A "Wicked" Night Out

Such fun hanging with these WickedGreat ladies. We sorely missed those of you who could not make it, and who missed the paparazzi above.

I kept the program and will keep the "Witchy Women" article inside my copy of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. A few passages stood out to me, and I thought I'd share them with you all:

"'The idea behind Wicked is that things are not as they seem,' notes book-writer Winnie Holzman. 'What you think you know, you don't really know. It is the premise of the novel that you know certain things, but you don't know the deeper story.'
"The same notion drew composer Stephen Schwartz to the project: "I'm often attracted to an idea that takes and familiar story and spins it, looking at it from another direction, like Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. I like when I see things like that, and I like to write them. For me, if you take a familiar story...and you come at it from another point of view, the tension between the audience's preconception and the approach you're taking to the stry adds an extra level of response, plus it helps to clarify the points you're trying to make.
"'The idea of taking what is one of the icnic villains of American culture, the Wicked Witch of the West - so much 'the villain' that we don't even know her name - and looking at it from her point of view, that seemed to me a brilliant concept. It was clear [that] a show about her could explore some of my favorite themes: the difference between surface appearances and what's really going on underneath, how life is more complex and has more ambiguity than we tend to be comfortable with and, certainly, that our public discourse admits to.'"

"Garrison [actor who played the Wizard] wisely suggested: 'There's a green-eyed girl inall of us...Everyone has felt like the outcast at one time or another. It's part of the show's appeal. It's not a children's show, but kids enjoy the fantasy of it, adolescents get the love story and adults see the political alegory.'"

I am confused by one thing, however. The show's program lists the "Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz" and then "Book by Winnie Holzman," who is listed as a "librettist" in the article mentioned above. First, I need to look up what a "librettist" is, and then I'm wondering what book they're talking about.

Librettist: (n) writer of a libretto
Libretto: (n) 1. the text of a work (as an opera) for the musical theater, 2. the book containing a libretto

So... ?? I wonder if there's a Wicked (without the ": The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West") book, as well? I would have guessed that Holzman may have written the lyrics of the show, but Schwartz did.

Thoughts?

Books to Come...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I need to put this "out there" (unnecessary, quote police??), so I can "remember." ;)

October, Suzie's selection:
The Red Tent
http://www.anitadiamant.com/theredtent.asp?page=books&book=theredtent
Theresa will host

November, Sadie's selection:
A Homemade Life - Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table
http://www.amazon.com/Homemade-Life-Stories-Recipes-Kitchen/dp/1416551050
Jade noticed that the 4th Friday in November is the day after Thanksgiving, which might be problematic. I think we'll be in town, but should we weigh in and see if we might look at the 3rd Friday? Is this one that we could maybe get through pretty quickly?

December General selection, classic
A Shakespeare comedy...can't remember which was chosen. Help, please?
And, were we going to try to meet in December for a tea, or wait til January after holiday chaos?

And soon we'll get to start a Whole New Year of Picking Books! Yay! And, gulp. And, Yay! again.

At Large and At Small - Swallowtail Butterfly

I had taken pics of a visiting bi-wing last summer, as my sprained ankle kept me captive in a bucket of ice on the deck. My aunt, mentioned before in our family blog, turned a few of those photos into another digital scrapbook page. Imagine the thrill as I noticed Anne mentioned the swallowtail butterfly on page 6 as well!

I am loving the essays (all one that I've read)! I just wish I could be reading them with a cup of something-hot in an independent coffee house where the jazz is good, and the hum of patrons provides the background music. Sigh. I'll work on getting there in my mind, and just concentrate on the words...with the shrieks of swimming practice or hush of the humidifier instead.

Favorite Kid Shows

(I didn't want to lose all these great suggestions in email, so I copied *hopefully all of* them here. Please add any I missed.)

Theresa:
* Audio Books: The Boxcar Children, Magic Tree House, Mary Poppins, Fairytales, etc. Ella sits in her room and listens and plays instead of watching tv recently.
* Zooboomafoo. It teaches the kids about animals.

Kristen:
* Mr. Rogers is one of my favorites, and you can get them on Netflix.
* Elmo’s World is good, too, but Sofia is growing out of it, so I’d bet Anne Peyton would be too.
* Clifford
* Curious George
* http://lightupyourbrain.com/audio-stories-for-children.html - all audio books, and Sofia has fun drawing while listening
* The library also has tons of books on tape, which Sofia enjoys.

Jade:
* If Rylie watches TV, she wants Dora. The reasons I like it are: Dora talks slowly and very deliberately, Dora is not a girly girl, she's a problem-solver, and there is some interaction (Rylie actually says the answers to the questions Dora asks). There is some Spanish exposure, as well. I think Anne Payton might be too old for Dora.
* Diego might be the next step up (I think Diego has some girls on his show a lot and they are usually adventuresome and not so stereotypical).

Kjirsten:
* Word World, a PBS program...I really like many/most of the PBS programs (Clifford, Curious George, Sesame Street - though Z, too, says he doesn't like it, he does watch it and comes away with ideas learned), and feel really lucky we have OnDemand so we can turn on one (or more....) of those shows if I need to occupy the kids and don't want them to watch commercials.
* I second the books on tape/CD. I wondered if Zach would go for it, and he DID! Requests them a ton, though we don't have a player in his room, I'd love for that to be the next step. Once OlivvyMonster is done beating on electronics.
* There has been some flack about the Little Einsteins, but I think it's because people were mad their kids weren't completely educated by the programs (?!). I like that they expose the kids to composers, art, and teach a lesson. They're on our Disney OnDemand, but I bet they'd be at the library or Netflix, maybe.

One Book One Denver

Kristen noted that this year's book is To Kill a Mockingbird.

Guess what? According to the Tattered Cover's blog, the mayor did not make the selection this year. Denverites had been asked (??) to vote on one of 27 titles. **hmm...is it just this computer, or did the OneBookOneDenver.org page not load everything?**

Anywho, voting lasted from June 1 - 15. I love that idea! I wonder if anyone knew to vote?

Obviously Mockingbird was selected. I just want to know which other titles were eligible?

What Makes it a "Good Book?"

Maybe this belongs on the FB site...Oh well.

I'd love to hear what qualities are present in a book that you would say is "good" or "great." Then, what makes you recommend a book to someone or everyone else? How have these criteria changed through your life?

I've been thinking about mine, and will post them here soon, too. Maybe you could put your answers in a new post, so they don't get "lost" in the comments. Not that I don't want to share this post; I'd love to share it. Do whatever makes it easiest for you to respond!

* * * *
I just reposted this because we never got to discuss it, and I'd love to hear your thoughts, either here or at our next meeting. (Does that sound like an assignment? Then hop to it! JK)

Wicked Fun Night

Thanks for hosting, Kristen!

Sooooo much fun to get into the theme.

Remind you...

....of Fiyero?
http://www.comcast.net/video/star-struck-teenager-sues/1155471439/Comcast/1157951530/

To Hug A Mockingbird

Monday, May 4th - The kids and I are here at my mom's house in lovely Greensboro, Georgia and one of the treats is that I get a bed and a room all to myself (I love reading in bed but I always feel bad interfering w/John's sleep because he usually falls asleep faster than I do). I've come prepared with "Jellicoe Road". So I'm reading and reading and reading, then Mom pops in at 12:30 on a bathroom trip and gives me this "are you sure it's a good idea to stay up this late reading?" look (hmmm, also something I don't get at home, for better or for worse!). So a half hour later, I begrudgingly put the book down. The bed is comfortable, the windows are open, the breeze is cool, and I am happily drifting off to sleep. Then, just a few minutes later, the resident mockingbird decides that NOW is a good time to show off the ten thousand different songs in his repertoire. Fortunately for him and for me, I am a great audience because I am very relaxed and in a very good mood. I lie there, laughing with delight at this dingbat bird who is singing in the pitch dark, apparently because he has a captive audience? I even pull out my camera and put it on video mode so I can capture the sound (out a dark window). But he goes on for an hour, and I cannot fall asleep. I COULD just close the windows but instead I decide that is an excuse to turn on the light and keep reading. Which I do, and finally finish the book about 2 hours later, 3:30am. Mr. Mockingbird (who I later learned via google is probably a young unmated male, as this is quite common for them) is still singing, but, as if on cue, finished up shortly thereafter.

What was particularly neat about this is that the book I was reading had a reference to "To Kill Mockingbird". Specifically (page 105):

Mr. Palmer: She calls her friend 'Mrs. Dubose.' That's all I know. Have you heard of her?
Taylor: Yes, I say sleepily. She lived in the same street as Jem and Scout Finch.

I, for one, did not remember who Mrs. Dubose was. By the end of the book, I knew. And knew that rereading "To Kill A Mockingbird" would be my next indulgence. Being in the South and discussing the segregation that still exists there, then reading a reference to the book would have been enough of a prompt, but being serenaded by a mockingbird that night was just too perfect!

The Library

Three cheers for the library. I know that we all have a special relationship with this radical institution--free books, story times, cuddly chairs, magazines, holds. It is one of my favorite places to be. The library and I have recently become reacquainted. 

Why hello there, library. I love you. 

When I was a kid we spent many, many hours in our tiny library in Holliston--my mom, my sister, and I. In college I worked at UVM's library, stacking books, working at the front desk and in periodicals. I would get lost in the stacks--inhaling the books and going from art to poetry to geography all in 3-hours time. I used to dream of spending the night there. 

Then we took a break from each other. 

But now we're back. The library is the place I go with my kids. We spend many, many hours there, my daughters and I. But sometimes it's just the two of us...on the computer. Ooo, I want to read that book. Hold. Hold. Hold. I find it absolutely thrilling when the holds come in. 

Here's to you, library. You just keep giving. 

The History of Love - Discussion Questions

http://www.litlovers.com/guide_histrylove.html

The link above has some interesting commentary and background on the story and from the author. It also includes the discussion questions below:

1. Leo Gursky and Alma Singer make an unlikely pair, but what they share in common ultimately brings them together. What are the similarities between these two characters?
2. Leo fears becoming invisible. How does fiction writing prove a balm for his anxiety?
3. Explore the theme of authenticity throughout the narrative. Who's real and who's a fraud?
4. Despite his preoccupation with his approaching death, Leo has a spirit that is indefatigably comic. Describe the interplay of tragedy and comedy in The History of Love.
5. What distinguishes parental love from romantic love in the novel?
6. Why is it so important to Alma that Bird act normal? How normal is Alma?
7. When Alma meets Leo, she calls him the "oldest man in the world." Does his voice sound so ancient?
8. Uncle Julian tells Alma, "Wittgenstein once wrote that when the eye sees something beautiful, the hand wants to draw it." How does this philosophical take on the artistic process relate to the impulse to write in The History of Love?
9. Many different narrators contribute to the story of The History of Love. What makes each of their voices unique? How does Krauss seam them together to make a coherent novel?
10. Survival requires different tactics in different environments. Aside from Alma's wilderness guidelines, what measures do the characters in the novel adopt to carry on?
11. Most all of the characters in the novel are writers --- from Isaac Moritz to Bird Singer. Alma's mother is somewhat exceptional, as she works as a translator. Yet she is not the only character to transform others' words for her creative practice. What are the similarities and differences between an author and a translator?
12. What are the benefits of friendship in the novel? Why might Alma feel more comfortable remaining Misha's friend rather than becoming his girlfriend?
13. The fame and adulation Isaac Moritz earns for his novels represent the rewards many writers hope for, while Leo, an unwitting ghostwriter, remains unrecognized for his work. What role does validation play in the many acts of writing in The History of Love?
14. Leo decides to model nude for an art class in order to leave an imprint of his existence. He writes to preserve the memories of his love for Alma Mereminski. Yet drawings and novels are never faithful renditions of the truth. Do you recognize a process of erasure in the stories he tells us?
15. Why might Krauss have given her novel the title The History of Love, the same as that of the fictional book around which her narrative centers?

Misreading Masculinity: Boys, Literacy, and Popular Culture by Thomas Newkirk

My review

please read this book if you have boys in your life.


View all my reviews.

Mar 2009 - The Middle Place, by Kelly Corrigan

Friends, Readers, Radicals...Lend me your eyes!

Following are the (unedited, it's late, sorry) notes I got. For the most part, this time I did not work hard to attribute remarks to a particular person, just spoke in general. Like, don't like?

As always, please comment and add what I've forgotten. :)

April 3, 2009
Host - Janell
Book - The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

Radical Chatter
- Janell’s house was a delicious setting of comfort and food and friends!
- So sorry Lisa (impending birthday party preparation) and Jade (fresh from the treacherous mountain roadtrip) weren’t able to join us.
- Welcome Sadie and Suzie, Kristen and Sarah’s friends from the Highlands area!
- Again, the buffet was a treat that merits mention: banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip ginger bread with “whipper cream,” grapes and cheese and crackers, Kristen (aka Chai Walla)’s incredible chai, wine, pepper-jelly cream cheese spread, and more???

The Middle Place
- It seemed almost everyone had read some of the book, and most of us had time to finish. When does that happen?? Comments I remember:
- The voice of the editor was strong within the book. Seemed like there was a desire (on editor’s part?) to build a parallel between author and father’s illnesses. Question: was the book supposed to be about father/daughter relationship or breast cancer? Answers: Both? Because it was her memoir, she could choose to do whatever she wanted.
- KC (Kelly Corrigan, author) imparted that support through her relationships were key to her recovery.
- People are so different. Many of us would not have had the first instinct upon diagnosis to send out a mass email to all friends and relatives sharing the news, upbeat as it was. Gregarious personality.
- She was so honest about her need to be worshipped. Got that from the way her father treated her growing up; and she needed to find a husband who could continue that treatment of her.
- Speaking of her father, Greenie, would anyone find his personality annoying? In the book, we think maybe his wife did, at times. And the cashier who didn’t care to banter with him (hear about how great his daughter was).
- The description of the genetic counselor who spoke to Edward (the hubby) when KC couldn’t provide answers was pretty narrow and negative. Not realistic, probably. But in those situations, people have to find a place to vent or release, and the counselor can often be that person. And sometimes they become “the messenger.”
- We talked about Kelly’s picking the fight with Edward when they were on their weekend away. She complained that he was in constant contact with his family, calling them the instant they got into the hotel at his alma mater. Is she resentful of the fact that he isn’t eager to move back to her home town so she can be close to her family?
- This book made us think about the health and mortality of our own parents. It’s hard for us to sit by and watch them make choices we don’t agree with; we want them to make them make healthier choices. When we worry about them, we have to accept that we can’t make choices for them, but we can take comfort in thinking about how much we love them.
- We touched briefly on the essay that Kelly read on YouTube. It’s beautiful how it speaks to the power of relationships between women. Many of us have watched it and forwarded it on to friends.
- Many of us related to the “mom” moments within the book. One radical’s mom had commented that it’s great when you can find a book that you can relate to. Is this one that our moms would enjoy as well? Though some anecdotes are funny to us because times and techniques have changed for mothering in our generation, we think our moms would enjoy this even if they might relate more to Kelly’s mom than to Kelly. And we think our moms might relate to Kelly as well.
- We remarked that Kelly’s mom didn’t have a big role in the book, wanted more on her.
- We talked about how some things that were essential for moms of earlier generations (spotless houses, home-cooked meals, etc.) are not maybe as obligatory these days. We’ve become more “relaxed.” Or have we? Are we just anal about different things now?
- That led us to the discussion of how much there is to do, especially since so many moms are working now, and we talked briefly about the ever-present dilemma of stay-at-home vs. working moms. There’s societal pressure and pressure from the family working on us as we make the choice to work or stay home or find some combination that works. We’re happy that there’s more acceptance of whatever-works-for-you is the right decision. More than before.

Etc.
- We told Suzie and Sadie about our most recent “book,” last month’s selection was Your Choice of Printz or Caldecott or Newbury award winners from the last three years. A few favs: Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (“wonderful! Must read!”), some Isabelle Allend books (esp for teen boys), How I Live Now, Spanking Shakespeare, Jellicoe Road (“this was difficult to read” “definitely some heavy topics addressed” “couldn’t put it down”).
- In general publishing tends to lean toward boys. (Not sure I got all of this. Anyone want to expound?) Reading to boys, Sarah often reads a lot of non-fiction, and even when reading fiction, does it through a NF lens.
- Sarah’s pick – still to be finalized, but maybe: Ann Fadiman’s At Large and At Small: Familiar Essays, She also loved her Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader. Also considering (or just mentioning, now I’ve forgotten) The Ladies Lending Library, as a “lovely cottage read.”
- Also mentioned: Bryce Courtenay’s Power of One, Jessica, and Tandia. That’s all I have on those. Were they also in consideration as SarahSelections? Oh, was this where we said maybe it’d be a choose-your-own Bryce Courtenay? Or was it choose-your-own Ann Fadiman? Bueller?
- How can we channel our creativity and inspiration from some of our book selections into some activism? One idea: Sign up for the Komen Race for the Cure, building on Kelly Corrigan’s battle with cancer. Also the sewers in the group might be able to stitch up some matching girl/doll skirts to donate to single mothers who will be able to give the gift of something handmade with love. Keep the ideas flowing!

- Next book: The History of Love, Nicole Krauss.
That should be followed by Maguire's Wicked, to be discussed in June since it's quite long. Then Brooks' People of the Book in July, and Gaiman's Neverwhere in August, Sarah's TBD selection in September, and Amber's choice of The Painter from Shanghai by Cody in October.

True Blood Books

Hey (Blood) Suckers -

Before we dove into The Middle Place - and after we saw Kristen's new *sweet* shirt - we touched on the HBO series True Blood and that it was based on books. Here's a site that has some info on them.

I haven't read or seen any of it, but have heard rave reviews on both. Suzie and Sadie, hadn't you seen the shows, maybe? If anyone tries the books, let us know what you think! My money's on Kristen to kick us off.

Book-Pusher

If I can be one, I'd now like to push the 2009 Printz Award winner Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta.

From the Printz Award page:
Haunted by the past, Taylor Markham reluctantly leads the students of the Jellicoe School in their secret territory wars against the Townies and the Cadets. Marchetta’s lyrical writing evokes the Australian landscape in a suspenseful tale of raw emotion, romance, humor and tragedy.
Melina Marchetta lives in Sydney, Australia, and is the award-winning author of two previous novels. A former high school teacher, she is recognized for the authenticity of her teen characters’ voices.
“This roller coaster ride of a novel grabs you from the first sentence and doesn’t let go. You may not be sure where the ride will take you, but every detail—from the complexities of the dual narrative to the pangs of first love—is pitch perfect,” said Printz Award Committee Chair Mary Arnold.

I love it when I can't put a book down, and this was that way. If you try it, be sure to let me know.

One More for The Middle Place

This blog looks like what you were envisioning for our Radically Bookish blog, Kristen. One reader wrote a review and then others responded in their comments for that post. I haven't read through it yet. If you haven't finished the book, I'm guessing it might have spoilers.

http://everydayiwritethebook.typepad.com/books/2007/12/online-book-clu.html

Influential, Memorable Book List

Loved reading Kristen and Lisa's lists. I did have this prepared for the last meeting, but printer issues prevented my bringing it along. And, goodness knows I can't remember anything unless it's written down, so here goes:

From Childhood
Blueberries for Sal - One of my mom's favorites became one of mine, too.
Make Way for Ducklings - Ditto on the above.
Where the Wild Things Are - Such a childhood classic
Where the Sidewalk Ends - "I'm being eaten by a Boa Contrictor, a boa constrictor, a boa contrictor..." My mom's Russian teacher used to sketch our favorite illustrations out of this book. The Cat in the Hat - and all the rest of the Dr. Seuss books
1st Grade-ish
Little House on the Prairie and the rest
James and the Giant Peach - my 1st grade teacher read this to us, and I was enthralled.
Some collection of Halloween stories - I have a vivid memory of listening to scary Halloween stories at the end of the day, with the classroom lights off, munching on toasted pumpkin seeds while the glowing jack-o-lantern watched us. Such a warm memory of gradeschool for me.
Encyclopedia Brown - this was the first book I read cover-to-cover, in one sitting, all by myself. And I was so proud of my pace that I didn't take the time to sound out all the words, since the context seemed to make sense without that. On the last page, I finally sounded out a long word, de-tec-tive. Boy, that made the whole mystery story about the boy dective make even more sense!
2nd Grade-ish
The Secrets of Nimh - Or was it Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh? I remember this was scary. Would love to revisit it.
Nancy Drew series - Read this whole series, several more than once.
Hardy Boys series - Once I finished the Nancy Drews, I moved on to the Boys, and a few other kids-solving-mysteries series...can't remember them...oh, Trixie Belden?
3rd Grade-ish
Samantha on Stage - This little paperback was a gift for my birthday, in 6th grade I think. A Russian girl moves to the US and outshines the American in her ballet class. There's some teenage drama and then a friendship ensues. I loved it. It became my "comfort read." Anytime things went a little south, I'd pull out this book to bring things back to midline. I think I still have it in a box somewhere.
4th Grade-ish
Old Yeller - Bawl.
Nancy Drew Case Files - I remember being a total brat teasing a friend of mine who also loved Nancy, "So, have you read all the Nancy Drews?...What about Nancy Drew Deadly Intent?"
Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley High, Cheerleaders - basically anything I could get my hands on
7th Grade
Where the Red Fern Grows - another one we read in class.
A Day No Pigs Would Die - the training of the puppy with the ferret in the whiskey barrel still makes my stomach drop.
Bridge to Terabithia - I vividly remember the cover of this book, the trees, though I don't remember the story from that time, except that I loved it.
Anne of Green Gables, and the rest - Anne was kind of my hero.
Johnny Tremain - I'd love to reread this one too. I had chosen it from the selection for our book fair projects, and it turned out that I liked it.
8th Grade
The Stand - I started in on Stephen King in junior high, and The Stand became "my favorite book" for a long time. I read it, then got the unabridged version and read that a couple of times too. Over 1,000 pages was a lot for a scrawny kid. I was SO disappointed when the miniseries was pretty miserable, despite having Gary Sinise cast as one of the leads.
High School
Treasure Island - I chose this as my "your choice" first book report book when I was the new kid in 9th grade. Can you say "geek?" All the other kids were reading John Grisham. Brown noser. But it turns out Treasure Island is a good story!
John Grisham - I quickly tried to get "cooler," and read through a bunch of his books. A Time to Kill was my favorite (and may have been his first book?), and most of the rest started to all sound the same.
A Tale of Two Cities - For "Reiser's" Honors English class, we read this one. I finished it in the conversion van we drove from IL to CA for Christmas in 1990. I LOVED it. Mme. Defarge knitting away her anger, the selfless love of Mr. Carton, the French Revolution...all of it so tragic and romantic and engrossing. I was again "surprised" that I'd love a classic so much.
Jane Eyre - I read the copy from my parents book-a-month club. Wish I could get my hands on those. Who knew that 20 years later, I'd be thinking back to Mr. Rochester because of a new, glittering hero partially based on him?
College
Maus - This was a text for one of my classes, then I taught it while student teaching 6th graders. It was my first experience with a graphic novel, and has a special place in my heart.
Dandelion Wine - An ex-boyfriend had loved this book. After we broke up because timing wasn't right, I read it in an act of contrition of sorts. Bradbury is typically known for his sci fi work, but this has just a taste of fantasy, and is mostly the story of a boy's summer. I reread at the end of every summer for several years because I loved how it seemed to wrap up the season perfectly.
Into Thin Air - I can't remember now if Krakauer's telling of the 1995 Everest distaster kicked off my Everest obsession, or just fed it. I love this book, and was thrilled to pick up a hard copy version at a garage sale last summer. The first time I read it was on the trip my family took to Australia. Since everything is better in Australia, I may have romanticized it a bit. But I don't think so. It's brilliant and compelling.
Angela's Ashes - Reading and doing a report on this book was an extra credit option for my Ed. Psych. class, but I was too busy drinking to read it while classes were in session. Instead I carried this hardcover across Australia too. I remember thinking that if I could ever write, I'd hope my style could be similar to McCourt's. I have 'Tis as well but haven't read it. I heard it wasn't as good. Anyone know?
Catcher in the Rye - I didn't read this 'til college. Loved it, and the hat in front / back became an inside joke between me and a friend.
Ender's Game - This was recommended to me by a friend, but I "didn't like sci fi." Eventually, in the midst of having to read and report on 40 YA books in a semester, I decided to give it a shot. Loved it. Turns out Orson Scott Card is another of Stephenie Meyer's inspirations. I'd like to read some more of Ender's stories.
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting - I read and took notes on a bunch of Milan Kundera's books. I thought I was deep.
The Giver - This was one of the required reads for the 40-YA -books semester. This was one of the few I LOVED.

Gosh, I know I've forgotten many, but I'm glad to have gotten a few down here for posterity.

The Middle Place - Some Additional Items

Hey, Gang.

I thought I'd try to wrangle up some supplemental information and resources for our discussion of The Middle Place.

The YouTube of Kelly reading her essay "Transcending." I was waiting and waiting for this to be in the book, wondering where and how it would fit in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q

EveryWomansVoice.com Discussion Questions
http://www.everywomansvoice.com/?q=node/319

Kelly's website:
http://www.kellycorrigan.com/

The website she created as a resource for those helping a friend with cancer:
http://www.circusofcancer.org/

I am hoping to jot down some of my thoughts on and favorite passages from the books soon. I hope you all are getting a chance to read it and that you're enjoying it! (Even if the Edward is not glittery.)

Feb 2009 - YA Lit

Host Lisa
Book YA Lit Selection

Radical Chatter
- Thanks for hosting, Lisa! (of Hofmeister Haus, for those interested)
- We missed you, Janell and Theresa!
- Must mention that the treats we ate and drank were amazing: Apple Nut Cake (Lisa), Seasoned Walnuts (Lisa), Chai tea (Kristen), Trail mix (Jade), a Green Chili (was that it? Sarah!), Kettle corn (safeway!), Cullen red wine (Lisa – Twi-hards loved that touch), s’mores (Lisa)

Selections Read:
o Sarah - gosh too many to list, probably, but a few: Blue Shoe; How I Live Now, Rosoff which she said is just extremely well-written. Since YA lit can be so heavy, Sarah found comfort in a couple of the books, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and ???
o Lisa – Kira-Kira – about best-friends/sisters in the 50s who have to move, face discrimination as Japanese Americans, deal with older sister’s illness and the implications it has on the family struggling already. The older sister, Lynn, teaches Katie her first word, kira-kira, which means glittering. Katie used it to describe everything she liked, even Kleenex, and their mom says she’ll have to send the girls back to Japan to teach them how to be proper girls. Lisa said it was beautiful but heavy and sad. Interesting that reviews online from adults said maybe this is too heavy for kids, and then the teen respondents said, “who are these adults? We can deal with this.” Led to a discussion that we as parents want to protect our kids, shield them from the difficult stuff, knowing that they will encounter it regardless. In some ways, books are easier to use in dealing with hard subjects because if we’re reading with our kids, we can pause and discuss a disturbing scene or element, whereas in a movie the scene happens, disturbs, then continues on. We can’t reflect and discuss. Asked if this book does have a silver lining, Lisa said Yes! While life as the family knows it ends in a way, they still see the kira-kira in nature and all around us.
o Sarah? Mentioned Patricia Polacco’s Thundercake, in which the characters make a cake during a thunderstorm in order to pass the time, and be brave through the storm. Book includes recipe for the thunder cake, so readers can make it too.
o Kristen – Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! K says it’s similar to Canterbury Tales. Lisa said it was written by a librarian ? at a school because the students were studying the medieval times, and she wrote 17 plays so that each student in the class could have a starring role in his own story. Format is interesting. The Graveyard Book Neil Gaiman excellent! (Theresa said so too, via email). Story of a boy whose parents are murdered, who escapes to grow up in the graveyard, with the ghosts as his new family. It’s “fantasy, right on the edge of reality”, Kristen’s favorite genre. The Invention of Hugo Cabret about a boy who lives in a train station in Paris. Kjirsten wondered if parents would by a 500 page book at $22 for their young kids. Sarah and others thought, definitely, even as a gift. Thought the story could be a little old for young kids, but Sarah thought 4th graders would love it. Features illustrations that start out far away, then zoom in on pages that follow. Also passages of text. American Born Chinese graphic novel that Sarah, Kristen both loved. Lisa too?
o Jade - The Book Thief, Zusak – almost done with it. Narrator is Death. Comments on the fact that Hitler began his crusade with words not weapons. Jade commented that the author’s technique of listing items, centered within the text broke up the flow. She wanted him to have good reason for going against the grain.
o Kjirsten - Kira-Kira, Kadohata beautiful story of two sisters. This author used the list format periodically as well. Here maybe it was to show the narrator’s attempts to have control over something in her life (I can list these things I know for sure), when everything else was spinning out of control. And The White Darkness, McCaughrean This book was a page-turner for me. Looking back, I don’t know if I’d say it’s a must-read, but I did love it while reading it. Sarah said if I loved the humor, I’d enjoy listening to her 2008 Printz award acceptance speech.

Also mentioned
Jellicoe Road, 2009 Printz winner – set in Australia, story of private school with secret societies, etc.
Emma, a manga novel, translated from Japanese, read from “back to front” and right to left. About a girl obsessed w/ Victorian England
Mists of Avalon – Arthurian legends told from the perspective of female characters
Valley of the Horses – Lisa, did you mention this series?
Not a Box Not a Stick - Sarah loves these books. Kids can make a cardboard box into anything.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie – Sarah was sad to hear no one had read this fantastic book
Ahab’s Wife – Story told from the perspective of Captain Ahab’s wife. Did Lisa mention this one? Centennial – James Michener focuses his stories on a place. This one is about CO. partial review from Amazon: The book's 900 pages cover 136 million years. Centennial is an epic novel of the history, land, and people of Colorado. It’s got a 4.5 star review. Lisa loves his work.
Bunnicula – bunny who sucks the juice out of the vegetables …oh, wait that was another conversation…vampire related…

Etc.
- How far do you give a book, before you give up and put it down?
Jade said, if it was a recommendation, she’ll read ½ the book. If just one she’s picked up, maybe 3-4 chapters.
- We talked about when we started reading. Kjirsten read through all of Nancy Drew, then Hardy Boys, then the two together in 2nd grade. Jade said she couldn’t read well until one day in 4th grade, overnight she could. Stunned her reading group instructor as she read a passage all the way through. Jade’s version was hilarious and amazing, and I can’t recreate the moment.
- The YA genre is relatively new as its own genre, the Printz award has only been around for a few years – there was no system in place to recognize YA greatness, but now books have YA on the spine.
- Sarah said she categorizes books as good 1) for things, 2) for ???, 3) for ??? (Sarah, can you fill these in? Your thought was great!) Asked if Speak was good, and Sarah said it was one of the books that was good for things in that it addresses rape, and might be an effective way to deal with that subject.
- Kristen and Jade were talking, one asked the other, “Did she get a nap in?” Lisa, party-hostess-extraordinaire brought out a napkin.
- Jade is hoping to do the Ironhorse ride in Durango in May. Somehow in there we had the burly / early confusion.
- Lisa mentioned that her niece had gotten a new T-shirt that had “Edward” or something on it, and maybe Edward’s picture. “I haven’t seen the guy who plays Edward, but he must be beautiful.” In the time it took Lisa to spit out those last couple of words, both Jade and Kristen had reached for their evidence to the fact…Jade winning the contest to whip out Edward’s photo fastest. Giggles and tears of laughter. Kjirsten had sent the photos to the Twilight fans as Valentines from Edward. Oh, boy. Jade said, “But just ask me if I have a picture of Lyle or Rylie…” too true! We had a few Twilight episodes, but not many. Lisa said she may or may not continue with the saga since there are so many good books out there. And Sarah mentioned, “Oh heck. I’ll read it.”
- We had the requested laptop on the scene, and it lead to some great rear-end shots as we took turns looking up books and things with the laptop on the floor. (So many of these things are probably funnier when you’re in the moment!)

Next Books
- Lisa mentioned The Good Earth but selected as her book: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Maguire. She said (who??) mentioned that he made Curious George his new motto because he wished he could just become more curious. If we were all more curious about all the things that we don’t agree with, we’d want to understand why they believe that (which we don’t believe), and maybe we could become more tolerant. (Did I get the gist of that, a little bit?) This book helps us understand why that wicked witch is wicked; she becomes sympathetic.We said it would be awesome to go see Wicked too. And it will be at the Buell in Oct/Nov! Though we could dream about a girls’ trip to NYC. Lisa also talked about
- Sarah mentioned Shadow of the Wind, but since the book club (Kristen, Theresa and Jade) have already read it, may look for another one. We tried to see what might be discussed at the Boulder Book Store, so we could read one of theirs and see the author read and meet there. Didn’t have much luck with their calendar, so Sarah’s still finalizing her selection.
- Jade mentioned the epistolary The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society but selected People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks instead.
- Kristen selected a Neil Gaiman novel, Neverwhere about a boy who joins a quest through the dark and dangerous London Below, a shadow city of lost and forgotten people, places, and times. (from Amazon)
- Kjirsten had chosen The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

The schedule, as it stands:
March
The Middle Place, by Corrigan
Picked by: Kjirsten
Hosted on April 3rd? By Janell?

April
The History of Love, by Nicole Krauss
Picked by Janell
Hosted TBD, or did we say Kjirsten would host?

May/June (long book, busy months, so thought we’d do a two-monther)
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Maguire
Picked by Lisa
Hosted by TBD

July
People of the Book, by Geraldine Brooks
Picked by Jade
Hosted by Jade

August
Neverwhere, by Gaiman
Picked by Kristen
Hosted by Kristen

September
TBD
Picked by Sarah
Hosted by TBD

We’ll need Janell and Amber’s selections!

Lisa's favorite childhood books

Thanks for this idea, Kristen! I was talking to my mother about this month's book selections and she also suggested that it would be interesting to talk about this. Cool beans!

A few items on your list triggered memories for me. I didn't read Where the Red Fern Grows until I was in my early thirties, and coincidentally it was just after my grandparents died within a week of one another. I was with Kristen in the sobbing department.

The Misty of Chincoteague series by Marguerite Henry (who also wrote Brighty...) was huge for me. I read all of them, and even corresponded with the author (I'll have to see if I can find the postcard she wrote me).

Madeline - I've never pronounced that name as "Madelinn" because of the rhymes in this wonderful book, which AP (and I know Fia too!) enjoys immensely

Pippi Longstocking & Raggedy Ann

Through the Looking Glass - our 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Zimmerman mesmerized us by reading the poem Jabberwocky from this section of Alice in Wonderland - we would beg her to do it again and again! I can still hear the way she made it come alive.

Anne of Green Gables - can't wait to read this one to my Anne!
The Secret Garden, A Little Princess
To Kill A Mockingbird - I could read this one over & over again

A Wrinkle in Time - my best friend and I were obsessed with this book in 5th grade

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - 7th grade oral book report, one of my proudest moments

The Great Gatsby - one of my faves in H.S. although now I really can't remember much :(

Huck Finn vs. Lord of the Flies - in 10th grade we had to do a comparison/contrast paper about these 2 books. That difference in philosphy about evil being inherent in man, vs. the influence of society really made an impression on me.

Also, Anne Peyton and I have been reading Mary Poppins lately. I don't remember it from childhood, but want it to be a big part of hers. It's lovely! If you've only ever seen the Julie Andrews movie, you must read the book. It's a totally different (and refreshing) portrayal of an English nanny. I also got the book on tape from the lib and listen to it whenever the kids are in the car with me (otherwise, NPR!). At first they struggled with the British accent of the narrator, and some of the advanced English words, or downright British words (such as "perambulator"), but they're catching on. Both kids will call out "Mary Poppins!" as soon as we get in the car. I actually not sure if Tommy understands a peep of it - maybe he's just crazy about that lovely accent.

What were your most memorable books?

I'm just curious. Thinking back to childhood and early adulthood, which books to you most vividly remember? Which books changed you, and how? Which books left a lasting impression and why?

I need to brainstorm some more, but I definitely remember reading:

Goodnight Moon - just a great children's book
Where the Wild Things Are - scared me
A Dog for Suzie - the first book I checked out from the library and read by myself
Where the Sidewalk Ends - I loved it!
The Giving Tree - so sad but beautiful
Brighty of the Grand Canyon - my first LONG book
The Phantom Tollbooth - absolutely confused and intrigued me
Sounder - this is when I decided never to read another book about animals
Dear Mr. Henshaw - just something I remember
The Chronicles of Narnia - my 5th grade teacher read them all to us
The BFG, The Twits, The Witches - my Roald Dahl phase
A Wrinkel in Time, A Swiftly Tilting Plant, A Wind in the Door - my dad read these to me aloud
Romeo and Juliet - how can I leave out Shakespeare?
The Fountainhead - a life-changing read, full of independence and self-discovery
The Mists of Avalon - brought me into the power of womenhood! It really was a very powerful, influential book for me.
The Lord of the Rings - I can't deny it's impact
The Incredible Lightness of Being - I can't remember why!

I may add more to this if something comes to mind, especially after I see what you gals post. But I think that's a good start of my most influential books.

Random Book Thoughts

I just finished Grapes last night! Wow.

Does anyone know if you can download books to an ipod or other device (I'm without any device or knowledge of how they work) from the library?

I heard someone call Twilight a love story, and I think that's the most appropriate categorization for me. What do you think? When I said "romance," I don't think that was quite right. "Romance" conjures up s-e-x, sort of, doesn't it? And, I don't think sci-fi is quite right either, though it could fit into fantasy.

Need to get to the library to decide on next month's books. And coordinate with Lisa and Janell on who's going to host next. Did we decide on even a day? Did it finally come down to Friday night??

I called the library to see if they could offer a "book talk" along the lines of what we thought the T. Cover would do, and they don't. They would offer to help us find all sorts of resources to help with book discussions, but we were kind of hoping for "an expert" to lead us, right? No such luck. Sarah, do you know anyone? Anything?

Has anyone decided what she's reading for next time? Oh, Jade The Book Thief. How is that going? Anyone else?

February Book Choices

Last night was so great, all! Doesn't it always seem to fly by too quickly?

Just quickly, did you look to see the Printz winner(s)?

2008 The White Darkness, Geraldine McCaughrean
2007 American Born Chinese, Gene Luen Yang
2006 Looking for Alaska, John Green
2005 how i live now, Meg Rosen

And Newbery

2008 Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village, Laura Amy Schlitz
2007 The High Power of Lucky, Susan Patron
2006 Criss Cross, Lynne Rae Perkins
2005 Kira-Kira, Cynthia Kadohata

And Caldecott

2008 The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick
2007 Flotsam, David Wiesner
2006 The Hello, Goodbye Window illustrated by Chris Raschka and written by Norton Juster
2005 Kitten's First Full Moon, Kevin Henkes

Still My Favorite

I hardly ever, never reread books, even my favorites. I always feel propelled to move forward because I am obsessed with the idea that there are just so many amazing books out there. And I am certain that I will die without having read even one tiny fraction of the things I'd like to read in my life. But for Grapes of Wrath I'm happy to make an exception (that and maybe Twilight and, ahem, Breaking Dawn). As I reread GOW I am resavoring and rediscovering everything--each detail, each minute observation, each heartbreaking tale within it--anew. And it's still my favorite. I am amazed by this book. Absolutely (unconditionally and irrevocably) in love with it (and Edward, too. OMG, did I just say that out loud?).

Jade's GOW notes

For my entire reading of GOW, I couldn't help but think of present-day immigrants who have migrated to the U.S. for a better life. I would like to live in my suburbian bubble and think that we as a society do not treat people the way the Joads were treated, but I know that it isn't the case. Has anyone seen the movie The Visitor? I really enjoyed this movie. It's about a couple of illegal immigrants who wanted a better life in the U.S. Also, did anyone see the show on TV the other night (I think it is called What would you do?) that secretly filmed what would happen if actors working in a cafe would discriminate against Spanish-speaking customers in their cafe. Fortunately, most people stood up for the Spanish-speaking customers. 

Quotes that struck me:

• End of chapter 12: "The people in flight from the terror behind––strange things happen to them, some bitterly cruel and some so beautiful that the faith is refired forever." Beautifully put. 
• Chapter 14: "We could love the tractor then as we loved this land when it was ours. But this tractor does two things––it turns the land and turns us off the land. There is little difference between this tractor and a tank. The people are driven, intimidated, hurt by both. We must think about this." Later in Chapter 14: "For the quality of owning freezes you forever into 'I,' and cuts you off forever from the 'we.'"
• Chapter 26: "I'm learning one good thing. Learnin' it all the time, ever' day. If you're in trouble or hurt or need––go to the poor people. They're the only ones that'll help––the only ones." 

This book has made me think more than I have time for! It is pack full of thought-provoking topics that are very relevant still today. I'm looking forward to tea at the palace (wow, we're a sophisticated bunch!). 

confessions

OK girls, I blame you (Kj, Theresa, Jade) for officially ruining me! I'm speaking of You know it'Twilight here, not GOW as I should be, of course. But, when I'm out on a jog and start giggling, you know I'm definitely ruined! I think you discovered my genre - I haven't been so engrossed since Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles! This book is so thrilling, though, because it also takes me back to highschool and that "bad boy" boyfriend who I luckily eventually dumped, but still looked around every corner for that multi-colored Volvo. OK, I've said too much... anyhow, it's fun to get so giddy! I don't know if I'm enjoying it so much because it's such a thrilling fantasy, or if I simply need it after 6 months with two kids, but I am enjoying it. Thanks for introducing me!

Thank you

for suggesting we read "Grapes of Wrath" -- was it you, Theresa? I still have not gotten through it what with all the holiday eventfulness, but I love the book and can't believe I've never read it. My husband told me how he skipped over all "lyrical exposition" chapters (to quote Kristen's blog entry) in high school because he thought they were boring. I am not sure how I would have felt about them as a teenager, but I am mesmerized by them now. I just found out that our daycare mom's family homesteaded in Kansas so now I am full of questions for her. Thanks for opening this window for me. There is so much I am clueless about ...

Also, Kjirsten suggested I share with all of you my exciting news -- I am going to the inauguration in 2 weeks!! Should be back in time for tea so hopefully I will have a few good stories for you!

Happy New Year, everyone...