Archive through October 21, 2002
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TV ClubHouse: archive: Library - What are you reading?? Sep 2002 - Mar 2003: Let's Share - What are you reading??? (ARCHIVES): Archive through October 21, 2002

Jo_5329

Monday, October 07, 2002 - 05:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Kay Hooper Fans, "Once a Thief" is out. I absorbed it in 2 days ... again another hit :)


Jo

Seamonkey

Monday, October 07, 2002 - 06:10 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Those books we absorb.. maybe someday they will come in "patch" format.

Bat.. nope.. haven't read Out of Time, or Sandra's books, at least I don't think so .. specially if she's a mystery writer.

I'll check it out :) (oh, not that I don't have stacks and stack and piles of books to read, mind you..)

Oh and in fairness to Louise Blum, the book has picked up a bit so it isn't bad reading. And the paper is very high quality as well.

Twiggyish

Tuesday, October 08, 2002 - 05:47 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I love Connie Willis as a Sci Fi writer. Her books are wonderful. She has won numerous Hugo and other awards. Her book, "Doomsday Book", has very strong character development. It evokes every emotion as you read.

Fluffybbw

Tuesday, October 08, 2002 - 07:40 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I am currently reading "Mary called Magdalene" by Margaret George, by the way Goddessatlaw, she also wrote an excellent book titled, "The Autobiography of Henry the VIII". I'm really enjoying this book, both these books are works of fiction but she does a lot of research and I have found that her books are very difficult to put down once I start reading them. I loved the book Goddess mentioned the "Wives of Henry the VIIIth"

A second book I'm reading (I always have at least 2 or 3 going) is the latest in the Cat Who series by Lillian Jackson Braun: "The Cat Who Went Up a Creek" these books are great and very fast reads.

The last book is by my favorite author and I've read it a couple of times already but I like it very much. It's the Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis, in one volume are his three books: "Out of the Silent Planet", "Perelandra" and "That Hideous Strength".

I so glad I found this thread, I have gotten some great ideas for new authors and books to try from all of you, thanks very much!!

Marysafan

Tuesday, October 08, 2002 - 09:29 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I believe Antonia Fraiser also wrote Mary Queen of Scotts, which was also very well done. I loved the PBS series the Six wives of Henry the Eighth from back in the 1970's! Off the top of my head...Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boelyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleeves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine of Paar.

I still remember them well after all these years.

Seamonkey

Tuesday, October 08, 2002 - 03:04 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Finished up Your not from around here, are you? last night/early this morning and have started another novel by a new author: Final Arrangements by Miles Keaton Andrew. Takes place in the "funeral trade" (which is where Mr. Andrew works) about a little boy who becomes enamored with the idea of working in that field at age 9 when both parents die in a plane crash and have a double funeral.. Just getting started but like it so far. Not for someone recently bereaved, and he kindly points this out as a warning.

Fluffybbw

Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 05:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Seamonkey what did you think of of "You're not from around here are you?" and who is it by? Thanks.

Seamonkey

Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 09:38 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I cannot believe I wrote "Your" instead of "You're". hmm.. well I felt the writing was a bit stilted and the flow was choppy, but she certainly communicated many many issues that gay or lesbian couples often must deal with. It is by Louise A. Blum.

Seamonkey

Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 05:57 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Finished Final Arrangements (was reading til 4am) and must say it was really good! Not for the weak of stomach, or the recently bereaved.

Starting Longitudes & Attitudes: Exploring the World after September 11 by Thomas l. Friedman, foreign affairs columnist for the NY Times.

Consists of columns he wrote before and after Sept 11 and also some of his journal entries.

Hermione69

Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 09:20 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
You are very, very well-read, Seamonkey! I am embarrassed to admit what I am reading right now. A total junk novel for bedtime reading.

The book club I am co-sponsoring at my school is reading Breakfast of Champions by Vonnegut and will read The Things They Carried next. Anyone read those? I started Breakfast of Champions and am finding it fairly entertaining, but I keep putting it down and failing to get back to it.

I read Sure Thing yesterday, a play from All in the Timing by David Ives and LOVED it. Loved it, loved it, loved it!

Fluffy, we have a copy of that Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George in my library and it looks like the kind of book you can really sink your teeth into. It is HUGE. I want to read it when I have some time. Maybe over Thanksgiving.

Hermione69

Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 09:21 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
P.S. Seamonkey, don't feel bad about the your/you're mistake. I often end my sentences with prepositions and that is a big crime for an English major!!

Teatime

Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 05:20 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Just finished "The Burglar in the Rye" by Lawrence Block. I don't read much fiction so I still have lots of the old ones to pick from at the library. I will read everything Block has, then have to look for another light humor/mystery writer. I will take all suggestions! Thanks.

Also just read a cookbook. "What to Cook When There's Nothing in the House" by Arthur Schwartz. Not many true recipes, just hints of the basic stuff to have on hand and what to do with it. Peasant Cooking 101. Kind of fun. I already make most of the stuff he talks about but by golly now I know not to overcook the garlic.

Tonight I will start on Tom Brokaw's "An Album of Memories". WWII personal histories.

Seamonkey, you always have the most interesting titles! All I can do is keep adding to my list. I wish I was a faster reader!

Hillbilly

Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 05:50 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I just finished reading 'SSN' by Tom Clancy. With school, its been a while since I've been able to read just for the fun of it.

Seamonkey

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 07:11 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Finished Longitudes & Attitudes: Exploring the World after September 11 by Thomas l. Friedman, foreign affairs columnist for the NY Times.

Wow.. this guy is really connected - he travels a great deal and gets to speak with many influential people and heads of state. I hope lots of people read this one (it is on the best seller list, but I hope those who buy it also read it)

Now taking a rest skating thru book for young readers (but it was written in '75, so I missed it) and the source of the new movie, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. I understand that the movie messes with the story, making Winnie a teen instead of 10, so figured I'd read the original.

Hillbilly, I remember how freeing it was when I wasn't overloaded with reading for school, and could just READ.. then for a long long time I was so involved in my volunteer work and therapy and my reading was devoted to those subjects, but now I'm back to free choice and wide range, and love it!! Reading for fun is the best!

Seamonkey

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 10:46 am EditMoveDeleteIP
That book was short, 137 pages, and could be read quickly.. so I'm done and onto the next one.

A Novel by Gail Tsukiyama (her dad is Japanese, mom is Chinese), Women of the Silk, which is set in China starting in 1919. Promises to educate me about the silk trade and was recommended to me by a friend. This was her first book, but she's written quite a several others now.

Only 12 pages in, but engaged.

Sia

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 03:57 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Just finished listening to the abridged version of "This Present Darkness" by Frank E. Peretti, which was recommended by a friend.

Seamonkey

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 06:07 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks, Bat! Just added Out of Time to my wish list. Lesbian ghosts just have to be intriguing :)

Goddessatlaw

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 07:23 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Can I just say God Bless Half-Price Books? I'm saying God bless 'em. I have found more fascinating out-of-print books for no cash at all. Color-plated hardbacks, no less. I just finished a book I found there called "King of the Confessors" by Thomas Hoving. It's the true story of Hoving, who was a junior curator at The Cloisters (the medeivel branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art). An ivory cross showed up in a Zurich vault, owned by a mysterious collector. The book is about Hoving's chase around the world to attempt to verify the authenticity of the cross as a 10th century relic, identify the artist and the scripts engraved on the cross, and the competition between curators all over the world over an obscure piece of art of dubious origin. The cross was inscribed "King of the Confessors" as opposed to the traditional "King of the Jews," hence the title of the book. It's a fascinating read into the world of high-stakes art acquisition. (Hoving also wrote "Tutakhamun: the Untold Story.) I highly recommend both of these books if you come across them.

Seamonkey

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 10:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks, Goddessatlaw! Another author to explore.

I pretty much devoured Women of the Silk and found that Gail Tsukiyama had written a sequel, The Language of Threads, which is now ordered.

I think those who loved Memoirs of a Geisha would like these books.. learning about the non-options of Chinese women early in the 20th century where their lives could be completely changed at the whim of a parent or a fortune-teller and in many cases could be changed yet again. Set with the approach of the Japanese during those years, that comes to a head as the novel closes with some characters escaping to Hong Kong, where the sequel will take up the story. Also learned more about the backbreaking work of the silk industry (sadly, this industry now "employs", stunts, endangers very young children in more than one country to this day (I've seen a horrifying documentary)..

So, after finishing Women of the Silk last night, I started in on Anna Quindlan's latest, Blessings (40% off from BN.com, less my little reader's advantage discount, free shipping and no sales tax) and was drawn immediately into the tale.. read more this morning before getting out of bed and am over 100 pages in.. loving it!

Ophiliasgrandma

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 02:54 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Seamonkey: So sorry but I finally gave up on Cat From Hue on page 401 (with almost 400 more to go) after twice checking it out at the library. It was so repetitious I got bored. But, you must admit I gave it the old college try.

Right now I'm reading Mistry's new book 'Family Matters'. Now, as far as I'm concerned this author can do no wrong.

Ophiliasgrandma

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 03:00 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Seamonkey, I just read your comments above mine. Two years ago I was in Waxi, China and went to a factory where they unwind the cocoons and spin 8 strands or so into thread. The real danger as I saw it was the horrendous noise the machinery was making. The ladies working there wore no hearing protection at all. I'm thinking it doesn't take much time to severely compremise their hearing. My ears were ringing by the time I got back outside the factory.

Oh, and I'm putting in my order for the Tsukiyama books.

Seamonkey

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 08:16 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
{{{Ophiliasgrandma}}} don't be sorry!! I have a wide and often eclectic taste in books, don't expect anyone to necessarily agree.

That is interesting about visiting the factory! Did they show how they process the cocoons prior to starting the unwinding? At least in the days of this book, they had to stir them in huge cauldrons of boiling water. The very young girls had these jobs, subjected to standing, intense heat and of course boiling water accidents.

I'm not sure, but think very young children are used this way in India too.

ooh.. Family Matters.. I know it is on my wish list, maybe I'm waiting for it to be 40% off.. I do know I'll read it one day.

I'm sure you'll like the Tsukiyamas :)

===

I seem to be on a reading "tear" and have just now finished the Quindlan book, Blessings which touched me in a sad and happy way.. sigh.
Well done.

On to yet another novel, but a longer one, Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, author of The Virgin Suicides, which for me is neither here nor there, since I've never read it.

Anyway this book caught my fancy, something about a genetic mutation.. and I guess I'll be starting it tonight (after my Trading Spaces and such of course)

Ophiliasgrandma

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 09:06 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Seamonkey: There were no children employed there, they were all grown women. I believe the Chinese don't much exploit their children, at least in anyway I ever saw. Every small child I saw with a parent looked to be most precious and well tended to, chubby and rosy-cheeked. Yes, the cocoons were boiled and from there the machinery took over and managed to snag the starts of the of fiber off the cocoons. It was all very automated, but NOISY beyond belief.

Marysafan

Monday, October 21, 2002 - 09:48 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I have finished Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye" and enjoy ed it very much....This was my second Atwood selectin and although I did not like it near as much as the first,I will no doubt be reading a third choice soon.

I also finished George Stephanopolous's book and found his journey through the land mines quite interesting. It is amazing the amount of stress put on a person in his position...and what it will eventually do to you.

This weekend I read, "Wifey" by Judy Blume. I read "Summer Sisters" this summer and liked it so much that I wanted to read more of her stuff. When I saw ont eh cover that this was an "adult" book, I assumed that it meant that this wasn't one of her many books written for children. It was however VERY "adult" in content. A quick, but enjoyable read if you are in the mood for that sort of thing...and I must have been in the mood this weekend....I zoomed right through it! lol!

I am now starting, "Family Pictures: A Novel" by Sue Miller. I was introduced to her through Oprah by reading "While I was Gone" a few months ago and really liked it. So I decided to give her another look. It is a look at a Family with six children, (one of whom is autistic) that begins in the mid-1950's and goes through 1979, and is told through the eyes of four of the family members.

Seamonkey

Monday, October 21, 2002 - 02:06 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Marysafan... Family Pictures was an excellent read.. and actually a very good movie as well.. Anjelica Huston played the mom, Kyra Sedgewick one of the daughters.. forget the rest but well worth renting. Sue Miller also wrote The Good Mother, another great read, and was made into a good movie as well. (can you tell I'm a big fan of Sue Miller???) I always feel a little excitement when someone is discovering a book I love!

I read the Stephanopolous book last year? Whenever.. it was definitely interesting.

==

I'm about 100 pages into Middlesex which is narrated by the person who, as a result of colliding recessive genes, was born a hermaphrodite, spent 17 years as a girl, then identified as a man..

Interesting family, interesting history (Turks wiping out of Armenian populations and Greek populations, grandparents coming to US, to Detroit.. interesting to me since I spent grades K-8 in Detroit) and.. well.. only 100 pages into a book of over 500 pages and definitely enjoying it.