Oy vey. I must say, I've been much more focused on new summer clothes, fashion, fragrance, fine food, and finally, FINALLY having enough money to pay off my credit card (yay!) to think much about the world of books this month. I have still been reading up a storm, though, and that Secret Life review will be coming up quicker than you think (or than I planned). I've actually already finished the book. However, I'm making a point this time to read the appendices, as they diverge from the usual list format and are actually giving me more information about the author's sources, and consequently, about Marilyn.
Reading about a woman who is portrayed as never having truly grown up, and with summer fast approaching, I'm in the mood for light, dependable kids' books. The B/F and I often have rather emphatic debates about age-appropriate reading material: when is it time to bite the bullet and stop reading books written for a younger audience?
The B/F will tell you that as you grow up, it's time to move on to more and more grown-up subject matter. Like in phases, I guess. What bothers me is when he tells me you can't go back.
What are you talking about? Of course you can go back. I know the way well. Right back through all the bestsellers, chick lit, fiction, non-fiction, romance novels, fantasy/sci-fi, cookbooks, history, social science, and self-help, to land smack in the middle of the young adult section. Or maybe even the children's section. And sometimes even the infants' section! (Don't deny it. That bunny tail will always be so nice and soft to touch.)
Sure, depending on how far back you go, you might look just slightly ridiculous. But, when I browse those sections, I usually find that people think I'm there looking for a gift. No need to feel embarrassed. Sometimes you need simplicity in your head. I can't think of a better way to get there than to read a children's book. It's not like no one else is doing it.
So, obviously, my unshakable answer to The B/F's protests? Never. You are never too old for a kids' book. Look at the success of Twilight among adults -- or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Heck, are you going to tell me you wouldn't sit down to read the first Captain Underpants from cover to cover if you had the chance?
Kids' books are great because they don't hide anything. You know exactly what you're getting. There is not much guessing, not much reading between the lines. This might sound backwards, or incredibly lazy, but every once in awhile, it's just so refreshing to have everything spelled out for you. It's like therapy.
The feeling of nostalgia I get when I re-read a FAVORITE kids' book is the BEST. Oh, there are so many. The Rough-Faced Girl. Ramona the Pest. The Pinballs. Henry and Mudge. Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clifford the Small Red Puppy. Charlotte's Web. The Stupids Die. Strega Nona. The Store-Bought Doll. Thundercake. The Baby-sitters Club. Spider Saves Easter. The Sweet Smell of Christmas. Oh, The Sweet Smell of Christmas. That book was amazing.
Last fall when we took a trip with my family down to our favorite beach vacation spot, The B.F. and I ventured into the local bookstore (I still have no idea what it's called, even though I've been inside it at least once during every trip of the 9+ years my family has vacationed there), and THERE IT WAS. An entire display of children's books, stacked with literally most of my favorites. I wanted to ask how much for the whole five shelves. The B.F. just stood, shuffling his feet, watching me melt, prodding me to leave them. But how could I? How could I leave Hats for Sale? And Frog and Toad? And Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus? And Babe the Gallant Pig (way better than the movie, btw)? And Stone Soup? Seriously, you want me to put down Stone Soup? With the same cover I remember from my childhood? I honest-to-goodness got teary-eyed when I could see that The B/F didn't understand my feelings for those books, when they didn't touch him in the way they touched me.
Sometimes I think I want to have children just so I can buy books for them, then steal them and read them for myself. Under the covers. With a flashlight. We'll put the hall light on and turn the TV up in the other room just for effect. When books can bring you to that special place, the one that makes you feel so good and safe, the one you thought was nearly gone, that's when you know they are worth reading. That's what kids' books do for me.
And that's not so bad, is it?
Showing posts with label Just for Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Just for Fun. Show all posts
Influential
not undecided recently shared a list of the top ten books that have influenced her view of the world. I thought I'd try my own hand at the exercise, although I tend to read more for pleasure than anything else. I hope you'll try it, too. Consequently, if you're looking for more intellectual answers, not undecided's post has many many links that will take you to some indirect recommendations. This one was really hard for me, because I first had to ask myself: What is my view of the world? Of course I still don't have a concrete answer. I apologize, my answers start to get a little lax towards the end. I'm pretty sleepy. But here they are, in a possibly particular order:
- The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway. This was one of the first books assigned during my Lost Generation course in college. I'm not sure if the book so much as the class opened up my eyes to the expatriates and their carpe diem world view, but the book actually turned out to be the first vehicle for my feminist leanings. I'll never forget the gender-neutral namesake of Brett Ashley, or her subtle, masculine mannerisms and actions. The book also introduced me to Hemingway's more radical writing style -- using dialogue more often than narrative to tell a story. It was cool to see his style adopted by the more modern writers I'd been used to reading. There is even a third influence in this book for me. It brought history much closer for me. I felt like I could have been there myself while I read this book, in the salons on the Left Bank, having tea with Sylvia Beach and Gertrude Stein. And with the war in Iraq being reported on more and more at the time, the sentiment of Hemingway's novel definitely transcended the decades, still making relevant points after all that time.
- The Vagina Monlogues, Ensler. This play showed me womanhood. Period. I'd never fully understood the beauty of women, the power of women, the multifaceted-ness of women, until I saw this performed, and then read it shortly afterward. I can't even describe the cultural importance this play has for me. It's so empowering, and changed my view to help me believe in myself even more.
- The Lost, Mendelsohn. This book showed me a much darker side of history, and of human nature. It also showed me the perseverance we are capable of as human beings, and taught me to appreciate the present. It taught me that there is no such thing as no legacy.
- The Bible. It's corny, it's overdone, it's cliche, but how could I not? I grew up in a Catholic household, I went to church every Sunday until I was seventeen (by choice or by force), and the only non-Catholic school I've ever attended was my kindergarten. This book has had an enormous impact on me, whether or not I was resisting it at any point in my life. As a child, I viewed it as a place for answers...sometimes even magical ones, if I played the game correctly. (Did you ever do that, where you ask a burning question to God, flip open the Bible, and whatever verse your eyes land on, that's your answer?) These stories pervaded my education every single year of my life. I've drawn on them for symbolism in my own writing, I've rejected them as the absolute truth, I've accepted most as myth, I've relied upon them for morals, I've debated their immorality, I've let them act as a comfort, I've kept their more uncomfortable teachings at bay, I've proclaimed the work unfinished, and I've even found through them a pathway to education and even feminism. How. Could. I. Not.
- Blonde, Oates. My obsession with Marilyn Monroe began with this book. How could I understand what I do about pop culture without learning a thing or two about this icon? Although this book is a novel, I eventually learned from Marilyn (and Oates, who writes beautifully) the value of art, compassion, gentility, and identity in places even like the silver screen. So much changed after Marilyn. Maybe even because of her. She's certainly made an impression on me.
- Dead Man Walking, Prejan; Forgiving the Dead Man Walking, Morris. I'm combining these two books because they both taught me to love social justice, even though Prejan's book wasn't what I was expecting (lots of legal jargon), and Morris' account seemed to go on a bit too long. However, both addressed the U.S. court system and its flaws, and made me a more firm proponent of civil and human rights. It was hard to think of a failing system up until I'd read these books.
- The Sense of Structure, Gopen. Where do I begin with this masterpiece? Almost a textbook, this guide to language and writing is my literary bible. After reading it, I had gained such a focused perspective on my own writing style. It taught me how I could better hone my craft to make my readers understand the feelings behind my words. There is so much good stuff in this book. Who could have fathomed writing from the reader's perspective?
- A Light in the Attic, Silverstein. This book introduced me to poetry, and kept the lighthearted side of me alive while I was growing up. It showed me that poetry is not always dark and sinister and depressing, like it was rumored to be around my classrooms. Poetry shaped a lot of who I am as a person, symbolic poetry especially. I think it was good for me to keep the rhythm to my life, and to find it in my subject matter.
- The Bhagavad Gita. Another religious text that expanded my cultural view. I loved how it connected to so many things I'd already been taught, and made me feel so close to the rest of humankind. In studying the Gita, I ended up studying so many other wonderful philosophers. It truly expanded my reach into so many other areas.
- The Outsiders, Hinton. Classic themes of the search for identity, gallantry, and social divisiveness. It's got it all. "Nothing gold can stay."
A New Month, a New Look
Hello!
Hope you like the new layout. I'm pretty pleased with the new templates and advanced design capabilities from Blogger in Draft.
I chose the new loose leaf look before I even realized April is National Card and Letter Writing Month. I was just thinking how appropriate it looks: If I'd been writing reviews of books back when I was a kid, I would have done it in a notebook or journal. I've always been very comfortable writing on ruled paper. But, since it is National Card and Letter Writing Month, I'll take the design in that direction tonight and make this post a letter to you, my lovely readers.
Little Women is going well; I have only 300 pages left. I'm hoping to be finished with it by mid-April, but depending on my work schedule, it may take me until the end of the month. I don't want to give too much away for my review, but so far it's been very pleasant reading. I'm fast approaching the part where I quit reading the first time, though, and I'm hoping that won't happen to me again on the second go-around. I suppose we'll see soon enough.
Right now I'm sort of organizing more post ideas. The spring and summer are my favorite times of the year for reading, I think, as they probably are for most people. Something about being outside in the sun with a good book is just so relaxing for me. It gets me out of the bathroom, anyway. ;) I like that I can fully appreciate the laziness of summer while educating myself and keeping my mind busy at the same time. That is called two birds with one stone. Consider me a proponent.
Anyway, hope your April has been going as well as mine so far. I just wanted to check in with you and see how y'all are doing. Come back soon!
Love,
Amelia
Hope you like the new layout. I'm pretty pleased with the new templates and advanced design capabilities from Blogger in Draft.
I chose the new loose leaf look before I even realized April is National Card and Letter Writing Month. I was just thinking how appropriate it looks: If I'd been writing reviews of books back when I was a kid, I would have done it in a notebook or journal. I've always been very comfortable writing on ruled paper. But, since it is National Card and Letter Writing Month, I'll take the design in that direction tonight and make this post a letter to you, my lovely readers.
Little Women is going well; I have only 300 pages left. I'm hoping to be finished with it by mid-April, but depending on my work schedule, it may take me until the end of the month. I don't want to give too much away for my review, but so far it's been very pleasant reading. I'm fast approaching the part where I quit reading the first time, though, and I'm hoping that won't happen to me again on the second go-around. I suppose we'll see soon enough.
Right now I'm sort of organizing more post ideas. The spring and summer are my favorite times of the year for reading, I think, as they probably are for most people. Something about being outside in the sun with a good book is just so relaxing for me. It gets me out of the bathroom, anyway. ;) I like that I can fully appreciate the laziness of summer while educating myself and keeping my mind busy at the same time. That is called two birds with one stone. Consider me a proponent.
Anyway, hope your April has been going as well as mine so far. I just wanted to check in with you and see how y'all are doing. Come back soon!
Love,
Amelia
REVIEW: 'The Vampire Diaries: 'The Awakening' and 'The Struggle' by L.J. Smith
Boo!
I completely blew through the first two books in this series. Couldn't put them down. Can't really explain why, as you'll see below. I am happy to report these books are absolutely nothing like the TV series. Although I'm not so sure I haven't ruined the show for myself anyway, now knowing what I do about the original story.
The Elena of the Vampire Diaries series is queen bee, self-centered, and totally caught up in her own feelings for her vampire boyfriend, and for herself. I never thought I'd say Twilight's Bella would contrast as a stronger female character. The books are kind of like The Babysitter's Club meets The Historian meets Dracula meets Twilight meets Goosebumps. They are...childlike. The movement of the plot has just enough excitement, the conflict resolutions are simplistic and at times a bit impractical, and so far the largest problem the characters have encountered has not been completely vampire-related (in the sense that if they were unable to correct the issue, Stefan's true identity probably would not have been revealed). I'll say they're a bit predictable, as most teen romances are...and wow, did the romance part happen fast. But it's not near as heavy as in Twilight. And Stefan doesn't piss me off like Edward does, mostly because he's not all, "Oh, you poor fragile human girl, you're so simple-minded and clumsy, I must protect you every moment of your life!" I think I'd trust Bella over Elena with most of my problems. Bella is more mature, if you can believe it.
Okay. Sorry to keep comparing to Twilight, but that's all I could think of while I was reading this. (Especially the part where Stefan demonstrates to Elena his superhuman-ness. That was just like Twilight, I am not even kidding. I am pretty sure Stephenie Meyer read these books before she started writing her own.)
Oh yeah, and also, watch out for the typos. I found several.
So far, I'm obviously intrigued. And it's really good to rest my mind after a book like No Turning Back. I'd like to see how this ends up, considering the storyline is almost nothing like the TV show. Two down, two to go. See, it's not so bad, now, is it?
NEXT UP: The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion, by none other than L. J. Smith. Look out! I am on a roll.
I completely blew through the first two books in this series. Couldn't put them down. Can't really explain why, as you'll see below. I am happy to report these books are absolutely nothing like the TV series. Although I'm not so sure I haven't ruined the show for myself anyway, now knowing what I do about the original story.
The Elena of the Vampire Diaries series is queen bee, self-centered, and totally caught up in her own feelings for her vampire boyfriend, and for herself. I never thought I'd say Twilight's Bella would contrast as a stronger female character. The books are kind of like The Babysitter's Club meets The Historian meets Dracula meets Twilight meets Goosebumps. They are...childlike. The movement of the plot has just enough excitement, the conflict resolutions are simplistic and at times a bit impractical, and so far the largest problem the characters have encountered has not been completely vampire-related (in the sense that if they were unable to correct the issue, Stefan's true identity probably would not have been revealed). I'll say they're a bit predictable, as most teen romances are...and wow, did the romance part happen fast. But it's not near as heavy as in Twilight. And Stefan doesn't piss me off like Edward does, mostly because he's not all, "Oh, you poor fragile human girl, you're so simple-minded and clumsy, I must protect you every moment of your life!" I think I'd trust Bella over Elena with most of my problems. Bella is more mature, if you can believe it.
Okay. Sorry to keep comparing to Twilight, but that's all I could think of while I was reading this. (Especially the part where Stefan demonstrates to Elena his superhuman-ness. That was just like Twilight, I am not even kidding. I am pretty sure Stephenie Meyer read these books before she started writing her own.)
Oh yeah, and also, watch out for the typos. I found several.
So far, I'm obviously intrigued. And it's really good to rest my mind after a book like No Turning Back. I'd like to see how this ends up, considering the storyline is almost nothing like the TV show. Two down, two to go. See, it's not so bad, now, is it?
NEXT UP: The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion, by none other than L. J. Smith. Look out! I am on a roll.
Books in the Bathroom: An Exercise in Sociology (Or Psychology. Some kind of -ology.)
*WARNING: A more delicate reader may feel slightly nauseated by the end of this post.*
We all remember the Seinfeld episode "The Bookstore." Jerry, George and Kramer are browsing in Brentano's when George announces, "I'm gonna hit the head." While Kramer and Jerry continue their conversation about rickshaws, the camera lights on George: he selects a large book of French Impressionist paintings from a shelf, and carries it with him into the men's room. In a subsequent scene, George emerges from the restroom and begins to place the book back on the shelf, but before he can do so, he is confronted by a Brentano's employee: "Did you take that book with you into the bathroom?" George blinks a few times before responding, "What do you want to hear?" He ends up having to purchase the book, which costs him $100...and that, we find out later in the show, Brentano's has permanently "flagged" so it can't be returned or donated. "How dare they?" George asks Jerry later at Monk's. "I got news for you. If it wasn't for the toilet, there would be no books."
I find this storyline hilarious and intriguing at the same time. Why are people so polarized when it comes to books in the bathroom? Being a bathroom-reader myself (I decided I am finally over the stigma -- and oh yes, there is a stigma), of course I don't see the problem. So in this respect, I am like George. At the same time, I know there are people out there who do have a problem with books in the bathroom. Refer back to "The Bookstore." In the middle of the episode, we see George trying to sell his flagged book of paintings to Elaine (at a $25 profit). Jerry walks in, sees the book, and exclaims, "What is that doing on the table?...I'm not eating anything in the vicinity of that book...That book has been on a wild ride. George took it into the bathroom..." Upon hearing this, Elaine loses it. "All right! Everyone clear!" she shouts as she stands up to exit, raising her arms. "Biohazard, coming through! Clear, clear!" This display brings George to ask Jerry, "May I ask, what do you read in the bathroom?" Jerry answers, "I don't read in the bathroom." George retorts, "Well, aren't you something."
So it's clear that people's opinions differ drastically on the subject. And while the Seinfeld episode is an excellent reflection of the feelings we see surrounding this issue, I decided to to see if I couldn't figure out first-hand what really drives the emotions behind the situation. Of course, I am not so over the stigma that I surveyed complete strangers, so these results are probably overwhelmingly biased. However, they are all anonymous, and so that should be good enough, right? I'm about as good at social science as I am at math. And speaking of math, this sentence is going to serve as my disclaimer on percentages.
Bear with me. Here come the results.
Lots of results. Lots of miscalculated percentages, but they are probably close enough. So if you can take it, here is what I learned:
I thought it was interesting that favorite colors weren't more reflective of personal decision/action regarding this issue. That was my most psychological question. I was more pleased with the results of the timetables question. It seems that those who do not read in the bathroom were quicker to say that though they like to meander during their free time, they do prefer some planning, even when out with friends. I was thinking the results would actually work out that way.
The most surprising result by far was that people who like to read in the bathroom seem to prefer to read indoors in general; and that those who do not read in the bathroom prefer to read outdoors. That was a stark contrast I was not expecting.
Another surprising result for me was the amount of time people spend in the bathroom for other reasons. It seems like those who read in the bathroom get their "bathroom time" in that way. Those who do not read in the bathroom utilize their "bathroom time" in other ways (such as getting ready for work). I am making an educated guess that both exercises are relaxing, but in different ways. For those who read in the bathroom, the reading is what relaxes them. For those who don't, they spend more time fixing their hair, doing makeup, showering...things that are necessary to their daily routine (schedules), but things that are also relaxing in their own way. Brushing teeth and hair can feel nice. Showering can definitely be relaxing. Putting on makeup can become an escape because of the concentration you have to put into it. Verrrry interesting, folks.
And I bet you'll all think twice now before borrowing a library book. Although I will say 50% is less than I expected for that category.
So what do you think? Are you a Jerry or a George? Were there any results that surprised you? Where will all this new-found knowledge take you next?
I don't know about you, but I'm headed to the bathroom.
We all remember the Seinfeld episode "The Bookstore." Jerry, George and Kramer are browsing in Brentano's when George announces, "I'm gonna hit the head." While Kramer and Jerry continue their conversation about rickshaws, the camera lights on George: he selects a large book of French Impressionist paintings from a shelf, and carries it with him into the men's room. In a subsequent scene, George emerges from the restroom and begins to place the book back on the shelf, but before he can do so, he is confronted by a Brentano's employee: "Did you take that book with you into the bathroom?" George blinks a few times before responding, "What do you want to hear?" He ends up having to purchase the book, which costs him $100...and that, we find out later in the show, Brentano's has permanently "flagged" so it can't be returned or donated. "How dare they?" George asks Jerry later at Monk's. "I got news for you. If it wasn't for the toilet, there would be no books."
I find this storyline hilarious and intriguing at the same time. Why are people so polarized when it comes to books in the bathroom? Being a bathroom-reader myself (I decided I am finally over the stigma -- and oh yes, there is a stigma), of course I don't see the problem. So in this respect, I am like George. At the same time, I know there are people out there who do have a problem with books in the bathroom. Refer back to "The Bookstore." In the middle of the episode, we see George trying to sell his flagged book of paintings to Elaine (at a $25 profit). Jerry walks in, sees the book, and exclaims, "What is that doing on the table?...I'm not eating anything in the vicinity of that book...That book has been on a wild ride. George took it into the bathroom..." Upon hearing this, Elaine loses it. "All right! Everyone clear!" she shouts as she stands up to exit, raising her arms. "Biohazard, coming through! Clear, clear!" This display brings George to ask Jerry, "May I ask, what do you read in the bathroom?" Jerry answers, "I don't read in the bathroom." George retorts, "Well, aren't you something."
So it's clear that people's opinions differ drastically on the subject. And while the Seinfeld episode is an excellent reflection of the feelings we see surrounding this issue, I decided to to see if I couldn't figure out first-hand what really drives the emotions behind the situation. Of course, I am not so over the stigma that I surveyed complete strangers, so these results are probably overwhelmingly biased. However, they are all anonymous, and so that should be good enough, right? I'm about as good at social science as I am at math. And speaking of math, this sentence is going to serve as my disclaimer on percentages.
Bear with me. Here come the results.
- There are more people who read in the bathroom than don't.
- Those who read in the bathroom do so: to pass the time; to continue reading something interesting; because it goes well with a bubble bath; because it is one of the few places/times where they can feel peaceful and secluded; because it is easier to concentrate on reading; because they do it out of habit; and to distract themselves from what they're really doing in the bathroom.
- Those who do not read in the bathroom do so: because it is not comfortable; because they have pets who follow them in that are better at entertaining them; because they are not in the bathroom long enough to read; and because the reading material they find in the bathroom usually does not interest them.
- Those who read books in the bathroom also like to read other materials in the bathroom, ranging from magazines and comics to toothpaste tubes and lotions.
- 50% of those polled who do not read books in the bathroom will read other materials if they are available in their own bathrooms -- every person included in that 50% mentioned bath & body products as "preferred" reading materials.
- 100% of those polled who read books in the bathroom like to read in general.
- 90% of those polled who do not read books in the bathroom like to read in general.
- Of those that read books in the bathroom, most are more comfortable reading indoors (on a couch or a bed, and in a bus station, car, or airport were the most popular answers).
- Of those that do not read books in the bathroom, most are more comfortable reading outdoors (on a blanket, at the beach or pool, in the sun, on a balcony, at a park). The second most popular reading location for those who do not read books in the bathroom was in bed.
- I found that the size of a person's bathroom is not a factor in their tendency to read books in the bathroom. Most everyone surveyed described their bathroom as "tiny," "small," or "not big."
- I found that approximate daily bathroom time (used for activities like showering, readying for work, etc.) is less for those who do read books in the bathroom -- between 15-30 minutes.
- I found that approximate daily bathroom time (used for activities like showering, readying for work, etc.) is more for those who do not read books in the bathroom -- between 30 minutes - 2 hours.
- I found that most of the people who do read books in the bathroom are either indifferent or do not care for the way their bathroom is decorated.
- I found that most of the people who do not read books in the bathroom are either indifferent or are happy with the way their bathroom is decorated.
- Of the people who do read books in the bathroom, 70% consider their bathroom a sanctuary. 30% consider it a place to get things done.
- Of the people who do not read books in the bathroom, 10% consider their bathroom a sanctuary. 90% consider it a place to get things done.
- Of the people who do read books in the bathroom, 70% currently do not take baths. 90% would read in the bath if (or when) they bathed.
- Of the people who do not read books in the bathroom, 80% do not take baths. 0% read in the bath. [COMMENTARY: there were a few respondents who said they listened to their iPod in the bath because they were afraid of getting a book's pages wet. But aren't iPods harder to replace if they get wet? Books dry out. Electronics just get ruined.]
- Of the people who read books in the bathroom, 90% prefer to meander through life when it's possible (excluding work). 10% prefer to keep schedules.
- Of the people who do not read books in the bathroom, 80% prefer to work with schedules, even for the occasional weekend plans. However, for free time (or "me-time"), 40% prefer to meander.
- I found that favorite colors/colors people are more attracted to do not have any bearing on the tendency to read in the bathroom. Most everyone surveyed listed blue, green, red, and purple as their favorite colors.
- I found that lighting in the bathroom has no bearing on whether or not people read in the bathroom. Even those with poor lighting read in the bathroom. 90% of people who do not read in the bathroom have good lighting.
- 80% of those who do read books in the bathroom would not choose to watch movies or watch TV in the bathroom over reading.
- 40% of those who do not read books in the bathroom would choose to watch movies or TV in the bathroom over reading. 33% prefer movies/TV over books, 33% do not prefer movies/TV over books, and 33% are on the fence. I still don't exactly understand what happened to the remaining 1%, even after the B/F explained it to me.
- Of those who read books in the bathroom, 100% will read while they eat.
- Of those who do not read books in the bathroom, 50% will read while they eat.
- Of those who read books in the bathroom, 100% are likely to read materials in other people's bathrooms.
- Of those who do not read books in the bathroom, 10% are likely to read materials in other people's bathrooms.
- The people who do not read books in the bathroom say about those who read in the bathroom: don't take too long if I need to use the space; it's acceptable to read in the bathroom; don't leave books in the bathroom; reading on the toilet is gross; reading in the bath is acceptable.
- The people who read books in the bathroom say about themselves: it doesn't come up in conversation; close family know I do it; I hide my bathroom reading from non-family members; I do not hide my bathroom reading from non-family members.
- Everyone surveyed has a friend or friends that read books in the bathroom.
- 50% of people who do not read books in the bathroom buy their own books rather than borrow from the library.
- 50% of people who do read books in the bathroom prefer to buy their own books rather than borrow from the library.
- 50% of people who do read books in the bathroom read their library books in the bathroom.
- 50% of people who do read books in the bathroom have been late for things because they were reading in the bathroom.
- 0% of people who do not read books in the bathroom have been late for things because they were reading. 50% of people who do not read books in the bathroom have been late for things because of other bathroom activities (fixing hair was the number one reason mentioned).
- 0% of those who do not read books in the bathroom think they will ever start reading books in the bathroom.
- 100% of those who do read books in the bathroom believe they started reading in the bathroom at an early age (7-8 years old; as long as I can remember; 10 years old).
Lots of results. Lots of miscalculated percentages, but they are probably close enough. So if you can take it, here is what I learned:
I thought it was interesting that favorite colors weren't more reflective of personal decision/action regarding this issue. That was my most psychological question. I was more pleased with the results of the timetables question. It seems that those who do not read in the bathroom were quicker to say that though they like to meander during their free time, they do prefer some planning, even when out with friends. I was thinking the results would actually work out that way.
The most surprising result by far was that people who like to read in the bathroom seem to prefer to read indoors in general; and that those who do not read in the bathroom prefer to read outdoors. That was a stark contrast I was not expecting.
Another surprising result for me was the amount of time people spend in the bathroom for other reasons. It seems like those who read in the bathroom get their "bathroom time" in that way. Those who do not read in the bathroom utilize their "bathroom time" in other ways (such as getting ready for work). I am making an educated guess that both exercises are relaxing, but in different ways. For those who read in the bathroom, the reading is what relaxes them. For those who don't, they spend more time fixing their hair, doing makeup, showering...things that are necessary to their daily routine (schedules), but things that are also relaxing in their own way. Brushing teeth and hair can feel nice. Showering can definitely be relaxing. Putting on makeup can become an escape because of the concentration you have to put into it. Verrrry interesting, folks.
And I bet you'll all think twice now before borrowing a library book. Although I will say 50% is less than I expected for that category.
So what do you think? Are you a Jerry or a George? Were there any results that surprised you? Where will all this new-found knowledge take you next?
I don't know about you, but I'm headed to the bathroom.
Twilight: The Graphic Novel
This article on my Google Reader was jumping up and down to get my attention this afternoon:
"Yen Press to Release 'Twilight: The Graphic Novel' in March"
The first printing will yield 350,000 copies, and will be available on March 16 of this year. The graphic novel, being graphic, will include only selected prose from the first book of Stephenie Meyer's series. The illustrations are done by Young Kim.
The article says the book will be released in two volumes (the release date for the second is TBA).
I've only finished 3 out of 4 of the books in the Twilight saga (I was late to the party, so to keep myself in suspense, I have a rule that I will only read the paperback versions), but I think I am going to have to add this graphic novel to my ever-growing list of Books to Purchase. It will be interesting to see images put to Meyer's writing. Yes, there are the movies, but I think we can all agree that film is an entirely different art form. In addition, it seems Ms. Meyer has inserted herself very closely into the review process for the graphic novel. This leads me to believe that the end product will feel very organic.
"Yen Press to Release 'Twilight: The Graphic Novel' in March"
The first printing will yield 350,000 copies, and will be available on March 16 of this year. The graphic novel, being graphic, will include only selected prose from the first book of Stephenie Meyer's series. The illustrations are done by Young Kim.
The article says the book will be released in two volumes (the release date for the second is TBA).
I've only finished 3 out of 4 of the books in the Twilight saga (I was late to the party, so to keep myself in suspense, I have a rule that I will only read the paperback versions), but I think I am going to have to add this graphic novel to my ever-growing list of Books to Purchase. It will be interesting to see images put to Meyer's writing. Yes, there are the movies, but I think we can all agree that film is an entirely different art form. In addition, it seems Ms. Meyer has inserted herself very closely into the review process for the graphic novel. This leads me to believe that the end product will feel very organic.
My Own Little Pep Talk
I have finished writing my required 1,667 words for the night. After uploading my current word count to the NaNoWriMo web site, I discovered that Cleveland, OH has collectively written over 384,000 words in the past three days. That is amazing.
I'm all aflush and proud to be part of this. And I'm actually not hating my work so far. Bonus!
I'm all aflush and proud to be part of this. And I'm actually not hating my work so far. Bonus!
NaNoWriMo
The acronym for this event reminds me of the Nano Babies that were popular in gradeschool. Actually, the Tamagotchis were the popular toy, Nano Babies were for those of us who couldn't afford the more stylish electronic pet. Anyway.
November is National Novel Writing Month. Fifty thousand words in 30 days. As you may have already guessed, I signed up to participate last week.
I am not in any shape to begin writing a novel today (who came up with Halloween, anyway?), but I must. I signed up to participate and I like to think of myself as a non-welsher. I have to complete 1,667 words per day to stay on track for the assignment. For me, the hardest part of the whole exercise will be rule #2:
At least I have an idea for my story this time. It's so hard for me to come up with ideas for my writing. This one I actually thought I'd use for a short story, but since I do have such an awful time thinking up plots, I am going to see if I can't expand it into a novel. Don't worry, I'm not cheating -- I have not started writing this story yet, I only have the idea.
So what say you? Will you be joining me in this quest for authorship? I've always wanted to write a novel, but never felt it was the right time. But I've come to realize it's like having a Nano Baby: it's never the right time. So I'm starting now.
November is National Novel Writing Month. Fifty thousand words in 30 days. As you may have already guessed, I signed up to participate last week.
I am not in any shape to begin writing a novel today (who came up with Halloween, anyway?), but I must. I signed up to participate and I like to think of myself as a non-welsher. I have to complete 1,667 words per day to stay on track for the assignment. For me, the hardest part of the whole exercise will be rule #2:
Do not edit as you go. Editing is for December. Think of November as an experiment in pure output. Even if it's hard at first, leave ugly prose and poorly written passages on the page to be cleaned up later. Your inner editor will be very grumpy about this, but your inner editor is a nitpicky jerk who foolishly believes that it is possible to write a brilliant first draft if you write it slowly enough. It isn't. Every book you've ever loved started out as a beautifully flawed first draft. In November, embrace imperfection and see where it takes you.
At least I have an idea for my story this time. It's so hard for me to come up with ideas for my writing. This one I actually thought I'd use for a short story, but since I do have such an awful time thinking up plots, I am going to see if I can't expand it into a novel. Don't worry, I'm not cheating -- I have not started writing this story yet, I only have the idea.
So what say you? Will you be joining me in this quest for authorship? I've always wanted to write a novel, but never felt it was the right time. But I've come to realize it's like having a Nano Baby: it's never the right time. So I'm starting now.
Sorry, Guys
I know, it's been what, 4 days? Five days? I know I missed at least one Teaser in there. Who's counting anymore. I feel like ass.
I've been up late and running around all week, hand-sewing stripes on an over-sized orange sweatshirt, so my boyfriend and I can be completely without-a-doubt secured to win the prize for the greatest Halloween costume of 2009: none other than Calvin and Hobbes. A boy and his tiger. Of course, since I know how to thread a needle, I am going as Hobbes.
(And I just wrote "sewing" as "sweing" three times in a row.)
So now all the pressure is getting to me and I have come down with some variation of swine flu, or maybe it's just the common cold. I am taking Zicam and drinking tea. I bought some soup. I will not miss Halloween. However, I still need to sew (count 4 for "swe") all the stripes onto the back of my costume. I have till 6pm EDT tomorrow, right? Right. Stickin' to it.
Anyhow, I decided to catch up on my blog reading while I sip ginseng tea from this gigantic mug, and found a link at Turtlehead leading me back to a link at Kate...Tells Stories with a pretty sweet bookish meme all about "stories that stick." You see, Kate is an author, who just finished a book called The Dread Crew, and you even have a chance to win a copy of her new book if you fill out the meme! Of course I totally filled out the meme.
Holy crap, and I just hit Publish Post without even being ready to Publish Post. Ok, one meme and I am going to bed.
Without further ado..."Stories That Stick":
1) You are facing an epic journey. You may choose one companion, one tool and one vehicle from any book or film to accompany you. Or just one of the three. It's up to you. What do you choose?
Companion: I would pick Charlotte from Charlotte's Web, because she is sensible, smart, has lots of common sense, and is kind and encouraging. However, she is a spider, and will probably not live for more than a year. So I choose Jill from Katharine Kerr's Deverry Series...she is all those things, plus she is human. And she has magic.
Tool: Probably Harry Potter's wand. (Turtlehead: How about I filled out my own answers before I read yours...we are so in sync. ;) )
Vehicle: Elphaba's broom. Why not Harry Potter's broom? Who can say. Or maybe I would borrow Rhodry Maelwaedd's dragon for awhile.
2) You can escape to the insides of any book. Where do you go, and why?
I'm pretty much a wimp, so I don't think I'd go anywhere too ridiculous or dangerous. In fact, I think I'd like to hang out near Elizabeth Gilbert's stomping grounds in Eat, Pray, Love. Italy, India, Indonesia. Sounds like a vacation to me! Oh man, or in Ramona Quimby's house. I always wondered what her parents said when she wasn't around.
3) You can bring one literary character into your current life. Who do you choose, and why?
Tough. I'd choose Brett Ashley from The Sun Also Rises. She's strong, and I think I'd love listening to her stories.
4) __The Outsiders__ is my go-to book. I could read that book fifty-seven times in a row without a break for food or a pee and not be remotely bored. In fact I've already done that but it wasn't fifty-seven times. It was sixty-four.
5) Of all the literary or film characters that made an impression on you as a kid, who was the most enviable?
Enviable, huh? I have to say I did envy Claudia Kishi from The Baby-sitter's Club series. She was beautiful, smart (although she did have trouble in school), cool, had some great fashion taste, and she was artsy. Everything I wanted to be growing up. My favorite book in the series was Claudia and the Clue in the Photograph. It was such a great plot, and that's where I learned the word "facade."
6) Of all the literary or film characters that made an impression on you as a kid, who was the most frightening?
Who was scary? I don't know if any character in a book or movie ever really frightened me as a kid. Everything always worked out in the end, like I could predict it would. If it didn't work out, it would at least resolve. Certain scenes were scary, maybe. What happened was that I got a lot of nightmares as I got older and started reading more sophisticated, real stuff...like D.M. Thomas's The White Hotel. That book gave me the worst case of the creeps.
7) Every time I read _America's Women_, I see something in it that I haven't seen before.
8) It is imperative that ____The BFG_____ be made into a movie. Now. I am already picketing Hollywood for this-but if they cast ____Robin Williams_____ as __the BFG___, I will not be happy. I will, however, be appeased if they cast __James Cromwell___.
9) __The Devil Wears Prada__ is a book that should never be made (or should have never been made) into a film.
Ok, this is only half true. I thought the book was spectacular, and I was so excited to see the movie after I finished it. The visuals were so good, it seemed perfect for the big screen. But the movie just...sucked. The book was worlds away. So much was left out of the film...and it was the first book I read that actually seemed like it was also MADE for film. I realize they were shooting for 90 minutes, but it could have been executed so differently...and better.
10) After all these years, the __refugee boat__ scene in the book/movie ___Children of the River__ still manages to give me the queebs.
11) After all these years, the ___last sentence where you finally see the frame story___ scene in the book/movie ___The Outsiders___ still manages to give me a thrill. (sorry to use this book twice, but I LOVE it.)
12) If I could corner the author ___K.A. Applegate___, here's what I'd say to them one minute or less about their book, __the Animorphs Series__:
"Your books got me so interested in fantasy and science fiction writing. I laughed, I cried, so thank you so much for introducing me to a genre I never knew I could love."
13) The coolest non-fiction book I've ever read is __To Full Term__. Every time I flip through it, it makes me want to __either jump up and down (seriously) or just sit down and read it cover to cover. It makes me want to recommend it___.
And there you have it! My version of the Stories That Stick meme. Have fun filling in your own!
I've been up late and running around all week, hand-sewing stripes on an over-sized orange sweatshirt, so my boyfriend and I can be completely without-a-doubt secured to win the prize for the greatest Halloween costume of 2009: none other than Calvin and Hobbes. A boy and his tiger. Of course, since I know how to thread a needle, I am going as Hobbes.
(And I just wrote "sewing" as "sweing" three times in a row.)
So now all the pressure is getting to me and I have come down with some variation of swine flu, or maybe it's just the common cold. I am taking Zicam and drinking tea. I bought some soup. I will not miss Halloween. However, I still need to sew (count 4 for "swe") all the stripes onto the back of my costume. I have till 6pm EDT tomorrow, right? Right. Stickin' to it.
Anyhow, I decided to catch up on my blog reading while I sip ginseng tea from this gigantic mug, and found a link at Turtlehead leading me back to a link at Kate...Tells Stories with a pretty sweet bookish meme all about "stories that stick." You see, Kate is an author, who just finished a book called The Dread Crew, and you even have a chance to win a copy of her new book if you fill out the meme! Of course I totally filled out the meme.
Holy crap, and I just hit Publish Post without even being ready to Publish Post. Ok, one meme and I am going to bed.
Without further ado..."Stories That Stick":
1) You are facing an epic journey. You may choose one companion, one tool and one vehicle from any book or film to accompany you. Or just one of the three. It's up to you. What do you choose?
Companion: I would pick Charlotte from Charlotte's Web, because she is sensible, smart, has lots of common sense, and is kind and encouraging. However, she is a spider, and will probably not live for more than a year. So I choose Jill from Katharine Kerr's Deverry Series...she is all those things, plus she is human. And she has magic.
Tool: Probably Harry Potter's wand. (Turtlehead: How about I filled out my own answers before I read yours...we are so in sync. ;) )
Vehicle: Elphaba's broom. Why not Harry Potter's broom? Who can say. Or maybe I would borrow Rhodry Maelwaedd's dragon for awhile.
2) You can escape to the insides of any book. Where do you go, and why?
I'm pretty much a wimp, so I don't think I'd go anywhere too ridiculous or dangerous. In fact, I think I'd like to hang out near Elizabeth Gilbert's stomping grounds in Eat, Pray, Love. Italy, India, Indonesia. Sounds like a vacation to me! Oh man, or in Ramona Quimby's house. I always wondered what her parents said when she wasn't around.
3) You can bring one literary character into your current life. Who do you choose, and why?
Tough. I'd choose Brett Ashley from The Sun Also Rises. She's strong, and I think I'd love listening to her stories.
4) __The Outsiders__ is my go-to book. I could read that book fifty-seven times in a row without a break for food or a pee and not be remotely bored. In fact I've already done that but it wasn't fifty-seven times. It was sixty-four.
5) Of all the literary or film characters that made an impression on you as a kid, who was the most enviable?
Enviable, huh? I have to say I did envy Claudia Kishi from The Baby-sitter's Club series. She was beautiful, smart (although she did have trouble in school), cool, had some great fashion taste, and she was artsy. Everything I wanted to be growing up. My favorite book in the series was Claudia and the Clue in the Photograph. It was such a great plot, and that's where I learned the word "facade."
6) Of all the literary or film characters that made an impression on you as a kid, who was the most frightening?
Who was scary? I don't know if any character in a book or movie ever really frightened me as a kid. Everything always worked out in the end, like I could predict it would. If it didn't work out, it would at least resolve. Certain scenes were scary, maybe. What happened was that I got a lot of nightmares as I got older and started reading more sophisticated, real stuff...like D.M. Thomas's The White Hotel. That book gave me the worst case of the creeps.
7) Every time I read _America's Women_, I see something in it that I haven't seen before.
8) It is imperative that ____The BFG_____ be made into a movie. Now. I am already picketing Hollywood for this-but if they cast ____Robin Williams_____ as __the BFG___, I will not be happy. I will, however, be appeased if they cast __James Cromwell___.
9) __The Devil Wears Prada__ is a book that should never be made (or should have never been made) into a film.
Ok, this is only half true. I thought the book was spectacular, and I was so excited to see the movie after I finished it. The visuals were so good, it seemed perfect for the big screen. But the movie just...sucked. The book was worlds away. So much was left out of the film...and it was the first book I read that actually seemed like it was also MADE for film. I realize they were shooting for 90 minutes, but it could have been executed so differently...and better.
10) After all these years, the __refugee boat__ scene in the book/movie ___Children of the River__ still manages to give me the queebs.
11) After all these years, the ___last sentence where you finally see the frame story___ scene in the book/movie ___The Outsiders___ still manages to give me a thrill. (sorry to use this book twice, but I LOVE it.)
12) If I could corner the author ___K.A. Applegate___, here's what I'd say to them one minute or less about their book, __the Animorphs Series__:
"Your books got me so interested in fantasy and science fiction writing. I laughed, I cried, so thank you so much for introducing me to a genre I never knew I could love."
13) The coolest non-fiction book I've ever read is __To Full Term__. Every time I flip through it, it makes me want to __either jump up and down (seriously) or just sit down and read it cover to cover. It makes me want to recommend it___.
And there you have it! My version of the Stories That Stick meme. Have fun filling in your own!
Shout Out
Just wanted to send a quick note of congrats to my friend at Fickle Words, who successfully completed Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-Thon this evening. Way to go, girl! I doubt I'd be able to avoid falling asleep, even for books. Could be a nice goal for next time, though, thanks for sharing! I'll be sure to mark the web page.
Nice job!
Nice job!
Get Ready
November is going to be a wild ride for all of us. I have one week to get over myself and suck it up.
(Why am I being so mysterioso? Because it's fun! But if you're really impatient for surprises, like I am -- I couldn't even wait 9 days to turn this post into something more transparent and sensical -- click around a little. There's a big clue somewhere close-ish.)
(Why am I being so mysterioso? Because it's fun! But if you're really impatient for surprises, like I am -- I couldn't even wait 9 days to turn this post into something more transparent and sensical -- click around a little. There's a big clue somewhere close-ish.)
BookCrossing.com: Releasing Your Books into the Wild...or, The Blogger Who Loved Parentheses
I stumbled upon this online "book club" today at Should Be Reading. The idea of the site, BookCrossing.com, intrigued me, although I'm not quite sure how comfortable I am with the idea of following through. But then I said screw it, and I signed up. Can't hurt, right? (Right. I was made even more uncomfortable by the fact that I was forced to enter my home address to fully register. Now these potential book-loving Internet stalkers know where I live. No. I must get over my paranoia. For the love of books.)
The basis of the club is "releasing your books into the wild." It's organic, and promotes such a wonderful, communal sentiment. You register a book you own (aka, do not use library books) into your "shelf," at which point the site generates for it its own unique BCID (BookCrossing ID) number. You write the BCID number in ink on the inside cover of your book, and make a corresponding journal entry on BookCrossing.com. If you'd prefer to make labeling more official, the BookCrossing online store offers a selection of merchandise, including labels with the BookCrossing logo. Then, you quite literally set the book free. It's for good karma or something.
The site advocates leaving the book almost anywhere to be discovered, never to be seen by you again...but, thanks to the BCID number, the book can now be used as a roadmap back to the BookCrossing web site. Finders with your BCID can post their own journal entries about the books that are traveling the world. The cornerstone of this site is the "journey."
Being myself, I am full of both apprehension and delightful anticipation. Fueling my anticipation: How cool would it be to actually find a book like this on the side of the road one day? And then it's yours. For keeps. And how cool would it be to see a book you released be discovered by another book lover? Who loved your book? Warm, gushy feelings.
But fueling my apprehension: here's what I don't get. The site advertises itself as earth friendly, what with all the recycling and sharing of books that goes on. Supposedly. MizB from Should Be Reading admitted her books were not being found --or found and written about -- as often as she'd hoped would happen.
As I think more about this, if I did see a random book lying somewhere, like a coffee house or in a restaurant booth (hey, these are good ideas -- chalk 2 more up to delightful anticipation, I guess)...anyway, would I really be morally able to pick them up and claim them as my own? I was raised not to touch things that aren't mine, and definitely thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt turn in lost items at the Lost & Found. Thou shalt leave that alone, that's not yours. Shrug. Maybe I've got the world all wrong. Maybe everyone is just a thieving, greedy bibliophile.
But back to earth friendly. Granted, books are made out of paper, and paper is biodegradable...but ew, what if it rains? No one is going to pick up an abandoned, wet book. Except -- in this scenario only -- maybe me. Abandoned, rained-on books would probably evoke much sympathy on my part, and I would lovingly pick it up, dust it off, and tell it how lucky we both were for me to have found it.
BookCrossing does defend its convictions on its FAQ page:
I am not sure how to handle that response. I have bad feelings associated with the "lighten up" jab...of course, I've never before heard it used when referring to a worldwide book sharing program. Also, I wouldn't be so quick to agree with the argument that the probability of people throwing books away is "nearly impossible." Just ask Half Price Books about that. Then you've got books waiting in a landfill. Biodegrading. Wishing they were home. ::Sob!::
All skepticism aside, I've decided to give this a whirl. The biggest problem will be finding a book to give up. It's like Sophie's Choice up in here. I really do get some sick sort of joy out of seeing all my paperbacks lined up neatly on their shelves.
I'll let you know how it goes...and if you're feeling adventurous yourself, be sure to let me know how it goes for you, too.
Leaving books behind on purpose. So deliciously(?) taboo!
The basis of the club is "releasing your books into the wild." It's organic, and promotes such a wonderful, communal sentiment. You register a book you own (aka, do not use library books) into your "shelf," at which point the site generates for it its own unique BCID (BookCrossing ID) number. You write the BCID number in ink on the inside cover of your book, and make a corresponding journal entry on BookCrossing.com. If you'd prefer to make labeling more official, the BookCrossing online store offers a selection of merchandise, including labels with the BookCrossing logo. Then, you quite literally set the book free. It's for good karma or something.
The site advocates leaving the book almost anywhere to be discovered, never to be seen by you again...but, thanks to the BCID number, the book can now be used as a roadmap back to the BookCrossing web site. Finders with your BCID can post their own journal entries about the books that are traveling the world. The cornerstone of this site is the "journey."
Being myself, I am full of both apprehension and delightful anticipation. Fueling my anticipation: How cool would it be to actually find a book like this on the side of the road one day? And then it's yours. For keeps. And how cool would it be to see a book you released be discovered by another book lover? Who loved your book? Warm, gushy feelings.
But fueling my apprehension: here's what I don't get. The site advertises itself as earth friendly, what with all the recycling and sharing of books that goes on. Supposedly. MizB from Should Be Reading admitted her books were not being found --or found and written about -- as often as she'd hoped would happen.
As I think more about this, if I did see a random book lying somewhere, like a coffee house or in a restaurant booth (hey, these are good ideas -- chalk 2 more up to delightful anticipation, I guess)...anyway, would I really be morally able to pick them up and claim them as my own? I was raised not to touch things that aren't mine, and definitely thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt turn in lost items at the Lost & Found. Thou shalt leave that alone, that's not yours. Shrug. Maybe I've got the world all wrong. Maybe everyone is just a thieving, greedy bibliophile.
But back to earth friendly. Granted, books are made out of paper, and paper is biodegradable...but ew, what if it rains? No one is going to pick up an abandoned, wet book. Except -- in this scenario only -- maybe me. Abandoned, rained-on books would probably evoke much sympathy on my part, and I would lovingly pick it up, dust it off, and tell it how lucky we both were for me to have found it.
BookCrossing does defend its convictions on its FAQ page:
Q(11): Hey, wait just a minute... aren't you promoting littering here, by suggesting that everyone just leave books lying around all over the place? You should be ashamed!
A: Aw, come on. Books promote literacy, enable the transfer of knowledge and can bring inspiration, hope and joy. Is that bad?
Hopefully, nobody considers books "litter". And BookCrossing provides all that by just giving away books to someone who is lucky enough to find one in the wild. Consider it a gift that can change your life for the better.
Also, it's nearly impossible to throw a book away; it's just one of those objects with some special kind of intrinsic value that tells you it's to be saved, to be treasured.
So lighten up! What's the worst that could happen... you might see a few books on park benches, or bus seats, or diner tables? Make the world one big library! Or take the safer, more conventional route, and give your books to friends, or to charities, or trade them in at a used book store, or whatever... just pass them on so they can touch more lives.
I am not sure how to handle that response. I have bad feelings associated with the "lighten up" jab...of course, I've never before heard it used when referring to a worldwide book sharing program. Also, I wouldn't be so quick to agree with the argument that the probability of people throwing books away is "nearly impossible." Just ask Half Price Books about that. Then you've got books waiting in a landfill. Biodegrading. Wishing they were home. ::Sob!::
All skepticism aside, I've decided to give this a whirl. The biggest problem will be finding a book to give up. It's like Sophie's Choice up in here. I really do get some sick sort of joy out of seeing all my paperbacks lined up neatly on their shelves.
I'll let you know how it goes...and if you're feeling adventurous yourself, be sure to let me know how it goes for you, too.
Leaving books behind on purpose. So deliciously(?) taboo!
Celebrity Book Sighting
So I'm sitting and watching the Parks and Recreation episode I missed two weeks ago while I began the first long drive of my vacation. It's Episode # 203, entitled "Beauty Pageant." The plot in brief: Leslie Knope, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, serves as a judge for the local Pawnee beauty pageant. The subplot thickens as she discovers the police officer who is interested in dating her is not quite familiar with her real-life female role models -- specifically, Madeleine Albright.
It's the last scene of the episode, and I almost closed my full screen view so I could push on to view The Office episode I also missed, when...could it really be? Yes! It is! What do I spy in the background but a copy of Gail Collins's America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines! My favorite history book of all time!
America's Women on Leslie Knope's bookshelf:
America's Women on my own bookshelf:
I love this book with all my heart. It was the first book I ever read, at the ripe old age of 22, to really get me interested in, and sometimes fascinated with, history. From the era of the very first colonists up to the 21st century, Gail Collins, an editor at the New York Times, explores the common life, struggles, victories, failures, political activism, and overall history of American women. She includes many races, backgrounds, and classes in one of the largest compilations of diary entries, articles, books, and journals I've ever seen. According to Amazon, "...some of these women -- from the justly famous, like Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman, to the undeservedly obscure, like Elizabeth Eckford and Senator Margaret Chase Smith -- will not only make any woman proud to be a woman, they will make any American proud to be American."
I am absolutely smitten with this book. Admittedly, it took me a whole summer and then some to get through it...the amount of content is just so vast, and I'll confess that not all of the stories held my attention equally. At first, it's even a little befuddling. I thought I'd try to take notes in the margins, but there are so many stories about so many women, I'd already lost track by the 3rd chapter. I had to learn to let some 'characters' go, because they rarely turned up again later. You kind of have to let what stands out to you really stand alone, and let the rest fall where it may. Let me clarify. It's all so interesting; so many of the stories felt...inherent...to me. But I think it qualifies as a great re-read because I'd bet you'd learn something new every time. Really, you have no idea how much she fit into this little 608-page book (yes, 608 pages will seem ridiculously minuscule when you think about how much she probably didn't include).
The book was such an important discovery for me. It really did make me feel closer to my heritage as an American, and as an American woman. When I saw it in the background of last week's Parks and Recreation, I was so ecstatic. I feel driven to share how much I love this book every time I think about it. I'm surprised this whole blog hasn't had at least one mention of it by now. Well, I'm finally saying something. Go pick up a copy of America's Women by Gail Collins, and learn. Endorsed by Leslie Knope.* It's what it was written for.
*Not an actual endorsement.
It's the last scene of the episode, and I almost closed my full screen view so I could push on to view The Office episode I also missed, when...could it really be? Yes! It is! What do I spy in the background but a copy of Gail Collins's America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines! My favorite history book of all time!
America's Women on Leslie Knope's bookshelf:
America's Women on my own bookshelf:
I love this book with all my heart. It was the first book I ever read, at the ripe old age of 22, to really get me interested in, and sometimes fascinated with, history. From the era of the very first colonists up to the 21st century, Gail Collins, an editor at the New York Times, explores the common life, struggles, victories, failures, political activism, and overall history of American women. She includes many races, backgrounds, and classes in one of the largest compilations of diary entries, articles, books, and journals I've ever seen. According to Amazon, "...some of these women -- from the justly famous, like Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman, to the undeservedly obscure, like Elizabeth Eckford and Senator Margaret Chase Smith -- will not only make any woman proud to be a woman, they will make any American proud to be American."
I am absolutely smitten with this book. Admittedly, it took me a whole summer and then some to get through it...the amount of content is just so vast, and I'll confess that not all of the stories held my attention equally. At first, it's even a little befuddling. I thought I'd try to take notes in the margins, but there are so many stories about so many women, I'd already lost track by the 3rd chapter. I had to learn to let some 'characters' go, because they rarely turned up again later. You kind of have to let what stands out to you really stand alone, and let the rest fall where it may. Let me clarify. It's all so interesting; so many of the stories felt...inherent...to me. But I think it qualifies as a great re-read because I'd bet you'd learn something new every time. Really, you have no idea how much she fit into this little 608-page book (yes, 608 pages will seem ridiculously minuscule when you think about how much she probably didn't include).
The book was such an important discovery for me. It really did make me feel closer to my heritage as an American, and as an American woman. When I saw it in the background of last week's Parks and Recreation, I was so ecstatic. I feel driven to share how much I love this book every time I think about it. I'm surprised this whole blog hasn't had at least one mention of it by now. Well, I'm finally saying something. Go pick up a copy of America's Women by Gail Collins, and learn. Endorsed by Leslie Knope.* It's what it was written for.
*Not an actual endorsement.
I Did It!
Proof! I did it. I signed up for my very own library card. Luckily, I remembered to bring my utility bill. Cleveland librarians are steadfast bitches. Good reason, I suppose. At least now they know I am responsible enough to rent a place with electricity. The good news (yes, more good news!): I was able to unload all the books I've been hoarding in my car. The maintenance man there assured me they do not throw away books. If they can't use them, they find a place to donate them. I was so relieved. And I told him I'd be back with more. He looked pretty astounded.
The bad news: I waited until a half hour before my hair appointment to drive to the library, so I did not get a chance to look around and browse and check out books as I'd originally planned. What I did see I was impressed with. The inside is bright and clean, and the walls are painted in nice, crisp colors. I am going to go back tomorrow to see more. (They can't stop me now! I'm a member!) And the smell was so good. I love books.
I wish I had a more exciting story, maybe about all the death-defying feats I had to accomplish in order to get my library card. But aside from the whole prove-where-you-live thing, it was remarkably easy. People should know that. We card holders should make it our duty to spread the power. "Why don't you have a library card, June? It's so easy to get one." Hell, it's easier than walking into Blockbuster and signing up for an account there. Talk about a hassle. And millions of people have Blockbuster accounts. Hey, Blockbuster Accounters -- you can get DVDs at the library, too! AND IT'S FREE. IT'S FREE, DUMBASSES. So why don't you get a library card? I used to be a dumbass like you. But now I have a library card. I have access to books, movies, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias...you name it! And I PAY NOTHING!!! I AM LIBERATED!!! LIBRARIES RULE!!!
Blogs are Reading, Too!
...and they give you cool stuff sometimes!
My last post mentioned a good old-fashioned Schmutzie contest, and you're in luck, because another giveaway is here! This time we're vying for an 18x24" rolled poster print from DigitalRoom.com. I totally encourage your entering, because not only does Digital Room make their prints using vegetable-based inks, they also recycle all their paper scraps...which we in the book world absolutely love. (Since I do not yet own a Kindle, I'm constantly purchasing its dear paper product counterparts for my own amusement; I try to balance that out by recycling whatever else I can...and definitely by supporting others, like Digital Room, who do the same.)
So sign up! Win! Hurry! She's drawing the champion on September 26!
My last post mentioned a good old-fashioned Schmutzie contest, and you're in luck, because another giveaway is here! This time we're vying for an 18x24" rolled poster print from DigitalRoom.com. I totally encourage your entering, because not only does Digital Room make their prints using vegetable-based inks, they also recycle all their paper scraps...which we in the book world absolutely love. (Since I do not yet own a Kindle, I'm constantly purchasing its dear paper product counterparts for my own amusement; I try to balance that out by recycling whatever else I can...and definitely by supporting others, like Digital Room, who do the same.)
So sign up! Win! Hurry! She's drawing the champion on September 26!
Having Fun Isn't Hard When You've Got a Library Card
I must admit I'm more of a bookstore geek than a library-goer. (No, it's not because of the coffee.) Lakewood's library has a very beautiful facade, though, so I think this weekend I'll have to finally go exploring and see if the inside is as pretty as the outside. Pretty with good books. How perfect, considering September is National Library Card Sign-up Month. The last time I tried to get a library card in Strongsville, they needed a form of ID with my current address on it. Unfortunately, my driver's license said Cincy, my checks said Dayton, and my gas bills did say Strongsville, but they had the wrong apartment number. It's sad to think I let that stop me. Of course my boyfriend walks in, says he just moved here (liar) and gets a card no problem. I say I just moved here and they want my life story and probably a credit check.
My main dig with libraries has always really been a dig with myself. I am selfish, and I hate returning the books. Especially if they're good books. I also have this awful condition called irresponsibility...usually by the time I've finished a good book, it's in shambles. There is soup splashed on page 149, every 10 pages have dog-ears, and the cover is dingy if not torn or bent. So libraries will be a new thing to get used to.
My mom used to take me to the library all the time as a kid, where I could sit for hours, reading all the picture books; and then we'd take them all home to read again. Sometimes my mom had to put a limit on what we checked out. I wanted them all. Now that I'm all grown up, I still love the children's section best. And I still love the sound of a librarian moving a plastic-jacketed book from one pile to another as she scans the card inside each cover. Swfft...beep!...puhp...Swfft...beep!...puhp. (This may have planted the seeds of my awe for STOMP!) I love studying all the different handwritings on the checkout card. It's like a story inside a story.
Why did I stop going to the library again?
Never fear. September is almost over, but I still have time to take advantage. To solidify the deal, I'll make a pledge -- if I don't come out in October with a new library card, I won't be able to buy another book for 6 months. If you know me, you know how hard that's going to be. I wish I could say I had some legitimate backers, so I could have a contest like Schmutzie here, and give something away as incentive for actually going the distance. But I don't have backers, and I'm pretty sure I don't have readers yet. So I'll have to settle for the next best thing: deprivation.
Anyway, please, join me (and I do mean in spirit if you do not happen to live near me) in getting to know your local library, and the awesomeness that is getting books for free.
And speaking of libraries...props to Arthur throwbacks.
My main dig with libraries has always really been a dig with myself. I am selfish, and I hate returning the books. Especially if they're good books. I also have this awful condition called irresponsibility...usually by the time I've finished a good book, it's in shambles. There is soup splashed on page 149, every 10 pages have dog-ears, and the cover is dingy if not torn or bent. So libraries will be a new thing to get used to.
My mom used to take me to the library all the time as a kid, where I could sit for hours, reading all the picture books; and then we'd take them all home to read again. Sometimes my mom had to put a limit on what we checked out. I wanted them all. Now that I'm all grown up, I still love the children's section best. And I still love the sound of a librarian moving a plastic-jacketed book from one pile to another as she scans the card inside each cover. Swfft...beep!...puhp...Swfft...beep!...puhp. (This may have planted the seeds of my awe for STOMP!) I love studying all the different handwritings on the checkout card. It's like a story inside a story.
Why did I stop going to the library again?
Never fear. September is almost over, but I still have time to take advantage. To solidify the deal, I'll make a pledge -- if I don't come out in October with a new library card, I won't be able to buy another book for 6 months. If you know me, you know how hard that's going to be. I wish I could say I had some legitimate backers, so I could have a contest like Schmutzie here, and give something away as incentive for actually going the distance. But I don't have backers, and I'm pretty sure I don't have readers yet. So I'll have to settle for the next best thing: deprivation.
Anyway, please, join me (and I do mean in spirit if you do not happen to live near me) in getting to know your local library, and the awesomeness that is getting books for free.
And speaking of libraries...props to Arthur throwbacks.
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