Booking Through Thursday
Paper or plastic? May 30, 2007
Do you read e-Books?
If so, how? On your computer, or a PDA?
Or are you a paper purist? Why?
I'm a paper purist. I need that physical book in my hand. It's a comfort thing. Nothing like curling up to a good book and cup of tea in a comfy chair. My computer just can't give that to me. Besides, I'm a busy mom and need to have my reading material transportable. I'm even to the extreme that I won't buy a particular purse unless it can hold my book adequately.
(I do have to admit, though, I have never actually tried reading a book on my computer. It just has never appealed to me.)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Under The Duvet
Shoes, Reviews, Having the Blues, Builders, Babies, Families & Other Calamities fully completes the title of this humorous collection of essays by Marian Keyes. It was just what I needed for a holiday weekend read!
Under The Duvet was an easy read that left me laughing at this author's adventures and observations that were previously written for magazines and newspapers. The book is divided into sections by subject and each covers a variety of topics that I could relate to due to our similar ages. My favorite section was Mind, Body, Spirit ... and Shoes. I also enjoyed her more revealing and personal section All Grown Up. I found her writing light and appealing, as well as interesting with the use of Irish and English slang. (Keyes is from Ireland and lived in London for several years as well.)
I discovered this author and book through a recommendation from another book blog. (Whose? Sorry, I can't remember.)
Marian Keyes has written several fictional books as well. Any suggestions as to what I might want to read next?
Under The Duvet was an easy read that left me laughing at this author's adventures and observations that were previously written for magazines and newspapers. The book is divided into sections by subject and each covers a variety of topics that I could relate to due to our similar ages. My favorite section was Mind, Body, Spirit ... and Shoes. I also enjoyed her more revealing and personal section All Grown Up. I found her writing light and appealing, as well as interesting with the use of Irish and English slang. (Keyes is from Ireland and lived in London for several years as well.)
I discovered this author and book through a recommendation from another book blog. (Whose? Sorry, I can't remember.)
Marian Keyes has written several fictional books as well. Any suggestions as to what I might want to read next?
Friday, May 25, 2007
Return
I made a decision to return. (p.455)
Honoring those that you love by returning to them is the premise of Return by Karen Kingsbury, the third in her Redemption series that I have totally enjoyed reading.
Love is about honor. You've made a hard decision --- a right decision. And by doing that you've honored your baby, your family, yourself, God. All of us, really. ... It's a benchmark of any relationship, showing honor to others. (p.114)
And the story continues with the Baxter family. Return focuses primarily on two of the family's siblings, Luke and Ashley. We find out how Luke handles his situation after the events of September 11 and we find out what course Ashley chooses for her new life. We also get a few answers about Maddie's illness, Kari's future with Ryan, and Erin's decision about moving. But, just as Kingsbury did in the first two books, she leaves some unanswered questions to make the reader want to delve into the next book right away.
In this book, I enjoyed following the storyline of John, the father in the family. His struggles with loving his children unconditionally and the turmoil of his watching them live out their choices in life are heart wrenching, yet encouraging. His faith in God and his family are strong and fill him with hope that things will work out in the end.
And they do, though not always as we plan.
As readers, we find different meanings for the word return throughout this story. Whether it be God, a loved one, a family member, a situation, a choice, or a decision that we left because of the detours in our lives that took us away, it is through love, memories, honor, hard work and prayer that we can find a path back to where we need to return.
It wasn't only that his past flew smack in the face of his present. Rather, his memories gave him the strangest feeling, ... That he wanted to do an about-face, set out at a dead run, straight past the piles of hurt feelings and words he regretted, and on into yesterday. Before the detours he was taking made it impossible to find his way back. (p.285)
The familiar themes of faith, honor, memory, and love being a decision are found in this story, just as they are throughout the Redemption series. I have grown to love the Baxter family and feel a part of their trials, smiles and tears that they share. I can't wait to continue reading this series.
Honoring those that you love by returning to them is the premise of Return by Karen Kingsbury, the third in her Redemption series that I have totally enjoyed reading.
Love is about honor. You've made a hard decision --- a right decision. And by doing that you've honored your baby, your family, yourself, God. All of us, really. ... It's a benchmark of any relationship, showing honor to others. (p.114)
And the story continues with the Baxter family. Return focuses primarily on two of the family's siblings, Luke and Ashley. We find out how Luke handles his situation after the events of September 11 and we find out what course Ashley chooses for her new life. We also get a few answers about Maddie's illness, Kari's future with Ryan, and Erin's decision about moving. But, just as Kingsbury did in the first two books, she leaves some unanswered questions to make the reader want to delve into the next book right away.
In this book, I enjoyed following the storyline of John, the father in the family. His struggles with loving his children unconditionally and the turmoil of his watching them live out their choices in life are heart wrenching, yet encouraging. His faith in God and his family are strong and fill him with hope that things will work out in the end.
And they do, though not always as we plan.
As readers, we find different meanings for the word return throughout this story. Whether it be God, a loved one, a family member, a situation, a choice, or a decision that we left because of the detours in our lives that took us away, it is through love, memories, honor, hard work and prayer that we can find a path back to where we need to return.
It wasn't only that his past flew smack in the face of his present. Rather, his memories gave him the strangest feeling, ... That he wanted to do an about-face, set out at a dead run, straight past the piles of hurt feelings and words he regretted, and on into yesterday. Before the detours he was taking made it impossible to find his way back. (p.285)
The familiar themes of faith, honor, memory, and love being a decision are found in this story, just as they are throughout the Redemption series. I have grown to love the Baxter family and feel a part of their trials, smiles and tears that they share. I can't wait to continue reading this series.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Parlez vous?
Booking Through Thursday
Parlez vous? May 24, 2007
Here’s an idea from Julie:
I had an idea for a BTT question when I was taking a peek at one of my bookcases yesterday and spotted my old copy of the Aeneid in Latin sitting there. Maybe this question has already been done—but if not… Do you have any foreign language books and if so can you (still) read them?
Somewhere in the of the cardboard boxes of yesteryear found in the back corners of my basement may be a couple of books. I used to have copies of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Little Prince in French. I think I also had something by Camus. (My sheepskin from college days says I am a French minor.) Could I still read them? Oh... of course not!
Parlez vous? May 24, 2007
Here’s an idea from Julie:
I had an idea for a BTT question when I was taking a peek at one of my bookcases yesterday and spotted my old copy of the Aeneid in Latin sitting there. Maybe this question has already been done—but if not… Do you have any foreign language books and if so can you (still) read them?
Somewhere in the of the cardboard boxes of yesteryear found in the back corners of my basement may be a couple of books. I used to have copies of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Little Prince in French. I think I also had something by Camus. (My sheepskin from college days says I am a French minor.) Could I still read them? Oh... of course not!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Waterless Mountain
The 1932 Newbery Medal went to a book rich in Navaho folklore. It gave its readers a different view of Indians and their life. It showed their beliefs, their views about the earth, and their ceremonies in a realistic and factual way. This was due to the extensive study and understanding of the Native American tribe that the author has artistically represented in both picture and word.
Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer follows eight years of Younger Brother's life. He discovers that he has a gift. Uncle, the current medicine man, believes he has found his successor. And we as readers find ourselves in a beautiful tapestry of land, people, animals, and folklore. Learn about the Turquoise Woman, the Deer People, the Pack Rat, and the Sun Bearer. Meet the characters of Mother, Uncle, the Big Man, and Little Singer. Armer does a wonderful job of weaving the stories of the Navaho into this story of a young boy discovering who he is and his appreciation for his traditional heritage.
"It may be so, my son. Things must not be perfect nor overdone." (p.140)
In the deep heart of things are many mysteries. (p.216)
...and he knew that a new song was being born in his heart. It was the song of his people, who carried on, who persisted, who danced to the throbbing music of their hearts. (p.221)
These are just a few of the life lessons that Younger Brother explores through his various adventures in this beautiful novel of a young Navaho boy.
Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer follows eight years of Younger Brother's life. He discovers that he has a gift. Uncle, the current medicine man, believes he has found his successor. And we as readers find ourselves in a beautiful tapestry of land, people, animals, and folklore. Learn about the Turquoise Woman, the Deer People, the Pack Rat, and the Sun Bearer. Meet the characters of Mother, Uncle, the Big Man, and Little Singer. Armer does a wonderful job of weaving the stories of the Navaho into this story of a young boy discovering who he is and his appreciation for his traditional heritage.
"It may be so, my son. Things must not be perfect nor overdone." (p.140)
In the deep heart of things are many mysteries. (p.216)
...and he knew that a new song was being born in his heart. It was the song of his people, who carried on, who persisted, who danced to the throbbing music of their hearts. (p.221)
These are just a few of the life lessons that Younger Brother explores through his various adventures in this beautiful novel of a young Navaho boy.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Toxic Bachelors
Toxic: (adj.) Harmful, destructive, or deadly; poisonous.
Bachelor: (n.) An unmarried man.
So, why are three men ranging in age from 41 to 50 still bachelors by choice? Each is successful in his own right: Charlie is the CEO of a foundation known for its philanthropy. Adam is a lawyer for an array of celebrities and sports stars. And Gray is a fairly well-known artist. The three men have enjoyed the company of women at various times throughout their lives. They call their own shots and live life the way they choose. And they vacation together during the month of August every year on Charlie's yacht. So...
Gray was the Red Cross of dating. Adam was the wheeler and dealer, setting clear limits and making trade-offs. Charlie was the ever polite and romantic Prince Charming. ... sifting women like so much flour, looking for some microscopic point of imperfection. (p. 36 & p.94)
Their vacation that year was just as usual: booze, food, booze, women, booze, cigars, booze, and male-bonding. But it was the turn of events after the trip that made the world turn upside down for all three men.
Fear was a much more powerful emotion ... than love had ever been. (p.210)
Enter three unlikely women: Sylvia, who didn't need saving and is a successful art dealer; Carole, who seems like a simple enough woman and is a social worker for a children's shelter; and Maggie, who shows that you can't judge a book by its cover, is strongly independent and knows how to follow the rules.
Although not one of her better books, Danielle Steel's Toxic Bachelors was an interesting read (study?) about some of the reasons men are phobic about commitment and marriage. Those reasons are all clearly stated (repeated often enough for the reader) and demonstrated by Charlie, Adam, and Gray as they slowly, and painfully, fall for their women.
"Maybe love is always about disappointment," (p.369)
Or, then again, maybe it's not...
Bachelor: (n.) An unmarried man.
So, why are three men ranging in age from 41 to 50 still bachelors by choice? Each is successful in his own right: Charlie is the CEO of a foundation known for its philanthropy. Adam is a lawyer for an array of celebrities and sports stars. And Gray is a fairly well-known artist. The three men have enjoyed the company of women at various times throughout their lives. They call their own shots and live life the way they choose. And they vacation together during the month of August every year on Charlie's yacht. So...
Gray was the Red Cross of dating. Adam was the wheeler and dealer, setting clear limits and making trade-offs. Charlie was the ever polite and romantic Prince Charming. ... sifting women like so much flour, looking for some microscopic point of imperfection. (p. 36 & p.94)
Their vacation that year was just as usual: booze, food, booze, women, booze, cigars, booze, and male-bonding. But it was the turn of events after the trip that made the world turn upside down for all three men.
Fear was a much more powerful emotion ... than love had ever been. (p.210)
Enter three unlikely women: Sylvia, who didn't need saving and is a successful art dealer; Carole, who seems like a simple enough woman and is a social worker for a children's shelter; and Maggie, who shows that you can't judge a book by its cover, is strongly independent and knows how to follow the rules.
Although not one of her better books, Danielle Steel's Toxic Bachelors was an interesting read (study?) about some of the reasons men are phobic about commitment and marriage. Those reasons are all clearly stated (repeated often enough for the reader) and demonstrated by Charlie, Adam, and Gray as they slowly, and painfully, fall for their women.
"Maybe love is always about disappointment," (p.369)
Or, then again, maybe it's not...
Bookless
from: Booking Through Thursday
Bookless May 17, 2007
It happens even to the best readers from time to time… you close the cover on the book you’re reading and discover, to your horror, that there’s nothing else to read. Either there’s nothing in the house, or nothing you’re in the mood for. Just, nothing that “clicks.” What do you do?? How do you get the reading wheels turning again?
Nothing in the house? My bookshelves beg to differ! But on the chance that they don't hold anything that "clicks", I love to roam the local library shelves. I look at book covers, authors' names, and suggestion lists that are posted. I will pull a few books off the shelf in search of that next great read. Usually the long search will produce something to take home and enjoy!
I often read book reviews in the local newspaper, check out my suggested book list from Amazon, and look to see what might have been posted lately at PBS to get ideas for my next book. I frequently read the many book blogs that I have recently discovered through my online reading club and book challenges. This has given me an opportunity to discover books that I would not normally find on my own doing. I also often ask my friends and family what they have read lately.
There's always something out there to be read!
And, I can't remember the last time I was without a book in hand!!
Bookless May 17, 2007
It happens even to the best readers from time to time… you close the cover on the book you’re reading and discover, to your horror, that there’s nothing else to read. Either there’s nothing in the house, or nothing you’re in the mood for. Just, nothing that “clicks.” What do you do?? How do you get the reading wheels turning again?
Nothing in the house? My bookshelves beg to differ! But on the chance that they don't hold anything that "clicks", I love to roam the local library shelves. I look at book covers, authors' names, and suggestion lists that are posted. I will pull a few books off the shelf in search of that next great read. Usually the long search will produce something to take home and enjoy!
I often read book reviews in the local newspaper, check out my suggested book list from Amazon, and look to see what might have been posted lately at PBS to get ideas for my next book. I frequently read the many book blogs that I have recently discovered through my online reading club and book challenges. This has given me an opportunity to discover books that I would not normally find on my own doing. I also often ask my friends and family what they have read lately.
There's always something out there to be read!
And, I can't remember the last time I was without a book in hand!!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Fall On Your Knees
"Please, dear God, don't judge too harshly Your servants in Sydney who cast out their own flesh and blood. Amen." (p.299)
The Piper family of Cape Breton Island should not be judged too harshly as well. Their family bonds, sins, redemptions, guilts, and loves make the novel Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald quite a read. Admittedly, it was a tough read for me and one that I wasn't sure I would finish. But something about the style and the plot led me to keep at it and finish the novel. I am glad that I did!
Fall On Your Knees follows the Piper family and, in particular, the childhood of four sisters: Kathleen, Mercedes, Frances, and Lily. Their story is complex and full of twists and turns, good and bad, success and failures. Each daughter has her own view of the family, her own special place in the family, and her own family secret. Ann-Marie MacDonald draws you in and won't let you go; hence, I couldn't put the book down even though I had my doubts about finishing it. Details can not be given as it will spoil the story, but know that there is something for everyone in the plot and the characterization of this novel.
It's as though a window has been left open inside his head, admitting a draft. He can't get to it to close it. But he can look out it, even though all he sees is fog. It rolls into his mind, obscuring his ease, setting him to shiver. Still, he looks and looks. Because out there in the fog he can feel something looking back at him. (p.380)
"Out there in the fog" is so much more... the characters, the story, the truth, and the power and bonds of family. Yes, it's quite a read.
The Piper family of Cape Breton Island should not be judged too harshly as well. Their family bonds, sins, redemptions, guilts, and loves make the novel Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald quite a read. Admittedly, it was a tough read for me and one that I wasn't sure I would finish. But something about the style and the plot led me to keep at it and finish the novel. I am glad that I did!
Fall On Your Knees follows the Piper family and, in particular, the childhood of four sisters: Kathleen, Mercedes, Frances, and Lily. Their story is complex and full of twists and turns, good and bad, success and failures. Each daughter has her own view of the family, her own special place in the family, and her own family secret. Ann-Marie MacDonald draws you in and won't let you go; hence, I couldn't put the book down even though I had my doubts about finishing it. Details can not be given as it will spoil the story, but know that there is something for everyone in the plot and the characterization of this novel.
It's as though a window has been left open inside his head, admitting a draft. He can't get to it to close it. But he can look out it, even though all he sees is fog. It rolls into his mind, obscuring his ease, setting him to shiver. Still, he looks and looks. Because out there in the fog he can feel something looking back at him. (p.380)
"Out there in the fog" is so much more... the characters, the story, the truth, and the power and bonds of family. Yes, it's quite a read.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Ask Not Where, But Where Not?
from: Booking Through Thursday
Ask Not Where, But Where Not? May 10, 2007
So, judging by last week’s answers, apparently the question I should have been asking was:
Where DON’T you read??
I don't read in a moving car. It would be dangerous if I was driving, and I have severe motion sickness if I am reading and riding. I don't read in the obvious places, like in the shower, in the dark (movies), or at church. And I don't read while visiting with friends or family... although my book is usually close by in my purse or in the car.
Ask Not Where, But Where Not? May 10, 2007
So, judging by last week’s answers, apparently the question I should have been asking was:
Where DON’T you read??
I don't read in a moving car. It would be dangerous if I was driving, and I have severe motion sickness if I am reading and riding. I don't read in the obvious places, like in the shower, in the dark (movies), or at church. And I don't read while visiting with friends or family... although my book is usually close by in my purse or in the car.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Newbery Challenge
I'm officially addicted. The book challenges out there are all enticing and blogging my book reviews has been a lot of fun. So now, it's time to join another book challenge. My next one is the Newbery Challenge. Readers are to read six Newbery Medal Winners over the next six months. In reviewing the list of winners, I have fond memories of reading Number The Stars by Lois Lowry (1990), Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (1978), Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars (1971), and Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (1961) in past years. So, as a mother of four children and a former middle school teacher and a lover of books, I find this an exciting challenge.
My tbr list of Newbery Medal Winners are:
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo (2004)
Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt (1983)
Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt (1967)
Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski (1946)
Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer (1937)
Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer (1932)
I am also choosing three alternates (just in case):
The Giver by Lois Lowry (1994)
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson (1981)
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson (1945)
I can't wait to get started!
My tbr list of Newbery Medal Winners are:
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo (2004)
Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt (1983)
Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt (1967)
Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski (1946)
Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer (1937)
Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer (1932)
I am also choosing three alternates (just in case):
The Giver by Lois Lowry (1994)
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson (1981)
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson (1945)
I can't wait to get started!
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