Book Nook Cafe discussion

Julie wrote: "He includes Moms Mabley of the Black vaudeville circuit, Jean Carrol, Minnie Pearl, Sophie Tucker, Phyllis Diller, Elaine May, Totie Fields and Joan Rivers. ..."

Gosh, I haven't seen some of those names in ages.

That sounds like a winner, Julie. I'm with Alias, it's been some while since i heard most of those names. For some reason Totie Fields is the one i think of most often. So funny and with a loving husband.

madrano wrote: "That sounds like a winner, Julie. I'm with Alias, it's been some while since i heard most of those names. For some reason Totie Fields is the one i think of most often. So funny and with a loving h..."

I really enjoyed it and I liked that it highlighted the female comics only!

Exactly. And each contributed to our understanding of the variety available, although not much offered at the time.

Lady
Thomas Tryon
5/5 stars
Set in New England in the 30’s and 40’s and before the WWII, Woody, a young man befriends Lady, an older, wealthy woman neighbor who is widowed and lives with her servants Jessie Griffin who chauffeurs her around and his sister Ag who cleans and cooks for her. However, Lady has a secret and when it is revealed Woody has to decide whether he will still remain loyal to her. Well written and I had a hard time putting this down. 1974

Julie wrote: "
Lady
Thomas Tryon
5/5 stars
Set in New England in the 30’s and 40’s and before the WWII, Woody, a young man befriends Lady, an older, wealth..."

I love Thomas Tryon's writing. He wrote a dark book called Harvest Home that my mom and I both like. I suppose it's a little dated now, but worth it for a fairly quick read.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "Julie wrote: "
Lady
Thomas Tryon
5/5 stars
Set in New England in the 30’s and 40’s and before the WWII, Woody, a young man befriends Lady, an..."
Thanks for the recommendation!

Julie wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "Julie wrote: "
Lady
Thomas Tryon
5/5 stars
Set in New England in the 30’s and 40’s and before..."

Julie wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "Julie wrote: "
Lady
Thomas Tryon
5/5 stars
Set in New England in the 30’s and 40’s and before..."

You're welcome, Julie.

When he wrote his first novel, The Other, it was well praised but reviews were as much about the author's movie star past as the book. Over the years, reviews mentioned his acting less often. It's neat to see him still mentioned as a good writer.

Thanks for the Memory Lane walk, Julie & Kiki.

madrano wrote: "When he wrote his first novel, The Other, it was well praised but reviews were as much about the author's movie star past as the book. Over the years, reviews mentioned his acting les..."

He passed away in 1991, Madrano. Sad.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "madrano wrote: "When he wrote his first novel, The Other, it was well praised but reviews were as much about the author's movie star past as the book. Over the years, reviews mentione..."

I didn't realize he had died. Thanks for the info!

Julie wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "madrano wrote: "When he wrote his first novel, The Other, it was well praised but reviews were as much about the author's movie star pa..."

You're welcome, Julie.

Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World
Mark Kurlansky
3.5/5 stars
Kurlansky is one of my favorite writers and in this book he writes about the history of the Cod fish and the cod fish industry in this book. Though this was not my favorite of all his books it was quite interesting. I learned a lot of information about Cod fish and industrial fishing. There is also a section on cod recipes. Mark Kurlansky Book

I've never made cod fish, myself. However, I know that is the fish used in things like fish sticks.

I'll have to check out this author. Thanks, Julie !

I do enjoy cod, so perhaps should read about it. I appreciate that you drew my attention to the book. Have you read many of Kurlansky'sbooks? I've only read Salt: A World History, which i liked. I'm wondering about how it earned a place on your challenge, Julie.

Julie wrote: "
Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World
Mark Kurlansky
3.5/5 stars
Kurlansky is one of m..."

Thanks, Julie! I do like cod, though I usually stick to salmon.

madrano wrote: "I do enjoy cod, so perhaps should read about it. I appreciate that you drew my attention to the book. Have you read many of Kurlansky'sbooks? I've only read Salt: A World History, which..."

I've read 6 of his books. The one on Birdseye was my favorite!

Oh, interesting about Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man. Thanks for that tip, Julie.

For Her Own Good: Two Centuries of the Experts' Advice to Women
Barbara Ehrenreich
3.5/5 stars
"First published in 1978, this classic history, now revised and updated, brilliantly exposes the constraints imposed on women in the name of science. Authors Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English have never lost faith in science itself, but insist that we hold those who interpret it to higher standards. Women are entering the medical and scientific professions in greater numbers but as recent research shows, experts continue to use pseudoscience to tell women how to live. This edition of For Her Own Good provides today's readers with an indispensable dose of informed skepticism." from Goodreads. 1978

This is Goodread's synopsis of this book and I couldn't do this synopsis any better than they could!
Lengthy read but so very interesting!

Julie wrote: "
For Her Own Good: Two Centuries of the Experts' Advice to Women
Barbara Ehrenreich
3.5/5..."

Well done, Julie. I tried beginning that book, probably not long after it was published, but just couldn't stay with it. Something wasn't clicking. Or maybe it was the two kiddos who lived with us! Thanks for sharing about it, maybe i'll take a look again.

I wasn't aware of this book of hers. I read Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America

I have on my maybe TBR:

Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America

Natural Causes: An Epidemic of Wellness, the Certainty of Dying, and Killing Ourselves to Live Longer

I have liked the idea of her books but i don't believe i've read any. Plenty of magazine articles by her, but no books.

The Great Santini
Pat Conroy
4/5 stars
This novel is based on the author's father, the mercurial "Great Santini'", a Marine pilot. They led a nomad's life with having to move from town to town when their father had to go to different bases. Conroy relates the ups and downs of Marine life, not to mention the stress of having to kowtow to all his father's demands. Wonderfully written! 1976

He had a good writing career. I haven't read his books but i know fans who didn't miss any from his pen.

You are moving along with your Reading Challenge, Julie. Continued success. We are grateful for your comments about the selections.

madrano wrote: "He had a good writing career. I haven't read his books but i know fans who didn't miss any from his pen.

You are moving along with your Reading Challenge, Julie. Continued success. We are grateful..."

I thought we read a Pat Conroy in a group or buddy read. Maybe it was when we were on AOL.

Alias, i vaguely recall that some group was reading one. While i didn't read the book with ya'll, i read the posts and found them fun and interesting.

Just now i looked up one i thought i would read years ago, but didn't, The Water is Wide. It's about a man who spends one year on Yamacraw Island, South Carolina, teaching. I saw the film based on it, Conrack, & liked it. Maybe i'll use it this year for prompt 77- Education or teaching profession or has teacher or student in story F or NF. On Wiki it states the book has been promoted as memoir and fiction because it's basically Conroy's experience but he changed places, names, etc.

Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show
Daniel de Visé
4/5 stars
Daniel de Vise writes a fascinating book about the relationship between Andy Griffith and Don Knotts as he follows their lives and careers and especially their time on The Andy Griffth Show. Highly recommended! Books About Film and Televison

Nice, Julie. We enjoyed seeing one another cropping up in projects as "special guests" and such. Thanks.

Julie wrote: "
Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show
[author:Daniel d..."

I'm always watching the reruns of The Andy Griffith Show. Thanks for the title.

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: "
Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show
[a..."

I watch reruns of that show almost every day, Alias. I think I also own some of the DVDs.

The Dog of the South
Charles Portis
3.5/5 stars
Charles Portis who wrote True Grit explores the ups and mostly downs of Ray Midge's life after his wife takes off with another man and his car. Ray is determined to find his wife, his car and is able to track her down with his credit card statements but along the way he meets a variety of kooky and interesting people. 1979

Julie wrote: "
The Dog of the South
Charles Portis
3.5/5 stars
Charles Portis who wrote True Grit explores the ups and mostly downs of Ray Midg..."

I see some mixed reviews on this one. Some enjoyed the first half more then the later half.

Good job on finding a 1979 novel for your challenge. You do find interesting books for the prompts for sure !

Julie wrote: "
The Dog of the South
Charles Portis
3.5/5 stars
Charles Portis who wrote True Grit explores the ups and mostly downs of Ray Midg..."

It sounds interesting, in a very different and good way.

Julie wrote: "
The Dog of the South
Charles Portis
3.5/5 stars
Charles Portis who wrote True Grit explores the ups and mostly downs of Ray Midg..."

Neat, Julie. I'm with Alias, in awe of the selections you find to fit your prompts. And i'm so grateful you share them with us.

The Amityville Horror
Jay Anson
4/5 stars
In 1975 the Lutz family has moved to Amityville, New York because of George Lutz's new job. However, things go terribly wrong when they moved in. Strange and horrible things were happening in the house. They were never informed that the son of the previous family, Ronald J. DeFeo Jr. killed his family. As much as they tried to live there, they eventually had to move out. What a fascinating story. Several film versions were made of the events. 1977

Julie wrote: "
The Amityville Horror
Jay Anson
4/5 stars
In 1975 the Lutz family has moved to Amityville, New York because of George Lutz's n..."

Oldie but a goodie. I've only seen the movie.

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: "
The Amityville Horror
Jay Anson
4/5 stars
In 1975 the Lutz family has moved to Amityville, New York because of G..."

I've only seen the movie, too. Not my usual fare and very creepy is right.

All about Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business
Mel Brooks
4/5 stars
What a great book about all the films that Mel Brooks wrote and filmed! He also writes about his life growing up, his time in the military in WWII, how he got into show business and how he met his wife, the lovely Anne Bancroft and their relationship. Definitely for film fans! Books About Film And Television

Julie wrote: "
All about Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business
Mel Brooks
4/5 stars
What a great book abo..."

I'm happy to hear the memoir includes stuff prior to his show business career. That always makes a book more interesting for me

Julie wrote: "
The Amityville Horror
Jay Anson
4/5 stars
In 1975 the Lutz family has moved to Amityville, New York because of George Lutz's n..."

I read this in '78, probably after seeing the film. Usually, it's the other way around but ii didn't think i'd be interested in the book. Ding Dong, i was wrong!

Julie wrote: "
All about Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business
Mel Brooks
4/5 stars
What a great book abo..."

This sounds very good. His career was part of so much change, both in production and in quality. I'm sure there are those who question the value of the latter, but i was pleased. Thanks for sharing about this one, Julie.

River of the Gods: Genius, Courage and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile
Candice Millard
4/5 stars
Millard relates the tale of English explorers Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke, along with the guide/slave Sidi Mubarak Bombay as they try to find the source of the Nile River in the 19th century and reap the rewards from the Royal Geographical Society who was offering a prize for those who found it first! However, the two men clashed, and this undertaking would prove too much as they separated. Fascinating! Geography/Africa/Favorite Authors

I enjoy reading Millard's books. I'm guaranteed to a good story, well told. River of the Gods is one i didn't know existed, so i'm tickled to have a new title. Thank you, Julie.

And great work on your List!

Julie wrote: "
.."

I've enjoyed Candice Millard books. I'm glad to hear this book was a winner.

The River
Peter Heller
4/5 stars
Wynn and Jack take off canoeing in Canada and encounter a couple fighting but they disappear. Later on they find the woman injured and they can't leave her because a forest fire has taken over. They grab the woman and take her in their boat but are afraid that the husband may come after them. Heller doesn't disappoint in this novel. Favorite Authors/Peter Heller

Julie wrote:
"Heller doesn't
disappoint in this novel. Favorite Authors/Peter Heller."

Do you have a favorite of his books ? I tried The Dog Stars but at the time I couldn't get into it.

I don't recall hearing about this author previously, so i'm intrigued he is your favorite, Julie. Thanks for sharing about him here.

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote:
"Heller doesn't
disappoint in this novel. Favorite Authors/Peter Heller."

Do you have a favorite of his books ? I tried The Dog Stars but at the time I couldn't get..."

Try his book Celine- that was one of my favorites of his.

Julie wrote: "Try his book Celine- that was one of my favorites of his...."

Thanks !

Julie. I loved The Dog Star, but never read another book by him. Weird. Might look him up again and put him on my TBR list. Its funny, My list got smaller when I made my challenge list, but all the good suggestions are making it grow again!
Michele