History is, well...long.

I have been reading A Peoples History of the U.S. by Howard Zinn. I should have listened to Gina, she was right when she said this was a chunky tome. I feel like I am experiencing a mental beat down every time I open it up...Work for it...Work for it... Don't nod off. This is important information. These are my affirmations as I read.
So if I get through this book, and I know I should since my grasp of history is choppy at best, then I will pat myself on the back and read short stories for a month to recover. Wish me luck.
max

Charlotte's Web

Charlotte’s Web hooked me with the first line and sent me away happy with a fabulous close. The middle wasn’t half bad either. I just finished Charlotte’s Web and I enjoyed every word, although my excitement is probably enhanced by the prospect of soon being able to read the story to my daughter Poppy.
Children's literature gets me every time. Short, easily digested stories, simple grammar, universal themes; children's lit is the sitcom of the book world. Charlotte's Web is no different, the story of a pig being spared from slaughter by the devotion of loving friends is not much different from Hugo Chavez being spared another U.S. backed coup by the support of his numerous constituents. See...universal themes. O.K., maybe that was a stretch.
It was the love and devotion from friends that really pulled me in to this story and also makes it such a tearjerker. I know I rely a lot on my friends and this book is truly a testament to how devoted friends can accomplish anything. Wow, was that pure “cheese” or some kind of communist propaganda?
And back to that fabulous close…
“It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer.” Well, I will have to be on the look out, but I am sure I know one or two.

Max

Compulsive Readers Roll Call

Thanks Max for creating this, and hello to everyone. I don't know my fellow book geeks, but if you want to get to know me (book wise at least) check out my librarything. This is a link to my librarything bookshelf. I actually have reviews of most of the books, but I don't think you can access that unless you are a member (it's free). Anyone else librarything?
Right now I am reading The Olive Season by Carol Drinkwater. The second in a trilogy, it is a memoir set in the south of France. Carol and her husband buy an abandoned olive farm, and try to bring it back to life. For the last year my partner and I have taken on a similar project of living in a house while trying to restore it. Though it is not such a tremendous project as hers I can relate, and deal with my stress easier by reading about her experiences. Plus I love getting to know different areas of the world through books.
Tanya

Chapter 1

The first post is always the hardest. So much riding on it. I can't be too cute, yet I don't want to start off on a boring note. Since this is our new book blog I am going to just dive right in and talk about what I am reading now; actually, what I am about to start reading. Last night I was informed by my mother-in law that if I am going to fulfill my fatherly duties I need to be well versed in Charlotte's Web, and she gave me a copy to take home so I could start immediately. I figure any book that starts with, "Where's Papa going with that ax?" has to be good. So tonight I will sit down with a cup of tea and a classic in children's literature, but if the pig dies in the end...Well, lets just say I won't be reading any more children's books to Poppy. We will stick to t.v for all of her story time as every American child should.

I hope soon I will see posts from my friends spread out across the country. I am excited to hear about what is putting you to sleep at night or keeping you up turning pages until your eyes just can't focus any more. Maybe you too will be turned on to a new title, or be reminded of something you have meant to read for years but kept putting off.

max

"So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall."

— Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory