I was marveling at technology today. It's, like, magic. Ray Bradbury's vision of the future in Fahrenheit 451 is actually pretty lame compared to what we really have and we didn't even have to start burning books in order to obtain wall-sized flat screen TVs!
I love the virtual world of Twitter, Facebook, and blogs. It is quite entertaining. It lets me keep up on and even make new friends without leaving my house. I suppose the drawbacks would be the amount of smut that is readily available and the way my attention span is quickly shrinking. But if it is shrinking because there are so many interesting things to look at and read, maybe that's a good thing. Maybe my attention span isn't shrinking, maybe my capacity to absorb knowledge is growing! Still, I'd hate to have to read 50 pages in a text book tonight. Let's just say I'm glad I graduated from college before certain other distractions became available.
Sure, the geezer in me yearns for the olden days. But this nostalgia is simultaneously created and satisfied by watching old cereal commercials on Youtube or by pinning Hanna-Barbera images to my Pinterest boards. See, I miss "then" but if it were still "then" I'd have no way of remembering "then." Do you understand? I had a Star doll when I was a kid. She's like Barbie but with curly hair and permanent plastic underwear. I haven't thought about Star for about 30 years but yesterday I saw her on Pinterest and I was like, "Star! I miss Star! They don't make 'em like they used to! What's the world coming to!" I guess the answer to that question is: A pretty amazing place where your phone will tell you when there's a picture of Star waiting for you to click on.
With regard to blogging, I think it's good. I've been blogging since October of 2004 and I love the blogging community that has sprung up. I am happy that people, mothers especially, are able to work from home and make a living blogging. I don't make a living at it, which occasionally makes me bitter, but I don't actually try very hard to make a living at it. Sometimes it's gross when bloggers kind of monetize their friends, but that's been happening since the dawn of Tupperware and Stampin' Up. And, to be frank, wouldn't we all monetize our friends if it were just a little more socially acceptable? So generally, yes. I think blogging is good and great.
Sometimes I wonder if bloggers who show off their lovely houses and lives hurt readers more than they inspire them. But people are free to read and look at what they want. Personally, I read blogs that I hate which make me feel angry and/or like crap almost exclusively but I read some really good ones, too. There have probably been more times that I've been inspired to make or do or be something positive than there have been times that I've been really discouraged or filled with indignation from reading a blog. One drawback with blogs and all social media is that it can be a huge time suck. But sometimes it feels really good to not do anything and just read blogs all day. It's how I plan to spend today, in fact.
In terms of writing a blog, it has been completely positive for me. I get very few really mean and negative comments. Over the last 7 years I've had maybe 12 nasty comments. And they are always written by people who aren't smart. Conversely I have received hundreds of positive, validating, affirming complimentary comments from articulate, awesome people. When you think about it, criticism from a dummy is almost the same as a compliment from someone cool. The people who read my blog are really great. They have inspired me enough to make up for any online discouragement. If I did get a lot of negative comments I would probably quit blogging entirely. So I'm glad I don't get a lot of those. There's no way I could power through it. You might think it would be really funny to leave a particularly scathing comment on this post--and it would be. And if you do I'll delete it, and this post, and this blog, and myself from any and all online activity. Sometimes I over-react. It's a miracle, really--and a credit to my readers--that I haven't deleted this blog already in a tizzy fit of insecurity. Thanks.
So, people will always say that we waste time online and we're too invested in our virtual lives and it is probably true but I say, what else am I going to do? Besides. It's fun and makes me happy. You want me to be happy, don't you? I do wish my husband would lay off the Words with Friends a little when I'm trying to talk to him, but I take the bad with the good because I'm a reasonable person.
What do you think? Will I regret this post in the forthcoming dystopian society where computers are our overlords? NO I WON'T! BECAUSE IT WILL PROVE MY LOYALTY TO THEM AND THEY'LL LET ME LIVE VIRTUALLY BUT HAPPILY UNAWARE IN THE MATRIX.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Jazz, Tap, and Ballet
All through grade school I was jealous of Jennifer Hardy. She was very popular and everyone liked her. Truth be told, she is a pretty likable person. In about 4th grade I took a dance class from a place called The Dance Factory. Jennifer was the only other person in this class from my school. We paired up to perform a human flip flop--the big move in our old-timey beach-frolicking recital dance. To perform the flip flop two people stand back to back and do a back bend but instead of reaching back to the ground you grab each other around the waist creating a rainbow shape. Then you lift and flip each other across the stage alternating between facing up and facing the ground. It's really a feat more than a move.
At school one day Jennifer wanted to do the flip flop with me at recess to show all our friends, more her friends than mine--but whatever. When we did it I passed gas in her face--not on purpose, of course. That's just kind of how it goes for me. Popular, friendly people don't scorn me or leave me out. It's just that when they do include me I accidentally pass gas in their face. It's no one's fault, really.
The best thing about The Dance Factory was that they had a van and a driver who would pick you up from school, take you to dance, and bring you home at the end. This was great for my mom because she worked. It was great for Jennifer's mom too. Both our moms are named Georgia--if you can imagine.
Our driver was named Richard and we thought he was great. He was young and cool. He looked a little like Barry Gibb and if there is a better recommendation than that, I can't think of it. The three of us were the only ones on the bus. Think about it--would you send two 4th graders alone on a bus with Barry Gibb? It's just an example of how things were different back then.
Oh but we had a blast. I looked forward to the bus rides more than the dance class which made me feel self-conscious and awful and like I was betraying my true self (which I was).
We hid under the seats or sat up front--we weren't strapped into car seats like today's 4th graders! Jennifer was adorable and gregarious and when we played "Name that Song" with the radio buttons I always won. Together Jennifer and I were the whole package, she was a bigger portion of the package than I was--but whatever. We got the feeling that Richard really enjoyed our company and thought we were cool. Of course one must ask, what guy in their mid-20s drives a dance van for tweens in leotards? From my--I'll say it--gorgeous--picture above you can see that we were OBVIOUSLY very lucky nothing untoward happened. But seriously, we were lucky Richard was a nice guy who didn't kidnap or molest us. And I was lucky because I believe that Richard really did think I was cool and funny, which was formative and served me well when I was accidentally passing gas in people's faces.
On the last day we had a picnic in the van. We had been planning it for weeks--like you do when you are little and the planning is always way more fun than anything real you can ever do because you don't have money and can't actually go anywhere. We all contributed something. Guess what I brought? See if you can. Let's see, what would someone who might accidentally pass gas in your face bring to share at a picnic? Tuna fish sandwiches, of course! If there's any offering from a 4th grader with stinky tap shoes that is more off-putting than a homemade, brown-bagged tuna sandwhich, I can't think of it.
Bless their hearts: They ate them--and happily, too. Jennifer brought drinks and Richard brought a bag of Twizzlers. He actually went to the store and picked up a bag of Twizzlers for the picnic we had planned. I know it's weird. I would never recommend dating or marrying a dance van driver who parties with 4th graders but I got the sense at my young age and I still have it when I look back on our seemingly completely inappropriate bus club that Richard might have been a really great guy.
My dance teacher was a man named Don Zimmerman. We never had a picnic with him but he wore tight, yet somehow flared, knit dance pants and those shoes. You know the shoes--jazz shoes. Except for my haven in the van, it was all really quite hideous.
At school one day Jennifer wanted to do the flip flop with me at recess to show all our friends, more her friends than mine--but whatever. When we did it I passed gas in her face--not on purpose, of course. That's just kind of how it goes for me. Popular, friendly people don't scorn me or leave me out. It's just that when they do include me I accidentally pass gas in their face. It's no one's fault, really.
The best thing about The Dance Factory was that they had a van and a driver who would pick you up from school, take you to dance, and bring you home at the end. This was great for my mom because she worked. It was great for Jennifer's mom too. Both our moms are named Georgia--if you can imagine.
Our driver was named Richard and we thought he was great. He was young and cool. He looked a little like Barry Gibb and if there is a better recommendation than that, I can't think of it. The three of us were the only ones on the bus. Think about it--would you send two 4th graders alone on a bus with Barry Gibb? It's just an example of how things were different back then.
Oh but we had a blast. I looked forward to the bus rides more than the dance class which made me feel self-conscious and awful and like I was betraying my true self (which I was).
On the last day we had a picnic in the van. We had been planning it for weeks--like you do when you are little and the planning is always way more fun than anything real you can ever do because you don't have money and can't actually go anywhere. We all contributed something. Guess what I brought? See if you can. Let's see, what would someone who might accidentally pass gas in your face bring to share at a picnic? Tuna fish sandwiches, of course! If there's any offering from a 4th grader with stinky tap shoes that is more off-putting than a homemade, brown-bagged tuna sandwhich, I can't think of it.
Bless their hearts: They ate them--and happily, too. Jennifer brought drinks and Richard brought a bag of Twizzlers. He actually went to the store and picked up a bag of Twizzlers for the picnic we had planned. I know it's weird. I would never recommend dating or marrying a dance van driver who parties with 4th graders but I got the sense at my young age and I still have it when I look back on our seemingly completely inappropriate bus club that Richard might have been a really great guy.
My dance teacher was a man named Don Zimmerman. We never had a picnic with him but he wore tight, yet somehow flared, knit dance pants and those shoes. You know the shoes--jazz shoes. Except for my haven in the van, it was all really quite hideous.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Full TV Disclosure
Why the passion for TV, you ask? First of all, TV is very good and interesting right now. Plots are complex, the narrative structures are innovative, and the acting is great. Also, it gives me something to talk about with people. What else would I talk about? The population in Provo? Not interested. It is cheap and easy entertainment that you can enjoy in bed. Seriously, don't make any bedroom entertainment jokes here. I won't laugh. I've got four kids, two cats, a dog, no energy, no hobbies, no money, and my husband is out of town half the time.
Carly, it was I who wrote "I Love TV" on that chalkboard. I do. TV is awesome. Is cable expensive? Yes. Is there crap on TV? Yes. Would I be interested in TV if I didn't have Tivo? No. I never watch live TV. I can't abide it or commercials--so there's your common ground, people who don't have or watch TV. Other than that--we have nothing to say to each other. Just kidding. I also read, go to movies, and listen to music. I'm kind of uninformed about politics--if you can believe it! So that's not my favorite topic. Did you eat sugar cereal in the 80s? OK then. We'll always have that.
For the rest of you TV lovers, my heart laid bare:
Here's what I currently record on my Tivo:
House--I love House and I think it's a good show.
Modern Family--It's good. I hate it when they get all serious and corny though.
30 Rock--Of course.
Parks and Recreation--This is, actually, my favorite show.
The Office--Let's see what they do without Michael Scott.
What Not to Wear--Great for folding clothes.
Hoarders: Buried Alive--Fascinating.
Hoarders--The other one. I am deleting this from Tivo. It's too hardcore with the mental illness. BUZZKILL!
Project Runway--The best reality show. I love it.
Home By Novogratz--Love the Novogratz. They have 7 kids.
Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares--I never watched Top Chef or any of those but I stumbled onto this and it is wonderful.
Suits--Christian loves this show. It seems good, but I usually read while he watches it.
The Hour--An awesome period drama from BBC. Love. This is my favorite non-funny show right now.
Law and Order UK--Christian watches this and all manner of L&O but I only like Criminal Intent. I hate SVU.
Dr. Who--I love the new Doctor! I missed the last few seasons but I'm here now.
This American Life--I've seen all of these but I still record them and watch them. I'm devoted.
So You Think You Can Dance--It's so much better than you think it will be.
The Voice--This was pretty good and interesting last year. Much better than Idol. I think I'll give X Factor a try as well. Simon Cowell knows what he's doing.
Alert: I don't watch Community. It's super funny, but also equally dumb. I am offended that the person who writes the super funny stuff tolerates or even also writes the really dumb parts (Chevy Chase, Chang). I can't get over this. I've tried. I get it--love the genre episodes--but it's not for me. I accept that I am in the wrong here because the taste makers seem to adore it. Also, I don't watch Glee.
In the Fall I plan to add some new shows to my Tivo schedule. Christian is in charge of setting the upstairs and downstairs Tivos to insure that we get all the shows we want. Here's what I plan to try this fall, fingers crossed for greatness:
Ringer--Buffy is twins.
Awake--After a crash a man finds that his wife is dead in one reality and his son is dead in another.
Person of Interest--Benjamin Linus.
The New Girl--Cute overload? We'll see.
Up All Night--For the love of Gob, let this be great.
Grimm--Law and Order with fairy tales. Or something.
Once Upon a Time--Something something fairy tales.
Alcatraz (JJ Abrams)--Robert Kennedy signed the death certificate? Come to mama! Guys, we have a few years of enjoying this until it doesn't know how to end!
The Secret Circle--Adolescent witches, a proven formula.
Homeland--Claire Danes and that redheaded guy from Life. I really like that redheaded guy.
I am also looking forward (excitedly) to new installments of Downton Abbey and Sherlock from PBS.
And here is my ottoman before I covered it in new fabric:
Carly, it was I who wrote "I Love TV" on that chalkboard. I do. TV is awesome. Is cable expensive? Yes. Is there crap on TV? Yes. Would I be interested in TV if I didn't have Tivo? No. I never watch live TV. I can't abide it or commercials--so there's your common ground, people who don't have or watch TV. Other than that--we have nothing to say to each other. Just kidding. I also read, go to movies, and listen to music. I'm kind of uninformed about politics--if you can believe it! So that's not my favorite topic. Did you eat sugar cereal in the 80s? OK then. We'll always have that.
For the rest of you TV lovers, my heart laid bare:
Here's what I currently record on my Tivo:
House--I love House and I think it's a good show.
Modern Family--It's good. I hate it when they get all serious and corny though.
30 Rock--Of course.
Parks and Recreation--This is, actually, my favorite show.
The Office--Let's see what they do without Michael Scott.
What Not to Wear--Great for folding clothes.
Hoarders: Buried Alive--Fascinating.
Hoarders--The other one. I am deleting this from Tivo. It's too hardcore with the mental illness. BUZZKILL!
Project Runway--The best reality show. I love it.
Home By Novogratz--Love the Novogratz. They have 7 kids.
Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares--I never watched Top Chef or any of those but I stumbled onto this and it is wonderful.
Suits--Christian loves this show. It seems good, but I usually read while he watches it.
The Hour--An awesome period drama from BBC. Love. This is my favorite non-funny show right now.
Law and Order UK--Christian watches this and all manner of L&O but I only like Criminal Intent. I hate SVU.
Dr. Who--I love the new Doctor! I missed the last few seasons but I'm here now.
This American Life--I've seen all of these but I still record them and watch them. I'm devoted.
So You Think You Can Dance--It's so much better than you think it will be.
The Voice--This was pretty good and interesting last year. Much better than Idol. I think I'll give X Factor a try as well. Simon Cowell knows what he's doing.
Alert: I don't watch Community. It's super funny, but also equally dumb. I am offended that the person who writes the super funny stuff tolerates or even also writes the really dumb parts (Chevy Chase, Chang). I can't get over this. I've tried. I get it--love the genre episodes--but it's not for me. I accept that I am in the wrong here because the taste makers seem to adore it. Also, I don't watch Glee.
In the Fall I plan to add some new shows to my Tivo schedule. Christian is in charge of setting the upstairs and downstairs Tivos to insure that we get all the shows we want. Here's what I plan to try this fall, fingers crossed for greatness:
Ringer--Buffy is twins.
Awake--After a crash a man finds that his wife is dead in one reality and his son is dead in another.
Person of Interest--Benjamin Linus.
The New Girl--Cute overload? We'll see.
Up All Night--For the love of Gob, let this be great.
Grimm--Law and Order with fairy tales. Or something.
Once Upon a Time--Something something fairy tales.
Alcatraz (JJ Abrams)--Robert Kennedy signed the death certificate? Come to mama! Guys, we have a few years of enjoying this until it doesn't know how to end!
The Secret Circle--Adolescent witches, a proven formula.
Homeland--Claire Danes and that redheaded guy from Life. I really like that redheaded guy.
I am also looking forward (excitedly) to new installments of Downton Abbey and Sherlock from PBS.
And here is my ottoman before I covered it in new fabric:
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Look At These Pictures to Find Out More About My Life
Here is a pictorial overview of life in these parts. I don't have Photo Shop, just so you know.
Twice we have had a hummingbird stuck in our garage and I had to carefully catch it and release it outside. I bet you don't know anyone who has held a hummingbird in their fingers like this. I didn't crush it, but I thought about it. That's what makes me better than the serial killers and the jerks.
Ellen got her face painted at a birthday party. You know--like you do.
Living la vida loca.
We came home from our mini-vacation in Midway under cover of darkness. It felt like we were absconding and it made the trip more fun.
Maggie wears Toms now because she's in 6th grade and wants to help poor people with no shoes.
Ben is in third grade. He doesn't care about poor people YET.
After the kids left for school I celebrated by cleaning out the fridge. I was so excited I took a picture of it. What I just wrote is kind of sad.
I also cleaned Ellen's room up and took several bags of her stuff to DI. But don't tell her.
She goes to preschool Mon, Wed, Fri. Sometimes I forget Sunday night because I'm used to her Tues/Thurs schedule from last year.When I remember on Monday morning that she is going to preschool it is like Christmas, which is why Labor Day was stupid.
We had FHE about this quote before school started. It is our theme. Sadly, the presentation of our theme was not accompanied by a feast, banners, homemade crowns, or fresh flowers. I'm even more embarrassed that 1) I have not read the book this quote is from (Middlemarch) and 2) I couldn't afford to frame the quote so I stuck it up with masking tape. It's still a good theme though.
The other day I got sick of liquid soap so I went to DI and bought a bunch of bowls to hold bar soap. EVERYONE on Twitter was talking about it. It practically trended.
I also got this big old chalkboard which I will hang on the wall in my TV room. A few years ago I looted my old school to get that round table and chairs. I painted it with chalkboard paint. What? No biggie. See that ottoman? I recovered it in that fabric a couple days ago. Seriously! It's not a big deal.
It's so important to take the time to smell the roses, don't you think? Or, in this case, mums--which smell bad. Happy Fall everyone!
Friday, September 02, 2011
Books I Read in July and August: 2011
Oh, reading is so fun. Isn't it?
The Geeks shall Inherit the Earth by Alexandra Robbins.
I love the idea of this book--that geeks and nerds in high school usually turn out great in the "real" world. Alas, this book is just a little more boring than you want it to be.
*Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
This is a lovely book. I recommend it. It's about love late in life between a widower and a widow. Did you know the word "widower" is the only word in the English language where the standard word means woman and the special version is for the man? It's the opposite of "waiter" or "actor". Of course it's a word identifying a woman based on her marital status. We've come a long way, baby.
At any rate, this book is very beautiful. You should read it. I think you'll like it. And even though the characters are older, it's NOTHING like the hideous ending of The Notebook. I've taken quite an interest in Ryan Gosling lately and as a result I watched the last half of The Notebook on cable the other night. Talk about gross and sad. Blek. Don't get me wrong, I love it when old dying people lay in hospital beds together. I'm sure Christian and I will enjoy a last cuddle at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center right before the morphine drip gets turned up to 11 (which is one more than 10) but it's not something I ever want to watch someone else do. It ruined the movie for me which was probably a good thing because it cooled my obsession (totally platonic) with Ryan Gosling. Now I just think of him as an old Rockford Files. Plus, I don't like men in Henleys. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand is not like The Notebook at all. For one thing, there's no dementia which, I think we can all agree, is a really great thing.
(For your information, former obsessions include: Osama Bin Laden, Abe Lincoln, Chrissie Hynde, Marilyn Manson, Stephen King, Hugh Laurie, and Tina Fey.)
*Escaping the Endless Adolescence by Joseph Allen and Claudia Allen
This is a great parenting book. You know how young adults are living at home and not getting married or moving out these days? This talks about how extreme helicopter parenting can cripple your kids. It is very good. I recommend it. It explains how our good intentions often ruin our kids. With Nurtureshock, it's probably the most helpful book I've read about raising kids. It talks about how kids need to feel competent and do things for themselves. Have you noticed that kids these days aren't excited about getting their drivers license? It's because their parents drive them everywhere so there is no incentive. We drive them everywhere to be nice and keep them safe, but it doesn't really help them. Kids need to contribute in meaningful ways. I love this book. It is really helpful and seems right even though it is counter-intuitive to our self-esteem-building instincts.
And the Pursuit of Happiness by Maira Kalman
I love her illustrated version of The Elements of Style and this is good too. It's a picture book for adults.
Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich
I was so into this book at first I was like: Yes! I am going to get chickens. YES! I want to raise bees! And then there was the gardening! . . . And then there was the sled dog racing, the making of one's own instruments and the blue grass playing alone outside with the chickens. By the end I was questioning the enthusiasm I had at the beginning. Decide for yourself.
Junk Foodie Emilie Baltz
I cannot yet testify to the value of this book as a cookbook but it is awesome in terms of staring at the pictures and trying to figure out how they made creme brulee with the filling of 4 Oreos. Just another book I wish I'd written.
The Memoir Project by Marion Roach Smith
This is a great little book about writing. I heard the interview on NPR and ordered her book straight away. Obviously I use all of her techniques here on the blog.
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
This is a good book but very sad. It's about bigamy. The main character is the daughter of a man and his secret second wife. This girl becomes friends with his other daughter from his "legitimate" marriage who doesn't know anything about the other family. I could totally relate to the girl's interest when she goes over to the other house: "Is this where your dad sits at dinner?" "What does he do at night?" She even finds out that her dad gave them both the same little fur coat as a special gift. My dad did that with my middle name. Zing! True. My dad is not a bigamist, he just doesn't love me. This book was hard and sad for me. It's very good, but I wouldn't say it's life affirming or anything. In fact, it's quite depressing.
Wah-------waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw. (Sad trombone is getting so overused, don't you think? So. Over. Used.)
Then I read Billy Collins' Horoscopes for the Dead!
I totally love Billy Collins and it's not platonic at all. He is brilliant and clever and wonderful. I don't say that very much about poets but in his case it is true and more.
What are you thinking about, Billy Collins? I wish I knew.
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
This book is very strange and kind of great and really ghastly. It would be fun to talk about in a book club. It's a ghost story.
Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I accidentally skipped The Long Winter! Now Laura's all grown up and Almanzo is into her. What did I miss?
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
I heard all the hype surrounding this book before I read it, but I've got to tell you, I think it's great. She's a great writer and a great mom. Yes she is an intense nightmare. No I wouldn't do it her way but I totally respect her. She's very interesting.
A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz
This is basically a memoir about all the things William Deresiewicz has learned from reading Jane Austen novels. I really liked it. He's very sincere and thorough. It's kind of sweet. I would like to write a book like this but it would be about the education I received from picture books. Chapters would include Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Frog and Toad are Friends, and A Bargain for Frances. Lessons learned would include: Cheer up, leave the house now and then, and don't trust your friends. I smell a Pulitzer!
That's it. That's what I read during the hot lazy months of July and August. Ugh. I hate summer.
The Geeks shall Inherit the Earth by Alexandra Robbins.
I love the idea of this book--that geeks and nerds in high school usually turn out great in the "real" world. Alas, this book is just a little more boring than you want it to be.
*Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
This is a lovely book. I recommend it. It's about love late in life between a widower and a widow. Did you know the word "widower" is the only word in the English language where the standard word means woman and the special version is for the man? It's the opposite of "waiter" or "actor". Of course it's a word identifying a woman based on her marital status. We've come a long way, baby.
At any rate, this book is very beautiful. You should read it. I think you'll like it. And even though the characters are older, it's NOTHING like the hideous ending of The Notebook. I've taken quite an interest in Ryan Gosling lately and as a result I watched the last half of The Notebook on cable the other night. Talk about gross and sad. Blek. Don't get me wrong, I love it when old dying people lay in hospital beds together. I'm sure Christian and I will enjoy a last cuddle at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center right before the morphine drip gets turned up to 11 (which is one more than 10) but it's not something I ever want to watch someone else do. It ruined the movie for me which was probably a good thing because it cooled my obsession (totally platonic) with Ryan Gosling. Now I just think of him as an old Rockford Files. Plus, I don't like men in Henleys. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand is not like The Notebook at all. For one thing, there's no dementia which, I think we can all agree, is a really great thing.
(For your information, former obsessions include: Osama Bin Laden, Abe Lincoln, Chrissie Hynde, Marilyn Manson, Stephen King, Hugh Laurie, and Tina Fey.)
*Escaping the Endless Adolescence by Joseph Allen and Claudia Allen
This is a great parenting book. You know how young adults are living at home and not getting married or moving out these days? This talks about how extreme helicopter parenting can cripple your kids. It is very good. I recommend it. It explains how our good intentions often ruin our kids. With Nurtureshock, it's probably the most helpful book I've read about raising kids. It talks about how kids need to feel competent and do things for themselves. Have you noticed that kids these days aren't excited about getting their drivers license? It's because their parents drive them everywhere so there is no incentive. We drive them everywhere to be nice and keep them safe, but it doesn't really help them. Kids need to contribute in meaningful ways. I love this book. It is really helpful and seems right even though it is counter-intuitive to our self-esteem-building instincts.
And the Pursuit of Happiness by Maira Kalman
I love her illustrated version of The Elements of Style and this is good too. It's a picture book for adults.
Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich
I was so into this book at first I was like: Yes! I am going to get chickens. YES! I want to raise bees! And then there was the gardening! . . . And then there was the sled dog racing, the making of one's own instruments and the blue grass playing alone outside with the chickens. By the end I was questioning the enthusiasm I had at the beginning. Decide for yourself.
Junk Foodie Emilie Baltz
I cannot yet testify to the value of this book as a cookbook but it is awesome in terms of staring at the pictures and trying to figure out how they made creme brulee with the filling of 4 Oreos. Just another book I wish I'd written.
The Memoir Project by Marion Roach Smith
This is a great little book about writing. I heard the interview on NPR and ordered her book straight away. Obviously I use all of her techniques here on the blog.
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
This is a good book but very sad. It's about bigamy. The main character is the daughter of a man and his secret second wife. This girl becomes friends with his other daughter from his "legitimate" marriage who doesn't know anything about the other family. I could totally relate to the girl's interest when she goes over to the other house: "Is this where your dad sits at dinner?" "What does he do at night?" She even finds out that her dad gave them both the same little fur coat as a special gift. My dad did that with my middle name. Zing! True. My dad is not a bigamist, he just doesn't love me. This book was hard and sad for me. It's very good, but I wouldn't say it's life affirming or anything. In fact, it's quite depressing.
Wah-------waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw. (Sad trombone is getting so overused, don't you think? So. Over. Used.)
Then I read Billy Collins' Horoscopes for the Dead!
I totally love Billy Collins and it's not platonic at all. He is brilliant and clever and wonderful. I don't say that very much about poets but in his case it is true and more.
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
This book is very strange and kind of great and really ghastly. It would be fun to talk about in a book club. It's a ghost story.
Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I accidentally skipped The Long Winter! Now Laura's all grown up and Almanzo is into her. What did I miss?
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
I heard all the hype surrounding this book before I read it, but I've got to tell you, I think it's great. She's a great writer and a great mom. Yes she is an intense nightmare. No I wouldn't do it her way but I totally respect her. She's very interesting.
A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz
This is basically a memoir about all the things William Deresiewicz has learned from reading Jane Austen novels. I really liked it. He's very sincere and thorough. It's kind of sweet. I would like to write a book like this but it would be about the education I received from picture books. Chapters would include Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Frog and Toad are Friends, and A Bargain for Frances. Lessons learned would include: Cheer up, leave the house now and then, and don't trust your friends. I smell a Pulitzer!
That's it. That's what I read during the hot lazy months of July and August. Ugh. I hate summer.
