A BIT OF ME (ME) — READING INTO THE NIGHT

 

In today’s exciting meme that pushes us to reveal bits and pieces of our real selves, our leader at There’s A Book cheers us on each week with questions.  Questions designed to probe and tug at those hidden aspects of ourselves.

Today’s Question:

HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU READ IN A SINGLE SETTING?  OR, HOW LONG HAVE YOU STAYED UP READING A BOOK; WHICH ONE, AND WHY?

Okay, this is more difficult for someone (like me) who has many years to scan, trying to recall…LOL.  I know that there have been many days, back in my youth, when I literally read all day long on a book.  Back then, it was probably Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell, which I absolutely adored.  I recall carrying it around with me and reading it whenever I could steal a few moments at school, and then later, at home.  And, of course, I read it throughout the night.  I can’t say how late I read—way back then—but suffice it to say that I couldn’t get enough of the drama, the emotion, the fear I felt when the Civil War ravaged the land, and when Scarlett O’Hara would do anything to finally save her home (and get her man!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In more recent times, I read until quite late (3:00 a.m.?) to finish Still Missing, by Chevy Stevens, which was so suspenseful that I literally couldn’t put it down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be completely honest, I often read into the night.  I am a light sleeper and wake up frequently.  When I do, I grab whatever book I’m reading.  If it’s a good one, I often read for two or three hours.

What books have literally kept you up at night?  I hope you’ll stop in and share a tidbit or two.

 

BBAW — FORGOTTEN TREASURES

On Day Four of BBAW, our topic is about forgotten treasures.  We’re to spotlight a book that we wish would get more attention.  To play, click the picture for the link.

As I strolled through my rooms, scanning my bookshelves, I kept thinking…no, that one isn’t quite right.  And then I came to the short stack on my old wicker trunk, the stack of books I’ve planned to reread because they were uniquely special.

The Golden Notebook, by Doris Lessing, is on that stack.  I recall reading that one during college.

Novel Prize Winning Author

On Amazon, we find this blurb:

Much to its author’s chagrin, The Golden Notebook instantly became a staple of the feminist movement when it was published in 1962. Doris Lessing’s novel deconstructs the life of Anna Wulf, a sometime-Communist and a deeply leftist writer living in postwar London with her small daughter. Anna is battling writer’s block, and, it often seems, the damaging chaos of life itself. The elements that made the book remarkable when it first appeared–extremely candid sexual and psychological descriptions of its characters and a fractured, postmodern structure–are no longer shocking. Nevertheless, The Golden Notebook has retained a great deal of power, chiefly due to its often brutal honesty and the sheer variation and sweep of its prose.This largely autobiographical work comprises Anna’s four notebooks: “a black notebook which is to do with Anna Wulf the writer; a red notebook concerned with politics; a yellow notebook, in which I make stories out of my experience; and a blue notebook which tries to be a diary.” In a brilliant act of verisimilitude, Lessing alternates between these notebooks instead of presenting each one whole, also weaving in a novel called Free Women, which views Anna’s life from the omniscient narrator’s point of view. As the novel draws to a close, Anna, in the midst of a breakdown, abandons her dependence on compartmentalization and writes the single golden notebook of the title….

I do recall that I carried this one around with me, reading bits and pieces when I had the chance.  I mostly read it while I was going to consciousness-raising groups (an early 1970s feature of my life).

Today’s young women might not be able to relate to this one the way my generation could—we felt as though it was our mission in life to win personal freedom for all women—but I still think it’s an important part of our history and could lend insight into what made some of us tick…way back in the day.

My own journey is one I chronicled (fictionally) in the first novel I wrote, Miles to Go.

What treasures did you forget about, and then recall for today’s event?  Please stop by and share….

MY FAVORITE READS

It’s Thursday and time to come together in an event, hosted by Alyce, At Home With Books, to commemorate our favorite reads.

There are so many favorites I’ve loved and remembered fondly over the years.

But today, as I scanned my bookshelves, one author stood out for the over-the-top glitz that I have enjoyed at times.

Yes, I’m an eclectic reader and absolutely love books about social issues; I adore mysteries; I dip into historical fiction; AND I also love celebrity-type glitzy books.

Today’s book, I’ll Take Manhattan, by Judith Krantz, encompasses many of the ingredients I enjoy in my reads.

On Amazon, I found this tidbit:

Few can beat Krantz for pure energy. The author of bestsellers Scruples and Princess Daisy has penned another splashy romp through the lives of the rich and the slightly-less-rich, using Manhattan for a glittering backdrop. As the shareholders of Amberville Publications can attest, a family tree wouldn’t be complete without twisted branches. The magazine empire of the late Zachary Amberville is being pulled to pieces by his envious younger brother, Cutter, whose first official act after marrying his sister-in-law is to ax four periodicals. Within a year, he expects to sell those remaining at a huge profit. But Cutter hasn’t reckoned on his feisty niece, Maxi, who, at 29, has been a mother once, a divorcee three times, and a spendthrift all her life. Sailing into battle with aid from her brother Justin, a photographer with a past of his own, and her macho first husband, Rocco, Maxi turns a dying magazine into a wild success. Light sparring between the formerly-marrieds keeps the book humming along, although the scuffle with Cutter is abruptly dropped when the extent of his duplicity becomes known. Weak subplots are easily glossed over by punchy dialogue and an amusing, likable cast. 300,000 first printing; $300,000 ad/promo; first serial to Cosmopolitan; author tour.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Why I Chose This Book:

Not only is it a fun read, with the glitz and glamour, but it dips into exciting venues, like…Manhattan, the publishing industry, and family secrets.

I have even watched—more than once—the mini-series on TV over the years, starring Valerie Bertinelli. She’s the perfect “Maxi” in this story.

This book is the kind of saga that completely sweeps the reader into exciting new worlds.  Just the kind of fantasy escape we look forward to at certain times in our lives.

In fact, now I’m eager to plunge into this book again!

What are your favorites this week?  I hope you’ll pop in and share some comments and links.

MY FAVORITE READS

Every Thursday, Alyce, At Home With Books, hosts this meme in which we explore our shelves (and memories) to find those books that have been favorites.

Today I found a book by Beth Gutcheon, another favorite author of mine, and today’s selection is Domestic Pleasures.

On Amazon, we can read this blurb:

If Rosamunde Pilcher lived in 1980s Manhattan, she might come up with a romantic novel like this one. A large cast of characters is involved in various sorts of relationships; at the center are illustrator Martha Forbes and lawyer Charlie Leveque. Following the death of her ex-husband, Raymond, in a plane crash, Martha is dismayed to learn that Charlie, the lawyer who handled Raymond’s hostile divorce proceedings, is now in charge of the estate. Although the two have little in common–except broken marriages and one teenager apiece–they’re forced to work together. Gradually, the superficial barriers between them fall and they find themselves in love–and beset by other problems. Gutcheon’s gift for witty dialogue and her canny observations propel the generously proportioned story. A particular strength is her sharp depiction of the teens and their relationship. Gutcheon ( Still Missing ) perfectly captures the milieu of upper-middle-class Manhattan, and the result is a vivid, entertaining novel. BOMC alternate; first serial to Ladies’ Home Journal; movie rights to Pathe.

Why I Chose This Book:

Gutcheon’s books have a way of peeling back the superficial layers of daily life and showing us the details that make a moment real and recognizable.  As in the book Still Missing, which I’ve read—and watched on DVD (Without a Trace) numerous times— Domestic Pleasures is a portrayal of family life in crisis.  After all, anyone can flourish in the best of times, but how we push through the obstacles reveals our strength.

This story is one that I’ve enjoyed reading over and over, although I haven’t read it in awhile.  I like the way the characters struggle and overcome their problems; they could be friends of mine, they seem so true-to-life.

What favorites did you discover today?  I hope you’ll stop by and share.

MY FAVORITE READS

On Thursdays, we gather around and share about our favorite books…and Alyce, At Home With Books, hosts this fabulous event.

My usual trend lately is to scan all of my bookshelves, and then, just when I think I won’t find anything at all, it happens.  Only this time, the trigger was something on another blog.  On Shon’s Books and a Cup of Tea, she featured a book that is a sequel.  And then I knew which book I had to spotlight today.

Waiting to Exhale, by Terry McMillan, was first published in 1992, and then, of course, came the movie.  Is it just a coincidence that my favorites are often made into movies?  Or do they become favorites after I’ve taken in the visual imagery that is sometimes magical at the theater?

The sequel to this particular book is coming in September, and is called Getting To Happy.

Why I Chose This Book:

I’ve always been drawn to stories about strong, fiercely independent women who have to struggle but eventually overcome obstacles along the way.  It doesn’t hurt to throw in a few really good women friends for those cheering and bonding moments.

These books remind me of those times in my own life when I’ve struggled and turned to special friends for their support…and even advice.

I still recall going to the movie, a few years later.  I was visiting one of my sons and his family in LA and I was still very fascinated by the theaters there.  We went at night (which I seldom do!), so that alone made the event huge.  A bunch of us went and what strikes me most is that I didn’t fall asleep once!  Going at night, and to a later performance, I would have been snoozing if the movie wasn’t fabulous.  So that tells you something, doesn’t it?

Of course I now have the DVD.  I still enjoy watching it when I’m needing that extra special boost.  The same can be said about the book.

So what is your favorite book today?  I hope you’ll come on by and share some tidbits.

MY FAVORITE READS

Good morning, and it’s Thursday already!  Time for our favorite reads, hosted by At Home With Books.

Last night, as I was reading in bed, I flashed on an image.  Two old friends sitting on a beach in those great Adirondack chairs.  Which is how I thought of this book that has been a favorite of mine.

Beaches, by Iris Rainier Dart, and which was later made into a movie starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, is one of those books that absolutely requires a box of tissues nearby.  Ditto for the movie.

I couldn’t even find my copy of the book, which probably means that I had it in paperback form.  Unfortunately, when downsizing three years ago to a small condo, I hauled away a carload of paperback books.

Why I Chose This Book:

I am a sucker for sentimental tales of friendship, especially the kind that’s tested by time and circumstances, yet still grows stronger than ever.

It’s the kind of friendship that books and movies feature sometimes, and which we all hope to have.  At least I do!

On Amazon, this blurb tells us a bit about this story:

YA: A touching story of the friendship between two very different women. Cee Cee Bloom, with her loud mouth, loud personality and flaming red hair, is determined to become a Hollywood star. Bertie White, delicate and conservative, hopes for a loving husband and family. They meet as children in 1951 in Atlantic City, and, as pen pals, keep in touch with each other. Their reunions through the years always occur at or near the beach, whether in Sarasota, Malibu or Hawaii. Their story jumps back and forth between past and present. Cee Cee and Bertie are genuine, and readers will like them and understand why they are friends. Both characters suffer much, particularly Bertie, whose life seems most unjust. Young adults will be pulled into their lives, caring greatly about them and the steady stream of tragedies that befall them. In a particularly moving ending, Cee Cee leaves a show in the middle of production to care for Bertie, who is dying of cancer. YAs will enjoy this emotional tale, but they’ll need to have plenty of tissues handy. Elizabeth Thurston, Baltimore County Pub . Lib .
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This book was published in 1986, so in order to get a hardcover copy, one would need to click on the “other sellers” category.  Or find it in the library.

What did you rediscover today?  I hope you’ll pop on over and share some tidbits.

MY FAVORITE READS

Alyce, At Home With Books, offers us the opportunity to talk about books we’ve enjoyed in the past.

I have so many bookshelves to explore each week, and finding books I hadn’t thought about in a long while is a true gift.

The Best Laid Plans, by Gail Parent, is a rollicking adventure in which one woman, single and hearing the tick of her biological clock, seeks an unusual plan for getting pregnant.  She chooses seven former lovers (and candidates to anonymously father her child) and invites them each for a “get-together.”  Of course, everything goes completely awry.

Why I Chose This Book:

Published in 1980, this book reminds me of that time in our lives (in some of our lives!) when we thought we could control everything.  When we believed in our ability to chart our own destinies.

What the character in this book soon learns is that, despite the fact that the men might normally consider such an adventure, none of them want to be an “anonymous” donor.

The author of this book is funny, colorful, and able to present what appears to be an outrageous idea and serves it up like a palatable treat.

What are your favorites this week?  I hope you’ll stop by and share.

LAUREL-RAIN SNOW CREATIONS

MY FAVORITE READS

Every Thursday, Alyce, At Home With Books, hosts this wonderful meme in which we get to talk about some favorite books.

And every week finds me scanning my shelves, searching for just the right one.

This week, I chose Where the Heart Is, by Billie Letts, which was published in 1995 and was an Oprah Book Club pick in 1998.

Why I Chose This Book:

I read the book and then saw the movie.  I loved both so much that I watch the movie again and again, when I’m in the mood for seeing how dreams can come true, even for a girl who has her baby in Wal-Mart.

The character of Novalee Nation, with her quirky ideas about the number seven, just won a place in my heart, just as she did with the residents of Sequoyah, Oklahoma.  Then the odd assortment of people living in this town revealed how you can find friends—and love—in the most unlikely of places,  even if you’re not particularly “lucky.”

This book was heart-breaking, funny, and warmly enticing, which makes for an unforgettable combination of ingredients.

What special book did you find this week?  I hope you’ll stop by and share your choice.

MY FAVORITE READS

Alyce, At Home With Books, helps us celebrate our favorite reads every Thursday.

On some of our older shelves, perhaps, we’ll find that book we haven’t thought about in awhile.

Today, I’m spotlighting a book published in 1975.  A movie was made from this book in 1977—and both the book and the movie became a cautionary tale for young women of our time.

In the free-wheeling sixties and seventies, young people didn’t  think about the consequences of their actions as much as they should have.  So Looking for Mr. Goodbar, by Judith Rossner was a reminder of what could happen.

Why I Chose This Book:

Graphic depictions of the possible consequences of foolish and dangerous choices can turn a young person away from a path that can, at the very least, lead to nothing positive.

I must admit that seeing the movie a couple years later (starring Diane Keaton) hammered that point home even more horrifically.

On Goodreads, we find this tidbit:

Theresa was a quietly satisfied young teacher by day. But when the sun went down, her life was an endless, faceless whirl of bars and beds and men she’d never seen before and wouldn’t see again. If she couldn’t find love, she took chances on men who were better than no men at all. And learned, with each new night and each new nightmare, that finding her man was only the beginning.

So…on that note, I’ll ask if anyone out there even remembers this book (or movie), and, if so, what are your thoughts?

What is your favorite book this week?  I hope you’ll stop by and share.