[stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?

Fri Oct 14 15:52:24 UTC 2016

I used to be sighted. I do miss being able to walk into a store or library
and get any book I want. I miss holding a book in my hands and the smell of
books, especially new ones, grin.

But fortunately, several platforms exist allowing us to read as blind
people. It's great. One thing though, I wish more twin vision books were out
there. I swear , we have bought out Seedlings, LOL!

I recently got into Guy Gavriel Kay and really enjoy him. I read Last Light
of the Sun a few months ago and recommended it to my husband. I like his
writing a lot.

Neil Gaimon is one of my top favorites. American Godds and Stardust are
amazing and something I would love to write.

I also love historical-fiction. Morgan Llewlyn is one of my favorite
writers. She often mixes HF with magical realism or fantasy. I've read
almost everything she's written.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is a book I re-read frequently. It used to
be a yearly read, but now it's about every 2 years or so. I have loved this
book since I was a little girl.

I'm like you with Harry Potter. An older fan who got into it later. The
books were first published when I was a teenager, and I didn't have much
interest despite the fact it was fantasy. Then when I was 24, my husband got
me hooked, and I couldn't believe I had' read them sooner. We waited in line
at midnight when Deathly Hallows released. We then spent the next 4 days
doing nothing but reading it together. I would wait for him to come home
from work, and we would sit and read all night. We barely stopped to eat,
LOL!

I don't like all of Dickens's books, but A Tale of two Cities, Oliver Twist
and David Copperfield are great. But Great Expectations is probably in my
top 10 favorites. I have read it several times.

As a little girl, I loved the Anne of Green Gables series and Little Women.
I owned copies of these when I was a girl. I have re-read both several
times. L. M.  Montgomery also wrote a trilogy , Emily of New Moon, that's
similar to Anne but has a fantasy element. The protagonist Emily has psychic
abilities. I just re-read this trilogy a couple of years ago.

I also have a guilty pleasure. I enjoy romance novels from time-to-time,
grin. Particularly paranormal romance novels. I like the ones that are
tongue-in-cheek though. Amanda Quick and Jane Anne Krentz (actually the same
author) are good if you like this genre. Or Regency and harlequin romances,
but that still contain that element of humour.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Sherry Gomes
via stylist
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 9:55 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List' <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Sherry Gomes <sherriola at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?

Oh Bridget, I loved reading about your love of books. I was like that too,
although I didn't like Dickens and still don't. I loved Bronte when I found
them, and became a lover of Austen as an adult, because I never found her in
braille as a kid. But I was always reading and well above my age level. I
envied my sighted friends so much, because they could go to a book store and
buy and keep a book. I dreamed of having a big house one day with a library
and wall to wall braille books. Then along came commercial audio and now
digital books through BARD, audible, bookshare, kindle, iBooks and any other
source. I remember the absolute joy of going to the last three midnight
release events for the Harry Potter series, and marveling that for the first
time in my life, as a 40-something year old adult, I was actually
participating in a book event with my sighted peers. 

I love fantasy, historical fiction and long sprawling family sagas best I
think. My favorite fantasy author is Guy Gavriel Kay. I too discovered
nonfiction later as an adult, and I read at least as much of it as I do
fiction now. Growing up in the sixties, with such limited access to books, I
am so grateful to be alive in this time of technology and book access.
People laugh at me for the thousands of books from various sources on my
various hard drives. But to me, it's just a modified version of my dream of
a library with wall to wall books. I only wish still that I owned a few more
braille books. I have some, but I'd still love to have dozens of physical
braille books.

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit
Kuenning-Pollpeter via stylist
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 8:44 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List' <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter <bkpollpeter at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?

Jackie,

My first love is and will always be fantasy. I fell in love with books from
an early age, and fantasy was my introduction. Even as an adult now, I read
as much fantasy as I can, including YA and Children's Lit.

I also enjoyed the classics from a young age. I was reading Dickens and
Austen and Bronte well before I understood much of the content. I think I
was 8 when I picked up my first Dickens book. Words and stories always
interested and thrilled me, even when I didn't fully understand what I was
reading. In second grade, I tested at a high school reading level. I picked
up books all the time just for fun. My family frequented the library, and
even when I was older, my teens and 20s, I spent a great deal of time at
libraries. I now take my son to the library, hoping he develops the same
love for reading. Even though he can't read just yet, he enjoys to sit and
look at books, and he usually can guess stories based on the pictures at
this point. And we also read Braille books to him. At 4, he's at the
beginning stages of early reading, which is so cool.

I tried out the Illiad when I was 10 or so but didn't quite get it, grin. I
also started reading Shakespeare around 11 or 12. My parents were very
strict and had very specific rules about things like TV and movies and what
was appropriate and not, but they didn't really check the books I brought
home from the library. I sneaked in several books my parents probably would
not have liked me reading, grin. In junior high, I was reading some pretty
adult orientated literature and YA dealing with mature themes. Had my
parents been aware, they likely would have put a stop to much of the
literature I brought home.

I honestly didn't read a lot of nonfiction until my late 20s when I went
back to school and studied creative writing. I believe high schools need to
introduce more comtemporary nonfiction to students, especially what is
categorized as creative nonfiction. I will admit I often thought nonfiction
was boring, though oddly enough, I've always loved history and enjoyed
history books. But other types of nonfiction didn't draw me in because I
didn't realize the vast world of nonfiction out there, nor was I truly
introduced to a lot until university. While studying it in college, I gained
a new appreciation for the genre, and when I switched my emphasis from
fiction to creative nonfiction, I gained so much knowledge about the genre.
I now pick up nonfiction as much as I can. In my MFA program, I'm provided
great resources for book recommendations, and I have a growing reading list.

I just started Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs and am really
liking it. It's a memoir about his childhood, so far focusing on his mother
and her relationship with her therapist, and his growing OCD. It's sort of
difficult to explain, but it's really good, well-written, draws you in.

But yes, I like to switch up what I'm reading from book to book. I can't get
enough.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jackie
Williams via stylist
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 9:13 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List' <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jackie Williams <jackieleepoet at cox.net>
Subject: Re: [stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?

Bridgit,
Amazing. I have a connection on my T.V. that enables me to listen while I am
in any room doing anything. But I have no such connection for my digital
reader. I had a hearing aid that made it possible in the past, but they
improved the Phonac, and now you need something external to plug in and
something to wear around your neck. Specific to each thing you want to hear.
Like Sunsounds radio, which reads many of my favorite magazines. 
I am drowning in technology which often does not work with my hearing aid.
I love your dedication to reading a wide variety of genres and subjects.

Jackie Lee

Time is the school in which we  learn.
Time is the fire in which we burn.
Delmore Schwartz	 

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit
Kuenning-Pollpeter via stylist
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 7:02 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?

Jackie,

LOL! I read every chance I get. For my MFA, I have to do a lot of reading,
but I also pick up books all the time. Audio books are great because you can
read them almost anytime. When doing chores, when exercising, while laying
in bed, etc. They don't require the physical attention hard-copy books do.
Whenever I have down time, I'm reading. I also read at an excellerated speed
on my Victor Stream or Kindel. Not super fast, but faster than many I know,
which usually means I can get through a book faster. I don't like it so fast
I can't digest what is happening, but quick enough to not be dragged down by
the reading. I sneak in a book whenever I can.

I read so much, I started writing down the books I have read several years
ago because I will forget what I have read until I see the title, grin. This
list helps when it comes to recommending books too.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jackie
Williams via stylist
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 8:49 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List' <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jackie Williams <jackieleepoet at cox.net>
Subject: Re: [stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?

Bridgit,
A wonderful list to keep and work on. But for a lifetime, perhaps not two
months.
When do you sleep?

Jackie Lee

Time is the school in which we learn.
Time is the fire in which we burn.
Delmore Schwartz	 

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit
Kuenning-Pollpeter via stylist
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2016 11:12 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?

This is what I have read in the last 2 months. Each is either available on
Kindle or BARD:

Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl, Her Journey to Heaven, and Her Amazing
Story of Healing by Christy Wilson Beam
*Memoir: A mother shares the amazing journey of a fatal condition her
daughter was diagnosed with, and the miraculous healing. Details the family
dynamic, and how the illness affected everyone. After falling 30 feet down a
rotted tree, the daughter's condition no longer existed.
I'm not a Christian, but I was fascinated by this story. It was recently
made into a movie, which I have since watched as well. Whether you believe
in any of this or not, you have to admit that something miraculous happened
to this little girl. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of writing.
I expected a basic re-telling of events, but this has a narrative and
employs craft. It was a good read.

Disabled, Female and Proud: Stories of Ten Women with Disabilities  by
Harilyn Rousso and Susan O'Malley *Collection of Personal essays: Several
women write about their experiences as disabled females. Two of the essays
are by blind women. This book is outdated as it was written in the late 80s.
One of the blind stories is great, in line with Federation ideals, but the
other blind story was more stereotypical to me. Regardless, it was a good
read, not great, but good, and I would recommend it.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
*Fiction: A must read. Read before watching movie just released. An
alcoholic woman rides the train everyday into London. She passes a
neighborhood with a couple she fantasizes about, creating a friendship with
them in her head. After a murder, the main character, Rachel, is a suspect,
but she has no memories of the night in question because she blacked out.
Must, must, must read! I could not put down. Chalk full of deliciousness!
Twists and turns, you won't believe.

A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin
*Fiction/semi-autobiographical: Redound writer posthumously published a
collection of short stories. They are based or loosely based on her real
life. Beautifully written. Feels like you're reading a portrait of words. I
highly recommend.

Thunderdog: The True Story of a Blind Man, his Guide Dog and the Triumph of
Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory
*Memoir: Hingson recounts his experience evacuating the Twin Towers the day
of the 911 attacks. Describes how he and his guide dog worked together to
make it out safely.
A terrifying account of the events that transpired that day. Well-written
and worth the read.

Waist-high in the World: A Light Among the Disabled by Nancy Mairs
*Memoir: Disabled writer addresses being disabled, describing her
experiences. Mairs's was diagnosed with MS in her late 20s. Her condition
progressively got worse. Her attitude and philosophy towards disability is
very much akin to the Federation's. She has been recognized for her work
towards creating a better concept towards disability in addition to her
writing.
A fantastic read that I highly recommend.

The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff
*Fictionalized account of a diary: Tells the story of Lily, the one of the
earliest transgender people. Lily was a real person, but this book is a
fictionalized rendering of her transition.
This is a beautiful story about Lily and her journey through transition.
It's also heartbreaking. An academy award nominated film was made about this
book and is equally fantastic.

Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola
*Memoir: Hepola shares her journey through alcoholism and recovery. Details
her life-long struggle with drinking, beginning at the age of 8 or 9.
Well-written and will hook you from the beginning.
I initially didn't think I would like this book, assuming it was another
run-of-the-mill confessional narratives so popular these days. But from the
first sentence, I realized this was a master of language. She crafts this
book so well. Her language and description are unique and what move this
story along. I highly recommend this book.

The Revenant by Michael Punke
*Fictionalized account of real person: A man is viciously attacked by a bear
and left to die. He survives and wants revenge on the men who left him to
die in the wilderness.
This takes place in the 1800s. I watched the film before reading the book.
The film is beautifully tailored and well-done. I was excited to read the
book but found it to be a bit of a let-down. It doesn't have much of a
narrative thread, reading more like a history book. And I actually love to
read history books, but when I open up something intended to be fiction, I
expect more to it. This book was just a little lacking for me. Anyone into
the early 1800s wilderness stories may enjoy this, but I give it a 2 out of
5 stars.

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse
*YA historical fiction: Story about a young girl living in Holland during
the Nazi occupation. She attempts to solve a mystery while avoiding the Nazi
forces.
I really enjoyed this and found it hard to put down.

Yes Please by Amy Polar
*Memoir: SNL and Parks and Rec actor shares her experiences in the
entertainment industry along with her life.
A fantastic read. So funny, I laughed out loud a lot of the time. Highly
recommend.

'Tis Herself by Maureen O'Hara
*Autobiography: Actress Maureen O'Hara shares her life story. Begins with
her early days in Ireland and her eventual move into the movies.
This was a great read. It was funny, heartfelt and interesting. A look into
the life of an icon in the film industry. And she's still alive! I love to
read entertainer bios, and this is one of my favorites.

Room by Emma Donoghue
*Fiction: A young boy tells his version of how he and his mother live in a
room and their eventual escape. Through the boy's eyes, you realize his
mother is a sex-slave and has been held captive for years.
This book is gripping. The author accomplishes to tell the entire story
through Jack's perspective, who is only 5, which is quite  a feat,
especially given the subject matter. I highly recommend this book and the
film.

Nevermind by Edward St. Aubyn
*Fiction/semi-autobiographical: Man shares family stories through his
younger self. His family is highly dysfunctional.
This is a part of a bigger collection of novellas called the Patrick Melrose
novels. They are fictionalized accounts of real people and events. I found
myself tuning in-and-out a bit at times while reading this. It was good and
juicy, but it just didn't capture my attention as much as I thought it
would. Worth checking out though.

Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women by Harriet Reisen
*Biography: Tells the life story of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little
Women.
I have loved LM Alcott since I was a little girl. This bio is intriguing and
full of little-known stories about Louisa and her family. I had read bios on
Alcott before, but this one is really interesting. Recommend to any Alcott
fans.

A Wolf at the Door and other Retold Fairytales edited by Ellen Datlow and
Terri Windling
*Fiction: Several notable authors re-tell various fairytales.
Most the stories in this collection didn't have enough of a narrative thread
to keep my attention. But as a lover of fairytales, I enjoyed it
nonetheless. If you like fairytales, and fractured fairytales, check this
anthology out.

Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Vejas via
stylist
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2016 9:56 AM
To: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Vejas <alpineimagination at gmail.com>
Subject: [stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?

Hi,
We used to talk about books all the time, but not anymore. I thought I would
start this thread.
The book I'm reading is called Smack by Melvin Burgess. It's about 2 English
teenagers in the 1980's, boyfriend and girlfriend, who run away from their
messed up families, then have their lives changed because of a new drug.
How about everyone else?
Vejas
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