Not doing so much reading at the moment, I just can't get motivated to do it. Have had a few bugs and generally feeling a bit like I just want to hibernate, and books have been pushed to the side.
I did read 'What we do for love' by Ilene Beckermann, another decent read, but not as good as The Mother of the Bride' that I read last month. Basically it follows her lovelife from a teen through to her life now as she is in her 60s.
I haven't been book buying (at least, not for me-got a few for hubby for Christmas), so feel quite proud of myself, but have numerous library books that are just not getting read- need to do something about that.
Also slightly stressheady about the Book Group as can't find a cafe open late enough to meet there- argh!
Saturday 21 November 2009
Friday 13 November 2009
November- Her Fearful Symmetry and The Shadow of the Wind
These are my two current books but I am having to juggle them as the Niffenegger needs to go back to the library on Thursday. Easy to read and not that bad consdiering it has had mixed reviews. People seem to be expecting another The Time Travellers Wife', but why? I hate authors who get pigeonholed and never vary their writing. Anyway, that needs reading.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is for book group and that is also easy reading-it is not a real page turner, but I love that it is set in Barcelona. I often wonder how much is lost in translation too-maybe it would be better in Spanish? It reminds me of The Da Vinci Code, can't quite place why, but it is that style.
I am also cutting back on my book consumption. I am NOT going to buy any more books until February! I have lots of library books to read and know I am getting some books for Christmas, plus a huge TBR so in all I am making a conscious decision to not buy any more-even from charity shops. No more swaps either, infact I am thinking about leaving bookmooch and disabled my RISI account a while back.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is for book group and that is also easy reading-it is not a real page turner, but I love that it is set in Barcelona. I often wonder how much is lost in translation too-maybe it would be better in Spanish? It reminds me of The Da Vinci Code, can't quite place why, but it is that style.
I am also cutting back on my book consumption. I am NOT going to buy any more books until February! I have lots of library books to read and know I am getting some books for Christmas, plus a huge TBR so in all I am making a conscious decision to not buy any more-even from charity shops. No more swaps either, infact I am thinking about leaving bookmooch and disabled my RISI account a while back.
Desiderata
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952
Monday 2 November 2009
Brothers-Ted van Lieshout
Interesting book about a boy whose brother dies, and it leaves him pondering his rold in the family, whether he is still a brother and his sexuality.
Aimed at teenagers, I really liked the concept of this book, and how it is written in part in diary form.
There is one fairly graphic gay sex scene-so perhaps worth reading first if you are thinking about giving this to a younger teenager.
Aimed at teenagers, I really liked the concept of this book, and how it is written in part in diary form.
There is one fairly graphic gay sex scene-so perhaps worth reading first if you are thinking about giving this to a younger teenager.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)