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Library Bookshelf

Started by Marilyne, March 29, 2016, 03:20:53 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Marilyne

FlaJean - I hope you enjoy reading "Zippy", as much as I did.  Nothing particularly profound or exciting about it - just a sweet and humorous memoir.

There's so much strife, hate and sadness around the world, and in the news constantly. It's nice to escape with a story about another time and another place, when life was predictable, and most people were kind.

JeanneP

Just do not seem to have. "A girl named Zippy" in my library at the moment. I think it goes back a few years and so no use asking them to buy it.  Now i didn't find it on Amazon for $1.99 either. I could have put it on my IPad or Amazon Fire. if i did.
JeanneP

MarsGal

In yet another effort to understand Quantum Physics, I am now reading What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics by astrophysicist Adam Becker.

So far, which isn't at all far yet, I am finding the book very readable and interesting. Already I have learned about a very common misconception about the Schrodinger's Cat mind experiment. Schrodinger said that the cat would either be dead or alive but we wouldn't know until we opened the box. But many physicists decided to go with the idea that the cat was both and alive and the end result was decided when the box is opened, a seemingly slight, but important, distinction. Einstein got it, but Bohr and the majority of the physicists favored the second approach.

My main question, at the moment, is what is the transition point at which standard physics and quantum physics intersect. What is the catalyst? Apparently, that is a question the author is asking too.

I have always thought of Quantum Physics as someone's idea of a cosmic joke. However, now we have Quantum computers and such that actually work.

Uh, oh! Speaking of Quantum Physics, my Quantum cat just appeared. Shan has an uncanny ability to play now you see him, now you don't. He seems to transport himself from one place to another, instantly. He even comes with a Star Trek like communicator twitter.

On another note, the upcoming book discussion for May on SeniorLearn will be Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah in case you want to look in. I don't remember if the exact discussion opening date in May is set yet.

Marilyne

MarsGal - The Kristin Hannah book discussion coming up on SeniorLearn, sounds good.  I don't belong to SL, but have followed along on a few of the discussions over the years.  I've read one book by Hannah, called The Nightingale, which was very good.  It took place during WWII, and was about the lives of two sisters, during that time.  I enjoyed it, as I always enjoy any books or movies about WWII, whether they are fiction or non fiction.

I admire your interest in physics, and your desire to continue to learn more.  Were you a science major in college?  I'm going to look up the difference between regular physics and quantum physics?  I imagine that the answer is quite complicated, so I probably won't learn much??

MarsGal

Oddly enough, Marilyne, I detested science when I was in high school. I came around to an interest in it land in Science Fiction much later. I did take a class in Botany and two Chemistry classes in collage to fill requirements. One of the Chemistry classes was the about the chemistry of winemaking.

I am also reading and e-book called T'on Ma by Magnolia Belle. It begins in 1850 Texas. It is a romance involving Lana (a white female, called T'on Ma by her Kiowa admirer), Two Hawks (the Kiowa), and Lt. Liam O'Connell (stationed at Ft. Worth). Not my usual fare, and while interesting so far, is not anything outstanding. But then, I am only a few chapters in with Lana just becoming acquainted with Two Hawks and his interest in her. As far as I know, the book is only available on Amazon.

Marilyne

#1295
Good morning book lovers!  Hope to hear from some of you today, as to what you're reading, or just what you're doing on this Wintery looking April Sunday.

maryc - We haven't heard from you in a while?  I think about you often, and hope you're doing okay, and that all is well?

MarsGal - Last year, I went through a spurt of reading books about early settlers interacting with Native American Indians.  It started with News of the World, which I enjoyed very much.  Then I read a couple of other non-fiction true accounts, of children who had been kidnapped and raised by Indians.  Fascinating reading!  The book you mentioned, T'on Ma, sounds interesting, and I may see if it's available from my library.

I've started a couple of books this past week, but just haven't clicked with any of them.  One of them, The Lying Game, was a Christmas gift from my dil.  It's by Ruth Ware, author of the best seller, The Woman in Cabin 10, which I have never read. "Lying Game" reminded me right away of The Girl On the Train, which I hated. Not my style of books at all. So I may go back to the library today, and see if I see anything that might keep me going this next week.

FlaJean

Susan wittig Albert writes a series about a group of women (young and older) in Darling, Alabama, a small town in the 1930s.  The women are members of the local town garden club and the stories revolve around them and others in the small town.  I’ve enjoyed this series as Albert shows it so authentically to the times, mentioning the popular music of the time and how their lives were back then.  It isn’t an exciting page turner but stories that just move along in a comfortable way.  Presently I am reading her latest in this series “The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover”.  Even if you don’t like series each book can stand on its own.  However, I do like series and enjoy how an author develops characters over time.

SCFSue

FlaJean,  I'm a Susan Wittig Albert fan, too.  When I want something light hearted, I check out her many novels at my library.  I think I've read most of them.  The Darling Dahlias are a hoot!

Sue

CallieOK

FlaJean,  I also like the Darling Dahlias.  Am glad to know about the new one.

I enjoy series that tell about the various characters "introduced" in the first one - and, sometimes, in subsequent ones.

Currently reading my way through the Elm Creek Quilt books by Jennifer Chiaverini.  Unfortunately, she didn't write them in sequence but a list naming them this way can be found on her web page.  Scroll down to "What are the Elm Creek Quilts novels?" and click the question.

https://jenniferchiaverini.com/faq/


FlaJean

#1299
Callie, I hadn’t heard of the Elm Creek Quilt books. Sounds like my type of books.  Will see what I can find.  I have a couple of books I recently got from the library which can’t be renewed then a book on my Kindle to read “A Girl Called Ziggy”.

By the way, Albert has another new China Bayles book out this month  “Queen Anne’s Lace”.   Also for those of you that like Donna Leon, she also has a new Commisario Guido Brunetti book out “The Temptation of Forgiveness”.

MarsGal

I am now reading an engrossing novel called, The Art of Peeling an Orange by Victoria Avilan. It is set in the world of art and entertainment. There are an artist who was jilted, her psychotherapist sister who is lesbian, and her roommate who is a nurse as well as the roommates' boyfriend and the multi-talent who stole the artists' love away. There is a death, suspicion of murder, and a lust for vengeance -- so far. I am just to Chapter 11.

MarsGal

Nota Bene: I wouldn't suggest The Art of Peeling an Orange if you don't care to read Lesbian eroticism which shows up later int the book. And here I thought we were heading for a kind of supernatural (Gothic?) mystery. I will be finishing it, though. The writing is good with an odd twist (hence my thoughts toward the supernatural).

Marilyne

MarsGal - The Art of Peeling an Orange, is an intriguing title!  However, the storyline doesn't sound like something I would particularly like, so I'll pass on that one.  My ever increasing loooong list of books on my "want to read" list, is becoming unwieldy! ha ha.  I will never get to even a third of them! 

Too much going on around here to concentrate on any book, at the moment.  I still have Manhattan Beach waiting for me, so that will be my next book.  I read a review, and it sounds wonderful. Takes place in the 1930's and '40's, which is my favorite time frame for novels . . . along with the Civil War era.

MarsGal

#1303
My copy of Winter Garden is at the library to pick up.

On SeniorLearn.org, it looks like we will be discussing The House of Seven Gables in June, just after Winter Garden.. Also proposed for the fall is a non-fiction work, Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King. Nothing is firm yet on these two, but I am hopeful.

I am getting through Adam Becker's book slowly. Since it is a hardcopy, it is harder to keep at it partly because of the cats (there is always one sitting on my lap when I sit down, sigh), and partly because I find it more difficult to concentrate on the subject in the evening. I hope I will be able to renew the book, or that one of the libraries will pick up an audiobook copy or eBook soon. 

Marilyne

I mentioned in Norm's B & T, this morning, that I watched the movie, Life of Pi yesterday, and was so impressed with it.  I loved it!  Then Bubble and MarsGal posted messages there, that the book (Life of Pi) had been discussed many years ago in Senior Net.  I was there way back then, and posted a lot in the Books and Literature folder, but I don't remember the Life of Pi discussion.  Maybe some of you remember it, or took part in it?  Well, "better late than never", as the saying goes!  I enjoyed the movie so much yesterday, and plan to get the book at the library ASAP.

FlaJean

Marilyne, I’m enjoying “A Girl Named Zippy”â€"close to finishing it.

MarsGal

Has anyone read Circe by Madilyne Miller? It is a fantasy telling of the life of Circe who features in Greed Mythology. It is on  Unbound World's list of SciFi and Fantasy books for book clubs. Here is their list. http://www.unboundworlds.com/2018/04/best-sci-fi-fantasy-book-clubs/ I've been considering it but what with all the other books I already have that need read, it is on the backburner, as is Station Eleven (also on the list).

so_P_bubble

I am very tempted to search for "Kindred" by OCTAVIA E. BUTLER.
I do like that author very much.

SCFSue

My son took me to the library yesterday after our lunch and grocery shopping trip.  He has been telling me about an author, C.J. Box, who writes about a forest ranger in Montana.  Last week I read one of the series and enjoyed it, so yesterday, I chose 2 more--the first and second in the series.  The ranger's duty includes arresting poachers, other out of season shooters, etc.  I've never been to Montana, but have lived in northern and southern California and think the terrain is similar to some areas in northern California (although with a much smaller population).  If you enjoy Detective stories, you may like these C. J. Box mystery novels.

Sue

Marilyne

MarsGal - What an interesting list of books!  I just glanced at it, but right away saw a book that I've always wanted to read . . . Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.  Maybe I'll request that one at my library, as well as Kindred, by Octavia Butler. 

How do you like, The Winter Garden?, so far?  I'm not particularly intrigued by the story because it seems so familiar . . . like it's a rerun of plot/characters,etc.  Similar to other novels over the years?  However, I'm sticking with it for now.

(I was trying to clean up a few errors on this post, and accidentally deleted it! So It has now changed positions!)  LOL

MarsGal

Thanks for the description of C. J. Box's character. He is popular here, but I never got around to trying one. I'll have to make a point of it now that I know the main character is a Forest Ranger.

Montana! Never been there but love the scenery I've seen on arm-chair traveling trips. Did you know that just below Alaska (#1), Montana has the next highest suicide rate in the US. I haven't looked into an explanation for that yet.

Marilyne, I haven't started Winter Garden yet. I would have much preferred participating in the A Gentleman from Moscow discussion, but I couldn't get a book because of the long ling of people before me. I am not as keen on this one, but I missed a few discussions and thought I'd try it. At least one of the posters said it is hard to put down. 

FlaJean

Sue, never read C.J. Box but the description of his books sound interesting.  We spent a week in Montana several years ago.  They call it big sky country.  It’s a lovely place to visit in Sept. but too cold for me in the winter months.

Marilyne

FlaJean - I'm glad you're enjoying A Girl Named Zippy.  There was something about that memoir, that I just loved.  I plan to read it again some day, when I'm in need a sweet uplifting story.

The C.J. Box series, sounds similar to Longmire, except that Longmire was Sheriff of a county in Wyoming, not a Ranger in Montana.  I don't know if the Longmire TV series was adapted from a series of books or not?

maryz

Longmire (TV) was adapted from a series of books.  They are excellent, and can all be found on amazon.
"When someone you love dies, you never quite get over it.  You just learn how to go on without them. But always keep them safely tucked in your heart."

maryc

I posted a little earlier today but have been having some problem with my computer so don't know whether it will post like a duplicate to this one or what?!?!?    I've been away visiting family.    I could read the posts here on my Kindle but couldn't post.   Besides that I'm not too comfortable about posting information about being away from home.    Anyway Debby and I went on a road trip to visit family in Charlotte, Savannah and Pennsylvania.   Along the way we visited with some old friends  who are having health problems and it could be the last visit for us.   

I did finish a book that I had borrowed from the library but didn't have concentration  to start a new one.   We did visit a few libraries and I bought a paper back from Friends of the Library.   It is Milk Glass Moon by Adriana Trigiani.  I have enjoyed her books and expect this will be the same.

It is good to be back in my own home and especially my kitchen (my favorite room!!).

Callie,  I noticed that you are reading the Elm Creek Quilting books.  My daughter and I read several of those a few years back and liked them very much.   
Mary C

Marilyne

maryc - Good to have you back with us! I was thinking that you might be away visiting friends and relatives, and looks like you were.  I’m glad you and Debby took some time for a little vacation.
I love that book title - Milk Glass Moon!  I know I've read books by Adriana Trigiani, but can't remember which ones.  I'll have to look her up and see her list of novels.

MarsGal - I'm liking The Winter Garden more and more.  It took me a little while to get into the story, but now I'm glad I didn't give up on it.

MarsGal

The Great American Read premiers on PBS on May 22. Here is the list of their 100 books. http://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/books/#/  I've read only 21 of them and have another four in my TBR pile.

FlaJean

MaryC, it’s good to see you posting.  Sounds like you had a nice trip   It’s always good to get back home even when we enjoy a vacation.

CallieOK

#1318
Maryc,  I read The Elm Creek Quilt books in chronological order.  She "wraps up" the story of the quilters who gather at Elm Creek in "The Wedding Quilt"  (#12 in the chronology) but has written 8 others about "side characters".   I'm just now reading to first of those "Sonoma Rose", which is about Ana (who became the cook at Elm Creek in about book 10).

"Milk Glass Moon" is the 3rd book in the Big Stone Gap series.   "Big Stone Gap" is the title of the first one in the series; it was made into a movie starring Naomi Judd.  "Big Cherry Holler" is #2.  These two will give you a background for the story in "Milk Glass Moon".

Marilyne and MarsGal,  are you going to follow the discussion of "Winter Garden" over in SeniorLearn?    I just finished the first 6 chapters (first week's discussion) and confess I became a wee bit weary of how the angst and drama was dragged out.  I'll keep reading to see how the story develops but don't plan to do more than just follow along in the discussion. 

I've read 25 of the Great American Read books (more if you count every one in the Outlander series) and have seen the movies of several others.
I printed out the list for reference.

MarsGal

I have the book, Callie, but I haven't started it yet. I am in one of my reading "breaks" doing other things. A rare occurrence, I know, but it does happen to me sometimes. Anyhow, I plan on at least reading some of it and will probably join the discussion for a while. My book goes back to the library soon, and I won't be able to renew it so it because others are waiing on it. The ebook I have on hold still has four people ahead of me, so I am unlikely to complete the discussion either.