An any-season delight! So artfully told, the writing conjured vivid images in my imagination. This book transported me to another time, place and peopAn any-season delight! So artfully told, the writing conjured vivid images in my imagination. This book transported me to another time, place and people. A little uneven in the transitions between the major events; during the last quarter of the book I wondered how it would end. A satisfying and thoughtful conclusion, allowing me to ponder the history of colonization of the sub-continent and the long period of subjugation, ushering in turmoil even to this day....more
Writing any kind of review would not do justice to this wondrous book. It is stunning, illuminating and informative. While I have listened to it in itWriting any kind of review would not do justice to this wondrous book. It is stunning, illuminating and informative. While I have listened to it in its entirety I am also reading it very slowly for a three-chapter, every-other-week meeting with a dear friend to discuss it. It is a book to cherish. This is a quote I will long remember:
"Gradually, as their eyes adjusted, the ink-black coat of night revealed jewels embroidered in the cloth. Then, after more time, the lesser stars appeared, like shy children peering around the cloaks of their parents."
This type of beauty and poetry abounds throughout the book....more
This is a beautiful paring of the elegant writing of Macfarlane and the awe-inspiring art of Jackie Morris. Dipping into the words and images I go deeThis is a beautiful paring of the elegant writing of Macfarlane and the awe-inspiring art of Jackie Morris. Dipping into the words and images I go deeper with each reading, each viewing. Layered meanings, word creating, moving paintings intertwine, drawing me in again and again. Simply incredible....more
Every character, except the unnamed narrator, has the fatal flaw of egotistical deception and manipulation. The two major female characters are both pEvery character, except the unnamed narrator, has the fatal flaw of egotistical deception and manipulation. The two major female characters are both pathetic. Not a pleasant book to encounter. I'll be very interested to hear how other members of our book club react to it. Wow! The one star and two star reviews are a kick! I agree with all of them, especially the, "Spare yourself!" I laughed outloud!...more
This is a fascinating book about time and life unending. Addie is sharp, resourceful, and survives everything she encounters. She also learns how to eThis is a fascinating book about time and life unending. Addie is sharp, resourceful, and survives everything she encounters. She also learns how to effect the curse which she is living out. Long and involved, however, I wonder about the future for her. A little too much bickering between Luke and Addie toward the end for my liking, much of it repetitious. Otherwise stellar writing which kept me listening for the entire 17 hours. Excellent reader....more
Struthers educates us on the history of horology and the practice of making and restoring time pieces. I found this fascinating and at the end of the Struthers educates us on the history of horology and the practice of making and restoring time pieces. I found this fascinating and at the end of the book got out my husband's grandfather's pocket watch which was given to him on the occasion of his 21st birthday, a milestone for young adults in the early 20th century. The information I'd gained from the book gave new meaning to this pocket watch and I'm grateful for all the background the book contained....more
This book covers the life of Martha Graham from her earliest days until her death. Dances are described in great detail as are the relationships she hThis book covers the life of Martha Graham from her earliest days until her death. Dances are described in great detail as are the relationships she had with composers and her company. Interesting yet very lengthy....more
Easily my favorite glass artist, Morris blends imagination, reality, technical skill and wonder into his pieces. I am happy that I can see some of hisEasily my favorite glass artist, Morris blends imagination, reality, technical skill and wonder into his pieces. I am happy that I can see some of his work in San Francisco at the deYoung museum....more
This is a wonderful tribute to a woman scientist, adventurer, Unitarian and activist in civic affairs. Brown has gone into great depth to center Sara This is a wonderful tribute to a woman scientist, adventurer, Unitarian and activist in civic affairs. Brown has gone into great depth to center Sara Plummer Lemmon's life within the culture and events of the time. One learns a great deal about the life of her family as well. Her relationship with her botanist partner and husband JG Lemmon sets a great example for all....more
One of the best fables I have ever encountered. It is sweeping in its scope and rich in its depth; gorgeous writing which continually snared my heart.One of the best fables I have ever encountered. It is sweeping in its scope and rich in its depth; gorgeous writing which continually snared my heart. I look forward to a second read for book discussion groups.
Read through and now going back to read the folios. Complex and scintillating. This book could reveal marvels with each rereading. I particularly enjoy the mind map made by Doerr and the artist details at https://www.anthonydoerr.com/book-sch...
The Marriage Proposal is a marvelous work of historical fiction. Maggie O'Farrell is a writer and storyteller worthy of our attention. Immerse yourselThe Marriage Proposal is a marvelous work of historical fiction. Maggie O'Farrell is a writer and storyteller worthy of our attention. Immerse yourself in this lushly visual book and you will not be disappointed. ...more
Well researched, developed along historic and contemporary lines, yet to me it lacks the verve of some of Brooks' earlier works or the passion to keepWell researched, developed along historic and contemporary lines, yet to me it lacks the verve of some of Brooks' earlier works or the passion to keep me listening avidly. ...more
I enjoy Brian Selznick's work and have read several of his books and shared them with my class (4th-6th graders) when I was teaching. This is a very dI enjoy Brian Selznick's work and have read several of his books and shared them with my class (4th-6th graders) when I was teaching. This is a very different book, illustrated, in part, using color. Some of the drawings are representational and many more, especially the color ones, are abstract, definitely a departure from Selznick's style.
The twelve Whitman poems, which come after the drawings and comprise the eponymous title, are deep and rich. I know I would have missed much of the meaning, symbolism and tone had I not read Karbiener's analysis, which follows, and returned to the poem to see the lines anew. It is a critical addition to the volume, yet I'm still not sure I understand the poems precisely, as I read scant poetry and have never read poetic analysis before.
Closing the volume are the poems as Whitman wrote them, called "The Notebook," and it is affecting to see the paper, his handwriting, the notations, the cut and paste attempts, and his editing. In sum an interesting read, which took time, effort and grappling....more
This graphic novel is an education in Persian history, Iranian politics and the life of a creative, independent woman who dared to express herself. ItThis graphic novel is an education in Persian history, Iranian politics and the life of a creative, independent woman who dared to express herself. It spans 25 years up to 1994 and I would enjoy seeing a second volume about the years since then. Satrapi no longer lives in Iran so it would be her experience of Iran from abroad, however I am certain she would bring strength, understanding and a clear perspective to the events from her departure until now....more
A life well lived that gives to others even after death is embodied in Hollis Sigler's journal. Her images are raw, deeply felt, and painfully undisguA life well lived that gives to others even after death is embodied in Hollis Sigler's journal. Her images are raw, deeply felt, and painfully undisguised. Will she know how she has touched others? The paintings evoke other women artists whom I admire: Varo, Carrington and Kahlo. Their struggles echo through the decades and through the hearts of women....more
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