Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sunday Salon - November 14


I love the book section of the Huffington Post; there's always something of interest there.  I liked this list of books Huffington Post readers can't wait to finish.  One is Michael Ondaatje's Divisadero which I'm really looking forward toreading.

I also found there a review of Heidegger's Glasses, by Thaisa Frank , a book making the blog rounds as part of TLC Book Tour right now.    Reviewer Jim Moret has this to say about the book:

"Heidegger is a tour de force whose imagery haunts the reader long after the final page is turned. The book evokes overwhelming feelings of both sadness and hope - I felt richer for having read it." 

This week Flavorwire published a list of "10 Essential Books From The Past 25 Years."  I'm embarrassed to say that I have not read any of them.  Mini-me has me beat--he's read two and even The Big Guy has read one more than I have.  Clearly, I have some catching up to do!

Yesterday my day took a drastic change when my daughter, who was helping a friend move, called to ask if we could bring the van to help move a loveseat.  Five hours and three van loads later, Mini-me and I finally got home.  I've always been big on helping people move; you never know when you'll need the same favor in return.  But I'm not sure there has ever been a situation where I have been so glad that I was able to help; a mom with a physical impairment, two daughters, a couple of teenaged friends and a set of grandparents were running out of steam and needed fresh muscles. I came away feeling that I had been the beneficiary of much more than I had given.  I walked back into my own home and didn't see the countertop I want to replace or the wooden floors that need to be refinished.  Instead I was struck by how much I do have and by how lucky I am to have it.  And so very thankful for the family that I have, who are always willing to help when it's needed and always so supportive.  It was just the thing to remind me of what this month is all about.  

11 comments:

  1. I've only read two off of the Flavorwire list (I did better with the shortlist at the end). I haven't read any of the books from The Huff Post list, either. There are too many books out there!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Don't feel too bad - I haven't read any of those 10 either! There were a handful that I never even heard of. I have been wanting to read Ender's Game for quite a while though... it comes highly recommended from some of my friends.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I looked at the 25 essential books list and wasn't that impressed with it -- some of them were good, but I totally disagree with putting James Frey's book on there.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lisa- Don't be embarrassed about not having read any books on that list. Only one female author out of 10??? Not definitive by any means - rather skewed, if you ask me.

    That was a wonderful thing you did, helping your daughter's friend move. It sounds like the family really needed you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Before I was into book blogging, I LOVED reading the Huffington Post every day. But now that time is spent reading book blogs, lol. I should at least get back to reading the bookish sections, thanks for reminding me!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nothing like a little giving to put your soul at ease! I think it's wonderful that you were able to help them in their time of need :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I haven't read any of the Flavorwire books either! I've read a couple from the shortlist, which made me feel a little better. Several of them--The Road and A Million Little Pieces--I don't really care to read!

    So true about moving karma--I never mind, either.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great post! I think we almost always get more out of giving then the recipient does, especially when we give for the right reason.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I thought the Flavorwire list was kind of generational - that is, aimed at a generation or two after mine. I've read two of the books on it, though.

    Loved your moving-karma story!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So wonderful for you to have been able to help out in that way. Doesn't it feel great to be able to do something like that? I definitely need to do more of those kinds of things when I can.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really want to read Ondaatje's Divisadero too. I haven't read any of the 10 either--although a few are ones I do want to get to eventually. And of the "other" 10 list, there were about four I've read (I don't think that counts though).

    I am glad you were able to help your daughter's friend move. It sounds like they really needed the extra help.

    I hope you have a great week!

    ReplyDelete