Readathon-ing!
Happy readathon, everyone! I’m very excited to be able to participate again this year. I’ll keep you updated as I go!
Great Books Week: Desert Island Reading List
If you were stranded alone on a deserted island, what five books would you want? This question goes deeper that listing which books made a great impression on me. If I only had five books to read and re-read for the rest of my life, what would I choose?
“To Have and Have Not” by Ernest Hemingway
To Have and Have Not is my least favorite Hemingway book so far. Though Hemingway attempts to dissect grand social issues, such as troubled economic times and the relationship that exists between husband and wife, the entangled sub-plots and the erratic activities of the characters serve to distract from whatever statement Hemingway is trying to make.
Fall into Reading 2010
After several rainy days last week, this past weekend was gorgeous, and I spent several lovely hours reading in the great outdoors while camping in southern Maryland. However, the reddening leaves and the cool nights reminded me that my favorite season is upon us, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate fall than by having a reading challenge!
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit is one of the best books I’ve read all year. Because of its intensely imaginative plot and Tolkien’s masterful literary execution, The Hobbit is one of those few books that are equally attractive to kids and adults alike. But you probably already knew that!
Pre-gaming for Readathon
After a rainy week like this, all I want to do is curl up on my couch with a cup of tea and a good book. Maybe that’s why I’m so excited about next weekend—I can’t wait for Dewey’s 24-hour fall readathon.
Wordless Wednesday: Sweetness Draining
“Tender Is the Night” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I found the story well-written and enjoyable, in spite of its slow parts. Fitzgerald showcases his storytelling talent with his many-layered characters, and his scene descriptions and dialogue are superb.
Wordless Wednesday: Glory and Truth
“The Souls of Black Folk” by W. E. B. Du Bois
It is impossible to rate The Souls of Black Folk too highly. It is a worthwhile read solely for the impact that it has had upon American society, both in its time and in the decades since its 1903 publication. The Souls of Black Folk was a major contribution to the African-American literary tradition, and it is also a cornerstone of the literature on sociology. Beyond its historical and educational value, though, I highly recommend this book to everyone for the piercing glimpses Du Bois offers into the souls of all men and women.
Wordless Wednesday: Just remember…
Don’t panic!
Fall in Love with Festivals
It is my favorite time of year: temperatures begin cooling, kids head back to school, and literary festivals fill my days.
“The Anti 9 to 5 Guide” by Michelle Goodman
Michelle Goodman offers advice geared to women who want to work in nontraditional jobs but don’t know where to begin. Drawing from her years as a freelancer, Goodman suggests practical, step-by-step changes one can make over time so that a transition to the entrepreneurial life doesn’t lead you back to your parents’ couch. Particularly salient in our troubled economy, The Anti 9 to 5 Guide should be consulted by anyone contemplating “life outside the cube.”
Book Launch for Joel Church’s “Fingerprints”
Local artist and author Joel Church has recently released Fingerprints, his first work of fiction, and he will be holding a book launch at Sova Wine Bar tomorrow (Wednesday) evening! I’ll see you there.
“Lost and Found” by Carolyn Parkhurst
Lost and Found is the story of a mother and daughter struggling to mend a relationship torn by deceit and mistrust—in front of millions of TV viewers. The true story, however, is the gradual unfolding of the characters’ lives—the peeks through the curtained windows, the chinks in the armor. Lost and Found is a well-written novel of secrets and yearning, of self-knowledge and self-acceptance, that is simultaneously thought-provoking and entertaining.
Gaithersburg Book Festival: Be There or Be Square
Yeah, yeah, I know it’s kind of far, but don’t miss the First Annual Gaithersburg Book Festival this weekend! Join authors and fellow literary fans on Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds. With a panoply of author workshops and book signings, all for my favorite price of FREE, who could ask for more? OK, maybe a free shuttle from the metro, but no more than that. From the website: The Gaithersburg Book Festival […]
Melody Schreiber 