2012 Reading Highlights

Well, it's that time of the year when there is pretty much no year left, so we review everything that has happened since the last time there was pretty much no year left over. That lovely time when we say, "Oh, yeah! I remember that! Was that really this year?" My time flies.

In that spirit, I figured I'd make my contribution to the numerous looking-back lists that will inevitably bombard the internet. Here it is, some of my favorite reads of 2012, in no particular order:

Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George (fantastic author, by the by!)
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Receiving Answers to Our Prayers by Gene R. Cook 
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
As Far As You Can Go Without A Passport by Tom Bodett
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Princess Ben by Katherine Gilbert Murdock

What was on your list this year? And what do you plan to read next year?

What kind of magic do you believe in?

I apologize for the delay in posting. There was a sudden and abrupt, albeit temporary change in my situation. I have become the single, surrogate mother of 5 kids for a week, starting last Saturday. And the Friday before that, I went to see The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey right after work. So, it's been hectic. Anyway...

Last week I finished reading Far West by Patricia Wrede, and I thought this is an author I should highlight. I have read three of her series: Frontier Magic, Regency Magic, and the Enchanted Forest series. Now, as I read Far West, I was struck by the system of magic Wrede creates in the series. It's very unique, not necessarily in how magic works, or the actual nature of magic, but in how magic is controlled. And it isn't just one way, it's at least three, thus far int he series.

But not only did she develop three views of magic for this series, magic is very different in the Enchanted Forest, and even between characters in the Forest, in terms of how people use and control magic.

And finally, there is a very different style of magic in the Regency series. It involves objects a lot more than her other series, and is less and inherited ability. (And, I love this particular series for the way it was written. So clever!)

This author really impressed me. I mean, it is hard enough to develop one magical world. She has created three. Granted, a couple of them are set in alternate realities, so there is a kind of blueprint to work off of, but she still had to adapt to fit in magic. It is amazing. And, it gets you thinking about magic, and what it is and how we use it.

Which is a topic for another day, but in the meantime, Patricia Wrede is an author to read.

Watch what you read

Okay, I am an information professional and as such, I sometimes feel a responsibility to read books about information. You know how it goes--gotta stay up on things. I stumbled across an article about The Information Diet by Clay Johnson while doing research for work (it was one of the serendipitous finds of internet research). I had heard of this book before and after reading the article, I really wanted to read the book. My hold finally came in at the library (go libraries) and it is definitely worth reading. 

So, what is it about? Johnson basically compares the so-called "information overload" with obesity. This struck a chord with me, because I took a semester long class centered on information overload and was never really satisfied with their solutions (better technology! better organization! Better users? Not so much). There is quite a bit of fascinating information presented, and the comparison to obesity is really apt for the topic. 

Now, I'm not a huge fan of self-help books, and while this isn't a self-help book exactly, it does give recommendations to the user. But the author is very open about saying they are just suggestions, and each person will need to find what works best for them, which makes it easier to take. (Anyone who tries to sell me on a one-size fits all approach makes the skepticism flare up something awful, and that just brings on the mockery). 

Johnson's goal is to create a better informed populace. Too often we consume information the way we eat--we go for the 'fast food' of information, and what we get is overprocessed, high in 'calories', and low in mental nutrition. And because of that, that is the kind of information people create. He also points out that information consumption has physical effects that can be unhealthy, and so he provides some tips that can help us control our consumption and create better mental and physical health. 

One example: email. When we get an email, it effects our dopamine levels, and can affect our breathing and heart rate. We get a high from new emails. So then we check every ten seconds for new email to get that high. But that prevents us from focusing, and it messes up our balance. It's just not healthy. He recommends setting aside specific times (he has two) for checking email. I can say from personal experience, I'm a lot more productive if I don't keep my inbox open all the time, and I'm a lot better at actually dealing with my inbox if I'm not always in it. 

I'm not saying you should take everything in the book at face value, and I don't think Johnson is, either. But I do think there are some fantastic ideas in it that are worth considering. It can't hurt. 

Metaliterature

So, maybe metaliterature isn't really a word, and maybe it isn't what I mean anyway, but meta seems to be the thing, so how could I pass up the chance to metafy?

This week, I finished reading The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde. It's a good read. Not a "can't put it down" book, because I could put it down, but it did crowd out some other things I was reading, which I think makes it a compelling read at the very least, although I'm not sure I'd describe it as compelling in the connotative sense of the word. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

First, the biography of this book.
Genre: novel, sci-fi/alternate history, female protagonist, bit of a love story as a secondary plot, mystery/detective fiction.
Main character: Thursday Next
Setting: England, 1985
Premise: Time travel is a given, and this has interesting consequences on history and on literature. Then someone figures out how to travel into literature, and how to bring fictional characters into reality. Villain threatens to destroy famous piece of literature, and heroine's job is to stop him.

What really stands out about this book is the premise. What if we could travel into fiction and bring fictional characters into reality. The writing is good (it's not Dickens or Austen or anything, but it's good writing), the characters are likeable enough (although somehow I never feel like I really know Thursday Next. I think her dad is pretty fantastic, though. This may not be your experience though--who knows why I didn't connect with the main character). I will say that it helps to be familiar with the plot of Jane Eyre, and this may be part of why I felt a bit distant from the characters. I have read Jane Eyre, but it has been a long time, and I'm not extremely familiar with the plot or the characters. So when Rochester takes on a behind the scenes personality, I don't know how congruous it is with his character in the novel. You can get by with a vague idea of the plot, but I recommend brushing up on it. I think it would have improved the reading experience.

Like I say, though, what really snagged me was the premise. The idea behind the book is pretty original, and the author does a good job of not ruining a good plot idea. Nothing is so sad as a great plot with poor execution. (I myself am an idea person, but not necessarily an idea executioner, so I appreciate people who can take a good idea and make it the best it can be). I think it's an idea that can go a thousand directions, and I never would have predicted this particular direction, but I was intrigued and enjoyed it.

The premise also led the book to be literature about literature itself, although not in an analytical or academic way. There are continuous discussions by the characters about the true author of Shakespeare's plays and various poets and novels and so on, which possibly makes the book read like this blog--the author's opinion on various literary works. This thread is in and of itself an interesting thing to consider (and it reminds me of Don Quixote, which I should review at some point. Fantastic literature, that.) It's fairly overt metaliterature, so be warned if that kind of thing bugs you. But on the whole, it's just good light reading, and I'm planning on reading more Thursday Next novels.

And is it just me, or does Jasper Fforde kind of vaguely remind anyone else of Daniel Craig?

Black Fridayish

Okay, I know. It's not black. Or Friday for that matter. But you know how some people can find amazing bargains on clothes and shoes? Or there's that legendary grocery shopper who can get $400 worth of groceries for say, $50? I'm not either of those people. My shopping talent is books. So,  in honor of all those ridiculous black Friday shenanigans, today's post is going to cover some of my favorite ways of acquiring books.

1) As a gift. Plus side? Free. Down side? Not everyone knows my taste in books, so there is the long shot chance I'll get a book I will never read. It's never happened yet (unless you count the copy of The Host my roommate randomly gave me, because she had two copies, that I never read, mostly on principle, because I boycott Stephanie Meyer. On principle. My own principles, you do not have to follow suit or agree). One of the beauty about books is that they are generally one-size-fits-so-many.

2) Amazon. This is a great way to buy books, because you can get them used. Now, having Amazon prime can be a bonus, but I have often found that I can still get a lot of books in very good condition cheaper even after paying for shipping, so Prime is not essential. The other nice thing about amazon is it sets a good baseline price. It's almost guaranteed (generally speaking) that you can find a used copy for $4.00, so you know that for most books, if you find it for less than that, it's a good deal. Another plus is that you can often find great deals on kindle versions, which only require the software, not an actual kindle. So, if there is a book I like, but don't necessarily love enough to want a hard copy, but still don't mind owning a copy, this is a good alternative.

3) The library. How did this not make number two, you ask? Because I was thinking about owning, not borrowing. However, the library works for both ends. The library is a great way to give books test runs. I often find books that I enjoy, but don't necessarily want to own. Which makes the library an ideal way to access those books. The downside is that access depends on your library having the book, and the book being checked in. But other than that--awesome!

Libraries can also be a fantastic way to buy books. Again, this is somewhat dependent on the library, but if you get lucky, library book sales can be a gold mine, literarily speaking. (Yes, I made that word up, and you know exactly what I mean, ergo, according to the Elise Reynolds' rules of vocabulary, it is a real word). I have found some incredible steals at the library. Once, I picked up 19 books and a DVD for $20. But, like all bargain shopping, you have to be consistent to get good deals on books you might specifically be looking for. But, you are bound to find a nice fifty cent copy of a book that you wouldn't mind owning, even if it's not on your wishlist.

4) Half.com is another place I like to check. I use them as a comparison for amazon. And while I tend to buy through amazon, I definitely like to keep tabs on half.com. Sometimes,, with newer books, you can find better deals through them. And sometimes the shipping fee is lower.

5) Used Bookstores. Used Book Bookstores? Hmmmm. Anyway, this is a good way to buy books. Like I said, I tend to use Amazon as my baseline, and if I can find it for less at a used book bookstore (it's the books that are used, not the bookstore...) then it's a deal. And I feel good about supporting a small business. Which it seems used book Bookstores generally are. A win all around.

So, there you have it. Some acquisition strategies for book nerds. Tried and true--I replaced the four missing boxes of books (courtesy USPS--a story for another day) using these methods. And, if you have other suggestions for book acquisition, please let me know. My budget (hypothetical though it might be at present) will thank you.

High expectations

This week I watched The Hunger Games with my niece. I have read the books but I'm going to say up front, it's been a while (year and a half?). Anyway, I enjoyed the series--well, enjoyed may not be the right word, but you know what I mean. However, there were some people I know who didn't really like the last book, Mockingjay, because Katniss just wasn't the strong superhero overcoming all the odds that people expect.

I will admit that the third book has a very different feel to it. And no, she doesn't come off as the stereotypical heroine who never lets life get her down. But I don't think that is a bad thing. Because how many people are like that? And how many of you that have had a very hard challenge (or challenges, which is the case for a lot of people, unfortunately) appreciate a heroine that knows that life is hard and sometimes, enduring is a heroic feat? I sometimes feel like the heroine who is never stressed or teary or worn out with all the hardship is pretty shallow. I know that I get worn out by how hard life gets sometimes, and while I try to be the kind of person who always comes out on top, I also know that it's not that easy.

So, yes, I think Mockingjay is not what we expect or even necessarily look for in our heroic protagonists. But I don't think that is bad. I think there is value in showing that there are different types of heroism.

I also think that Mockingjay highlights the clash between Katniss's personality and what circumstances have forced her to become. Katniss was never very comfortable with attention, and never signed up to be an icon, and Mockingjay is all about Katniss the icon. The other books show us Katniss the survivor, which is her strength. Now the story is about Katniss the image, not Katniss the person and that changes things.

Now I feel like I should have this brilliant and witty conclusion (my english and lit teachers ruined me for life--I still cannot write anything without including some kind of conclusion!) but really I guess the moral of this post is that comparing books is fun, but sometimes it is interesting to weigh a book in the context of its characters and plot, rather than other characters and plots and such. The end.

Split second decisions

I recently had an interview and was asked to tell about the best decision and worst decision I've made, and the process I used to make the respective decisions. After the interview, I had this introspective moment where I had to wonder whether I would have answered the question differently if I hadn't just started listening to Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. The decisions I chose were both decisions made more intuitively, rather than reasoning through them, and parts of those decisions may or may not have been based on what Gladwell would term "rapid cognition." Which just so happens to be the topic of the book.

I've read Gladwell's stuff before and I've really liked the insights he gives. There's a certain logic to them, and I've seen his conclusions ring true. So, I was pretty confident I'd like Blink, and I was right. Lots of insights, and it kind of gives me a bit of ammo for when I feel like I have to justify some of my decision making processes or past decisions. He also explores the pros and cons of rapid cognition, how it can be a good thing, but the traps we need to watch out for. He doesn't give a checklist or anything for how to make it work--it's not a self-help book--but he does provide a lot of examples of how this can apply. I think basically, Gladwell's works give the reader a foundation. I come away from reading his stuff feeling like I know more, and because I know more, I'm more aware of my behavior and how it might be affecting me and others, and that in turn helps me modify the parts of my behavior that I feel could improve. So much better than having someone try to tell you how you should be.

So, no. I haven't really told you much about rapid cognition, or given examples or even a good synopsis of Blink. If I did that, you wouldn't have to read it, and he tells it way better than I do. I will say, if you are looking for some good non-fiction, Gladwell is a good author to check out, and Blink would be as good a place to start as any. But you might want to be careful about reading it in conjunction with an interview.*

*I will say, the interview went well--they asked for another one, so it would seem that despite my intuitive decision making, they liked me. 

Reading

As part of my job, I have been looking into Facebook and researching what it is. Which probably requires some explanation. No, I did not just crawl out of a cave, nor do I work in a cave. I work in an archive and my job is to save records of ALL types. Including digital ones, such as web pages. And social media. But, before I can save records, I have to know what the record is. So, what is Facebook? What can you strip away and still have Facebook? The ads? The banner? The background? Comments? Timelines? ???? That is what I'm researching, so I've been doing a lot of reading about social media and such and have found some really interesting articles. I've also been evaluating the extent of one of our web archive collections, to see how in depth our capture goes. Do we have all the pages, do they display the way we want them to, etc.

All my research and evaluating has cause me to think about the way the internet has changed how we read.

?????

When you pick up a book, you read a page. Then you turn it and read the next one. And the next. And the next. The pages aren't linked. You can skip around, but there is a limit to where you can actually go. Now, expand that to a library. You read a book. It refers to another book. You get that book. You read that book. Then you connect to another one. But there are still physical boundaries.

One of the things I love AND hate about the internet is that it is so non-linear. I read something on the internet. I click a link. Now I'm on a completely different site. I click another link. Another article, from another completely different site. It's messy. It's confusing. It's a giant maze, and there's no way to follow my trail back to the beginning. Of course, that can be said of the library experience, but it seems more possible to go back to the books I used two weeks later than to follow my internet trail two weeks later. When I search on the internet, I know I have to leave breadcrumbs somehow. (Yes, Hansel. Make a crumb of that link. And Gretel, email me that crumb). I mean, it's the internet. It's huge. Uncharted territory. Easy to get lost in. Sounds scary, right?

But there is something beautiful about the non-linear search. It's called serendipity, my friend. That beautiful "happy accident", where, through no planning of our own, we start at point A and end up at Number 929.* You know what I'm talking about. You sit down to find out the cost of new shoes and the next thing you know, you've learned that squirrels have tails specially constructed to protect them from the elements. It's like a conversation! (Oh, come on. You know you've had conversations like that). And maybe learning about squirrels isn't the most world changing discovery. But that same serendipity leads us to learn things that change the world.

So, to celebrate serendipitous discovery, I'm going to share with you an article I came across (which also talks about a book that I now want to read, so yes, it is relevant, even if it's a stretch) through serendipitous discovery. Enjoy!

*Archives do provide serendipitous experiences. Because an archive contains documents, not necessarily connected to one another, there is more of a non-linear approach to using archives. Archival collections aren't like books, where to understand Chapter 15, you probably need to have read chapters 1-14. A researcher in an archive can read documents from one folder, but skip other folders--or even documents--entirely. And, archival collections are only described at a very general, high level. Not every paper is mentioned in the catalog entry, or finding aid. So, the researcher has lots of opportunities to make their own discoveries. Go archives!

Literary Cuisine

Two weeks ago, I was opining about ebooks vs. printed books. Well, it just so happens that this letter appeared in my Google reader, and Harper Lee, who is obviously a more talented writer than me, expresses mutual sentiments about the printed page and reading in general much better than I do. So, read and enjoy. 

Other news in my reading realm: I'm a little bit excited because I have an ebook in the Apple iBookstore. It's not really all that amazing or anything. I got an offer through Blurb to upload an ebook for free, so I did. And then they gave me the option to send it to Apple, and I figured, what the heck, and what do you know, they approved it and put it in their store. And I do want to be published someday, so I guess this is a first step. But I want to be published by a publisher. 

I know that self-publishing can turn out some decent stuff, but I also know that there is value to having editors. Don't get me wrong--I've read some stuff that has gotten through a publishing house and wondered what on earth the editors were thinking. Still, there is something to be said for having professional editors. And somehow it feels more legitimate. Besides, I can't illustrate worth a darn, so that throws a kink into self-publishing. But we live in this technology age where the masses have a lot more say in things, and sometimes, that's not a good thing, because some people really like the fast food equivalent of literature. McDonald's is popular, but not necessarily good quality. 

At the same time, think about some of the classics. Why on earth are they classic? And some of the literature put out by the big publishers--I get that escargot is a delicacy, but that doesn't mean it's not disgusting. (I can't say I know from experience, never having eaten it, but it seems like there is some fine cuisine that is an acquired taste, and if you have to acquire the taste for it, it makes you wonder what you are doing to your taste buds in the process). 

Anyway, whatever your literary tastes are, don't be afraid to try something new. And I hope that someday, I write something that is at least of the nice, sit-down and dine quality. 

Ancient History

So, you know how people think history is a bunch of names and dates and is REALLY boring?  (Is that last part true? It seems to be the general stereotype). I personally don't find history boring, but I can see why a lot of people might. A history book can be awfully short on details and that personal touch. Which is one of the reasons for biographies and historical fiction. Case in point:

This week I read The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jacqueline Kelly. [Warning: if you read the author's bio in the jacket of this book, you run a high risk of developing a temporary inferiority complex!] I think I stumbled onto this book through the Amazon recommender system, but I'm not entirely sure. The recommender system is a hit and miss approach to finding new books to read, but assuming that's how I actually found this book, it paid off this time.

As I think of it now, I'm kind of surprised that the turn of the century from 1899 to 1900 isn't more of a highlight in history classes. I mean, come on. Turn of the century. It's a big deal. And this is a time period that gets overlooked in general, which is pretty ridiculous. Just to give you a taste of the historically significant issues this book addresses: changes in women's position in society, evolution and Darwinism, the development of the telephone, the post-Civil War era, Southern society, and science.

Admittedly, historical fiction is going to have limitations. Because it is fiction, authors are going to take some liberties in their writing, and Kelly makes a note of this in the Acknowledgements. But, what it does accomplish is it generates interest in an audience that might otherwise not care. I mean, look at that list of topics! So many ways to connect! And once a child (or adult!) has read about Darwinism in a historical fiction work, they may be interested in knowing more. So they learn about Charles Darwin, and his theories. Then they will find that he was controversial, and they might wonder why. And maybe they'll learn about the social values and context of Darwin's theories. And before you know it, they have learned some history!

So, nutshell: This is a really good book, and it presents a unique perspective on a time in history that on the surface, seems pretty dull, but is really quite fascinating.

I, (not a) Robot

Now I've probably gotten your hopes up and you are expecting a review on I, Robot. I apologize, that is not what you are in for today. No, today I am going to weigh in on digital versus hard copy. Mostly because on my other blog I was reminiscing on the good old days of laying on the floor looking at maps and atlases. You know, back in the good old days, before Google maps existed and the internet was something only academia and government knew about. (Yes, there was a time like that, and no, it was not that long ago. Relatively speaking). Besides, my reading list this week has consisted of a lot of Terry Pratchett, because I've really been in the mood for some humor and whimsy, and the Discworld just fills that niche so beautifully. I should also mention, I finished Mao's Last Dancer. I highly recommend it, and at some point I will write about the value of (auto)biographies in studying history. I will say, I learned a lot about life in Communist China, it is an inviting read, and be sure to look for the more recent editions, because there have been additions since its original publication date.

Alright. Digital versus printed. I confess, I am old school and I am biased towards print. It isn't quantifiable, but there is something different about holding a book, turning pages, feeling the weight and size and shape of the book in your hands. It is a more personal experience. I don't know why, but turning pages is really important. It seems like I've heard that the more senses you can use, the more something sinks in (don't quote me on that, because I don't know if it's true, but it does make sense. The more of your senses you use, the more pathways you are making in your brain, something like that). With printed materials, you can use sight, but also touch. And there is the possibility of smell, too, especially with older books. Maybe the what makes the difference for me, I don't know. All I know is that holding a book is a very different experience from holding an e-reader, and I prefer the book experience, myself.

That being said, there are things I really like about digital books. It's true that you can carry a ton of them and space is not an issue, although I have found that that isn't a very compelling argument. The only time that would be helpful is if I'm travelling, and if I'm travelling, I don't need oodles of books, because I'm going to be doing other things. And I can carry the books I need for reading while en route. One exception: class readings. Apparently, textbooks are a thing of the past, and pdf's and online readings are the way to go these days. (I earned a master's degree and purchased roughly five textbooks, and half of those are really compilations of articles that were published by various professionals. So, it was incredibly useful to be able to put those readings on one device and take them with me, because who wants to bust out the laptop on the 20 minute bus ride? And printing them all? Let's talk expensive. I will also say that digital books tend to be less expensive than printed ones, which is another distinct advantage.

So, I'm not completely opposed to digital books, and I own quite a few myself. But, my preference will always be the good old-fashioned print copy.

Kicking it old school

When I was a kid, I loved the library. We went on a field trip every year to the library, at least for most of grade school. Our library had these really cool murals, and this cool kids area with giant arches for the entrances. I remember browsing the shelves, and being part of a train on the tour of the library. I also remember the card catalogs and learning how to use them. One of my brothers would go in and check out every Dr. Seuss book on the shelf, or every Bill Peet book. Within a week, we'd usually read everything we'd checked out. I remember the yellow library card, the fish tank, and how exciting it was to go through the underpass on our way there (maybe that's really why we went to the library almost weekly during the summer--to go through the underpass!). I loved that library.

Sometime during my teenage years, our town built a new library. This one had a lot more open space for reading and studying, and of course had lots of computers. Gone was the card catalog. Gone were the murals and the cool arches. The books were all still there, but somehow it wasn't the same.

I have seen lots of other libraries since then. The local library where I did my undergrad, the university library where I did my undergrad, the university library where I did my master's, the library in Madison, Wisconsin, the local library where I did my master's. Let me tell you, the local library where I did my graduate degree? Tough to beat. Beatable, I'm sure, but it's a good library. Five branches, pretty fantastic programming, lots of resources. I imagine they have to be good, seeing as the university here offers a library science degree. I look at libraries with a little more discrimination now, and I realize how meager my hometown library is in comparison (seriously, their movie and audiobook collection could use some expansion, but that's just my snobbish opinion, and I do acknowledge that they probably know what their patrons need and want).

Granted, I now have a much better understanding of libraries, both from a patron's perspective and a professional's perspective, and technology has advanced and a lot has changed over the years, there is one thing that my first library had that hasn't changed much in any library I've been to. I don't know how to explain it, but there is a kind of magic about the library. Something about walking in and seeing all those books and feeling at home. I just hope that my hypothetical kids feel that same thrill  someday. Because that is really what a library is about.

Finishing

It is really satisfying to finish books, especially ones that are on your to-read list. This week, I finished a few books, most of which were on my list, including:

Maphead, by Ken Jennings: Good read. Not a geography textbook, more a look at the history of geography, the uses of it, how it's changed, and the quirks of people into geography. Don't think you'll come away with a basic knowledge of the world map. Instead, you'll come away wanting that knowledge. Don't be intimidated. Jennings' style is light and entertaining.

Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis: First thing you think of when you hear C.S. Lewis? Narnia and books on Christianity. Science fiction? Not so much. But, he did author a sci-fi trilogy. I started reading it, then lost my copy (fortunately it was a 50 cent copy. Still, sad) and had to check out a copy from the library. I think having read it over so much time made it a bit harder to follow, but at the end, I really wanted to know what happens next. So, looks like at some point, I'll be picking up the next book. True to his style in The Chronicles of Narnia, there are religious overtones. It's interesting to read sci-fi from so early (mid 1900's), and to try to imagine what Lewis envisioned as he wrote. Also interesting, because he's writing about a man who visits Mars (hope that's not too much of a spoiler), which probably seemed impossible then, but we've got stuff on Mars now. There are lots of dimensions to explore here.

Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer Holm: This is one of those books that just tells a story. There's no overt moral or theme or lesson. It is just a story about life in Florida during the Depression. Written for the upper grade school age (by my estimate), it is an enjoyable read. Good style, the characters are real and believable. Now, as far as plot goes--don't expect a plot. This book is like life. It just unfolds. I like books like that, and this one is a good one.

Princess Ben, Catherine Gilbert Murdock: I don't know why I'm so into fairy tales rewritten lately, but it seems like I am. Think retelling of Sleeping Beauty crossed with an element of Snow White and a tower factor (Rapunzel, anyone?), with references to a lot of other fairy tales. Young adult girls will definitely like it. Not all retellings are equal, but this is on the high end of the scale.

Don't think I wasted any time filling up my list, though. I've been investigating the Hamish MacBeth books by MC Beaton, I'm enjoying some Terry Pratchett, and I've got Mao's Last Dancer on the list.
 Fingers crossed, soon I'll have less time for so much reading because I'll have a job, but in the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy things.

Hope I haven't bored you too much--I'll come up with something really exciting for next week!

The way things should have been

This week I read Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted. Mostly I was intrigued to find out how the author would make the premise work. I think this is a book that has an audience, and it is good as far as that goes, but if you have qualms about people introducing changes to books you love, proceed with caution. Because the whole premise of this book is changing a classic plot.

While it wasn't the most riveting book I've ever read, it did introduce a new way to look at a classic book, Little Women and pointed out things I have never thought about. For example, this author thought that Little Women is very episodic and jumps from plot point to plot point, and it seems like that was weird to her. It's really not that weird, if you think about it--do you want to read a day to day account of the characters in a book? But it did present an interesting perspective.

Baratz-Logsted also felt that the Laurie-Amy romance was all wrong. I disagree with that analysis, but that's not the point. The interesting thing is that it was this that led her to write the book, which basically asks the question, "If you could change a book, what would you change and how?" I don't generally think that way, myself. To me it's like asking what if about life questions, which is pretty unhelpful. Especially since 'what if' is never guaranteed. Even if you could go back and choose b instead of a, it doesn't mean that you would have outcome d instead of c. You could still get c, or you might get f, or mm, or 38. Anyway, it is interesting to consider what you might change about a book. I haven't come up with any specific books or done any major analysis or anything, but my general reflection is that the books that I love the most are the books I wouldn't change anything about. It is the books that I don't like that I want to change. Which seems pretty obvious. But usually the books that I don't like are books that, for me, have holes in the plot or poor writing, or just don't hold up. It's generally that the book doesn't seem well-written, not that I just happen to disagree with an author's plot choice. But still, it is interesting to consider.

So, any books that you would definitely change?

Books to suit your mood

Have you ever just not been in a mood for a book? Or needed a book to fit a certain mood? I finished one last night, and it was the perfect book if you want to cry. I wouldn't have guessed that I was in the mood to cry, but it felt good to shed a few tears.

The book was See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles. I have never read anything by her, so I don't know what her other books are like, but this one I recommend. Up front, I will tell you it deals with a couple of heavy issues, namely death and homosexuality. But she deals with them beautifully, and I think it is a good book for it's age group--teens (particularly early). From my coursework in graduate school, and just because of the world we live in, homosexuality is an issue that can't be tucked under the rug. It is a topic that brings up strong emotions in a lot of people, and while a parent should never leave education to books or others, this book I think does a really good job of introducing it, showing some of the tension around the issue, and it does it without preaching. I think the author managed to stay fairly neutral, not imposing her views, but just presenting it as a reality. The other issue, death, was also well dealt with, showing some of the feelings and the grieving process. And because the book focuses on a family, there is a good spectrum of reactions. Knowles did a really good job showing real reactions.

The characters in this book are very relatable, which I think in a book of this style is important. When dealing with hard topics, I don't want to read about someone who is practically inhuman in their approach. I like to read books that help me feel not alone in the world when I'm dealing with hard stuff. If the plot is based in reality. (Fantasy and science-fiction have a little leeway in that regard). At the same time, I don't want characters who go to the other extreme. Knowles strikes a good balance.

Anyway, it's good to have your books for all occasions. You know, books to read when you need a laugh, when you are sad, lonely, stressed, bored, etc. People talk about how books are your friends, and while a book can never replace a person for me, there is a lot of comfort in reading a familiar story. I think that is one of the powers of books. Not a bad power.

Bookshelves

When I was a kid, the library was a staple. We had books at my house, but my memory (which may be less than a completely factual recall , it should be noted) tells me that the majority of them were textbooks from my parents college days, religious books, which as a child were less than stimulating (though they are highly appreciated by me now), or other rather adult tomes that were of little or no interest to a young mind that craved fiction.

The result of that is that I am a book collector. For example, I am stocking up on books from the library right now, while I have access. I highly doubt I'll finish them all, but I am going to try. Admittedly, some of them are less than scholarly. I read a fair amount of young adult fiction. (There are reasons for this--1) I consider this research. 2) I have to have good recommendations for my nieces and nephews). But I do try.

Anyway, I have tried over the years to make my bookshelves of interest to folks of all ages, so that, should I someday have children of my own, they will be able to find something on the shelf to dig into. And I try to have books so that as they get older, there will still be something on the shelf for them. Because books are beautiful things and one of the best things to share.

stupidity

This week, for some reason I don't now recall, I read Stupid American history : tales of stupidity, strangeness, and mythconceptions by Leland Gregory. I can't say it was a horrible book. I mean, it was quick and easy to read. But about half of the bits of trivia were corrections of misconceptions, right (Thus the 'mythconception' in the title)? And is it just me, or doesn't it seem like if you are going to correct something and establish a fact, you would provide a resource? No resources. None. Zero. No citations (other than a random handful--four or five--that were dropped in with the fact). How do I know it is true? How can I be sure it's not made up like the previous misconception? I was a little disappointed. Maybe it's because I'm an archivist and so I feel like these things should be documented.

It was also interesting (and again, this is the archivist me) that there were certain facts that were hearsay. For example, what Benedict Arnold may or may not have said on his deathbed. One story says one thing, but because his wife wrote down a different account, that must be true. Well, just because something is written doesn't make it true. And his wife may have had reasons not to be truthful about his last words. Or she may be right. Who knows? I wasn't there, and neither was this guy, and since there is no citation of his source or why it should be trusted, who knows what is true? That is the beauty of history. It's so spinnable.

Anyway, I've also read some other books. I started Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis (who knew he did sci-fi?), read The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, which I really enjoyed. Juvenile fiction, story about a gorilla with a mission. Nice heartwarming story, interesting perspective, gets you thinking a little. I've been listening to a few books on CD--most notably the Artemis Fowl series, an oldie but goodie that I can read over and over again. I've taken a bit more time to dig in to some reading, which has been nice. I still have an enormous book list, but in time. I'm glad that reading has felt more relaxing lately. Always a plus.

Anyway, I hope that you have enjoyed some good books lately, and that you'll overlook the archival rant!

The dirt

A while back, I attended a conference at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum which got me interested in Gerald R. Ford (whose birth name was Leslie King Jr, did you know?). Well, while browsing at the library one day, I came across a book called Write It When I'm Gone by Thomas DeFrank. Background: Tom DeFrank was a journalist assigned to cover Ford. They became good friends, and DeFrank received permission to have off-the-record interviews with Ford and print them after Ford's death.

This book is really fascinating. I thought it might be a bit of a time commitment to read, but it went very quickly. First off, even though he has his quirks, you can't help but like Ford. He was a truly decent guy. A bit too committed to the party for my taste, but he wasn't partisan. He believed in Republican values, but I don't think he was like politicians today, who put party before the good of the people they represent. I don't know for sure, but that's an impression I have.

Also, you learn a lot about other presidents. Keeping in mind it is one man's opinions, it still helps you to round out the picture of people who are usually very able to control their image and public perception. But you still get some insight into what these people were like when you strip away the position.

It is also interesting to get a glimpse into the life of a former president. I don't know that we really think about it (and why would we?) but it was really interesting. It never occurred to me that there are only 44 people who can claim to have been the President of the US, and at any given time, there are only maybe 4 or 5 living people who can say they were once in that office. That is a very very small minority.

Anyway. This is really a good read. It gives a lot of insights into events that aren't part of the past of the up and coming generation. It will give you a lot of new topics to explore and give a glimpse into the life of a decent person, who just happened to be a politician. Now that's rare.

It makes you think

One of the great things about reading is that it gets you thinking about a lot of things. So, here are some things books have got me thinking about this week:

1) Historical accuracy. How do we know an author is portraying an accurate representation of a time period and not imposing current values on a past era?
2) Love. What is love, really, and what does it mean to love? How does one balance oneself and love?
3)Truth and honesty. Why would anyone want to live a life where they can't tell what is real and what isn't? Isn't it hard enough to understand reality without adding complications?
4) Being okay with oneself. How do we like ourselves when the people close to us don't seem to? How do we resist the pressure from others and see ourselves as we really are?
5) Suspension of belief. At what point does an author cross the line and expect us to believe more than is possible?
6) How does a book become a classic?
7) Why does this book have so much filth in it? Is it possible to accomplish the same thing without the trash? 

These questions, and many others, brought to you by:
Elegy for Eddie, by Jacqueline Winspear
Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale
The Trouble With May Amelia, by Jennifer L. Holm
Catch-22, by Joseph Heller (I did not finish this book. I got about halfway through, and was just not really finding it that great. So I took advantage of the fact that it was due and I couldn't renew it and dropped it off early. I wanted to read it because everyone knows the catch-22 phrase, and it seems like it should be read, but I found that knowing what a catch-22 is is sufficient).

The truth about Librarians

This week's post is brought to you by some guests: my nieces and nephew. They are getting ready to go on a trip, and I got to play librarian and find some books on CD. When I told them I'd checked out Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, by Brandon Sanderson, they couldn't wait for their trip to start and listened to it last week. So, in their words, here is what they had to say about the book:

"This book is very entertaining. It has a clever plot, awesome characters, and epic talents. It gives you new insights into why authors write books. You should check it out because it's awesome and entertaining, especially to listen to. My favorite character is Bastille. She's a knight and knights are cool. " Belba*, age 12 (almost 13).

"My favorite part is when Alcatraz's grandpa and Blackburn duel with the lenses. Quentin is my favorite character. He can't say anything that makes sense and he predicts the future." Dudo, age 7.

"I really liked the dinosaurs. [This is one of my favorite parts, too, in case you care] I liked all the characters. This book is funny and entertaining." Ruby, age 10.

"My favorite part is when Sing trips when he is in danger. I like Alcatraz." Dimple, age 5.

So, there you have it. You don't have to trust me, or those dudes on the jacket. Trust the kids who read it, and check out Alcatraz!

*Note: These are not their real names. But they ARE real people. I promise.

Dragons, gods, and playing librarian

Today is a hodge podge of topics, but there you have it. I'm working on breaking from the whole trend of order and cohesiveness that has been ingrained in me since my formative years in high school, if not sooner.

Recently I was introduced to a fantastic picture book, You've Got Dragons, by Kathryn Cave. This book came along at just the right moment for me. At first, you read it and you think it's about a kid who wakes up to find there is a dragon in his life. But, as you keep reading, you discover it's not about a kid. It's about you. And I hope when you read it, you are dragon free, but if not, this will give you hope. Don't be fooled by the books appearance or location in the children's picture book section at the library. This is very much a book for everyone.

I also finished reading Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. This is a great book for thinking about religion and faith, and there are some very profound statements and ideas. Now, I'm very committed to my faith, which teaches me that truth can be found in many places. And there were some good truths in this book. I don't know what Pratchett's view on religion and faith and God is, but I do know mine. And, when I have the opportunity to see other people's views, it makes me reflect on my own. I have found that it doesn't change my view, but reinforces my belief and shows me how to not get caught up in meta-religion. I think that is a good term for what takes place in Small Gods. Pratchett doesn't describe it that way, but that is what it is. Meta-religion. A religion about the religion, if you will. (Don't worry, it will make sense if you read the book). I have enjoyed Pratchett's books, and while I haven't read an overwhelming amount of them, this one is now one of my favorites.

My sister is getting ready for a lengthy road trip with her family and I was recruited to help find some audiobooks for their trip. I've also been able to pick out a book for all of my nieces and nephews to read while they are camping for a week. I think I have found one--The Squire's Tale, by Gerald Morris. It's a terrific book--funny, characters you can appreciate, a bit of poking fun. Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing librarian and selecting books that would satisfy two adults and at least three kids, hopefully 4, ranging from ages 7-12 (and possibly age 5). Made me feel like I had a skill, or talent. Not that I think it is a special skill. I'm pretty sure anyone could do it, but I had a good time, and it was great to see the kids get excited. I guess that's part of the point of this blog--to get people excited about books and to spread the news about good ones. Well, at least good ones I've read. I like to give authors a boost--they work hard and deserve a plug.

Anyway, that's it for now, but I'll come up with something good for next week. In the meantime, grab a book and go outside and enjoy some sunshine.

Stories never told

Tonight, my nieces and I were trying to envision Harry Potter in 60 seconds. I'm not sure it can be done, but if anyone does manage it, let me know. I'd love to see it. Anywho [that is deliberate--a bit of colloquial Elise], we got off on this really odd tangent in which we discussed entertaining Harry Potter scenarios. For your enjoyment.

Snape's Shoulder Angels:
Angel-"Be nice to Harry. He's Lily's son."
Devil-"So what! He's James' son too. Give him a detention!"
Angel-"Don't kill Dumbledore! Killing is bad."
Devil-"Yeah, don't kill him. Let Malfoy do it. He doesn't know Dumbledore will die anyway."
Angel-"Wait! Ethical dilemma! Must...not..." Poof! Angel explodes.

Bellatrix needs a spa day:
Sirius to Bellatrix, at the ministry of magic (before he dies): "Bellatrix, cousin, you're looking a bit ratty. You know, you really should take some time for yourself. Here's a gift certificate. Treat yourself to a spa day. You deserve it."
It is quite possible that the real reason she killed Sirius is because of this comment. Bellatrix always dresses up for confrontations with the Order of the Phoenix. She had spent hours on her hair, and Sirius foolishly thought she'd woken up late and hadn't had time to shower. What he took for a bad case of bedhead may have lead to his demise.

Dumbledore on vacation:
Dumbledore at the beach, as a surfing star. Or Dumbledore in Paris, wooing the women. Or Dumbledore at a rodeo--bring on the bucking bronco. Dumbledore on Safari. On a magical safari. So much potential.

Voldemort with hair extensions. Enough said.

Voldemort at the psychiatrist's:
Psychiatrist: I believe you have an unhealthy fixation with that Potter boy. You can't stop talking about him.
Voldemort: Aveda Kedavra

What does McGonigal do when no one is around? Step Aerobics! "Come on ladies, get those arms up!" Tartan leotard, baby.


Clearly, there are numerous untold stories here.  Also, very clearly, we were enjoying ourselves waaay too much. If you believe that sort of thing is possible.

What makes a story

There is a game called Rory's Story Cubes, that my nieces and nephews have been playing lately. It's an interesting enough game, and I like the concept. Basically, you roll the dice, and make up a story using the pictures. So, what tends to happen is people create links between the items. "There was a mouse, and he found a key, and it opened the door, and then aliens took them to their pyramid on Mars." Something like that. It is connecting things, but a story is more than just taking elements and linking them together.

A story needs a plot. Things happen, there are reasons and results, people/characters change, they act, they do and say things. The 'elements'--pyramids, aliens, keys, mice--all become important because the story is affected by them. They become significant. The pyramid matters because of the reason we are there, and what we do there. Without the pyramid, the story becomes very different. When we are just linking objects together, that doesn't happen.

Of course, with the game, no one wants to sit around waiting for us to create a real story. That would probably take longer than we want. But a skilled story teller could create a story where even the most eclectic items become pivotal in the plot. It is magical.

A Twist

This is an experimental post. My niece was recently "encouraged" to read Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. And while she was reading, she entertained me with the chapter headings. So, I have NOT read Oliver Twist. I have no idea what it is about. (Shocking, I know, and criminal, but I have at least acquired a copy of it). But in reading through the chapter headings, we both decided it would be really funny to summarize Oliver Twist using only the chapter headings. So, here goes:

Once upon a time, there was a boy named Oliver. He had a childhood and grew up and got a job. He met some new acquaintances, but it turns out they weren't the best influences on him, which he learns the hard way. Then he met someone on his way to London, who was much better for him. Life was going pretty good, but some people were a little jealous. So they plotted, and Oliver got entangled in some not so good things, possibly including burglary. At this point, Oliver gets in with some good influences, and life is good, for a while. Then there is a new and unhappy adventure, and there are many more surprises. Death, unraveling of mysteries, marriage, the end.

So, there you have it. Oliver Twist in a nutshell. Full of plot twists, dynamic characters, and quality writing, I'm sure. If you read it before me, let me know what you think.

But wait! There's more....

This week, I finished listening to The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. It was terrific, especially if you like history. I really wanted to see the movie, but couldn't for the simple fact that I have this standard of no R movies. So, I did the next best thing--or maybe the better thing--and listened to the book. It was terrific. You get your British history, your world history, your WWII history, your medical history (the history of speech therapy), a lot of biography, and your speech therapy/psychology. Highlights:
-King George VI was a really good person. There have been a lot of rotten rulers from a lot of countries and from every time, but this guy was a pretty stand-up person. It's always great to read about a quality person.
-The perspective people had on stammerers and speech 'defects' (not my phrasing). It is kind of mind boggling. The trend was to treat it all as a psychological problem. So, Lionel Logue approached it as a physical problem, and it got some good results. Of course, there is a psychological element--any physical problem has psychological effects. But Logue helped people move past the physical problem, and that resolved any psychological side effects.
-Score one for archivists! This is a great example of how valuable our records can be.
Verdict: Well written story, definitely a worthwhile read.

But wait...there's more!
I also finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. So, I have mixed feelings about this one. It was interesting, and I would say it was good, but to say it was good seems the wrong approach. And it isn't really a question of did I like it or not. This is one of those books that just doesn't fit into the regular categories. 'Good' and "liked it' don't seem to be the right words. Should you choose to read it,you should know it is a bit risque, on the surface, but there is more to the story than that, and that is not what the story is about. -Ask people you trust, people who know you and your standards before you read it. There are a lot of really interesting issues addressed in the book, but the route it takes may not be up your alley. (I don't know if there is any other route that could have been taken).
Verdict: I liked the book. I think Atwood is a good author. But read with caution.

But wait...there's more!

I am currently listening to Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan To Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. It is fascinating! I think I mentioned that this was a random choice at the library. But it turned out to be serendipitous. So far, the book has covered Google's dedication to openness, their approach to business, their growth, the Google Books project (which, I have heard a lot about, but this was a new perspective), Google translate (so interesting!), and the acquisition of YouTube. Just to name a few topics. I am learning a lot about Google, which, given it's huge presence in the world, can't be a bad thing. I haven't finished the book yet, but I definitely like it. I think the major disappointment is that the book was published in 2008, so there are 4 packed years that aren't covered!
Verdict: A delightful surprise, I'm really glad I pulled it.

But wait! One more...
I am also reading A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle. An oldie but a goodie. I have read this one before, but it's been a while, so I'm doing a reread. I have a niece who has been dragging her feet about reading this one, but I've got to get her to read it. It's terrific, so far. (But having read it before, I know it's good). I think I'm going to have to read more of L'Engle's books, though.
Verdict: A must read for everyone.

But wait! Just kidding. That's all for now. I did remember one more book I'm listening to, but I'll save that for later. I think I've reviewed enough for now. So, there you go. Happy reading!

Not in the mood

I'm in the middle of multiple books right now, but not quite done with any of them. I finished Starship Troopers, by Robert Heinlein last week, and I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for military sci-fi, it's a must read. If you are looking for a young man coming of age book, it's also a must read.

Anyway. Have you ever had one of those times when certain books just aren't fitting your mood? I usually read a pretty decent amount of young adult fiction. (Hey, I'm an aunt of young adults, I have to keep up on these things!) It's quick and easy, clean (generally), and some of the best, most thought provoking literature was written for this audience. (One example: The Giver by Lois Lowry, amazing dystopian novel. Definitely thought provoking. And it looks like they are making a movie of it!) Well, I had a couple of books checked out for this age group, and I started reading them, and I just couldn't get into them. One of them was just too over the top: fifteen year old girl on her way to an interview as a governess, worrying about the most ludicrously impossible things in the world. Way too dramatic. The other one had a potentially good plot, but I just couldn't get into it. I just wanted something deeper, something on my level. So I made a decision. I returned the books to the library and didn't read them.

Sometimes, I have moods in literature. And it seems like when I am in those moods, I can never find the book I'm looking for (what is it with unsatisfied cravings?!). Fortunately, this mood is pretty broad: I just want stuff that isn't written for teenagers or grade school students. I have discovered, though, that my list of adult fiction authors is pretty sparse. But, on the bright side, there is lots of space to fill, so I can experiment and find lots of new authors to enjoy. If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears (eyes? Since I'm assuming you'd mention them in the comments?) And I'll let you know what I discover, too. Serendipitous discovery--one of the great joys of reading. (ah, another post topic...)

Survival Guide

I am currently commuting all over the planet, and this week, I finished How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu. (Cross one off my to read list)! When I was googling to find a link, a lot of reviews turned up. So, I guess we will add another one to the list. Although, I'm not sure I'm very good at doing reviews.

So anywho...living in a sci-fi universe. If I had to sum up this book, I would say "meta". Which is entertaining, because in my field, meta is big, but anyway, back to meta and sci-fi. I think i was expecting a spoof of the sci-fi genre, and if that is what you are looking for, this is not the right book. Although, it does have references to books and authors, like Ursula LeGuin and Star Wars. Everyone wants to be Han Solo. But not nearly as many as I'd expected. Instead, the book seems to use literature and time travel to discuss literature and time travel. Ergo, meta. It's interesting, and I enjoyed it, and it has a unique approach. But in the end, I think the real story is less about time travel and science fiction, and far more about living life to the fullest.

Which makes me wonder. If you strip away all the science fictional aspects of a story, what is really at the heart of it? I think there always has to be something that people can relate to, a very human story that draws us in. (I may have to explore this in a post at some point). But in this book, that story line is somehow more obvious.

I did enjoy the book, even though it wasn't what I expected. (Jacket summaries don't always correlate to the actual book. Have you ever noticed that?) It's not my all time favorite, but I'd pick it up and read it again. And i think next time, I'd definitely read it. It was a fun listen (I did the Book on CD) but I think I want to read it next time. Seeing words helps you focus. Trying not to get run over by semis is a bit distracting. Of course, nothing like a good book to help you recover from almost being run over by a semi!

Watcha Readin?*

I had a brilliant idea for a post, and now I can't remember at all what it was. Which is why I should write things down. I'm sure at some point in my life it will come back to me. Anyway, since I haven't really finished any books this week, and summer is here, I thought I would post on some of the books on my to-read list. It should be noted that this is not a comprehensive list. This is just the books I have checked out from the library at present and plan on reading/listening to.

How to Live in a Science Fictional Universe, by Charlie Yu. (cd)
I came across this one randomly and it seemed interesting. I don't know how it will turn out, since I don't know of anyone who has read it before, but it will be an adventure.

The Te of Piglet, by Benjamin Hoff.
I read The Tao of Pooh for a college class, and I really enjoyed it, and not too long ago, I discovered this book and I am hoping to find this one as enjoyable. As far as I know it builds on The Tao of Pooh so I am sure I will enjoy it. Same topic, same approach, I think, so I can't go wrong.

The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. (cd)
I really wish I could have seen this movie, but I am kind of a baby when it comes to ratings. I watched another movie about the same story and I figure, books usually top movies anyway.

Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan to Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. (cd)
This is another random shelf pick. But, since I studied information science, it seemed somewhat relevant, and I figured, why not?

The Brenner Assignment: The Untold Story of the most Daring Spy Mission of World War II, by Patrick K. O'Donnell.
This one is an Amazon recommend book. But, it's about World War II and spies, so how can you go wrong?

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters, by Lesley MM Blume.
Another Amazon recommend, and yes, young adult fiction, but I have to keep current. I have a lot of nieces counting on me for book recommendations. 

Write It When I'm Gone: Remarkable Off-the-Record Conversations with Gerald R. Ford, by Thomas M. deFrank.
So, I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Grand Rapids, home of the Gerald R. Ford Museum which created some interest in Gerald Ford (whose real name was not Gerald Ford. Who knew?) The other day, I had a chance to do some browsing at the library and remembered I wanted to learn more about Ford. This book was on the shelf, so it won.

Nicholas and Alexandra, by Robert K. Massie.
This one was recommended by a friend of mine. She said it was really good, and I do like history, so I  checked it out.

A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle.
I have read this one a long time ago and have been wanting to read it again. I also want my niece to read it, and checking it out was a good way to accomplish that.

This seems like a very adult list, which I must admit, is not at all typical for me. But, I felt like I needed to challenge myself a bit. And I do have a box of books I brought with me when I moved (most of my books are in storage), and there are some fun ones in there, so I have plenty to mix it up a bit. Now I just need to do some reading!

*This is, of course, a reference to Disney's Phineas and Ferb. Excellent show, I recommend it.  Gotta give credit.

I can relate to that

I am a fan of Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me. It makes me laugh and I take all the laughter I can get in my life. Each week, as they introduce the panelists, they often refer to books the panelists have written. I'm not sure why, but I decided to actually read something written by Tom Bodett. I was pleased to find that the library had some of his books, and checked out As Far as You Can Go Without a Passport. It was a very short and quick read, consisting of commentaries Bodett wrote back in the 80's (a time during which I was alive) for a local radio station. Each commentary became a chapter in the book and they were all about a page to a page and a half, which means that you can actually make progress in those spare five minute segments of life. But even better, it was a delightful read.

Bodett just writes about everyday, normal life. He writes about grocery shopping without a list, about family, friends, the missing sock phenomenon, and people in general. It's hard to choose which essays (which read like columns in a paper, not essays, really) I like the best, because they were all so relevant. For example, the essay about being in his thirties. Rather than feeling old and burned out, he expresses how great life is, and how exciting and full of possibility. I feel the same way. I am not young anymore, but I don't want to be. I like where I am at in life (on a general level. Some of the specifics I have issues with, but most of the time, not to a degree to sweat it). I also loved the essay about getting passionate about a cause. It just takes too much energy, and it seems like there are so many better things to be occupied with. Bodett manages to express it so perfectly.

While he does poke fun at the way people work, he also expresses a down-to-earth gratitude, such as in the when he writes about pregnant women, or the Group That Notices Things. Those chapters make you want to be a better person and leave you feeling good about humanity.

As the introduction to the book says, it's a normal book written about normal things by a normal guy. Which is almost a rarity anymore, if  you think about it. But don't let all that normalness fool you. It's a pretty simple book but it's a keeper. 

Ah, love

I recently finished reading a book and there was something about the romance plot line that I just didn't like, and I just couldn't figure out what it was that I didn't like about it. And then it hit me. It was just too much of the romance genre romance. I don't mind the love story plot. There is nothing wrong with a good old bit of romantic interaction. But, there is a difference between romance and the romance genre, and I just don't do the romance genre. Generally the writing style is obvious, the action is shallow, and it just doesn't work for me. And that is what I didn't like about this book. Everything else worked, but the romance was a huge detractor for me. It distracted from the major plot and I think it weakened the story.

As I said, I never mind a bit of romance. People falling in love is always a happy thing. One of the greats for adding romance is, remarkably, Agatha Christie. Honestly, Poirot? Brilliant detective, but his other hobby is matchmaking. It's impressive. He's such a sucker for love.

I can't actually think of any other romance books right now, but I do enjoy the more organic approach rather than the spontaneous and passionately crazy love. For example, I don't really buy the Cinderella love story, but I do like Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted. This is a much more believable love story. And, a lot more fun.  Little Women is another great romance story. The way the characters fall in love is so normal, natural, and believable, that you just gotta like it. And Jane Austen, for all the stereotypes she gets, really does know how to do a love story.

Anyway, I clearly haven't read a ton of romance/love stories, but a love story done right is a pleasure to read.

Real life read

This week, I finished reading Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt. I have read a couple of his other books, and enjoyed them, so I decided to give this one a go and it was fantastic.

This book is technically Young Adult fiction, but I feel like it falls into the genre of "real life fiction." Meaning it could actually happen.What makes the book stand out, though, is Schmidt's ability to bring the characters to life. Doug, the main character, is the narrator, and as the story progresses, it is hard not to feel and relate to what he feels. You can feel his frustration when good things start to happen and are then followed by bad things and you begin to figure out how his mind works, the way he acts tough to cover for things.

Another of Schmidt's successes with this novel is his cast of teachers and adults who care. As Doug struggles with family problems and other personal difficulties, it is hard not to feel gratitude for the science teacher who lets Doug  be free from the reputation of his brother, the librarian who takes the time to teach him drawing, and more. By the end of the book, Doug has won everyone over, and it is cool to see how he makes choices to be different from his less-than-ideal family role models.

It was also interesting to read about the time period, when putting a man on the moon was in the works. I grew up post-moon landing, so I think I always take it for granted that we put people on the moon. But Okay for Now gives a new perspective on what it must have been like to live then.

I really haven't done this book justice, but it is really a fantastic read and I highly recommend it. You'll come away feeling like the world is an okay place.

Talking the talk

I am happy to report that I finished The Blue Sword and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I also finished A Lesson in Secrets. And now I am reading a bunch of other books, and not making much progress because I have been working, applying for jobs, and checking out the American Museum of Magic, where I plan to volunteer in their archive (seriously awesome stuff!). All of which has kept me pretty busy, and I'm going to use that as my excuse for not posting on Friday, as I try to do. No one complained, so I'm assuming you didn't mind (or didn't notice. Or you are a figment of my imagination and don't really exist, and no one reads this blog).

Anyway, on to the book part of the blogging, which is what you are all waiting for I'm sure. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. This was a new experience for me. I have never read spy lit before, really, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I actually read it because my dad asked me to help him find spy novels that weren't rated R, so I was kind of screening John Le Carre for him. (This particular novel passed the test). But it was a totally new genre for me, and I discovered that I have a few things to learn about the spy novel.

I did enjoy the book, and I checked out another book by Le Carre, but I feel like I missed a lot of content because I don't quite understand the lingo yet. I think I had a similar experience when I started reading mysteries. I hadn't quite figured out how they worked, so I missed things. (I can't say I'm a whole lot better at solving mysteries, but I get how to read them and understand what's going on). I think there is a learning curve to understanding a particular type of literature, and I hope that with more exposure, I figure out this genre. It's always good to expand your options. And having read this one, I'm better prepared for the next one. I know that the Circus is the British spy agency, the Centre is the Russian one. Never did figure out what janitors really are, or the mothers. But I got enough to follow the basic plot. But, if you are planning on picking up the genre, (is spy novel a distinct genre? It had a mystery sticker on it...) be warned that there might be some stuff that you aren't familiar with. Don't be afraid of it, just be prepared.

Another thing about this book: don't think James Bond when you read it. There are not explosions and shootouts in every chapter. In that sense, it is a mystery. Smiley pours over files and records, putting pieces together. He interview people, gets stories. It's methodical. It's a lot of brain work. It's cover stories, people acting like normal people. I think in that sense, it is much more realistic, but if you are expecting an action movie in book format, you might be disappointed. I liked it for it, though.

And finally, I just want to say, Bill Roach was a great character. He will always have a spot in my literary heart.

Alternate Reality

This week, I found myself in the middle of 4 books. This means either life is normal, life is out of whack, or I need a job. And being in the middle of 4 books may not be the most effective way to read. But I'm listening to one on CD (The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley), I'm taking The Princess and the Goblin (George MacDonald) with me to read on breaks and as I walk to work, and I am reading Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (John Le Carre) at home. And the fourth book at the beginning of the week was Goliath, by Scott Westerfeld (fourth book now is A Lesson in Secrets, by Jacqueline Winspear), which I finished. I know. Amazing. I actually finish the books I start! So, today is a bit of a book review.

Goliath is the third book in the Leviathan Trilogy, by Westerfeld. Some of you may be more familiar with his Uglies series. Of the two, I prefer the Leviathan trilogy, and I will admit right now that a good part of why is because I couldn't take the "bubbly" talk in the Uglies series. Drove me nuts. (And it is even worse when you get the audiobook. FYI). The premise was interesting, the plot was well developed, but the airheadedness was too much. Fortunately, none of that was present in the Leviathan series.

Another seller for the Leviathan series was that while one of the protagonists was a girl, there was a male protagonist to counterbalance. And the girl is pretty likeable. I know this makes it seem like I'm anti-female lead figures. I'm not. I just found Deryn more likeable than Tally. Personal preference.

Other pluses for this series:
-the setting. I have a fascination with the World Wars. Primarily WWII, but WWI plays such a huge role in WWII, that it seems intertwined to me. I think the author made a great choice here.
-themes. There are some interesting themes to explore. Alternate realities, evolution, industrialism, truth, etc.  Definitely interesting.
-an acceptable love story. By this I don't necessarily mean likely to happen, but the unfolding and such was acceptable.
-the artwork. I think without the art, the book would definitely have lost some of its appeal, for the reason that it would have been difficult to envision what was going on.

All in all, a good series. It is interesting to explore a different history, and I like the way Westerfeld played with fact and fiction. I haven't read many books like that, and I think that adding the fictional and somewhat fantastical elements made it work. I have read alternate reality books where the story is realistic, but history is different, and they haven't really caught my fancy. They've just been okay. The sci-fi/fantasy element really sells the alternate reality. And, if you opt to listen to it, the narrator is pretty good--I enjoyed the accents!

Conclusion: A good read. Worth the time.

That being said, what was the deal with the lorises?

Hearing Voices

Today I was bequeathed a Masters Degree. Which is pertinent here, because it means I will have more time on my hands for actual leisure reading. So look forward to that. But today, not having managed to finish any of the books I'm reading, I am going to talk about Narrators.

Audiobooks are a great thing. They are an excellent way to maximize time use. It is a way of always being reading, and it makes you look smart because you can be in the middle of two books at once. It is thanks to audiobooks that I managed to make a 1600 mile cross country drive solo. Definitely a great thing.

But not all audiobooks are created equally. So much depends on the narrator. A good narrator can really enhance a book. A bad one can ruin it. I can't listen to one of my favorite series because the narrator has such a different interpretation of the characters that it ruins the experience. I always feel like he makes the characters sound so snooty and obnoxious. I also had a bad experience with a full-cast audio once. The main character was supposed to be in early adulthood, and she sounded twelve. Which was problematic, because the person playing the prince she falls in love with sounded thirty-something. It did NOT work for me at all.

Whether or not someone is a good narrator really depends on the listener, so I can't give any guidelines on how to identify one. Nor do I feel like I should. But I can tell you some of my favorite listens.

The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill is an excellent listen. I saw this book on the shelf for months before I finally checked it out, and after listening to it, I couldn't believe I'd waited so long. The story takes place in New York and the narrator does a great job capturing all the accents--Jewish American, Italian American, New Yorker. It is a delightful listen.

Saffy's Angel by Hilary McKay is a book that I think I enjoy listening to more than reading. The narrator (British, which is fine, because it takes place in England) does a great job of capturing the mayhem and absent-mindedness of the family.

I find that Agatha Christie narrators tend to be very good. There are several narrators for her mysteries, but I can't think of a single one I didn't like. If you want something light and enjoyable to listen to, you can't go wrong here.

The Maisie Dobbs series also has terrific narration. It has been great to be involved with this series, because it means I have something to listen to!

The James Herriot books are also well narrated. (I think I have a thing for British narrators). I would consider buying these audiobooks, because I can go back and listen again and still enjoy them.

My first introduction to the Mitford series was through audiobook, and I think that hearing them actually helped me get into the books. The narrator really fits the character, and even when I think of the books, I hear that voice narrating them.

Authors narrating their books is always a bit risky. But it worked with Freakonomics, and I have started following their podcast. I also thought that the narration of Mornings on Horseback was well done, which is saying something, because the wrong narrator could have killed that story.

There are many others, and I will try to add them as I come across them. So look forward to that. In the meantime, if you have any favorites, let me know. I'm always looking for a good listen!

A Hidden Gem

Today's post is really geared towards the more feminine audience. I apologize for that, all you hypothetical masculine readers, but I am doing it anyway. Alright. Here goes:

Very few of us have not heard of Anne of Green Gables, and I know of oodles of females who are madly in love with the film version of Gilbert. (By the way, I am not a fan of the movies. They are alright, but honestly, I'd rather watch Lord of the Rings). And that is about all we know of L.M. Montgomery. Maybe some of you have read some of her other works (of which there are many), but the Anne of Green Gables series is still her greatest claim to fame. It is sad, really, because it means some of her best books (in my opinion) are overlooked. And to remedy that situation, I am going to tell you about two of Montgomery's hidden gems: The Blue Castle, and A Tangled Web.

These two books seem to be written for an older audience than Montgomery's typical style. I'm not sure that they are, really, but there is definitely a more mature feel, possibly because the characters are older. Valancy, the heroine of The Blue Castle, is a 29-year-old spinster. A Tangled Web has too many characters to list, but they are all adults, ranging from about early 20's to very old. Think Anne in her later years. The nice thing about this is there is less romanticism. That is not to say there is no love story. I mean that the writing is a bit more prosy, which I appreciate. As enjoyable as Anne's misadventures are, there is only so much detail I need about a wood. Anne in her younger days is too romantical for my tastes, so I appreciate the more down to earth style of these two works. They are still very Montgomery-esque, but less over the top.

The Blue Castle features Valancy, the aforementioned heroine spinster who lives with her controlling mother and has spent her entire life in doing everything her family wants and expects her to do. Something happens, which I won't ruin for you, and she suddenly decides she doesn't care anymore. She is going to do what she wants, and say what she wants, and wear what she wants, and do her hair how she wants (yay, liberation!). This results in a very amusing chapter where she goes to a family dinner, leaving the entire family in shock. Hilarious. She then leaves home to take care of a dying girl  who has a horrible reputation because she got pregnant out of wedlock, because the girl is a nice girl and needs help, which leads to her love story. I won't say how, because then you'd know, and where would the fun be in that? Anyway, it is a very delightful story, and not at all what you usually get from Montgomery. If you only read one book by her, this trumps Anne of Green Gables. In my opinion.

A Tangled Web is a complex story. It starts out with the matriarch of a family dying. The family is all desperate to inherit a vase--I think it's a vase, but it is some family heirloom everyone wants (who knows why), and she has left instructions in the will that stipulate it won't be announced who receives it for a year. So, the story follows the clan for the year--the fights, the romances, the random events that happen, and the way the vase is involved--for that year. It is a lot of little stories that bring people together (and sometimes split them apart, sadly), until the big moment when the announcement is to be made. It is a great overview of life and its ups and downs, and again, if you only read one Montgomery book, in my opinion, this trumps Anne. And if you have to read Anne, then definitely consider extending your Montgomery repertoire to include one of these two books.

Favorites

I am not a fan of favorites. There are too many good things in the world to pick favorites, most of the time, so I actually have very few favorites. (Random favorite: word. Defenestrate. Yes, I know. What kind of nerd has a favorite word?!) Besides, favorites require making decisions, which is just a lot of work.

That being said, you can imagine that "what's your favorite book?" is not a question I look forward to. If you were to ask me that question, I would say, "Be more specific. Give me a genre" or some such qualification. I mean, out of all the books that have been written, you can't expect me to choose just one. But I do have a few favorites. Keep in mind this is by no means a complete and fixed list.

Picture book: Three Cheers for Tacky, by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. I read this book for the first time when I was in high school, and I spent fifteen minutes rolling on the floor, laughing my head off at the pictures. It has been a favorite ever since. Their other books are also fantastic.

Favorite fantasy: I think that I have to vote for Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkien. I'm going to cheat a bit, and include The Hobbit in here. I read these for the first time rather late in life, and loved them. I think the timing was just right for me. I think the characters are just amazing.

Favorite classic: I'm not sure if this really counts as a classic, but it is the best way to categorize it for me. My favorite here is probably To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. As I mentioned before, Atticus Finch? Amazing. And such a well written story.

Favorite series: Okay, I know, this is a stretch, because in a way, Lord of the Rings is a series. However, it was meant to be one book, and this is my blog, so I'm going to fudge here, because I don't know what else to put this in. It's kind of fantasy, but more mythological than fantastical, so I don't really know how to categorize it. Here it is [drumroll]: The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia, by Megan Whalen Turner. I'm not sure what the name of the series is, and there is a fourth book, A Conspiracy of Kings, which I have listened to, but the narrator and I have a different interpretation, so I need to actually read it before making a decision. Anyway, the first three books are absolutely wonderful. Excellent plot twists, great characters, and a little bit of the spy element. Gen? Totally awesome. And there are a lot of great philosophical questions, if you look for them. Little nuggets of truth, if you will. Anyway, the author did a fantastic job and I highly recommend them.

I'm going to leave off on favorites for now, but there are definitely more categories to cover. I just have to figure out if I have a favorite in them! But, in the meantime, I'd love to know your favorites. (Because my to-read list isn't long enough?)

The Black Hole of Genre

I have a twelve-year old niece who is very into fantasy and science-fiction. Her mom is a little bit worried about her limited literary diet, which naturally got me thinking about reading preferences. I tend to get sucked into certain topics or genres, myself. For example, my obsession with World War II. I read a book on World War II, and while I'm reading, I start to think of all these aspects that I've never learned about before--the ghettos, the war in the Pacific, the Holocaust, the battles in North Africa, D-Day, etc. So then I want to read more about those things, and I find books and read about them, and learn more things I want to know about. Or with fantasy--I just get caught up in it, and want to read more. Eventually something else makes it into my reading list, and right now, I've got a pretty good variety on my to-read shelf, I think. But I do go through phases.

The best is when I am reading stuff like Jane Austen. You can always tell, because I start to talk like the books. And that is after only one book. I'd hate to see what happens after reading several novels back to back. I haven't had that problem with fantasy that I've noticed, or World War II, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were subtle changes in my vocabulary. But the worst so far is Jane Austen.

Anyway, I don't think one has to worry too much about the genre black hole, but diversity is good too. For one thing, it expands your conversational repertoire. But more importantly, if you branch out, you'll never run out of things to read.

What is it about the Brits?

I have often wondered why it is that some of the most well-known fantasy books are written by Brits: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia. And many more of my favorites are written by members of the commonwealth, or however it is called: Jonathan Stroud and the Bartimaeus Trilogy, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, Robin McKinley's books. Admittedly, they probably aren't the end all and be all of great fantasy, but the British have something when it comes to fantasy. And I have been wondering why.

I think there are multiple factors, of course. First of all, I imagine that part of it is just publicity, and because it is literature from across the pond, it gets more press when it is successful over here. And I think we tend to look at things that are homegrown with less excitement. So there is that.

But today, I came across this article Why are fantasy accents British?, which really seemed to give a good explanation. I think one reason why British fantasy has such a strong presence is because of their history--they had witches and magic and lore to base their fantasy on. And the mythological history of America is different, and since I am not a native of that culture, it isn't a mythology I relate to. My roots are in England, so that has somehow shaped my idea of fantasy. It is interesting to consider. It also makes one think about American fantasy. I think, for one thing, I need to read more of it, but it seems like it has a very European flavor. But how much of that is the mindset I bring to the book?

Anyway, it is interesting to think about. I'd be interested to know what your experience has been with fantasy.