After a very long hiatus, I'm back to talk about a new little novel that is worth sharing. I spent part of my break reading Carlene Bauer's first novel, an epistolary gem loosely based on the friendship between Flannery O'Connor and the poet, Robert Lowell. In Frances and Bernard, Bauer imagines an elegant and soulful exchange of letters between the two writers. While Frances, unlike Flannery, is neither Southern nor chronically ill, she shares with her real-life inspiration a deep Catholic faith and a biting wit.
As Frances and Bernard begin to slowly fall for one another, the reader falls in love with both of them. Their shared love of words and ideas makes their letters unbelievably clever and interesting. Her rigidity and his wildness add to the novel's richness.
The novel also includes letters between Frances and her dear friend Claire and Bernard and his best friend and former Harvard roommate, Ted. These additional characters allow the reader to see the two writers as they can only be seen through the eyes of those who love and understand them the best. At one point, Claire is trying to respond to Frances' romantic concerns about Bernard. Frances is unsure of his true feelings for her, unable to easily receive his admiration, and uneasy with the expectations that a love affair places on her. She is rather prim and uncomfortable with effusiveness, either in words or gestures. Claire, kind and wise friend that she is, tries to get Frances to relax and lean into this unexpected romance.
"Look at Bernard like a complimentary dish of baked Alaska brought to you by a fine and appreciative dining establishment--something you didn't know you wanted but now that it's being served up to you, you find it's impossible to resist."
Since the premise of this novel is a correspondence between two gifted writers, Bauer, also a gifted writer herself, is able to show off her masterful skill with language. You will find yourself re-reading lines just to marvel at the elegance of her prose. But don't take my word for it!! Here is the blurb from the back cover written by esteemed novelist, Jane Hamilton:
"There are so many reasons to love this perfect novel. not least because before our eyes Bauer quietly reveals the lovers to each other, and to themselves, while she explores all of the important problems of faith, work, art, marriage, passion, and how best to lead the life that you think you're meant to live. Frances and Bernard is smart and clear and deep and beautiful. I worship it."
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Why Am I Obsessed With Lena Dunham?
I have been delinquent in my blogging lately, but my newest obsession has drawn me back. At 2 a.m. last night (or this morning)I completed a marathon viewing session of all things Lena Dunham. If you somehow don't yet know who she is, let me clue you in.
Lena Dunham is a 26 year-old, Oberlin grad, actress/writer and, as of this month, a double Golden Globe winner. She is the creator, writer and actress of the HBO series "Girls" and the 2010 film, "Tiny Furniture." Since I am no longer an HBO subscriber, I missed the first season of "Girls" last year but after all the Golden Globe buzz, I was incredibly curious. Luckily, the internet can satisfy most unfulfilled desires, and I quickly downloaded the entire season including all interviews and promotional materials. After finishing all of that, and still craving more L.D., I streamed "Tiny Furniture" on Netflix.
First of all, I am amazed, impressed and probably a tiny bit jealous that she has accomplished so much at such a young age. Is it embarrassing to admit that I still feel that I have not quite hit my prime? And I am fascinated by her bravery especially since I was so very not brave in my twenties. I am also intensely curious about this generation of young people and their cavalier attitude towards sex. This is my children's generation and, after watching all of Dunham's work, it feels like they are playing by a completely different set of rules.
"Girls" is not for the fainthearted and the censorship guidelines on HBO are seemingly non-existent. In fact, the series makes traditional network sitcoms seem almost puritanical, Having said that, what is remarkable to me is the fact that Lena Dunham seems to feel perfectly fine about presenting her real and imperfect naked self to the world. Admittedly, that is something I certainly cannot even begin to imagine but I find it so refreshing and brave.
As I watched this Lena Dunham marathon, I was also struck by how smart and not smart her character is. She is witty and bright and observant and yet confused and tentative and unsure. She makes shockingly awful mistakes when it comes to life and love and then sometimes things bloom into an odd version of perfection. Her hook-up partner, Adam, is one such example. At the beginning of the season, he is ridiculously odd and uncaring and this viewer was shocked at how little he gave her and how little she was willing to settle for. However, by the end of the season, Adam is more open and caring and it is Lena's character, Hannah, who seems reluctant to move their casual sex to a deeper, more committed level.
After my hours and hours of viewing, I am left with a sense of compassion and curiosity about these twenty-somethings. On the one hand, I wish that I had been more willing to take risks, less rushed to be a grown-up, less concerned with what everyone would think of me. I wish that I was in a greater hurry to make my mark on the world and less worried about making mistakes. Maybe its not too late. Maybe some of their bravado and passion is still available to those of us who have already crossed the midway mark. I think that there are actually a lot of things we could learn from each other if we could engage in honest dialogue. I would tell the "Girls" to experience life but not to be so afraid of intimacy. I would remind them that no one, old or young, has all the answers. Life is a map you draw as you go. I would humbly suggest that, while I guarded my body too zealously, they may be sharing their most private selves too cavalierly. Finally, I would say "Bravo" to you for grabbing life by the balls and for not being afraid to own your own genius and let it shine!
Lena Dunham is a 26 year-old, Oberlin grad, actress/writer and, as of this month, a double Golden Globe winner. She is the creator, writer and actress of the HBO series "Girls" and the 2010 film, "Tiny Furniture." Since I am no longer an HBO subscriber, I missed the first season of "Girls" last year but after all the Golden Globe buzz, I was incredibly curious. Luckily, the internet can satisfy most unfulfilled desires, and I quickly downloaded the entire season including all interviews and promotional materials. After finishing all of that, and still craving more L.D., I streamed "Tiny Furniture" on Netflix.
First of all, I am amazed, impressed and probably a tiny bit jealous that she has accomplished so much at such a young age. Is it embarrassing to admit that I still feel that I have not quite hit my prime? And I am fascinated by her bravery especially since I was so very not brave in my twenties. I am also intensely curious about this generation of young people and their cavalier attitude towards sex. This is my children's generation and, after watching all of Dunham's work, it feels like they are playing by a completely different set of rules.
"Girls" is not for the fainthearted and the censorship guidelines on HBO are seemingly non-existent. In fact, the series makes traditional network sitcoms seem almost puritanical, Having said that, what is remarkable to me is the fact that Lena Dunham seems to feel perfectly fine about presenting her real and imperfect naked self to the world. Admittedly, that is something I certainly cannot even begin to imagine but I find it so refreshing and brave.
As I watched this Lena Dunham marathon, I was also struck by how smart and not smart her character is. She is witty and bright and observant and yet confused and tentative and unsure. She makes shockingly awful mistakes when it comes to life and love and then sometimes things bloom into an odd version of perfection. Her hook-up partner, Adam, is one such example. At the beginning of the season, he is ridiculously odd and uncaring and this viewer was shocked at how little he gave her and how little she was willing to settle for. However, by the end of the season, Adam is more open and caring and it is Lena's character, Hannah, who seems reluctant to move their casual sex to a deeper, more committed level.
After my hours and hours of viewing, I am left with a sense of compassion and curiosity about these twenty-somethings. On the one hand, I wish that I had been more willing to take risks, less rushed to be a grown-up, less concerned with what everyone would think of me. I wish that I was in a greater hurry to make my mark on the world and less worried about making mistakes. Maybe its not too late. Maybe some of their bravado and passion is still available to those of us who have already crossed the midway mark. I think that there are actually a lot of things we could learn from each other if we could engage in honest dialogue. I would tell the "Girls" to experience life but not to be so afraid of intimacy. I would remind them that no one, old or young, has all the answers. Life is a map you draw as you go. I would humbly suggest that, while I guarded my body too zealously, they may be sharing their most private selves too cavalierly. Finally, I would say "Bravo" to you for grabbing life by the balls and for not being afraid to own your own genius and let it shine!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
What Am I Grateful For?
Yes...another gratitude blog! However, this one is really more of a movie review. This Thanksgiving weekend, I am 2/3 grateful because I have two of my three children home. I am 100% grateful that my parents (mom--this means mostly you since you do all the cooking) are still willing to host the big turkey dinner meal at their house. Though, on mom's schedule, turkey dinner should be re-named turkey lunch--but that's another story.
I am grateful for my good friends-- near and far-- and the relatives from far who were here to celebrate the holiday with us--(Elana and Lou from Philly). I am grateful that we had a few days off from school and I've had time to watch a silly movie on-demand with Ben and Emily and bake and do laundry and even catch up on some grading. Mostly, I'm very grateful that I got to become an honorary/temporary member of the Senior Movie Group. Mom, dad, Elana and Lou planned out their whole visit, day-by-day, movie by movie. They saw (and I skipped) Anna Karenina on Thursday (after turkey lunch) and the SMG was divided about the film. Joan and Lou panned it. Sam thought it was "o.k." and Elana loved it.
Yesterday, I joined them for Silver Linings and it was a home run. We all adored it. Bradley Cooper stars as a young man living at home again after an eight month stint at an in-patient psychiatric facility. The movie plays beautifully with the edges of pathos and humor, swimming easily back and forth between the two. Yes, you will laugh and you will cry! The brilliance of the film is that, as the story line unfolds, we recognize the part of all them (and all of us) that is a little bit crazy. We must inevitably acknowledge that being human takes great courage and none of us is perfectly equipped for the job. We are all playing with just shy of a full deck.
That is a perfect segue into today's film: The Sessions. First the disclaimer: I WOULD NOT NORMALLY RECOMMEND ATTENDING A FILM ABOUT A SEXUAL SURROGATE WITH FULL FRONTAL NUDITY WITH THE FOUR ELDER STATESMEN and WOMEN OF YOUR FAMILY. HOWEVER, MOVIE THEATERS ARE VERY DARK AND WE ALL HANDLED OURSELVES LIKE GROWNUPS (except for an occasional loud laugh from Joan).
Now that that's out of the way, Don't Miss This Movie. Actually, don't miss either movie. They are both winners. They are both smart, well-written films that are brilliantly acted. The Sessions tells the true story of the deceased poet, Mark O'Brien, who spent the majority of his 49 years of life in an iron lung having suffered from polio as a child in the 1950's. If you are interested, you can view a short documentary film about the real Mark O'Brien on Amazon where you can also purchase his memoir.
The film centers around Mark's desire, at 38, to experience sex. While his mind is incredibly sharp and creative, his body is weak and ravaged by the effects of decades of immobilization. Though he has a lively wit and a warm persona, he has not met a woman who could see him as a fully-functioning man. In reality, he cannot really see himself in that way either. On top of the physical limitations, he is also bound by his religious convictions and rigid views of sex outside of marriage as sinful. He confides in a kind-hearted priest, played well by William H. Macy, to help absolve himself of some of the religious baggage he carries. Helen Hunt plays the wise and wonderful sexual surrogate who teaches him how to use his body to receive (and also-at his request- to give) pleasure. The scenes between them, their sessions, are incredibly raw and real. They manage to achieve a sense of beauty and honesty that is not one bit titillating.
Having seen these two marvelous films back-to-back, I am grateful for art and artists, for writers and actors and directors. For visionaries who take life and re-package it in fresh ways so that we can begin to understand ourselves.
Both Silver Linings and The Sessions involve love in all its guises. Friendship, romance, families and even people whose job it is to listen to us and try to help us heal. Both films are brave and gritty and absolutely gorgeous. Both films make us remember that living life is often the greatest act of heroism and that love is the most important tool in our toolbox.
Tomorrow, the Senior Movie Group will be heading out to see Lincoln. Even though I am a great fan of Abe's, I will be skipping that one so that I can grade some more papers and prepare for the busy week ahead. Besides, after hitting the jackpot with the two films I saw, I don't really want to test my luck on a third.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday but it really shouldn't last only one day: EAT MORE TURKEY AND BE GRATEFUL ALWAYS!
I am grateful for my good friends-- near and far-- and the relatives from far who were here to celebrate the holiday with us--(Elana and Lou from Philly). I am grateful that we had a few days off from school and I've had time to watch a silly movie on-demand with Ben and Emily and bake and do laundry and even catch up on some grading. Mostly, I'm very grateful that I got to become an honorary/temporary member of the Senior Movie Group. Mom, dad, Elana and Lou planned out their whole visit, day-by-day, movie by movie. They saw (and I skipped) Anna Karenina on Thursday (after turkey lunch) and the SMG was divided about the film. Joan and Lou panned it. Sam thought it was "o.k." and Elana loved it.
Yesterday, I joined them for Silver Linings and it was a home run. We all adored it. Bradley Cooper stars as a young man living at home again after an eight month stint at an in-patient psychiatric facility. The movie plays beautifully with the edges of pathos and humor, swimming easily back and forth between the two. Yes, you will laugh and you will cry! The brilliance of the film is that, as the story line unfolds, we recognize the part of all them (and all of us) that is a little bit crazy. We must inevitably acknowledge that being human takes great courage and none of us is perfectly equipped for the job. We are all playing with just shy of a full deck.
That is a perfect segue into today's film: The Sessions. First the disclaimer: I WOULD NOT NORMALLY RECOMMEND ATTENDING A FILM ABOUT A SEXUAL SURROGATE WITH FULL FRONTAL NUDITY WITH THE FOUR ELDER STATESMEN and WOMEN OF YOUR FAMILY. HOWEVER, MOVIE THEATERS ARE VERY DARK AND WE ALL HANDLED OURSELVES LIKE GROWNUPS (except for an occasional loud laugh from Joan).
Now that that's out of the way, Don't Miss This Movie. Actually, don't miss either movie. They are both winners. They are both smart, well-written films that are brilliantly acted. The Sessions tells the true story of the deceased poet, Mark O'Brien, who spent the majority of his 49 years of life in an iron lung having suffered from polio as a child in the 1950's. If you are interested, you can view a short documentary film about the real Mark O'Brien on Amazon where you can also purchase his memoir.
The film centers around Mark's desire, at 38, to experience sex. While his mind is incredibly sharp and creative, his body is weak and ravaged by the effects of decades of immobilization. Though he has a lively wit and a warm persona, he has not met a woman who could see him as a fully-functioning man. In reality, he cannot really see himself in that way either. On top of the physical limitations, he is also bound by his religious convictions and rigid views of sex outside of marriage as sinful. He confides in a kind-hearted priest, played well by William H. Macy, to help absolve himself of some of the religious baggage he carries. Helen Hunt plays the wise and wonderful sexual surrogate who teaches him how to use his body to receive (and also-at his request- to give) pleasure. The scenes between them, their sessions, are incredibly raw and real. They manage to achieve a sense of beauty and honesty that is not one bit titillating.
Having seen these two marvelous films back-to-back, I am grateful for art and artists, for writers and actors and directors. For visionaries who take life and re-package it in fresh ways so that we can begin to understand ourselves.
Both Silver Linings and The Sessions involve love in all its guises. Friendship, romance, families and even people whose job it is to listen to us and try to help us heal. Both films are brave and gritty and absolutely gorgeous. Both films make us remember that living life is often the greatest act of heroism and that love is the most important tool in our toolbox.
Tomorrow, the Senior Movie Group will be heading out to see Lincoln. Even though I am a great fan of Abe's, I will be skipping that one so that I can grade some more papers and prepare for the busy week ahead. Besides, after hitting the jackpot with the two films I saw, I don't really want to test my luck on a third.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday but it really shouldn't last only one day: EAT MORE TURKEY AND BE GRATEFUL ALWAYS!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Are You A LOVER or a HATER......of Oatmeal?
For most of my life, I was an oatmeal hater. I didn't mean any offense to that particular food, but I hated all foods with a mushy texture. I didn't like Flan, or Creme Brulee or pudding or yogurt or Boston Creme Pie or Key Lime Pie or anything else that gushed and smooshed in my mouth. I craved crunch or snap or bite. For the most part, that is still true; however, the positive health effects (and the earthy ethos) of oatmeal have motivated me to give the humble oatmeal a Rachel Makeover.
The first thing I discovered was that it mattered what kind of oatmeal I started with. Steel Cut Oats, also called Irish or Scottish Oats, have a much chewier texture than regular oats. I have tried several different brands and you can experiment as each has a slightly more or less chewy consistency.
The next thing I realized was that most oatmeal was entirely too bland for me. I like flavor and lots of it!
So I gathered together all the ingredients that I thought might enhance oatmeal's blank canvas and began experimenting. The following recipe is my latest version of Rachel's Oatmeal. I am happy to report that I had my dad taste-test it and it passed the Sam test with flying colors. While dad was used to making a smoother, less jazzy bowl of oatmeal, he soon became a willing convert to my new flashier version.
The first step requires toasting slivered almonds and coconut flakes in a 375 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes until they start looking toasty and brown-ish.
My dad likes a nut-free version so I will add in the almonds at the last minute after putting his oatmeal in a separate container.
While the nuts and coconut are toasting, boil 4 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Once the water has boiled, add in the oatmeal and after about five minutes of stirring and watching, it should start to thicken. At this point, turn the heat down a bit and continue to stir gently.
The easiest measurement is 1 cup of Steel Cut Oats to 4 cups of boiling water.
While the oatmeal is cooking, peel and mash two ripe bananas.
Don't forget to check on the coconut and almonds; make sure to take them out before they get too dark!
Here's a complete list of the ingredients:
1 cup Steel Cut Oats
pinch-salt
2 ripe bananas
1 tsp. cinnamon (add more if you really want a cinnamon-y flavor)
1/2-3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes
5-6 tablespoons slivered almonds
3 generous tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
After the oatmeal has absorbed all the liquid (about 20-25 minutes) add in brown sugar, oatmeal, mashed bananas, cinnamon, cranberries and almonds.
Then let cool and store in airtight container in fridge. Small portions can be reheated in the microwave all week-long and served with a few tablespoons of milk or half & half.
Delicious!!! Would I turn down a hot slice of buttery brioche in favor of a bowl of oatmeal? Not yet, but this version has the potential to tempt me; the regular kind of oatmeal never could!
The first thing I discovered was that it mattered what kind of oatmeal I started with. Steel Cut Oats, also called Irish or Scottish Oats, have a much chewier texture than regular oats. I have tried several different brands and you can experiment as each has a slightly more or less chewy consistency.
So I gathered together all the ingredients that I thought might enhance oatmeal's blank canvas and began experimenting. The following recipe is my latest version of Rachel's Oatmeal. I am happy to report that I had my dad taste-test it and it passed the Sam test with flying colors. While dad was used to making a smoother, less jazzy bowl of oatmeal, he soon became a willing convert to my new flashier version.
The first step requires toasting slivered almonds and coconut flakes in a 375 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes until they start looking toasty and brown-ish.
While the nuts and coconut are toasting, boil 4 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Once the water has boiled, add in the oatmeal and after about five minutes of stirring and watching, it should start to thicken. At this point, turn the heat down a bit and continue to stir gently.
While the oatmeal is cooking, peel and mash two ripe bananas.
Here's a complete list of the ingredients:
1 cup Steel Cut Oats
pinch-salt
2 ripe bananas
1 tsp. cinnamon (add more if you really want a cinnamon-y flavor)
1/2-3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes
5-6 tablespoons slivered almonds
3 generous tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
After the oatmeal has absorbed all the liquid (about 20-25 minutes) add in brown sugar, oatmeal, mashed bananas, cinnamon, cranberries and almonds.
Then let cool and store in airtight container in fridge. Small portions can be reheated in the microwave all week-long and served with a few tablespoons of milk or half & half.
Delicious!!! Would I turn down a hot slice of buttery brioche in favor of a bowl of oatmeal? Not yet, but this version has the potential to tempt me; the regular kind of oatmeal never could!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Are You High Tech or Low Tech?
After years and years of being chained to T-mobile (the iphone-less cell provider), we all switched to Verizon. This is would hardly be newsworthy other than for the fact that Emily and I finally got iphones. The iphone 5 had been released that morning, so the 4s models were drastically reduced. We took advantage of the discounted prices and left the store feeling like we were finally a part of the same century as everyone else in the world.
In fairness, I do have an ipad, which I have thoroughly loved using, but there is something different about the iphone. For one, while I leave the ipad at home each day, my iphone is always with me. Secondly, since my ipad is 1st generation, this new iphone is upgraded and has lots more bells and whistles, including a wonderful camera. But the purpose of this piece is not to create ad copy for Apple (they hardly need my help!); rather, my love affair with my iphone has forced me to reexamine my split personality. On the one hand, I am almost Amish: I love to read,cook, knit, sew, make things with my hands. On the other hand, I am almost freakishly fascinated by the latest technological gizmos and gadgets.
My favorite moments come when I am finding bridges between the old and the new. For example, a few years ago I found out about a cool new website where you could upload your artwork and they would turn it into fabric and mail it to you. Spoonflower.com is the perfect marriage of old school and new school.
I took a photo of the kids from when they were little and, using photo-editing software on my mac, I turned into a neon-colored Warhol-esque piece of art which I then uploaded to Spoonflower. When the fabric arrived, I sewed it into a pillow.
Obviously, one of the most incredible marriages between old and new is the e-reader. I have owned a Kindle for several years and, while I still buy "real" books occasionally, I would hate to give up the brilliant convenience of having so many of my favorite tomes in one small, portable container. I fervently hope that, in this case, old and new can learn to happily co-exist. I don't want to give up on bookstores or the smell of paper and ink or the feel of a solid book in my hands. When I teach, I need to hold a dog-eared, well-loved copy of the book as I page through and share with my students my copious handwritten notes.
Speaking of reading, another technological wonder I just discovered is the fact that since Audible has become part of the Amazon dynasty, there is a lovely easy link between the two called Whispersync for Voice. Let me tell you what this enables you to do: Now, you can read books on your Kindle, or the Kindle app on your iphone or ipad, and then go out for a long walk with your beloved dog and continue listening to the novel you were reading through your ipod or iphone Audible app. Here's the AMAZING part: when you crawl into bed that night and pick up your Kindle, it will sync to the last spot you listened to on your walk! Really!!! In the "old days," I would listen to a book on cd as I drove Josh all the way to Kinkaid, and then when I got home to read the book, it took me ages to find my place and visa versa the following day when I'd get back in the car. Certainly, I am not the only human out there who finds this high tech trick marvelous!
In Robin Sloan's quirky new novel, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, Sloan plays with the pull we feel to both old and new. His odd little book (you could almost read it in one sitting...or listen to it on a long walk and then finish up reading it in bed that night) cleverly draws the reader to the intersection of old and new: ancient encoded books and Google. I do not want to give too much away, but the ending seems, for me at least, to reinforce the idea that all knowledge can lead to insight and therefore should be embraced. Mystery and curiosity feed the soul. What seems extinct may only be hibernating. What seems to conflict may only be awaiting our deeper understanding and appreciation. As Sloan writes, "All the secrets in the world worth knowing are hiding in plain sight."
In fairness, I do have an ipad, which I have thoroughly loved using, but there is something different about the iphone. For one, while I leave the ipad at home each day, my iphone is always with me. Secondly, since my ipad is 1st generation, this new iphone is upgraded and has lots more bells and whistles, including a wonderful camera. But the purpose of this piece is not to create ad copy for Apple (they hardly need my help!); rather, my love affair with my iphone has forced me to reexamine my split personality. On the one hand, I am almost Amish: I love to read,cook, knit, sew, make things with my hands. On the other hand, I am almost freakishly fascinated by the latest technological gizmos and gadgets.
My favorite moments come when I am finding bridges between the old and the new. For example, a few years ago I found out about a cool new website where you could upload your artwork and they would turn it into fabric and mail it to you. Spoonflower.com is the perfect marriage of old school and new school.
Obviously, one of the most incredible marriages between old and new is the e-reader. I have owned a Kindle for several years and, while I still buy "real" books occasionally, I would hate to give up the brilliant convenience of having so many of my favorite tomes in one small, portable container. I fervently hope that, in this case, old and new can learn to happily co-exist. I don't want to give up on bookstores or the smell of paper and ink or the feel of a solid book in my hands. When I teach, I need to hold a dog-eared, well-loved copy of the book as I page through and share with my students my copious handwritten notes.
Speaking of reading, another technological wonder I just discovered is the fact that since Audible has become part of the Amazon dynasty, there is a lovely easy link between the two called Whispersync for Voice. Let me tell you what this enables you to do: Now, you can read books on your Kindle, or the Kindle app on your iphone or ipad, and then go out for a long walk with your beloved dog and continue listening to the novel you were reading through your ipod or iphone Audible app. Here's the AMAZING part: when you crawl into bed that night and pick up your Kindle, it will sync to the last spot you listened to on your walk! Really!!! In the "old days," I would listen to a book on cd as I drove Josh all the way to Kinkaid, and then when I got home to read the book, it took me ages to find my place and visa versa the following day when I'd get back in the car. Certainly, I am not the only human out there who finds this high tech trick marvelous!
In Robin Sloan's quirky new novel, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, Sloan plays with the pull we feel to both old and new. His odd little book (you could almost read it in one sitting...or listen to it on a long walk and then finish up reading it in bed that night) cleverly draws the reader to the intersection of old and new: ancient encoded books and Google. I do not want to give too much away, but the ending seems, for me at least, to reinforce the idea that all knowledge can lead to insight and therefore should be embraced. Mystery and curiosity feed the soul. What seems extinct may only be hibernating. What seems to conflict may only be awaiting our deeper understanding and appreciation. As Sloan writes, "All the secrets in the world worth knowing are hiding in plain sight."
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
ANNOUNCEMENT
Hello Again.....I have come to a decision that was not easy to make. I am temporarily stopping the novel blog and resuming the questions blog. I won't necessarily be posting every week, but I will post when the spirit moves me, when I feel that I have something to say.
I think that life has to be about challenging yourself and growing through that challenge, but sometimes it is also about honestly acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses. I was not writing the novel that I hoped to write. I was not entirely proud of what I was putting out there and that made me reluctant to continue the story. Perhaps, someday, Sarah and Miriam will call me back. Perhaps, their story will shape itself in my head as I lead my life, and I will be motivated to resume their tale. Or not. Maybe their story is not the story I need to write.
In the meantime, I will continue to post my thoughts and queries, my dreams and observations, to the question blog. I hope that I have not disappointed anyone; though, I can't help feeling a bit disappointed in myself. When I was young, I started out writing fiction and loving the appeal of creating worlds from words on paper. Then, life taught me to value truth and honesty because without them, nothing else is real. Today, I'm realizing that memoir feels like the genre that best suits me. When I write about the books I'm reading, the dreams I have, the food I create or the people I know...I am embracing and chronicling a life lived. For now...that feels like what I am supposed to be doing.
Please stay tuned for a new post from this blog soon. As you may have noticed, I tweaked the title a bit.
Thanks to all of my faithful bleaders for taking this circuitous journey with me.
-Rachel
I think that life has to be about challenging yourself and growing through that challenge, but sometimes it is also about honestly acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses. I was not writing the novel that I hoped to write. I was not entirely proud of what I was putting out there and that made me reluctant to continue the story. Perhaps, someday, Sarah and Miriam will call me back. Perhaps, their story will shape itself in my head as I lead my life, and I will be motivated to resume their tale. Or not. Maybe their story is not the story I need to write.
In the meantime, I will continue to post my thoughts and queries, my dreams and observations, to the question blog. I hope that I have not disappointed anyone; though, I can't help feeling a bit disappointed in myself. When I was young, I started out writing fiction and loving the appeal of creating worlds from words on paper. Then, life taught me to value truth and honesty because without them, nothing else is real. Today, I'm realizing that memoir feels like the genre that best suits me. When I write about the books I'm reading, the dreams I have, the food I create or the people I know...I am embracing and chronicling a life lived. For now...that feels like what I am supposed to be doing.
Please stay tuned for a new post from this blog soon. As you may have noticed, I tweaked the title a bit.
Thanks to all of my faithful bleaders for taking this circuitous journey with me.
-Rachel
Monday, September 24, 2012
UPDATES ABOUT THE NOVEL PROJECT
Recently, several people have expressed concern that I have not been writing/posting chapters for the 52chaptersin52weeks blog. I have posted 17 to date! However, if you have not followed the link and registered for email notifications, you may have been missing out. PLEASE follow this link and sign up if you want to follow this novel-in-progress!
http://52chaptersin52weeks.blogspot.com/Thanks!
Rachel
http://52chaptersin52weeks.blogspot.com/Thanks!
Rachel
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