Book Nook Cafe discussion

madrano wrote: "I’m presuming Parish meant failure both monetarily and artistically. Like you, we enjoyed the first two mentioned. Indeed we bought the LP (yes, that long ago) For Wagon, which we still like.

I h..."

It was both -money wise and the problems surrounding the making of the film. It is and was amazing the amount of money wasted on those films but part of the problem is coordinating the filming of the project. People hired may be working on other films and can't get away so a film is delayed and they have to pay workers already there. It is a fine art in being able to assemble cast, technical people, locations and if it is a outdoor shoot-weather can delay a picture while the crew sits around.

The Family Nobody Wanted
Helen Grigsby Doss
4/5 stars
Set in the 40’s this is the true story of the Doss’s who were unable to have any children. Reaching out to an adoption agency they eventually were able to adopt one child. When they went back to try for another adoption, they were told they could only adopt one white child so Helen reached out to other agencies that had different race or mixed race children. They, eventually, through sheer determination adopted a total of 12 children. Wonderfully written and so inspirational, I sped through this book. 1954


Interesting article on the family- https://pages.uoregon.edu/adoption/to...

Thanks for the clarification, Jill. I have read about weather delays but the rest must takes a person with funding to wait for all the stars to align. Imagine!

I remember reading about similar stories over the years but it sounds as the Doss family was one of the first. Reading the article to which you linked was unfortunate—being unable to overcome bias toward African American children. Given all the other challenges met, it makes that example even more sad.

Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir
Robin Ha
4/5 stars
Author Robin Ha’s graphic novel is the true story of her coming to America with her mother after being raised in South Korea. Since she only speaks Korean, she has a hard time adapting to the United States, let alone learning an unfamiliar complicated new language and trying to make new friends especially in high school where the students aren’t the friendliest. Well done! Graphic Novel

Sounds as though it would be good for teens to gather insight into learning how to live in a different nation.

The Library Book
Susan Orlean
5/5 stars
One of my favorite books was Orlean's book on Rin Tin Tin and so I was excited to read The Library Book and I was not disappointed. This book concentrates on the fire of the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986 and the chief suspect in the case. However, she does not tie herself down to that topic but also talks about the history of libraries and some of the people responsible for building and influencing libraries. Highly recommended! A book from the New York Times ‘100 Notable Books’ list for any year (2018)

Sounds good, Julie. When I heard of the book I didn't realize it was about more then the LA library.

I believe it was on my best of list the year it was published. I learned so much, even beyond libraries. However, it most impressed me by illustrating how libraries are addressing issues such as unemployment and homelessness, mostly due to the people who walk through their doors. I applaud their work.

Me
Elton John
5/5 stars
Elton John relates his amazing career as a song writer, composer, singer, film maker and the incredible ups and downs of his life through childhood to the present. Well written and hard to put down. M

Nice to know, Julie. My husband & i still fondly recall the first time we heard of EJ. He created the soundtrack for the French movie Friends, which we liked very much. Indeed, it was one of the first LPs we bought together.

https://www.thevideobeat.com/monster-...

madrano wrote: "Nice to know, Julie. My husband & i still fondly recall the first time we heard of EJ. He created the soundtrack for the French movie Friends, which we liked very much. Indeed, it was one of the fi..."

I thought this was so interesting and a fast read.

Run Silent, Run Deep
Edward L. Beach
3.5/5 stars
Written by an actual Commodore in the Navy during WWII, Beach weaves an interesting fictional tale surrounding the navy adventures of Edward Richardson as he starts to command the submarine USS Walrus. Richardson’s crew encounter many battles but their major battle is against Captain Tateo Nakame ( Bungo Pete) who is sinking ships and subs in the Bungo Channel that is a strait separating the Japanese islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. I thought there was a nice balance between the battle descriptions and the story of Richardson and his crew. Recommended! 1955

Julie wrote: "
Run Silent, Run Deep
Edward L. Beach
3.5/5 stars
Written by an actual Commodore in the Navy during WWII, Beach weaves an inte..."

This book was also made into a movie with Clark Gable in 1958.

I’ve heard of either the book or the film. Great title. Thanks for the info.

In the Great Green Room: The Brilliant and Bold Life of Margaret Wise Brown
Amy Gary
4/5 stars
This is the very interesting biography of the author Margaret Wise Brown. Brown’s life was a whirlwind between writing books, travel and her multiple relationships with men and women. Unfortunately, at the age of 42 she died from a blood clot after having surgery but she has left behind her works which still are being published and loved by readers today. I

Thanks for this reminder, Julie, about the book. When i first heard mention of it i meant to take note but failed to do so. Now i will, complete with the knowledge it’s a good bio.

The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom
Sławomir Rawicz
3.5/5 stars
During WWII, Polish solider Slavomir Rawicz is captured by the Russians and sent to a labor camp in Siberia. Conditions are horrible and Rawicz conspires with six other prisoners to escape to British India. The trek is a long one and several die on the way but when things go bad, they encounter people along the way who help them out even though their lives are also troubled. Though some of the events may be skewed according to Wikipedia, but if you were wandering around for months you might have a problem with remembering everything. It was nevertheless a very interesting read. This was also made into a film, unfortunately I have not been able to find a copy of it yet. 1956

Thinking this sounded a bit familiar, i sought out the name of the film. It’s a 2010 movie titled The Way Back, starring some good actors—Ed Harris, Colin Farrell and Saoirse Ronan. I only caught the last half hour but saw the book title in the credits, i think. What i saw i liked. Thanks for the comments, Julie.

madrano wrote: "Thinking this sounded a bit familiar, i sought out the name of the film. It’s a 2010 movie titled The Way Back, starring some good actors—Ed Harris, Colin Farrell and Saoirse Ronan. I only caught t..."
I actually finally found the movie at my library. We watched it yesterday and it was an interesting film. I preferred the book though. But I usually always prefer the book.

Ditto.

Glad you found a copy, though.

The World of Suzie Wong
Richard Mason
3.5/5 stars
Robert, a young artist moves to Hong Kong to concentrate on his painting career. Looking for a cheap place to live and paint, he ends up in a “brothel” where the all occupants pay by the hour except him. Robert gets to know the “girls” as friends but ends up in an up and down relationship with the beautiful Suzie. Written in 1957, it was made into a film with William Holden and Nancy Kwan. 1957

Is that what the movie was about? I saw it at a drive-in with my folks near the end of the 50s but had no idea what occurred. I recall being awed by Kwan’s beauty, though. I must find this book. Thanks, Julie. You are well past halfway through with the 50s on your DL. Well done!

madrano wrote: "Is that what the movie was about? I saw it at a drive-in with my folks near the end of the 50s but had no idea what occurred. I recall being awed by Kwan’s beauty, though. I must find this book. Th..."

I just saw the movie after I read the book and Suzie is a prostitute in the movie. But the prostitution angle is not as obvious in the movie as it is in the book. I am sure your parents probably didn't know what the movie was about, especially if they took you! Back then there were no ratings on film. According to IMDB - the rating they gave was "approved." All movies were screened had to have approval to be shown.

I found this short blurb on the history of ratings which was informative - https://ourpastimes.com/when-did-movi...- https://ourpastimes.com/when-did-movi...

Because i was raised Catholic i (later) read about their Legion of Decency. Here’s a list of condemned films— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of... What i don’t know is whether my mom read the lists.

I agree, my folks probably had no idea, only that it starred Holden. It isn’t the first time that happened but none of the others drew my attention the way Kwan’s face did.

madrano wrote: "Because i was raised Catholic i (later) read about their Legion of Decency. Here’s a list of condemned films— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of... What i d..."

Interesting article - I saw Reefer Madness which was on the list several years ago and a few others. Valley of the Dolls is on the list and I also saw it but it is pretty mild in comparison with films nowadays.

I agree, Julie. I suppose the fact that much of the list seems tame today is what the Catholics feared. So, in their way, they were right to warn followers.

The Sundial
Shirley Jackson
4/5 stars
The Hallorans’ live in an expensive mansion with an odd assortment of relatives and guests. When Aunt Fanny wanders off, she experiences a vision. Her dead father tells her of an impending disaster in which everyone but her family will be destroyed. Shirley Jackson doesn’t fail with this eerie family tale. 1958

New title for me, so i thank you for the info, Julie. For the longest time i only knew of Jackson’s famous short story, “The Lottery” and Hill House, so am pleased to learn of this one.

What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!
Agatha Christie
4/5 stars
Agatha Christie proves herself again as a master mystery writer in this story of Mrs. McGuillicuddy, a woman on a train who witnesses a murder of a woman on a train passing hers. The authorities dismiss her claim as they can find no other witnesses or the body. Mrs. McGuillicuddy, a friend of Mrs. Marple, tells her the strange story of what she witnessed and if she could help. Mrs. Marple, then engages a smart, young woman, Lucy Eyelesbarrow to search the area where the body could have possibly been thrown off the train. Lucy ends up working for the Crackenthorpes who live near the tracks so she can search more for the body, not knowing that the body is hidden on their property. Very enjoyable! W

I haven't read that one, Julie, but it sounds fun. It sounds like an older movie i saw on tv several years ago, but not by that name, i think. Found it! 4:50 from Paddington, which apparently was the British title. Odd, that. ANYway, it was from the PBS Agatha Christie series starring Joan Hickson.

madrano wrote: "I haven't read that one, Julie, but it sounds fun. It sounds like an older movie i saw on tv several years ago, but not by that name, i think. Found it! 4:50 from Paddington, which ap..."

The title of the book in England was 4:50 From Paddington and the book title in US was the title I read. It was published in 1957. I don't why they have two titles for this book but they both came out at the same time. They probably thought the different titles would sell better in each country.

One wonders if this paid off. I would have imagine this marketing technique to be of later origin. Ding Dong, i'm wrong.

Finding Dorothy
Elizabeth Letts
4/5 stars
Lett’s historical fiction novel relates the life of Maud Baum, wife of Frank L. Baum who wrote The Wizard of Oz books. The novel goes back and forth between Maud’s childhood and her marriage to Frank and then years later to her relationship with the young Judy Garland who is playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I especially enjoyed reading about the life of Maud and her life with Frank. This makes me want to learn more about their real life relationship. At the end there is an afterword by the author which goes over what was true and what was made up. Interestingly, it was a picture of Maud Baum and Judy Garland on the movie set that inspired Letts to write this book. A Book With an “ing” Word in the Title

I read and enjoyed this book, too, Julie. My favorite chapters were Maud and Frank. This is one of the books Alias listed that i zoomed right in on, being a fan.

Clever category.

madrano wrote: "I read and enjoyed this book, too, Julie. My favorite chapters were Maud and Frank. This is one of the books Alias listed that i zoomed right in on, being a fan.

Clever category."

This category I stole from another challenge. I was pleasantly surprised to actually have a book with "ing" after a splurge at our local independent book store.

How cool is that?!

The Queens of Animation
Nathalia Holt
4.5/5 stars
This is the amazing true story of the women animators that worked at the Disney studios and who influenced and participated in the filmmaking process of the animated films. They came from all backgrounds and did jobs that the men got paid more for doing but they persevered and were able to make an impact on the films they worked on. Highly recommended! A book related to the Arts

Interesting topic. I recall Alias posted this on a list here & i wondered about it. It's a shame they had to experience some unfair circumstances but at least it didn't deter all of them. They probably really relished their work.

The World That We Knew
Alice Hoffman
4/5 stars
Set during WWII in France, Hanni, a mother knows she has to send her daughter Lea away before she is sent to a concentration camp. She pleas with her rabbi to help but he can’t. Overhearing the conversation, the rabbi’s daughter Ettie suggests bringing forth a golem that would protect her daughter. Ava is the created creature who will look over Lea and will travel with her to a school where they help to save their Jewish students and hopefully will protect her during the occupation. I enjoy Hoffman and she spins an interesting mystical tale that imbues a tragic part of history. A book set in a place or time that you wouldn't want to live

This sounds like a good story set in an awful time. That cover is lovely. I haven't read any Hoffman but it seems many continue to enjoy her novels. You are moving right through your list this year, Julie.

I have a couple of real books that fit in my challenge and am hoping the library opens soon or else I am going to try and download books to my iPad. I am sorry to say I am not sure how to do that since I always prefer hardcovers and paperbacks. But I am sure there are a number of tutorials to show me and our library has a lot of online book programs to use.

Because we've been traveling so much i've learned to get books from the library for my iPad. My husband just began this year, so i know it can be done easily. His biggest problem has been downloading the correct option when he has a choice between Kindle & ePub. I haven't looked for a tutorial but i cannot imagine there aren't several. Good luck, Julie.

That written, i'm now find myself using eBooks more often upon our return. Part of this is because i had many on hold for our traveling, which are only now available. However, another reason is that they have become very convenient for me, a night reader. Whether it's age or tired eyes, i need strong light to read hardbacks anymore. I blame the hotel's lamps which only take compact florescents, which i just can't find strong enough. Bummer. At least i now understand why so many people are opting for eBooks.

madrano wrote: "Because we've been traveling so much i've learned to get books from the library for my iPad. My husband just began this year, so i know it can be done easily. His biggest problem has been downloadi..."

One of the BookTubers that I follow is Olive. She just put up this video on why she now loves eBooks.

How I Made Friends With eBooks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPXAH...

What a good commentary on reading eBooks, as well as work as a reviewer. It helps me appreciate the work our regular reviewers here do. I had no idea--in one way it's almost like reading with dual vision, one for enjoyment & one for future writing. Neat.

Olive mentions her eye problems and, ergo, her use of the light function on her eReader. For me, when we travel especially, i use it when my husband is asleep in the early morning hours & i cannot sleep. I dim the eReader & do not disturb him with too much light.

She makes good points in many areas. Last night i began reading The Garfield Orbit by Margaret Leech, my first paper book of the year! Published in '78, it used a number of words i didn't know & it was dismayed that i had to actually look in a paper dictionary to learn the meanings! LOL

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, deb.

Many BookTubers put a lot of thought into their videos. And of course, I enjoy listening to people talk about books !

I actually went on my iPad, went to my library website and all I need is my pin number and library card number. We have 3 books online sites to access for free (if you belong to the library). I still have a couple more physical books to read but I am ready to use my iPad.

I wonder if my library offers other online sites that i don't even realize exist. I'll have to check that out. Have fun, Julie, when the time comes.

Definitely check out what your library is offering. My local library is a branch of the County's library and they offer ebooks from Overdrive and Axis 360, classic books and current magazines from RB Digital, free music downloads (5 songs a week) and free music streaming (unlimited at the moment) from Freegal, and free kids ebooks from Tumblebooks. They also offer language learning through Mango languages. I've been trying to get my Mom into reading ebooks and she's slowly getting used it now that she's read every library book that we have from the library including the ones I had out. So, check it out, your Library might have more available online then you think.

Where the Wild Things Bite
Molly Harper
3.5/5 stars
Due to the library being closed, my choices of books are limited. I had picked this book up off the free shelf at the library before it closed and it did meet the criteria of my book challenge. While this book will never will win a Pulitzer, I was thoroughly entertained about this story of a rare book expert, Anna who was to deliver a book to her client knowing that this book on the undead was highly prized by many people. While she took precautions on her plane trip she did not realize that a vampire, Finn Palmeroy was following her to try and steal the book. She also did not realize the pilot was also trying to steal it until he crashed the plane. Finn and Anna survive the plane crash, only to be stuck in the middle of nowhere and they have to rely on each other when they soon realize others are after them. A book with a major theme of survival

Dru, you make a good point about what libraries offer. I've used the Mango language lessons before traveling and appreciate them. Some libraries are more helpful in guiding users to their services than others. My old library claimed they had all sorts of connections to services for outside-the-system books but most users couldn't find them. And they didn't offer tutorials, unlike my new library.

Good reminder.