Would You Like That Re-nood?

Finally finished the epic Drood by Dan Simmons, a fictional account of Charles Dickens' impetus for writing his unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. If you haven't already seen or tripped over it, it's a whopping 784 pages, about 400 of which are completely unnecessary. In fact, if you read only every other chapter, you'd probably be ok. Parts of it were fascinating

(and I liked the twist at the end) but overall, I'd say I was disappointed.

Perhaps I shouldn't have had such... (wait for it) Great Expectations. he he

Whoopsies...

Books, Readers and Beyond: #54: Social Networking N' Books

I'm pretty sure that being a member of a Book Club would be a bad idea for me. For one thing, I sort of have an eclectic array of reading interests. Who else would be as interested in reading Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin as Drood by Dan Simmons AND The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd? Most book clubs I know are more interested in marshmallow girly books that make me nauseous. I can only imagine the discussions. My eyeballs would ache from rolling so much. I'm probably exaggerating but me blurting out, "Well, I hated it!" does not make for pleasant noshing over artichoke dip. Oh well. Having said that, I am an online member of Shelfari , Goodreads and LibraryThing. I like that you can see what other people are reading, compare commonalities with friends and read honest reviews from people with similar literary tastes. I think it would be difficult to find a real life group of people like me who like the same kinds of books, are interested in truly spirited discussions and could overcome the logistics of finding a way to get together in person. Online book clubs overcome these obstacles. I've responded several times to "Should I read this?" and have gotten positive feedback. Regarding starting a book club in the library, unless there's a need for "Cautiously Optimistic, Non-Conformist, Overly Critical, Historical Mystery Readers" I think I'll continue to read quietly at my desk. One book that I'm planning to read and I think would be a good choice is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, whose debut novel is about many Japanese Americans' lives following Pearl Harbor. It's something most Americans don't want to be reminded of, but whose ramifications affected my personal life deeply. Certainly not a feel-good, fluffy topic, but I believe the discussion regarding it could be quite interesting. Coincidentally, Hotel is featured on the "May We Recommend" section of the live book discussion website Reading Group Choices. I compared reviews and ratings for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer on Shelfari and also on Library Thing. I was not surprised to see that both had similar reviews/ratings. Most ratings were by women and pretty much concurred with my opinion of the novel. I think it's wonderful to see what other people are reading and whether you're "on track" with how you perceived certain novels but really, reading is a personal experience for me. I don't really care if anyone else liked it or didn't. That's why I'll never understand some people's insistence on sticking to a list like Oprah's Book Club. What appeals to her may not appeal to anyone else. Still, I think that whatever gets people reading and talking about it is a good idea....yes, book clubs too. Even if no one would ever want me as a member.

Books, Readers and Beyond: #53: Re-Kindling Kindle Envy

Darn that Amazon.com! Every time I go to their website there's that annoyingly sleek and now-even-cooler Kindle reader. The Kindle 2 has arrived and I am lusting after it in my heart. Unfortunately, at $359 (with a waiting list), the lust does not extend to my wallet. Still, it calls to me. A friend at work and I discuss the appeal often and have determined that, for those of us who work at libraries, a Kindle might not be so cost-effective. We get books for FREE so new titles even at $9.99 is not a bargain. We decided that what appeals to us is that we want to be THAT woman in the picture reading from her Kindle. Just look at how cool and sophisticated she is! Chalk it up to great marketing. In my case, at least, even with a Kindle I would probably not be in full makeup with the pillows arranged so neatly under me. I'd probably be schlepping on the couch in flannel pj pants and holey socks with a bag of cheetos in the other hand. *sigh* Maybe the Kindle price is NOT the real problem...hmmm... Okay, on to the exercise. There were some great sources listed for on-line searching. I admit, if I must OWN it today, I'll check out the local Barnes and Noble first and just pick up the book on the way home. If I can wait, of course I'll order it from the library. I searched for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society at several nearby locations via their online links. Barnesandnoble.com gives the list price ($22.00) as well as the online price ($14.37) and the membership price ($12.87). I am not a member of B/N since I can't justify $25 fee when I can get the books free from the library so that leaves me at paying the online price, not including shipping. Another bookseller in close proximity is Katy Budget Books which does have an online option and just so happens to currently feature the book I had in mind on their homepage. They only offer the list price so forget that. I do like KBB's quaint small-town-i-ness and the fact that they take/sell used books as well. They also have very fun n' freaky Halloween displays. And the staff seems to know their stuff, unlike at Half Price Books, which has a website but no way to search for anything since they don't catalog their collection and whose staff is filled with tattooed, black garbed, multi-pierced teenagers who didn't know who W. Somerset Maugham was. ("What? WHOSE mom??" jeez...) I did find Guernsey online at hcpl.net in audiobook format but there's a waiting list. Speaking of downloading e-books.... This was my first time attempting to download an audio or e-book from our website and it was a little frustrating. Audiobooks were fine but I have to admit, regarding books on tape, I am a paper snob. I guess I read far faster than I can listen because FIVE hours to hear The Aurora County All-Stars by Deborah Wiles, a 243-pg juvenile fiction book is redonkulous (it's a word...). Every time I see people check out 32 disc audiobooks I just want to say, "Oh for God's sake...just read the damn book!" but I don't. Regarding the e-book download I guess I didn't realize that you have to have a *certain* version of Adobe Reader and I have the updated one which doesn't work. My fault entirely since it clearly states this on the fact page. Still, downloading Adobe's Digital reader was one more thing to wrestle with. Finally figured it out, located the e-book in my download folder and read for a half hour. But when you're pulling your hair out in frustration, there's no way you can look like the lady in the picture. Well, maybe if that Kindle of hers short-circuits in her hand..... (Uh oh, envy heads it's ugly rear).

That's My Bus...Whaaaa?

Brother, Can You Spare A Home?

Another symptom of economic hard times is the sudden overflow of surrendered pets in animal shelters. Sadly, when it comes time to choose between paying bills and feeding Fido, necessity forces the family pet out. And the pets in the shelters are the lucky ones...many more end up abandoned when the family leaves their foreclosed home or just to fend for themselves, wandering the streets. Believe it or not, there are some "misguided" (I'm being kind here, I'm really thinking, "stupid") pet owners who believe that dogs are wild animals who, if dumped "in the country," will be able to catch their own food and survive on their own. In truth, humane euthenasia is a better option if there's absolutely no other choice. Domesticated animals are no closer to their wild ancestors than we are to apes (restrained comment). Most dogs/cats die horribly from dehydration, starvation, infestation and exposure when left in the "country." Unfortunately, animal shelters are overwhelmed, and people are giving less donations as well. Please consider donating to your local shelter or visit the Humane Society or ASPCA website to give what you can. Better yet, consider adoption -- even Oprah adopted a puppy recently from a shelter. And even though the Obamas have already chosen a Portuguese Water Hound, you can still sign a petition urging President Obama to consider a shelter puppy for his family...yes, you can! Sam and I thank you for helping!