I started and finished A Sense of Direction in one evening; I couldn't really stop thinking about it, so I couldn't put it down. I found it...
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I loved reading this. It describes the history, from birth, of the Frankenstein myth, and touches on all manner of appearances since - from popular culture to science. To give an example of the range of subject matter, here is a quotation that author Susan Hitchcock includes, from a book published in October 1931 by I. Maurice Wormser:
"...the modern Prometheus, who artifically created a vitalized monster which became the terror of 'all living things' and threatened the security and well-being of mankind. The fable is not without its application to the corporate business organization of to-day. Corporations are not natural living persons, but artificial beings, corporta ficta. They are created by the nation or state, which endows them with distinct personality in the eyes of the law, special privileges and comprehensive powers. Frankenstein's creature developed into a deadly menace to his creator."
To repeat - that quotation was published in 1931. The book is a lot of fun, as well as enlightening.
Fun, funny book about words and life. In detail. I'm reading it aloud to a friend, and it's perfect for that. Very easy to relate to a character who knows alot about poetry, language, and words but isn't so very good at writing himself - the classic knowing what one wants to write but not being able to write it. A very human story, whether or not you're interested in poetry. It does seem to me that it relates beyond "literary" subjects - everyone believes they have capacity to do great work, but at least sometimes cannot do it. Highly recommended. Great sense of humor, great fun. Unless of course you don't like words, then maybe you won't like it.
Very interesting book. Pearson's personal story illuminates the ups and down many of us experience in some way. The information and examples she presents on the current culture of Happy (see also Barbara Ehrenreich's "Bright Sided") are insane and often hilarious. Take heart, those of you who find yourselves working within that strange culture - where "no whining" and "no problem unless you have the solution" are easy ways to shut you up. And if you know anyone taking anti-depressants, you might read this book for the physical, known difficulties of quitting. It's an engaging story, and a must-read for those with an interest in anxiety.
So glad to see this on the Daily Dose. And glad to be nudged to re-read it. I have been recommending it for years, but have only read it once, in the 70's. It's time to pick it up again.
I first read Mountains Beyond Mountains. When I saw Kidder had a new book out, I picked it up, not even knowing what it was about. This is another must-read for all time.
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DC has commented on (15) products.
Frankenstein: A Cultural History by Susan Tyler Hitchcock
DC, January 22, 2012
I loved reading this. It describes the history, from birth, of the Frankenstein myth, and touches on all manner of appearances since - from popular culture to science. To give an example of the range of subject matter, here is a quotation that author Susan Hitchcock includes, from a book published in October 1931 by I. Maurice Wormser:"...the modern Prometheus, who artifically created a vitalized monster which became the terror of 'all living things' and threatened the security and well-being of mankind. The fable is not without its application to the corporate business organization of to-day. Corporations are not natural living persons, but artificial beings, corporta ficta. They are created by the nation or state, which endows them with distinct personality in the eyes of the law, special privileges and comprehensive powers. Frankenstein's creature developed into a deadly menace to his creator."
To repeat - that quotation was published in 1931. The book is a lot of fun, as well as enlightening.
The Anthologist by Nicholson Baker
DC, January 22, 2012
Fun, funny book about words and life. In detail. I'm reading it aloud to a friend, and it's perfect for that. Very easy to relate to a character who knows alot about poetry, language, and words but isn't so very good at writing himself - the classic knowing what one wants to write but not being able to write it. A very human story, whether or not you're interested in poetry. It does seem to me that it relates beyond "literary" subjects - everyone believes they have capacity to do great work, but at least sometimes cannot do it. Highly recommended. Great sense of humor, great fun. Unless of course you don't like words, then maybe you won't like it.A Brief History of Anxiety... Yours and Mine by Patricia Pearson
DC, September 10, 2011
Very interesting book. Pearson's personal story illuminates the ups and down many of us experience in some way. The information and examples she presents on the current culture of Happy (see also Barbara Ehrenreich's "Bright Sided") are insane and often hilarious. Take heart, those of you who find yourselves working within that strange culture - where "no whining" and "no problem unless you have the solution" are easy ways to shut you up. And if you know anyone taking anti-depressants, you might read this book for the physical, known difficulties of quitting. It's an engaging story, and a must-read for those with an interest in anxiety.Sometimes a Great Notion (Penguin Classics) by Ken Kesey
DC, December 19, 2010
So glad to see this on the Daily Dose. And glad to be nudged to re-read it. I have been recommending it for years, but have only read it once, in the 70's. It's time to pick it up again.Strength in What Remains (Random House Reader's Circle) by Tracy Kidder
DC, November 26, 2010
I first read Mountains Beyond Mountains. When I saw Kidder had a new book out, I picked it up, not even knowing what it was about. This is another must-read for all time.(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
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