragon/creep... My friend Bobby and wife moved to DC where she was horrified to repeatedly see "Duke" bumper stickers. "Omg, Bobby - DC is full of either idiots or racists! You see those Duke stickers?"

Um. It was Duke University, one of the top ten spots for political science degrees.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

That's funny LeAnne! The we back pat story why the highlight of this election for me. I told it in numerous social settings. Most tennesseans appreciated the humor.

[LA]

Laura wrote: "That's funny LeAnne! The we back pat story why the highlight of this election for me. I told it in numerous social settings. Most tennesseans appreciated the humor."

Ha! You now make me wonder if Bobby and wife Michelle moved to your part of the country. She could be your Pat-complainer!

[Brina]

The Alzheimer's runs in my dad's family. I was getting chills reading that book. I hope the Lady Vols beat UConn this year.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

LeAnne unless your friend dresses like a cat it's probably not your Michelle. This lady was dressed like a cat according to my friend. Not sure exactly what that means.

[Jane]

What is going on over there lol over the pond is it still Halloween ?

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Brina it gave me chills to think how emotionally strong those ladies were who played for pat. I would hire ANY player who survived under Pat. Their work ethic and emotional strength was so impressive. The really disappointing part for me was how she adored her son and his ability for coaching and later he failed due to his own misconduct. I am glad she was not aware of this flaw in him.

[LA]

Jane wrote: "What is going on over there lol over the pond is it still Halloween ?"

Apparently we are crazy year-round!

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Jane
I didn't ask any specifics as to what she meant. I used my imagination. I was thinking black leggings and tight black shirt, you know, cat woman. But in Tennessee, it could mean something all together different.

[Jane]

I see , the mind boggles;)

[Book Concierge]

LeAnne wrote: "Jane wrote: "Fried green tomatoes is an amazing novel and film it is plot perfect and her best in my book"

I've not read it, but thought the movie version was really good. This week is when both m..."

Leanne ... you should know that the endings of the movie and the book are completely different. Won't say any more ...

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Jane, understanding Southerners is like reading Faulkner. Don't try to understand, just go with it.

[Jane]

Love it Diane !

[LA]

Just finished an absolutely wonderful work of historical fiction, thanks to Laura digging it up. She heard of this obscure book from Donald Ray Pollock (its last chapter blew him away) and kindly shared that info.

The Birthday Boys is short, outstanding, and about to be the Christmas gift for about five of my friends. Thank you, Laura!

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

LeAnne you know I've got your back!

[Brina]

Leanne you know I'm not that big on grit but the title caught my attention. We take birthdays seriously in this house and have a birthday this week. I finished Glass Menagerie, concluding my study of Tennessee Williams and am starting Keepers of the House albeit late. I guess I could still add to the discussion ;)

[LA]

Brina wrote: "Leanne you know I'm not that big on grit but the title caught my attention. We take birthdays seriously in this house and have a birthday this week. I finished Glass Menagerie, concluding my study ..."

If you guys value birthdays, then this will ping with you, for sure. There is little to no grit - a few examples of injured feet or hands, but that's it. I think all the horrors were so well chronicled by the time she wrote this, that it was their emotions, courage, and the ability to still wish for a birthday party she wanted to examine.

[Jane]

I cannot get past half way mark with The Underground Railroad shame on me no doubt but I have ordered The Scribe and Pelican Road

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I have seen several reviews that say the same thing, Jane. It did just win the National Book Award, but that doesn't always mean a book is readable.

[Brina]

I could not get into it either. It was not even the characters for me but the lack of action in the opening chapters. I thought News of the World was a much better book and I am surprised to hear that Underground Railroad ended up winning.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I just finished "News of the World" and was blown away. I have to find a way to stop falling in love with male characters. Captain Kidd joins The Count from "A Gentleman in Moscow" on my list of perfect men, along with Rhett Butler from "Gone With the Wind". Good thing I'm not as fickle in real life!

[LA]

Ron Rash is going to be jealous, Diane.

[Brina]

I have A Gentleman in Moscow on reserve. Hope to get eventually as I'm 60 in the list. Rhett Butler- a perfect man?? I guess I got so wrapped up in wondering when Scarlett would wake up and realize that Rhett was better than Ashley; she kept calling him a scoundrel even if he was "perfect". Does this mean I have to reread the 959 pages ;)

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

What can I say, Brina. When I was younger I loved scoundrels (they're very exciting). I fell for Rhett in my 20's and can't give him up.

[Guy]

Diane wrote: "I just finished "News of the World" and was blown away. I have to find a way to stop falling in love with male characters. Captain Kidd joins The Count from "A Gentleman in Moscow" on my list of pe..."

Diane, If Kidd and The Count are to be compared I must read "A Gentleman In Moscow" soon,

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Guy, while outwardly the appearances and lives of these two men are worlds apart, their characters and sense of right are impeccable. The older I get, the more that matters.

[Brina]

Rhett definitely falls into that category. Now I'm really looking forward to A Gentleman in Moscow.