Design Blogs

I have really been into reading and admiring design/artistic blogs and magazines online.

Here are a few favorites.

http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/

click here

http://www.lonnymag.com/issues/10-october-november/pages/1#p87

click here

http://www.designcrushblog.com/

click here

Oman- Here I Come

My sister and I are planning a trip to Oman. So, I have been reading the Lonely Planet Guide to Oman, UAE, and Arabian Peninsula. Right now mostly trying to plan out the cities we will visit!

I also will be thinking about loading up my iPad with good reads!

Online Magazines

My G-d-Kids' cousin, has published an online magazine, Socially Awkward. It is great! She is a journalist major in college and in her spare time puts together this fun and hip magazine!

Enjoy it and pass it on to your friends. Spread the love!

Zewdy- featured in the magazine! Super cool.

Nicole Krauss

Are you interested in who is nominated for the National Book Awards?

Find out here.

Nicole Krauss is nominated. I have her book on my iPad and I need to start it soon, because she will be reading at Symphony Space, November 15th and I want to be ready for reading. I have listened to her on NPR. She talked about her writing process and basically all that I can discern is that she is a genius. Looking forward to reading her new novel. I loved History of Love. If you haven't read it, do so!

NPR interview on the radio.

New Yorker Interview

New York Public Library

Today is my birthday! Happy Birthday to me. On my flight home from the west coast, I am finishing Edwidge Danticat's book of essays, Create Dangerously. She is one of my favorite writers and I am so excited to see her at the New York Public Library, this Wednesday the 10th of November. Should be a powerful reading.

I'm sad I missed her at the New Yorker Festival this fall with Dave Eggers and Uwem Akpan.

Hopefully I will be able to see her in January though at Symphony Space. Make sure you read ED and possibly even hear her speak!

David in NYC

David Sedaris will be in NYC November 1st and 2nd at the Apollo! Holla!

He will be reading from his new book of animal short stories, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. I'm almost done with them. For my birthday, my friends and I are going to see him read live. It will be my second book reading with DS! Really looking forward to it.

Plus, I love how my iPad shows off the cool illustrations by Ian Falconer (our beloved author of Olivia)!

Mary Roach is...Funny!

Recently I heard Mary Roach on NPR's show, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. She was very funny. You probably have read her books about death and sex and most recently about outer space!

If you haven't read her books, do so! And take a quick listen to her on the radio. Very funny.

Click here for radio show.

Here she is on TED.

Fairy Tales for Adults

Have you read, Wicked or Son of a Witch?

Gregory Maguire will be at Symphony Space giving a reading Wednesday October 27.

Should be wonderful!

I reread Wicked for the event!

Music to Follow

The last two shows at, The Happy Ending Reading Series, have had amazing guest musicians.

We all fell in love with the groovy viola playing, Anni Rossi and a cool band from North Carolina, Lost in Trees.

Check them out. Show your love and purchase some of their music.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Favorite- Anni Rossi Crushing Limbs

Favorite- Walk Around the Lake Lost in Trees

Favorite Lost in Trees All Alone in an Empty House

Favorite Anni Rossi Hatchet

Event at Symphony Space

Sloane Crosley will be at Symphony Space on Wednesday the 20th.

Should be a great show with David Rakoff who I am excited to hear as well!

Half Empty!

John Stewart recently had him on the daily show.

Might need to go on the book shelf to read next!

Symphony Space

I went to Symphony Space- Selected Shorts program this past week to hear Richard Russo discuss the recently edited, Best American Short Stories. There were two readings, one- a short story by Jennifer Egan, "Safari" and two- a short story by Joshua Ferris, "The Valetudinarian". Hope Davis and Tony Roberts read. It was amazing!

They will play back these readings on NPR! Check them out on the radio!

Richard Russo and Joshua Ferris had a little conversation on stage. Russo's novels are quite dramatic and beautiful. I especially loved Empire Falls-novel and the HBO mini series! I am almost done with That Old Cape Magic. Great books, great reads.

Rat Girl

I finished JF's book, Freedom. My friend Audra and I have been talking about it back and forth throughout the read. there is a lot to think about the different ideas of freedom embedded throughout the text. All in all felt quite satisfied by the read and am sure will continue to think about it.

Of course because of the new iPad addition to my life, I had my next book lined up immediately for this weekend- Rat Girl- a memoir of a rock star. Last month I went to the Happy Ending Reading Series (which you know ends up impacting my reading life tremendously. The excerpts read really drew me in and sounded amazing. I guess I will probably have to buy her music after I read her book.

Hope you are enjoying this weekend- feel free to comment or to leave us good book suggestions to read!!!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:East Coast

Currently I Am Reading

Education in the News

Two great articles- one in the NYTimes and one in the New Yorker this week.
What are we thinking when it comes to the education of our kids. These are very thoughtful.

Article One: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/20/opinion/20engel.html

Article Two: http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2010/09/27/100927taco_talk_lemann

Freedom Baby

As you know from facebook, I started Freedom on Labor Day Weekend- but I didn't get very far. Now I have given myself the task to read --- all things related to Franzen and must finish it by this weekend- 100 pages a day should get me there!

This is a great article just in the NYTimes about the book. I think it will help me through this great novel.

And it is great. Loving it--- even though I am fifth of the way through it!

Brooklyn Loves Book

The Brooklyn Book Festival is tomorrow-

great line up of authors. Don't miss it!

http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/BrooklynBookFestival/festival.html

Find Some Books For the Fall to Read

Louise Erdrich - Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Have you read Erdrich's blog? It is great. She owns a bookstore in Minnesota.

This post definitely is inspiring a line of books! Bolanos, Roth...

http://birchbarkbooks.com/BlogRetrieve.aspx?BlogID=1659&PostID=159717

Currently I am Reading: Tracy Kidder

Mountains Beyond Mountains

You probably saw, on our facebook page, some articles we have posted about Partners in Health. Especially about ways to support the people in Haiti and Pakistan. This book is the 'story' about Paul Farmer, the founder of PIH.

Below there are a few articles about Kidder and about Partners in Health.

http://www.pih.org/

NPR article

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1472188

Background on Kidder:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_Kidder

Finally Finished

Upon my friend Barb's suggestion, I read and finished, Then We Came to the End, by Joshua Ferris. Very good. Dark. Funny. A definate, 'You should read'. I passing it along--- a good book for our Accidental Book Club!

Below is the website for the book and an article from the NYTimes. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/twctte/twctte_022307/index.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/books/review/Poniewozik.t.html

Guest Blogger: Raimi

Fellow Blogger, "Raimi" brings us her favorite author of the summer, Anne Lamott. Follow Raimi on her own blog, Think Big! It is a thoughtful and creative blog. It is very reflective and meant to challenge the mind and spirit. Enjoy her blog. http://thinkbigproject.blogspot.com/

Enjoy her post here.


When I think of Anne Lamott I think of how great it is that there is someone just as neurotic in this world as me. Then I think of ways I can be as witty, funny, and vivid as her through my writing. My summer reading has taken me into Annie's world. I started by devouring two of her acclaimed memoirs/collections of essays on her spiritual life, “Traveling Mercies” and “Grace Eventually”. More specifically, these books focus on Lamott's journey into Christianity. She takes us into glimpses of her life that are incredibly vivid and hilarious. She sprinkles the truth in between laughs.

If anything Lamott teaches us to take a closer look, to pay attention, to laugh at our often absurd moments. She shows us how to notice our imperfections with compassion and not let them get in the way of that wonderful person that is trying to be born from our past and present. There is something so genuine about her writing; I doubt anyone could say otherwise. She is not trying to persuade you into her Christian faith, just presenting her truth. Lamott’s truth is presented sometimes in a charming and poetic manner and at times so frankly you cant deny your heart skipped a beat because of how well she nailed an aspect of your own character.

I still have not had my fill of Lamott. I am currently reading “Bird by Bird”, her praised book on writing, and next up will be her work in fiction. And although my review might paint her work in a slightly self help-ish hue, the difference is self-help has instructions, while good literature teaches you your own personal lesson. Whichever lesson it is you choose to take with you, that is what Lamott's memoirs have to offer her readers.

Poetry in the Mesas

My friend Audra recently read this at an event. It is a beautiful poem. Enjoy. Happy Summer.
Freshen the Flowers, She Said By Mary Oliver

So I put them in the sink, for the cool porcelain
was tender,
and took out the tattered and cut each stem
on a slant,
trimmed the black and raggy leaves, and set them all -
roses, delphiniums, daisies, iris, lilies,
and more whose names I don't know, in bright new water -
gave them

a bounce upward at the end to let them take
their own choice of position, the wheels, the spurs,
the little sheds of the buds. It took, to do this,
perhaps fifteen minutes.
Fifteen minutes of music
with nothing playing.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad! Lucky number 13. Well at least lucky for me!

My dad is a big reader. We have often gifted him many books over the years, especially about psycho-analysis, civil rights, jazz music and musicians, memoirs. Hope you have a great birthday weekend. We love you.

What Shall I Read on the Plane?

I haven't read The Privileges by Jonathan Dee. I heard him read at The Happy Ending Reading Series. He was wonderful and hilarious. But now that I am flying out west- for my west coast tour- this will be a nice one for the plane- as well as parting gift to my friend Lori who is 'putting me up'!

Happy reading to you!

Book Reading at Word, Greenpoint Brooklyn

Christopher McDougal will be at Word Bookstore in Greenpoint Brooklyn- Wednesday, August 11, 2010! I can't wait to hear him talk about his book Born to Run and his travels to Mexico!

Should be wonderful.

I am Currently Reading: Sloane Crosley

I am finally reading the hilarious, Sloane Crosley, once again How Did You Get This Number. I am sure this will be another favorite of the ABC (The Accidental Book Club). I orignally bought it for my trip to Canada and Central America- but forgot it at home. Now that I am back home, it will make for great company on the subway!

Hope you are enjoying your summer reading. You never post, but it would be fun if you posted what great books you are reading! Spread the love!

Pakistan: Hoping for Relief

Our thoughts are with Pakistan.

American Red Cross is helping.

A blog in the US State Department website also has ways to help out.

If you know other organizations to support and donate to, please post. It is a total tradegy.

Comics and Journalism

Last week I finished Joe Sacco's book, Palestine. I actually bought his new book, Footnotes in Gaza. When I came home with it my sister exclaimed, "Oh his work is really good. Did you read Palestine?" Palestine is about the Intifada. I decided I should read that first. Chronological order and all.

His books are really interesting. I have not read many 'graphic novels/books'. I read Persepolis, By Marjane Satrapi, The Imposter's Daughter, By Laurie Sandell, Blankets, By Craig Thompson. Each of these books is a kind of memoir-ish graphic novel. Sacco's books are also stories. But they are stories told by a journalist. He marks events and history through his graphic books.

Want to read a good story. Want to read about the world and be well informed? You may want to dive into Joe Sacco's wonderful books.

The Kids are All Right: A Memoir by the Welch Siblings

I just finished The Kids Are All Right.

This is a memoir written by 4 siblings about their memories

growing up. They took different memories and wrote about them from different perspectives. It is a heart

wrenching tale about the four kids made it through some serious rough times - especially after losing both

parents.

What Can You Be Reading? Here are Some Good Picks!

Here are a couple of links to some pieces of literature and podcasts that I posted on facebook recently for you to read and check.

I posted a short story by Johnathan Franzen, a favorite writer of mine. This is his story he wrote for the New Yorker.

I also posted a podcast of Monica Ali (Brick Lane, loved it! You should read it!) reading and commenting on Joshua Ferris' short story, The Dinner Party. Joshua Ferris' first book, Then We Came to the End, is one of my friend Barb's favorite books she read this year.

Both The New Yorker and the NYTimes like to give the world a heads up on new/young/cool/hip/wonderful writers to check out and read. Here is a list of each that will hopefully feed you with new ideas and authors to read!

Of course the Orange Prize was announced this year. Barbara Kingslover won for La Lacuna, an amazing novel! There are other wonderful authors to read and check out the award list!

I hope this keeps you rolling!

Enjoy the reads!

The Bush Girls

This was one of my favorite short little articles this year about Barbara Bush and her 'leftist' politics! Love the contradictions! Love her honesty. Love that sh eis in irect contrast with her father's politics.

Love it!

Music to Listen to and Read About

I posted this summer on facebook some articles about music. There was a great article/link by NPR about Latino/Immigrant Life. The songs are great and you can open yourself up to a whole new group of artists!

I also posted an interview with Lauryn Hill, one of my all time favorite singers. It is a great interview.

Enjoy the read and the music.

Education in the News

There have been several articles in the news about education.

Time Magazine had a couple of good articles about the "end of summer vacation". It shows the argument about why extended schooling is important for kids. It is a good article and worth the read and the thought.

The Nation has also published many interesting articles as well, including a few about Diane Ravitch and her new and reformed views about education, in particular about charter schools! They have written sharp assessments and critiques about education reform in the nation recently.

The NYTimes also have been publishing good articles about education, innovation and research. Good to stay informed about the state of education certainly here in the states.

If you live in another country, how is the state of eductaion there? What are papers an magazines writing about in terms of education? Let us know!

All worth a read!

Enjoy!

I Need a Map!

I need help. I'm reading The Cloud Atlas- highly recommended by my friend kristi - but am having a hard time.

She is not the only one in love with David Mitchell's book- Michael Chabon gave him a rave review as well.

I'm going home today and have all day to try to crack into this enormous piece of literature.

If you have read it and can aid in anyway- send me an email @ theliteraryfamily@gmail.com.

Muchisimas gracias!


- be the change you want to see in the world

Location:San Jose Costa Rica

Anusara Yoga

So. Here I am in Santa Teresa Costa Rica. I'm on a yoga retreat with a couple of teachers who are teaching Anusara Yoga (Michele Baker and Kelly Haas). Ironically enough- this weekend in the NYTimes magazine section there is a huge article about John Friend- founder of Anasura. I have actually never heard of him truly until this retreat- and now of course feel like I've definitely experienced his branch/brand of yoga. How funny and what timing now to read a huge article about him in the nytimes-

It's an interesting article- I enjoy the perspective of the journalist- and find these issues and arguments interesting to contemplate and consider.

You can find the article online now- I just don't have the link on my phone- or know how to embed it- when I figure something out I will- until then... Happy reading to u!


- be the change you want to see in the world

Location:Costa Rica

Bumming More Books

As you know I'm low on reading materials. Ian generously lent me his book, The Lost City of Z by David Grann. Before Costa Rica, Ian was travelling in Peru and trekked into the Amazon. To prepare for his journey he read Grann's book- both an account of the journalist's trek into the amazon as well as Fawcett's journey. Fawcett, a turn of the century trekker. As I began to read the book- laying poolside- sitting at the beach - and sipping coffee on my 'veranda' I think- that was brave- because if I read that book, pre my journey into the amazon- I don't think I would do it!

Grann's book is not only well written, with layered stories, but covers hundreds of years of history of the amazon.

The author makes a similar journey to find the city Z, that Fawcett took in the 20's. It is gripping, funny, and informative. A great read.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Think Green

Need help keeping it green? Keeping your Carbon Footprint low?

Read this article at the Green Spotlight!

Enjoy nature.

On To Magazines

Am borrowing Cassie's Time Magazine- I think it's funny that Iran banded the mullet- word.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:CR

Reading on vacation

So I have finished several books down here. My reading life has picked up- big time. My sister gave to me Firoozeh Dumas' book- laughing without an accent. Wonderful book. Very funny. Highly recommend it!

My friend Julia recommended I read, come to me. Amy Bloom's stories. They are juicy!

When I finished all of my books-I moved onto Barb's- Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead- so good- coming of age story set in the 80's- loved it! I had her him read at, The Happy Ending Reading Series. Finally I got to read the book!

Favorite line- page 82- NP approached serpentine, attempting to replicate the pump-'n'- dump that Bobby had used on him, adding a wiggle closer, but Randy was expecting something else entirely, going with a shoulder- to shoulder manly half-hug.

Colson also has a blog! Fun. I can't wait to read more of his books.

Hope your summer reading is going well! Keep us posted! What's good to read?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Costa Rica

Who Picks the Fruit You Eat?

Who Picks The Fruit and Vegetables You Eat?

The Bee

On my bus ride across the country, San Jose a Santa Teresa, I finished Samantha Bee's book, I Know I Am But What Are You? I have to say that it was all that I thought it would be- super funny.

I orginally got it for my sister, a huge Daily fan! I got it for her as a house warming gift. I drove up to Montreal, pre- my trip here to CR. She finished it in an evening and told me I needed to take it. So I did.

After I finished it, on the ferry to the Nicoya Pennisula, I read an article in New York Magazine how there aren't as many funny women on late night as men. Of course the Daily Show wrote in and commented on their efforts to treat women well. Samantha Bee is definitely a trailblazer! And a hilarious writer at that! Buy the book and read it and lol!




Enjoy!

Have A Laugh

Funny and Clever.

Flying with the Famous

I left for Costa Rica for a week long Yoga Retreat! Yum and delicious! No worries the bag is packed full of books and magazines

to read in between classes. Barb brought down a set of books and magazines too. So between the two of us we have plenty to read!

On my flight here, I traveled via Miami. Who was on my flight? Edwidge Danticat and her family. I instantly was struck with famous person awe. They must of been enjoying the festivals in Montreal.

Of course for me, I was intrigued to see, what was she reading! I had just purchased the Canadian version of the New Yorker- The Walrus! ED went back to the bookstore to aget a magazine. I believe she got L'Actualite! I guess I am going to have work on my French and see what's in the special issue.

Need good reading material- watch what the famous writers read!

K'naan

I love K'naan.

He is a Somali Rapper, living in Canada! His lyrics and spirit is all about reaching and speaking to others about his personal experiences to inspire the best in people. His music is political and personal- a kind a memoir in music! His song, Wavin' Flag is one of the "World Cup" songs for the games.

There have been some wonderful coverage of K'naan, including this interview with NPR.

I just gave it to my brother and sister in law as one of their house warming presents! It will be my summer 'gift' to people!

Add it to your reading/listening list- download it onto your ipods. Happy summer everyone.

The Moth

Are you listening to The Moth? The Moth is a wonderful 'show' as well as podcast you can subscribe to. Last year I went to their annual celebration show where I heard Jessi Klein, who told the most hilarious story about going to her sister's wedding... at Disney World. It is the funniest ever!

Malcolm Gladwell told quite a story. As I was listening to the story, I laughed out loud several times, but found myself cringing with that "no you didn't" feeling inside. It is such an outrageous story about how he lost his best friend.

Sarah Jones was there too. Yes it was an all star cast that night. She told an amazing story about how she got Bridge and Tunnel off the ground, by rejecting a TV show at MTV. Really inspiring. They just recently replayed her story.

If you haven't been listening to The Moth, do so now! Try and catch a live show as well. They are wonderful!

Summer is Coming

I am beginning to plan my summer reading life. Collecting ideas from friends and starting to gather up books to take with me as I travel the country, go to visit my family in Canada and hopefully take a fantastic vacation abroad!

My first set of recommendations for the summer came from my friend Mary. She suggested, Anglo Files and The Solitude of Prime Numbers. Last summer I took Mary's suggestions as well and she is always 'right on' with her best picks! She is one of the most prolific readers I know- usually a book a night!

So I got these two- all ready for this weekend- just in case I finish my book early. June begins summer!

Stay tuned in. I will be sharing my summer reading list as I collect the texts to read! Enjoy your own reading life this summer. Post your favorite books or wish list for reading below so that we all can add to ours!

What I am Currently Reading

I have been totally engrossed with the books and articles by David Foster Wallace. I love his essays in Consider the Lobster and his book, Infinite Jest.

I am currently reading a series of interviews that David Lipsky wrote traveling with DFW on his book tour around the country. It is really interesting to hear about his life, his thought and writing process. He was a brilliant writer and his ideas and words are sadly missed. It's not an easy read, knowing about what happened shortly after the series of interviews.

If you have never read anything by him, run out and buy one of his books or read one of his Harper's articles online.

Guest Blogger: Finds Poetry in the Neighborhood

Guest Blogger Beth Moore, from The Tiny Reader, has been walking around neighborhoods and photographing poetry! Poetry is everywhere. Spread the word. Celebrate words and thoughts. Happy poetry month everyone!

What Have We Been Reading About on Facebook: #1

Hi Friends,

I want to keep you updated on what articles we have been reading on facebook. Feel free to check out our Fan Page (Reading Myself Into The World) and find more interesting articles and posts to read. You can follow us on Twitter if you rather (everything posted on facebook automatically posts to Twitter. I love technology).

Here are some articles and blogs posted by people who are friends of mine that we read in March and April! We hope you enjoy reading them too! Pass these along to your friends and family.

My friend Adam has two interesting posts. One is a review of his new book Viral Loop (which you all should read today) and the second is an article he wrote about starting up new businesses during a recession.

My friend Sara has an interesting article written about her and her family in the Washington Post. We have written about Sara a few times in our blog. This article talks about the fundraising she and her family are doing to bring books to schools in South Africa. It is well worth a read about their education project.

Miriam has posted some great suggestions of films we should see about the environment. Miriam also has a wonderful post on her blog about The Cove. If you haven't seen that- it's a must. It won best documentary this year at the Oscars.

One of my students, from the first class I ever taught, has a new blog out called, Think Big. She is on a journey to keep herself happy and to write and reflect on it! There are some inspirational tips to keep yourself going as well! Show your support and follow Raimi!

As we celebrate poetry month, hopefully we are reading poetry. I am. I have been reading my friend Craig's poetry blog, brainsmoke.

My friend Liz has started blogging for Lucky Magazine about fashion. Read and comment on her blog about Linen Pants.

Katie has returned to her cat blog. She is now taking photographs of cats (her cats mostly) and matching them with films. Funny.

Lastly my friend Kate posted these beautiful photos which we have been sharing and commenting on! Enjoy the photos.

I hope you find some great reading material here. I sure did.

We Remember Wilma Mankiller

Wilma

Read more about Wilma here at her website.

Congratulations Sherman Alexie!

Sherman Alexie has won the PEN Faulkner award for War Dances. I bought this for my sister around the holidays. When I went back up to see her, it was gone from her shelves. A sign she loved it- because she passed it on to her other literary friends. Hopefully this spring it will show back up so I can read it!

I loved Smoked Signals (a film he wrote and starred in) and I also loved many of his other books and short stories. Indian Killer, is an amazing novel and his YA novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Happy reading to you!