Edward - What a Girl Wants?

This article has sparked such a good discussion on Facebook, I wanted to get all of your thoughts on it.

Children's Books Recommendations

Hi everyone! I miss you guys and am hoping to make it back to book club in January (and hopefully bring the girls to the holiday party in a few weeks). I have a book dilemma that I thought you guys would be perfect to solve, and hopefully can have some fun in the process:

I'd like to get Isa some new books for Christmas and want to graduate from the board books we've been reading to her to something with a bit more of a story. She's almost 2 and a half, and lately has really preferred the crazy stories we make up for her to books, so I think we need new books to pique her interest. For those of you with kids already past this age, what books did your kids like? For those of you without kids, what books do you remember enjoying? I'd love suggestions of titles, authors or even book type. Thanks!

Best of 2008 lists

I came across this neat music and literature blog today called Largehearted Boy. He has tons of cool stuff to explore on his blog but one especially nice feature is his compilation of all those year-end "best of books" lists. You can see his list for 2008 so far here.

From his blog, I saw a link to USA Today's list of best-selling books for the last 15 years. The books on this list aren't too surprising (hint: we muggles love our diet books!) but I still find these types of lists fascinating.

Monday Meme

Just a quick question. What book are you thankful for?

Celebrity Lookalikes!

Post your own!



Victoria Bernadotte is apparently a Swedish princess. So disappointed there's no Katie Holmes or Audrey Tatou!

Finally, an official diagnosis!

Do you have PEWS?

Post-Election-Withdrawl-Syndrome:

The feeling of general depletion and emptiness in the few days after a presidential election. Caused by the sudden withdrawal of any campaign coverage, sound bites, or pictures of babies being kissed. May be accompanied by aimless clicking on news websites looking for something to read.

*NOTE: This condition has been observed in people whether their chosen candidate won or not.

Other symptoms: actually having to read the book club book to have something to talk about this month.

Rednecks for Obama, Part 2

Fashion Icon of the Week

Michelle Obama rocked the J. Crew ensemble on Leno last night.



The vivid yellow color looks amazing on her and the cut of the outfit perfectly suits her body type!

Ramona Forever

Ramona Quimby is finally coming to the big screen. The linked article is a wonderful interview with Beverly Cleary, author of the Ramona books. She still writes them! A quote from the article:

"I haven't been very enthusiastic about the commercialization of children's literature," she says. "Kids should borrow books from the library and not necessarily be buying them."

What do you think of this comment? If we are truly facing economic hard times, and a turn towards more sensible spending habits, these are words to live by. I appreciate her perspective. Young readers aren't just a market to sell books to, they are our children! As a non-commercial environment, the library seems to protect them from the kind of subtle manipulation that even our beloved bookstores engage in. In libraries, children have a space to explore and discover literature at their own pace and on their own terms.

Friday Flashback: Bee Season

In 2001, we read Bee Season by Myla Goldberg. (Later, we also read her book, Wickett's Remedy.) How many of our current members have read Bee Season? It is one of the book club books that I still think about frequently. It is my favorite representation of enlightenment, or nirvana, divine trancendance, whatever you want to call it. Becoming one with God. I guess I like the depiction of it in the book because it doesn't happen in a way that any of the human characters can comprehend or make sense. Or so I remember it. I also love the exploration of obsessive-compulsive disorder, the genetic and practical variations of this kind of mental illness in a family, and its relation to their spiritual practices. So fascinating. It would be great to read and discuss it again.

Suite Francaise: Final Results

Didn't like it - 0
It was OK - 0
Liked it - 1
Really liked it - 1
It was amazing - 0
Didn't finish it - 1

3 votes total.

You Might Be A Redneck If ...

I know many of us are immersed in the upcoming elections so here are some literary-related political items I came across today.

David Sedaris has a funny essay about undecided voters in The New Yorker. An excerpt:

To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she asks. “Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?”

To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked.

In today's NY Times, Margaret Atwood has an editorial about debt and how it is much larger than just money. I learned she also has a book coming out on the same topic titled Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth. Who knew she had such an interest in the subject?

And on a non-literary note, how awesome is this: Rednecks for Obama. Two men from Missouri, one 74 and the other 60, are on a mission to get rednecks like themselves to vote for Obama.

Dress Shopping

OK, so since our virtual makeovers at the beach, I am shopping obsessed. I kept seeing this dress in internet ads that I thought looked perfect for Marina.
It inspired me to go virtual shopping for others as well. I tried to remember the styles and colors we discussed for each person during our virtual makeovers. For those of you who weren't at the beach, if there's a certain style you really like, let me know and I'll be more than thrilled to go shopping for you as well! Here's what I found.

Allison:

Katie:

Dawn:
Cindy:

Me:

Yes, I get the sequins!!

Now we just need a cocktail party to wear them to. . .

First the Fashion?

Today as I was getting my coffee at work, one of my more stylish colleagues (she is more junior than me and I don't know her name, oops!) said, "I LOVE your dress! I always admire your sense of style!" Of course, I felt very self-conscious (yet thrilled!) and thanked her.

Because I have no boundaries, and think that other people must find my life as fascinating as I do, my immediate instinct was to say, "Oh I just got the most wonderful style tips from my book club, we had a fabulous girls weekend at the beach, and we picked celebrity style icons for each other!"

Thankfully, not having yet had my coffee, I was able to suppress the urge!

Dreams from my Father: Final Results

Didn't like it - 0
It was OK - 1
Liked it - 3
Really liked it - 2
It was amazing - 0
Didn't finish - 0

6 votes total

Monday Meme

Yeah, it's Tuesday, but I'm just happy to be blogging again and not obsessing over a grant application!

This week's discussion: libraries (again)! One of my favorites.

What is your earliest memory of a library? Who took you? Do you have you any funny/odd memories of the library?

Post your answers in the comments!

Bookstore Spotlight: Denver

Last week, Dawn and I were in Denver for the Joint Statistical Meetings (she a presenter, me a tag-a-long spouse). Being the book nerds we are, we decided to visit the local bookstore, the Tattered Cover Book Store, one of the largest independent bookstores in the US. It was in a beautiful old building with two floors of books, lots of armchairs and couches, and even fireplaces.

They had a nice display of book club suggestions. I don't think we've read any of these as a book club or at least not since I've been in book club.

Unfortunately Dawn and I did not get a picture of us together at the bookstore but we did get a good one that night before dinner.

If you're ever in Denver, visit this store!

Book Club for Intellectually Disabled - Nice Story

Book Club Girl posted a link to this story about a book club for adults with developmental disabilities. It is such a neat idea, I thought you might like to read it.

Twilight

I know Katie has started reading the Twilight books . . . has anyone else? I am so intrigued. I almost wish we read them so we could go to the midnight book release next weekend. Salon recently published an interesting commentary on these books, starting with the observation that the main character is no Buffy!

The Post-Birthday World: Final Results

didn't like it - 0
it was OK -0
liked it -0
really liked it - 3
it was amazing -1
didn't finish it -0

4 votes total

365 Nights

If you were at book club Tuesday night, you know what I am talking about. . .

Charla Muller, the author of 365 Nights: A Memoir of Intimacy is coming to the Regulator Bookshop Friday, July 25.

Exciting Girl Stuff News!

Lush Cosmetics is opening a store in Crabtree! If only it were Southpoint . . .

Sonya's Answers to Reading Quiz

1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I think I always loved to read- my parents say I memorized books from about the age of two. But the first book I remember completely adoring was Anne of Green Gables- I devoured the entire series and read them many times. I just loved Anne so much and even took to naming the trees and streams near my house like she did in the books.
2. What are some books you read as a child?
Well, guess I should have looked ahead, but when I was really small I loved a book called I am a Mouse and Sesame Street books like The Monster at the End of This Book. Later, I loved The Babysitter's Club and choose-your-own-adventure books.
3. What is your favorite genre?
Fiction, but I like both contemporary and literary.
4. Do you have a favorite novel?
The Poisonwood Bible
5. Where do you usually read?
Anywhere I get the chance, but usually in bed or on the couch.
6. When do you usually read?
Before bed or during a sporting event I'm not interested in.
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
I can barely handle one at a time.
8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
No.
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
I try to get most of my books at the library- I love the idea of being able to give them back when I'm finished with them, plus it saves money. But, I do buy on occasion and seem to do that more frequently these days for convenience's sake.
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
I give them away in big stacks to Goodwill, or if it's a book I really love, to my sister or mom.
11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
The Monster at the End of this Book, Goodnight Moon, I am a Mouse and fairytales- all books I read as a child.
12. What are you reading now?
Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama, with no chance of finishing before tonight.
13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
Right now I have a stack of books on my nightstand from an overly ambitious plan to read three books while on vacation (I read about 30 pages total the entire week), but usually I don't have a list.
14. What’s next?
Probably next month's book pick, but I really want to read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver and it's in the aforementioned stack.
15. What books would you like to reread?
I'd love to re-read books I hold very dear, like Poisonwood Bible, The Red Tent, Circle of Friends and other books that really spoke to me the first time I read them to see how my perspective has changed. I also think I need to read Atonement again- I liked it the first time, but I don't think fully appreciated it.
16. Who are your favorite authors?
Barbara Kingsolver, Maeve Binchy, Jane Austen, Meg Cabot and David Sedaris (how's that for diverse?)

Allison's Answers

1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I remember being read to a lot plus my mom was a teacher.
2. What are some books you read as a child?
Berenstain Bears, Beatrix Potter, Ramona Quimby
3. What is your favorite genre?
Literary fiction
4. Do you have a favorite novel?
To Kill A Mockingbird
5. Where do you usually read?
On the couch or on my porch
6. When do you usually read?
Weekend days
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
No, I usually read one book over a couple of days rather than drag several books out for weeks.
8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
No but I also don't read a lot of nonfiction.
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
This is embarrassing given my profession but I usually buy them. I've found this to be true of most librarians so I don't feel too bad.
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
If I love a book I keep it, otherwise I give them away.
11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
I don't have children but I tend to gravitate towards Eric Carle books when reading to kids or giving gifts. Today I read The Very Hungry Catapillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? to my nephew.
12. What are you reading now?
Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama, of course
13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
Yes, see "Allison's Bookshelf" under Links
14. What’s next?
Something fun, maybe a Jennifer Weiner book or the new Lauren Weisberger book.
15. What books would you like to reread?
There's too much I want to read for the first time so I don't think I'll be rereading anything in the near future.
16. Who are your favorite authors?
Ian McEwan, Margaret Atwood, Anne Tyler

Liz's Answers

This only took me 5 minutes!

1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
No. I don't remember not loving to read.
2. What are some books you read as a child?
Dr. Seuss, Curious George, the Shoes books, Beverly Cleary
3. What is your favorite genre?
Literary fiction
4. Do you have a favorite novel?
The Cider House Rules, Emma, Atonement, East of Eden, or The Post-Birthday World
5. Where do you usually read?
In bed. Before I had a child, I read on the sofa in the living room. Sometimes I still read there if he's asleep.
6. When do you usually read?
Naptime on weekends and before bed during the week. Sometimes at lunch.
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
Yes.
8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
No.
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
I check most of them out from the library. Property is a sin! (I'm not serious about that. But I do hate accumulating things. And I love libraries.)
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
I try to give them away unless they are an absolute favorite or a reference book.
11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
Green Eggs and Ham, The Little House, Goodnight Moon (yes, yes, no)
12. What are you reading now?
Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama and Careless in Red by Elizabeth George
13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
Yes, you can view it here.
14. What’s next?
The History of Love by Nicole Kraus.
15. What books would you like to reread?
Emma, The Cider House Rules, The Post-Birthday World
16. Who are your favorite authors?
Jane Austen, George Eliot, Philip Pullman, Elizabeth George

Monday Bookish Meme

Yep, I know it's Thursday. Busy week. It's a long one from Barbara H.

Cut and paste these questions into your own post, or answer in the comments. You can just pick and choose which questions you want to answer.

1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
2. What are some books you read as a child?
3. What is your favorite genre?
4. Do you have a favorite novel?
5. Where do you usually read?
6. When do you usually read?
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
12. What are you reading now?
13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
14. What’s next?
15. What books would you like to reread?
16. Who are your favorite authors?

My Elizabeth Gilbert Moment

Last week, I tried a new yoga/meditation practice called Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra is also referred to as yogic sleep. It is a guided meditation you do while lying down. I went to a class given by Donna Norfolk at the Yoga Practice Center. The session lasted about 90 minutes. We started by greeting each other and just settling down. Then, we recited (chanted) a yoga sutra called the four great attitudes. The attitudes are:

• peacefulness towards all beings
• joyfulness towards all beings
• kindness towards all beings
• compassion towards all beings

After the chant, we spent about an hour being guided through a body scan in which we were made aware of all the energy in different locations of our bodies. Then we had some time of complete silence. I went in and out of sleep at the beginning but once I woke up fully, it was a very interesting feeling of being completely alert and relaxed. Amazingly the time flew by without me being aware of it passing. Having the full hour and a half with no pressure to do anything but relax and explore my mind was luxurious. At the very end we wrapped up and completed the chant again. I found myself thinking, "I have to tell my book club about this!" and "This is so Eat, Pray, Love!" I left feeling refreshed and also a little on the happy "I love all things!" side. I recommend trying it if you can find a class.

Monday Bookish Meme

From BTT. . .

What, in your opinion, is the definition of a “reader.” A person who indiscriminately reads everything in sight? A person who reads BOOKS? A person who reads, period, no matter what it is? … Or, more specific? Like the specific person who’s reading something you wrote?

Post your answer in the comments!

Friday Flashback: Naming our Group

Our book club was nameless until 2000. If you've ever tried to plan a lunch or dinner out with us you know we can be some indecisive people, so it took some effort to come up with book club names. Most of them were pretty bad:

The Miami Relatives
The Excitement
Oprah Alternatives
Triangle Area Readers
RTP - Read Talk and Prepare Food
Acute Triangle Readers
The Commuters
Commuting Readers
Food Comes First
First, the Food
To Read or not to Read
Book 'em!

OK some explanation - "The Miami Relatives" was Laura Mullins' idea. I think I voted for this one. It was at the time of the Elian Gonzalez incident and it was just funny. "The Excitement" was a reference to one of the early books we read, Angela's Ashes. In it, young Frank McCourt refers to sex, which he knows hardly anything about, as "The Excitement," always capitalized. That was one of my nominations, and I still think it's funny too.

By the way, if you're now wondering what happened to Elian, he just joined the youth Communist Party this month! The CBS news story makes me so angry - it's introduced as "Remember Elian being forcibly removed from his relatives 8 years ago . . ." without any mention of the fact that he was being taken back to his father! The whole story is sad but I'm happy he's alive and well and with his daddy. Probably a good thing we did not name our book club after those relatives.

Chock Full o' Lists

Entertainment Weekly is celebrating its anniversary with many top 10 and top 100 lists of tops in entertainment in the past 25 years - including a list of the top 100 new classics in literature, and Will Arnett's top 10 TV moments that made him cry.