Membro: faceinbook

Hi Jeannie, I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, sorry for being a little late but I did think of you yesterday. I hope you are well and getting ready for winter. Take care
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 3:32 pm (EST) em Nov 27, 2009

Hi Jeannie, I just wanted to drop you a short note, my gosh the summer fading fast! Soon the Portland Women Crisis Line will have it's annual gala funding rasing event. It's on August 28th, always a fun event but lots of anxity before. I was elected as co-chair again this year, a very nice honor. While money is tight I am still very excited about the direction we are going. This afternoon I am meeting with a high school student that I am helping her through the college application process. She is a great young woman. Rachel, that's her name, was selected to be queen of the Rose Festival. The Rose Festival is Portland big spring event, so this is a great honor, also provides a nice scholaship for her college.
So how is the puppy doing? The puppy is a teenager I would think.
Reading "The Exception" by Christian Jungersen. A very intersting book. I hope you are well and enjoying the summer
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 3:35 pm (EST) em Aug 13, 2009

Hi Jeannie,

Yes, Arthur Phillips, the name does ring a bell. For a long time, I would use the website overbooked.org to find good books to read and I recall making a mental note to read one of his books after visiting that site. Overbooked, if you have never heard of it, is absolutely wonderful as a reference for good books. I use it often. It was started by a librarian in Ohio. She lists recently published books and assigns stars to books by how many positive reviews it received from literary magazines.

A few years ago, I read "Beautiful Dreamer," a book I discovered from that website. And I have to say, I am ever so grateful for having used that website b/c I would have missed that book had I not. If you like William Faulkner, you will like "Beautiful Dreamer."

The book, authored by Christopher Bigsby, takes place in the 20's or 30's. It is about a black man in the deep south who gets chased all over the place by 3 white bigots after he kills a man. Its a wonderful read. I want to revisit it one of these days. I can still form a mental image of the the protagonist at the end huddled in a cave. The one thing that really stands out about this book is the dialogue. The author is pitch perfect. Every word of dialogue rings true and honest.

Back to Arthur Phillips. Heretofore I have not read a book by him. I did check one out of his books in the library, but I didn't get it finished. Didn't he write "Dancing in the Dark?"

The other book you mentioned, about someone living in the subways of NY, also rings a bell. I recall a book reviewer mention a book of a similar story line.

At the present, I am reading "Brothers" by a Chinese author whose name I forget how to spell. So far, so good. Its a a long book but easy read. According to overbooked, it got positive reviews from a number of literary magazines. I'm going to get back to it now.

Thanks for writing, Jeannie. Its always good to read your comments.

--Keith

publicado por midbrow às 9:49 pm (EST) em Jul 23, 2009

Hello Jeanine--

This time I am the one who has been slow to write back. I sometimes experience a little writers anxiety. Its easy to get it when I'm writing someone who I know is quite literate. You aren't someone with whom I can get away with much. You could spot misspelled words, commas out of place, and run-on sentences. The anxiety, I suppose, is a carry over from my school days.

Getting to what I set out to say originally. I just finished reading 2 books that I thought you would be interested in. The first one, called "When we were Romans," really just dropped into my hands. I was at a branch library on the other side of town and saw it prominently displayed on a bookshelf. When I read the first couple of lines of the book, I was hooked. i brought it home and away I went, on a very pleasing reading experience. If you don't care for the voice of a precocious 12 year old, I would stay away from it. The voice stays with you. I read a review on librarything, and of the reviewers trashed it, saying she coldn't wait to be rid of that voice. Me, I found the voice refreshing.

The story is really very simple. Its just about a young boy who travels with his mother and sister through Europe in search of a better life. No longer is it fresh in my memory, so I can't be more specific than that.

The second book, just finished today, is called "I don't come to you by chance." This is a wonderful read. But again, one reviewer on this site was lukewarm to it. I thought s/he was rather harsh in judgement. The book, set in nigeria, is about a man, Kinglsey, who has to try to balance his moral judgements with pracitcal realities of life. It has its light moments and serious moments. It sort of reminded me of the kind of rollercoaster ride of emotions I would go on when I read books by Charles Dickens.

Never intended to write as much as I did. Let me know what you have been reading lately and if you have read the abovementioned books.

Later,
Keith

publicado por midbrow às 9:23 pm (EST) em Jul 9, 2009

Don't worry, we all do this. If nobody guesses we concede defeat, you win an imaginary cookie and either go again or offer the turn to someone else.

LT is great but like retirement it is something that just eats your time. It sounds like you are really busy.

publicado por Jodyreadseverything às 8:54 am (EST) em Jun 30, 2009

Hi, hope you are okay. We need another clue over in the first line game, you've picked a good one.

publicado por Jodyreadseverything às 1:18 pm (EST) em Jun 29, 2009

That happens so often, there's no need to apologise. It's always nice to have someone new join in, we get to know each other and a new person means a new library and fresh qoutes.

You should still go ahead, your first line has everyone interested. Clues can be as simple as "The author is an American man" or "published in the last 20 years" or "booker prize winner" or get more complicated, whatever you want.

We do have quite a lot of books in common so I hope you enjoy my library. I will be taking a look at yours too but later. I have a sleeping baby on my arm right now and he's making it difficult to work the mouse.

publicado por Jodyreadseverything às 3:20 pm (EST) em Jun 15, 2009

Hi Jeannie, we took your line in the What Are You Reading Now groups first line game but someone is requesting a clue. Will you stop by to give one?

Also, great picture of a cute little dog. Have you discovered the LTers with Dogs Group?

We seem to have some similar reading tastes, I love Joshilyn Jackson. And if you like her you might also like Sarah Addison Allen and Ronlyn Domingue, if you haven't tried them already.

publicado por Jodyreadseverything às 12:09 pm (EST) em Jun 15, 2009

Hi Jeannie, I haven't written in to long of a time so before the first three day weekend of summer, Happy Memorial Day! It is beautful in Portland, we having sunny and warm days, in the mid 70's, no rain! Rose Festival is about the start, I quess it actually starts this weekend. School is winding down, the teachers can't wait. I am on the board of directors of the Portland Women Crisis Line, sorry if I already told you that, anyway we are going an intense time because of budget short falls. Plus there is a new union contract to negaote. sorry about my spelling The good news we are going to use a new method for the negations, called interest based negations, each side present what they think are problems that need to focused on then we problem solve. I am actually very excited to see how this process works out.
I am trying to get through "Darwin's Sacred Cause", the book shows how Darwin's hater of slavery was one of his motivations for his theory of evolutin. Very interesting
Take care
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 3:58 pm (EST) em May 22, 2009

This time I am a little slow replying...I was browsing the internet, thinking of something to do, when I recall sending you a message a while back, and anticipating a reply. It was good to hear back from you. One thing I can say is, you are definitely outreading me. You probably read 3 books for every one I read.

I had the good fortune today to listen to Tobias Wolfe read a short story by Denis Johnson on my Mp3 player. If you go to the new Yorker website, you can download podcasts. Every week they ask an author who has published in the New Yorker to read a story that they liked and they explain why they liked the story. Its great b/c it helps with my own analytical skills. Sometimes I think I miss things in stories and that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and probably contributes to my slow reading. Not too long ago I didn't like listening to someone read stories. Its that 3rd party intrustion thing that I didn't care for, but now, having gotten past the 3rdparty intrusion, I have grown to enjoy stories read outloud. If you get a chance, listen to T.C. Boyle read Tobias Wolfe's story "Bullet in the Brain." His reading is fabulous.

Thanks for mentioning Thomas Savage. Never heard of him. I am going to have to see if I can find books of his in the library. If you say he's good, I have little reason to doubt you.

I just finished "The Weight of Heaven" after reading "Doghead." There were parts of the books that really stuck out for me, the parts laced with lyricism, but then, at times, it spiraled into melodrama. The author had to balance melodrama with insensitivity. Not an easy thing to do. As I said, I did enjoy the book in parts.

Talk to you soon, Jeannine. And thanks for your message.

Keith

publicado por midbrow às 8:55 pm (EST) em May 15, 2009

MORNING SONG



The red dawn now is rearranging the earth



Thought by thought

Beauty by beauty



Each sunrise a link in the ladder



Thought by thought

Beauty by beauty



The ladder the backbone

Of shimmering deity



Thought by thought

Beauty by beauty



Child stirring in the web of your mother

Do not be afraid

Old man turning to walk through the door

Do not be afraid



~ Joy Harjo ~

publicado por theoldman às 7:00 am (EST) em May 6, 2009

Hi Jeannie,

Since I haven't received a message from you in awhile, messages which I have missed, I thought I would try to reinitiate what had been an ongoing correspondence.

What have you been reading lately? I just finished "Doghead." It made quite a splash in Europe, receiving rave reviews. It was not easy to follow at times b/c of the 20 characters, some of whom come and go, others stay around and leave quite an impression. I found myself consulting the genealogy chart in the opening pages to keep track of the characters, and who was related to who, but, overall, it was an enjoyable reading experience. I am still somewhat befuddled by the symbolism of "the doghead." If you ever read this book, please let me know what you thought.

I also read the sequel to "the meaning of night: a confession." I really liked this book. It was very dark, both literally and figuratively. There are shadows lurking in the corners, ghosts in the attic. The main characters is trying to get even with a rival. The story is gripping, all 400 plus pages. Last fall, when I was casually browsing the new book section, what did I see but the sequel to the aforementioned book. Its title was "Glass of Time." That books was a fun read, too.

Let me know what you have been reading lately. Jane Smiley was on Cspan for the Los Angeles Book Festival. She made me smile when she related a story of flying home on a plane and falling asleep. When she woke up, she noticed the passenger next to her reading "Moo," the book she wrote. She turned to her fellow passenger and said, "Thats my book." The passenger said, "No, it isn't." She then tried to explain what she meant, that she wrote the book. Her fellow passenger said, "oh, really."

publicado por midbrow às 4:21 pm (EST) em Apr 26, 2009

Lovely to get your note! Among the 34 books we share are some I truly cherish. Not many people have the Flanagan or Barry, and I think their books are superior to much modern writing. As for Ivan Doig, may I brag here about having been able to develop a personal relationship. . . he and Carol, his wife, are warm and friendly. About Anne Tyler: mixed feelings: her early books are splendid but I have been very disappointed by recent ones. Since we moved to California (1983) we have been to many book-store events. Chitra Divakaruni wins the prize for charm! ~~~~ Oh, I meant to write about baseball &/or tv. . . well, in Oakland '83-89 we actually attended games. Moving to Walnut Creek ended that, hence the need for tv to keep up with the A's. Your working in bookstore is somewhat like being in a library tho you have the advantage of "variable availability" ~~~ enjoy!

publicado por Esta1923 às 1:26 pm (EST) em Mar 18, 2009

Hello again from the slowly melting north...
The sun came out a few times today and there were a few puddles around. Lots of rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow.
I think used bookstores, consignment and thrift stores will do well for the next while. The independents will have a tough go of it though. Book stores tend to be a neighbourhood hub and when they close, it is felt far and wide.I know the one I worked in was very much part of the community.
It's true what you said about belt tightening. My parents were very thrifty people. We never lacked for anything but they never wasted anything either. They were very handy & creative at taking one thing and turning it into something else to further its use. I learned a lot from them.
Anyhow, I am hoping that the coming spring will bring a better mood and maybe some of the doom and gloom will be lifted and we can all lighten up! Lots of booksales coming up (including one of the two I work on) spring garage sales to look forward to, green grass, flowers, birds and warmer weather. :0
Clamato

publicado por clamato às 9:18 pm (EST) em Mar 7, 2009

AHA! Beat you. . . not only didn't have tv as a child (there wasn't any then) but didn't even have it as an adult until 10 years ago. (What tipped the balance? Two things: It was harder from our new location to get to ballpark for Oakland A's baseball games, and we wanted to watch movies on DVDs we checked out from library.) But reading? Read early and omnivorously. Now: favorite books can be plucked from shelf and opened at random and enjoyed. That's true of most of the ones you and I share. (Budget keeps me out of bookstores but ER books keep me in this modern world.) Happy to have found you. Esta

publicado por Esta1923 às 5:04 pm (EST) em Mar 6, 2009

Hi Jeannie, it's been too long since I sent you a note. I hope you are well, me I am finally getting over the flu. Seems as we get older, the colds last longer. Other then that I am well. A couple of weeks ago I had a great experience at the middle school I do volunteer work for. Before the mid term science class, the teacher has a quiz contest, the students are divided into two teams, she then asks questions of each student and the team that gets the most correct answers wins. The kids love this, anyway a girl up to that day seemed to sort of a problem, not a big problem, but she always forgets to turn in her homework. Anyway this girl just shined! She took the hardest questions, provided answers to her teammates, like wow where did this come from! It was amazing even the teacher was suprised. I was happy about this for days!
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 12:12 pm (EST) em Mar 5, 2009

Thank you for your prompt repy. I had posted the query as a stand-alone topic headed "American Rust" and no one answered. About sending to publisher: I always do (have sometimes gotten thank-you note). By now you probably have thrown away the publisher's note that came with the book but it did request a copy and gave 2 addresses. . . I tried each one and both came back marked "no such address." You mentioned posting to Amazon. I never have done that (and we didn't get the book thru them). Does this earn you any benefit from Amazon? (My husband orders things, I do not).~~~ Another thing we share is some childhood books with mother-inscriptions. I think I'll sort them out and review when I have time, wouldn't that be fun!

publicado por Esta1923 às 3:33 pm (EST) em Mar 4, 2009

Since we share 34 books (some of them all-time favorites) I thought it ok to ask you this question: Did you send your review of "American Rust" to the publisher? I have tried but. . . using the addresses they supplied (SG@randomhouse.com AND/OR SpiegelGrauMarketing@randomhouse.com) had no luck. If you sent without trouble will you please tell me what address you used. I did post it here at LT but wanted to finish my obligation. Thank you!

publicado por Esta1923 às 12:50 am (EST) em Mar 4, 2009

Hi Jeannie,
I wrote a great note to you last weekend and 'poof'! it was gone. Yahoo is acting very odd lately.
I have not read "White Tiger" but interest in it has been expressed in the group I run. It's a hot book right now and because my group is in a public library I choose books that aren't so in demand that my regulars can't get their hands on them. I am constantly on the lookout for future group reads.
You live in Wisconsin, which part? I have been writing with someone in Milwakee on LT who works for the Harry Schwartz book stores that are closing at the end of this month. She's crushed. 20 years! She booked all the authors, had a wonderful job and she has met some incredible people. Things are pretty bad all over. Today, a television station here let go all kinds of staff and cancelled the evening news! They are all in shock. We keep hearing that the worst hasn't even hit. I'm worried sick about my job. But I can't seem to stop buying books and going to booksales. Books are the best way to escape!
It's freezing cold here too. Been very cold the last few days. I have a broken door handle and cracked windshield this winter due to the cold. Big piles of snow at my house that have now turned into blocks of ice. The time changes this weekend and I'm soooo looking forward to seeing grass and flowers and birds but I've heard, that's still a ways off.
Here's to a cuppa hot chocolate and a good book!
Clamato

publicado por clamato às 8:55 pm (EST) em Mar 3, 2009

Hey,

Just a quick note to let you know that my new novel, Dirty Little Angels, is now available. Thought you might like it since it's been compared to Larry Brown, whom I noticed you like. Here's a link to a summary in case you're interested:

http://christophertusa.com/blog/?page_id...

Take care,

Chris

publicado por cmtusa às 11:43 pm (EST) em Feb 19, 2009

Hi Jeannie, thank you for your note, it always fun and encouraging to get encouragement and support. While I am very excited about the coming changing of the guard, only a week until we have a new president! I too get down about the dark days, the rain, we have so much of that in Portland, and the lack of sunlight. Winters in Portland are a lot more mild then your winters but it is still winter. Over Christmas we had a number of snow storms at first it was fun but it did get old fast. On the bright side, I made contact with a former co-worker that I haven't seen in well over 10 years. It was very exciting catching up. She told me of a wonderful web site: www.dailylit.com I signed up and each day they e mail me a few pages of a novel that I want to read. I am starting with Pride and Prejudice. My volunteer work is keeping very busy, lots of meetings but for the most part is very exciting. I am happy and glad to get your messages. Take care
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 5:41 pm (EST) em Jan 12, 2009

Hi Jeannie--your review of After the Floods is very generous. I'm humbled and at the same time so pleased that you enjoyed it. You mentioned belonging to book groups. As a publisher and writer with no advertising budget, I'm always interested to meet potential readers. I don't know where you park your slay in Wisconsin, but I'm in Duluth. If you're not too far away, maybe we could work something out.

Earlier this year, I did a 4 hour workshop at a library in Crosby MN--it was aimed at both readers and writers and dealt with aspects of form and dialogue in short stories and novels. I've also spoken at libraries and bookstores about my favortie poet, James Wright. Although the group in Crosby gave me a nice fee, I'm really happy to meet with people for nothing more than gas money.

The "blog" page on my website, www.losthillsbooks.com, contains a little story called "Sneakers and a Smile," which is about one of my book events in this region. Some people have found it amusing.

In any case, thanks again for such a positive review!

Bruce Henricksen

publicado por BHenricksen às 4:55 pm (EST) em Dec 24, 2008

Thanks for the response, Jeannie. I do hope you enjoy the story.
Cheers, Bruce

publicado por BHenricksen às 5:36 pm (EST) em Dec 19, 2008

Hi Jeannie, what a wonderful way to start my day, getting a e mail from you. I am doing good, we are excepting the first real winter strom this weekend, perhaps some snow most likely lots of cold weather. A good weekend to spend inside with my reading. On Sunday I am going to a discussion on Descrtes at the public library. Last month we discussed Kant and the month before Hume. I really enjoy these events. A very young teacher from Reed College leds the talk. Of course now lots of people are very young to me.
On Thanksgiving I worked at hospice and it turned out to be very sad. A young woman of 27 died that day, leaving behind a daugher of 5. I feel so bad for the little girl as she gets older on Thanksgiving she will think of it as day her mother died. There are times, when I wonder what values and sense of life are enduring. Is there something at the core of life?
On the bright side the students are doing great, I am so excited to see how excited they are about school. It's wonderful.
At the moment I am reading Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, I really like it!
Happy holidays, stay warm.
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 1:50 pm (EST) em Dec 12, 2008

YEA!!! It was a wonderful night! I loved Obama's speech even though I cried the whole time. I was thinking today, about what I was doing in the 8th grade, since I am working with 8th graders. When I was in the 8th JFK just won! Anyway I am so hopeful and excited about the future now. The 8th graders are very excited about the new president.
Thanks for your work
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 11:04 am (EST) em Nov 5, 2008

Hi Jeannie, well it's almost over, only eight more days and the election will be over. I wanted to ask how you're holding up? I feel moments of real hope and then moments of fear. I hope in 10 days we will be looking forward to the Obama taking offie. It is a beautful Indian Summer day in Portland. The fall colors are wonderful. I do hope you are well
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 4:47 pm (EST) em Oct 27, 2008

I was an EMT for about 8 years and then left it for an office job with set hours while I raised my daughter. After 16 years at the same company, my job was moved out of state so I went back to nursing school. I just finished my RN in May and am now working in a local hospital. I'm really glad for the change and truly enjoy what I do. It's a little frustrating, trying to learn everything. I don't know if I'll ever master it, but I'm enjoying learning.

I have a 14 month old grandaughter who loves to read books! She's very content to sit with you all day long and just keeps bringing you different books to read. I hope she continues along that path as I think there's nothing quite like being able to enjoy reading.

Brenda

publicado por brendaholmes às 2:04 pm (EST) em Sep 23, 2008

Thanks for inviting me to be on your friends list. I thought your library was interesting, and I always love a new idea. Sounded like we had some things in common with being a part of the medical field and grandchildren, and of course reading!

I'm really new to this site and could use a few pointers. How do I find my friends on this site? I belong to another site (goodreads.com)that I think is a little more user friendly, but there are some things on this site that they don't have. Anyway, I get kind of lost trying to find things. Any advise I'd welcome!

Again, thanks for the invite!

Brenda

publicado por brendaholmes às 8:03 pm (EST) em Sep 20, 2008

good morning from Portland
It was wonderful to hear from you and it is amazing how fast the summer is going. Last week I had an interesting adventure, I worked with a group of 7 volunteers to do trail repair on the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT is a backpacking trail from Mexico to Canada, running throught the Cascade Mt. Range in Oregon. Anyway we worked on a six mile section north and west of Mt. Hood. We were out for 5 days, worked 3 days. And I do mean work! There was a lot of repair needed, places were the trail was in danger of being totally destroyed by erision, or overgrowth. It took us a day to walk in and of course a day to walk out. It was beautiful, as the wild flowers at 5000 feet were blooming. I am still keeping busy with my volunteer work and at times I actually do work at my job! I just finished reading Levi's memory about his time in the camp during WW 2. Dark but very well written. Try to get through vol. 5 of Proust.
I am so glad that you are working for Obama, I hope he can win it would be so wonderful for not only this country but the world. Take care and keep up the good work
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 10:59 am (EST) em Aug 21, 2008

Hi Jeannie,

Had to leave you with another perspective on Edgar Sawtelle. I can't put it down. For me, it is the perfect example of the gift of the power of detail in a well turned story. I am only about halfway through it, yet I can't help but think of Wroblewski as a sort-of cross between Russo and Haruf. The former for the attention to detail, the later for the poetic feel to the whole thing. The setting in Northern wisconsin should appeal to you(my father grew up in Superior!!). I would be hard pressed to think a more auspicious first novel in the past ten years.

Dave

publicado por vincentvan às 9:42 pm (EST) em Jul 20, 2008

Hi Jeannie, thank you for the note, I love getting e mails. I still remember getting letters, I wonder if people still write letters. All of a sudden I feel old, oh well, but it was a nice way of communcating. I am also having a very busy summer, I was elected to be co-chair for the Portland Women Crisis Line www.pwcl.org which means two plus extra meeting each month. I find the work we as a board are doing so rewarding and meaningful I happy to be involved. Like you this brings me into contact with great young people that are very passionate about social change.
I am almost finished War and Peace and I love it more this time then the first time I read it. I am also reading a biography of Wallace Stegner, very interesting. I love his writing too. Have a great summer
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 4:54 pm (EST) em Jul 16, 2008

I also keep in mind that my reading tastes have changed over time. What I enjoyed 15 years ago I probably wouldn't enjoy as much today. So, if I live another 15 years, I might have another go at this book.

The book has been getting some rave reviews, and for that reason, I'm thinking the problem might be on my end. If this author ever writes another book, I might read that first before I read "Edgar...."

The reason I said it was a sad parting of ways is because I really WANTED to enjoy this book, to live vicariously through this character, wandering the hills and valleys of Northern Wisconsin, dogs nipping at his heels.

It would be nice to learn one day how the uncle was involved in the killing of Edgars father. And how Edgar ultimately fares in the world. If I can get through the tiresome prose, the overwrought detail, I might learn the answers to these questions. But it will have to be another day.

You will have to let me know if the book picks up at any part.

Talk to you soon,
Keith

publicado por midbrow às 8:38 pm (EST) em Jul 14, 2008

Jeannie,

I hope you get through "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" before you read my comments because I don't want to ruin it for you.

I never finished it. It was tedious, full of eroneous detail, and the prose was plodding and labored. I just couldn't keep up and I lost interest not even half way through.

It was a sad parting of ways. I didn't want to quit but I just couldn't go on. The constant flashbacks apropos of nothing, the exquisite and minute detail, the slow, meandering pace. It was all just too much. I don't know if I am simply burned out with all the reading I have done or it was something about the book that I gave up on.

I am almost finished with "the City of Thieves." That book is more my style.

Talk to you soon,
Keith

publicado por midbrow às 7:26 pm (EST) em Jul 12, 2008

Jeannie,

Thanks for the comments. And I'm sorry I am so slow to respond. I just read them today.

Yes, I have read a good book recently, titled "The Last Witchfinder." Have you read it? It's absolutely breathtaking. The story covers a lot of intellectual territory, science, history, and philosophy, and its rendered in wonderful lyrical prose. Its one of the best books I have read in a long, long time. Its gets a little dense in parts and becomes a bit intimidating. But I whethered the storm, so to speak, and made it through the hard parts.

If you want to read a challenging book, this is the book. I just LOVED it! I want to read it over again. It took me a couple weeks to get through and I am glad I stuck it out.

Again, thanks for your comments and lets keep the correspondence going. I am about to begin another book, titled "Edgar Sawtelle." Have you heard of it?

Keith

publicado por midbrow às 11:05 am (EST) em Jun 28, 2008

That picture was taken in Taylor, Mississippi (pop. 289) at Taylor Grocery (just 15 minutes south of Oxford, www.taylorgrocery.com). It is a well known establishment (there is a cameo of it in the movie Heart of Dixie), frequented by locals and out-of towners alike. I love Mississippi, and the Oxford area in particular. I frequently attend the annual Conference for the Book in Oxford, and also I hang around the fringes of the Faulkner conference on occasion. One of the great southern bookstores, Square Books, is in Oxford. The occasion for that particular picture was the wedding reception for my friend Dale's wedding in August 2005. He, as far as I know, is the only person to ever be married at Square Books. He and his wife Anne were married on the Balcony in an afternoon ceremony performed by Richard Howarth the owner of Square Books and the Mayor of Oxford. It was well attended. (John Grisham, Tom Franklin and others are among the writers who call Oxford home...as did Uncle Bill Faulkner)

publicado por vincentvan às 10:59 pm (EST) em Jun 20, 2008

Hi Jeannie,

Just thought of you as I am very SLOWLY adding books to my library. I thought I'd recommend to you "The Dog of the South" by Charles Portis. If you've already read it, or anything by Portis, you'll understand and appreciate such a recommendation. If not then give him a try. You're in for a literary treat, with a few laughs along the way.

Dave

publicado por vincentvan às 8:06 pm (EST) em Jun 19, 2008

Jeannie, I was sadden to hear about the lost of your dog, it the dog in the picture on your profile page the pet? A short time ago I had to put my dog down I still wonder if I did the right thing. He, Hootie, was a very old weiner dog but a wonderful friend. It was a sad day. I am very sad about the lose of a good friend.
We actually had a nice weekend and today promises to be sunny and warm. Saturday I volunteer for the Aids Hotline to be at a table at Gay Pride Festival it was very interesting and quite colorful. Sunday I worked at a residantal hospice home, since the weather was sunny and warm we got to get some of the patients out in the sun. They seemed to enjoy it. I sure enjoyed it. Take care
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 11:02 am (EST) em Jun 16, 2008

Jeannie, this is Michael from the great city of Portland, finally the sun has shown itself and the weekend is excepted to be sunny and warm. I haven't talked to you in a while and wanted to say hello. Wonder what you're currently reading, I love comparing books, great way to find new books and authors. I just finished The Post-Office Girl, wrote a review. I hope you have a nice weekend.

publicado por michaelbartley às 6:23 pm (EST) em Jun 13, 2008

Hi,

I am new to LibraryThing. We share quite a few books. I've just started to catalog 4500, or so. It'll be a kick to see how we end up. I live in the other frozen North: Maine! We had 122 inches of snow in my backyard last winter (90 degrees today). I have a Richard Russo story. (I am fortunate to have Russo and Richard Ford living within 45 minutes of me!!!). I was standing in a short line just outside the entrance to the A-1 Diner in Gardiner, Maine a few years ago and I recognised Richard Russo by the back of his balding head (Gotta be a Russo fan to do that! My favorite is still "The Risk Pool"). I muttered Hi Richard, or some such silly thing. He responded, and we both went on to our seperate booths to enjoy our Sunday breakfast.

publicado por vincentvan às 10:11 pm (EST) em Jun 8, 2008

Hi Jeannie - Thanks for letting me know the book got there safely - and within a reasonable period of time, which is always nice. ;-)

I did read the book, not long after it was published -- probably in the summer of 1996 -- so it's been long enough now that the details are blurry. But I know I LOVED it. I checked the hardcover out of the university library and read it, then when it was published in paperback, I bought it. I later found a hardcover at a discounted price, and recalling how much I enjoyed reading THAT HARDCOVER edition from the library, I bought the cheap hardcover copy. So, I had the book in two different formats, and the copy I actually read was a library copy, not my own! Sorry for the long story - but I just figured, if I liked it enough to buy it TWICE, I should share it with another big Schaeffer fan rather than just hoard two copies. :-)

I'll look forward to hearing what you think of it - sometime AFTER you finish your ER book, I can relate to that!! Happy reading!

Marie

publicado por HeathMochaFrost às 4:13 pm (EST) em Mar 4, 2008

Bleak House is probably my second all time favorite book. It has a very memorable character by the name of Richard Skimpole. He has no sense of time and no sense of money. But its hard to figure if Dickens, when he describes Skimpole, can be taken at his word. Since Skimpole is always borrowing money from people and failing to pay it back, its hard to say whether he is posing or whether he really is a man-child. As I said, he's a fascinating character. There is a little bit of Skimpole in all of us I'm afraid.

I finished "A Golden Age" over the weekend. It lived up to the hype. I enjoyed it immensely. It started off slow, but it picked up later. Then, when I was about 50 pages into it, I couldnt put it down. It takes place in the swamps of Bangladesh, or what was once East Pakistan. It has a great ending. I won't ruin it for you if you decide to read it.

Talk to you later. I'm going to run that book you mentioned through a search and read some of the reviews on it.

Keith

publicado por midbrow às 7:01 pm (EST) em Feb 11, 2008

My favorite book? Thats an easy one. It is "An old curiosity Shop" by Charles Dickens. It was the first book that I was completely swept away by, totally mesmorized. it was the first time I discovered what good literature can do, how it can elevate and lift oneself up above the mundane, ho-hum existence of everyday life.

It was a simple story of an old man and his granddaughter striking out on their own to make a better life for themselves. But at every corner, in every nook and cranny, thieves and never-do-wells lurk. As i read this book, feeling sorry for myself for holding down a dead-end job and making a mere pittance, I couldn't help but feel that my life was running on a parallel track with these two main characters.

The one thing Dickens does is to show sympathy for even the villains. That is what I like most about him. One can not read his books, if they are read in the spirit they were written, without being profoundly moved and changed in a certain way. Of that I am confident.

I know that, if more people read the works of Dickens, this world would be a much different place. We wouldn't be able to stomach the cruelty and the savagery of our own government. Nor would people be so willing to vent their anger by shooting people at random, which seems like such a frequent thing to do these days.

yes, I have read "A Prayer for Owen Meany." Most definitely. Its a very good book. And I recommended it to my parents. I read it, in fact, on top of the Monona Terrace in Madison. once I got interrupted by someone who had a hard time believing that a book could be more interesting the he was. He was wrong. Although i tried to be polite, I became rather irritated with his interrupting my reading.

Later,
Keith

publicado por midbrow às 4:18 pm (EST) em Feb 9, 2008

Jeannie, I was browsing through your fiction list, trying to find books I had read before or that i want to read some day, and I had to stop before I got past the c's. Have you read ALL of those books? Thats a lot of reading, if you have. I was going to read a book a week but I doubt if I can maintain that pace. But if I did, I would have read 2500 books in 20 years. Its sad to think that there are a lot of books, good books, that I will never get around to reading.

Once when I was in an old used bookstore, I picked up a book on a table, read the first page and I was hooked. I made a mental note of the name of the book and then the next day i looked to see if the library had a copy. THEY DID NOT. I went back to the bookstore the next day and the book was gone. Now I'll never know how that story ended.

I'm hoping you will shoot me a response. Your the only one who has contacted me from this site so far.
Later,
Keith

publicado por midbrow às 9:05 pm (EST) em Feb 8, 2008

Hi Jeannie,

Thanks for responding. Sorry I'm so slow to get back with you. Yes, T.R. Pearson is a difficult writer who writes long sentences, set off with prepositional and adverbial phrases. But his writing is something to behold. I imagine some people would find it pretentious, and ostentatious, but I like it. I don't think he is all that funny, though.

I read part of "A small history..."but I didn't finish it. I was in the middle of moving at the time and I had left off it for a couple days. When I set a book down for a day or two, I never feel any inclination to pick it back up. But I do recall where I left off. It was when the sheriff and the townsfolks were looking up at a monkey climbing a watertower. Does that scene ring a bell? Its a fabulous book and one I want to revisit soon.

Its quite remarkable that Pearson is NOT a big name author. I would think he would be because the few books he has written have been first rate.

Presently I am reading, "A Golden Age" by Tahmima Anam. It was published this year and it got some good reviews. I first heard about it on overbooked.org and then quickly put a hold on it at the library. I'll let you know what I think of it at a later date.

Later,
Keith

publicado por midbrow às 5:40 pm (EST) em Feb 8, 2008

Hi Jeannie,

It appears we share similar taste in books. Of all the people who belong to this site, you share more books with me, 7, than anyone else. I was wonder, of the 7 books tht we share in common, can you say which one you liked the best. I will probably read them in the order in which you rank them, if you decide to respond.

Just FYI, I live down the road from you, in Madison. What with all the cold weather, what better way to spend an eveing inside but to cozy up to a book. I am sure, besides books, we share that sentiment in common as well. I hope to hear from you sometime soon.

--Keith

publicado por midbrow às 6:10 pm (EST) em Feb 1, 2008

Hi Jeannie, thank you for the holiday wishes! I am starting the new year off with a terrible cold! Started coming on Sunday evening, still going strong. However I was able to run the first race of the year. The race, a 5k, starts downtown Portland at midnight, the only time the whole year I am up that late. It's a fun way to begin the year. I then went home had a glass of wine and cooked myself a breakfast. I am currerty reading a biography of Freud by Peter Gay. I am enjoying it a lot. I've liked Freud, not necessary his ideas but his courage to talk about things, sex, that his society wanted to ignore. I just started keeping track of the books I've read per year. Very interesting. I hope you had a good holidays and that you are in good health.
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 5:30 pm (EST) em Jan 2, 2008

Hi Jeannie, thank you for the holiday wishes! I am starting the new year off with a terrible cold! Started coming on Sunday evening, still going strong. However I was able to run the first race of the year. The race, a 5k, starts downtown Portland at midnight, the only time the whole year I am up that late. It's a fun way to begin the year. I then went home had a glass of wine and cooked myself a breakfast. I am currerty reading a biography of Freud by Peter Gay. I am enjoying it a lot. I've liked Freud, not necessary his ideas but his courage to talk about things, sex, that his society wanted to ignore. I just started keeping track of the books I've read per year. Very interesting. I hope you had a good holidays and that you are in good health.
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 5:30 pm (EST) em Jan 2, 2008

Hi Jeannie!

Thanks very much for the friendship. If you don't mind sharing, I was wondering--what's your favorite novel(s) of all time?

Here’s wishing you a fantastic day filled with fabulous fates, fanciful festivities, and frolicking phantom footstools.

-Jeremy :)

publicado por JeremyCShipp às 7:31 am (EST) em Nov 27, 2007

Hi Jeannie, thank you for sending that link about the book and movie Into the Wild. I enjoyed it yet was sadden by it. One of the great value of literture and art is that gives one new views of the world. It allows you to explore your ideas and emotions, sometimes agaisnt your desire, other times with your permission. I just started Blue Arabesque A Search for the Sublime by Patricia Hampl. I hope you have a good Thanksgiving if I don't write you again before then.
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 1:31 pm (EST) em Nov 8, 2007

Jeannie,
thanks for letting me know about the early review books being up there. I thought they would notify me, but I didn't notice until now that they did and your note was there also. I did request a few. Nothing really grabbed me on that list - but we'll see what happens.

I also noticed that the last comment I left for you I must have done wrong because it appears in my own list of comments, so I guess I sent it to myself!

I still don't really know what I'm doing here - I've listed the books, but now I don't know what to do.

cindy

publicado por cindylm às 10:28 pm (EST) em Nov 6, 2007

Hi Jeannie, this is Michael, I was looking at posts and realize it's been a while since I wrote you. I hope you are well and enjoying reading. I wanted to share with you my thoughts about both the movie, I saw it Sat., and the book Into the Wild. The movie really captures the essence of Krakauer's book. I highly recommend both the book and the movie. I don't know how much you know about the story but it is very much a modern American verision of a Greek Tradgecy. A young man dies because of his pride.
My currnet reading project is Proust, vol. 4 Sodom and Gomorrah. I hope you are well.
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 6:09 pm (EST) em Nov 5, 2007

I noticed your comment on Michael's profile and wondered if you knew that "City of Angels" was taken from a German Film by Wim Wenders called "Wings of Desire" (well called that in English) which is brilliant. It has Peter Falk in too.

I see we share quite a few books in common.
Happy reading/viewing

publicado por Caroline_McElwee às 3:46 pm (EST) em Nov 3, 2007

I really liked your comment on 'the Most Influential Books' thread--I think our views on spirituality are quite similar.

publicado por streamsong às 9:36 am (EST) em Oct 19, 2007

I'm quite envious that you've met Richard Russo. I think a sense of humor is most important. The last time I reread Straight Man there were still scenes that made me laugh out loud. My favorite is early in the novel, at the department meeting, when "Hank" keeps asking "who's our first poet, someone remind me", until Gracie Dubois hits hi with her notebook. I wish that I lived in Nobody's Fool.

publicado por rufustfirefly66 às 11:30 am (EST) em Sep 23, 2007

Hi Jeannie, my name is Michael, I live in the rain capital Portland, Oregon, however today is beautful sunny late summer day. I love your picture! I have spend many years in the medical field, first as a medic with the Air Force. That included a year in Vietnam, which shows my age. While in college I worked as nurses aide in nursing homes. Loved the work but it is very hard work. Then as a ward sec. at the Portland VA Medical Center. That was fun, felt like Radar from M*A*S*H following doctors round to get them to sign papers! I still work for the VA as legal assistant. I am still involved with health care as a hospice volunteer. Two of my favorite books are The Year of Magical Thinking and A Lesson Before Dying. I dreamed of having a bookstore perhaps that is what heaven is a large library and all the time one needs to read all the books we have on our list. Best Wishes
Michael

publicado por michaelbartley às 3:14 pm (EST) em Sep 21, 2007

aaarrgh, make that 'are' an 'am'

publicado por pandop às 5:50 pm (EST) em Jul 31, 2007

It was good to hear from you. My Mum can't wait to be retired, she has so much she wants to do!

I, however, are spending too much time online and not enough time studying. Bad me.

publicado por pandop às 5:49 pm (EST) em Jul 31, 2007

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for dropping me a line. I just came on here and saw your message. I will take a look at your library, too - I see we have over 150 books in common.

As for the tags, you may have already noticed that I only have a very small number of my books tagged, but I am working on it.

Isn't the web a wonderful thing (for the most part, I suppose)? The world is only getting smaller and smaller.

Antonia/Megora/BgGirl :)

publicado por BgGirl às 4:41 pm (EST) em May 4, 2007

Nice to have found you on here.

I got into both cross stitch and Teresa Wentzler because of my dad - he did a couple of her designs. I haven't done any of the big ones, yet. I just don't have the time

publicado por pandop às 12:14 pm (EST) em May 3, 2007

Synchronicity !! Shark Text is on my shortlist. have fun with the Lent - Mike

publicado por starchild às 10:58 pm (EST) em May 2, 2007

Hi I was adding a book that I just finished and saw we share some pretty good books in common. Are you as excited about Jeffery Lent's new one as I am? Thank god for zadie,T.C. and david Mitchell !!! Be sure to read Dan Chaon's Among The Missing; these short stories will blow... you........................................ away. mike

That David Elliot novel was a masterpiece.

publicado por starchild às 12:28 am (EST) em May 2, 2007

Most recently, I lived on 51st & Forest Home, but when I was in college at UW-Milwaukee I lived on Downer Avenue. I went to high school at Nathan Hale in West Allis, eventhough we lived in New Berlin. At that time, my parents built a new house on former farmland. I could go down the block and see cows, and there was a little stream that had frogs. Many times there were fox, too. Now that is all homes. I've been to Hayward many times, and passed through Richfield and Shawano. I'm sad to see how built up every formerly open place is getting.

Where I live now, there are huge swaths of forest preserve, and I have seen coyote walking down the middle of the street! Wheaton is a busy town! We have had fox in our yard as well, and when my son was 2 he said, in a serious voice, "I need my clothes on. There's a deer in my yard." This morning, a young buck with a small three point rack raced across Butterfield Road during the morning commute. You could almost hear him say "Whew! Made it!"

publicado por Windy às 4:40 pm (EST) em Nov 7, 2006

I was born in Milwaukee, raised in New Berlin, moved back to Milwaukee, and now live in Wheaton Illinois. I would love to move back up north, somewhere around Iron River where my grandparents had a cabin.

I have a very charming story written by an elderly man who grew up in Iron River. He made photocopies of his manuscript and spiral bound it, and I bought a copy in the history museum there. I'll dig around to find it and let you know his name.

What town are you living in now? You know, it is the winter I miss the most. We're at least 10 degrees warmer down here, and most winters we see no snow at all! The grass even stays green!

publicado por Windy às 4:11 pm (EST) em Nov 7, 2006

Hi,

Always glad to see someone else enjoying George Vukelich. When I lived in WI, I always enjoyed his Sunday night radio show on NPR. I recently bought two copies of Fisherman's Beach, but haven't started reading yet.

publicado por Windy às 2:15 pm (EST) em Nov 7, 2006

Hi Jeannie!! I have often wondered if you were over here! I joined shortly after he started it, but must confess to not keeping up well with it over the past few months, too many other things going on. Jim Hake (from the barn) is here too, I can't recall his user name though, I'll pass it on to you when I find him over here.

Re: Dogs of Babel - I really enjoyed this novel. I found the premise so unique, and felt that Parkhurst did a very skillful job bringing it to the page. This could have been a very inferior story in the hands of a lesser author. I found the love story hidden in so many layers to be profound and poignant.

publicado por cequillo às 11:08 am (EST) em Nov 1, 2006

Jeannie! We share a fascinating and eclectic mix of books! What great taste you have! Wow, really. And I noticed on the "random books from faceinbook's library" that you have also read the Nancy Clark (she is local to our bookstore in NH) and a Helen Dunmore that I haven't read (Your Blue-Eyed Boy). I think sharing 52 of the 580 I've managed to catalog is pretty impressive . What are you reading at the moment?

publicado por avaland às 3:37 pm (EST) em Oct 19, 2006

faceinbook!I love it.. !!! I think i will stick to elscorcho though.. long story in origin..

publicado por elscorcho às 2:48 pm (EST) em Jun 8, 2006

Hi there Jeannie

I think this is going to be fun... As of now we share no books.. but i did begin the song reader over the weekend.. and read about 60 pages of it today ... While i was supposed to be doing other things!!!

jen

publicado por elscorcho às 10:10 pm (EST) em May 30, 2006

Hi Jeannie -- I thought that was you! I haven't quite figured this out yet but maybe we can all learn together!!

publicado por gabbycat às 11:45 am (EST) em May 27, 2006