Classics Spin Aug 2020

Updated, copied directly from the Classics Club announcement: If you joined the game last week, find number 18 on your CC Spin #24 List! That’s the CLASSIC you are challenged to read by 30th September, 2020.

Since I missed the announcement post, I have to grab 20 titles and then toss them into a randomizer to find which will be put in the 18th spot so I can read it! I love the SPIN…

The last time I “spun”, I had 19 books left on my original list:  Crossing off the ones I did read since then and adding in some from my NEXT batch of 50, I get this odd ball list:

1. The Three Musketeers – Alex Dumas
2. Jude the Obscure – Hardy
3. Rabbit, Run – Updike
4. Naked Lunch – Wm Burroughs
5. Love in a Cold Climate – Nancy Mitford
6. Dead Souls – Nikolay Gogol
7. Candide – Voltaire
8. Gravity’s Rainbow – Thomas Pynchon
9. Confederacy of Dunces – JKToole
10. Twelve Years a Slave – Solomon Northup
11. The Way We Live Now – Trollope
12. the Counterfeiters – A. Gide
13. A Handful of Dust – Waugh
14. The Ox-bow Incident – Walter Van Tilberg Clark
15. Eileen Chang’s Love in a Fallen City
16. One Fine Day by Mollie Panter-Downes
17. They Were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple
18. The Bird’s Nest – Shirley Jackson
19. The King Must Die
20. NEW: Tender is the Night
21. NEW: Persuasion
22. NEW: Madame Bovary
23. NEW: Waves
24. NEW: If Beale Street Could Talk
25. NEW: Giovanni’s Room
26. NEW: Pale Fire
27. NEW: Villette

SO…. Then I copied the list into a google sheet and then used the function RANDOMIZE RANGE a few times. After all that, I looked which book title was in the 18th slot.

and…

TENDER IS THE NIGHT by F.Scott Fitzgerald

1	Waves
2	Confederacy of Dunces – JKToole
3	Jude the Obscure – Hardy
4	Gravity’s Rainbow – Thomas Pynchon
5	Eileen Chang’s Love in a Fallen City
6	the Counterfeiters – A. Gide
7	They Were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple
8	Giovanni’s Room
9	Pale Fire
10	The King Must Die
11	The Three Musketeers – Alex Dumas
12	Twelve Years a Slave – Solomon Northup
13	Villette
14	Madame Bovary
15	Persuasion
16	If Beale Street Could Talk
17	The Way We Live Now – Trollope
18	Tender is the Night
19	Dead Souls – Nikolay Gogol
20	Rabbit, Run – Updike

 

I was hoping for Villette. I left off / paused, if you will, reading it right when the Pandemic hit and I just am not inspired to get back to it…

 

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July 2020 Mini-Reviews of Pie & Books

Thoughts

I read 11 books in July. I adored my reading month of books and audios. Blissful, book-filled July…

With some pie, too. Though not in my books – only Duchess Goldblatt delivered pie. NO, that’s not quite true! Kate Atkinson’s When Will There Be Good News had pie. Which is good news to me.

And of course, Pie As Art cookbook – LOTS of pie, yes. The winner of my giveaway is….   by randomly assigned sequential numbers to those who commented on posts and then running an online random number generator . . .  TA DA!  Jeanne of Nonnecromancer wins!  Will be sent off next week. Glad I have her address already.

“and those little pork pies they have in Marks and Spencer.” She was very specific about which shops you bought things in. Reggie thought that a person at death’s door shouldn’t really be too fussy about where her pork pies came from.

Get ready for August Pie!  Actually we have already missed Aug 1 being Raspberry Cream Pie Day. (and my “days” source told me that August First is also Homemade Pie Day. I hadn’t had that one on my radar.)

Aug 15 is Lemon Meringue Pie Day. I’m hoping to construct something tasty to celebrate.

Aug 18 – Ice Cream Pie Day

Aug 24 – Peach Pie Day

Plan accordingly.

 

Copyright © 2007-2020. Care’s Online Book Club aka Care’s Books and Pie. All rights reserved. This post was originally posted by Care from Care’s Online Book Club aka BkClubCare.  It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Pie As Art

Thoughts by Laura Rene Baker, 2020, 91 pages

Challenge: Pie Cookbooks

Genre: Pie Cookbooks

Type/Source: Spiral-bound, from the author (piebakerlady.com)

 Why I read this now:  I started reading as soon as I opened the package after arriving on my doorstep.

MOTIVATION for READING: I know the author; we’re friends from college.

WHAT’s it ABOUT:  The author not only created the recipes, baked all the pies, wrote the copy, took the photos, PAINTED the artwork OF the pies, and likely assembled the books; she is probably responsible for the mailing of all of them out to her adoring fans.

I used the Peach Pan Pie as my inspiration for Peach Plum in my Cast Iron Pan:

THOUGHTS: I am thrilled for my friend!

RATING:  Five slices of pie.

I will give away a copy of this book to a random selection from the people who leave me a comment here on this post or like my tweet of this review plus follow @PieBakerLady and Retweet something she posted there or comment on my Instagram post or Litsy. Thus, you have multiple opportunities to win! Max of 5 entries; deadline August 4th midnight EST.

Book only; not the pie plates…

I’m not doing this to market myself, only to highlight my friend Laura’s accomplishment.

 

 

Copyright © 2007-2020. Care’s Online Book Club. All rights reserved. This post was originally posted by Care from Care’s Online Book Club.  It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone

Thoughts by Lori Gottlieb, 2019, 415 pages

Challenge: Duchess Goldblatt Challenge*

Genre: Nonfiction, Self Help (the best kind) disguised as Memoir

Type/Source: Audiobook, Audible

 Why I read this now:  I needed a good audiobook.

MOTIVATION for READING: Recommended by Duchess Goldblatt.

WHAT’s it ABOUT:  A psychotherapist shares about her life, the path to her chosen career, and an event that sent her to seek therapy to ‘get through’ a crisis.

THOUGHTS: SO GOOD!  Fascinating mix of the personal and the clinical, the nuts and bolts of therapy balanced with the anecdotes and examples of most every challenge to the human experience when it comes to relationships, motivations, and dealing with life’s ups and downs.

I enjoyed this immensely and immediately went online to purchase a print copy I can refer to again and again.

RATING:  Five slices of pie.

 

 

 

Copyright © 2007-2020. Care’s Online Book Club. All rights reserved. This post was originally posted by Care from Care’s Online Book Club.  It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Poetry 2020 Edition 6

Poetry Goal 2020:  to read a poem* every day.

 

Collection # 11 by Mary Oliver,Penguin Books 2012, 82 pages

The Man Who Has Many Answers

The man who has many answers

is often found in the theaters of information

where he offers, graciously,

his deep findings.

While the man who has only questions,

to comfort himself, makes music

 

Collection # 12 by Ross Gay, the University of Pittsburgh Press 2015, 102 pages

To the Mistake

. . . drive to check

their beckoning phones

which mostly

bless them they

don’t the mistake

I say is a gift

don’t be afraid

see what it teaches you

about what the poem

can be I know

+ .  .  .

Lively and life affirming. One of the book blurbs says it is a “bright book of life”. You can’t help imagine that Gay  is always smiling and living life big and bright. So much movement and joy in these poems.

 

*Or more. I’m not tracking, I’m just reading. I’m not limiting this experience to one poem a day – that is only the minimum.

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Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

Thoughts  by Duchess Goldblatt, 2020, 224 pages

Challenge:  none

Genre: Memoir, Social Media

Type/Source: Hardcover, Scuppernong Books

 Why I read this now: It arrived.

MOTIVATION for READING: I follow Duchess Goldblatt on Twitter. I wish I could remember how and when I found her but when I did, I was enthralled and had that feeling of wanting badly to be one of her pet subjects. I honestly didn’t think I had the writing chops to respond to her appropriately but when she called for dog photos and pie photos, I was IN with abandon.

WHAT’s it ABOUT:  from gr blurb:

“Becoming Duchess Goldblatt is two stories: that of the reclusive real-life writer who created a fictional character out of loneliness and thin air, and that of the magical Duchess Goldblatt herself, a bright light in the darkness of social media. Fans around the world are drawn to Her Grace’s voice, her wit, her life-affirming love for all humanity, and the fun and friendship of the community that’s sprung up around her.

@DuchessGoldblat (81 year-old literary icon, author of An Axe to Grind) brought people together in her name: in bookstores, museums, concerts, and coffee shops, and along the way, brought real friends home—foremost among them, Lyle Lovett.”

THOUGHTS:  I loved it. As much as I had been looking forward to reading this and knowing cerebral-ly what the book was to be about, I was unprepared for the emotional impact and the inspiration, celebration, and relatability I would find within the pages.

RATING:  Five slices of pie. Shout out to Ladybird Diner in Lawrence KS for naming a pie after the Duchess.

Close your eyes and visualize the best possible outcome. When it’s not looking, grasp it by the neck and fling it into reality.

 

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Books and Pie: Official Post of Books I am Looking Forward To, Edition 2

Books and Pie: Official Post of Books I am Looking Forward To, Edition 2 (Edition 1 was never labeled such…)

My friend Laura shares her favorite pie creations to eat and her amazing art work of pies to look at!  Her book, Pie As Art, features her combinations and I am looking forward to receiving my copy. Super excited!

Get your copy at her website:  www.piebakerlady.com

 

The second book that I have on order was released this week and is still on its way to me:

The author is one of the best thing about Twitter. She is a pie lover, too.

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2007-2020. Care’s Online Book Club aka Care’s Books and Pie. All rights reserved. This post was originally posted by Care from Care’s Online Book Club aka BkClubCare.  It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Olive, Again

Thoughts by Elizabeth Strout, 2019, 289 pages

Challenge: Book Club

Genre: Contemporary Lit

Type/Source: Bookstore purchase / the Concord Bookshop (MA)

 Why I read this now:  Suggested, had on my shelf

MOTIVATION for READING: I loved Olive Kitteridge. 

Almost 11 years ago to the day, I posted my review of Olive, book 1. I adored it.

… the reader will come to appreciate this rough and tough yet tender lady.

WHAT’s it ABOUT:  This is another collection very similar to the first, of short stories either centering on Olive or has her barely mentioned in passing.

I loved the stories with Jack, and how he succumbs to the realization that he enjoys Olive and so takes the chance on a relationship. The way he lets her sit in business class on the flight to Norway was just too perfect. The chapter on the Larkins and their attorney was a gut-punch. As was the one where Olive meets the Poet.

THOUGHTS: Themes of loneliness and knowing yourself. I just love how Olive is so abrupt and blunt and judgmental but also knows the exact right thing to do or say when it is most needed. She is definitely prickly. I laugh at her, with her? and I cried.

RATING: Five slices of pie. No pie mentioned, but that’s OK. I’ll forgive.

No, I still haven’t seen the mini-series starring Frances McDormand…

 

 

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June 2020 Mini-Reviews of Books and Pie

Thoughts

I read Drawing Down the Moon by Shawn Keller Cooper for an online book club and it was OK. About 3 sorority sisters who meet have 20+ years who failed to keep up with each other, hashed out a few misunderstandings from college, got caught up and supported each other once again. Setup for sequels, for sure. Mostly a reminder that we ladies need our women friends. It was OK. It mentioned pie!

A light pale yellow like the inside of a coconut cream pie.

I was recommended to read Summer of a Thousand Pies; a middle school story of family, new connections AND PIE! and it was terrific. What I didn’t like is that I had to download a unique reading app (Glose?!) to get it read; involving sign up of accounts and new passwords, annoying, time-consuming. Ugh.

So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo. Read it. (I listened to it but want to reference the print version.) Do I want to talk about race? It’s uncomfortable, it’s scary, I know I have bias and it is troublesome. I usually do NOT want to talk about it and I want to be prepared when I do.

I’ve got less than an hour on my audiobook from the library, How Not To Get Shot And Other Advice From White People and I’m learning more than I expected and reinforcing what I do already know and appreciate. Honestly didn’t realize who the author is — D.L.Hughley — and it was interesting to dissect my own reaction to my own question, “why did I choose this?” Why not?  I think that is why I got it. Because I wanted variety and views from all spectrums. (And it was available first.) I recommend.  And he mentions pie!

A Thousand Mornings is my latest poetry selection that I completed. I admit, I had high expectations and she might have suffered for that. Very good, but not as good as I wanted? No pie.

But how weird that almost half of the books I read this month had THOUSAND in the title?

June means Strawberry Rhubarb Pie!

June 9 actually is Strawberry Rhubarb Pie! Day but the restaurant we went to for dinner was not with the program, apparently. So I had to settle for this amazing Banana Cream Pie:

Get ready for July Pie! We will see a few pie holidays, beginning with Pecan Pie Day on July 12. The Pi Approximation for us math geeks is 22 July and Pie & Beer Day is July 24th.

 

 

Copyright © 2007-2020. Care’s Online Book Club aka Care’s Books and Pie. All rights reserved. This post was originally posted by Care from Care’s Online Book Club aka BkClubCare.  It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

So You Want to Talk About Race

Thoughts by Ijeoma Oluo, 2018, 7 hours 41 minutes

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

Challenge:  Personal Challenge to Get Uncomfortable and Reflect

Genre: Civil Rights

Type/Source: Audiobook/Audible

 Why I read this now: Current BLM Events

MOTIVATION for READING: I follow Oluo on Twitter; this was on the highly recommended for NOW reading list.

WHAT’s it ABOUT: Oluo shares personal stories and her work experiences about having difficult conversations on the topic of race and racism. She directs her points to all audiences and explains all dimensions and nuances of the topic.

THOUGHTS: Very good. I am getting my own printed copy and I am getting a copy for our work library. I see it being a fantastic resource to visit again and again.

RATING:  Five slices of pie.

Highly recommended. Highly recommended to not just read but to allow (push?) inspiration of action.

 

 

Copyright © 2007-2020. Care’s Online Book Club. All rights reserved. This post was originally posted by Care from Care’s Online Book Club.  It should not be reproduced without express written permission.