BookDiva

Finally...

2011-04-04T16:26:00.002-05:00

I think I have the hang of this now. :-)
I joined NetGallery recently & now I have many books to review.
Mostly I want to practice my book reviewing/writing skills. And if
Anyone reads what I've written, I hope it's useful.
First review soon so check back!

Hey There Y'all!! update

2011-04-02T16:09:00.000-05:00

Another year goes by..

2011-01-11T01:27:00.001-06:00

I tried to post via my iPad last night, but it would not let me type in this field for some reason....

Anyway, another year has gone by and the last six months have been quite challenging. I am totally ready for this year to go nice and smooth; peaceful even. But we shall see. The only goals (not resolutions) that I'm setting for myself this year are keeping in touch with old/new friends (don't be such a hermit), get back into cross-stitching and genealogy, and read all the books I have to read for my book clubs (which I tend to slack on because I ALWAYS find other things to read too).

So far this year, I have read 'Matched' by Ally Condy (great YA dystopia), 'The Emperor's Tomb' by Steve Berry (action fiction that I thoroughly enjoy), and 'The Jane Austen Book Club' by Karen Joy Fowler (for my Jane Austen Book Club :-D).

I'd love to do more book challenges--but if I do, I don't think I will actually join/post. I might just set the goal of, say, reading 12 books this year for an historical fiction challenge, or read 1 Printz winner per month. I think this is the only way I could do it since I just don't blog too often. But maybe that'll change. Now I have 2 SciFi books to read for a club, an historical fiction one, and a teen one by the end of the month---in addition to professional reading and fun reading.

Too much???? Probably....

Life Happens...

2010-08-27T17:12:00.002-05:00

Wish I had time to keep up with this blog....I really want to put down thoughts about the various books I read, but life has kept getting in the way this year. Health wise I mean. My heart has finally decided it wants its valve replaced so I'm looking at major heart surgery and being off work for 6 weeks. *NOW* I might actually have time to read alot of the books I've wanting to read. I'm going to try anyway otherwise I will be bored silly. I'll even try to post something while I'm out. But I'm not holding my breath.... :-D

I DID have the best intentions....

2010-05-22T21:21:00.001-05:00

I really really wanted to do all these challenges, but life keeps getting in the way. Sigh.
I'm still gonna try and finish some of these anyway. Maybe if I make a reading schedule... :-D

New Book Challenge

2010-01-24T08:04:00.004-06:00

Hey! Probably biting off more than I can chew, but it reading is my escapism after all. Check out the Lord of the Ring Challege at http://shelflove.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/lord-of-the-rings-readalong/#comment-4618

I look forward to this. Epic fantasy at it's best!

One of these days, I will figure out how to list all my book challenges in a list down the side. Just haven't had time to peruse the Blogger book how-to I checked out from the library. Please bear with me. :-)

The Buccaneers---Review

2010-01-16T16:52:00.002-06:00

Greetings everyone!

I am apparently one day late on posting this review for the Classics Circuit covering Edith Wharton. I thought my contribution was to be on the 16th of Jan, but much to my chagrin it was the 15th. With many apologies to one and all, here it is....

I remember watching The Buccaneers on PBS when the miniseries came out many years ago and I was intrigued. Yet it was not until the film adaptation of The Age of Innocence that I really began to be interested in the works of Edith Wharton. Many many years later, I have found myself drawn to book challenges sponsored by various book blogs and discovered the one for Edith Wharton. Here was my chance to read the books with a purpose in mind! I chose to review The Buccanneers, Wharton's last novel.

The title of the novel refers to the five American girls who descend upon England intent upon finding husbands with money, preferably with titles. With the help of Nan St. George's English governess (Nan is the main character), they are introduced to the right people and the search is on. What follows is an eye-opening look at the huge differences between the American way of life and the English way of life (at least the aristocratic way). Through Nan's eyes, the readers learns as she does the way things are done--just as they always have been--and deviance from this is not tolerated.

All the girls find husbands, including Nan. But she is different and cannot bring herself to behave and think like a proper English lady. She is too independent for the loveless marriage she finds herself trapped in and there is no one who seems to understand her except the one man she cannot be with. After much soul-searching, Nan finds the courage to be herself and leave her husband to have a life with the man she truly loves and who truly loves her.

Many people find Wharton's writing too descriptive and flowery and this may be true of her earlier works. I did not find that to be so with The Buccaneers. The writing to me was straightforward and not superfulous. The depiction of the differences between English society and American society were fascinating, and gave me pause for much thought. Being American, I took Nan's feelings and independence for granted and could not understand that the Brits protrayed could be so conservative and not see there were other ways of doing things. Yet that is what they knew and felt worked best for them. It all seemed so stifling to me and I rooted for Nan to assert herself every step of the way. This was very much Nan's story and the reader really gets to know and understand her. This may not have been Wharton's best novel, but I would still recommend it.

I should mention that this is my first book review on any blog. I hope it was worth your time to read it.

Holiday Greetings!

2009-12-17T18:22:00.003-06:00

Happy Holidays everyone! It's almost Yule (for me), Hannukah is almost over, Christmas and Kwanza are next week! Wow. I can't believe the year is almost over because so much has happened.

I'm finally back after being off grid for a couple of weeks. It happens when I'm off work since I use a computer all day, at home I stay away from it.

Now on to books and book challenges etc. Gotta catch up.

Blessed Be!

Off the grid for a while

2009-12-12T18:36:00.001-06:00

Hey Everyone,

I've been off the grid for the most part for about 2 1/2 weeks. No computers etc. I'm just now getting back in to things and will be diving in to all the book challenges I've signed up for.

I have been reading and posting short reviews on Good Reads, just not blogging. Hopefully that will change this week.

Look forward to the year!

A forgotten challenge

2009-11-22T17:15:00.002-06:00

Hey ya'll,

Forgot to mention another challenge sponsored by Laura at http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2009/11/all-about-brontes-challenge-2010.html

The All About the Brontes Challenge---should be very interesting and challenging!
Stuff I should've read years ago, but I don't think I would've appreciated it as much then.

We'll see.... :-D

Another challenge

2009-11-15T13:49:00.005-06:00

Hey ya'll,

Yes I'm from Texas. :-D

Joined another challenge with Becky. Only 2 books in 2010--I can do that.

18th and 19th Women Writers Reading Challenge
Read books written by women authors that were written and/or published between 1700 and 1900. Contemporary historical books set in this time period do not count towards this challenge! The challenge is to encourage you to read some classics.

Cool!!

Ok, one more. This is The Shelf Discovery Challenge. Oddly enough I just got this book at the library and now I have an opportunity to read some classics that I never read before. I only need to read six books. More info at http://needmoreshelves.blogspot.com/2009/10/shelf-discovery-challenge.html.

So many books so little time... :-D

Aaaccckkk! I did another one "Once Upon a Time Challenge"--5 books in a year, sponsored by
Tina at http://5150bookslut.blogspot.com/2009/11/once-upon-time-reading-challenge.html

ok this is getting ridiculous..yet another one, but they are a short number of books. The latest is
http://atpemberley.blogspot.com/2009/11/marple-poirot-holmes-challenge.html

Book Challenges

2009-11-15T13:38:00.002-06:00

Hi again,

I've just signed up for 3 book challenges so far.

The first is the GLBTQ challenge for 2010 with Amanda.

And on Becky's Book Reviews http://blbooks.blogspot.com/
I have signed up the Arthurian Challenge 2009-2010 (April - March) and this is one of my very favorite subjects.

I also signed up for the Celebrate the Author Challenge 2010.

So we shall see how it goes. Wish me luck!

Greetings!!

2009-11-15T12:05:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,

It's been a very long time since I've posted to my blog because I've been very busy. I had some ambitions earlier in the year to do a lot of reading challenges, which sadly never turned out. But my friend Amanda is starting a GLBTQ Reading Challenge for 2010. For more info go here: http://glbt-reading.blogspot.com/
Amanda also has a couple of other blogs to check out: http://networkedblogs.com/p17783345.
And another writing blog: http://networkedblogs.com/p17783345

I have been reading a lot on my own, as well as books for my library book clubs--scifi, teen, and this past year I started moderating a Jane Austen Book Club that has taken off and I'm thrilled. Two of us have joined the Jane Austen Society of North America and are totally hooked. Said friend Karen also has a blog http://karensbooksandchocolate.blogspot.com/

She also started a Jane Austen blog for San Antonio/South Texas Janeites:
http://southtexasjaneites.blogspot.com.
Check them both out--they are great.

I hope to post more often, letting you know what I'm reading, and working on giving coherent book reviews. I'll also be posting interesting facts about the world of books. I read a lot of different things and hopefully that will keep things interesting.

I hope you find my blog worthwhile. I welcome comments and constructive criticisms.

I finally read it!

2009-02-20T10:13:00.002-06:00

Well I've finally read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. In high school, I was in advanced English, but we didn't read the usual classics, so I never read this one. This is the pick for San Antonio Public Library's Big Read 2009, so I thought I'd go for it.

I really enjoyed the story, though I must say I kind of expected something different from what I'd heard. Whatever the case, I liked it--especially the Book People. I can't imagine memorizing a whole book (or two). I know the human brain is capable, but still. And the way the mission of the firemen completely changed from protection to destruction. The idea that the whole world might voluntarily give up reading is unthinkable to me. I hope it never happens in my lifetime.

This weekend I hope to watch the movie to get the visuals in my mind. Happy reading!

More Considerations....

2009-02-15T20:50:00.002-06:00

I found the most interesting blog while searching the reading challenges. It's called A Striped Armchair at http://astripedarmchair.wordpress.com/. She reviewed a book in one of her posts that has one of the best passages about reading:

Happily, most readers fall between these two drastic extremes. Most of us neither shun books in veneration of literature, not shun literature in veneration of books. Our craft is more modest. We pick our way down endless library shelves, choosing this or that volume for no discernible reason: because of a cover, a title, a name, because of something someone said or didn’t say, because of a hunch, a whim, a mistake, because we think we may find in this book a particular tale or character or detail, because we believe it was written for us, because we believe it was written for everyone except us and we want to find out why we were excluded, because we want to learn, or laugh, or lose ourselves in oblivion.

This is from The Library at Night by Alberto Manguel. I think I have that around here somewhere.....

Considerations...

2009-02-15T19:36:00.000-06:00

Well it's been a couple of weeks since I posted. Lots of stuff going on. But now I'm back.

Influenced by a friend, I've been looking in to joining some reading challenges. (Like I don't read alot already...I'm a Librarian!!). Anway, whatever challenge I decide to join, I will post my thoughts on it and the books I read here. This should be interesting.

I've decided to join The World Citizen Challenge at http://worldcitizenchallenge.wordpress.com/about/. The idea is intriguing and will get me to read some more nonfiction. It also will allow me to read more history. YEAH!

Later!

Lesson 23

2009-02-02T13:20:00.000-06:00

I finished the 23 things! Yeah! I've discovered there is so much to Web 2.0 that it's almost overwhelming. I realize that I find alot of the technical aspects involved somewhat difficult. I know computers to a certain extent, but this new era of web technology makes me feel like a newbie. I also realize that to keep current with trends in library technology I need to keep learning and participating in programs like this. I know that help with this program was just an e-mail or phone call away, but I couldn't help but feel a little isolated. Maybe it's because alot of the technology was so new to me that I felt like I was floundering. Maybe a few in person training sessions to answer questions?

Overall, I really liked the experience and I would happily participate in another one.
Thanks!!

Lesson 22

2009-02-02T13:13:00.000-06:00

Downloadable media is so cool. I've always thought NetLibrary was neat even when it was just scanned images of books. Now you can download. I haven't explored that yet. But I have worked with Overdrive. A couple of months ago I did the online tour and explored and decided to download a movie "Six Million Paperclips". The directions were pretty easy to follow, even though there were references to parts of my computer that I wasn't familiar with. But lo and behold I did it and watched the movie. The quality was very good and I really enjoyed the movie. I plan to watch more. Next up, explore the downloadable books from NetLibrary.

Lesson 21

2009-02-02T13:05:00.000-06:00

Aaahhh Podcasting....yowsa. It's cool when you finally get something to work, but since I know so little it was still frustrating. First I downloaded Juice, but I couldn't get it to work. I ended up at Podcast Alley, looked for library stuff, and managed to download to Mevio 2 podcasts--one on Teen Librarians (which still hasn't opened) and Library Geeks (which I'm listening to now). I like the idea of podcasts---hearing interviews, lectures, talks, music that I might not have access to otherwise. With more practice I expect that learning the ins and outs of podcasts will get easier. Practice, practice, practice....

Lesson 17

2009-02-02T12:36:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally managed to create a pbwiki with one comment. And I added my blog url to the favorites page. It was very confusing for awhile, but I managed. I like technology but sometimes I just don't think I'm cut out for it. My brain just doesn't seem to operate that way. Ah well. I'm still trying and still learning!

Lesson 20

2009-01-31T11:33:00.000-06:00

I've watched a lot of stuff on YouTube. Of course some are good, some not so good. But it's always entertaining. I chose Twilight the Puppet Saga http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u718MmV0dg. Absolutely hysterical! We could give booktalks, kids could make videos for a contest, that kind of thing. I think it has a lot of potential.

Lesson 19

2009-01-31T11:17:00.000-06:00

I explored Biblio on the Web 2.0 awads, It's easy to use, the prices are reasonable. I could be used as a way for patrons to find books they want that the library doesn't own, but I think that creates it's own set of problems.

Lesson 18

2009-01-31T10:59:00.000-06:00

I created a Google Doc just now. I didn't share or publish because it was more of a journal entry, but I really like the software. I am a big fan of Google products.

Lesson 16

2009-01-31T10:31:00.000-06:00

I really like the idea of pathfinder for patrons to use. They can be so useful. The Library Sucess wiki is interesting in that it brings many professional resources together in one place. My favorite is the Librarian Chick. Her list of free online reference sources is amazing and would be incredibley useful.

Leson 16

2009-01-31T10:10:00.000-06:00

I like the idea of using a wiki as a pathfinder for patrons. It could be vey useful for SAPL. The Library Success wiki was an excellent way to brin professional topics in one place. And I think the most useful wiki was the Librarian Chick. Her list of free online reference ison of the best I've seen. I was very impressed.

Lesson 15

2009-01-31T09:54:00.000-06:00

Reading blogs on Library 2.o--which fascinates me by the way. I chose "Into a New World of Librarianhip" by Michael Stephens, and "11 Reasons why Library 2.0 exists and matters" by Blyberg.

The Stephens article empasizes how tecnology can have positive effect on the service we provide patrons and I tend to agree with him. The Blyberg article also brings up some relevant points. Library 2.0 is here to stay and we need to adapt to changing technology and cooperate with each other.

Lesson 14

2009-01-31T09:47:00.000-06:00

I found Technorati to be quite confusing. I created an account, I have one item on a watchlist. I couldn't figure out how to tag and everytime I tried to claim my blog it didn't work. And the troubleshooting guidelines didn't really help me. But I will try it agin at future date,

Lesson 13

2009-01-31T09:22:00.000-06:00

I have now created Delicious account. It's still a little confusing, but I'm working on it. Things are getting a bit more technological than I had anticipated. But, hey, I'm learning!

Lesson 12

2009-01-31T08:54:00.000-06:00

Well I created an account with Rollyo, but honestly I'm not sure exactly what it is. But the more I play around with it, the more I will understand. I created searches for anime/manga, wicca, and scifi/fantasy. Here we go!

Lesson 11

2009-01-28T15:47:00.001-06:00

This I know! I currently have accounts with Good Reads, Library Thing and Shelfari. I like Good Reads best.

Lesson 10

2009-01-28T15:45:00.001-06:00

I have no idea what an online generator is. I'll come back to it.

Lesson 9

2009-01-28T15:20:00.000-06:00

I've looked at some of the other blogs lists on other participants websites. I like Library Juice, Ruthless Librarian, There and Back Again: A Librarian's Tale,

Lesson 8

2009-01-28T15:19:00.000-06:00

I already do RSS feeds through Google Reader. It's preety cool. I like getting bite sized information about stuff.

Lesson 7

2009-01-28T15:17:00.000-06:00

I'm still working on blogging on technology. I'll come back to it.... :-)

Lessons 5 & 6

2009-01-28T15:14:00.000-06:00

I am a total newbie when it comes to Flickr. I've looked at friends sites (most recently pics from New Zealand and how Teresa's little ones are faring).

However I do not own a digital camera so the whole upload procedure eludes me. One day I shall have a camera and be able to do the things others do. Until then....

Lessonm #4

2009-01-28T15:11:00.000-06:00

I've learned alot from the blogs. Like how on earth will I have time to read them all???
I like The Annoyed Librarian the best. And Jugde a Book by it's cover. Subects after my own heart! :-)

Lesson #3

2009-01-28T15:09:00.000-06:00

I set up my own blog! Yeah! Haven't added anything yet, but I'm working on it.

Lesson #2

2009-01-28T15:08:00.000-06:00

I watched the 7 1/2 habits tutorial and was inspired. Some of things will be hard, but I'll manage.

Things I've learned

2009-01-28T15:06:00.000-06:00

I've done lesson #1 and watched the fascinating video by Clay Shirkey. Very enlightening. I'm still learning technology stuff, but I learned alot.

2008-11-05T15:35:00.000-06:00

I just finished the 7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners. Very interesting. I've always been a lifelong learner...always finding something new to learn about. I guess I would say #3 "view problems as challenges" might be the most difficult, since I tend to think of problems AS problems. But I can work on that. I most definitely believe in #7 1/2!! Long Live Play!!

Good luck to everyone!

2008-11-05T15:30:00.001-06:00

This is my first blog! Yeah! I did it. :-)