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.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
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!
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!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
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?
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?
Friday, September 7, 2012
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.
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.
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