Comfort Reads discussion

Gundula wrote: "Jeannette, did you have the guitar?? I actually tried to locate the owner of the sweater and the cookbooks, but the post office was useless. So, I threw out the sweater and the rancid nuts, but u..."

No guitar and I sent the sofa back, too! Glad you could use the cookbooks.

My in-laws were forced onto using email when the post office started losing all of my in-laws' letters to me from Germany. It went on for months and neither side could say why. My letters to them got through.

Valerie wrote: "I lived in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. I've been to Ames many times, though! My sister & her husband live in Des Moines, and my parents & one of my brothers live in the Davenport area.

I'..."

We were in Waterloo last year with my daughter's choir -- nice town. I hope your sister has electricity today! Lot's of outages due to ice.

My brother & family lived in Houston for a time, but they are back in Victoria now. We also have friends in Austin and a niece in Dallas. We visit every few years. I grew up in Michigan, near Detroit, but we are all scattered, except for the oldest brother who stayed put!

That's so weird, especially since it seems to have been so one-sided.

Yes. US post office said, "well, we didn't get them". German Post said "it can't be our fault" It was literally several months and my mother-in-law was quite upset. We even resorted to using a fax machine for a while! Was I glad when they got internet. They were faxing all kinds of stuff they thought we would like to see! :) (And that fax foil is not cheap.)

The letters are probably sitting in some mailbag somewhere. There was a case a few years ago in Canada, where about 20 (or even more) mailbags stuffed full of undelivered mail were discovered at the residence of a Canada Post employee. Gosh, we're really getting off topic here ...

Ah, I just got up after a wee sleep in and don't worry Gundula, there is no such thing as off topic in this thread!

We are moving ourselves so hopefully we won't lose anything. I'd like to lose a few toys but unfortunately my daughter has an excellent memory and doesn't yet appreciate the joy of giving to others. All your "lost in the move" stories were very funny!

Paula wrote: "Gundula wrote: "I honestly don't think that I have ever been in a bookstore without having bought at least one book (and only buying one book takes an amazing amount of willpower)."

I did that onc..."

It happened to me once. They had almost nothing but literary fiction, which isn't really my cup of tea.

Very frustrating, going into a bookstore and coming out empty-handed!

Jeannette wrote: "For my move from Seattle to Iowa, they boxed and tagged my cooking pots and THEN packed the box in a wardrobe box. Three days of panic looking for my expensive cookware! They also were so friend..."

I just had to throw this in...we had movers that did the weirdest stuff, but the one that boggled my mind was when I opened a very big box (big enough for probably a large lamp)and all that was inside was a pen which was wrapped in about 12 layers of bubble wrap. One pen.

That is funny!!

Not to stray from the topic of terrible moving situations, but just have to post my comment.

Last night I was struggling with an upset stomach (occurring frequently, lately, unfortunately) and was looking around for a comfort read that would take my mind off it, which can sometimes cure the ache. I couldn't find one easily, so I sat down with my computer and came onto this site figuring I'd take a recommendation and just download it onto my Kindle. After a few failed attempts (the Whimsey novels aren't available on Kindle) I realized an hour had gone by and I was feeling good enough to go to sleep.

Turned out my comfort read was this book group and the discussions, so just wanted to say thanks to everyone for helping me get over my stomach-ache :)

Glad all of us could help! Glad you feel better, too!

Lee, usch cleaning houses when you move is HORRIBLE. I know, I know it has to be done but take care. THAT is how I got a stiff shoulders and they have never been the same since. I am not kidding! If you get something stoff, take care of it right away. Don't be stupid like me and assume it will all go away by itself! Hope you are happy in the new place!

Paula, I'm happy this group helped you in an unexpected way!

Paula, I'm glad hanging out here helped you settle your tummy. That's terrific!

Chrissie, I feel like a just ran a marathon or something. Two days straight of cleaning and painting. We finished tonight at 1am and now here I am checking in (just like Paula!) to help me relax before bed. Things are slowly coming together. I painted Maggie's room a bright apple green (her colour choice). It's very cute.

Lee, You've made so much progress in such a short time for your move. No wonder you're tired. I hope you're settled soon.

I hope so too but we have at least a week to go! Wheeeeeeeee!

Great that Maggie got to pick the color! Moving is both terribly fun but also tiring and difficult. I am sure you know what I mean! The fun is discovering and planning and house decorating..... Enjoy and then sleep too! Watch your shoulders!!!

It was almost a year ago that we began packing for our move, starting with books. This was before I discovered GR, but what I did find was an app that I could download (for $40, I think) that catalogued my books. I was so excited! All I had to do was to hold up the book's barcode to my computer's camera, and the program would search the Internet for info. A few seconds later, up would pop the cover of the book and all the info that Amazon had on it. Then I could put the book on whatever virtual shelf I chose. Unfortunately, many of my books were too old to have barcodes, so I put the info in manually. Just imagine how long it took for me to pack!!! I did give up trying to input them all, and have to admit that since I joined GR and listed many of my books here, I'm not inputting new purchases into my own library. Although I really should.

Anyway, if anyone is interested, the program is called "Delicious Library" and can be found here - http://www.delicious-monster.com/

You can also catalogue DVDs, CDs - anything with a barcode.

That sounds like a neat program Gabriele. I'm so happy with Goodreads though, I don't think I could duplicate the effort of adding all my books again!

Hurray! I just noticed that we have 101 members as of yesterday! I hope everyone is enjoying the group.

Lee wrote: "Hurray! I just noticed that we have 101 members as of yesterday! I hope everyone is enjoying the group. "

This is a busy, excited group! I for one am enjoying it. You're doing a great job Lee!

Paula wrote: "Not to stray from the topic of terrible moving situations, but just have to post my comment.

Last night I was struggling with an upset stomach (occurring frequently, lately, unfortunately) and was..."

I'm glad that you are feeling better. Curious, do you read most books on your Kindle or just some here and there? My 13-year-old has hijacked mine for now, and I miss it.

Lee wrote: "Hurray! I just noticed that we have 101 members as of yesterday! I hope everyone is enjoying the group. "

Woot Woot! This is a great group! I love it. :)

Lee wrote: "That sounds like a neat program Gabriele. I'm so happy with Goodreads though, I don't think I could duplicate the effort of adding all my books again!"

Me too, Lee. Between GR and book blogging I think I am covered.

I agree, it's taken long enough to add my books to GR (and, I'm not really getting very far with the books I have already read, as I keep adding to-read books).

Just found out my local independent is closing, next week. After 38 years.

I've bought many a book there!

The Open Book will be missed.

That's so sad.

In recent years it was not quite the store it used to be, but yes, it will be missed.

Christine wrote: "Curious, do you read most books on your Kindle or just some here and there? My 13-year-old has hijacked mine for now, and I miss it.
..."

Now this is a topic I could talk about forever! I am still undecided about my Kindle. I find I use it for an eclectic group of reasons...
1. When I read while I eat, because it's a lot easier than holding a real book open
2. When I want to read a guilty pleasure but don't want to own the book (such as some chick lit, or the Pratchett disc-world series)
3. When I really really want to start reading a book and for whatever reason can't get to a book store
4. When I'm reading a really heavy, long book, it's nice to have it on my Kindle, too, to give my wrists a break (altho I only double-own books when I can get them on the Kindle for free)
5. When I'm on the treadmill at the gym - this is also the only time I use audiobooks on my Kindle

I'm sure there's a reason I'm missing, but it's more for the convenience and security of having so many books close at hand. I find if I get into a car to go anywhere, even the grocery store, my kindle comes along. You never know when you're going to get stuck somewhere for an undetermined amount of time, and what if you finish the physical book you have... what.. just sit there? (*gasp*)

I said in one other group, thought, that I still love physical books more. Feeling in my left hand what I've been through and feeling in my right hand how much more I have left to enjoy. I love flipping the page. I love the paper, the different fonts, the feel of the book, whether it's a flexible and oft-read paperback whose cover gets a little soft, or a hard-cover which seems to add more security and durability to what I'm reading. I love proudly displaying books on shelves where others can read them; then judging guests by their reaction to the books.

Besides, you can't smell a Kindle, or stare at the virtual bookshelves, or sort the books and put them in little piles around you like fort, or happily recommend and loan them to friends, or recall pleasant memories of the store from which you liberated the book.

I'll stop now... sorry for the lengthy post!

Paula wrote: "After a few failed attempts (the Whimsey novels aren't available on Kindle)..."

I found Clouds of Witness and Whose Body? for the eReader... through feedbooks.com I think. Or also on Gutenberg.

But I'm glad we could help out! (Cut out dairy? Drink fennel seed tea?)

Hayes wrote: "(Cut out dairy? Drink fennel seed tea?)..."

I already don't do dairy, and have started a new 'diet' to eat better foods. Not trying to lose weight, just trying to find foods that make me feel good and don't trigger stomach-aches. Some of the vegan books that Lee has listed have actually prompted some experimental cooking by fiance (he's the chef of the house, not me!).

I no longer eat anything from a cow, nothing fried, no candy/cake/cookies, I read food labels like crazy, and more and more often explore the organic and 'health nut' sections of stores.

I'm determined to cure myself through healthier eating.

Paula wrote: "Hayes wrote: "(Cut out dairy? Drink fennel seed tea?)..."

I already don't do dairy, and have started a new 'diet' to eat better foods. Not trying to lose weight, just trying to find foods that m..."

EDIT: I ordered Whose Body? in paperback last night :)

Thanks for you comments about the Kindle, Paula, as I've been thinking of getting that or the Sony Reader. And also contemplating putting some of my books into e-format, but e-book piracy has me worried about doing so.

Paula, I have periodic bouts of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I found these books both informative and reassuring, IBS Cookbook For Dummies and IBS For Dummies. For me, my triggers are not so much food, but stress (something which I find is often alleviated by using a heating pad on the stomach and/or drinking luke warm herbal teas, like chamomile, fennel and peppermint). Also, if I eat meat more than once a day or do not get enough fiber, my stomach and colon hate me.

I mentioned in another group that our local independent bookstore also includes an "arsty" cinema, a bar, and a French cafe. It's a popular spot for some university students to hang out or meet up. And it's the only cinema around here where I can see "Young Victoria" (now playing)!

Books, movies, wine, and chocolate cake - what more do you need? : )

Gabriele, what's the name of that bookstore. I'd like to check it out sometime.

*sigh* Ames is so backwater!

Gundula, it is The Bookshelf, and right in downtown Guelph. Let me know if you're coming to visit it and we could meet up for wine and choc cake. : )

Thanks, I'll let you know, but it won't be for a while. Wine and chocolate cake sounds decadent!!

Gundula wrote: "Thanks, I'll let you know, but it won't be for a while. Wine and chocolate cake sounds decadent!!"

That's after book shopping, of course! : )

Which is the reward for the other? :)

Gundula wrote: "Paula, I have periodic bouts of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I found these books both informative and reassuring, IBS Cookbook For Dummies and IBS For Dummies. For..."

Thanks for the tips :) I'm not familiar with IBS. It could be stress, too - that could explain why I can distract myself (sometimes); although I know some of the food triggers, too (hence no more cow).

The good news is, I'm discovering lots of delicious new foods - I can't get enough salmon, I absolutely love avocado, and there are even some rice cake treats that I like better than I ever liked regular chips!

Gabriele wrote: "I mentioned in another group that our local independent bookstore also includes an "arsty" cinema, a bar, and a French cafe. It's a popular spot for some university students to hang out or meet up...."

Sounds like heaven! What a great combo of some of my favorite things!

Paula wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Paula, I have periodic bouts of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I found these books both informative and reassuring, IBS Cookbook For Dummies and [book:IBS For Dummi..."

Good luck in your endeavors! I always know I should take better care of myself -- more healthy food and less of the wine and chocolate cake. I hope you discover the right things to keep you healthy and happy!

Gabriele wrote: "Thanks for you comments about the Kindle, Paula, as I've been thinking of getting that or the Sony Reader. And also contemplating putting some of my books into e-format, but e-book piracy has me wo..."

I'd be worried about piracy, too, especially with the current Google situation that seems to be unresolved.

The Kindle decision is totally a personal one; I was lucky enough to get some awards from work that paid for it, plus the books I get on it, so it was a birthday present for myself last year. Fiance thought it would cut down on all the books around the house, but those brown boxes just keep showing up :)

Ack! Trying to catch up with all the conversation!

Just a couple of comments (more later?):

Susanna, So sad! I love independent bookstores, but they’re having a really hard time of it, most of them anyway. (It does help if they specialize, have events, etc. etc.)

Paula, I’d love a Kindle or other e-reader for trips (I don’t take enough to make it worthwhile). I didn’t know you could listen to audiobooks on a Kindle?! (I do have an iPhone and I have a lot of books on it, but I haven't really tried to read them yet. It's an awfully small screen. Some of the programs do have options that seem to make the text easy to read and easy on the eyes. But for now, I guess I'll stick with good old books.)

Gundula wrote: "I agree, it's taken long enough to add my books to GR (and, I'm not really getting very far with the books I have already read, as I keep adding to-read books)."


Ditto! LOL

Gabriele wrote: "Thanks for you comments about the Kindle, Paula, as I've been thinking of getting that or the Sony Reader. And also contemplating putting some of my books into e-format, but e-book piracy has me wo..."

Just tossing this is....I love my Kindle. Love. It.

Lee wrote: "Hurray! I just noticed that we have 101 members as of yesterday! I hope everyone is enjoying the group. "

Yes, 101 members and we already have 740 books on our shelves!:

http://www.goodreads.com/group/booksh...

Paula wrote: "Hayes wrote: "(Cut out dairy? Drink fennel seed tea?)..."

I already don't do dairy, and have started a new 'diet' to eat better foods. Not trying to lose weight, just trying to find foods that m..."

Paula, since I stopped eating meat and dairy and upped my vegetable quotient, my stomach is 99% better than it was. I had major stomach and colon issues too. Gastric reflux every day, hernia, ulcers and probably IBS too. My digestive system is extremely happy with all the changes I've made. I'm now totally addicted to eating greens every day and miss them when I don't.