Reading on the Train, Pat Conroy, First post from iPad

Today is my first post composed while on board an MBTA train. I "just" missed my train and had to wait for 45 minutes for the next train to Boston. Thankfully, the heatwave that has enrobed the Northeast the entire week relented a touch and allowed a sea breeze to cool me on the raised concrete platform. I passed the time in the company of my second Pat Conroy novel (Beach Music) of the summer. Now arriving at the station. More to follow soon.

Line from Chapter Twenty-two: "The world was my subject and my hometown was the stimulant that drove me out to seek the world." Choice of "drove" definitely implies a complicated relationship with home. Have to read the book for more clues!

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

The Help has been at the back of my mind since it was released last summer. I picked up my copy a week ago and wonder why I waited. The book is told in first person from the perspective of there different characters - it works and flows smoothly. The period detail is just right, not forced or over powering. Stockett delivers entertainment, social reform and tension with a steady gait.

Check out, start account at Goodreads.

Two New England Literary Lions Reside on My Nightstand

Image wraps around book's dust jacket. Inside flap is void of description.

Books of The Times
Stephen King’s Latest Cast Feels Real
By JANET MASLIN
Published: November 12, 2009
“Under the Dome” gravely threatens Stephen King’s status as a mere chart-busting pop cultural phenomenon.

I have not picked up a novel by King in some time. The review refers to his book, On Writing, that was a straightforward account of the writing process - a writing manual that was an informative, entertaining read. His subject and tone should be a nice contrast to the red and green festive seasons close at hand.

So, first book on my nightstand is set in Maine.

Books of The Times
Father and Son in a Vortex of Chaos
By MICHIKO KAKUTANI
Published: October 27, 2009
“Last Night in Twisted River” showcases all of John Irving’s biggest liabilities, but evolves into a deeply felt and moving story.

And the second book on my nightstand (and on commute home because it is not cinder block size like King's latest) is centered in New Hampshire.

Interesting line that caught my eye on pages 48-49: "He was so unflinchingly calm that he radiated a kind of acceptance that could easily be mistaken for pessimism."

Dachshund Featured in Berkeley Breathed's New Book

Flawed Dogs: The Novel features Sam, a dachshund with a messing leg.

Breathed of Bloom County (remember Opus and Bill the Cat) fame reveals the true flaw:

So in this world

Of the simple and odd,

The bent and plain,

The unbalanced bod,

The imperfect people

And differently pawed,

Some live without love...

That's how they're flawed.

Flawed Dogs, Berkeley Breathed 2009

New England Books: The 100 Essential New England Books Boston.com

New England Books: The 100 Essential New England Books Boston.com - Books - A&E

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All of the books featured on this list are either about New England or written by authors who either currently live or have lived in the region. Many classics make the list. Go vote for your favorites or become inspired to rediscover a classic.

O Summer Reading List

O, The Oprah Magazine put together an interesting list of new books and summer reading - not that the weather here has been warm enough to even consider a trip to the beach. Oprah does well placing an important emphasis on reading and reinforces the relationship between reading and healthy living. Other aspects of her magazine either do not relate to me or I find annoying. Dr. Phil has a monthly column and continues to dispense his cracker jack/medical advice. In this month's issue Oprah walks around her multi-million dollar estate taking photos with her personal camera of the "little" things that make her happy. All I do when I see her enjoying roses or fields of lavender at her estate is think about her $$$$ landscaping bill. Isn't it precious that one must have a large estate to find the "little" things in life to enjoy. How about this? Let's all follow the Sense and Sensibility model and find a nice cottage. If the place is small enough, can one then enjoy the "big" things in life? Would a pot of lavender placed on a porch at a busy intersection with a high trash /noise ratio be as enjoyable? Or would we have to have another article on meditation to teach us to block out the annoying distractions and to focus on the beautiful minute garden? I don't think I was meant to look beyond the surface of what Oprah wanted me to see. The book suggestions - almost - make up for the annoying bits. I hope they will mute - partially - my annoying aside.

Two titles on the list caught my eye - yes, back to my original intent. Heroic Measure by Jill Ciment. I was drawn to this one because the couple have an elderly dachshund that is one of the centers of their life. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith was also brought to my attention. How did I not hear about this one?


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/weekinreview/22schuessler.html

NY Times Week in Review


I Was a Regency Zombie
By JENNIFER SCHUESSLER
Published: February 22, 2009
These days, America is menaced by zombie banks and zombie computers. What’s next, a zombie Jane Austen? In fact, yes.

Reading Homecoming by Bernhard Schlink

While reading this morning on the train - not very far into - Bernhard Schlink's Homecoming I caught a line I thought I would share. One that I wanted to reread. I enjoy his simple style that very accurately conveys emotions and describes characters. The Reader persuaded me to read his follow-up novel. The film version persuaded me to read the book. Kate Winslet persuaded me to see the film. A chain like this linking events and choices could go on forever

"I learned to submit to her happiness and crossness like the weather, which one could not count on, only accept with joy or sorrow."

It is rainy and dreary here today. There is little wonder as to why I should be so sensitive to a sentence regarding the weather.

JULIE & JULIA, The Movie. Will it be Heartburn Again?

Release Date: August 7, 2009. First look.



At first glance, I don't know if I buy Meryl Streep as Julia. I know it must be hard to tackle an icon like Julia Child . . . but it's Meryl going for her 100th Oscar nomination. There is a resemblance but the voice and robust-take-no-prisoners body/presences is not quite there. It could be the preview is just bad. The last film Meryl made with Nora Ephron co-starred starred Jack Nicholson and was titled Heartburn (screenplay by Ephron). You can imagine the reviews if they both don't nail this one. I hope they do. I would like to buy her as Julia like I bought Angela Basset as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to do With it. I cannot wait to see this one and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will not disappoint.



Film is based on these two books.

A Favorite Read: "A Prayer for Owen Meany"

Incredible first sentence.

"I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice-not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany."

Originally published in 1989, Owen Meany remains my favorite John Irving novel. I discovered the title in 1999 after seeing the dreadful Simon Birch that was very loosely based on this book. Perhaps, one day they will make a stellar film adaptation of this haunting epic. Irving's newest release, Last Night in Twisted River, arrives in the fall.

John Irving discussing Twisted River.