When I set out to write a book about the natural history of breasts, I knew I'd have to answer some awkward questions about my book topic. At a...
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I saved my Haruki Murakami for "dessert." I have several writers that I depend on, as every time I bring one out to read it is used to complete a trio of books. I usually read in "threes" to complete a triangle of "book food" so I won't read through any too fast to really enjoy the whole experience. The last I start is the one I want to start the most. "1Q84" was last started, dessert as it were. "1Q84" started in 2011 and ended last week in Jan. 2012. It was a fabulous as I expected. I will eventually read it again, as I do of so many, as they are always wonderful to visit again. Books are like viewing a special art show, I always return to each area/floor to take in more several times before I leave. There is always much to enjoy again and again. Maybe "1Q84" will be my selection for 2012, who knows?
"Blindness," by Jose Saramago, can cross cultures, and was an amazing "personal" experience. A most different concept with printed material. I found this book hard (emotionally) to read, but harder (mentally and physically) to put down. I read it back-to-back twice. It wasn't difficult to not imagine all the characters "alive" and identify with the experiences of blindness and a society-out-of-balance. I suppose this could possibly happen physically, but it certainly does in the mind, and in alternate realities in society at large. There's no need to close ones eyes, just look around. This was an amazing "read."
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As one of the tags put forth as a brief description of C. R. Zafon's book stated - "in short, it's a hoot." Oh yeah, I loved it. I'd say it's a great romp with amusing characters involved in a series of dangerous games. So put away all seriousness and find the joy you had in books as a kid, as this can be the same for adults. It does make me want to book a flight to Spain with Zafon's map in hand, and look for the mysterious library, which does make one suspect it might be available, and the "character" who becomes the new manager could possibly open the door. My imaginary fun continued through a second reading with no loss of the richness of the words. Then I went downtown Ithaca to a tapas bar to extend the fun.
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This incredible source book was recommended to me shortly after it became available. It is, without a doubt, for very serious gardening and landscaping. If you aren't that involved with your gardening this is not for you, unless you need a large paperweight. I needed to grow into it, and now it's one of my treasures. This is so complete and easy to use that I can't imagine being without it.
I noticed this book at the fitness club where I am a member as well, and asked the reader if she liked it, she remarked that it was "terrific." She is roughly 40 years younger than I, and her graduate student perspective is very different. She's from a wealthy background, so this is a "visit" into another world - one that does exist indeed. I have seen so many youngsters fight for their "own" lives, some were successful, others not. The latter seem to pass the nasty life baton on to their own offspring - and again some rise to the top and escape into a "better" life, etc. This book makes me so uncomfortable, possibly in the same manner I find myself shrinking and trying to disappear as someone in the same room, on a stage or screen, is struggling to just live and I see them about to crash. I'm just a "shrinker" at times - identifying too closely, and not necessarily from experience. I did read it slowly, in increments, and watched the cycle come to an end. Now I'm a bit hesitant to open the writer's new book. I don't really enjoy discomfort, unless it has a bit of magical thinking to soften the blow.
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ladymacbech has commented on (9) products.
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
ladymacbech, January 28, 2012
I saved my Haruki Murakami for "dessert." I have several writers that I depend on, as every time I bring one out to read it is used to complete a trio of books. I usually read in "threes" to complete a triangle of "book food" so I won't read through any too fast to really enjoy the whole experience. The last I start is the one I want to start the most. "1Q84" was last started, dessert as it were. "1Q84" started in 2011 and ended last week in Jan. 2012. It was a fabulous as I expected. I will eventually read it again, as I do of so many, as they are always wonderful to visit again. Books are like viewing a special art show, I always return to each area/floor to take in more several times before I leave. There is always much to enjoy again and again. Maybe "1Q84" will be my selection for 2012, who knows?Blindness by Jose Saramago
ladymacbech, January 9, 2012
"Blindness," by Jose Saramago, can cross cultures, and was an amazing "personal" experience. A most different concept with printed material. I found this book hard (emotionally) to read, but harder (mentally and physically) to put down. I read it back-to-back twice. It wasn't difficult to not imagine all the characters "alive" and identify with the experiences of blindness and a society-out-of-balance. I suppose this could possibly happen physically, but it certainly does in the mind, and in alternate realities in society at large. There's no need to close ones eyes, just look around. This was an amazing "read."(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
ladymacbech, December 30, 2011
As one of the tags put forth as a brief description of C. R. Zafon's book stated - "in short, it's a hoot." Oh yeah, I loved it. I'd say it's a great romp with amusing characters involved in a series of dangerous games. So put away all seriousness and find the joy you had in books as a kid, as this can be the same for adults. It does make me want to book a flight to Spain with Zafon's map in hand, and look for the mysterious library, which does make one suspect it might be available, and the "character" who becomes the new manager could possibly open the door. My imaginary fun continued through a second reading with no loss of the richness of the words. Then I went downtown Ithaca to a tapas bar to extend the fun.(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants by Christopher Brickell
ladymacbech, December 30, 2011
This incredible source book was recommended to me shortly after it became available. It is, without a doubt, for very serious gardening and landscaping. If you aren't that involved with your gardening this is not for you, unless you need a large paperweight. I needed to grow into it, and now it's one of my treasures. This is so complete and easy to use that I can't imagine being without it.The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls
ladymacbech, December 23, 2011
I noticed this book at the fitness club where I am a member as well, and asked the reader if she liked it, she remarked that it was "terrific." She is roughly 40 years younger than I, and her graduate student perspective is very different. She's from a wealthy background, so this is a "visit" into another world - one that does exist indeed. I have seen so many youngsters fight for their "own" lives, some were successful, others not. The latter seem to pass the nasty life baton on to their own offspring - and again some rise to the top and escape into a "better" life, etc. This book makes me so uncomfortable, possibly in the same manner I find myself shrinking and trying to disappear as someone in the same room, on a stage or screen, is struggling to just live and I see them about to crash. I'm just a "shrinker" at times - identifying too closely, and not necessarily from experience. I did read it slowly, in increments, and watched the cycle come to an end. Now I'm a bit hesitant to open the writer's new book. I don't really enjoy discomfort, unless it has a bit of magical thinking to soften the blow.(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
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