~365 Brilliant Books~

Day 153 Cutting for stone

I finished 'A visit from the goon squad'.  It was OK, but more of a teen coming of age, and very modern writing. I have been disappointed with the last few Pulitzer prize winners. Not sure what the judges are looking at. 

Now this is a true epic, sweeping , shocking tale. It has all the right ingredients for a classic. I am quarter way through this juicy novel, and really enjoying it so far.

The story is a riveting saga of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva Stone, born of a tragic union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa. Orphaned by their mother's death in childbirth and their father's disappearance, and bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution.But it's love, not politics -- their passion for the same woman -- that will tear them apart and force Marion to flee his homeland and make his way to America, finding refuge in his work at an underfunded, overcrowded New York City hospital. When the past catches up to him, wreaking havoc and destruction, Marion has to entrust his life to the two men he has trusted least in the world: the surgeon father who abandoned him and the brother who betrayed him.

 

Day 152 Quite the week

It has been quite the week. All kinds of weird, and wonderful things going on at the moment. 

I did manage to slip a couple of books in as well!

In the summer of 1991 I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother who loved me. I was just like you. Until the day my life was stolen.

For eighteen years I was a prisoner. I was an object for someone to use and abuse.

For eighteen years I was not allowed to speak my own name. I became a mother and was forced to be a sister. For eighteen years I survived an impossible situation.

On August 26, 2009, I took my name back. My name is Jaycee Lee Dugard. I don’t think of myself as a victim. I survived.

A Stolen Life is my story—in my own words, in my own way, exactly as I remember it.

This is a quick, powerful read. She captured everyting with such detail.  I especially found the begginning so touching, because she can remember what it felt like to be a child before she was taken. She thought, and acted like a child, and in a few short hours, it was all gone.  

It isn't easy to read, and is quite sickening in parts. It makes you want to hit that awful man.  

What a brave young lady. 

 

 

Day 148 Light refreshment

Things seem to be a little tense just latley. Not sure why, something in the air perhaps. People are a little more edgy, a little less tolerant, a little more angy than they used to be.  We had a day from hell in the library yesterday. I can usually turn it round, make a funny story f it all. Not the case yesterday.  

Then in my mail box this morning, I find a wonderful e-mail from my fellow bookworm, which brightened up my day, and if you are a book worm, and ever worked in a book enviroment, then you will smile  too. 

Have a wonderful day, and don't forget to stop, and smell the books!

 

Day 147

Here it is the finished book. So now I can go back to reading books, instead of making them!

In fact, I have already started this years pulitzer  prize winner for fiction awarded to "A Visit From the Goon Squad" byJennifer Egan, an inventive investigation of growing up and growing old in the digital age, displaying a big-hearted curiosity about cultural change at warp speed.

 

Day 144

My goodness how time flies.  I haven't had that much fun either!  Been a bit under the weather, and too busy working with books to write about books.  

I did read this one though.

It is the coming of age story, of a Chinese immigrant. The story starts when she is new to America at the age of twelve.  The main theme of the story is the struggle to fit in a strange culture, and country. 

Despite al the odds, Kim wins the battle in the end.  We hear her point of view changing, her thoughts, and ways from Chinese to American.  It is written in the first person, and in the beginning, we hear how Kim hears people talk, and how alien the American language sounded.  Despite it being a little on the narcissistic side -- it was very good.  

I am actualy working on a book of my own. A birthday book for my son. I wil show you the cover when I am finally finished.  

Day 134 Down the garden path

I happened to pick this book  up while at work in the library yesterday.  I was drawn to the old fashioned cover.  

It is a new book, a reproduction of Beverley Nichols 1932 delightful 'Down the garden path'.  When I started to read it, I soon became  hooked.  Beverley inherits an old thatched cottage with a mess for a garden. This is the story of how he managed to make that garden into a masterpiece.  The funny thing about the book is that Beverley gets so easily distracted, and he keeps drifting off the plot, and getting disturbed by some hilarious characters.  He is not always politically correct, one wasn't in those days, but he does insult people so eloquently. 

I am so enjoying this book, so much so that I have been doing  little research on Bev, and intend to read all his other books.

From Amazon.....

Down the Garden Path has stood the test of time as one of the world's best-loved and most-quoted gardening books. Ostensibly an account of the creation of a garden in Huntingdonshire in the 1930s, it is really about the underlying emotions and obsessions for which gardening is just a cover story. The secret of this book's success — and its timelessness — is that it does not seek to impress the reader with a wealth of expert knowledge or advice. Beverley Nichols proudly declares his status as a newcomer to gardening: "The best gardening books should be written by those who still have to search their brains for the honeysuckle's languid Latin name ... " As unforgettable as the plants in the garden is the cast of visitors and neighbors who invariably turn up at inopportune moments. For every angelic Miss Hazlitt there is an insufferable Miss Wilkins waiting in the wings. For every thought-provoking Professor, there is an intrusive Miss M, whose chief offense may be that she is a 'damnably efficient' gardener. From a disaster building a rock garden, to further adventures with greenhouses, woodland gardens, not to mention cats and treacle, Nichols has left us a true gardening classic.

Day 132 Mr.Winkle

Did I ever introduce you to Mr.Winkle?  He is the cutest little dog, and I just LOVE the story about how he came to be a model dog! A few years ago while working in the children's department of the book store, I came across this special dog. He makes everyone smile. Here is his story in his owners words:

The Story of Mr. Winkle (from introduction to "What is Mr. Winkle ")

Mr. Winkle entered my life in a manner as improbable and mystical as he is. Lost in an industrial area on my way home from a photography assignment, I spotted an odd tuft of fluff on the side of the road. Moving close enough to take in its diminutive dimensions and enormous, otherworldly eyes, I thought it might be a shipwrecked alien. In the glow of the headlights, this muddy, tattered little creature hobbled straight into my arms, as if he'd been waiting for me all along.  After a year of vet visits and tender loving care, my peculiar pint-sized pal was well enough to lead a normal life. It took even longer to come up with a name worthy of his uniqueness. Finally, it came to me--Mr. Winkle! Of course. As his health improved, Mr. Winkle began to meet people on his daily walks, all of whom offered theories as to his identity. "It's a robotic squirrel!" screamed a cable repairman. "It's a cat in a dog suit," surmised an out-of-work actor. "He's a furry smile!" exclaimed a Japanese tourist. It was these hilarious, inspired reactions from mesmerized strangers that sparked the idea for the "What Is Mr. Winkle"? photo series. His power to heal, enchant, and entertain was too overwhelming to keep to myself. I simply had to share him with the world through my photography. Mr. Winkle made it easy, supermodel that he turned out to be. He loves the camera, hamming it up with all his heart, as if he knows it's his mission to make us happy. What is Mr. Winkle? Well, that's for you to decide. I'm sure you will choose a favorite character or two. Mine is one I haven't made a photo of yet, but I think it may be what Mr. Winkle truly is: the child of a cloud, on loan from heaven. --Lara Jo Regan

This is his first book. It is also educational, as we enjoy the pictures of Mr.Winkle in historical dress, we also learn about the history of that character.

You are smiling aren't you?  I know you are.

Day 130 perks of the job, and 9/11 tribute

Working in the library has one big perk -- we are allowed to read on the job!  When it is quiet. and all the other work has been done, of course.

Yesterday I got to read two books, granted, they were children's books, but books all the same. I LOVE children's non fiction books, mainly because they cut out the crap. Adults seem to think that they have to use many words, they keep on writing, but they ain't saying anything, or it is the same thing eloooooongated.  They also seem to thing that the more long and complicated words in there the better, and it will make it sound more intelligent. 

With kids books, you just get the basic facts, because writing for children is completely different.  Short sharp sentances, basic facts. 

Here's the books I read....

Set in Manhattan in 1776, this book tells the story of 13-year-old Phoebe, a free black, who works in the home of George Washington, who was at the time a Revolutionary War general. Appearances can be deceiving, however; for Phoebe is not an ordinary housekeeper, but a spy who is there to protect Mr. Washington. Author, Griffin, centers this compelling story on Phoebe, a "regular" girl who affects the course of history.

This book is about Lewis Hine. He was assigned to take photo's of children in factories in the mid to late 1800's. He risked his life at times to take these haunting pictures of child labor.  Children as young as three working in cotton mills, and in fields as cotton pickers. It is quite a sad story as he died alone and penniless, having had his house and belongings repossessed.  He did so much for the child labor laws, and got nothing in return, So typical, so sad........

As everyone is surely aware, today is the tenth anniversary of that awful day no-one will ever forget.  

 

Day 127 Literary therapy

 
Every so often my friend and I get the urge to have a 'Barnes and Noble' night.  

I love these nights.  We both used to work at Barnes and Noble so we appreciate going there without the hassle of dashing around helping people.  When we did ork there,  it was impossible to fully look at, and appreeciate the stock.  Now, we relish in the fact that we can browse every book undisturbed. 

So many books, so little time.  I just couldn't decide which book to choose, so I got a magazine about books instead.  

We did end up back on a mission to find some books though, one of our old workmates needed help finding stuff, and we straightened up all the shelves as we went round, can't help it, it's a habit!  

It is still like home from home. 

This looks like the next big hit...........

 

Day 125

 

Day 124 I am proud to be part of the library

From The Beacon: Get a passport to library's resources | islandpacket.com.

Day 123 It's a BOOOK

  

Day 122 Peter Pan

I was named after Wendy in Peter Pan.

I once went out with a boy called Peter when I was a teenager. Everyone loved Peter, and it was presumed we would stay together forever, and never grow up.  Peter and I knew it wasn't forever, and to everyones dissapointment, we grew up.

Peter Pan has always had such a special place in my heart. JM Barrie never really grew up. He was a struggling play write In London, and needed inspiration. That inspiration came in the form of a married lady, and her four sons.  The Llewellyn-Davies boys became Barrie's life. Much to the frustration of Barrie's own wife, Mary, and the boys father.  At the time it was speculated that James Matthew Barrie wanted more from the boys than just friendship.  Why is it that a genuine love of children can be twisted so?  JM had a tragic life really. When he was just a boy himself, his brother died in an ice skating accident. JM's Mother never got over loosing her favorite son, and would have nothing more to do with JM.  Barrie's own father was as cold as ice.  All this stress stumped his growth, and he was only 4ft 10in.  All this also led to sever insecurity, and lack of self confidence in Barrie.  His wife Mary fell into the arms of another man, and the boys Father died.  JM spent more and more time with the boys. He would encourage them to write thier own plays. Peter did write one, and thus the beginning of Peter Pan..... 

Sylvia died of cancer, and JM adopted the four Llewellyn boys. George, John, Michael, and Peter. In actual fact there where five boys -- the baby Nicholas. He is rarely mentioned. It wasn't a happy ever after ending though. 

James lived out his life in perpetual grief.  George got killed in the war. Michael was found drowned in the arms of his (presumed) male lover.  Peter became a war hero, and a publisher, but just a few months after his brother John died Peter stepped off the train station platform, in front of an incoming train.

The film, Finding Neverland is loosely based on JM's true story. I watched it the other night, and became a blubbering mass for at least thirty minutes, it really is a good film. 

I am proud to be named after one of the greatest masterpieces of all time, and yes, I do believe ....... 

Day 121 Wendy and the lost boys

From Barnes & Noble

Wendy Wasserstein (1950-2006) kept her secrets well. At forty-eight, she surprised even friends with a baby whose father still remains unknown; when she died six years later, most of the world did not know that she had been critically ill. This authorized biography of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright raises the curtain on a woman whose plays were, on one level deeply autobiographical, and on another, cloaked some of the main issues of her life in the stories of other. Wasserstein's choice of biographers was apt: Veteran journalist and author Julie Salamon (Hospital; Facing the Wind) has already been hailed for her "perceptive and empathetic; but also gently unsparing?. Superbly nuanced portrait" of the dramatist.

This looks really good, it is here next to me just waiting to be read!

Day 120

 

I got this book a few years ago. I have always loved Hummingbirds, but haven't been able to attract any for the past few years. So this year, I planted Hummingbird attracting flowers around the deck, and put feeders everywhere, even on the window  Sure enough they came. Chirping, squeaking, vibrant, shiny Little angels zooming around my kitchen window, all day, I love it.

I read this book again today, what a beautiful feel good story, and the pictures re just exquisite.

Day 119

Very busy at work, but I started to read this book;

It is actually very funny, and I will most likely finish it tomorrow.  Tracy Jackson is worth a visit...

http://www.traceyjacksononline.com/book/

Day 117

Sinse reading the book, The Paris wife I have become more interested in Hemmingway's life. I knew he was in Paris, and I knew about the bull fighting, and his depression, and eventual suicide. I have even visited the cafe in Paris he used to frequent with Fitzgerald. Hem is one of Rob's all time favorite authors.  The Paris wife made it all so personal though, I felt I was there with them in Paris.

  

So I am now reading A moveable feast, to hear Hem's side of the tale. This was written just before he commited suicide when he was 61.  I think he was memorizing the special time he had  while he was starting out poor. It wasn't published in his life time.  His fourh wife decided to put it into print. It is all about his time in Paris with Hadley, his first wife.   

From Amazon...............

Paris in the '20s! Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley, lived happily on $5 a day and still had money for drinks at the Closerie des Lilas, skiing in the Alps, and fishing trips to Spain. On every corner and at every café table, there were the most extraordinary people living wonderful lives and telling fantastic stories. Gertrude Stein invited Hemingway to come every afternoon and sip "fragrant, colorless alcohols" and chat admid her great pictures. He taught Ezra Pound how to box, gossiped with James Joyce, caroused with the fatally insecure Scott Fitzgerald (the acid portraits of him and his wife, Zelda, are notorious). Meanwhile, Hemingway invented a new way of writing based on this simple premise: "All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know."

Day 115 There is hope yet........

Hurricane Irene came to visit us for a while today.  Strong winds, and high waves, flying debris, and torrential rain.  Quite invigorating really. This morning  before the storm came, Skippy just came up to the front door. Alan shouted for me, and I was so exited that I ran outside, but all the noise scared him, and he ran off again.  We have been searching all day. He must be so scared.  At least we know he is alive. 

I did read the Victoria magazine. I love that magazine, so romantic, I get lost in it's magical pages.

Perfect read for a rainy, blustery afernoon

 

Day 114 Diversion

*Sigh* well, no news is not good news in this case. No news on Skip.  My new best friend the crazy cat lady was here at 7am this morning taking away the trap she had placed on the deck. The only thing she caught was a big fat,  ugly, and very bad tempered racoon, I did warn her.  

She is not giving up though because I saw her in the yard later today with more traps, I admire her perseverance, and I appreciate her help.

I have been round the yard a million times, and also all around the neighborhood. I am astounded at my loss of luck with my blue eyed boys.  

Anyway, seeing as it was my day off, I didn't want to mope around the house again. So I went for a lovely drive and listened to an audio book.

It is a cute, light, funny book. The narrater is wonderful at doing all the voices.  It is a British book, and very fast paced and witty. 

It is the summer of 1950–and at the once-grand mansion of Buckshaw, young Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison, is intrigued by a series of inexplicable events: A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak. Then, hours later, Flavia finds a man lying in the cucumber patch and watches him as he takes his dying breath.

For Flavia, who is both appalled and delighted, life begins in earnest when murder comes to Buckshaw. “I wish I could say I was afraid, but I wasn’t. Quite the contrary. This was by far the most interesting thing that had ever happened to me in my entire life.”

I drove the town, and in our little town on a thurday is the farmers market.  It never fails to bring a smile to my face as I walk through the stalls. Smiling faces drift by like clouds, and the smells are heaven. Crepes, and herbs, peaches, and strawberries. The senses come alive.  In the distance a singer swoons frank sinatra songs, and the sun beats down on a perfect afternoon  I began to feel at peace with the world, and once again thanked my lucky stars for living in such a great place. 

 MMMMMMM HMMMMM Gumbo is delicious, especially when made with local ingredients, by local people, yes Ma'am.

 

Day 113 Peace in every step

I feel like the wind  has been knocked out of my sails.  I was just beginning to get over my Dad, and then my beloved Skippy went missing a few days ago.  Don't even know how my blue eyed boy got out of the house.  I have done everything I can to get him back, but hopes are fading.  I feel  my stars and heavens are all out of sync at the moment, bad karma.  I even have the resident crazy cat woman on the case. She is sniffing around the woods in the back as I type, with her pocket friend!

I turned to my old favorite book today for comfort, I also ate everything in the fridge.

I have read, and re read this book at various stages of my life.  It took me away from being unhappy in my  church going, and helped me find my own beliefs, my own religion based on all the many religions I have studied.  The Buddhist faith makes so much sense to me. Living in the moment, thinking about every thing we do, and say. Simple -- suits me.   

This small book is offered as a bell of mindfulness, a reminder that happiness is possible only in the present moment. Of course, planning for the future is a part of life. But even planning can only take place in the present moment. This book is an invitation to come back to the present moment and find peace and joy. I offer some of my experiences and a number of techniques that may be of help. But please do not wait until finishing this book to find peace. Peace and happiness are available in every moment. Peace is every step. We shall walk hand in hand. Bon voyage. Thich Nhat Hanh.
Peace, and love to all. In this crazy, bitter, and twisted world, this man gives me the strengh to go on, and be 'me'.