Inspired by the book MY LIFE With BOB, by Pamela Paul, in which she shares reviews and memories from her decades long book list, I have decided to devote several postings sharing books and timeline stories from my own list of books. I began my lists (paper books) in the late 70’s and added ebooks in 2004 and now have a count of 850 or more fiction ebooks and paper books on the list and 200 non-fiction ebooks and paper books on the lists plus many autobiographies and biographies. All listings include 1-2 sentences in review about each book I have read.
Some I loved, a few I disliked and many scored in between. My beloved NYT book review (out every Friday) includes an arricle entitled BY THE BOOK. Many of you are familiar with these interviews. I enjoy the questions, responses and overwhelming citings of their favorite and not so favorite authors or books. I have also kept a list of BOOKS I WANT TO READ that swells each Friday after reading the current interviewee in that forum. A true “candy store.” As with every art venue, there are TOO MANY BOOKS to read in the short span of time we are allowed on this earth and in our busy lives.
The question of books (favorites and disliked) is asked weekly. I intend to write my offerings in my Monday’s Blog--message in a minute and discipline my self to truly share regularly, also a tough activity to fit into a busy life on the road. How I do love your feedback.
The first entry is Inspired by the recent obituary of the Former Smith College president Jill Ker Conway who died recently at the age of 83. Her books; the Road from Coorain and True North enraptured me. She grew up in the rustic and remote sheep raising countryside of Australia and describes her chores on the farm plagued by every type of harsh weather and fluctuating markets and describes life with her mother (suffering mental instability and institutionalized) for much of Jill’s life and her father, sheepherder, major parent and their life on the farm. It was not an easy life but she flourished and matured enough to break away from Australia at age 17 and emigrate to the US–New York City and lived a life full of self discovery, education and great achievement. Her story enthralled me and in fact I re read each book at least one more time. She has written many publications and reached and influenced the lives of many students, friends and readers. These books are a fast and intense read and I highly recommend that you add them to your books I want to read list.
I have gone beyond my message in a minute limit this week but wanted to include the introduction and intention of my own “By The Book” reviews. So pull up an easy chair or sit outdoors on a chaise lounge (in the shade and with a beverage of choice) and curl up treating yourself to time to read a book!
If you wish, please send titles or authors names of books to share.
Enjoy, Ann Carol Goldberg