[stylist] What are you Reading Right Now?
debby
semisweetdebby at gmail.com
Wed Oct 19 05:22:49 UTC 2016
Some of my happiest times were when I worked at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library and also the one in Oregon. During my lunch hour I'd go in to the stacks and look at books. I'd check out a three volume book, take volume 1 home of course, reading on the bus as we drove, bring it back, finish it over lunch the next day, get volume 2 and repeat that, and then volume 3, and then go back in to the stacks once again to search out a new book. LOL. I loved being around all through books, and the smell of them! I'd try and climb as high as I could on to the shelves to see what was up high. It's a wonder I didn't break my neck. Oh, those were good days! Debby
On Oct 14, 2016 7:55 AM, Sherry Gomes via stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> 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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