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.
I too saw the post for ten essential books for the last 25 years and was astounded that most of them were postapocalyptic or dystopic. What an interesting commentary on the zeitgeist!
ReplyDeleteI'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!!
ReplyDeleteDon'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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLisa- 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.
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful thing you did, helping your daughter's friend move. It sounds like the family really needed you.
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!
ReplyDeleteHase to check out the 25 books to read. there are so many lists with books I've not read. You are in good company :)
ReplyDeleteMy Sunday Salon
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 :)
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteSo true about moving karma--I never mind, either.
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLoved your moving-karma story!
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.
ReplyDeleteI've read 3 and my son has read 1 from this list. Helping others is the best thing any of us can do....thank you for taking the time to be such a blessing to those people Lisa!!!
ReplyDeleteI 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).
ReplyDeleteI 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!
Giving help where it's truly needed is the best feeling ever!
ReplyDeleteJust too many books.. and I am right now reading Ender's Game.. it has me addicted.. it is too good. You must try it.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were able to help out and feel so good about it too.