flight paths discussion

The month begins in a blaze of glory.
What is everybody tucking into these suddenly long nights?

just started The Power by Naomi Alderman and it's easy to see what the buzz is about. A fit companion piece for the Handmaids Tale.

That sounds like an interesting book, Magdelanye. I'm going to keep an eye open for a copy.

I'm reading House of Names by Colm Tóibín and thoroughly enjoying it. I won it in a GR Giveaway. So far, it's a wonderful story.

In the car, I'm listening to Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. It's really great. There are a ton of characters, all spoken by different voices. There are some well-known people narrating this book. The story is really unique and coming together in an extraordinary manner.

Both books are entertaining me a lot.

Petra wrote: "That sounds like an interesting book, Magdelanye. I'm going to keep an eye open for a copy.

I'm reading House of Names by Colm Tóibín and thoroughly enjoying it. ..."

I loved House of Names-I'm a big Colm Toibin fan! I can't say I "loved" Lincoln in the BardoLincoln in the Bardo in the same way, even though I'm also a big fan of Saunders, but I did find it fascinating.

Magdelanye wrote: "just started The Power by Naomi Alderman and it's easy to see what the buzz is about. A fit companion piece for the Handmaids Tale."

I hadn't heard of The Power-sounds like a "must read". I'm still focused on poetry, although I just started The Book of Ebenezer Le Page which at least starts off interesting, and The Sellout which is supposed to be outstanding. Too soon to tell how I feel about it.

I'm reading Appearances, a volume of poems by my teacher Michael Collins. Also Forest Primeval by Vievee Francis which I absolutely adore. Ever feel like something was written just for you? This is it for me.

Add me to the list of Toibin followers. Slowly working my way through his oeuvre and this is not one I know. His books are so startling in their variety.
The Power is indeed a powerful statement but as I approach the middle of the book I find I'm uneasy as I expect the author intended.
So I'm glad to have Alberto Manguels A Reading Diary as one of the other books I'm reading right now.
I just finished Idea Noveys book of poems Exit Criminal
and though they are on the obscure side they have a certain raw energy so that they grab at the reader.
Ellie I put both those on my massive GR TBR because our library system could barely handle Vievee s name: can you imagine wrestling with a machine?
You are very lucky to be in such a milieu. ( I hate to use that word but i can't offhand think of another )

Her name is Idra Move us and she is amazing. She learned Portuguese to be able to read and eventually translate Clarice Lispector.
Can I speak of the book The passion of Mrs G ? Not yet. I still tremble when I think of it. I read it over the 4 days I was cut off for data over limit. But oh this book and this woman Clarice.
we had a glorious span of brilliant weather and today, wham. Winter has arrived with snow ! It is full dark at 6 here. Petra I imagine you have your own microclimate there. Hope our circle is warm and dry!

to set the record straight
it's Idra Novey . I had to laugh at what spell did her last name while I was correcting her first.
can't blame spell check for my misremembering the title which is exit civilian.

Magdelanye, the weather really turned mid-morning, didn't it? I was surprised when I looked out and saw the pounding rain. Heavy drops that were partially snow.
We can't get snow yet. My winter tires are going on next Friday (not tomorrow). It has to hold off until then (and hopefully much, much longer.....like maybe a small flurry in February, on the weekend, at 4am when everyone is in bed)?

I finished Lincoln in the Bardo and loved it.

Magdelanye wrote: "Add me to the list of Toibin followers. Slowly working my way through his oeuvre and this is not one I know. His books are so startling in their variety.
The Power is indeed a powerful statement b..."

I do feel lucky, Magdelanye. (At least for being able to get hold of such great books! Mostly, with poetry books though, I buy them. )

We are having scarily warm and lovely weather here.

Glad you loved Bardo Petra. It's a very interesting and moving book.

@Petra -did you find it hard to keep track of the characters in a audio? I had read a comment in another group that it made it too confusing.

It sounds like everyone has some interesting books on the go. My reading has been slow again this week but I am enjoying Transit in preparation for a Giller event on Monday.

Susan, I had no difficulties keeping the characters apart. Each voice and personality are so different. I think the voices added to the story. It's so unique. I thought it was great and very entertaining.
I listen during my commutes and this was a perfect commuting book.

thanks Petra for getting the rough weather to back off! What a surprise to wake up this morning to a mild and lovely day. I'm hoping to go into Van tomorrow for some music at the roundhouse and then at the Heart of the city festival.
With your comments here in mind I might relent on Lincoln in the Bardo which does not really appeal.
I finished the Power feeling a bit bleak and needing a nap. I'll wait until you all have read it before commenting further.
Ellie, in a previous phase of my life, especially when I worked in bookstores, I bought books routinely. Now it takes a very special book for me to feel the need to own it. That said, I would buy some of these poets that the library doesn't carry if i get the chance .It's the live readings that excite me.
Here there's a few opportunities a year, less since the local poetry group ceased.
May the weekend be fine!
And Susan, have a wonderful meet up at your Giller event! Look forward to your report.
Is MaryAnne home now I wonder?
cheers

Magdelanye-I don't know if I can handle bleak right now so I may wait on The Power. I'm trying to buy less books but I like to own the poetry ones since I'm more likely to reread over the years. And my son also loves to share them so I feel a little less guilty.

Susan-enjoy the Giller event!

Petra-I should try Bardo as an audio. It sounds like an experience I would enjoy (and it wouldn't be bad to read it a second time). Only when!!

The weather here is unseasonably warm and lovely. I'm busy working on my poems. It's amazing how much work can go into a few lines!

My big excitement: for my upcoming 65th birthday, my kids have bought me a trip (with them) to Santa Fe. I've been there twice (briefly) and there's so much I want to do/redo. Katie's never been so I'm especially looking forward to sharing it with her.

Work has not been going well so this is especially welcome (although how much more special could this gift be?).

Thanks @Petra - nice to hear that you enjoyed it commuting. I will keep this on my list of possibilities as I love listening to audio as i drive.

@Ellie- happy pending birthday!! That sounds like a very exciting trip!

❀ Susan wrote: "Thanks @Petra - nice to hear that you enjoyed it commuting. I will keep this on my list of possibilities as I love listening to audio as i drive.

@Ellie- happy pending birthday!! That sounds like ..."

I'm thrilled. It's been my dream to go back to New Mexico.

I just finished a wonderful collection of poems rooted in race, feminism, as well as individual hopes and struggles. It celebrates and mourns. I think it's one of my most favorite collections: There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce by Morgan Parker. The name had put me off trying it. I'm so glad I finally broke through my resistance.

Ellie how great is that! What great kids you have! When do you go? This has been on your wish list for so long

We go in February. I feel exceptionally lucky to have such sweet (and generous!) children. I’m soooo excited!

that's fabulous Ellie!
something wonderful to anticipate through the next hard months😇
@Petra Just started a book I ordered from the library after hearing the author read from it at the writers fest in August. His discussion on ant trails reminded me of your encounter over the summer. I think you would like this book. On trails by Robert Moor.

Morgan Parker s book is on order at a library up north and not available for holds for a year.I am going to petition our local branches.
Also tried to get an audio of Lincoln in the bardo and it's not even listed.

Magdelanye wrote: "Morgan Parker s book is on order at a library up north and not available for holds for a year.I am going to petition our local branches.
Also tried to get an audio of Lincoln in the bardo and it's..."

Your library needs some serious help!

Ellie, that's a fantastic gift from your kids. I know you'll all have the best of times and make wonderful memories for you all. I'm so happy for you.

Susan, I almost only listen to audio books during my commutes. It seems to be the only place I can train my ears to listen to audio....must come from previously listening to the radio while driving.

Magdelanye, thank you! I've put On Trails by Robert Moor on my library "for later" list. It will make a great relaxing read after finishing Proust. It sounds really interesting.

I'm surprised you can't get an interlibrary loan for the audio of Lincoln In The Bardo. I can get books from Victoria (if I want to wait the time it takes.....about 6 months or longer).
Maybe audio books aren't part of the interlibrary loan system. I hadn't thought of those being restricted.
I hope you can petition your library to get a copy.

I'm about 1/3 through the final Proust book, Time Regained. Still enjoying Proust's writing and characters.

I'm home today. Caught a bit of a stomach bug. Ugh!

@Petra, That stomach thing going around here too
Sure hope your feeling better by now.
Spoke with my sister today. She is still in her same office.
I'm the same re audios. I know Susan and I think MaryAnne has adapted well to them, but I can't recall Ellie or Ice ever mentioning. The format sure doesn't work for me, with the exception curiously of meditation tapes and dharma talks.where its perfectly fine to fall asleep.
Hope everyone is coping well as November starts to show its teeth.
I'm reading Who Fears death by Nnedi Okorafor, dystopian fiction by an African woman yes!

@Petra forgot to add re interlibrary loans for audio books, they are available. I just returned Don't bite the Hook which I was allowed to renew the standard twice. I might have fallen asleep each night but after a few weeks of this eventually got to know the material intimately.

The nearest I get to audio is when the Grandsons read to me !

Magdelanye wrote: "@Petra, That stomach thing going around here too
Sure hope your feeling better by now.
Spoke with my sister today. She is still in her same office.
I'm the same re audios. I know Susan and I think..."

I'd love to read Who Fears Death--it's on my list now.

I don't read audio books because I don't have any way to download or play them. The car would be the best but my daughter usually drives and she only likes music. I wish I could use that format.

Hi everybody:

Just checking in. Hope everyone is doing well.

Watcha all reading?

I'm reading a fun book, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein about a girl in a band. It's made me start listening to the punk music of the 90s and early 2000s, which fits my mood right now!

Also reading Rebecca Solnit's Men Explain Things to Me. I find it fascinating and compulsive reading although the things she talks about makes me angry.

Also struggling with the poetry volume Olio by Tyehimba Jess. It seems very interesting but it's difficult to read. Partly literally: I find the font hard to read. But also it's long and a little overwhelming.

Hey Ellie, As you know, I've had poor luck with my last few postings. I was upset to have a long post snatched and then I got mixed up writing a comment as if it was here. It might be incipient senility or it might be the stars but there's a bit more of that these days.
Could also be a sign of too much brooding, not enough socializing.
At least I'm on a reading roll...I will write more in a few hours hopefully on a machine

Magdelanye wrote: "Hey Ellie, As you know, I've had poor luck with my last few postings. I was upset to have a long post snatched and then I got mixed up writing a comment as if it was here. It might be incipient sen..."

Always good to hear from you. Good luck with your next posting.

Ellie, I'm glad you posted. It's been so quiet here lately. (I include myself in this quietness)

Magdelanye, I'm sorry you lost your posts. I've learned to "control-C" a post before clicking on the Post button. If it's lost, I have the "copy" and can quickly try again.

I'm reading a poetry Giveaway win, Learning to See in Three Dimensions: Poetry. It's a beautiful book with pictures of paintings painted by the author. She's very talented. Her poems, too, are lovely. I don't know anything formal about poetry and find that these poems have a wonderful flow to them.

I'm still hoping to finish Proust by the end of the year. A bit under 200 pages left to go. I bought a Madeleine pan to bake madeleines after I finish.

I'm seriously considering retiring next year. I like my job but I'd like more free time, too. It's a difficult decision, for sure.

Good luck with your decision Petra. It’s a big one. I found out I could actually retire now but my daughter really needs me to work another two years til she graduates college. I can’t wait
What’s the name of the poet?

And I hope you get to enjoy those madeleines soon!

Thanks, Ellie. It's a bigger decision than I thought it would be. There's a lot to think about. Hubby is very healthy after his cancer & surgery but he's noticeably weaker. I'd like us to have some time relaxing and enjoying whatever Life offers while we're both relatively able.

The name of the poet is Pamela Spiro Wagner. In her introduction she speaks about a condition where a person cannot see dimension. She has this. One day, she saw the 3-dimensional world for a short time. She was astounded. Her description of what she saw, in prose, was really wonderful. I don't think I've ever thought about a flat world.

Thanks Petra for the tip but don't have that option on the fone.
Oddly ( it's never happened before) when I clicked on your poet GR claimed sorry not listed!
Retirement! You will know when you are ready. It's a decision that involves more than just the job. The challenge is to have a creative structure to replace the one imposed by work.
It's tempting to try to cover my lost message. Did not get much computer time today so I'm just on the fone and not really up to it. Will mention the Proust sighting in the poetry book the Wave. I'm confident Petra you will fulfill your goal. With madeleines and absinthe perhaps, or at least a tot in your tea!
Peace to you Petra and Ellie!

Retire

Petra wrote: "Thanks, Ellie. It's a bigger decision than I thought it would be. There's a lot to think about. Hubby is very healthy after his cancer & surgery but he's noticeably weaker. I'd like us to have some..."

The book sounds exciting: I always am searching for new ways to see, to experience the world. We get so stuck in our own perspectives that we usually don't even recognize as subjective. Or at least I do. Anything that shakes me up and opens my mind a little is worth reading. I find that the reading I'm doing right now, Rebecca SolnitThe Mother of All Questions is doing that for me, in a somewhat different way. I find her challenging. I feel a little attacked for my choosing the role as mother but I may just be overreacting. Anyway, it's less beautiful than your book sounds.

I wish you luck with your decision. I know one of the things I worry about is dying before I get to enjoy retirement. I think being able to enjoy life is the most important thing, whatever most brings you that joy. As long as you can get by financially, of course. But I hope whatever decision you make leaves you in a good place emotionally.

I'm sorry about your husband being sick but am happy to hear he's doing better now. It's sobering whenever I realize how fragile our time here is.

Magdelanye wrote: "Thanks Petra for the tip but don't have that option on the fone.
Oddly ( it's never happened before) when I clicked on your poet GR claimed sorry not listed!
Retirement! You will know when you are ..."

Thanks always for sharing. It's very frustrating for me when I use my phone to access GR. It (or maybe it's me) just doesn't do a good job.

I have to reread The Wave. I loved it in college but the last time I tried to read it, it seemed my brain muscles had gotten flabby, that I'm not reading enough really challenging books.

Or maybe I should go right to rereading Proust. Madeleines sound good.

Btw, we went to a terrific theater experience, Sleep No More, and my son got to try absinthe (it was an immersive, period piece). He loved it. I think he also felt very cool.

Good morning! Nice to wake up to messages here. I've been wondering again about using some of the other threads or even creating new ones for our chat. Just a thought but I was recalling the fun of the early days of this group when we nipped around the site. I remember too our attempts to do a group chat. I loved our birthday celebration this year. If I recall, weren't madeleines involves somewhere? Did you know in Spain they are called magdelanas?
Actually came here this am to clarify that it's A wave by John Ashbery the poet that I was referring to and not VWs masterpiece. In fact, it's a cranky book and a rough collection.

Ellie, I have to laugh when you claim that you're reading horizon is not wide enough. You are generally right ahead of me, sometimes by years.
At least it's not a contest! You are an inspiration!

Just finished a book that I will recommend to everybody. It has its flaws but very worthwhile and well crafted around a real life network of spies in wwI The Alice Network by Kate Quinn.
I've just started Mark Manson s counterintuitive approach to living a good life. The jacket claims he is a famous new York blogger. Ellie, do you know him?
O joy! It's the last day of November. Warm and Safe!

Have found A Wave and the poem for Petra is Proust's Questionnaire.
It's not one of his more obscure ones but it occurs to me that it would be most meaningful for those who have read him.

Lucky Ellie, theatre in New York and with your son! He must be very sophisticated to like absinthe!

Hello everyone!! I have been busy with leaving Ottawa with too much stuff for my suitcase - books and yarn -- and having to box stuff and mail to my daughter in Vancouver to bring to me in Seattle where my 3 daughters and I met with combined 3 grandchildren for US Thanksgiving and early Christmas. My daughter from Vancouver was hassled by a border guard about the boxes I had sent to her and she was told that she was not allowed to import things for someone else, even if she had opened all the boxes and knew that much of the yarn was for her mother to make stuff for her and that the books were for sharing, including the Granta Canada. SIgh! I returned to Montana to find that my condo is not finished because someone forgot to order a nitrogen kit for the sprinkler system. I am staying in my daughter's house and hope to be able to leave (aka sleep in my condo) before my ex comes to visit (after visiting Vancouver and Seattle) next week with his newest girl friend.

Petra: Sorry to hear about your husband but glad he is doing ok.
I wonder if there are vegan recipes for Madeleines.

Ellie: Which The Wave are you referring to? I like Rebecca Solnit and read her in Harper's where she often writes the guest editorial that is many pages long. I look forward to her introduction to a book by Joan Halifax - a buddhist - that is coming out in the spring. I believe the title is Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet.

Magdelanye: Thanks for the recommendations. I have put Mark Manson's book on hold and The Alice Network is in my tbr pile

Thank you everyone! Hubby is almost 2 years post-surgery and doing great. Every day is better and better.

@MaryAnne That sigh! Did that bothersome border guy not let your boxes through? What a mixed bag you have to deal with! Sounds like you have a widespread and wonderful family ( Taille can take a bow)

Another big fan of Rebecca Solnit. Very much enjoyed Wanderlust recently read and enjoy her comments on fb

@ Magdelayne - He let the boxes through since they were all open and he was able to go through them, but my daughter Lara got a very stern warning.

First fall of snow (sometimes the only one in a year) ..... celebrating all the way to work !