Friday, November 30, 2012

Happy Birthday, Mark Twain, Literary Giant

Mark Twain by vassarcollegearchives  Image Source: Vassar College Archives via flikr.com

Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens),  American storyteller extraordinaire, was born on this date in Missouri in 1835. Twain's name is synonymous with the town of Hannibal and the Mississippi River, which he chronicled, as well as with Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and the many other beloved characters he created over the course of his writing career.  Although his literary accomplishments need little to no introduction, you can read more about his interesting life and career at this link: Twain biography.

In addition to tackling the moral issues of the day, Twain is well known for his legendary wit, which has been immortalized in his many quotes.  I have always been amused by his words upon hearing that his obituary had been published in a New York Journal:  "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."  Several of his humorous quotes are available from The Quotations Page.  I highly recommend reading his musings on topics including banks, humility, Americans, courage, adversity, and duty whenever you are in need of a chuckle or mood lifter.

Catherine

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Happy Birthday, Mark Twain, Literary Giant was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.



Thursday, November 29, 2012

Thursday's Notable Authors

Among the famous people born on this date are three notable authors whose classical works continue to be discovered and enjoyed by readers of all ages:

Louisa May Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1832, and is best known for her 1868 novel, Little Women.  I can still recall the thrill of reading this as a young girl, totally immersing myself in the lives of Jo, Meg, and Amy. 


C.S. (Clive Staples) Lewis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1898, and is best known for his beloved fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia, which began with the 1950 publication of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Madeleine L'Engle was born in New York City in 1918, and is best known for her science fiction novel, A Wrinkle in Time, which was published in 1963 and won a Newbery Medal from the American Library Association's Association for Library Service to Children.

Product Details Product DetailsProduct Details
Image Source: amazon.com 

The imaginative themes of these works transport readers into wondrous new worlds.  I invite you to discover...rediscover...or share...a classic this holiday season.

Catherine

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Thursday's Notable Authors was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday--For Downton Abbey Fans


    
The Waiting on Wednesday concept is a weekly feature of the Breaking the Spine blog.  I thought I'd give it a try today by mentioning a book that I am waiting for.  In fact, the description of this book so hooked me that I did something I've never done before--I preordered it for my Nook.

The book is The Passing Bells by Phillip Rock, and it will be available in paperback and ebook formats from HarperCollins Publishers on December 4.

 The Passing Bells: A NovelIt's actually a reissue of an out of print title.  According to the database Books in Print, the book was originally published in hardcover by Penguin in 1979, and in paperback by Random House in 1982.  Here's what intrigued me about this book:
  • it's first in a trilogy--my favorite book format
  • it's set in early 20th century England--my favorite historical setting
  • it's been compared to Downton Abbey--my favorite British television saga
From harpercollins.com:
Before Downton Abbey, there was Abingdon Pryory, the elegant country home of the Grevilles—a titled English family who, along with their servants, see their world turned upside down when England goes to war. Once their well-kept lawns and whirling social seasons give way to the horrors of World War I, no one, upstairs or downstairs, is left untouched. For fans of sweeping historical fiction, the reissue of Phillip Rock's New York Times bestseller The Passing Bells is a breathtaking family saga not to be missed.
Book Description
The guns of August are rumbling throughout Europe in the summer of 1914, but war has not yet touched Abingdon Pryory. Here, at the grand home of the Greville family, the parties, dances, and romances play on. Alexandra Greville embarks on her debutante season while brother Charles remains hopelessly in love with the beautiful, untitled Lydia Foxe, knowing that his father, the Earl of Stanmore, will never approve of the match. Downstairs the new servant, Ivy, struggles to adjust to the routines of the well-oiled household staff, as the arrival of American cousin Martin Rilke, a Chicago newspaperman, causes a stir.

But, ultimately, the Great War will not be denied, as what begins for the high-bred Grevilles as a glorious adventure soon takes its toll—shattering the household's tranquillity, crumbling class barriers, and bringing its myriad horrors home.

This book sounds like exactly what I need to help me pass the time until the start of Downton Abbey Season 3 in January.

Catherine

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Waiting on Wednesday--For Downton Abbey Fans was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tuesday Tidbits--Musicians

Dancing music notes
Here's a teaser of recently published musical biographies and autobiographies:

Life is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett by legendary performer Tony Bennett

Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road by country music bad boy Willie Nelson

Led Zeppelin: The Oral History of the World's Greatest Rock Bank by Barney Hoskyns

These books are available in libraries and bookstores now.

Catherine

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Tuesday Tidbits--Musicians was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Monday Musings

Cartoon peanut with legs and a faceAfter a busy weekend, I was looking for a light way to ease into the week.  Lo and behold, I discovered that today is the birthday of cartoonist Charles Schulz, who was born in 1922 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Schulz delighted readers young and old with his Peanuts comic strip, which first appeared in national newspapers in 1950.  Over the years, its syndication grew to include many more national and international outlets.  As its popularity increased, books, TV specials, movies, and even a Broadway play based on Peanuts characters, were produced.

No doubt, a TV special or two will re-air during this holiday season.  Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and company always make me nostalgic and reawaken the kid in me. 

Have a great week!

Catherine

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Monday Musings was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Spotlight--Marian Keyes




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Walking around Dublin, I've been enjoying visits to many thriving book stores, each with its own distinct character.   Browsing the current fiction aisles within each shop, one contemporary author in particular is displayed quite prominently.  It is none other than Irish-born Marian Keyes, who, since the 1995 publication of Watermelon, her first novel and the start of her Walsh family series, has become an international bestselling author.  

Keyes takes on contemporary themes in her series and stand alone novels, and is beloved for both her humor and compassionate handling of serious topics.  I find the titles alone intriguing:  Sushi for Beginners, Last Chance Saloon, This Charming Man, The Other Side of the Story, The Brightest Star in the Sky... Many of these novels are available at the public library or can be purchased locally.

The Mystery of Mercy Close, the latest installment in the Walsh family series, and Saved by Cake, Keyes's autobiographical account of her recent battle with depression, are now available as well, having been published within the last few months.

Visit the author's website for more information about her work, her philanthropic causes, and if you would like to sign up for Marian's newsletter.

Catherine

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Sunday Spotlight--Marian Keyes was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.





Saturday, November 24, 2012

Saturday Shorts--Quote of the Day

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"Books can be dangerous.  The best ones should be labeled 'This could change your life.'"
--Helen Exley 
Catherine

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Saturday Shorts--Quote of the Day was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Post-Thanksgiving Reading


View detailsNow that the big meal has come and gone, here's a little something more to digest: Gail Collins's op-ed piece from the November 22 edition of The New York Times.  Enjoy The Turkey Chronicles

Now that things are clear, it's time to start the holiday shopping.

Catherine

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Post-Thanksgiving Reading was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.






Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Dialogue--Books to the Rescue

Thanksgiving day harvest  
Happy Thanksgiving, readers.  Today is a day when most of us spend time with family and friends sharing food and conversation.  Dialogue can be the tricky part. When Aunt Edna, Uncle Cyril, or some other relative asks you an awkward, personal, or probing question, consider answering their question with a question of your own.  Something like, "Have you read any good books lately?"  You get the idea.  You will either be surprised by their answer or amused by their confusion.  In any event, it should give you the opportunity to excuse yourself so that you can refresh your drink, check the football scores, or grab an extra helping of something delicious.

Wishing you good food, good conversation, and good books!

Catherine

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Thanksgiving Dialogue--Books to the Rescue was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Website Wednesday--BookPage

Pile of booksAn informative website for discovering your next read is BookPage.  Here you will find a wide variety of books by genre with a synopsis for each.  Visit the site to access its New and Noteable, Reviews, Interviews, From Our Blog, and Most Viewed columns, and learn more about all things books.

There is a link on the home page to sign up for a free e-newsletter.  This newsletter is refreshingly different from others because it is a much shorter message that highlights only one book title. The format includes a 3-4 paragraph synopsis of the plot, with a link to a book review.  The contents can be quickly scanned to determine if a particular book is of further interest.

I have discovered lots of great titles through the e-newsletter, increasing my To Be Read list exponentially.  Sign up via this link:  BookPage

Catherine

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Website Wednesday--BookPage was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Tuesday Tidbits--Thanksgiving Recipes


Autumn pumpkin background


Supplement your cookbooks and your magazine and newspaper clippings with this selected list of websites for Thanksgiving recipes:

Bon Apetit!

Catherine

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Tuesday Tidbits--Thanksgiving Recipes was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.




Monday, November 19, 2012

Lincoln--Great Man, Great Books

Sixteenth president of the United States of America, Abe Lincoln 

As a companion to the release of the Lincoln movie, here is Jimmy So's Ultimate Lincoln Reading List, which recently appeared on The Daily BeastBooks about Abraham Lincoln

See the film...read more about the man.

Catherine

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Lincoln--Great Man, Great Books was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Serene Sunday

Boy on stack of books under moon
No reading on the agenda today.  For me, this is the calm before the holiday season begins.  In preparation for Thursday's national holiday and subsequent shopping trips, I will focus on the things I am most grateful for in my life...family, friends, and passions like reading and the abundance of good books.

Enjoy your Sunday, wherever you find yourself and whatever you do.

Catherine

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Serene Sunday was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Saturday Shorts--Quote of the Day

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"When you reread a classic you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than was there before."
--Clifton Fadiman


Catherine

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Saturday Shorts--Quote of the Day was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Today's Birthday--Author Chinua Achebe

Things Fall Apart  Today is the birthday of one of the world's most well-known African writers.  Nigerian poet and novelist Chinua Achebe was born in Ogidi, Nigeria's East Central State on November 16, 1930, and is best known for his 1958 book, Things Fall Apart, a powerful observation of the consequences of European colonialism in Africa.  Things Fall Apart remains a relevant work, and is often assigned reading for students.  Achebe has also written numerous other novels, children's books, short stories, and poetry.

Achebe has earned many awards over the course of his literary career, including a Man Booker Prize in 2007.   He is the David and Marianna Fisher University Professor and Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University in Rhode Island, and an active member of academic circles.

Catherine

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Today's Birthday--Author Chinua Achebe was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

International Book Award Nominations

Stack of booksLooking for a good book to read?  Look no further than The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2013 nominees, which have just been announced.  The list comprises 154 novels from around the world, with 8 Irish; 43 American; 22 British; 12 Canadian; and 42 books translated into English from 19 other languages.

Here are some of the American nominees, in no particular order:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
When the Killing's Done by T. C. Boyle
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
11/23/63 by Stephen King
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Caribou Island by David Vann
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Portrait of a Spy by Daniel Silva
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

As those of you following this blog know, I am currently reading Rules of Civility, Amor Towles's debut novel, and have nothing but praise for it.  Of the other titles listed above, I've read and enjoyed several:  The Marriage Plot, Caribou Island, and State of Wonder on my own; The Language of Flowers and The Paris Wife with book clubs.  All of these nominees have received excellent reviews and found their way onto various bestseller lists.

The entire list of nominees is available via this link:  IMPAC Dublin Awards 2013


Catherine

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International Book Award Nominations was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Website Wednesday--Try BookBub for Ebooks

BookBub is a website that recently came to my attention.  You can sign up for a daily email message listing free and sale ebook deals customized by the vendors and genres of your choice.  Select as many categories as you'd like, and the newsletter you receive will be a one stop shop--no more going to each of the individual ebook stores you use to see what the latest sales are.


Here's an overview of BookBub taken from its website:

What is BookBub?
BookBub is a free email newsletter that keeps you updated about deeply discounted and free digital books. You choose the types of books you'd like to get notified about -- with categories ranging from mysteries to cookbooks -- and we send the best deals in those genres to your inbox.

BookBub doesn't actually sell books. We simply alert you by email to fantastic limited-time offers that can be purchased from retailers like Amazon's Kindle store, Barnes and Noble's Nook store, Apple's iBookstore, and others. Book publishers offer deals at these sites for promotional purposes, and our staff works with them to determine the best ones to send to our members.

BookBub features works ranging from big-name authors like Michael Connelly, Debbie Macomber, and Jodi Picoult, to independent authors who might be lesser known but whose books are getting rave reviews. Our team of book experts works to bring you the best deals on quality books that you'll love.

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I signed up last week and am enjoying free books that I downloaded after learning about them from the newsletter.  You can sign up by using this link:  BookBub

Catherine

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Website Wednesday--Try BookBub for Ebooks was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

 




Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Tuesday Tidbits--LizNews

Over the weekend, author Elizabeth Gilbert invited fans on Facebook to join her email newsletter list.  Signing up for LizNews via her website, will bring you the latest information on book publishing dates, book appearances, and events at her store, Two Buttons in Frenchtown, New Jersey.

Liz's next book, The Signature of All Things, will be published in fall 2013. The novel's protagonist is a 19th century female botanist.  For more information about the author, visit http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/, or see my previous blog post titled, Sunday Spotlight, October 21--Elizabeth Gilbert.

Catherine

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Tuesday Tidbits--LizNews was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Veteran's Day--The Things They Carried


 American soldiers around an American flag        
Today is the official observance of Veteran's Day, and the book that comes to mind is The Things They Carried, the 1990 fictional account of the Vietnam War written by Tim O'Brien, a veteran of that conflict who was awarded a Purple Heart.  It is a moving account of the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of war, rich in symbolism and based on the author's own experience.

Since its publication, The Things They Carried has become a classic literary work that is often assigned reading in high school and college classes.  It is also a book club favorite, and a former National Endowment for the Arts Big Read. 

I can think of no better read to commemorate soldiers and veterans of war and to attempt to understand their experience.

Catherine

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Veteran's Day--The Things They Carried was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Rules of Civility-- A 3D Escape

Rules of Civility brings Cole Porter to mind...it's delightful...it's delovely.  It's a delicious novel that transports the reader to the playgrounds of upper crust society of 1930s Manhattan.  Close your eyes and you are at the dinner party soaking up the spirits and witty repartee, such as:

"--Bucky dear, his wife warned, you're slurring your words.
--Slurring is the cursive of speech, I observed.
--Eckshactly, he said, elbowing me in the ribs.
Coffee in the living room was announced just in time."

Rules of Civility is a fabulously entertaining escape from the week that was.

Catherine

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Rules of Civility--A 3D Escape was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Sunday Spotlight--Veteran's Day Fiction

Today is a day to honor the men and women who protect us and safeguard our freedom and to thank their loved ones as well. We remember all who have served, continue to serve, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  We appreciate your strength and courage.

Veteran's Day reminded me of the Troubleshooters series by Suzanne Brockmann, a prolific, multi-award winning romantic suspense writer.  The series, 17 books thus far, focuses on a group of men and women with military and/or investigative training who find themselves in harm's way as they defend their country and it's citizens from danger.  These red-blooded heroes and heroines share intense relationships both personally and professionally.

With non-stop action and appealing reappearing characters, this series is a favorite among readers who enjoy daring tales with a side of romance.  Think Homeland on steroids.

Titles in the Troubleshooter series in order of publication:
The Unsung Hero (2000)
The Defiant Hero (2001)
Over the Edge (2001)
Out of Control (2002)
Into the Night (2002)
Gone Too Far (2003)
Flashpoint (2004)
Hot Target (2004)
Breaking Point (2005)
Into the Storm (2006)
Force of Nature (2007)
All Through the Night (2007)
Into the Fire (2008)
Dark of Night (2009)
Hot Pursuit (2009)
Breaking the Rules (2011)
Headed for Trouble (2012)

Catherine

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Sunday Spotlight--Veteran's Day Fiction was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.





Friday, November 9, 2012

Saturday Shorts--Quote of the Day

Why I like to read:

"Wherever I am, if I've got a book with me, I have a place I can go and be happy."
--J.K. Rowling

Catherine

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Saturday Shorts--Quote of the Day was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Snowy Reading

I was once a member of the book of the month club, but I know I didn't sign up for the storm every week club. On the heels of last week's Hurricane Sandy, a nor'easter blew through on Wednesday into the wee hours of today, dumping 2-8 inches of snow on New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  This bad weather and a low gasoline supply have forced me to stay very close to home.  Because my plans were cancelled last night, I curled up with Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, this month's selection for one of my book clubs.

This debut novel opens in the 1960s at New York's Museum of Modern Art, where an older married couple are viewing an exhibit of photos of subway riders taken by hidden camera in the late 1930s.  When Katherine recognizes the subject of two of the portraits as a man from her distant past--before she met her husband--it takes her back to 1938 New York City and her chance meeting with Theodore "Tinker" Grey on New Year's Eve.

Thus far, I am enthralled with Towles's writing style, richly descriptive language, and strong characters.  The novel offers a glimpse into the Manhattan of yesteryear that keeps me turning the pages.

Catherine

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Snowy Reading was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com.  This post cannot be republished without express written consent.



Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Post-Election Reading

Now that the campaigning is over, you may be looking for a different type of email communication that is nonpolitical in nature.  If that is the case, Shelf Awareness for Readers, which bills itself as "enlightenment for readers" may be for you.

       
 
Delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Friday, this e-newsletter features:

  • information on the best 25 fiction and nonfiction books of the week chosen by industry insiders
  • news about books and authors, with links to similar sites and more details
  • book reviews 
  • author interviews
  • adult, young adult and children's titles

It's a great way to learn about books of interest before they become available (helpful if you like to place holds on popular titles at your library).   Sample the current issue and sign up for Shelf Awareness for Readers now before you begin your holiday shopping for the readers in your life.

Catherine

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Post-Election Reading was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Reading Election Day

 Political button saying, 'Vote'  November 6, 2012--Election Day in these United States.  I hope everyone has the chance to exercise their right to vote for the candidates who represent their values.  Poll results for the presidential, senate, and other races will trickle in later tonight and Wednesday as votes are tallied after what has been an exceptionally long campaign.  Given the constant media coverage leading up to Election Day, it's not surprising that campaign issues and tactics were on my mind as I read The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.

Rowling's novel centers around a vacant council seat in the tiny English village of Pagford.  Who will be elected?  Whose agenda will be advanced?   What information will be disseminated about the candidates, and will it be accurate?  As the plot unfolded, I couldn't help but draw parallels between this fictional scenario and our current political state of affairs.  Special interests; haves versus have nots; empowered versus disenfranchised; and misrepresentations, scare tactics, and spin are all well illustrated in The Casual Vacancy, proving that regardless of outcome, in fiction as in real life, politics is not for the faint of heart.

Catherine

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Reading Election Day was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.


Monday, November 5, 2012

Monday Musings--The Beginner's Goodbye


Yesterday's post contained a brief bio of American writer Anne Tyler.  Today I share an excerpt of my review of Tyler's most recent novel, The Beginner's Goodbye, which appeared online in the September 2012 issue of Sound Commentary.



In The Beginner’s Goodbye, Tyler examines life through the eyes of Aaron Woolcott, a recent widower grieving the loss of his wife Dorothy, who is suddenly killed when a tree crashes onto the sun porch of their home. In the wake of this devastating accident, Aaron is left to pick up the pieces of his life and begin anew.    
Partially paralyzed as the result of a childhood illness, Aaron has been overprotected and stifled for years by the well-meaning women in his life both at home and in the workplace.  When he meets the brusque, unsentimental Dr. Dorothy Rosales while editing a beginner’s guide for his family’s vanity press, Aaron is smitten.  Over the protest of his sister, a brief courtship ensues, and Aaron and Dorothy embark on a life together. 

Theirs is a marriage of independent careerists who prize their autonomy above all else, but it comes at the expense of leaving much unsaid and unexpressed between them. As Aaron grapples with their unfinished business, the departed Dorothy’s sudden appearances help him gain insight into their relationship and learn to live in the present. As Aaron bids farewell to what has been, he acquires a new appreciation for life and its endless possibilities for growth and contentment.

Tyler's interesting characters, relevant plots, and keen observations of human nature make her novels good book club choices and the source of lively discussions.

Catherine

Disclaimer:  An audiobook of The Beginner's Goodbye was provided without cost by Sound Commentary.  No other remuneration was received for this review. 

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Monday Musings--The Beginner's Goodbye was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

 

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Sunday Spotlight--Anne Tyler

Anne Tyler is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.  She has written nineteen novels and dozens of short stories. Tyler was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1941, grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is a long-time resident of Baltimore, Maryland.  While most of her novels have been bestsellers, she is probably best known for The Accidental Tourist, which became a major motion picture in 1988.  Several of her other novels were adapted for television.

Tyler's books have mass appeal and make excellent book club choices for their sometimes quirky but always interesting, complex characters. Her storylines tackle issues that readers can identify with, such as transcultural adoption (Digging to America) and widowhood (The Beginner's Goodbye).  

If you haven't sampled Tyler's work, I highly recommend you do so.

Catherine

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Sunday Spotlight--Anne Tyler was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.





Saturday, November 3, 2012

Saturday Shorts--Sandy's Wrath


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The magnitude of Sandy's wrath continues to unfold here in the northeast as local communities assess the damage and pick up the pieces.  At this difficult time, we come together to offer prayers, encouragement, and support to friends and neighbors in need as we begin the healing and rebuilding process. 


Catherine

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Saturday Shorts--Sandy's Wrath was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thursday Thoughts--Storm Aftermath

Call it a hurricane, call it a super storm, or something stronger (I've heard a lot of choice phrases over the last few days)...Sandy packed quite a wallop.  There's been mass destruction all over the east coast, especially along the shoreline.  Our local coastal areas have sustained lots of damage, and stories of deaths and property damage are sadly emerging.  My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost their homes and loved ones, or suffered any kind of distress from the storm.  My area has been without power since Monday at 4 pm. This inconvenience pales in comparison to what others are experiencing.  At the moment,  I don't have the heart to write a post about books.  It doesn't seem an appropriate thing to do under the circumstances.   Take care, everyone.

Catherine

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Thursday Thoughts--Storm Aftermath was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.blogspot.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.