Out from the Depths of the Internet ...
I've returned. I'm a slacker, but programs, working weekends, and life just got in my way. Got me a bit down about posting as well, as my day to day stuff feels as if is doesn't change.
Ironically enough, I'm re-reading Emma as I've decided to venture through all of Austen's major works this year (I'm at #2 of 6; did Northanger Abbey in March, I think). My last post being a rant on Austen, I find it funny. I'm nearly finished with it, and trying to keep an open mind about the character Emma (I still find her selfish and spoiled, but after the Box Hill incident, I'm trying to watch for her changed character without jumping immediately to see how her good thoughts or deeds are actually for her own benefit) but when you spend 340 pages listening to someone talk about what a great friend and influence and how important she is to the Highbury society, it gets ingrained in you. But I'm trying.
What have I been reading? I did read The Scarlet Stockings: The Enchanted Riddle by Charlotte Kandel. Daphne is an older orphan (13) who dreams of being adopted and being a dancer at the turn of the last century (I hate having to clarify that now). Both of her dreams come true after receiving a mysterious package in the mail containing a book on ballet (so she can teach herself) and beautiful scarlet stockings. There is more to these gifts than meet the eye, however, when Daphne discovers her stockings allow her to dance better than she has ever danced before. She manages to get trained by a famous dance instructor, auditions for a great Paris ballet company (and makes it), and her career is careening along with the help of the stockings. But what has she left behind? What changes have success encouraged in her, despite warnings? It is definitely an enjoyable book, good for any 3-5 grader interested in dance (or even a little older if looking for an easy read), however I was a little disappointed at the ending. It all fell together so quickly and I was a bit surprised by that.
Have also recently read A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz. That is a fantastic book. It's 1909 and Maud is a feisty, spunky orphan, unwilling to break to be a meek girl she is expected to be at the orphanage. Small for her 11 years, Maud (unlike Daphne) has outwardly given up all hope of being adopted, but inside still hopes to have a chance. The chance comes with the arrival of elderly Hyacinth Hawthorne and one of her sisters. Hyacinth still pouts to get her way and what she wants RIGHT NOW is Maud. Her sister gives in and Maud is brought to their home and in on a secret: the sisters hold seances and scam people out of their money. Not only is this aspect of the plot interesting to watch unfold (they want Maud to be a major part of it but for now she must remain The Secret Child), but watching Maud try to bond with the three Hawthorne sisters or even their maid/cook Muffet. Maud wants so much to be loved by someone, anyone, and desperately clings to any tiny expression of love, regardless of what it's followed by. Excellent read.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks I was intrigued by when I read reviews of it, but it took me a while to actually read it. When I settled into the book, I was amazed by the fantastic storytelling and the myriad of stories told. Brooks follows not only the conservator of the Sarajevo Haggadah but also the stories of the people who left pieces behind in the book (an insect wing, a wine stain, hair, to name a few). You're reading all these different stories that create the life of the book. I've always been fascinated by used books (especially those written in) and the lives they had before I picked them up, so this was an excellent read by my tastes.
I will note that I am pleased to see an article on Guitar Hero and Rock Band and their roles in library programs (the article is Michael Garrett Farrelly's column "Passing Notes" in the March/April 2008 Public Libraries). I have had some modest success with my gaming programs and encourage other libraries to have gaming programs if they have the resources. We don't do solely video game programs (though to be honest, it is mostly video game programs); earlier this month we had a life size Clue game and next month we have a Field Day Games program. My video game tournaments have always given me the best turnout (everybody wants prizes! Though I don't recommend bookstore gift cards, one of the kids looked at me and said, "Bookstore? Who reads books?" I joked with him and said, "Where ARE you? In a library! SOMEBODY reads books or I'd be out of a job!"), but my Family Game Nights usually don't turn out too poorly.
I've read a great deal more lately (big people books, too!) but I have to write down what I read so I don't run into this problem. Perhaps I'll be better about updating, especially after the success (and excellent job) one of my colleagues does on her own blog. So my April resolution is to post more book rants and library program rehashes.
Ironically enough, I'm re-reading Emma as I've decided to venture through all of Austen's major works this year (I'm at #2 of 6; did Northanger Abbey in March, I think). My last post being a rant on Austen, I find it funny. I'm nearly finished with it, and trying to keep an open mind about the character Emma (I still find her selfish and spoiled, but after the Box Hill incident, I'm trying to watch for her changed character without jumping immediately to see how her good thoughts or deeds are actually for her own benefit) but when you spend 340 pages listening to someone talk about what a great friend and influence and how important she is to the Highbury society, it gets ingrained in you. But I'm trying.
What have I been reading? I did read The Scarlet Stockings: The Enchanted Riddle by Charlotte Kandel. Daphne is an older orphan (13) who dreams of being adopted and being a dancer at the turn of the last century (I hate having to clarify that now). Both of her dreams come true after receiving a mysterious package in the mail containing a book on ballet (so she can teach herself) and beautiful scarlet stockings. There is more to these gifts than meet the eye, however, when Daphne discovers her stockings allow her to dance better than she has ever danced before. She manages to get trained by a famous dance instructor, auditions for a great Paris ballet company (and makes it), and her career is careening along with the help of the stockings. But what has she left behind? What changes have success encouraged in her, despite warnings? It is definitely an enjoyable book, good for any 3-5 grader interested in dance (or even a little older if looking for an easy read), however I was a little disappointed at the ending. It all fell together so quickly and I was a bit surprised by that.
Have also recently read A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz. That is a fantastic book. It's 1909 and Maud is a feisty, spunky orphan, unwilling to break to be a meek girl she is expected to be at the orphanage. Small for her 11 years, Maud (unlike Daphne) has outwardly given up all hope of being adopted, but inside still hopes to have a chance. The chance comes with the arrival of elderly Hyacinth Hawthorne and one of her sisters. Hyacinth still pouts to get her way and what she wants RIGHT NOW is Maud. Her sister gives in and Maud is brought to their home and in on a secret: the sisters hold seances and scam people out of their money. Not only is this aspect of the plot interesting to watch unfold (they want Maud to be a major part of it but for now she must remain The Secret Child), but watching Maud try to bond with the three Hawthorne sisters or even their maid/cook Muffet. Maud wants so much to be loved by someone, anyone, and desperately clings to any tiny expression of love, regardless of what it's followed by. Excellent read.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks I was intrigued by when I read reviews of it, but it took me a while to actually read it. When I settled into the book, I was amazed by the fantastic storytelling and the myriad of stories told. Brooks follows not only the conservator of the Sarajevo Haggadah but also the stories of the people who left pieces behind in the book (an insect wing, a wine stain, hair, to name a few). You're reading all these different stories that create the life of the book. I've always been fascinated by used books (especially those written in) and the lives they had before I picked them up, so this was an excellent read by my tastes.
I will note that I am pleased to see an article on Guitar Hero and Rock Band and their roles in library programs (the article is Michael Garrett Farrelly's column "Passing Notes" in the March/April 2008 Public Libraries). I have had some modest success with my gaming programs and encourage other libraries to have gaming programs if they have the resources. We don't do solely video game programs (though to be honest, it is mostly video game programs); earlier this month we had a life size Clue game and next month we have a Field Day Games program. My video game tournaments have always given me the best turnout (everybody wants prizes! Though I don't recommend bookstore gift cards, one of the kids looked at me and said, "Bookstore? Who reads books?" I joked with him and said, "Where ARE you? In a library! SOMEBODY reads books or I'd be out of a job!"), but my Family Game Nights usually don't turn out too poorly.
I've read a great deal more lately (big people books, too!) but I have to write down what I read so I don't run into this problem. Perhaps I'll be better about updating, especially after the success (and excellent job) one of my colleagues does on her own blog. So my April resolution is to post more book rants and library program rehashes.
posted by austentatious at 10:24 AM
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