Ok, so I initially thought I'd be 'blog crazy' and writing weekly, if not daily, but once again, life stepped in and it's been months (maybe longer..hmmm....). Anyway, I'm back, and though some things have changed, most still remain the same (like the Led Zep song!).
I'm still reading like a fiend, though I have made the conversion from paper to e-books (yes, I still shudder too, and miss the touch and feel and smell of 'paper') BUT, the reality is, it's easier, more convenient and it's like the feeling of having a hidden chocolate bar in your purse that only you know about (what? you don't do that????!!!) because I can walk around with my tablet and know that I have, not only the library and ebook stores at my fingers, but many unread books sitting quietly waiting their turn, without 'weighing' me down. It's like a diet, for the books!
We've also moved - since 'the boy' is finishing up his 2nd year of university and rarely comes home :-( we decided to venture 'downtown' and do the condo route. I won't bore you with the stories of my frantically trying to maneuver my new SUV ('new' is another story for another day) into a teeny tiny parking space, or how the first time I attempted to 'leave' the underground, I drove all the way down to the basement, had to attempt a 3 point turn (attempt, meaning 23 point turn, sweating, panicking, but I did it!) and still trying to figure out if anyone lives in this building (it's been two weeks and I've yet to see one person in the elevator or underground, which feeds into my Stephen King's The Shining (Jack Nicholson screaming, "Here's Johnny") recurring nightmare.
But I digress. This is a 'catch up'. There will be time for stories in the days/weeks to come. I will share stories of my new 'friends' (we're friends, we just haven't met yet) who live a simple 'viewing distance' away (as I sit here typing, I can feel 'Art Garfunkel' staring at my back). "Art Garfunkel", the woman who sits at her MAC typing away (possibly about ME????) who from the back, complete with bald spot, looks exactly like Art Garfunkel. "Bongboy", a few apartments over, who sits shirtless (that's all I can see) and plays video games, chills on facebook, and well.....uses his bong! "Light Changing Dude", who seems to turn the light on and off in one room, alot. And a cast of others I am trying furiously to 'meet'.
City life is wonderful - we are walking everywhere, though I have yet to figure out how to take the stairs down to the parking garage (one of my 'goals' - I like to keep 'em small). I tried it and ended up leaving the building, walking back in, back upstairs, and taking the elevator. That should count as my exercise for the next few weeks.
Reminders: I blog for me - it's my outlet - my way of sharing, communicating, amusing, whatever. If you like what I have to say, please comment, if not, well, that's what that delete button is for.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
19.1.10
New York, New York
I am long overdue for a trip to New York.
I've been reading a giant tome entitled, what else, New York, by Edward Rutherfurd, a prolific and 'known for his big books' author. What I'm finding so fascinating about this particular book, is that it starts in the 1600s and follows multiple generations of Dutch, Indian, Italian, Irish and Jewish people, as the city of New York literally grows before your eyes and culminates (I believe - from the inside flap of the book) with the 9/11 tragedy.
Fictional characters interact with Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, J.P. Morgan, etc., as well as making you voyeurs to the slavery, wars, Tammany Hall, and the creation of Central Park and Wall Street.
I love books like this because they remind me of the BFBs (big fat books)that I devoured in my teens. Wonderful authors such as James Michener, Herman Wouk, and Leon Uris supplied me with countless hours of escapism, plus I got to visit exotic and unusual countries without leaving the comfort of my bedroom.
So.....back to New York.
Do you ever find that when you read a particular book, you become inudated with images or themes about the book? I do.
I can't turn on the radio without hearing my new favorite song, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind
I'm humming and singing it badly, but it's contagious.
"New York, concrete jungle where dreams are maaaaaade of...."
The last time I was in New York, was the weekend of August 31, 1997. I will never forget this because it was the first time we had decided to take 2 of our 4 kids with us, to share with them the magic of New York. We went to the U.S. Open tennis matches and watched Michael Chang make it to the semi finals.
When we returned to our hotel, we nonchalantly turned on CNN and were dumbstruck as we watched in shock, the 'breaking news' that Princess Diana was in a serious car accident. That was probably our first exposure to 'breaking news'.
Sadly, in the years that followed, 'breaking news' has become a regular and daily part of our lives. Watching the Twin Towers be 'no more' was surreal, and something I am not looking forward to reliving in the upcoming pages of 'New York', but am prepared for.
In the wake of the recent earthquake in Haiti, I am reminded once again, how precious and short life can be, how buildings can topple, and how people CAN and DO rise to the occasion, giving generously their time, money and whatever assistance is needed.
DONATE NOW - Ve'ahavta
Ve'ahavta is a Canadian humanitarian and relief organization, motivated by the Jewish value of Tzedakah (Justice), that assists the needy at home and abroad, through volunteerism, education, and acts of kindness, while building bridges between Jews and other peoples.
As I travel through over 800 years in this book, and see the repeat of wars, struggles and prejudice, I can only hope that 'with time', lessons will be learnt, and we will stop repeating the past and create a new and stronger future.
Just my thoughts.....now back to the book!
I've been reading a giant tome entitled, what else, New York, by Edward Rutherfurd, a prolific and 'known for his big books' author. What I'm finding so fascinating about this particular book, is that it starts in the 1600s and follows multiple generations of Dutch, Indian, Italian, Irish and Jewish people, as the city of New York literally grows before your eyes and culminates (I believe - from the inside flap of the book) with the 9/11 tragedy.
Fictional characters interact with Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, J.P. Morgan, etc., as well as making you voyeurs to the slavery, wars, Tammany Hall, and the creation of Central Park and Wall Street.
I love books like this because they remind me of the BFBs (big fat books)that I devoured in my teens. Wonderful authors such as James Michener, Herman Wouk, and Leon Uris supplied me with countless hours of escapism, plus I got to visit exotic and unusual countries without leaving the comfort of my bedroom.
So.....back to New York.
Do you ever find that when you read a particular book, you become inudated with images or themes about the book? I do.
I can't turn on the radio without hearing my new favorite song, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind
I'm humming and singing it badly, but it's contagious.
"New York, concrete jungle where dreams are maaaaaade of...."
The last time I was in New York, was the weekend of August 31, 1997. I will never forget this because it was the first time we had decided to take 2 of our 4 kids with us, to share with them the magic of New York. We went to the U.S. Open tennis matches and watched Michael Chang make it to the semi finals.
When we returned to our hotel, we nonchalantly turned on CNN and were dumbstruck as we watched in shock, the 'breaking news' that Princess Diana was in a serious car accident. That was probably our first exposure to 'breaking news'.
Sadly, in the years that followed, 'breaking news' has become a regular and daily part of our lives. Watching the Twin Towers be 'no more' was surreal, and something I am not looking forward to reliving in the upcoming pages of 'New York', but am prepared for.
In the wake of the recent earthquake in Haiti, I am reminded once again, how precious and short life can be, how buildings can topple, and how people CAN and DO rise to the occasion, giving generously their time, money and whatever assistance is needed.
DONATE NOW - Ve'ahavta
Ve'ahavta is a Canadian humanitarian and relief organization, motivated by the Jewish value of Tzedakah (Justice), that assists the needy at home and abroad, through volunteerism, education, and acts of kindness, while building bridges between Jews and other peoples.
As I travel through over 800 years in this book, and see the repeat of wars, struggles and prejudice, I can only hope that 'with time', lessons will be learnt, and we will stop repeating the past and create a new and stronger future.
Just my thoughts.....now back to the book!
10.1.10
What I did (saw and read) on my Christmas vacation……(and how I got there) PART ONE!
This year, as in every year for the past 30 odd years, I spend the winter holiday season in Florida. My parents became snowbirds many years ago (meaning they leave the cold and miserable Toronto weather in exchange for the hot and humid Florida temps.). This year (and some past years) it’s been almost hard-pressed to tell the difference (give or take a few degrees and snowfall). We were lucky (by about a week) and got some lovely sunshine to read and relax in, (though the tans and ‘relaxation’ have long since faded).
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Whether traveling by air (the preferred choice, even with today’s security breaches, long line ups and my ‘slight’ fear of flying), or driving (correction, MY husband driving) – I prefer (though he does not) to navigate loudly and with raised arms to ‘brace’ against sudden imagined impacts, while also pointing out tall buildings, ‘falling rock signs’ and commenting and squinting over every upcoming Cracker Barrel, rest area and fast food and lodgings that we are approaching. I also keep track of how many Ontario license plates we pass (while I secretly peek over at the odometer to ensure cruise control is on and we are NOT going ‘too much’ over the speed limit (hubby likes to refer to the ‘lie in waiting police’ as ‘cowboys’), and continually ask him if ‘he’s ok?’ The answer is always, ‘Yes’, which I then foolishly follow up with, ‘Would you tell me if you weren’t?’ and he responds, ‘No’. I’m never sure if he is joking, so of course, I stay awake. It’s a grueling job driving to Florida and one we try to avoid, though this year, after many years respite, we found ourselves once again, behind the driver's, and passenger’s seat, with Sam in tow.
Don’t feel too badly for Sam – he packs his 17 year old self comfortably in the back seat, amongst his pillows and covers from home, small laptop (which he shares reluctantly – hence the short facebook status updates and emails from moi) and loaded iPod. I’m outnumbered by the testosterone in the car, so laughter is exchanged every time I attempt to switch on ’20 on 20’ or EStreet radio, courtesy of Sirius Radio. The men control the music and while I happily listened to everything from U2 to Dave Matthews (our 11pm staple – hours of music and driving are guaranteed once the Live at Luther College set starts to play). Eighteen or so hours the first day, and the next day feels like 18 but is usually 8 or 9. End result, we arrive, tired, anticipating the sun, and already dreading the return drive home.
This year we stayed with my parents as opposed to our previously renting a time share near my father in law. I know they say you can’t go home again, but if you know it’s temporary, you can.
My mother is a bargain shopper extraordinaire, so as expected; we set out to shop, always with the understanding that ‘if it’s not on sale, we’re not buying it’. Between the seniors discounts, Kohls dollars, ‘take an additional 10% off card, save $25 when you spend $75, etc., I think it’s safe to say that we did alright, though I’m hoping to shrink some of the ‘extra large’ items my mother insisted was my true size.
Food Glorious Food
As desired and expected, I did my fair share of reading, movie watching and restaurant hopping. We visited our stand by favorites, Chilis, Cheesecake Factory and PF Changs, more than once, as us Canadians can’t partake of the fine cuisine (and two for one drink specials at Chilis). We also became huge Chick Fil A fans (again, not available in Canada) and scarfed down our share of waffle fries and nuggets.
Books!
Read a few books; one actually that my father recommended. Not Me, by Michael Lavigne. Interesting and compelling story of a middle aged divorced Jewish comedian who is given a ‘gift’ one day while visiting his elderly father who is suffering with Alzheimer’s disease in a south Florida hospital. To the best of Mickey’s knowledge, his father is a Holocaust survivor, supporter of all Jewish causes (pictures of himself with Golda Meir, Elie Wiesel, etc.). This gift is 24 volumes of journals and is told, “These are your fathers”.
The journals are written in the voice of a German, Heinrich Mueller, an officer and accountant with the Waffen-SS Budget and Construction Office, whose final job for the Reich involves keeping track of the confiscated personal possessions of Jews interned in the Majdanek Concentration Camp. As Mickey reluctantly reads, he finds himself wondering if HIS father was Heinrich Mueller; who Heinrich Mueller was, as well as wrestling with the issues of parenting, life and death choices, and what it means to survive.
I also thoroughly enjoyed Andre Agassi’s memoir, Open, in which he ‘openly’ and honestly shares his hatred of the game of the tennis, his insecurities and chronic pain, not to mention his feelings about fellow players Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf (she prefers to be called Stephanie) as well as the intense pressure put on him by his father.
Started and finished in Toronto, yet another quirky book by Paul Auster, called Invisible. If anybody out there understands the last few pages of the book, PLEASE LET ME KNOW, as it went completely over my head.
Movies
Saw quite a few: Avatar and Sherlock Holmes were both outstanding, The Blind Side was just okay, Up in the Air wasn’t bad (Mr. George Clooney was delicious eye candy and the soundtrack was lovely as well), but Nine was absolutely a huge disappointment and a waste of time. We actually wanted to walk out.
Seeing movies in Florida, or at least at CityPlace (a lovely ‘newer’ section of West Palm Beach – filled with restaurants, shops, bars and a Muvico theater) was ‘interesting’, to say the least.
The night we saw Sherlock Holmes, the theater was packed. It was Christmas Day and every seat was filled. When the show ended, since we were in the second row, we decided to exit via the doors located at the side of the screen (which led out into a well lit and more or less heavily populated alley). To get to the ‘main street’, we simply had to turn left and walk about ½ a block. As we started to do so, my husband noticed how ‘bright’ the street seemed to be, and we heard some ‘popping’ noises and then screams, as a stream of people charged down the street.
“Must be filming a movie”, my hubby mused.
“At 11:30 at night! – I don’t think so”, I hesitantly responded and then clutched both my son's and husband's arms, and said; “I think there must have been a robbery or something”.
So of course we head towards the ‘danger’, and see quite a few policemen milling about, as well as broken glass on the road. No movie cameras were in sight! We ask, and are told, “Yeah, some teenagers got a little rambunctious, fired some shots and now we’re just trying to clear them out, so you might want to stay close by”.
Uh…..ok…..
Oh, did I mention that he said they would be using teargas to clear them out!!!!!!
We were trying to stay calm for Sam’s sake, but we couldn’t even remember where we parked the damned car, and somehow hailed a cab, who drove us a block away to the Publix where we had parked, and then my son and husband totally ‘George Costandza-ed’ me. They ran from the cab to the car (as the teenagers swarmed past, shirts pressed over their face to avoid the teargas) as I said goodnight and thank you to the cabbie and closed the sliding door to his van. Every man for himself, it appeared. We almost ran down a cruiser that was heading towards the crowd of teens, and drove off in a frenzy.
I think I’ll save our PJ Changs story, New Years Eve and the drive home, for another post.
To be continued…..
Happy New Year!
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Whether traveling by air (the preferred choice, even with today’s security breaches, long line ups and my ‘slight’ fear of flying), or driving (correction, MY husband driving) – I prefer (though he does not) to navigate loudly and with raised arms to ‘brace’ against sudden imagined impacts, while also pointing out tall buildings, ‘falling rock signs’ and commenting and squinting over every upcoming Cracker Barrel, rest area and fast food and lodgings that we are approaching. I also keep track of how many Ontario license plates we pass (while I secretly peek over at the odometer to ensure cruise control is on and we are NOT going ‘too much’ over the speed limit (hubby likes to refer to the ‘lie in waiting police’ as ‘cowboys’), and continually ask him if ‘he’s ok?’ The answer is always, ‘Yes’, which I then foolishly follow up with, ‘Would you tell me if you weren’t?’ and he responds, ‘No’. I’m never sure if he is joking, so of course, I stay awake. It’s a grueling job driving to Florida and one we try to avoid, though this year, after many years respite, we found ourselves once again, behind the driver's, and passenger’s seat, with Sam in tow.
Don’t feel too badly for Sam – he packs his 17 year old self comfortably in the back seat, amongst his pillows and covers from home, small laptop (which he shares reluctantly – hence the short facebook status updates and emails from moi) and loaded iPod. I’m outnumbered by the testosterone in the car, so laughter is exchanged every time I attempt to switch on ’20 on 20’ or EStreet radio, courtesy of Sirius Radio. The men control the music and while I happily listened to everything from U2 to Dave Matthews (our 11pm staple – hours of music and driving are guaranteed once the Live at Luther College set starts to play). Eighteen or so hours the first day, and the next day feels like 18 but is usually 8 or 9. End result, we arrive, tired, anticipating the sun, and already dreading the return drive home.
This year we stayed with my parents as opposed to our previously renting a time share near my father in law. I know they say you can’t go home again, but if you know it’s temporary, you can.
My mother is a bargain shopper extraordinaire, so as expected; we set out to shop, always with the understanding that ‘if it’s not on sale, we’re not buying it’. Between the seniors discounts, Kohls dollars, ‘take an additional 10% off card, save $25 when you spend $75, etc., I think it’s safe to say that we did alright, though I’m hoping to shrink some of the ‘extra large’ items my mother insisted was my true size.
Food Glorious Food
As desired and expected, I did my fair share of reading, movie watching and restaurant hopping. We visited our stand by favorites, Chilis, Cheesecake Factory and PF Changs, more than once, as us Canadians can’t partake of the fine cuisine (and two for one drink specials at Chilis). We also became huge Chick Fil A fans (again, not available in Canada) and scarfed down our share of waffle fries and nuggets.
Books!
Read a few books; one actually that my father recommended. Not Me, by Michael Lavigne. Interesting and compelling story of a middle aged divorced Jewish comedian who is given a ‘gift’ one day while visiting his elderly father who is suffering with Alzheimer’s disease in a south Florida hospital. To the best of Mickey’s knowledge, his father is a Holocaust survivor, supporter of all Jewish causes (pictures of himself with Golda Meir, Elie Wiesel, etc.). This gift is 24 volumes of journals and is told, “These are your fathers”.
The journals are written in the voice of a German, Heinrich Mueller, an officer and accountant with the Waffen-SS Budget and Construction Office, whose final job for the Reich involves keeping track of the confiscated personal possessions of Jews interned in the Majdanek Concentration Camp. As Mickey reluctantly reads, he finds himself wondering if HIS father was Heinrich Mueller; who Heinrich Mueller was, as well as wrestling with the issues of parenting, life and death choices, and what it means to survive.
I also thoroughly enjoyed Andre Agassi’s memoir, Open, in which he ‘openly’ and honestly shares his hatred of the game of the tennis, his insecurities and chronic pain, not to mention his feelings about fellow players Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf (she prefers to be called Stephanie) as well as the intense pressure put on him by his father.
Started and finished in Toronto, yet another quirky book by Paul Auster, called Invisible. If anybody out there understands the last few pages of the book, PLEASE LET ME KNOW, as it went completely over my head.
Movies
Saw quite a few: Avatar and Sherlock Holmes were both outstanding, The Blind Side was just okay, Up in the Air wasn’t bad (Mr. George Clooney was delicious eye candy and the soundtrack was lovely as well), but Nine was absolutely a huge disappointment and a waste of time. We actually wanted to walk out.
Seeing movies in Florida, or at least at CityPlace (a lovely ‘newer’ section of West Palm Beach – filled with restaurants, shops, bars and a Muvico theater) was ‘interesting’, to say the least.
The night we saw Sherlock Holmes, the theater was packed. It was Christmas Day and every seat was filled. When the show ended, since we were in the second row, we decided to exit via the doors located at the side of the screen (which led out into a well lit and more or less heavily populated alley). To get to the ‘main street’, we simply had to turn left and walk about ½ a block. As we started to do so, my husband noticed how ‘bright’ the street seemed to be, and we heard some ‘popping’ noises and then screams, as a stream of people charged down the street.
“Must be filming a movie”, my hubby mused.
“At 11:30 at night! – I don’t think so”, I hesitantly responded and then clutched both my son's and husband's arms, and said; “I think there must have been a robbery or something”.
So of course we head towards the ‘danger’, and see quite a few policemen milling about, as well as broken glass on the road. No movie cameras were in sight! We ask, and are told, “Yeah, some teenagers got a little rambunctious, fired some shots and now we’re just trying to clear them out, so you might want to stay close by”.
Uh…..ok…..
Oh, did I mention that he said they would be using teargas to clear them out!!!!!!
We were trying to stay calm for Sam’s sake, but we couldn’t even remember where we parked the damned car, and somehow hailed a cab, who drove us a block away to the Publix where we had parked, and then my son and husband totally ‘George Costandza-ed’ me. They ran from the cab to the car (as the teenagers swarmed past, shirts pressed over their face to avoid the teargas) as I said goodnight and thank you to the cabbie and closed the sliding door to his van. Every man for himself, it appeared. We almost ran down a cruiser that was heading towards the crowd of teens, and drove off in a frenzy.
I think I’ll save our PJ Changs story, New Years Eve and the drive home, for another post.
To be continued…..
Happy New Year!
21.11.09
Making a list, and checking it twice!
I make lists about everything.
There is a comfort in order, though I am probably one of the most disorganized people I know. Maybe that’s why I make lists.
I even created and moderate an online bookgroup called: wait for it……..........LISTERS (if you’re interested in joining, visit Yahoo Groups and search for LISTers or visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LISTers/ and click JOIN GROUP ). We share our monthly reads, as well as answer and post questions about reading in general. It’s fascinating stuff, to me, anyway.
So recently I found some old diaries/journals which contain some lists as well. The boys that I liked (back in February of 1977) were (first names only to protect the….........................................well, to save me from embarrassment)
Jeff
Jeff
Brian
Dave
Mike
Barry
I must confess that I don’t even recognize one of the last names of one of the Jeffs, and who the hell is Barry Katzman, and of these 6 guys, only one ‘liked me back’, while the others continued to not know I existed. I do remember thinking that making a list would somehow increase my odds. I guess one out of six isn’t that bad.
I keep a running database (list) of how many books I read each month, and rate them out of 5, AND keep track of how many I’ve read so far this year. For example:
OCTOBER 2009
Homer and Langely - E.L. Doctorow 4.25
The Cellist of Sarajevo - Steven Galloway 4.5
Day After Night - Anita Diamant 4.25
Under this Unbroken Sky - Shandi Mitchell 4.5
The Specials - Scott Westerfeld 4.25
NOVEMBER 2009
Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger 4.5
Have a Little Faith - Mitch Albom 4.25
The Gates - John Connelly 4.25
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford 4.5
53 to date (that’s how many I’ve read since January 1, for those that need to know!)
I make grocery lists, which I forget to take with me, but commit to memory (yeah, so THAT’S why I have so many jars of sliced red pepper, and still no capers)!
My favorite reads of the year (so far) I try and come up with the ‘top ten’ every year. Here’s what I have so far:
Sarah's Key - Tatiani De Rosnay 4.75
Inkheart - Cornelia Funke 4.5
Cutting for Stone - Abraham Verghese 4.75
still Alice - Lisa Genova 4.75
Nov. 22, 1963 - Adam Braver 4.5
Columbine - Dave Cullen 4.75
The Angel’s Game – Carlos Ruiz Zafon 4.75
The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins 5
Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins 5
The Cellist of Sarajevo - Steven Galloway 4.5
My favorite reads of all time (subject to change)
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn – Betty Smith
Valley of the Dolls – Jacqueline Susann
A Stone for Danny Fisher – Harold Robbins
Katherine – Anya Seton
The Miracle Worker – William Gibson
A Fine Balance – Rohinton Mistry
Fugitive Pieces – Anne Michaels
The Crimson Petal and the White – Michel Faber
The Way the Crow Flies – Ann Marie MacDonald
Maus – Art Spiegelman
We Need to Talk About Kevin – Lionel Shriver
The Night Listener – Armistead Maupin
These books fit my ‘perfect five’ rating, which translates into:
Would (and could) reread again (and again), learnt ‘something’, related strongly to the characters and/or story, remarkable storytelling, powerful
I remember quite vividly reading a book by Irving Wallace entitled The Fan Club, in which four friends kidnap a movie star. The only specifics I remember about the story was that the movie star made a ‘list’ of items she wanted her ‘fans/kidnappers’ to purchase for her. Two things on the list stuck out. Variety magazine and Cabochard by Madame Gres perfume. I was probably only 15 at the time, but I do remember ‘deciding’ that ‘that’ would be ‘my’ signature scent and bought it and wore it for years.
How ‘bout songs with lists:
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
1. Slip out the back
2. Make a new plan
3. Hop on the bus
4. Drop off the Key
5. Set yourself free
Steve Miller describes himself as
a picker, a grinner, a lover, a sinner, a Joker, a smoker and a midnight toker.
My Favorite Things by Rodgers and Hammerstein,
brown paper packages tied up with string!
We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel
Life is a Rock, but the radio rolled me
B.B. Bumble and the Stingers, Mott the Hoople, Ray Charles Singers
Lonnie Mack and twangin' Eddy, here's my ring we're goin' steady
Take it easy, take me higher, liar liar, house on fire
Locomotion, Poco, Passion, Deeper Purple, Satisfaction
Baby baby gotta gotta gimme gimme gettin' hotter
And so on, and so on.
Making lists makes me happy. I can count on one hand the number of times….................…oops, there I go again.
There is a comfort in order, though I am probably one of the most disorganized people I know. Maybe that’s why I make lists.
I even created and moderate an online bookgroup called: wait for it……..........LISTERS (if you’re interested in joining, visit Yahoo Groups and search for LISTers or visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LISTers/ and click JOIN GROUP ). We share our monthly reads, as well as answer and post questions about reading in general. It’s fascinating stuff, to me, anyway.
So recently I found some old diaries/journals which contain some lists as well. The boys that I liked (back in February of 1977) were (first names only to protect the….........................................well, to save me from embarrassment)
Jeff
Jeff
Brian
Dave
Mike
Barry
I must confess that I don’t even recognize one of the last names of one of the Jeffs, and who the hell is Barry Katzman, and of these 6 guys, only one ‘liked me back’, while the others continued to not know I existed. I do remember thinking that making a list would somehow increase my odds. I guess one out of six isn’t that bad.
I keep a running database (list) of how many books I read each month, and rate them out of 5, AND keep track of how many I’ve read so far this year. For example:
OCTOBER 2009
Homer and Langely - E.L. Doctorow 4.25
The Cellist of Sarajevo - Steven Galloway 4.5
Day After Night - Anita Diamant 4.25
Under this Unbroken Sky - Shandi Mitchell 4.5
The Specials - Scott Westerfeld 4.25
NOVEMBER 2009
Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger 4.5
Have a Little Faith - Mitch Albom 4.25
The Gates - John Connelly 4.25
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford 4.5
53 to date (that’s how many I’ve read since January 1, for those that need to know!)
I make grocery lists, which I forget to take with me, but commit to memory (yeah, so THAT’S why I have so many jars of sliced red pepper, and still no capers)!
My favorite reads of the year (so far) I try and come up with the ‘top ten’ every year. Here’s what I have so far:
Sarah's Key - Tatiani De Rosnay 4.75
Inkheart - Cornelia Funke 4.5
Cutting for Stone - Abraham Verghese 4.75
still Alice - Lisa Genova 4.75
Nov. 22, 1963 - Adam Braver 4.5
Columbine - Dave Cullen 4.75
The Angel’s Game – Carlos Ruiz Zafon 4.75
The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins 5
Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins 5
The Cellist of Sarajevo - Steven Galloway 4.5
My favorite reads of all time (subject to change)
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn – Betty Smith
Valley of the Dolls – Jacqueline Susann
A Stone for Danny Fisher – Harold Robbins
Katherine – Anya Seton
The Miracle Worker – William Gibson
A Fine Balance – Rohinton Mistry
Fugitive Pieces – Anne Michaels
The Crimson Petal and the White – Michel Faber
The Way the Crow Flies – Ann Marie MacDonald
Maus – Art Spiegelman
We Need to Talk About Kevin – Lionel Shriver
The Night Listener – Armistead Maupin
These books fit my ‘perfect five’ rating, which translates into:
Would (and could) reread again (and again), learnt ‘something’, related strongly to the characters and/or story, remarkable storytelling, powerful
I remember quite vividly reading a book by Irving Wallace entitled The Fan Club, in which four friends kidnap a movie star. The only specifics I remember about the story was that the movie star made a ‘list’ of items she wanted her ‘fans/kidnappers’ to purchase for her. Two things on the list stuck out. Variety magazine and Cabochard by Madame Gres perfume. I was probably only 15 at the time, but I do remember ‘deciding’ that ‘that’ would be ‘my’ signature scent and bought it and wore it for years.
How ‘bout songs with lists:
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
1. Slip out the back
2. Make a new plan
3. Hop on the bus
4. Drop off the Key
5. Set yourself free
Steve Miller describes himself as
a picker, a grinner, a lover, a sinner, a Joker, a smoker and a midnight toker.
My Favorite Things by Rodgers and Hammerstein,
brown paper packages tied up with string!
We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel
Life is a Rock, but the radio rolled me
B.B. Bumble and the Stingers, Mott the Hoople, Ray Charles Singers
Lonnie Mack and twangin' Eddy, here's my ring we're goin' steady
Take it easy, take me higher, liar liar, house on fire
Locomotion, Poco, Passion, Deeper Purple, Satisfaction
Baby baby gotta gotta gimme gimme gettin' hotter
And so on, and so on.
Making lists makes me happy. I can count on one hand the number of times….................…oops, there I go again.
16.11.09
To Have and Have Not!
My name is Karen and I am a biblioholic.
According to Biblioholism, the Literary Addiction by Tom Raabe, the definition is:
Book, of books; the habitual longing to purchase, read, store, admire and consume books in excess.
Guilty as charged.
I own hundreds (if not more) of unread books, that at one time or another, I ‘had’ to have, and no amount of library reserves, garage sale finds or recent purchases could quench my desire to ‘have it and have it now’.
I’ve maxed out my ’50 book limit’ on my library’s website, and have a ready list of ‘next in lines’ waiting patiently (actually, impatiently) their turn to be added on. Most of the books I bring home from the library return unread, sometimes to be reserved again, usually not. It’s ALMOST as good as reading the book, just knowing that I have ‘had’ it, held it, and debated about reading it.
I go in spurts where I must read everything I can on Henry VIII and I stalk the discount shelves at my local bookstore as well as peruse the shelves at any and all used bookstores. Then there is my recent YA (young adult) addiction, probably starting with the Twilight series (devoured all 4 books) and moving onto Inkheart (I own the next two in the series but have yet to read them, but at least I ‘have’ them),and The Pretties series (almost finished with the final one, that I ‘have’ and is waiting it’s turn to be read). I had heard about The Hunger Games this past summer and knew I had to have it and read it, and then fumed impatiently for September 1st to roll around when the 2nd in the series, Catching Fire was released. I ran to the bookstore THAT DAY and bought it. Brought it home, held it, read the inside flap, the first page, and then put it away for a few weeks.
One of my biggest fears is that I’ll have nothing to read, and so I have a ‘car’ book (usually a short story collection, self help/spiritual, or memoir), up and downstairs books, bathroom books and of course, the ‘saved’ BFBs (big fat books) or desert island books. I have had some of these for years. They are special books. I’m ‘saving’ them for just the ‘right time’. Every now and then I dip in and ‘taste’ one, and decide that ‘now’ is not the right time to invest my time.
Some of the ‘must own’ and ‘scoured the city’ for BFBs that I own (and probably will never read, though every year I ‘vow’ and make ‘reading lists/goals’ and include them, are:
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset, a massive tome, at over 1000 pages. The author won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928 and some consider one of the best books ever written.
Yeah, I’ve owned it for about 5 years now.
The Far Pavillions by M.M. Kaye, just under 1000 pages. I adore Indian themed novels, and this is supposedly one of the ‘good ones’ as well.
Owned for at least 5 years too.
I’m also one of ‘those people’ that you either abhor or love, that will approach you (you, being a complete stranger) in a bookstore, peer over your shoulder at the (hopefully) stack of books in your hands, and comment. I’ve been known to ‘walk the shelves’ with many a stranger and friend, recommending and insisting ‘you must read this!’.
I love being asked to recommend something, though I need specifics. I mean, you don’t expect a dietician to tell you what to eat just because you say you’re hungry.
What are you in the mood for? Sweet? Spicy?
I might not have the same tastes as you, but I love a challenge.
Tell me your 5 favorite reads of all time (oh just do it!) and/or the last few amazing books you read, and what’s important to YOU as a reader, (not everyone likes/needs a happy ending, poetic writing, or likeable characters).
By the way, some of the signs that YOU TOO are a biblioholic:
1. you own more than one copy of the same book (NOT on purpose)
2. there are books in every room of your home (or at least the rooms that YOU occupy)
3. your idea of an exciting event is an author reading AND signing
4. you’re wondering if Biblioholism, the Literary Addiction really is a book and if so, how quickly can you get your hands on it! (hint: click on the link!
My name is Karen, and I’m a biblioholic and I’m okay with that.
According to Biblioholism, the Literary Addiction by Tom Raabe, the definition is:
Book, of books; the habitual longing to purchase, read, store, admire and consume books in excess.
Guilty as charged.
I own hundreds (if not more) of unread books, that at one time or another, I ‘had’ to have, and no amount of library reserves, garage sale finds or recent purchases could quench my desire to ‘have it and have it now’.
I’ve maxed out my ’50 book limit’ on my library’s website, and have a ready list of ‘next in lines’ waiting patiently (actually, impatiently) their turn to be added on. Most of the books I bring home from the library return unread, sometimes to be reserved again, usually not. It’s ALMOST as good as reading the book, just knowing that I have ‘had’ it, held it, and debated about reading it.
I go in spurts where I must read everything I can on Henry VIII and I stalk the discount shelves at my local bookstore as well as peruse the shelves at any and all used bookstores. Then there is my recent YA (young adult) addiction, probably starting with the Twilight series (devoured all 4 books) and moving onto Inkheart (I own the next two in the series but have yet to read them, but at least I ‘have’ them),and The Pretties series (almost finished with the final one, that I ‘have’ and is waiting it’s turn to be read). I had heard about The Hunger Games this past summer and knew I had to have it and read it, and then fumed impatiently for September 1st to roll around when the 2nd in the series, Catching Fire was released. I ran to the bookstore THAT DAY and bought it. Brought it home, held it, read the inside flap, the first page, and then put it away for a few weeks.
One of my biggest fears is that I’ll have nothing to read, and so I have a ‘car’ book (usually a short story collection, self help/spiritual, or memoir), up and downstairs books, bathroom books and of course, the ‘saved’ BFBs (big fat books) or desert island books. I have had some of these for years. They are special books. I’m ‘saving’ them for just the ‘right time’. Every now and then I dip in and ‘taste’ one, and decide that ‘now’ is not the right time to invest my time.
Some of the ‘must own’ and ‘scoured the city’ for BFBs that I own (and probably will never read, though every year I ‘vow’ and make ‘reading lists/goals’ and include them, are:
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset, a massive tome, at over 1000 pages. The author won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928 and some consider one of the best books ever written.
Yeah, I’ve owned it for about 5 years now.
The Far Pavillions by M.M. Kaye, just under 1000 pages. I adore Indian themed novels, and this is supposedly one of the ‘good ones’ as well.
Owned for at least 5 years too.
I’m also one of ‘those people’ that you either abhor or love, that will approach you (you, being a complete stranger) in a bookstore, peer over your shoulder at the (hopefully) stack of books in your hands, and comment. I’ve been known to ‘walk the shelves’ with many a stranger and friend, recommending and insisting ‘you must read this!’.
I love being asked to recommend something, though I need specifics. I mean, you don’t expect a dietician to tell you what to eat just because you say you’re hungry.
What are you in the mood for? Sweet? Spicy?
I might not have the same tastes as you, but I love a challenge.
Tell me your 5 favorite reads of all time (oh just do it!) and/or the last few amazing books you read, and what’s important to YOU as a reader, (not everyone likes/needs a happy ending, poetic writing, or likeable characters).
By the way, some of the signs that YOU TOO are a biblioholic:
1. you own more than one copy of the same book (NOT on purpose)
2. there are books in every room of your home (or at least the rooms that YOU occupy)
3. your idea of an exciting event is an author reading AND signing
4. you’re wondering if Biblioholism, the Literary Addiction really is a book and if so, how quickly can you get your hands on it! (hint: click on the link!
My name is Karen, and I’m a biblioholic and I’m okay with that.
24.10.09
Texting, texting, 1 2 3
My best friend's daughter is getting married next summer! Today they drove up north to check out a venue. How do I know this? Communication, baby! I received a picture on facebook taken with her Blackberry. How else?
So if a picture paints a thousand words, can a thousand words condensed into a roughly 7 x 10 inch 'box' be accepted in place of a BOOK? I think not.
I can't tell how many times I've been told that I would just LOVE a 'Kindle', Sony reader, and/or the newest kid on the block, the Barnes and Noble Nook. All sell for between $200 and $400. That buys me a lot of books!
I'm sorry, but I just can't get past the fact that IT'S NOT A BOOK! Yes, I know you can store infinite numbers of books on it, book prices are great, easy to transport, blah blah blah.
I need to turn the pages, admire the front cover, read the inside (and back) flaps, reread a few pages, FOLD over the corners (library copies only - apologies in advance to those that reserve books at The Toronto Public Library and have the same taste as me - and those salsa stains, well......). Don't even get me started on bookmarks and booklights and all the cute (and necessary) enhancements I have discovered over the years and had to have. For those that need to know, the VERY best bookmark is one made by Levengers, called the book bungee. I own MANY of these stretchy little gems and either order them online or visit the store when I'm in Florida and need to surround myself with a little book heaven (even their website calls them 'tools for serious readers'). Post-it makes a great flag highlighter (imagine, you can highlight AND mark your page!)
Last year I discovered the thrill of author readings and signings. Meeting James Frey, Wilbur Smith, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Joseph Boyden, Wally Lamb.....to name just a few, AND listen to them speak AND HAVE THEM SIGN MY BOOK - PRICELESS. Can't do that with a Kindle, can you?
My hubby swears by his ereader on his Blackberry,and I know many 'converts' that are happy as well, but after a day spent clearing clutter in my bedroom, I was proud to move my A-Z bookends (which encase my 10 copies of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn) to the newly added coffee table and small reading couch. Just can't see a piece of metal having quite the same effect.
So if a picture paints a thousand words, can a thousand words condensed into a roughly 7 x 10 inch 'box' be accepted in place of a BOOK? I think not.
I can't tell how many times I've been told that I would just LOVE a 'Kindle', Sony reader, and/or the newest kid on the block, the Barnes and Noble Nook. All sell for between $200 and $400. That buys me a lot of books!
I'm sorry, but I just can't get past the fact that IT'S NOT A BOOK! Yes, I know you can store infinite numbers of books on it, book prices are great, easy to transport, blah blah blah.
I need to turn the pages, admire the front cover, read the inside (and back) flaps, reread a few pages, FOLD over the corners (library copies only - apologies in advance to those that reserve books at The Toronto Public Library and have the same taste as me - and those salsa stains, well......). Don't even get me started on bookmarks and booklights and all the cute (and necessary) enhancements I have discovered over the years and had to have. For those that need to know, the VERY best bookmark is one made by Levengers, called the book bungee. I own MANY of these stretchy little gems and either order them online or visit the store when I'm in Florida and need to surround myself with a little book heaven (even their website calls them 'tools for serious readers'). Post-it makes a great flag highlighter (imagine, you can highlight AND mark your page!)
Last year I discovered the thrill of author readings and signings. Meeting James Frey, Wilbur Smith, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Joseph Boyden, Wally Lamb.....to name just a few, AND listen to them speak AND HAVE THEM SIGN MY BOOK - PRICELESS. Can't do that with a Kindle, can you?
My hubby swears by his ereader on his Blackberry,and I know many 'converts' that are happy as well, but after a day spent clearing clutter in my bedroom, I was proud to move my A-Z bookends (which encase my 10 copies of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn) to the newly added coffee table and small reading couch. Just can't see a piece of metal having quite the same effect.
23.10.09
Let's start at the very beginning....
Do re mi fa so la tea do! We've all seen the The Sound of Music (one of my hubby's favorites and supposedly his Aunt Shirley's as well) and sang the song. Maria and I had something in common (both of us sported a really bad short haircut at one time - picture NOT to be included here), as well as raise and love another man's children. Climbing mountains was NOT a shared love, as I am fearful of heights (and birds, and ....oh, that's another blogpost).
It's hard to write about the now, without sharing the before, so in a nutshell (don't even get me started), here is the (hopefully, for your sake) condensed version.
I guess with blogging you have to choose your words carefully and not slander anyone or perhaps you can rename them or just flat out pretend. Feel free to read between the lines when I don't supply them.
Who Am I Anyway? (am I my resume? - gotta love A Chorus Line and I do, as well as most musicals (which is so sad considering I am tone deaf and knowing all the words to all the songs, does NOT help!). Anyway.......
You will notice (how could you not?) that I write in what is called a 'freefall' fashion. It works for me - I like that 'stream of consciousness' feel. Apologies in advance for ramblings and veering off whatever provocative topic I am musing about. It happens and will continue to.
Back to me and the other cast of characters in my life!
I'm a Daddy's girl and my Mother's daughter - meaning, my dad is put on a pedestal (deservedly so) and my mom takes me shopping, keeps my secrets, notices and corrects my typos and wishes my hair was more 'controlled' - I love them both dearly and hate this whole 'getting older' business (for me and for them).
I have one older and one younger brother. In my immediate family, we refer to Steven as 'Uncle the Brother' because my younger brother Richard (forever known as Uncle Richie, even to our deceased dog Coltrane) and I started calling Steve 'the brother' and when he became an uncle, well, you do the math. I'm not sure he knows that we refer to him as Uncle the Brother, but now he does, and we say it with love.
I can't change the names and details enough here, so let's sum up in a few sentences, my first marriage (lasting less than 4 years). It was a beautiful wedding, and then it went downhill. Suffice said. While I was still tending my wounds I became reaquainted with a guy I had known from my teens, who had married young and had 3 daughters and then divorced. We became best friends, and then more. Twenty years later, admidst much drama, chaos and laughter, we are still together, and have added our son Sam, to the family clan. My family is my home, my salvation, my sanity, my life.
I mentioned my colon cancer in another post, so I won't bore you with the details (do you really want to hear about blood in the stool? I think not, but hey, if you find it, get it checked out!).
I've always loved to read, thanks to my cousin Gloria showering me at an early age (grade 6) with books by authors as diverse and wonderful as Betty Smith, James Michener, Sidney Sheldon, Leon Uris and Harold Robbins. I didn't always understand the stories or how they were 'told', but I always wanted, needed, more. I wrote in journals, kept diaries and made lists of 'top tens'. I never thought I was a writer, but loved to write.
I belong to a few online book groups and participate very actively in my own f2f (that means face to face) group, called the Book Bitches (though just today someone wrote that they would prefer to be called the Book Babes - what's so wrong with being a bitch?). We take our group seriously (some months more than others) and read and discuss openly and honestly and share so much. Shout out to my Bitches/Babes!!!!
What else do you need to know? I guess you can just ask me. I'm pretty open and feel that my life IS more or less an open book. Bottom line, I love to converse - with you, with myself, with whoever is listening. I'm not sure if I have something to say, but I'm going to say it anyway. I'm just not going to sing it!
It's hard to write about the now, without sharing the before, so in a nutshell (don't even get me started), here is the (hopefully, for your sake) condensed version.
I guess with blogging you have to choose your words carefully and not slander anyone or perhaps you can rename them or just flat out pretend. Feel free to read between the lines when I don't supply them.
Who Am I Anyway? (am I my resume? - gotta love A Chorus Line and I do, as well as most musicals (which is so sad considering I am tone deaf and knowing all the words to all the songs, does NOT help!). Anyway.......
You will notice (how could you not?) that I write in what is called a 'freefall' fashion. It works for me - I like that 'stream of consciousness' feel. Apologies in advance for ramblings and veering off whatever provocative topic I am musing about. It happens and will continue to.
Back to me and the other cast of characters in my life!
I'm a Daddy's girl and my Mother's daughter - meaning, my dad is put on a pedestal (deservedly so) and my mom takes me shopping, keeps my secrets, notices and corrects my typos and wishes my hair was more 'controlled' - I love them both dearly and hate this whole 'getting older' business (for me and for them).
I have one older and one younger brother. In my immediate family, we refer to Steven as 'Uncle the Brother' because my younger brother Richard (forever known as Uncle Richie, even to our deceased dog Coltrane) and I started calling Steve 'the brother' and when he became an uncle, well, you do the math. I'm not sure he knows that we refer to him as Uncle the Brother, but now he does, and we say it with love.
I can't change the names and details enough here, so let's sum up in a few sentences, my first marriage (lasting less than 4 years). It was a beautiful wedding, and then it went downhill. Suffice said. While I was still tending my wounds I became reaquainted with a guy I had known from my teens, who had married young and had 3 daughters and then divorced. We became best friends, and then more. Twenty years later, admidst much drama, chaos and laughter, we are still together, and have added our son Sam, to the family clan. My family is my home, my salvation, my sanity, my life.
I mentioned my colon cancer in another post, so I won't bore you with the details (do you really want to hear about blood in the stool? I think not, but hey, if you find it, get it checked out!).
I've always loved to read, thanks to my cousin Gloria showering me at an early age (grade 6) with books by authors as diverse and wonderful as Betty Smith, James Michener, Sidney Sheldon, Leon Uris and Harold Robbins. I didn't always understand the stories or how they were 'told', but I always wanted, needed, more. I wrote in journals, kept diaries and made lists of 'top tens'. I never thought I was a writer, but loved to write.
I belong to a few online book groups and participate very actively in my own f2f (that means face to face) group, called the Book Bitches (though just today someone wrote that they would prefer to be called the Book Babes - what's so wrong with being a bitch?). We take our group seriously (some months more than others) and read and discuss openly and honestly and share so much. Shout out to my Bitches/Babes!!!!
What else do you need to know? I guess you can just ask me. I'm pretty open and feel that my life IS more or less an open book. Bottom line, I love to converse - with you, with myself, with whoever is listening. I'm not sure if I have something to say, but I'm going to say it anyway. I'm just not going to sing it!
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