My current choice of things to read:
New Scientist
Persepolis
Lonely Planet guide to the Lakes District
Understanding Children & Young People 5-18 years
Protecting Scotland's Communities (Fair, Fast & Flexible Justice)
Homes & Antiques
The Quran
DD208 Book 3 Chapter 6
BBC History magazine
(most of the above I have already started!)
Hmm not much Chick Lit amongst that lot!
Or I could start something new like 'Attention All Shipping: A journey around the shipping forecast' or the other books waiting for me upstairs.... but no I need to finish what I've started first or I won't be able to move for half read books / magazines!
I think I have an addiction to the written word..... is there a group for that?
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Monday, 2 April 2012
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Different shoes
Having raided the social science section at the library, I am reading a book called "Dis/connected. Why our kids are turning their backs one everything we thought we knew" by Nick Barham .
The author travels around talking to teens and trying to find out 'what makes them tick', have a look at the reviews in the link above for more description.
One of the things that I noticed reading it was my reaction to some of the activities described in the book, such as groups of 150 souped up cars gathering in a public car park with music blaring, or large groups of teens hanging around with Death message t-shirts on, drinking Vodka RedBulls. He talks about how some city centres have become no-go areas at night, and I'm thinking 'too bloody right, I don't want to be beaten up or vomited on thanks!'.
I realised how ingrained my middle-class-ness is by my automatic response, namely that many of the described situations would make me anxious or disapproving. At some points I felt anger towards the author for generalisations and suggesting that kids behaviour should never be threatening, when clearly sometimes it is. Then again, is that me jumping to my own defense, because does he actually suggest that? The book doesn't suggest everything these kids do is fine, and that we should all accept their behaviours as unproblematic, but it is trying to explain the reasoning behind it and does a good job of that.
Maybe it's not just that some of us have inbuilt prejudices caused by a) our upbringing and b) the media, though this is undoubtedly the case. Maybe some of it is fear of people who enjoy themselves in a different way to us, who get a kick out of doing things that are illegal (or borderline legal), who make people like me seem 'boring'.
Recently I seem to keep reminding myself of that phrase about "walking a mile in another man's* shoes", I guess we should all try to do that when we start judging others on their behaviours or attitudes, it's a good start at least.
*I refuse to change it to "person's" for the sake of political correctness!
The author travels around talking to teens and trying to find out 'what makes them tick', have a look at the reviews in the link above for more description.
One of the things that I noticed reading it was my reaction to some of the activities described in the book, such as groups of 150 souped up cars gathering in a public car park with music blaring, or large groups of teens hanging around with Death message t-shirts on, drinking Vodka RedBulls. He talks about how some city centres have become no-go areas at night, and I'm thinking 'too bloody right, I don't want to be beaten up or vomited on thanks!'.
I realised how ingrained my middle-class-ness is by my automatic response, namely that many of the described situations would make me anxious or disapproving. At some points I felt anger towards the author for generalisations and suggesting that kids behaviour should never be threatening, when clearly sometimes it is. Then again, is that me jumping to my own defense, because does he actually suggest that? The book doesn't suggest everything these kids do is fine, and that we should all accept their behaviours as unproblematic, but it is trying to explain the reasoning behind it and does a good job of that.
Maybe it's not just that some of us have inbuilt prejudices caused by a) our upbringing and b) the media, though this is undoubtedly the case. Maybe some of it is fear of people who enjoy themselves in a different way to us, who get a kick out of doing things that are illegal (or borderline legal), who make people like me seem 'boring'.
Recently I seem to keep reminding myself of that phrase about "walking a mile in another man's* shoes", I guess we should all try to do that when we start judging others on their behaviours or attitudes, it's a good start at least.
*I refuse to change it to "person's" for the sake of political correctness!
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Bookworm
Sorry about the lack of posts, I've been suffering from a severe lack of inspiration.
Ever since I was a child I have been an avid reader. I nearly always had a book on the go and read late into the night under the covers. Occasionally my mother would say 'you'll ruin your eyes reading in that bad light!' but I'm 45 and have near perfect eyesight, so I guess she was wrong. I'm actually quite disappointed as I think I'd look rather good in glasses.
So, one of the advantages of being in between OU courses is that I have plenty of time to read, and I am enjoying an interesting selection of books from the library at the moment. I finished the biography of Myra Hindley of Moors Murders infamy, extremely well written and objective. I can't remember the author's name but it was titled 'One of your own', highly recommended.
Then I read a Daisy Dalrymple mystery which was beautifully innocent. Set in a Devonshire coastal village in the 1920s, Daisy is the wife of a Scotland Yard Detective Inspector who is supposed to be on holiday but of course gets wrapped up in the suspected murder of the local philanderer. I loved the insight into 1920s manners and the tail end of the staid Victorian generation who frowned upon the young people and their improprieties.
I am now reading an interesting novel called 'I am NOT a Serial Killer'... hmm catchy title you say! It is the (fictional) story of a 15 year old sociopath who is obsessed by serial killers; written from his point of view and quite disturbing.
I have two or three random crime novels lined up still to go. Given that there is no purchasing involved, I am enjoying picking authors that are totally unknown to me, just to see what they are like. I do have a quick glance in the book to see what the style of writing is like, but other than that I just go by the precis description of the story. It is so easy to get locked into one author, or just the 'best selling' ones, and not try any of those on the perimeter.
It is probably obvious that I enjoy crime novels (they have a whole section to themselves in the library, so I am obviously not alone). Although they can be predictable and formulaic on occasion, not half as much as love stories which tend to bore me unless they are exceptional. I cannot abide Chick Lit, it drives me into a frenzy! Unfortunately I am not as willing to experiment with love stories, I'm sure there are some very well written ones out there.
I've always fancied that I could write a novel, or at least short stories, but I don't think I have the patience. So I'll leave it to others, and just spend time enjoying the fruits of their labours!
Ever since I was a child I have been an avid reader. I nearly always had a book on the go and read late into the night under the covers. Occasionally my mother would say 'you'll ruin your eyes reading in that bad light!' but I'm 45 and have near perfect eyesight, so I guess she was wrong. I'm actually quite disappointed as I think I'd look rather good in glasses.
So, one of the advantages of being in between OU courses is that I have plenty of time to read, and I am enjoying an interesting selection of books from the library at the moment. I finished the biography of Myra Hindley of Moors Murders infamy, extremely well written and objective. I can't remember the author's name but it was titled 'One of your own', highly recommended.
Then I read a Daisy Dalrymple mystery which was beautifully innocent. Set in a Devonshire coastal village in the 1920s, Daisy is the wife of a Scotland Yard Detective Inspector who is supposed to be on holiday but of course gets wrapped up in the suspected murder of the local philanderer. I loved the insight into 1920s manners and the tail end of the staid Victorian generation who frowned upon the young people and their improprieties.
I am now reading an interesting novel called 'I am NOT a Serial Killer'... hmm catchy title you say! It is the (fictional) story of a 15 year old sociopath who is obsessed by serial killers; written from his point of view and quite disturbing.
I have two or three random crime novels lined up still to go. Given that there is no purchasing involved, I am enjoying picking authors that are totally unknown to me, just to see what they are like. I do have a quick glance in the book to see what the style of writing is like, but other than that I just go by the precis description of the story. It is so easy to get locked into one author, or just the 'best selling' ones, and not try any of those on the perimeter.
It is probably obvious that I enjoy crime novels (they have a whole section to themselves in the library, so I am obviously not alone). Although they can be predictable and formulaic on occasion, not half as much as love stories which tend to bore me unless they are exceptional. I cannot abide Chick Lit, it drives me into a frenzy! Unfortunately I am not as willing to experiment with love stories, I'm sure there are some very well written ones out there.
I've always fancied that I could write a novel, or at least short stories, but I don't think I have the patience. So I'll leave it to others, and just spend time enjoying the fruits of their labours!
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Travelling light
I'm off to Scotland tomorrow evening, just for a long weekend, accompanied by my best girlfriend.
I was thinking about what I needed to pack, and realised the answer is 'not a lot'! Each time I go up there I seem to leave another item of clothing, so my bag gets smaller and smaller :-)
One thing I will definitely be packing is a book. I've just started reading The Life and Death of Myra Hindley, which seems to be written in a very balanced way - not biased in defence of, or against her. It's an interesting insight into the lives of poorer families in inner Manchester in the 40s and 50s, before they got moved out of their close-knit community of houses into 'better' high-rise flats, which didn't prove to be better at all...
Have a good weekend.
Juniper
I was thinking about what I needed to pack, and realised the answer is 'not a lot'! Each time I go up there I seem to leave another item of clothing, so my bag gets smaller and smaller :-)
One thing I will definitely be packing is a book. I've just started reading The Life and Death of Myra Hindley, which seems to be written in a very balanced way - not biased in defence of, or against her. It's an interesting insight into the lives of poorer families in inner Manchester in the 40s and 50s, before they got moved out of their close-knit community of houses into 'better' high-rise flats, which didn't prove to be better at all...
Have a good weekend.
Juniper
Saturday, 23 July 2011
Library run
Today's library books..
Ian Rankin - Fleshmarket Close (recommended reading for my next course)
Derek Raymond - He Died with His Eyes Open (trying out a different crime author)
Alexander Pushkin - The Queen of Spades and other stories (I like to educate myself with classics)
Carol Ann Lee - One of Your Own, The Life and Death of Myra Hindley
Ian Rankin - Fleshmarket Close (recommended reading for my next course)
Derek Raymond - He Died with His Eyes Open (trying out a different crime author)
Alexander Pushkin - The Queen of Spades and other stories (I like to educate myself with classics)
Carol Ann Lee - One of Your Own, The Life and Death of Myra Hindley
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
The freedom of going alone
Today I did something I've never done before.
I booked a ticket to go to the theatre, to see 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Not just that, but I'm going alone, to a matinee in 10 days time.
It cancels out so many issues: no deciding who to ask along, no agreeing on which night suits us best, no wondering if we will want a drink in the interval, no discussion about eating beforehand. Some people would hate to go out to something without company, but as someone who has had to eat in restaurants alone a few times, this is easy. I like the freedom of being alone, although as social beings it doesn't often come easily to us, and we like to have props such as a book or newspaper. I think it takes practice and the knowledge that unless you are behaving strangely, no-one really notices or thinks you're a wierdo.
Having said that, I did once try long-distance walking on my own, and that was awful (and yes maybe some people thought I was a weirdo). When you are hiking along an escarpment looking at the fantastic valley below you, and there is no-one to turn to and say "wow, look at that!", it feels extremely lonely. I lasted one day. The second day I walked with a group I had met in the B&B the night before who took pity on me because I was so miserable! I didn't see it through, but at least I tried it.
I booked a ticket to go to the theatre, to see 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Not just that, but I'm going alone, to a matinee in 10 days time.
It cancels out so many issues: no deciding who to ask along, no agreeing on which night suits us best, no wondering if we will want a drink in the interval, no discussion about eating beforehand. Some people would hate to go out to something without company, but as someone who has had to eat in restaurants alone a few times, this is easy. I like the freedom of being alone, although as social beings it doesn't often come easily to us, and we like to have props such as a book or newspaper. I think it takes practice and the knowledge that unless you are behaving strangely, no-one really notices or thinks you're a wierdo.
Having said that, I did once try long-distance walking on my own, and that was awful (and yes maybe some people thought I was a weirdo). When you are hiking along an escarpment looking at the fantastic valley below you, and there is no-one to turn to and say "wow, look at that!", it feels extremely lonely. I lasted one day. The second day I walked with a group I had met in the B&B the night before who took pity on me because I was so miserable! I didn't see it through, but at least I tried it.
Picture from here, quote from To Kill a Mockingbird
So, back to the start of the post, many people read the book as part of their school curriculum. I didn't and it was just one of those titles that I knew, but didn't know the story until I finally got round to reading it last year. I'm not going to postulate on the book or it's meanings, there are people far more qualified than I for that, but I am looking forward to seeing the stage interpretation of it.
Friday, 11 February 2011
The Great Kindle Debate
I generated a large number of comments on Facebook the other day when I said I was considering buying a Kindle electronic book-reader (is that what you call them?).
Most of the comments were in favour of them, people saying that they read more now they have one, and how useful they are for travelling. The screen is clear and not like reading off a back-lit computer screen, the books are free or cheap and it holds 3,500 books at a time.
However, I (and Rosie) can't get away from the fact that nothing compares with reading a real book. The look, feel, turning of the pages, smell of the paper. And what about lending/borrowing books from friends?
For myself, I can think of times where it would be useful not to have to carry bulky novels, but really it is a 'one hand' number of times a year. Deep down I know that the attraction is that of having something new to play with, which will get put a way in a drawer and used once a year.
What do you think about books in general, or the Kindle or other equivalent electronic book-readers?
Picture from Amazon
Most of the comments were in favour of them, people saying that they read more now they have one, and how useful they are for travelling. The screen is clear and not like reading off a back-lit computer screen, the books are free or cheap and it holds 3,500 books at a time.
However, I (and Rosie) can't get away from the fact that nothing compares with reading a real book. The look, feel, turning of the pages, smell of the paper. And what about lending/borrowing books from friends?
For myself, I can think of times where it would be useful not to have to carry bulky novels, but really it is a 'one hand' number of times a year. Deep down I know that the attraction is that of having something new to play with, which will get put a way in a drawer and used once a year.
What do you think about books in general, or the Kindle or other equivalent electronic book-readers?
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
And now for a short break....
Hello, just to let you know not to worry about me if I'm not around for a few days. It's time for my visit to see Mr H, I'm flying up tomorrow and can't wait!
Django is going to stay with my parents for the first time; hopefully not the last. I guess that will depend on how much he whines during the night, right below their bedroom....
The work 'crisis' is sorted. Not in the way we expected, but at least I had time to get some work done today before going away.
So, bye for now. Backson.
'Owl looked at the notice again. To one of his education the reading of it was easy.
"Gon out, Backson. Bisy, Backson" -- just the sort of thing you'd expect to see on a notice.
"It is quite clear what has happened , my dear Rabbit," he said.
"Christopher Robin has gone out somehwere with Backson. He and Backson are busy together.
Have you seen a Backson anywhere about in the Forest lately."'
from here
Django is going to stay with my parents for the first time; hopefully not the last. I guess that will depend on how much he whines during the night, right below their bedroom....
The work 'crisis' is sorted. Not in the way we expected, but at least I had time to get some work done today before going away.
So, bye for now. Backson.
'Owl looked at the notice again. To one of his education the reading of it was easy.
"Gon out, Backson. Bisy, Backson" -- just the sort of thing you'd expect to see on a notice.
"It is quite clear what has happened , my dear Rabbit," he said.
"Christopher Robin has gone out somehwere with Backson. He and Backson are busy together.
Have you seen a Backson anywhere about in the Forest lately."'
from here
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Just because
On the subject of books, I just came across this little sketch I did back in August; books and other bits and pieces piled on top of my art trunk (which contains canvases and lots of things I thought at some point might 'come in useful'). Thought you might like it.
I have officially moved upstairs now, and after my friend comes over to help me with the sofa-bed tomorrow evening, I will be able to transfer Base Camp back into to a sitting room again. That feels like a huge step. However in the meantime I'm struggling to find homes for all those little things I gathered and kept around me during the last 4 months of sleeping in here - some of them might end up in a 'miscellaneous' box until I get sorted out.
My neighbour from across the road came across earlier and I saw her coming, so opened the door to catch her, she was just dropping off a leaflet to say they are having a fireworks party this evening, advance warning for those with pets; they are very considerate like that. Of course we chatted a bit about how I'm getting on, and she invited me over for a drink to see the show, so who knows I might just go!
I hope you've all had a good weekend, I'm back to my books for another hour or so to study neurons and hormone and chromosomes... it's a good chapter because there are lots of pictures, which reduces the number of words ;-)
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Books and un-related stuff
Somehow it seems wrong that it being November last night I woke up half a dozen times in a hot sweat. First the PJ top came off, then the bottoms, then the duvet off... nooo that's too cold. It must be this winter duvet my friend G has lent me, will have to have the window open tonight!
But on the good side, my leg didn't ache enough to keep me awake; I had toyed with the idea of taking a DHC before bed, but my policy at the moment is take each 12 hours as they come in that respect.
I liked Karen's idea of going somewhere I could lose myself, I think that place would be the library or a bookshop... the library is safer otherwise I would end up buying books! I'm a sucker for them, especially reference books.
You can trace our interests over the last 20 years by the books on our shelves: cars, mountains, bees, boats, car trimming, horses, interior design, plants, the English language, psychology, guitars, criminology, French, car rallying, history. Not to mention all the usual atlases, dictionaries and encyclopaedias. Some of them we haven't looked at in years but would never get rid of them; who knows when you might want to look up details about the valve seats in "Tuning the A-Series Engine" or the contribution of Gaelic to the English language?
Yes a bookshop or library is definitely the place to go to lose myself.
But on the good side, my leg didn't ache enough to keep me awake; I had toyed with the idea of taking a DHC before bed, but my policy at the moment is take each 12 hours as they come in that respect.
I liked Karen's idea of going somewhere I could lose myself, I think that place would be the library or a bookshop... the library is safer otherwise I would end up buying books! I'm a sucker for them, especially reference books.
You can trace our interests over the last 20 years by the books on our shelves: cars, mountains, bees, boats, car trimming, horses, interior design, plants, the English language, psychology, guitars, criminology, French, car rallying, history. Not to mention all the usual atlases, dictionaries and encyclopaedias. Some of them we haven't looked at in years but would never get rid of them; who knows when you might want to look up details about the valve seats in "Tuning the A-Series Engine" or the contribution of Gaelic to the English language?
Yes a bookshop or library is definitely the place to go to lose myself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)