Book Lovers Club
Comments
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I am going to recommend Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict. It's abut Clementine Churchill, Winston's wife. It's historical fiction, but all the incidents of a historical nature are absolutely true. She had a pretty difficult, but brilliantly interesting life. My only reservation would be that the Clementine of the novel did a little to much pontificating during her inner dialogs for me.
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Just finished Every Note Played by Lisa Genova. This is by the same author who wrote Still Alice, the fictional story about early onset alzheimers (it was also a movie). This fictional story is about ALS, a horrible disease that takes everything from you. Genova is a neuroscientist, and she writes a poignant story around someone who has the disease, using easily digested medical facts. One interesting fact in the supporting material was that the co writer and co director of Still Alice (the film) had ALS himself.
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Still Alice was so heartbreaking. We read it in my Book Club a number of years ago when it first came out. And now one of our members has been diagnosed with Alzheimers. I don't know if I am ready for an ALS book. Shortly before the lockdown, I went to a fundraiser for a local teacher (46 years old) who has been diagnosed with ALS. She is going downhill so fast....two absolutely devastating diseases.
On a brighter note, I just raced through The Wit and Wisdom of Churchill. So much fun, especially his slant on some of the well known people of his time.
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ruth...so glad you enjoyed The Wit and Wisdom of Churchill! What a firecracker!
Just before the virus episode unfolded we attended a funeral for a younger man who had ASL. Gone too soon...
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VR, I also chuckled over Churchill's obvious appreciation of large-bosomed women; which would be so politically incorrect now-days!
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ruth....fake media? 1905?
Speaking of libraries...today...had my first zoom library lecture! And...it was the library’s first zoom lecture AND it was The New York Historical Society’s very first zoom lecture! The topic was about New York’s contribution to WW II. It was based on an exhibit that they had a few years ago. I was very interested in attending, from my bedroom, since I recently read Victory City which explored the same topic. The lecturer, a docent from the Society had also read the book. The DH accompanied me to the lecture.....he enjoyed the lecture too since he also read the book, over my shoulder! We had so many arguments over the book. I begged him to borrow another copy of the book...but no...when we flew, I took the book with me and had to wait for him to finish reading the page BEFORE I could turn the page. VR is a much faster reader...oy
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Ha! DH and I can't even read the newspaper at the same time because either I am too fast or he is too slow (it depends on who you ask). There would be a divorce or murder if we had to do a whole book together!!
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ruth...there definitely was turbulence
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ruth...worse? When I am reading a book....Splendid and the Vile...and the DHsays...hurry up and finish it so I can read it. He drives me nuts! And then I go ballistic when I wake up and can’t find the book because he takes it from my clutches when I fall asleep....I don’t care that he takes it because I usually can find the book...but he loses MY page!
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Too funny! I feel your pain!
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I really like Genova but not sure I'm ready for an ALS book either.
Had to order a printer cartridge - so of course I had to toss in a few books. Finally - the CS Lewis book on reading. And another book on re-reading by VIvian Gornick. And I forget what else - sigh. Reports to follow but don't hold your breath. The shipment arrives approx 5/9.
I subscribe to about 8 magazines. Tuesday the mail man delivered every single one on the same day. Oh my - how to get behind.
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Yes, if you know or knew someone with ALS, do not read this book. It is very sad. My whole exposure to ALS has been from afar, and I dumped water over my head to raise money like a bunch of other people, but other than superficial things, I really didn't know much about the disease. This book really got down to the nitty gritty. A former co-workers husband had it, she was a very private person anyway, so most of us did not know about it until shortly before he died. After reading this book, I understand a little something of what she must have went through. Truly a disease that takes everything from you and those around you.
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My BFF knows I participate in this thread and asked if anyone had a recommendation for Valentine. She only reads on a Nook now due to vision problems, but this one has grabbed her interest. Anyone read it yet?
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Finished Defending Jacob by William Landay - I really liked this book, kept you guessing til the end. And I guess apple TV has made a mini-series out of it. Here is the Amazon tease for the book
Andy Barber's job is to put killers behind bars. And when a boy from his son Jacob's school is found stabbed to death, Andy is doubly determined to find and prosecute the perpetrator.
Until a crucial piece of evidence turns up linking Jacob to the murder. And suddenly Andy and his wife find their son accused of being a cold-blooded killer.
In the face of every parent's worst nightmare, they will do anything to defend their child. Because, deep down, they know him better than anyone.
Don't they?
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If you like history, I have a great book to recommend: American Rebels by Nina Sankovitch
I loved this book! It focuses on the Hancock, Quincy, and Adams families, all of Braintree, Massachusetts, who became leaders in the colonial movement to separate from England before the Revolutionary War. Along with the historical events going on, it lets you into their personal lives (what is taking John Hancock so long to marry Dolly Quincy? They've been dating forever! Will Josiah Quincy Jr., who suffers from consumption, survive long enough to witness the revolution he helped bring about? Will Sam Quincy side with the rebels or go over to the dark side? John & Abigail's first son is named for his great grandfather John Quincy, not his dad. etc. etc.). Another thing I loved about the book is that we get to know the women of these families, who were very important and very equal partners to their more famous fathers, brothers, husbands and/or sons. The author lists the cast of characters at the beginning of the book, and I wrote them down in a notebook so that I didn't have to keep paging back & forth, back & forth. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew them personally.0 -
Pat, I very much enjoyed Defending Jacob too. It kept me guessing right up to the very shocking end.
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I, too, enjoyed Defending Jacob and was kept guessing until the end. It made me think a lot about what it means to be a parent and the ways in which love for a child can threaten our basic beliefs. It was very thought-provoking. I am now ready to begin The Splendid and the Vile. Thanks to recommendations on this thread, I am really looking forward to reading it!
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Read The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes - so different from her Me before You series. About an English bride and traveling library (on horseback) in rural Kentucky in the 1930's. Very enjoyable book. Now reading Me, the Elton John biography. I'm a lifelong fan, was hoping to see his farewell concert this year in London, but that's not happening now
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Recently finished Atul Gawande's Checklist Manifesto (2009). I'd been wanting to read it ever since I read Being Mortal. I love how he writes - clearly and succinctly but always showing his human side.
It amazing how he got surgeons to accept simple check lists like airline pilots use. For example - item #1 is for everyone in the OR to introduce him/herself. Just that simple action makes the atmosphere more of a team effort.
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I read Checklist Manifesto also. I made the actions a priority when I was working. It does help you to focus and omit mistakes. I have been doing a great deal of reading during this time. The Pandemic Projects are driving me crazy! Anyway... most titles have been good, but not great. Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler was a sweet read. Her books have great characters. Afterlife by Julia Alvarez was a good read about a woman coming to terms with the death of her husband and the responsibilities of living. I am so grateful that our library has a great selection of downloadable ebooks. Happy reading to all
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Today marks the 125 anniversary of the New York Public Library.
Cheers!
and cheers to all of my fellow book lovers who love their public libraries.
Despite the closures, i am STILL going to mine! And a few others! Enjoying zoom lectures!
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I actually may have to check out the Genova ALS book. I really like the medical type fiction. Even though I had some issues with Still Alice. Loved Being Mortal.
I'm waiting on a couple of my authors to come out with something new.
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I just finished Educated by Tara Westover, all I can say is Wow! She persevered in spite of her off the grid upbringing and parents. It is one of life's great mysteries of how a person can be brought up one way yet become extremely high achieving as an adult. I think that she was wise to eventually leave that crazy clan behind although she did repeatedly return only to be abused by her brain damaged brother and to have her parents try to brainwash her into returning to the mountains. Goes to show you that no matter how badly parents treat a child, the child will remain loyal to their parents. I guess it is nature.
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I am now reading Ghost in the Mirror: Real Cases of Spirit Encounters by Leslie Rule (daughter of Ann Rule, author of many true crime stories, including about Ted Bundy), I do like books about spiritual encounters, I am also reading Before We were Yours by Lisa Wingate. I know that I should not read more than one book at a time, 1st one is on Amazon Kindle but 2nd via my public Library online service, but it will be due in 18 days, so I will have to speed read it! So far, both are really good and maintaining my interest.
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Happy Birthday NY public library. To so many who grew up in NY it was a wonderful place. I remember when the little library in N apartment moved to a lovely new building in the 50 s. I always carried 6 books 8 blocks home every week.my greatest joy was finally getting my library degree and a wonderful job for 25 years.
I read this terrific thread all the time and enjoy suggestions and information you share. Wishing you all a safe Memorial Day.
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Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. Having enjoyed A Man Called Ove and My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry, I was a bit put off by Britt-Marie Was Here and couldn't finish Beartown - the last two books seem to both be about loser towns and loser people saved by some sport or other and the language/place references were so generic, it wasn't clear in which the story took place.I figured I'd give him another try and am glad I did! Anxious People is cleary set in a small city in Sweden. A man commits suicide by jumping off a bridge, ten years later someone robs a bank and flees across the street ending up in an apartment being shown to several prospective buyers who they then take hostage. When released, the police interview the hostages. The story takes place over one day and each and every character is brought vividly to life and their interconnections are revealed. It was a very enjoyable read.
The Last Taxi Driver a novel by Lee Durkee. I think "a novel" is purposefully in the title so you know this isn't the true story of the author, who, like the main character, published one book many years previously and drove a taxi - yet you can't help but assume that LEE, the Author is LOU the cabbie. . From the front cover " ....is a darkly comic novel about a day in the life of an exhausted , middle-aged taxi driver about to lose his job to UBER, his girlfriend to lethargy, and his ability to stand upright to chronic back spasms" The Last Taxi Driver "careens through the hightways and backroads of North Mississippi as Lou becomes increasingly somnambulant and his fares increasingly eccentric". Surprisingly good!!!
The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild - an underemployed and lonely chef finds a painting in an antique shop to give to a potential boyfriend who doesn't show up for the birthday dinner she had planned for him. She attempts to find out more about the painting and in the process the reader learns about auction houses, galleries, art experts, how artwork is authenticated, the artwork stolen from Jewish families by the Nazis, how to cater themed banquets - a really good read.
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Now that my favorite used book store is back open, I hope to get over there soon and get some new books. Getting bored with re-reading all the ones I have at the moment.
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When I was in Philadelphia last fall, I became quite enchanted with Benjamin Franklin. I just got done with a fascinating biography of his life, The First American, The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H.W. Brands. What a guy!! I am in my History Nerd Mode..... next on the docket is Franklin & Washington, The Founding Partnership by Edward J. Larson.
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Whats funny is that I expected to be reading up a storm while staying at home. In fact I'm not reading 1/10th of what I usually do. Looks like others may not be either.
Just finished BEARTOWN by Fredrik Backman. (author of A Man Called Ove). The book is about ostensibly about ice hockey and what it means to this small town. But really it's about the people - rich men, single mothers, life goals, young men (and women), life's surprises & heartbreaks, honor, honesty, choices - in fact all the things our country is facing right now. I highly recommend it.
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