Sunday, August 29, 2010

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/


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

Background on Kidder:



Friday, August 27, 2010

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

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

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.

Monday, August 16, 2010

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.

Friday, August 13, 2010

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.


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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!

Monday, August 9, 2010

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.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

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!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

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.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

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.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

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.