books...

Amongst book collectors of a certain type there is an acronym - tbr - as in my tbr pile is now bigger than my bed. TBR stands for to be read. So you buy or find or collect books on the expectation that you will read them some day. You buy more than you could possible read in one week, knowing that you will want them in the future.

But something happens as books sit in the tbr pile... they start to grow, not so much dusty as stale... somehow not as fresh and appealing as they were when they were glistening on the store book shelf.

So I was watching hoarders: buried alive last night (and DH goes, why does anyone watch that show?  Tivo recommended it, how could I resist...) and I have instituted a new law for myself: if it's in my tbr pile for more than 3 years, I have to accept that I am not going to read it. Especially as now I have a kindle, and am buying new things on it constantly (but no tbr pile there, the thought of a virtual tbr pile terrifies me, the amount of money I could spend there!) When I buy a kindle book, I read it. Done.

Today I went through piles of literally and figuratively dusty books and have created 4 neat piles - those that go to the local charity store (Housing Works is down the block) those that go the local library (I bought an entire series because all the library ones were stolen, perhaps they'll want new copies...) those that go to paperbackswap and find a loving home, and those that are somehow still too fresh to give away and I have reluctantly put back on my shelf and definitely plan to get to and read - by the end of this year!

So here is my oath - no more new books until these ones are read! No matter how shining and pretty they are, I have get through this pile first. Just getting rid of these first 3 bags (there are plenty more bookshelves to go through, but those are books I have read, this were books I hadn't read yet...) but the feeling of space that I am reclaiming is beautiful...

new types of learning

So while encouraging my son to learn how to type we have this conversation:

'I learnt how to type using a book.' I inform him.
'Why would you use a book? Why didn't you go online?' he demanded
and I looked at him and started to laugh and said 'I learnt to type before the internet.'

Here I am, older by the minute!

In the meantime, I'm also on amazon, researching best learn to type cdroms. I didn't like any of the free downloadable stuff available. (for those who long to know, I eventually went with Typing Instructor Deluxe V17, doesn't that sound fancy!)

Also found this site and am now testing my speed and accuracy (neither of which were as good as I hoped, I'm averaging 70 with 5 mistakes, I thought I was faster than that!)

The girl who stopped swimming

I'm 3 for 3, which is rare for me. I don't even know where I got this book from. I think EW recommended it. (they actually have excellent film and book reviews. I trust their reviewers) But I just finished the girl who stopped swimming by Joshilyn Jackson, and really enjoyed it.

Laurel has this perfect life, sort of, with a husband who works computer code in the basement and a daughter she loves too much turning 12. And then her daughter's best friend Molly drowns one night in her pool and Molly's ghost comes to wake up Laurel and nothing is the same.

I liked the relationship between the sisters - Thalia and Laurel. I liked the depictions of Laurel and the life she was trying to build for herself. Her quilt art and her sister's fond contempt for her life. I liked David (sometimes known as Dave) and the marriage he and Laurel had made. I liked the ending, it felt believable. (within the realms of the story) I liked it all. I'd rate it an A, and a keeper.

Bel Canto

I've had luck with books this week. First finding The Finder and now reading Bel Canto by Anne Patchett.

A friend recommended it which always makes me a bit nervous. I read so much but have such specific tastes that I invariably do not like books that others rave about. So I refused to buy it on her say so, but diplomatically (I hope!) said I would order it from the library. The library emailed me that very day to say it was ready for me! So I picked it up and ignored it for a week and today started reading it. I finished it in one day. So that says something.

It's a lyrical book about relationships and power and language and opera. Set in an unknown South American country, a Japanese industrialist is there to celebrate his birthday, lured but the chance to hear a world renown opera singer sing just for his gathering. When the terrorists come to kidnap the President, and learn that the President did not come, the story commences. It's not strong on plot, but it does have beautiful descriptions and it was a lovely world to spend time in. I particularly liked the priest and his insights, and also how the various leaders were stymied by not having a common language, which made the one translator Gen, a man who would not otherwise put himself forward, a central character. My only quibble is that the ending, after such meandering, is too abrupt. I would have liked a different epilogue - either one with more detail or with a different resolution, but I did like the book very much and have labeled it a keeper at library thing.

Which reminds me, from time to time I write about library thing which is where I write reviews of every book I read. And so do many other readers. I like it so much I paid all of $25 to become a life member. I don't use all the chat facilities, but if you like books and like to browse, it has wonderful ways to link to other libraries that share common books with yours and a chance to see their selections. So it broadens your reading base and can introduce you to like minded readers to write and rant about books that you love. I just love seeing all the covers of the books I've read neatly laid out, and as I review most of them, I can remember what I thought about them and keep up with authors that I like. It made returning my library books much easier, as I can access this virtual library and then reorder them from the real library when ever I feel the need, so my house is much less cluttered!

The noir poet of New York crime fiction

isn't that a great description? That's how publisher's weekly described Colin Harrison. I'm reading The Finder, his most recent book and the first book of his that I've come across. I will look for more, because it's excellent. The start was so hard hitting, and even the smallest interlude is given such detail and veracity, everything works here. I'm half way through and very satisfied.

Sometime in early May (hey, at least I know what day it is!)
I lose track of the dates. Luckily the computer reveals all.

Saw a cute website today from an author- Miranda July- promoting her book - No one belongs Here more than You. It makes me want to read her book. Certainly she fits the quirky format and rates a mention!

What did I do today? Not much. The pollen and dust from upstairs are really bothering me. (they're renovating. Removing all the floor boards, which is good because the new floors should be far more insulated and thus quieter but I am suffering in the short term, working from home I'm affected by the noise but even more so by the dust. My eyes are burning. I look like I've been crying.)

But I did do some work on the Taste of Tribeca. This is a wonderful NYC event, which many attendees don't even realize is a fundraiser for 2 public schools. Instead they just think they are eating delicious foods from some of the fanciest restaurants in New York, listening to music and generally having a great time. Come and play - it's worth the time, the food is genuinely terrific (as an 'old timer' - Megu gives fabulous tastes and Bubby's give the largest portions) and the money does go to a great cause, so it's win/win.

The other quirky thing I wanted to mention is Librarything. I get so many books from the library, I lose track of what I have read and what I haven't. So when I found this website, I loved it. You list all the books you've read. You rate them. You collate them. Then you see what people who have read similar books are reading now, and perhaps pick up some good suggestions. You can talk about books in the discussion boards. You can find people who share your passions. There are a disproportionate amount of sci-fi readers there, but that's good for me, as I read lots of it. But type in your book, see how popular it is (ie how many other people have listed it too) see what they thought of it, see what books they recommend, see what books they think are the opposite. If you want, you can spend hours there.