Saturday, May 30, 2009

Page One, again?

I don’t usually read a book more than once, knowing that there are so many wonderful books waiting to be opened and enjoyed for the first time. I did, however, re-read Annie Proulx’s The Shipping News a second time because I loved the way she drew the characters and their lives in Newfoundland.

Some Thoughts on the Pleasures of Being a Re-Reader by Verlyn Klinkenborg in the May 29th issue of The New York Times is convincing. Maybe I’ll go back to the Thomas Wolfe novels that I loved many years ago. What books would you choose?

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tattered Pages

Before my move from Albany last July, I had to part with some of my books and artwork. Fortunately, I discovered Tattered Pages in Glenmont, a wonderful store that sells used books. I had envisioned a musty place with cartons of books all around the floor. To my surprise and delight I found a cheerful and bright place full of wonderful books. If you’re in the Capital District, I suggest you stop in and browse and visit with Trish Eldridge, the manager, and one of her furry friends.

Here’s the website where you’ll find lots of wonderful information: http://tatteredpages365.webs.com.

Friday, May 15, 2009

What's next?

How do you decide what to read next? Do you check out bestseller lists? Pulitzer Prize or Man Booker Prize winners? Read book reviews? Get recommendations from friends? Wander among the library shelves or meander through a bookstore?

Here’s another option: 501 Must-Read Books. This 544-page paperback, first published in England in 2006 by Bounty Books, is divided into eight sections: children’s fiction, classic fiction, history, memoirs, modern fiction, science fiction, thrillers, and travel. It is intelligently written and beautifully designed with wonderful photos and art work.

As the introduction states, "This comprehensive guide will inspire you to read more widely than you could have imagined." You won’t be able to put it down! You’ll grab a pencil and start making your list.

And it’s inexpensive. Amazon.com sells the hardcover for $14.99 but you can find the paperback version for much less.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Usborne Books & More for Children

I thought I’d only become acquainted with Usborne Books & More just a year ago. That was when Trish Wilson, my daughter, became an independent educational consultant for this U.K.-based children’s book publisher. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I’d actually bought an Usborne Book for my granddaughter while I was traveling in Scotland in 2006.

The book was Princess Stories and Maeve loved it! While Trish was reading it to her one day, Maeve pointed out that the little yellow duck hiding on each page was the same little yellow duck from her Goldilocks and the Three Bears book (also given to her by me). Maeve ran to her room, got the book, and sure enough, she was right. I have since found out that Stephen Cartwright puts the duck on every page of the books he illustrates.

When Trish discovered the Usborne Books business opportunity last year it clicked that her family already owned some of these wonderful books!

Today, Usborne Books are popular in this country because they are award-winning, wonderfully illustrated educational and entertaining books for children, from infants through high school. The line includes picture books, easy readers, classics, a wide range of reference books (which are internet-linked), and books for teens.

Though some Usborne Books may be found in traditional book stores, the majority are sold through home shows and school and library book fairs to parents, grandparents, and educators who want to see children develop a love of reading.

The entire Usborne Books catalogue may be seen at www.BestBooksForKids.net.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” - Walt Disney




Tuesday, May 5, 2009

"Never read a book through merely because you have begun it."


This quote from John Witherspoon is an apt one for me today.

Have you ever begun a book but did not want to continue? Did a little voice scold you because you were taught to finish what you started? Did you obey that voice and struggle on? Or did you decide that there are just too many other books that you’d enjoy much more? This afternoon I made the decision to put down John Updike’s In the Beauty of the Lilies.

When Updike died recently, newspapers were full of praise for his many works. I hadn’t read any of his books in years, so when I saw In the Beauty of the Lilies at a book sale, I picked it up. But now it’s in my recycle pile, as I have a stack of other books ready to be opened.

I'd like to hear what book or books you may have started but not finished.

Where was the proofreader?

If you've had the experience of reading something that contained typos and cried, "Where was the proofreader?" you'll understand my reaction when my friend Chris W. noticed that yesterday I incorrectly stated Richard Russo's Pulitizer Prize winner Empire Falls as Empire of the Falls. And Laura D. caught my error when I wrote "less but wonderful books" when I meant "less than wonderful books." My thanks to both.

Monday, May 4, 2009

A New Page

Welcome to my blog about reading, writing, books, and language.

Like so many life-long readers, I cannot imagine a day without a book, a newspaper or a magazine. As a child, the Brooklyn Public Library on Nostrand Avenue was my introduction to the world of books and to the joy of discovering new worlds. I recall the first book I ever purchased: Little Rose of the Mesa by Madeline Brandeis. I was in the fourth grade. I’ve often wondered if that book was the seed that sprouted my life-long love of the West.

Many years and many books later, reading is an even more important part of my life. As I grow older, however, I have become more discriminating about the books I read. There’s no time to waste on the less but wonderful books. But sometimes I’m fooled.

Bridge of Sighs for example, by Richard Russo, which received high praise at its release in 2007. As I’m an admirer of the author who received a Pulitzer Prize for his Empire of the Falls, I attended his talk when he appeared at SUNY Albany to promote Bridge of Sighs. I bought a copy and asked him to autograph it. It was a big disappointment, however. Not only did the beginning promise more than it delivered, it was much too long due to a lack of efficient editing.

Though I’m not a professional book reviewer, I will use this blog to voice my opinions about the world of words. I hope you’ll express your own opinions and offer suggestions for topics. If you have trouble replying to the blog, please email me at www.barbara1037@gmail.com

Today’s quote is from Mark Twain:
"Classic": A book which people praise but don't read.