Just in time I have gotten my hands on a library loan. A book that I have been curious about for years. I reserved it from the library in mid-June, and it just came available on Wednesday. I am possibly the last person to read this classic novel. Barely 100 pages in and I’m hooked. The Secret History by Donna Tartt, is living up to its classic reputation. Loving all of these characters, with their bizarre quirks and entangled secrets.
Gothic, mansions, surreal libraries, lakes, academia, retro setting–I’m loving it all.
It’s not necessarily the book I want to talk about though; it’s the fact that it’s a library book. When I took it off the reserve shelf (with the bold font reserve tag bearing my initials THLI) I felt a thrill to the touch. It was just as I had suspected: it feels amazing in my hands, as though the paper has turned into soft pliable leather as a result of strangers’ hands. The almost splitting spine is a testament to the eager readers who came before me.
I suspect it will be a challenge to finish the book within the three-week allotment. There is no renewal on books like this one. The long reserve list of avid readers is too numerous to allow it. This reminds me that I should have bought the book brand new last year when I saw it on the local bookstore shelf. Now I will definitely be buying it anyway, even if I finish the library copy, because it is a book I have a hunch I’ll want at my fingertips.
Coincidentally, I penned a short poem in an ode to the beloved library book before laying my hands on this precious copy.
Your spine is cracked
Your pages worn
With fingerprints unknown
The joy and distraction
You give free and sublime
Escape I do, into your pages divine
A delight of time in-fi-nite
Comfort the forlorn
With written words enshrined
-LTW
Do you prefer new or used books?
Are you thinking about writing your memoir to tell your life story? If so, you likely have a compelling reason for it. Our lives don’t have to be full of trauma or drama to be interesting. Many people want to write their memoir and publish a small batch for posterity. The children can read it after the writer is dearly departed and find within those pages, stories mom or dad didn’t have a chance (or the courage) to tell when they were alive and kicking. It is one of the reasons many folks consider this daunting task worthwhile.
My memoir is ready. It’s waiting in a drawer for my courage to publish.
If you are an aspiring memoirist, please know this: you don’t need to read a how-to book before you begin. For example, if you are tempted to first read The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr, I’m here to tell you it isn’t necessary. In fact, reading this book may just snuff out your desire to begin. My advice? Avoid it altogether–here’s why…
Hello, Sleevers, I hope you are keeping well. I have missed our back and forth here at the blog. I have been absent lately, but I have a good excuse. Book release!
My debut novel, Daughter of the Moon is finally ready! Release date is October 3, 2024 for the eBook and October 6th for the paperback.
Click for the e-book on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca
Hello Sleevers, t’s been a while since we’ve talked. Life has been interfering with my blog.
I hope you are doing well. I thought a nice way to ease in back here is to share what I’m currently reading, doing and anticipating this Spring. We’re half way through spring, that’s true but it’s not too late to share what’s happening mid-season.
First, let’s talk books.
I’ve been reading so many books lately. Trying new authors has been stimulating and fun. Along with this I’ve become aware of some minor book pet peeves I have. Let’s dish…
I typically have more than one book on the go. I will read one on my kindle and also one paperback (real life) book. I don’t know why, but it is necessary to me to have a book in my hand at some point during the day. It’s as if my kindle, e-reader doesn’t count. Strange, I know. The good thing is that this ‘feeling’ causes me to read twice as much.
Hello Escapees, how is life lately for you? I’ve been away and then sick so have been absent here at the blog for a while. I drafted this post a few weeks ago, so you’ll notice where I’ve provided an update. It’s not my typical blog post but always fun to let you in on what I’m up to.
Sit down, relax and pour yourself a glass of vino.
You may recall, that I mentioned The Wine Diaries-Musings On Divorce Paired With Wine would be published in late autumn 2018. Well, that hasn’t happened. It isn’t because of procrastination so much as letting the manuscript mellow along with further wine tasting. Essentially, it’s a little wine with whine…
It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted on this meme; Catch Up Over Coffee. So, it’s time for a chat over espresso or maybe you prefer plain old drip. Cream? Sugar? Help yourself…it’s on the table.
I’ve been getting random comments on archived blog posts. Many of them from law firms or lawyers. These are legitimate comments and even thoughtful and interesting. They are definitely not spam. Apparently a blog post lives on, long after we’ve written it. I guess it’s what they call ‘evergreen’ content. The other ones that continue to garner comments are 5 Tips To Handle the Divorce Bully and Narcissist or A**hole? Know the Difference. In case you missed either of those and you need help with a bully or narc, then check those out.
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