Elvis Has Not Left the Building

This train had a very slow start for me. I'm now a quarter of the way through and am realizing why I have waited twenty years to read Guralnick's bio. Now, I have the Internet to feed my music interest as I read about the phenom, Elvis Presley. I have been able to view Elvis's earliest influences and become fascinated with the Statesmen and the Starlite Wranglers to Big Mama Thornton's version of Hound Dog. Although I first became aware of Elvis with his recording of "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956, I've learned that he became a literal overnight sensation in Memphis with his Sun recording of "Blue Moon of Kentucky" and "That's All Right Mama." Guralnick is a music critic and has written extensively on American music and musicians. His research is beyond the pale, often to the point of boredom. But I don't want to miss the redeeming qualities, of which there are many. Since I've made it to page 127, it looks like I'm on my way. 

Wonderful Quote!

"We all need more than anything else to know human nature, to know the needs of the human soul; and they will find this nature and these needs set forth as nowhere else by the great imaginative writers, whether of prose or of poetry."

~Theodore Roosevelt~

The Girl with a Clock for a Heart: A Novel

It's no secret that I think mystery/thrillers are great summer reads -- and certainly good diversions from more serious reading.  This one is a page turner!  It's a good psychological thriller -- if you like Tana French or Gillian Flynn, you might give Peter Swanson a try!

On the surface this is just another book about an evil woman who seduces the men in her life who aren't strong enough to shake the addiction.  I won't say that I was kept guessing until the final page -- but the characters were interesting enough to hold my attention.  And the story has lots of twists and turns. Having said that -- I have to admit I found the ending to be unsatisfying -- not too terribly disappointing, but just not one of those books I'll think about for very long. 
             Even so -- it met my criteria of: "Must entertain me on every page."  


Time to get back to my list: I'm half way through Radical and am determined to finish it by the end of the weekend!!! 

omigosh -- I love this idea! I'm going to "raise my reading standards" !!!

To Read or Not to Read

I think this is such a great idea -- I'm going to "raise my reading standards"!!!  This should help me breeze through my TBR list :-)  Since it seems I already am willing to abandon books, adopting a set of rules for myself to follow with regard to choosing and abandoning books should be a simple process...and help keep the nagging guilt at bay.

So here's my personal criteria for continuing to read a book:
It has to grab me within the first 25 pages!  Life is too short to spend precious minutes slogging through a book with the hopes it will improve.  

(The only exception I found was The Goldfinch -- 

that book wore me out by 1/4 of the way through it...

but I was too curious about why it received such high praise.  

I didn't really begin to enjoy the book until 

the final chapter, when all the pieces fell together.  

Yet, if I had to do that one over again -- 

I'd choose to abandon it.)

So how does a book "grab me"????    

* If it's fiction, it must surprise me with almost every turn of the page -- predictable books are OUT.

* It must move me with its beautiful sentences -- both fiction and nonfiction.  There is nothing better than having a sentence take my breath away -- stopping to read and reread it, and marveling at the author's use of word choice and sentence structure -- ahhhhhh -- the joy of lovely language!

* The characters must be interesting and complex -- and I have to care about them.

* In fiction, it's got to have a complex plot -- multiple layers with lots to chew on!!

*In non-fiction, the author needs to convince me from the get-go that he is an expert on the subject -- I might not agree with him -- but I must respect him!!! (or her)  

*whether fiction or nonfiction, the book must somehow enrich my life.  If I'm going to spend time with the author's imagination and ideas, I want my own thinking to be challenged and enlightened.

*and finally, I insist that I am thoroughly entertained on every page.

Pretty tough criteria!!!!  But my time is precious -- and I have many books to read before I sleep!!

Radical: My Journey Out of Islamist Extremism (Post #2 of 3)

I've only read through about half of this book.  I'm finding it to be a fascinating, but difficult read.  I'm very conflicted about my sympathies for the author.  This is a man who as a youth felt displaced in his own hometown.  He had enjoyed a pleasant childhood as a Pakistani in South End, London.  But upon entering adolescence he found himself the target of many of his childhood friends -- mostly white -- who seemed to turn against him because of the color of his skin.  

Because of this ostracism he states, "there was a real vacuum in my identity, which was the ideal place for someone to be before recruitment to an Islamist organization."   He found home among a powerful group of Islamist Extremists when he entered college.  His parents misunderstood his behavior -- happy to see him appear more comfortable with his Muslim faith, being unaware of his extremist ideas and activities.  

He distinguishes between that faith and extremist activity by stating: "it isn't a religious movement with political consequences, it is a political movement with religious consequences."  It's clear that the group he was involved with did not promote religion, did not teach their recruits aspects of prayer and devotion.  Rather, their meetings and instruction were focused entirely on cultural issues -- specifically how to fight back against liberal western ideas they perceived were harming the traditional Islamic way of life.  

What I find most disturbing is the presence of profound hatred based on nothing other than differing lifestyles.  It is hatred based on ignorance and fear of "the other".  And it's certainly not unique to Islamic extremists and Americans.  Why do we humans fear others to the point where such hatred flourishes?  

I'm going to keep reading -- but I'm taking it slowly -- interspersing it with lighter reads to keep me from becoming too downhearted.  

Thoughts on "Radical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism" by Maagid Nawaz (#1 of 3 posts)

I'm only about a quarter of the way through this book.  But it is such a timely read given the current situation in Iraq!  I think this book will help clarify for me why such violence is ongoing there.  Nawaz states his goal for writing the book is to break down the generalizations put forth by both Islamists and Americans.  His hope is that by using his experiences within an Islamist Extremist organization and in a mainstream American environment, he can explain the complexities behind such generalities.

The first few chapters describe his own experiences as a youth in England and the random violence against him and his Pakinstani family and friends -- perpetuated by bigoted "skinheads" who mindlessly attacked solely on the basis of skin color.  He quickly learned to defend himself and found himself searching for relief from the incomprehensible violence waged against him.  It wasn't long before he was approached by a charismatic leader from an Islamist extremist group -- and the propaganda that he spun seemed to make sense to Nawaz and his brother.  They were won over to that cause.

One important distinction he makes is the difference between Islamic faith and Islamist Extremist...the latter having very little to do with faith and everything to do with a political agenda.

Fascinating read.

Gem from Annie Dillard

"It has always been a happy thought to me that the creek runs on all night, new every minute, whether I wish it or know it or care, as a closed book on a shelf continues to whisper to itself its own inexhaustible tale."

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

I liked Ms. Kline's book because of what I learned. I knew nothing about our nation's history when it came to dealing with orphans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kline researched her topic well, no doubt. More than two hundred thousand homeless children were taken on trains from the east coast to the Midwest for "adoption," which often turned out to be indentured servitude. This was the precursor to our foster parent system of today. Kline tells this story through the alternating narratives of 90 year old Vivian, and Molly, a 17 year old foster child who is about to "age out" of the system. For stealing a library book, Molly is ordered to complete 50 hours of community service. Molly never anticipated that cleaning out a rich old lady's attic would lead to life changing experiences for them both. 

Kline first introduces us to Molly. It is the year 2011, and she has moved through a dozen foster home experiences in Maine. She is of Native American heritage through her father, who was killed in a car accident. Her mother's subsequent decline into the drug culture and ultimate incarceration was the reason Molly was put in a foster home at the age of seven. Her only high school friend is Jack, who becomes a significant positive influence for Molly. 

Vivian's story begins in 1929. She immigrated from Ireland to New York City with her parents and siblings. She was the only one to survive a fire that swept her tenement housing. The Children's Aid Society included her in a group of 250 orphans to travel on the Orphan Train from New York to cities in the Midwest. These children were then chosen by families who wanted a child. Vivian's first two placements were disasters. Kline's narrative of her experiences are difficult to imagine.  

Ms. Kline is an experienced, well-respected writer. So it surprises me that her novel is very predictable and simplistic. The characters, although compelling, have little depth. The ending left me with too many unanswered questions about Molly's future. I was left with the impression that Orphan Train should be the first novel in a young adult series.

A wonderful quote I found!

This very much sums up my thoughts about reading:

"It’s not as though when I read I’m gathering information, or indeed can remember much of what I read. I know the books that grip me, as everybody does, but their effect is indiscernible. I don’t quite know what it is… There are powerful unconscious evocative effects in reading books that one loves. There’s something about these books that we want to go on thinking about, that matters to us. They’re not just fetishes that we use to fill gaps. They are like recurring dreams we can’t help thinking about."
 ~Adam Phillips

 (a British psychotherapist and essayist.  Since 2003 he has been the general editor of the new Penguin Modern Classics translations of Sigmund Freud. He is also a regular contributor to the London Review of Books.

TBR Categories

Here is that great post from BookRiot -- so timely!  I think I have at least a couple of books in every category, except maybe "purely for show."  I don't really care what others think about my library - ha!

    http://bookriot.com/2014/06/06/exercise-interrogating-bookshelves/

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Now I know why this book has been on my shelf for 10 years...  

It's incredibly boring!  

It is 782 pages of complicated prose and affected dialogue that I'm just not willing to slog through.  I'm sure I purchased it because it looked interesting and got pretty good reviews.  I usually love a good fantasy - and this tale about 2 magicians set in Eighteenth Century England sounded like good fun.  But I have too many books that I'm dying to get to.  I simply don't want to waste any more time with this one.  I'm checking it off my list -- and taking it post haste to The Friends of the Library!!!
  

***Whew -- off my shelf and my TBR list -- and most definitely off my mind!***

Fascinating Perspective

Of all the critical literary theories -- the one I mostly relate to is Reader Response Theory.  I do believe that we as readers engage in the process of co-creating a book with the author as we read.  This article seems to take that theory to a whole new level.  Do we really even need to read the book at all??  Or do we simply need to engage in conversations about the book to experience it as art?  

If so, that could seriously shorten the time spent on our TBR lists :-)  

This is a fascinating article. What do you think, Patty???

How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read

Just when I thought I had my "to read" list managed!

Uh-Oh.  Another list of must-read books!  I'm going to have to use great will power to file and save for another day.  My usual response to lists like this is to immediately purchase one or two off the list.  Not so this time.

A good feeling -- I have read several books included in this list already.  Which one's have you read, Patty?

100 Must-Read Works of Southern Literature

Reading About Nature

My goldfish pond is not exactly the same as Tinker Creek, but maybe I'll get inspiration from it!

Accomplishment!

Just have to say it is a REALLY great feeling to begin checking off the titles on my list!!! 

The Promised Land by Jay Parini

I made it through 10 out of the 13 chapters.  After reading the chapter on How to Win Friends and Influence People, I decided to abandon the book.  Parini has a bias that I have tired of. While I probably agree with his political views -- that's not what I was looking for in this book.  

In this chapter he has harsh criticism for Carnegie and accuses his philosophy for promoting everything that is bad about our capitalist society: consumerism, narcissism, and the promotion of a fear-based society.  People will buy what you're selling if they are afraid their lives will be diminished without it -- Parini extrapolates this philosophy to everything from selling soap to political agendas.  He's not so harsh in his discussion of how to win friends -- it's evident he agrees with Carnegie that smiling, being interested in what another has to say, and remembering names are important social skills.  And he's probably on target with his criticism of the art of influencing people.  It is a bit disconcerting to think how easily we can be manipulated!  

While I found it interesting to consider how these books have "changed America," I'm abandoning the book simply because I'm ready to move on to some fiction and a really good story!

Charcoal and Chalk Review

Ms. Burlingame is primarily a historian. After inheriting her great grandfather's records, she of course was motivated to tell his story, and a captivating one it is. As an immigrant from Scotland in 1867, and a missionary to the freed slaves in Lavaca, Texas, John Ogilvie found himself in a very lonely place. A lesser man would have given up the cause due to seemingly insurmountable odds. But the support he received from the black community, who desperately wanted to become literate citizens, kept him going. The struggles with the bureaucracy of the state Freedman Bureau and the American Missionary Association were maddening to Ogilvie and to me as the reader. Many times during the development of the story, I experienced a sadness about how long our African-American population has had to endure prejudicial treatment in our society. Burlingame did a good job melding facts and fiction for this first writing attempt. There were times, however, that I wished her style was somewhat less pedantic. Overall, Ogilvie's story trumps the style, or lack thereof. I think he would be pleased that it was told. 

Welcome!

Just want to say WELCOME to our friends and family who have decided to check out our blog!  Please feel free to jump in on our discussions of the books we're reading!  Also, we have a lot to learn about blogging -- so bear with us.  We're glad you're along for the ride!

The Melting Pot

The 9th chapter in The Promised Land is a book by the same title, written in 1912 by Mary Antin.  I'm not quite sure why Parini included this book among the thirteen books "that changed America."  I disagree with the assumption that this text had the same influence on American thought as did The Souls of Black Folk, or The Journals of Lewis and Clark.  The other books on his list clearly changed American thought.  They pushed the boundaries for race relations and for an enduring search for freedom and pursuit of individuality.  

The Promised Land is an immigrant memoir.  And, while I agree that it is the forerunner for many other such memoirs that shine a light on the immigrant experience in America, I don't believe this book influenced American thought about immigration. This and other immigrant memoirs have provided insight into the immigrant experience, but as evidenced by current animosity toward immigrants -- whether legal, or illegal -- it's clear that these books really haven't "changed America."  We still have a long way to go in understanding the truly inclusive possibilities for our melting pot.

I skimmed through this chapter quickly -- on to Chapter 10: How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Quite a shift in themes!!!!  

Times That Try Men's Souls

I'm three-quarters through Charcoal and Chalk and fascinated with the amount of information that the author's great-grandfather left for future generations. I've learned so much about the man, John Ogilvie Stevenson, and the challenges, successes, and turmoils that he endured as teacher of the freedmen in Texas. As one can well imagine, just communicating with his employers to remind them to send his paycheck, was one of his minor challenges. Not to mention the racism that he encountered along the way. It truly is a miracle that he survived! He was also a preacher and ministered to the folks that were his students. That is what kept him determined not to give up the challenge. Wish I had learned about his work lots earlier in my teaching career. I would have been considerably more grateful that I didn't have to walk to school in the swamps with the possibility of a Ku Klux Klanner waiting to accost me!