Reading With Passion

How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read

2010-02-23T14:46:00.001-08:00

Quote from the book I was telling you all about at the book club--by Pierre Bayard:

The paradox of reading is that the path toward ourselves passes through books, but that this must remain a passage. It is a traversal of books that a good reader engages in-a reader who knows that every book is the bearer of part of himself and can give him access to it, if only he has the wisdom not to end his journey there.

(pg. 178)

VBPL Recommends

2009-05-31T13:07:00.001-07:00

For those of you who may not know: Katie, Lennis and I are contributing book reviews/recommendations on a group blog along with other VB library staff. Feel free to subscribe for great recommendations every week!

The site is VBPL Recommends.

Or if you what to see what the three of us have reviewed individually, here are Katie, Lennis and my reviews.

Happy reading.

2009-04-08T13:01:00.001-07:00

I just came across this quote and thought I'd share...

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be digested and chewed. -- Francis Bacon

Here's hoping you're doing a lot of chewing!

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

2009-03-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

After our discussion of How I Live Now, I was reminded of another young adult book I read last October called Unwind. Unwind also puts teens in extraordinary circumstances where they are required to grow up quickly and take care of themselves.

The story takes place after a war between Pro-Life and Pro-Choice has ended, and a compromise has been decided on where abortion is illegal, but parents can decide to "unwind" their children between the ages of 13 and 17. The process of unwinding involves donating all of the teens' body parts to those who need them. For various reasons, Connor, Risa, and Lev are on the run from the officers who enforce the unwinding process.

There is also an added twist with the practice of "storking." This involves leaving a baby on someone's doorstep. If the family doesn't catch you leaving the baby, they have to take it in as their own.

The story is at times exciting and heartbreaking. I was impressed with Shusterman's ability to write a story about such a controversial topic without pushing his own opinion on the reader. I could not tell from reading the novel whether he was Pro-Life or Pro-Choice.

Unwind is one of the best young adult novels I've ever read, and I can't say enough good things about it. I couldn't put it down.

Coraline

2009-02-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

Please remind me to read more of Neil Gaiman. Strike that. Remind me to listen to Neil Gaiman tell one of his entrancing tales. Yes his talents are many. Not only does he create a new world to explore but he makes it come alive by giving voice to all the characters that people his world.

Meet Coraline. No its not Caroline although the man who lives upstairs can't help mispronounce it. She lives with her parents and in an Alice in Wonderland turn of events finds a passageway to an alternate universe through a door in the living room. This is when it gets good. Meet the Other Mother and the Other Father who welcome Coraline and urge her to stay with them. There is something very strange however about these Other parents. Maybe it is their black button eyes. Maybe it is the strange sense Coraline gets by their insistent offerings.

Gaiman, yes, I need to read more of his stuff. Read his journal if you've got the time. Kick back and relax a bit...

Short Stories

2008-12-17T12:01:00.001-08:00

Since the book club meeting I've had the time to think about some other short story collections I have read in the past year or so. I believe I mentioned the stories set in Texas. The title of the collection is Corpus Christi by Bret Anthony Johnston. Honestly I don't remember much about the stories except that I enjoyed them. He is a young writer and doesn't have any other books out.

The other writer who I definitely recommend is Grace Paley. I read Enormous Changes at the Last Moment and loved both the writing and the feeling behind the words. After reading up on her life Paley always felt like someone I would like to sit and have a cup of tea with. I would have to try hard and not ask her where the story ends and her life begins.

And just while I was writing this I remembered Flannery O'Connor. She writies some powerful short stories. Strange, memorable characters with cloudy intentions dominate the stories I have read of hers. A Good Man is Hard to Find is one of my favorites.

Anyone have any recommendations, short stories or otherwise?

Kindred by Octavia Butler

2008-12-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Knowing that slavery was a prevalent theme in this book both attracted and repelled me. I think it is good to look at that time period in U.S. history but I knew that some of the scenes might be more violent than I would like. The violence was there but the book is written in such a way as to help someone understand the mentality of the slave and the slaveholder. And of course this is sci-fi so you get it from the perspective of someone from today. A fascinating, highly recommended read!

Open Thread: One Hundred Years

2008-10-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be nice to have a post up that can allow the conversation to continue regarding our last book. I know that a couple of people missed the book club and some of us have not yet finished the book (me!).

So here's the space (in the comments) if anyone has thoughts on One Hundred Years of Solitude.

*Addition*: Interesting review of the book

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan

2008-09-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

Pollan continues to impress me with this book in which he exposes the faulty science that contributes to the cult of nutritionism that runs rampant in our culture. With regards to food selection we Americans have certainly lost our way. We trust the claims of a food industry that wants us to buy their products and leave our health behind. Pollan gives recommendations for eating and they are simple reminders of common sense. Don't eat what you cannot pronounce. Stay towards the perimeter of the grocery store when shopping and try to get out of the supermarket whenever possible (i.e. farmer's markets). Don't believe the health hype printed on packaged foods--remember they are only trying to sell a product that may or may not contain "real" food. End of soapbox--let the food revolution begin with you!

The Fire Eaters by David Almond

2008-07-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

This is the third book by Almond I've read and I grow to love his stories all the more. The world is on the brink of catastrophe during the Cuban Missile Crisis while young Bobby Burns goes about his life in the quiet environs of a forgotten seaside town. Almond weaves in the magic of past experiences and how they trail us into the present moment. So much here to ponder and reflect upon.

Old Man's War by John Scalzi

2008-07-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

I'm still exploring the science fiction genre and I think that Scalzi's effort here is a worthy addition to the canon. When he turns 75 John Perry enters the Colonial Forces and leaves earth forever. Equipped with a new body he discovers that life is very different in the alien-populated universe. Action scenes are nicely balanced with intriguing conversations about imagined technologies and the very real human emotions of loss and hope.

Xenocide by Orson Scott Card

2008-05-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Xenocide is the third in this series by Card that started with Ender’s Game and The Speaker for the Dead. I read Ender’s Game for an online class I took in the fall through RUSA and enjoyed it immensely. Though I have read just a little sci-fi in the past I found similar themes in Card’s work that I enjoy in literary fiction: questions of morality, racism and the search for a spiritual context. The primary difference with this series is the back-drop and the gadgetry that fills this world. Ender’s Game focuses on Ender Wiggin, boy genius, and the training he receives in war games to help fight the dreaded Buggers, insect-like aliens. Speaker for the Dead and Xenocide shift thousands of years into the future where we still have Ender (thanks to the time-defying effects of space travel) but he is an adult living on a frontier planet that also has another sentient species. Let the fun begin!

The flowers cometh

2008-05-12T05:03:00.000-07:00

After seeing Wayne's lovely garden on Saturday evening I thought I would post a couple of photos of the flowers in my near vicinity.

Enjoy the season of blooms!

Looking for the Way

2008-04-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

I made this post for class but thought that it would be appropriate for sharing here.

I've been a spiritual seeker for some years immersing myself in experiences and texts to try and "find peace" or "know God". I used to read a vast amount of inspirational material from various religious traditions as well as the works of gurus and guides from Krishnamurti and Gangaji to Eckert Tolle and Carlos Castenada. At the time I loved these inner and outer explorations carried by the words of the blessed, beloved and magical. After a while though I got burnt out. Too much of a good thing as they say...But one text I keep around is the Tao Te Ching, specifically the translation by Stephen Mitchell.

Here I can get a taste of the essence without all of the hullabaloo and nonsense that accompany religions and spiritual teachers. (My opinion of course!) The Tao speaks of a style of living that strips away the extraneous and returns you to the core. Mitchell's translation transforms the writings of a long ago Asian mystic (though little is known of Lao-tzu) into simple poetry that can be digested by today's readers. Let me share a small sampling of the verse:

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.

If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center
and embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever.

Himalaya

2008-03-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I listened to Himalaya and could therefore enjoy the soothing voice of Palin as he recounted a year spent in and around the tallest of mountain ranges. Palin and his crew start their trek in Pakistan and make their way through India, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh, China, the area of China formerly known as Tibet, Myanmar (Burma) and Bangladesh. This is no mere travelogue however since Palin is famous in his own right (BBC and Monty Python) and can therefore gain an audience with luminaries such as the Dalai Lama, the King of Tibet and other dignitaries of cities and villages through which they travel. Palin has a keen eye for the traditions and customs of the different cultures and his descriptions easily transported me to the exotic locales.

I have read a little travel literature over the years and Palin's story ranks up there with some of the best I've read. Having his roots in theater and comedy, Palin is quite engaging and his dry humor brings forth unexpected chortles and gasps. I could visit places that I may never experience and see these foreign lands through an interesting and educating lens. I am keen to read Palin's "Sahara" and watch the accompanying DVD series that gives the visual aspect to this himalayan journey.

A new year

2008-01-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is 2008 already! Today marks the beginning of my second sememster in grad school and I'm dreading the thought of all the work ahead!

Wish I could say I've read a whole bunch of great books during my month-long break, but there just wasn't time. I did read the trilogy, His Dark Materials, by Philip Pullman (which includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass) and greatly enjoyed all three.

I'm definitely looking forward to our book club selections since that will undoubtedly be the only pleasure reading I'll be doing in the months to come!

Detour

2007-10-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well, isn't life such that you can be certain of what you will be doing and then, as it turns out, your certainty becomes questionable. As you all know, I left some time ago for Hampshire College in Massachusetts, to continue my education. At Hampshire I could find many of the things I was looking for, such as new lessons, experienced teachers, and an academic community of friends and colleagues, all of this set in a peaceful, New England countryside. However, this school lacked what I needed most. As classes began I felt at odds with the educational system and entered into a personal struggle. For the last two years I have studied independently and wrote of reflections, thoughts, and concepts, in time centering on education and social reform. I had underestimated how effective this period of study had been for myself and how it has really had no rival. From my work I had already formed convictions of how education best goes about and compulsion over how students are to perform their studies is a considerable one. In addition to the influence of coercion over education, the focuses of the classes continually brought me back to my studies and my writing. It increasingly felt as if I had left this work unfinished. Overall, I knew I would remain in opposition at Hampshire and that what I truly needed was to continue on as my own teacher and progress with my own ideas. I know that I can only achieve very little alone and that I must eventually cooperate with others, but for now I will keep to what has propelled me so far. And so, after all this, in order to go forward I had to go back. I have left Hampshire and returned to Virginia Beach once more.

My plan is to return to the library. I left Oceanfront Area Library in good standing and my recent Starbucks experience is a fine addition to my history. In time, I hope to advance to the library technician position and remain with that, or move further up, for some time. After accumulating enough experience I intend to look for offerings of the same job at libraries elsewhere and, under the right circumstances, move away. To be honest, I have had thoughts about living in Alaska for some time, the city of Anchorage being shown here. I find the idea of living in a place surrounded by great mountains and woods, distanced from the United States but not excluded from it, and which is never, ever humid to be very appealing. But it's just a thought. I can't know precisely what may come but I know that I will do what I am certain is best for myself and others. Despite the expectation of a straight path, detours do arise. Nevertheless, it is much harder to fail if you never give up. So, I'll keep going. I look forward to seeing you all at the next book club meeting. Until then, take care.

Michael

Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

2007-09-24T15:41:00.001-07:00

I've already told some of you about this book but for those who I haven't talked to this is for you! I read most of this while up in New York on vacation and I felt it especially poignant since there were so many farm stands about. Pollan tells of four different meals that make it to the American plate and what processes happen in order for it to happen. Industrial, Big Organic, Local and Hunter/Gatherer. Lots of eye-opening information told with a charming style that highlights the stories of the people involved. Pollan also presents the different sides with a journalistic touch that keeps the discussion open when it would be easy to characterize a complex situation black or white. I've also read his Botany of Desire which talks about the relationship between humans and four different plants. Prepare to be amazed and intrigued!

Yeah Michael!

2007-08-09T18:23:00.001-07:00

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

2007-07-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

"Before she became ill, David's mother would often tell him that stories were alive. They weren't alive in the way that people were alive, or even dogs or cats. People were alive whether you chose to notice them or not, while dogs tended to make you notice them if they decided that you weren't paying them enough attention. Cats, meanwhile, were very good at pretending people didn't exist at all when it suited them, but that was another matter entirely.

Stories were different, though: they came alive in the telling. Without a human voice to read them aloud, or a pair of wide eyes following them by flashlight beneath a blanket, they had no real existence in our world. They were like seeds in the beak of a bird, waiting to fall to earth, or the notes of a song laid out on a sheet, yearning for an instrument to bring their music into being. They lay dormant, hoping for the chance to emerge. Once someone started to read them, they could begin to change. They could take root in the imagination, and transform the reader. Stories wanted to be read, David's mother would whisper. They needed it. It was the reason they forced themselves from their world into ours. They wanted us to give them life."

This wonderful book is essentially a fairy tale for adults, and is a real book-lover's book! Enjoy!

Michael and Matthew go to Blacksburg!

2007-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Yes we went to Blacksburg a few weeks back and even though I uploaded the pictures some time back I haven't gotten around to sharing them. We went hiking on two different days as well as walked around the campus of Virginia Tech. There was a makeshift memorial that we also visited on our strolling through the university. You can click here to view all of the pictures or click on any individual picture. Enjoy!

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

2007-05-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to write a little post about this fantastic series. His Dark Materials is the name of the series which in order is The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. I'm sure reading all three of these books is great but might I suggest taking the audiobook route. A full cast brings this story alive as well as the author as narrator. You don't have to remember who is speaking because each of the main characters are voiced by different actors.

So what's it about?

Well I don't want to give too much away. And you can always look it up online to read reviews. What I will say:

Part fantasy/part reality.

Animals throughout.

Rich symbology that works on many levels.

I felt a bit sad letting the characters go. Listening on my way to and from work I traveled with them for some weeks.

The Sacred Bones by Michael Byrnes

2007-05-19T06:39:00.001-07:00

Just finished this last night and really enjoyed it! It's VERY much like The Da Vinci Code (which I thought was only okay) but with a different twist. The findings in the book have effects for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths. Fun reading for the summer!

Blog changes

2007-05-12T05:45:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed seeing everyone last night. The food and conversation were both yummy!

I changed a couple of items in the sidebar on the left. Besides the updated information to reflect our new book and meeting time I added a category so we can tell who picks the next book. Also I now have our labels (subject headings) listed on the left. As the posts keep coming this will give us another way to find old material. I especially recommend using the label "Recommended Reads" so that we all can easily refer back to books others have enjoyed. Labels can be added to a post at the bottom of the posting (writing) area. You can go back to and add labels to any of your older posts.

Let me know if there are any other changes you would like to see and I'll do my best to make it happen. As I recently reminded someone, this is our blog! Keep the lines of communication open!

Two more things:

This morning I was looking at Wikipedia's entry for The Handmaid's Tale. Interesting stuff.

If you'd like to read some of my other musings they can be found here. Feel free to comment if you are so inspired!

Enjoy the weekend and if you are so inclined the strawberries are ripe for picking in Pungo.

Picture from here.

Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris

2007-05-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

I don't remember how I stumbled upon this book but it is making for an interesting read. Sam Harris takes on the role of the rational voice in addressing the predominant Christian base of our country. He makes some interesting points and certainly presents an unpopular view (attacking all of religious faith) which I find refreshing in this instance. Here's a snippet:

"Religion raises the stakes of human conflict much higher than tribalism, racism, or politics ever can, as it is the only form of in-group/out-group thinking that casts the differences between people in terms of eternal rewards and punishments. One of the enduring pathologies of human culture is the tendency to raise children to fear and demonize other human beings on the basis of religious faith."

Be true to yourself

2007-05-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss

Muslim musings

2007-05-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

Lately I've immersed myself in a great deal of Muslim-related reading and viewing. I've read "Because They Hate" by Brigitte Gabriel, and have just finished "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. (I was reading "The Handmaid's Tale" at the same time and the similarities gave me chills.) Very different reads even though both are autobiographical accounts of Muslim women. If you only have time for one, I'd recommend Ali's book. You may have heard of her. Remember the Dutch filmmaker, Theo van Gogh, who was murdered on his way to work a few years ago? He and Ali had produced a movie together, "Submission-Part 1", portraying the abuse of Muslim women. When van Gogh was stabbed to death, the killer left a note on his chest (stabbed through with the murder weapon) that Ali was next. She has lived under constant armed guard ever since. Dramatic as her life has been, it's the message that comes through that I think the Westernized world needs to hear.

Both Ali and Gabriel, as well as some great PBS shows that I've watched on the same subject, all have given the same message. We do not understand, nor do we believe, the threat we are up against. Our culture, America in particular, has a "live and let live" attitude. I might not agree with you, but we can agree to disagree. Not so in the traditional, clan-based Muslim world, with it's "live and believe as I do, or die" mentality. I don't want to preach too much nor influence you with my ideas (good American that I am), but please think about this. Educate yourselves, do some reading, and have some serious dialogue. For a sobering look at what is aired and preached on Middle Eastern television (and remember, most of it is state run television) check out: www.memritv.org. (Sorry, my Mac doesn't seem to let me make links, italics, etc.!)

E-Postcard from Scotland

2007-04-26T02:56:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow book clubbers, I write to you from across the Atlantic and, technically, from the future. I have now been more than a week in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It was a rough start as I did not anticipate that a 7-hour flight, crammed between people and plastic could be so hellishly uncomfortable. And then, as it turned out my hostel doesn't allow people to lodge until after 2 pm so as not to disturb those that are, presumably, still asleep, though I only wanted to join them. But that was merely the beginning. In a week's time I feel I have done enough for two vacations. I have entered two castles, one of which required me to take a bus out of the city, and will hopefully add two more to my collection today. I have visited numerous museums, of fine art, history of the country, the city, and the people, even one concerned only with the most notable Scottish writers, Burns, Scott, and Stevenson. I have strolled up, down, and across the streets and alleys (or gates and closes) of the oldest and slightly newer areas of the city, sitting in the pristine parks and reading over some Scottish cuisine (haggis is actually good, I can report). I have climbed the miniature mountain nestled in a corner of the city, encountered some true Scottish sheep (much louder in person), and spent a day at the Edinburgh Zoo. And I still have more to do.
Another aspect that I did not have the proper foresight to predict is how lonely it can be, isolating yourself from the entire social sphere that you know and moving to where no one at all knows you, let alone to a place where half the people are not fluent in your language or are already part of a well-established social group. I think in the future I will not travel alone. However, especially for this initial trip, there is a manner of experience that can only be had in solitude. I have found that it may very well be because I am a solitary traveler that I have encountered true moments of serenity and an unrivaled recognition of the wonder about me. I hope that the rest of my time here will suit me in this way. I am more than glad to have made it here.
By our next meeting I will have plenty to show you, as I am stocking up quite a gallery of pictures. Until then, I hope all of you take care of yourselves and happy reading.

Michael

The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac

2007-04-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

Some time back I read On the Road and remember enjoying it although its not like your typical novel. There is no clear cut story-line just episodes that more or less follow a linear pattern. The consistency is that the narrator is the same throughout. And this is the case for The Dharma Bums which gets more into the world of Buddhism. If you want to enter the world of the Beats than this is a fun read.

Bonus quote:

"I felt great compassion for the trees because we were the same thing; I petted the dogs who didn't argue with me ever. All dogs love God. They're wiser than their masters. I told that to the dogs, too, they listened to me perking up their ears and licking my face. They didn't care one way or the other as long as I was there. St. Raymond of the Dogs is who I was that year, if no one or nothing else."

A little something...

2007-04-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

Rooted

She stands next to him holding lightly to a pinch of jacket. His face blank, glazed over. She moves her hand to his jacket pocket to find the warmth of his balled fist. The knotted knuckles unravel and welcome her touch as a slight smile alights on his face. She leans into him, wavering met by steadiness. He retreats to a different day, memory skipping through time's vast waters and finding a gray island of recollection.

Blue eyelashes.

They brush on his face--butterfly kisses--and complement honeyed breath, soft cheek-to-cheek caresses. Tracing a circle in his hair his mother retreats and twirls in her dotted summer dress.

"Hey baby boy, it's time to wake up." She draws out the words, a continuation of her physical touch.

His eyes find her flowing shape and the knowingness of love floods through him. She pushes aside the curtains allowing rays of sunlight to fall on the bed, the sheets, his face. He arches his body upward stretching to the end of the bed feeling the coldness in the untouched places of the night. He remembers the significance of this day: his brother is coming home from traveling in Other Countries.
Mother leaves the room and he languidly slides his feet to the ground.

His eyes involuntarily close and he is back beside her cupping the soft hand in his jacket pocket and looking out onto a field of maroon and burnt orange. Points of candlelight sparkle in the growing dusk and someone starts to sing Amazing Grace. They lean into each other and support saltwater flowing from their eyes.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

2007-04-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

I think I was telling you all about this delightful young adult book I read recently called Stargirl. Well I just heard that the author, Jerry Spinelli, is about to publish a sequel to the book. So now is your chance to read the first and get well acquainted with this memorable character. She plays the ukulele, remembers everyone's birthday (and sings to them!), and travels with a pet rat. The ultimate nonconformist. For those with a spare hour or two you are in for a fun ride!

Thoughts and Prayers

2007-04-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

What a world we seem to live in these days. Of all the things I had to worry about when I was 18 years old and sitting in a college classroom, being gunned down certainly was not one of them. My thoughts and prayers go out to those unfortunate young people in the prime of their lives, their friends and families, the staff at Virginia Tech who will have much to deal with in the aftermath, and the many responders to this crisis, 911 dispatchers, police, medical personnel and others, all who have had to deal with what must be overwhelming emotion at this senseless tragedy.

Welcome!

2007-04-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow book lovers! This is the place for you to share whatever you like whenever you would like. The bonus is if you've never posted to a blog before you will now have something else to add to the resume! Please don't feel limited to posting about books, we want to see pictures of your vegetable garden, hear about the cool movie you saw, comment on something that irks you or inspires you. My hope is that our book club experience can be a little fuller in our time away from the group. Enjoy!