![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
2. Read a children's book - review it
With two young boys, I read children's books on a daily basis. But for the mini-challenge, I wanted to read a children's book that would appeal only to me - and that's why I selected Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back by Shel Silverstein (who, by the way, is my favorite children's writer, cartoonist and poet).Lafcadio was originally published in 1963. Its content certainly wouldn't fly nowadays. Lafcadio is a lion who ate a hunter, confiscated his rifle and then how learned to shoot very accurately. He emigrated to the city and became a famous sharpshooting lion with the circus. He loved marshmellows and unleashed a mighty ROAR when he didn't get his way. Lafcadio became more man-like as he lived in the city, and he realized that he was not happy. He returned to the jungle and determined that he didn't like being a lion either. Lafcadio was torn, and the story ended with him roaming the countryside.
Readers of The Giving Tree will recognize Silverstein's trademark "open" ending - allowing the reader to interpret the story's meaning. To me, the moral of the story is be careful what you wish for. But others could draw other meaningful lessons. Overall, once I got over the inclusion of guns and human death in a child's book (!), I thought the story was very lyrical and fun to read.
- Location:home
- Mood:
cheerful
How Reading Changed My LifeBy Anna Quindlen
Completed March 21, 2008
For the Mini-Challenge 2008's task of reading an essay, I reached for Anna Quindlen's How Reading Changed My Life. This long essay/short book captured Quindlen's evolution as a reader (and a writer) and her thoughts on reading as a way of life.
I was anticipating a bibliography of what Quindlen read when I started this slim book, but I was pleasantly surprised that she offered so much more. Quindlen drove to the core of why she reads, why others read and why reading is an activity like none other. Her writing is philosophical but pedestrian. So many times when I read Quindlen's words, I nodded my head in agreement and thought "that's exactly how I feel." And I bet many of you would find her words equally resonating.
Quindlen contended that reading - and what people like to read - goes beyond a desire for a learning experience. Instead, reading is more of a social exercise: "...so can a book be personal, political and entertaining all at the same time." She furthers: " [A book] is not simply that we need information, but that we want to savor it, carry it with us, feel the heft of it under our arm, We like the thing itself." (
)Quindlen ended her treatise with lists of books (she must know that list making and book loving go hand-in-hand). I thought this list was very interesting:
The 10 Books Anna Quindlen Would Save in a Fire (if She Could Save Only 10):
1) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
2) Bleak House by Charles Dickinson
3) Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
4) The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
5) The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing
6) Middlemarch by George Eliot
7) Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence
8) The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats
9) The Collected Plays of William Shakespeare
10) The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
What books would you save from a fire? I would have to give it some thought, but first to mind include To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Please comment me with your top "save from the fire" books. If I get enough responses, I will be happy to post a summary in a future blog entry. I will come up with a more definitive list too.NOTE TO SUNDAY SALON READERS: I am posting early this weekend because my Easter Sunday will be filled with fun, family and food. I hope all of you have a wonderful Sunday and Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate this holiday.
- Location:home
- Mood:
curious
11. Read a book written by a "new-to-you" author - review it
Gentlemen of the RoadBy Michael Chabon
Completed February 24, 2008
I read my first Michael Chabon book, Gentlemen of the Road, for my "new to you" author. I have been intrigued by Chabon's work after reading an article he wrote for the NYT. I later discovered that his work made several notable lists and won a Pulitzer Prize, which piqued my curiousity even more.
You may wonder why I didnt start with his more "notable" books, such as The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay or The Yiddish Policemen's Union. I chose to start with Gentlemen of the Road because of its mixed reviews, knowing that Chabon fans determined this to not be his best work, and figuring if I liked Gentlemen enough, I would find his other books totally gripping.
All in all, Gentlemen of the Road is a good, average book. It didn't knock my socks off, but I found Chabon's storytelling and characters to be very engaging. It's the story of Zelikman, a Jewish physician who is moody and fond of black attire, and his traveling companion, Amram, an African warrior whose enormous frame and axe made him both feared and admired. Their adventures, dated from 950 A.D., were spontaneous and beguiling. They attached themselves to an army defending the Khazar Empire - at many time wondering why they are even fighting for this cause - and used their wit and intellect to advance the causes of Faliq, the banished prince of the Khazars. It was a short story - a high adventure that I feel will make a great movie starring Christian Bale as Zelikman and Michael Clarke Duncan as Amram. At least, that's who I pictured as I read the adventures of the Gentlemen of the Road.
Despite my lukewarn response to Gentlemen of the Road, my interest in the storytelling of Michael Chabon is even more piqued, and with Kavalier and Clay and Yiddish Policemen sitting on my shelf, earmarked for challenges already, I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this talented author. (
)- Location:home
- Mood:
tired
A Short Guide to a Happy Life By Anna Quindlen
Completed February 23, 2008
I am participating in a Mini-Challenge for members of the Yahoo "A Novel Challenge" reading group. We have a series of 12 reading tasks to complete, and one of them is to read an inspirational book or story.
As a fan of Anna Quindlen, I selected her A Short Guide to a Happy Life for my inspiration read, and I am so glad I did.
This book is filled with Quindlen's wise words about living life - enjoying the journey and not just the destination. Take in the small things - hugs from your kids, birds flying against the blue sky, your spouse's smile - whatever seems small and insignificant are really the important parts of life. Quindlen wrote this as a commencement address to college graduates, and while she commented that she is not an expert in economics or academe, she is an expert at reminding us how human we all are. Together with her words, this book is filled with beautiful black-and-white photography that captures life's little moments.
This book is filled with many poignant nuggets, but here are a few of my favorites:
"Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work...The second is only a part of the first."
"No man ever said on his deathbed I wish I had spent more time at the office."
"You are the only person alive who has sole custody of your life."
"I show up. I listen. I try to laugh."
"You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are."
"Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house. Do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you developed an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your breast while in the shower?"
"All of us want to do well. But if we not do good, too, then doing well will never be enough."
"The knowledge of our own mortality is the greatest gift God ever gives us."
"Life is made of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement."
At fifty pages, this small book lifted my heart and soul. I plan on keeping A Short Guide to a Happy Life to read during times when I feel like "the rat race" is kicking my butt, or when I feel like I have more than I can handle, or when I need reminding that the work project or vacuuming the carpet can wait until tomorrow. Life is about so much more. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially fans of Anna Quindlen. I hope it lifts your heart and spirit too. (
) ________________________________________
You can learn more about The Sunday Salon and join in the fun!
- Location:home
- Mood: mellow
The 2008 Mini-Challenge - Click here for more details
6. Read two (2) articles from any one magazine - tell us about them
Completed February 10, 2008 - My two articles appear in the Spring 2008 edition of ADDitude magazine, which is a magazine for people with ADD/ADHD or parents of children with this disorder.
Completed February 10, 2008 - My two articles appear in the Spring 2008 edition of ADDitude magazine, which is a magazine for people with ADD/ADHD or parents of children with this disorder.
1) “We Made It” by Diane Baumer – The author raised three children all diagnosed with ADD. In the article, she rejoices in how each child has his/her own gifts, from creativity to curiosity. We often hear about that challenges of raising an ADD child – and as a parent of a child with ADHD, I can certainly attest to that fact – but this disorder really accentuates many positives. These kids tend be smart, witty, creative problem solvers and excellent negotiators. Talk about skills for the future. My favorite quote from the article was “How did we ever get through all of that? One day at a time…” Amen to that!
2) “The Exercise Solution” by John J. Ratey, MD – Dr. Ratey writes about the benefits of exercise on the parts of the brain most affected by ADD/ADHD. He discovered that ADD/ADHD kids can usually maintain focus for up to two hours after a thirty-minute workout. The best forms of exercise are individual ones that involve concentration, such as mountain climbing, karate and skateboarding. I can vouch for this theory. When Anthony loses his concentration during homework, I make him run up and down the stairs to the count of fifty. He is recharged and ready to finish. I also hang him upside down. It sounds strange, but it works to get him refocused – plus he just giggles and giggles.
2) “The Exercise Solution” by John J. Ratey, MD – Dr. Ratey writes about the benefits of exercise on the parts of the brain most affected by ADD/ADHD. He discovered that ADD/ADHD kids can usually maintain focus for up to two hours after a thirty-minute workout. The best forms of exercise are individual ones that involve concentration, such as mountain climbing, karate and skateboarding. I can vouch for this theory. When Anthony loses his concentration during homework, I make him run up and down the stairs to the count of fifty. He is recharged and ready to finish. I also hang him upside down. It sounds strange, but it works to get him refocused – plus he just giggles and giggles.
These are tips, I believe, that could benefit all children. You can find these articles and more on their Web site at www.additudemag.com.
- Location:home
- Mood: content
The Mini-Challenge 2008 - Click here for more details.
12. Participate in a group or buddy read and discussion (this can be either a face to face book club, an on line group, or a blog/buddy read). Tell the group what you read and with whom; give us a review!
Completed January 31, 2008 - I participated in an online discussion about the book, The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (my review). I received an ARC of this book through Barnes and Nobles' First Look Book Club. Once we read the book, we were encouraged to participate in discussion threads on their message boards throughout the month of January. While I only contributed a handful of times, I enjoyed reading what others had to say about this book. Overall, everyone liked the book and offered interesting feedback, and I thought the board moderators did an excellent job coming up with topics for us to discuss.
My favorite part was the "Questions for the Author" thread where we could post questions to Kate Morton. She (or her publicist) answered each one, including mine, which was about the influence of the War Poets on her book. I have to admit - I was a little star-struck! I am looking forward to participating in the B&N program in the future.
- Location:home
- Mood: cheerful
The Mini-Challenge 2008 - Click here for full details.
5. Give a book away (you may donate to charity, give a book to a friend, leave a book "in the wild" to be found by another reader...as long as you do not sell it!) - post why you chose the book you did and where it went.
Completed January 4, 2008 - I had received When The Emperor Was Divine from Laura through PaperBackSwap (after reading her wonderful review). I, too, enjoyed the book and knew I wanted to pass it along to someone who likes this type of fiction. Another online friend, Julie, is participating in the 888 challenge, and she has a category about women and war, so I thought this would be a good book for for her. I sent it to Julie- all the way from Florida to the U.K. You just never know where our books are going to end up!
Wendy at ANovelChallenge Yahoo Group has set up a fun challenge for the group's members: a set of mini-challenges for us to complete throughout the year. Check it out:
1. Complete all twelve mini-challenges from January 1st through December 31st of 2008 and become eligible for some fun prizes at the end of the year. DO NOT start this challenge prior to January 1, 2008.
1. Complete all twelve mini-challenges from January 1st through December 31st of 2008 and become eligible for some fun prizes at the end of the year. DO NOT start this challenge prior to January 1, 2008.
2. Challenges may be completed in any order and may overlap other challenges. Work through them at your own speed.
3. Participants must EITHER post their progress (and reviews if appropriate) to their blog with links to this group OR directly to this group.
4. After completing each challenge, go to the database and record the completion date in the correct column next to your name.
Here are the challenges:
1. Read a short story - review it
2. Read a children's book - review it
Completed April 14, 2008 - With two young boys, I read children's books on a daily basis. But for the mini-challenge, I wanted to read a children's book that would appeal only to me - and that's why I selected Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back by Shel Silverstein (who, by the way, is my favorite children's writer, cartoonist and poet).
Lafcadio was originally published in 1963. Its content certainly wouldn't fly nowadays. Lafcadio is a lion who ate a hunter, confiscated his rifle and then how learned to shoot very accurately. He emigrated to the city and became a famous sharpshooting lion with the circus. He loved marshmellows and unleashed a mighty ROAR when he didn't get his way. Lafcadio became more man-like as he lived in the city, and he realized that he was not happy. He returned to the jungle and determined that he didn't like being a lion either. Lafcadio was torn, and the story ended with him roaming the countryside.
Readers of The Giving Tree will recognize Silverstein's trademark "open" ending - allowing the reader to interpret the story's meaning. To me, the moral of the story is be careful what you wish for. But others could draw other meaningful lessons. Overall, once I got over the inclusion of guns and human death in a child's book (!), I thought the story was very lyrical and fun to read.
Completed April 14, 2008 - With two young boys, I read children's books on a daily basis. But for the mini-challenge, I wanted to read a children's book that would appeal only to me - and that's why I selected Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back by Shel Silverstein (who, by the way, is my favorite children's writer, cartoonist and poet).
Lafcadio was originally published in 1963. Its content certainly wouldn't fly nowadays. Lafcadio is a lion who ate a hunter, confiscated his rifle and then how learned to shoot very accurately. He emigrated to the city and became a famous sharpshooting lion with the circus. He loved marshmellows and unleashed a mighty ROAR when he didn't get his way. Lafcadio became more man-like as he lived in the city, and he realized that he was not happy. He returned to the jungle and determined that he didn't like being a lion either. Lafcadio was torn, and the story ended with him roaming the countryside.
Readers of The Giving Tree will recognize Silverstein's trademark "open" ending - allowing the reader to interpret the story's meaning. To me, the moral of the story is be careful what you wish for. But others could draw other meaningful lessons. Overall, once I got over the inclusion of guns and human death in a child's book (!), I thought the story was very lyrical and fun to read.
3. Read a poem - tell us about it
4. Read a banned book - review it
5. Give a book away (you may donate to charity, give a book to a friend, leave a book "in the wild" to be found by another reader...as long as you do not sell it!) - post why you chose the book you did and where it went.
Completed January 4, 2008 - I had received When The Emperor Was Divine from Laura through PaperBackSwap (after reading her wonderful review). I, too, enjoyed the book and knew I wanted to pass it along to someone who likes this type of fiction. Another online friend, Julie, is participating in the 888 challenge, and she has a category about women and war, so I thought this would be a good book for for her. I sent it to Julie- all the way from Florida to the U.K. You just never know where our books are going to end up!
Completed January 4, 2008 - I had received When The Emperor Was Divine from Laura through PaperBackSwap (after reading her wonderful review). I, too, enjoyed the book and knew I wanted to pass it along to someone who likes this type of fiction. Another online friend, Julie, is participating in the 888 challenge, and she has a category about women and war, so I thought this would be a good book for for her. I sent it to Julie- all the way from Florida to the U.K. You just never know where our books are going to end up!
6. Read two (2) articles from any one magazine - tell us about them
Completed February 10, 2008 - My two articles appear in the Spring 2008 edition of ADDitude magazine, which is a magazine for people with ADD/ADHD or parents of children with this disorder.
Completed February 10, 2008 - My two articles appear in the Spring 2008 edition of ADDitude magazine, which is a magazine for people with ADD/ADHD or parents of children with this disorder.
1) “We Made It” by Diane Baumer – The author raised three children all diagnosed with ADD. In the article, she rejoices in how each child has his/her own gifts, from creativity to curiosity. We often hear about that challenges of raising an ADD child – and as a parent of a child with ADHD, I can certainly attest to that fact – but this disorder really accentuates many positives. These kids tend be smart, witty, creative problem solvers and excellent negotiators. Talk about skills for the future. My favorite quote from the article was “How did we ever get through all of that? One day at a time…” Amen to that!
2) “The Exercise Solution” by John J. Ratey, MD – Dr. Ratey writes about the benefits of exercise on the parts of the brain most affected by ADD/ADHD. He discovered that ADD/ADHD kids can usually maintain focus for up to two hours after a thirty-minute workout. The best forms of exercise are individual ones that involve concentration, such as mountain climbing, karate and skateboarding. I can vouch for this theory. When Anthony loses his concentration during homework, I make him run up and down the stairs to the count of fifty. He is recharged and ready to finish. I also hang him upside down. It sounds strange, but it works to get him refocused – plus he just giggles and giggles.
2) “The Exercise Solution” by John J. Ratey, MD – Dr. Ratey writes about the benefits of exercise on the parts of the brain most affected by ADD/ADHD. He discovered that ADD/ADHD kids can usually maintain focus for up to two hours after a thirty-minute workout. The best forms of exercise are individual ones that involve concentration, such as mountain climbing, karate and skateboarding. I can vouch for this theory. When Anthony loses his concentration during homework, I make him run up and down the stairs to the count of fifty. He is recharged and ready to finish. I also hang him upside down. It sounds strange, but it works to get him refocused – plus he just giggles and giggles.
These are tips, I believe, that could benefit all children. You can find these articles and more on their Web site at www.additudemag.com.
7. Read a classic (for this challenge a classic is defined as a piece of literature which has stood the test of time, has literary merit, is widely read, and was published prior to 1970) - review it
7. Read a classic (for this challenge a classic is defined as a piece of literature which has stood the test of time, has literary merit, is widely read, and was published prior to 1970) - review it
8. Go to a book event and then tell the group about your experience (book events may be library events, author readings, seminars/lectures pertaining to books or reading, etc...)
9. Read an essay - tell us about it
Completed March 21, 2008 - For the Mini-Challenge 2008's task of reading an essay, I reached for Anna Quindlen's How Reading Changed My Life. This long essay/short book captured Quindlen's evolution as a reader (and a writer) and her thoughts on reading as a way of life.
I was anticipating a bibliography of what Quindlen read when I started this slim book, but I was pleasantly surprised that she offered so much more. Quindlen drove to the core of why she reads, why others read and why reading is an activity like none other. Her writing is philosophical but pedestrian. So many times when I read Quindlen's words, I nodded my head in agreement and thought "that's exactly how I feel." And I bet many of you would find her words equally resonating.
Quindlen contended that reading - and what people like to read - goes beyond a desire for a learning experience. Instead, reading is more of a social exercise: "...so can a book be personal, political and entertaining all at the same time." She furthers: " [A book] is not simply that we need information, but that we want to savor it, carry it with us, feel the heft of it under our arm, We like the thing itself." ( )
10. Read something inspirational - tell the group why it inspired you
Completed February 23, 2008 - As a fan of Anna Quindlen, I selected her A Short Guide to a Happy Life for my inspiration read, and I am so glad I did.
This book is filled with Quindlen's wise words about living life - enjoying the journey and not just the destination. Take in the small things - hugs from your kids, birds flying against the blue sky, your spouse's smile - whatever seems small and insignificant are really the important parts of life. Quindlen wrote this as a commencement address to college graduates, and while she commented that she is not an expert in economics or academe, she is an expert at reminding us how human we all are. Together with her words, this book is filled with beautiful black-and-white photography that captures life's little moments.
This book is filled with many poignant nuggets, but here are a few of my favorites:
"Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work...The second is only a part of the first."
"No man ever said on his deathbed I wish I had spent more time at the office."
"You are the only person alive who has sole custody of your life."
"I show up. I listen. I try to laugh."
"You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are."
"Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house. Do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you developed an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your breast while in the shower?"
"All of us want to do well. But if we not do good, too, then doing well will never be enough."
"The knowledge of our own mortality is the greatest gift God ever gives us."
"Life is made of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement."
At fifty pages, this small book lifted my heart and soul. I plan on keeping A Short Guide to a Happy Life to read during times when I feel like "the rat race" is kicking my butt, or when I feel like I have more than I can handle, or when I need reminding that the work project or vacuuming the carpet can wait until tomorrow. Life is about so much more. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially fans of Anna Quindlen. I hope it lifts your heart and spirit too. ( )
Completed March 21, 2008 - For the Mini-Challenge 2008's task of reading an essay, I reached for Anna Quindlen's How Reading Changed My Life. This long essay/short book captured Quindlen's evolution as a reader (and a writer) and her thoughts on reading as a way of life.
I was anticipating a bibliography of what Quindlen read when I started this slim book, but I was pleasantly surprised that she offered so much more. Quindlen drove to the core of why she reads, why others read and why reading is an activity like none other. Her writing is philosophical but pedestrian. So many times when I read Quindlen's words, I nodded my head in agreement and thought "that's exactly how I feel." And I bet many of you would find her words equally resonating.
Quindlen contended that reading - and what people like to read - goes beyond a desire for a learning experience. Instead, reading is more of a social exercise: "...so can a book be personal, political and entertaining all at the same time." She furthers: " [A book] is not simply that we need information, but that we want to savor it, carry it with us, feel the heft of it under our arm, We like the thing itself." (
)10. Read something inspirational - tell the group why it inspired you
Completed February 23, 2008 - As a fan of Anna Quindlen, I selected her A Short Guide to a Happy Life for my inspiration read, and I am so glad I did.
This book is filled with Quindlen's wise words about living life - enjoying the journey and not just the destination. Take in the small things - hugs from your kids, birds flying against the blue sky, your spouse's smile - whatever seems small and insignificant are really the important parts of life. Quindlen wrote this as a commencement address to college graduates, and while she commented that she is not an expert in economics or academe, she is an expert at reminding us how human we all are. Together with her words, this book is filled with beautiful black-and-white photography that captures life's little moments.
This book is filled with many poignant nuggets, but here are a few of my favorites:
"Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work...The second is only a part of the first."
"No man ever said on his deathbed I wish I had spent more time at the office."
"You are the only person alive who has sole custody of your life."
"I show up. I listen. I try to laugh."
"You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are."
"Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house. Do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you developed an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your breast while in the shower?"
"All of us want to do well. But if we not do good, too, then doing well will never be enough."
"The knowledge of our own mortality is the greatest gift God ever gives us."
"Life is made of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement."
At fifty pages, this small book lifted my heart and soul. I plan on keeping A Short Guide to a Happy Life to read during times when I feel like "the rat race" is kicking my butt, or when I feel like I have more than I can handle, or when I need reminding that the work project or vacuuming the carpet can wait until tomorrow. Life is about so much more. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially fans of Anna Quindlen. I hope it lifts your heart and spirit too. (
) 11. Read a book written by a "new-to-you" author - review it
Completed February 24, 2008 - I read my first Michael Chabon book, Gentlemen of the Road, for my "new to you" author. I have been intrigued by Chabon's work after reading an article he wrote for the NYT. I later discovered that his work made several notable lists and won a Pulitzer Prize, which piqued my curiousity even more.
You may wonder why I didnt start with his more "notable" books, such as The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay or The Yiddish Policemen's Union. I chose to start with Gentlemen of the Road because of its mixed reviews, knowing that Chabon fans determined this to not be his best work, and figuring if I liked Gentlemen enough, I would find his other books totally gripping.
All in all, Gentlemen of the Road is a good, average book. It didn't knock my socks off, but I found Chabon's storytelling and characters to be very engaging. It's the story of Zelikman, a Jewish physician who is moody and fond of black attire, and his traveling companion, Amram, an African warrior whose enormous frame and axe made him both feared and admired. Their adventures, dated from 950 A.D., were spontaneous and beguiling. They attached themselves to an army defending the Khazar Empire - at many time wondering why they are even fighting for this cause - and used their wit and intellect to advance the causes of Faliq, the banished prince of the Khazars. It was a short story - a high adventure that I feel will make a great movie starring Christian Bale as Zelikman and Michael Clarke Duncan as Amram. At least, that's who I pictured as I read the adventures of the Gentlemen of the Road.
Despite my lukewarn response to Gentlemen of the Road, my interest in the storytelling of Michael Chabon is even more piqued, and with Kavalier and Clay and Yiddish Policemen sitting on my shelf, earmarked for challenges already, I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
Completed February 24, 2008 - I read my first Michael Chabon book, Gentlemen of the Road, for my "new to you" author. I have been intrigued by Chabon's work after reading an article he wrote for the NYT. I later discovered that his work made several notable lists and won a Pulitzer Prize, which piqued my curiousity even more.
You may wonder why I didnt start with his more "notable" books, such as The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay or The Yiddish Policemen's Union. I chose to start with Gentlemen of the Road because of its mixed reviews, knowing that Chabon fans determined this to not be his best work, and figuring if I liked Gentlemen enough, I would find his other books totally gripping.
All in all, Gentlemen of the Road is a good, average book. It didn't knock my socks off, but I found Chabon's storytelling and characters to be very engaging. It's the story of Zelikman, a Jewish physician who is moody and fond of black attire, and his traveling companion, Amram, an African warrior whose enormous frame and axe made him both feared and admired. Their adventures, dated from 950 A.D., were spontaneous and beguiling. They attached themselves to an army defending the Khazar Empire - at many time wondering why they are even fighting for this cause - and used their wit and intellect to advance the causes of Faliq, the banished prince of the Khazars. It was a short story - a high adventure that I feel will make a great movie starring Christian Bale as Zelikman and Michael Clarke Duncan as Amram. At least, that's who I pictured as I read the adventures of the Gentlemen of the Road.
Despite my lukewarn response to Gentlemen of the Road, my interest in the storytelling of Michael Chabon is even more piqued, and with Kavalier and Clay and Yiddish Policemen sitting on my shelf, earmarked for challenges already, I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
12. Participate in a group or buddy read and discussion (this can be either a face to face book club, an on line group, or a blog/buddy read). Tell the group what you read and with whom; give us a review!
Completed January 31, 2008 - I participated in an online discussion about the book, The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (my review). I received an ARC of this book through Barnes and Nobles' First Look Book Club. Once we read the book, we were encouraged to participate in discussion threads on their message boards throughout the month of January. While I only contributed a handful of times, I enjoyed reading what others had to say about this book. Overall, everyone liked the book and offered interesting feedback, and I thought the board moderators did an excellent job coming up with topics for us to discuss.
My favorite part was the "Questions for the Author" thread where we could post questions to Kate Morton. She (or her publicist) answered each one, including mine, which was about the influence of the War Poets on her book. I have to admit - I was a little star-struck! I am looking forward to participating in the B&N program in the future.
Completed January 31, 2008 - I participated in an online discussion about the book, The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (my review). I received an ARC of this book through Barnes and Nobles' First Look Book Club. Once we read the book, we were encouraged to participate in discussion threads on their message boards throughout the month of January. While I only contributed a handful of times, I enjoyed reading what others had to say about this book. Overall, everyone liked the book and offered interesting feedback, and I thought the board moderators did an excellent job coming up with topics for us to discuss.
My favorite part was the "Questions for the Author" thread where we could post questions to Kate Morton. She (or her publicist) answered each one, including mine, which was about the influence of the War Poets on her book. I have to admit - I was a little star-struck! I am looking forward to participating in the B&N program in the future.
- Location:home
- Mood: curious
