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Almost…but not quite

Written on: September 29th, 2008 in Learning Journeys

Laura here: When you simply can’t get into what you thought
would be a good book, what do you do? Do you try again later: different mood,
different place or time? Do you give up and move on to the next book in your
stack? And if so how far into the book do you read before you decide to move
on? One chapter, two, or does it need to grab you within the first few pages?

Here’s why I ask. I traveled to Las Vegas recently and only took one wonderful book
which I finished while I was there: The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton. On the
way home I picked up a book out of desperation: I needed something for the four
hour flight and the airport newsstand had slim pickings. I grabbed Alice Sebold’s
The Almost Moon along with a snack and figured I was all set. Settled on the plane I was shocked by the
first few pages and what the protagonist does and that kept me reading but I
stopped after a dozen pages and watched the in flight movie Flawless with Demi
Moore, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I’m not a huge Sebold fan, I worked in an independent
bookstore when The Lovely Bones was on the bestseller list and I joined a book
discussion group and read it. I thought it was dark and depressing but the book
group did help me to see some insights that I would have missed on my own.
However,   I
devoured Sebold’s memoir Lucky and as dark as it was I enjoyed it.

Back home and in my own bed I crack open The Almost Moon and am again aghast at
the protagonist’s behavior—I’m really not sure I like her. Am I supposed to?
Well I need to care enough about her to want to find out what happens to her,
and at this point even with the parallels between her mother and mine I can’t dredge
up any sympathy or empathy. What to do?

For now I’ve set it aside which pains me. If an author takes
the time to write it and a publisher takes the time to publish it the book must
have some redeeming qualities don’t you think? And as a writer I would want my
readers to stick with it and trust me to take them where they need to go. But
if the author has betrayed your trust as a reader what then? Inquiring minds
want to know what you’d do or have done in this situation. And if you’ve stuck
it out with Almost Moon…does it get
better? 😉

Life is a verb

Written on: September 9th, 2008 in Learning Journeys

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Honoré here:
Last week I did a quick run-through of my favorite bookstore in Annapolis to see if any
new quarterly magazines that I like had hit the newsstand, yet…and also, to
check out the newest books in my favorite categories: Quilting; Writing/Journaling;
Self Improvement: and whatever other subject is currently on my radar
screen. [An aside: I go to the bookstore to browse the displays, see what’s
new. Book jackets and titles do catch my attention and encourage me to pick them
up, do a quick on-the-fly exam…most times I make note to check my local
library to see if the title’s available or if I have my Kindle, I’ll check it
for availability, but that’s the subject for another blog post. Sometimes, I
will buy the item.]

 

I hit the jackpot with a new title: life is a verb: 37 days to wake up, be mindful ,and live
intentionally by Patti Digh.
The blog is her book is her blog is 37 days, prompted by her stepfather’s death
just 37 days after being diagnosed with cancer.

Added to each blog entry in the book:

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Added to each blog entry in the book:

• Action Challenge – primarily focused free-write exercises
• Movement – actions to do for 37+ days
• Illustrations – artwork created by readers

 

The format of the book is colorful, much
like a scrapbook and the content is thought-provoking, reflective, both
humorous and serious, contemporary, and liberally peppered with appropriate
quotes and words of wisdom, etc.

 

In many ways, the "book is a blog is a
book" is a learning journey and journal. Case in point: You may recall
several months ago, I started on a
learning path to learn how to see—to draw. The Action Challenge for one blog entry: "Get Off the Ship"
requires you to photograph, journal or draw an object from at least twenty different angles. I chose to use the book as my object and wrote 21 different descriptions; I next
plan to draw the book using those descriptions and then, take photos. Three ways
to see! Isn’t it interesting that as we look at things from different perspectives, there is a deeper meaning and the possibility of
an entirely new learning path opening.

Fan mail

Written on: September 3rd, 2008 in Learning Journeys

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Hi Kathy, Honoré and Annie-

Thank you so much for a great workshop and a wonderful journal.
I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences with the journal. Your displays
were so different and so creative. I really enjoyed the chance to get to know
you better.
I am helping a friend move into a nursing home and had had a sad and stressful
day.
I put the journal next to my computer and started – well, it felt like I was
playing with it.
First question, where should I put my name? After about two hours, I had a
bookplate. The whole time, I was totally absorbed. At the end, I was so pleased
with my creation, and I was relaxed and rejuvenated.
Next projects – a title page – possibly "Searching for Absalom Jones"
– and maybe a frontispiece.
You’ve done a great job!

 

P.S. At first, I wasn’t sure about the color, but
I’m beginning to like it.