First Love, Once Removed

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I have gone over to the dark side – or the light or bright side, depending on your publishing perspective.

Much to my delight, my sons actually do listen to me – it’s not all selective hearing.  Truly, I was not planting subtle hints but after hearing a few tentative, “I’m considering buying a…” they seized the day and bought me a Kindle Touch for Mother’s Day.

I’m still immersed in the User’s Guide, experimenting & playing with my new toy and, as yet, have downloaded only three books.  (I actually considered downloading my own e-book but concluded that would be counter-intuitive in terms of money spent/earned.)

Although I’ve finally embraced this new technology, some things never change.  The day after receiving my Kindle, I just happened to be in the neighbourhood of my favourite used book store and purchased two hold-in-both-hands print books.  I will never lose that love, that addiction.

And while on the topic of print publications, I recently received my contributor’s copy of the magazine containing my short story.  Never mind that I know exactly what the story is all about, seeing and holding a magazine or journal containing my work never fails to thrill me.  The remuneration is rather nice, too.

Why a Kindle?  I know many writers who have gone or are going the Amazon Kindle e-publishing route – best (only?) way to read their work.

photo credit: google images

Grown-Up

In spite of my advancing years, I feel I have yet to achieve the status of “grown-up.”  I’m still struggling to attain certain traits I associate with the word – traits such as maturity, wisdom, dignity, stern expressions, serene acceptance, composure…  On the other hand, I still rather enjoy the childish aspects of my personality.  I’m reluctant to give them up.

However, when I finally make the momentous decision to do so, Kid Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Grown-Ups will be my guide.  This wonderful book is written by Monte Montgomery and illustrated by Patricia Storms.

I’ve mentioned Patricia on my blog before.  If it weren’t for this talented (she not only illustrates children’s books and magazines, she writes them), funny and a little bit crazy (delightfully so – that’s why we’re friends) woman, I would never have started blogging.  So, you have Patricia to either curse or bless regarding my presence in the blogosphere.

On her blog, Patricia is currently hosting a Kid ConfidentialBook Giveaway Contest.

To quote the lady:  “Here’s how it works. I will give away three paperback copies of this awesome book, plus 1 hardcover. That means four fabulous lucky folks will win! But you can’t win if you don’t comment on this blog post. And I request that your comment be either A) When you realized that you had finally became a grown-up or B) When you realized that you would never become a grown-up. Contest starts today, and ends Sunday May 6th, midnight, Canuck Toronto time (whatever that is). I will put all the names of the folks who have commented into my magic tin, and pull the winning names out, and announce them on this blog, Monday May 7th.”

To inspire you, here’s the comment I left:

“I’ve known for years I will never become a full-fledged grown-up.  I don’t simply possess an inner-child, I am a child – in many ways.  Burping, potty-talk, giggling, stomping my foot in puddles, mini-temper tantrums, indulging in “treats,” reading children’s books, defying orders, kicking piles of autumn leaves…all these things still delight me.  Being a grown-up is highly overrated.  I’m quite content retaining my sense of wonder and my belief in miracles and magic.  (But I do know there is no Santa Claus.)”

Do pay a visit to Patricia’s blog to learn more about the book and to leave a comment.  You’ll not only make both of us very happy if you do, but yourself as well - whether you win a copy or not.  Patricia is a treat.  A sweet, funny one.

Fifty Shades of Red

My post title?  Nah, I’m not blushing but I am reading the New York Times bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James – a book touted as porn for women.  The immense and unexpected popularity of this book is quite the phenomenon in the publishing world.  Erotica is not new in women’s romance fiction but these sales figures are.  Of course, I am reading it for research purposes only – as one who writes for the romance genre.  Although I don’t do erotica.  In my writing, that is.  ;)

With its descriptive passages of “vanilla sex” and S&M, this is not my usual cup of tea.  I think the last time I read anything porn-like was around the age of eleven – wide-eyed at the revelations in Forever Amber.  (Was that the title?  Perhaps I read two…)

I first read about Fifty Shades of Grey in The Globe and Mail’s Book Review Section – “Whips, Handcuffs and the Rise of Mommy Porn.”  Wouldn’t that title have caught your eye, too?  As a joke, I ordered it from Amazon and had it delivered to a friend.  (Yes, women joke, talk and laugh about sex.)  When she’d finished it, she promptly gave it to me to read.  I’m guessing so we have more to laugh about…

This is the kind of book I can read in two or three sittings – and not because of the racy passages.  It’s light reading and not particularly thought-provoking - although it is provoking these sort of thoughts/questions:  What does the book’s popularity say about women?  That their sex lives are dull?  That S&M is a common fantasy?  (Note, I said, fantasy…)  What if men were to read the book?  Would there be a revolution in the bedrooms of the world?  I know, I know, sex is not confined to the bedroom…

These questions intrigue me – far more than the story itself.  In fact, I find some parts of the book not only boring but unrealistic (no, not those “bits”).  Is Fifty Shades of Grey simply a sexed-up version of the happily-ever-after romance scenario – or does the S&M take it to a more disturbing level?  Pain, control, domination, submissiveness – interesting themes when it comes to a love story. 

And while pondering these questions, one of the headlines on the front page of yesterday’s Globe was - “Teaching Boys To Think Outside The Boxers: With Porn and Raunch Everywhere, How Can Young Guys Ever Learn Healthier Attitudes Toward Sex?”  I’ve often wondered and worried about the effect early and easy access to porn via the Internet has/will have on male expectations regarding sex.  Or for that matter, female expectations. 

Fifty Shades of Grey + Internet Porn = Worlds About to Collide?  Or mesh?  Or have they already? Brave new world or a kinkier, unsettling one?  And, yes, I am aware erotica and S&M have been around for centuries – they’ve just never been “the norm.”  And, OKAY, I also know there is no “normal” between consenting adults but still…my concern is for the young.

Really, I’m out of my depth here.  I’m no porn expert – more like a babe in the woods.  So, excuse me while I take my leave to finish the last two chapters of this most enlightening novel.  And in case you didn’t check the link, Fifty Shades of Grey is Book One in a Trilogy.  I will have to cleanse myself with Lionel Shriver’s The New Republic before – AND IF – I decide to continue my education with the next two books.

“Laters, baby.”  (an oft-repeated line from the book)

Books vs. Looks

A friend sent me this image – a friend who knows me very well.  And loves me in spite of the knowledge.

One could substitute the word “shoes” with clothes, jewelry, make-up, purses*…  They’d all fit.  I’m not a girlie-girl – and I’m quite okay with that.

Yes, I am addicted to books but there are worse addictions.  And perhaps I have one of those, too.  But never mind that…

Twice in the past few months I have gathered up books I’ve read and taken them to the used book store.  The last time I took six, bought twelve and paid only $45.00.  Ah, joy - ah, bliss.  Twelve books!  And only $3.75 per book.  Yes, I must keep in mind what I paid for the original six but most were bought at the same store.  And think of the money I save by not purchasing what I consider non-essentials.*

I may look like hell and be on the MOST WANTED list of the fashion police (one of my sisters is a member of the force) but I am well read.

 Yes, I own and wear this t-shirt.  With pride.  But usually under something else when in public.

P.S. I’ve written about my book addiction before but it happens to be a recurring theme in my life.  The spot-on image I received prompted this post.

photo credit: http://whispering-literature.tumblr.com/page/3

Lost and Found

Just started reading Falling Together by Marisa de los Santos and I’m already finding treasures to jot down.  One of the many joys of reading – discovering new ways of looking at the world and/or at words themselves. 

“It was the first time Pen had ever seen Will lose his temper, although “lose his temper” never seemed quite the right way of describing it.  What got lost was everything else, all the things that made Will himself: empathy and patience and decency, his sense of humor, his sense of justice, everything fine and good deserting him in one ugly rush.”

And that’s what it’s really like, isn’t it?  Our temper emerges – we don’t lose it.  It’s always there, lurking below the surface.  And then suddenly (or not so suddenly) we’re no longer in control of our anger, our fury.  It’s the other parts of ourselves – the good parts – that are temporarily submerged, buried by anger and frustration.  And how quickly that eruption can occur – which is a bit scary.  If you are really, really mad, it can be difficult to even recognize yourself amidst the rage.  You’re no longer the self you take pride in being.

For most of us, the emergence of this ugly side of our nature is followed by regret and remorse.  Or not.  Sometimes a good temper tantrum can be cathartic.  I had two mini-temper tantrums yesterday.  After each one, my better self (the self I adore!) returned and with it, my sense of humour.  I was able to laugh at myself.  Thank God.  It must be awful to be perpetually angry at the world or yourself.  Worse than awful – tragic.

I’m going to make a concerted effort not to “lose my temper” today.  It could happen.  I’m going Christmas shopping.  And while I always start off in a good mood, this seasonal venture often brings out the worst in people - the parking lot rage, the line-ups, the grumbling... 

It’s a slippery slope, my friends.  How easily it can turn into Ho! Ho! Hell!

Perhaps if I keep a smile plastered on my face?

When you're smiling

When you're smiling

The whole world smiles with you…

photo credit: google images

A Little Bit of This and That...

I was surfing the net.  I started off looking up something very important (yes, it was) and ended up going from site to site to site.  It happens.  And sometimes when it happens, you find some gems.  Such as….

This:

I love it.  Of course I do.  It has to do with books.  And it delights me that I’ve read so many of the books appearing in this cloud.  I so admire the creator’s taste in reading.

And this:

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

~ Ayn Rand

Which struck a nerve.  I simply have to remind myself that the only barrier to my taking action of any kind is my own reluctance – my own oftentimes hesitant nature.  And that can be overcome.  This, I know.

And then there’s this:

“It’s impossible,” said Pride.  “It’s risky,” said Experience.  “It’s pointless,” said Reason.  “Give it a try,” whispered the heart.

~ author unknown

I’m almost at the point of heeding the advice of that whisper.  But I think the heart has to speak up just a bit louder in order to completely drown out the words of pride, experience and reason.

And that’s all there is, folks…

photo credit: http://imgfave.com

Guest Blogger...Travis Erwin

Surprise!

There are good surprises, like going to the grocery store with just enough money in your pocket to buy ground chuck, only to discover T-Bones are on sale. Then there are bad surprises, like coming home from work to find both your mother-in-law and her eggplant casserole parked at your kitchen table.

Surprise hating kids of all ages will shimmy and shake every present under the tree to remove the mystery from Christmas morning.  While others will not even touch their gift for fear the weight or feel will spoil their yuletide magic.

To surprise or not to surprise. It can be a polarizing subject on matters such as sonograms and the gender of a baby.

Me? My stance is firm. Both feet are planted in the soil of it’s better to be surprised camp.

But I’m not stupid. I realize there are exceptions. Twenty five people jumping out at a 90 year old woman is never a good idea, even if it is her birthday.

Now I’m still a good many years shy of 90, but if I’m truthful I’ve had my share of life threatening surprises … like my employment at Pearl’s Feed and Seed.  I went to work at the dusty Texas feedstore at the tender age of 16. My boss was, and is, the most morally bankrupt man I’d ever met, but I didn’t know that when quite surprisingly, I landed the job that changed my life..

Here is a scene from my recently published book THE FEEDSTORE CHRONICLES which explains how I came to claim a job I never set out to have.

There we were, talking to Doyle, when Hunter opened his mouth

and said, “Are you hiring? I need a job, and it would be bad-ass

to work here.”

I don’t know what overcame me. Maybe it was the sun streaking

through the fly-specked window. Or the dust motes floating lazily

around Doyle’s head. Heck, maybe it was just the fact I didn’t

really like Hunter Tomkins, but for whatever reason, a compulsion

hit me. “Doyle already promised to hire me,” I blurted. As if

willing him to go along with my lie, I stared Doyle straight in the

eye. “Didn’t you?”

The corner of Doyle’s lip curled upward in a smile. Winking at

me, he said, “Yes, I did. Travis starts Saturday morning at seven thirty.”

Doyle later confessed he hadn’t really needed to hire more help,

but he’d been impressed by the way I’d cock-blocked Hunter.

He also told me my arrival had royally pissed off Jerry, his lone

employee before I hit the scene. I soon found out, Doyle enjoyed

few things more than annoying those foolish enough to call him

boss.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book. 

If The Feedstore Chronicles brand of comedic mischief and morally ambiguous hijinks, sounds like something you, or someone you know would enjoy order a copy or ten for all those on your Christmas list. And if they happen to be surprise-hating, package shakers fill the box with marbles. That will show ‘em. 

The Feedstore Chronicles is available in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and for order at most other book retailers.

Introducing Friday's Guest Blogger

Tomorrow (god willing and if I can figure out how to do it) I’m hosting a guest blogger – Travis Erwin of One Word, One Rung, One Day. 

I’ve known Travis – in the virtual sense only – for many years.  He is a fellow writer who possesses talent, determination and perseverance. 

His “One Day” has arrived!

On November 1, 2011 his book THE FEEDSTORE CHRONICLES was released.  So far, I’ve only read some wonderful & humorous excerpts but it’s on my Amazon Wish List.  A Christmas present for Beth – with love from, Beth.

Please tune in tomorrow and welcome Travis.

(And if I foul up Friday’s posting, please tune in another day…)

Travis – if you read this (and you should) reply to my email.  I need help!

Finally...

There’s been too much Etc. and not enough Books on this blog.  Since I don’t want to change the name to Etc.Books (doesn’t sound right) today’s post is devoted to books – their origins, history, etc., right back to the earliest known books - the clay tablets of Mesopotamia and the papyrus rolls of Egypt both dating from the early 3rd millennium BC.  KIDDING!  I would not subject you to such a scholarly treatise.

First up – a few pictures.  While taking these, I realized every room in this house (with the exception of one bathroom and the laundry and furnace rooms) contains books.  You decorate a home to make it feel comfortable, inviting and to make yourself feel at home, right?  Well, being surrounded by books does all those things for me.  Makes me happy.  To quote Heinrich Mann, “A house without books is like a room without windows.”

study/library/piano room

 antique set of Shakespeare on mantle

a bit messy but i like it

Next - Books Recently Read & Very Much Enjoyed

Non-fiction

The Kennedy Brothers - Richard D. Mahoney
Better - Dr. Atul Gawande
Complications - Dr. Atul Gawande       
The Checklist Manifesto - Dr. Atul Gawande
Every Patient Tells a Story - Lisa Sanders, M.D.
(Dr. Sanders is the technical advisor to the TV show House, M.D. – which I don’t watch but perhaps you do.)


Fiction

A Visit From the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan
The Marriage Plot - Jeffrey Eugenides
The Accidental - Ali Smith
Recipes for a Perfect Marriage - Morag Prunty
A bit late for me to be reading this!!   ;)
So Much For That - Lionel Shriver
(I love all Lionel Shriver’s books.)
Behind the Scenes at the Museum - Kate Atkinson
A Short History of Women - Kate Walbert
The Believers - Zoë Heller


There are more but I’ve given them away and can’t remember all the titles.  One day soon I will forget the books themselves and will be content reading the same book over and over and over…  What a savings!  Because, yes, this is an addiction.  I justify my addiction by never paying full price for a book, frequenting a used book store, being the grateful recipient of gift certificates and sharing.  The fact I don’t spend money on make-up (sensitive skin) and am not a slave to fashion saves me untold millions – which I then spend on books.  Austin Phelps had a similar outlook - "Wear the old coat and buy the new book.”

I read two to three books a week.  And, no, I do not spend my entire day reading.  I speed-read – taught myself to do this at the age of ten with an old-fashioned, no-tech speed-reader learning device of my father’s.  I also read books of his I probably shouldn’t have but was not left scarred for life.  (I don’t think…)

My love of books began at an early age – and it is a love affair that has lasted my entire life.  Cannot imagine it ever ending.

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”  ~ Stephen King

Yes, they most certainly are.


P.S. I’m leaving for another get-a-way to this place. Catch up with you all upon my return.  Have a lovely weekend.

Not Anymore...

Last night I was reading a book in which a character said, “I’m going to give him a piece of my mind!”

I haven’t heard this expression for years.  Nor have I used it.  Which is just as well because as time goes on (i.e. as I get older) there doesn’t seem to be enough of my mind left to give away even a small piece of it.

*sigh*


photo credit: Google images

In the Words Of...

“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

~Christopher Robin to Winnie The Pooh


I recently had a heart-to-heart with a friend who said to me, “You’re a smart woman - don’t ever forget how strong you can be.”

Being the sort of person who travels through life with an abundance of literary quotations in her head, I replied, “Hey, that reminds of what Christopher Robin told Winnie The Pooh!”

My words were met with a blank stare followed by a look of dismay. I suspect he was re-thinking that “smart woman” remark.

I explained my quantum leap of thought – the similarity of the advice.

He still looked a bit perplexed.

Hey, what man wouldn’t want to aspire to the wisdom and eloquence of Christopher Robin? Or for that matter, the wisdom of Winnie The Pooh? Or any inhabitant of the Hundred Acre Wood (aka 100 Aker Wood)?

I would take such a comparison as a compliment. ;)


P.S. We’re still friends – he just knows me a little better now – is more prepared for those quantum leaps…



photo credit: www.msu.edu/user/steinbr1/pooh/images/classic/pooh78.jpg

This Is Not A Plug

Okay, the above image is of a plug but the post itself isn’t one. My publisher would tear his (their) hair out to know I wasn’t promoting my own work but the truth is, I haven’t done any promoting for years – with the exception of providing a link on this blog.

The purpose of this post is to share my delight (warranted or not) in discovering that my e-book A Limited Partnership is listed on Amazon. I have no idea when it first appeared, but it’s there now!



The cover is courtesy of author and illustrator Patricia Storms. I can’t remember exactly how I found Patricia to do this work but once we met, it was the beginning of our friendship. I told her what I had in mind – no bodice ripping for me! – and she delivered. I love what she did.

If you check out the link, you might note the date of publication is 1996. I have not written a romance novel since. I wrote A Limited Partnership on a dare when informed there was a formula to writing romance. If a formula exists, it’s a challenging one. While I’ve written short story romance for magazines since then, I’ve never felt the urge or inclination to tackle another romance novel. I’ve made money on this book – the royalties have trickled in – but apparently the key to greater financial success in this genre is to keep churning them out – establish name recognition. I’ve done neither. My choice.

But, hey, it’s still a kick to see that book on Amazon.

I wonder how long it will remain up?


Note to Patricia – Check out the link on the publisher’s site for the Contemporary Romance selections – “our” book occupies the #1 spot. I think it’s because of the unique cover!

Heartfelt & Shameless...

(& thrilled to do it)…promotion for my talented, witty and beautiful friend - author and illustrator Patricia Storms!






Do check out Patricia’s blog re: the following events:


A book giveaway for her new book “The Pirate and the Penguin.” If you have a child or know of a child (you must know at least one) they would love this delightful story. Although I’m not a child (okay, sometimes maybe I am…) I love it and I own two copies. One will be given away as a Christmas gift and the other is mine to keep. Yes, I am the proud owner of an autographed copy.

Photo credit: Debbie Ohi

And for those of you living in Toronto or nearby, Patricia and her husband will be performing a skit based on the book Sunday, October 18 in Don Mills. Click on this link for details as to time, location, etc. I guarantee the skit will be great – and I oughta know. I’ve spent time with this woman. She possesses a talent for being funny & silly as well as for writing and illustrating.

Possible added bonus – you might just see me there! ;)


And just so you know, I wouldn’t promote anyone’s work if I didn’t love it.

Home Decorating

A friend of mine sent me the link to this picture. She finds the prospect of books piled on a staircase in such a manner to be somewhat of a hazard and an eyesore.

If this was to be a warning, my dear friend, it back-fired. I happen to find this set-up aesthetically pleasing and quite an original solution for a book hoarder such as myself. The circular staircase adds a nice touch. Unfortunately, I don’t have one.

However - sigh - I am in the process of purging my home of an excessive number of books. I actually have four boxes packed (two of which are not mine – ha! ha! boys) and a pile to give to Oreneta.

But can a beloved book collection ever really be considered excessive?

***

For Bee and Mom of Three who asked what I’ve been reading this summer (and to anyone else interested) here are a few of the books I enjoyed. Strangely enough, I do less reading while at the cottage. I spend far more time yakking with others. And I don’t read at all while at the dock. Can’t. The sun and heat (although rare this summer) make me feel sick to my stomach if I read. Strange, huh?


Mouthing the Words – Camilla Gibb

The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor – Sally Armstrong (for my Book Club)

Driving Sideways – Jess Riley

Leaving the World – Douglas Kennedy

And here are a few of my To-Be-Read finds:

Man Walks Into A Room – Nicole Krauss

South of Broad – Pat Conroy

Still Alice – Lisa Genova

Remembering the Bones – Frances Itani


And if anyone would like to recommend a book for me, please do. I now have space for more!

Mentioning Books (Again...Finally...)

It’s been so long since I’ve reviewed or even mentioned a book on this blog, I should be stripped of the “Books” in BooksEtc.

To remedy this, I’ve made a list of some of the books I’ve read in the past little while. How do I define past little while? Not quite sure but I read on average (at least) two books a week. Some people read more, some less. If you’re in the less category, don’t think I lounge on the sofa all day consuming bon-bons and racy novels. I read quickly, voraciously and watch very little television.

My list includes only those books I enjoyed. I’m excluding any stinkers for the following reasons:

a) if it stunk, I usually don’t finish it (life is too short)
b) I have too much respect for any author who managed to write a book to pan their work


Here goes:

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (a memoir) - Dave Eggers
(late to the party on this one – loved it)

The Ice Queen – Alice Hoffman
(strange but wonderful – kind of like me...)

Ten Thousand Lovers – Edeet Ravel
(fascinating – and, no, it was not the title that inspired me to read it)

Libra – Don Delillo
(recommended by Cip – excellent and disturbing and it gave me a bad dream)

Shadow of Power – Steve Martini
(I have a weakness for legal thrillers – this one delivered)

Capturing Paris – Katherine Davis
(thank you, Bee, for recommending this one – it was all you said it was)

February Flowers – Fan Wu
(recommended by Seraphine – fascinating – loved it and learned from it)

Red Plaid Shirt - Diane Schoemperlen
(a wonderful book of short stories I carried with me for waiting times in offices, etc. - one should never be without a book…)

Handle With Care – Jodi Picoult
(loved it – enjoy all her novels)

The Road – Cormac McCarthy
(again, late to the party on this one – my recommendation for Book Club – I loved it – others found it depressing or disturbing – made for excellent conversation despite or because of the differing opinions. Mine, of course, was right…)

A Reliable Wife – Robert Goolrick
(gives new meaning to the word “reliable” – one of those “must get back to it asap books” – gave me a glimpse into an unfamiliar and intriguing world)

Mouthing The Words – Camilla Gibb
(described by The National Post as “…a powerful but darkly comic novel.” It was. Loved it.)


There are more but I’ve either given them away and can’t remember the titles at the moment (the perils of reading too much) or I’m too lazy to get up and find the others.

Perhaps these recommendations might assist you in preparing a summer reading list? I’m off to the used book store today with my current “Must Read” list. I get twitchy when there are only two books left in my “To Read” pile.

“…feeling constantly poised on the brink of speaking a sentence she doesn’t know the words to.”






Perhaps not constantly, but at times.

Enjoy the weekend. I’m hoping for sunshine. It’s pouring rain right now.

Rip-Snortin' Raunchy Good Time Had By All

Last night. Best Book Club Meeting ever!! At my place. Of course. ;)

(The post title is somewhat misleading – my fellow raunchees are in the minority.)

Wine and LOTS of junk food served.

Two people hadn’t finished the book (we’re a lenient bunch…) and only one person liked it. Despite this, the book discussion was great.

The meeting lasted longer than any previous one and yet, not one woman had to use the ladies’ room. How very unusual.

But what made it the best meeting ever?

We got crazy silly – laughed and laughed. Mascara was running. I actually snorted.

How many years have we been meeting and NOT laughed like this? Far too many. A bridge has been crossed – there’s no going back. (I hope.)

There are few things more pleasurable in life (yes, I qualified that) than getting together with a bunch of women, telling tales, righting the wrongs of the world and experiencing such exhilarating laughter.

And, no, we weren’t laughing about the book - or about men.

Only one sour note to the evening. After everyone had left, I experienced approximately 15 minutes of the hiccups. I don’t recommend drinking massive amounts of water late at night as a remedy.

Movies, Books (& Snobbery?)

Considering the Academy Awards were on last night this post is a bit bah-humbug concerning movies. But I’m not anti-movie. I enjoy them. I’ll also watch some of the Academy Awards show – although part-way through my jaw begins to ache from unconsciously mimicking the mega-watt, celebratory smiles of all the winners. It’s exhausting. (And my god, everyone’s teeth are so bloody straight and white.)

I digress.

Back to the point of my post – which is…

Why I Prefer Books to Movies (or, if possible, prefer to read the book first):

“Because there's no arguing with pictures. You simply accept or reject them. What's up there on the screen moves too fast to permit analysis or argument. You can't control the flow of images the way you can control a book - by rereading a chapter, rereading a paragraph, rereading a sentence. A book invites argument, invites reconsideration, invites thought. A moving picture is beyond thought. Like feeling, it simply is.” (107)

The Englishman’s Boy
Guy Vanderhaeghe

This excerpt also explains my aversion to scary and violent movies. Not only can I not “control the flow” of frightening images bombarding me from the big screen but I’m often unable to close my eyes quickly enough to avoid having those images sear my brain.

And I do admit that some movies are thought-provoking – that you can think about them later.


Addendum:

I’d like to thank all the people in my life {BIG SMILE} who made it possible for me to become such a pompous ass when it comes to touting the superiority of books over movies…my parents, my Grade One teacher, all the librarians I ever worked for and with, Bob Morgan (what that man could do with a bit of Shakespeare!) and most of all, my thanks to the thousands of books I’ve read. You made me what I am today.

I'm a Bit Late With This...

I’m not recommending Edward and the Eureka Lucky Wish Company because its illustrator Patricia Storms is a friend of mine. Nor am I recommending it because her infectious sense of humour and delight in life are reflected on every page of the book.

Nope. I’m doing so simply because I love it. It makes me laugh and it makes me smile. (I’ve read it twice.)

If you’d like the opportunity to have a free copy of this delightful book, head over to Patricia’s blog BookLust and leave a comment in the form of a wish. Her book give-a-way contest is open until midnight Saturday February 21st.

And if you don’t win, buy a copy anyway. It’s worth it.

It’s also worth heading over to BookLust just to catch a glimpse of Patricia flashing that infectious smile of hers!

This is a picture of my copy taken with my new cell phone!

Oh, Yes You Can!

Yes, you can judge a book by its cover.

In fact, you can judge a book on the title alone – which is what I did with this one.

“Your Sad Eyes and Unforgettable Mouth.”

Lovely. Such a great literary hook.

And that beautiful image? Haunting.

And, no, I wasn’t feeling sad at the time I glanced at the cover. Nor did I (or do I) identify with the pensive, angelic face of the woman. (Would that I were so beautiful or angelic…)

I loved the story.

I’m also thrilled that author Edeet Ravel has written other books I will now read. I hit the mother lode when this one caught my eye!

Words – written or spoken in just the right way – will get me every time.

Alas, sometimes to my detriment.

Not this time.