Book 2: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

387 pages of pure intoxication.

"The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night."

All throughout this book my heart ached for the Le Cirque des Reves to be real. (and still do) Its certainly one I plan to read again in the future and certainly add it to my personal library. The attention to detail Ms. Morgenstern pays to relaying the details of the circus, its creators, performers, and admirers, can be a tad overwhelming at first. I'd be lying if I said I didn't find myself getting a bit frustrated at times because there are so many perspectives (causing it to feel a bit jumpy at times). But before you know it the picture moves into sharper focus and it all sinks in.

The journey of Celia and Marco and all those directly and indirectly related to their competition and the circus is so, pun intended; spellbinding. But all complications aside, this book is such a fantastic journey, and afterall is that not what great books are made of? The books I tend to gravitate toward usually involve situations or perspectives that aren't too far from the possible. Not since Tom Robbins' Jitterbug Perfume have I been so swept away. Sights, smells, touch, they are all there amongst the pages of The Night Circus. This is by no means a light read, but one that is a must none-the-less.

Book 1: The Paris Wife by: Paula McClain

Thanks to Anais Nin, I'm such a sucker for the lost generation, more specifically the Paris of the 20's and 30's. This, peppered with my respect for Hemingway (despite him never being my cup of tea in the literary sense), made The Paris Wife a must read. And Paula McClain did not disappoint. Although she could get a little lost in the minutiae, she still painted a lovely portrait of Paris and the life of a very enigmatic writer.

My heart ached when I learned that Hadley's father suffered a similar fate as Hemingway. As the spouse of someone who suffers from depression it was easy to build a connection to Hadley. And while McClain often teetered on the edge of making Hadley into a helpless victim, she quickly found a way to show her resilience, strength, and individuality which left you feeling that no matter what Ernest (or life) threw her way Hadley was going to be just fine. As love can be oh so beautiful and oh so ugly, I thought McClain did a great job showing both sides of Hadley and Ernest's relationship in a very enriching and lovely way. And I can't help but wonder if The Paris Wife is also an ode to the loved ones of artists, who often get the short end of the stick, but who are so pivotal to their success.

And I'll always appreciate a book that can enrage me so, that I can't help but to punch the hubby in the arm, but still find myself turning the pages. (For all his incredible talent Hemingway could be an real bastard). Overall though, If you are a fan of those great writers from bohemian Paris this book would be right up your alley.

In The Stacks - I Put A Spell On You

Nina Simone is one of my favorite musicians. Oddly enough I discovered her while watching a very very bad movie. Her music was the best thing about it. I was entranced and soon found myself watching, not to see how the movie progressed, but to see if there would be more of this haunting voice. After I began to school myself in all things Nina I also discovered that she was greatly admired by my beloved Jeff Buckley. In fact Nina was one of the first performers to cover the song Lilac Wine (and Jeff's reason for covering it). Her auto biography "I Put A Spell On You" was something I've meant to pick up many times over the years, but never did until a few weeks ago. It feels strange to say this, but it was an easy read. I'm not quite sure what I expected to learn about her life. I had heard rumblings that much of the book was embellished by Simone, which really makes no difference to me. Who wouldn't bend some truths a little if they were writing an autobiography? I think what shocked me a little were the many many grammatical errors found throughout. I seriously considered writing the publishing company to ask why the hell they let them slip through.

The story of her youth was the most romantic for me. Her parents and siblings, her first love, growing up in North Carolina, Miss Mazzy her first instructor, these chapters had to be my favorites. She was known as such an absolute diva. To learn that she was so insecure and well... needy in so many aspects of her life and so unbelievably strong in others was strangely comforting. I never got the feeling that she wanted my sympathy for all that she had been through. Just that she had most certainly led an extraordinary life, it was simply time to tell the tale. And what a tale it was! Now, would I recommend this book to someone who had never heard of Nina Simone or whom wasn't a fan? No, I most certainly wouldn't. Nina fans respect her diva behavior. We know what place it comes from and how much a part of her music it is. For those that don't know these truths, this book can paint her in an unsavory light (especially her Barbados years and beyond.) I recommend getting to know her music understanding the power of her talent and then read it.

She was an exceptionally gifted pianist, and unforgettable vocalist. And in the end I found this book reignited my love for her music. I gained a new insight to the emotion behind her songs and
it feels like I'm getting to know her music all over again.

In The Stacks

I'm not sure why it took me this long to actually sit down with 'Love in the time of Cholera'. I've known about the book for quite some time and I've had a few recommendations by friends to read. I came across it a few weeks ago and decided to give it a whirl.
Okay so I'm now about 150 pages into 'Love...'
and I'm just not too interested in continuing on. Florentino is just so painfully desperate I find nothing romantic about it. I do however enjoy the colorful prose of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Very vibrant and vivid. This could keep me pressing on. But I don't know how much more of Florentino I can take with his flower eating and stalking. I'm very particular about the type of romantic tones I enjoy. A similar theme could be seen in 'Like Water For Chocolate' which was also very colorful and I enjoyed tremendously. But I think that I responded so well to Chocolate's Pedro because he was like: So your societal and familial responsibility won't allow me to marry you, But living without you is impossible I'll do whatever I have to do just to be near you, even marrying your nasty sister. Whereas Love's Florentino is all: Oh you are so beautiful that you must be the perfect woman I will eat flowers and hide behind a tree and fuck hundreds of women until you will have me. Has anyone else read this? Should I press on? Will it be worth it in the end?

The Lords Of Karma

When I was in radio there was a list of things you NEVER talked about. Religion and Politics were at the top. I've always respected that not everyone is going to feel the same way as I do about religion. How can I expect someone not to force their ideas down my throat if I'm doing it myself? To use my mic as a medium to talk about my Religious beliefs was hypocritical.

But politics, sociology, culture those are things I've been very passionate about since my youth. I found ways around it. Ways to keep it in the Gray. For example when an election was coming up I would spend the week leading up to election day reporting on how one vote made a difference in American history. Voting is one of the most important things we can do as Americans and as human beings in my book. The adage that "my vote doesn't count so why bother" couldn't be more dangerous. That's what those that wish to control us as a society want you to believe.

One of my biggest frustrations has always been how the Mainstream Media seems to only be capable of reporting about the darkness in our communities & the world. Leaving us in a constant state of fear, a constant disbelief in the goodness of mankind. I had a daily report called "the bright side" where I talked about everyday people going above and beyond the call of duty to help their communities. Because that is the kind of news that reminds people there is good in all of us and if it's one or a thousand we can make a difference. Because those are the kinds of people that deserve countless hours of coverage on CNN not Paris Hilton and her ilk.

With that said I'm also no stranger to the injustices in the world. I strive also to make sure that those are brought to light as well. Injustices that we can do something about. Although the road may seem long, I need only to look at my daughter and husband to know it's worth everything I have to keep fighting.

One of the many things that binds Ned & I is our deep sense that we are each others keeper. The belief that if there is something wrong you do what you can to fix it. Ned's struggle with Cancer, Our struggle with Social Security, Our lack of access to affordable or better yet UNIVERSAL health care, Our frustrations with public education, our frustrations with the complete dismissal of the importance of guiding our youth, our government ... we have much to say and well since the first fruit of our real collaboration turned out quite nicely we thought why not try again. Bloggy Style.


I give to you... The Lords of Karma Taken from the Hunter S. Thompson quote "I consider myself a road man for the lords of karma" We will talk a lot about Ned's struggle with cancer, our battle to convince the social security administration that he is in fact disabled(10 out of the 11 doctors reporting on his case agree with us). Our struggles living as a family who cannot afford health insurance. We'll also talk about a lot of the issues that need to be brought to light. To somehow help those on a similar path or those less fortunate. And we welcome any and all contributions. If there is something going on in your community, something that you feel is important to talk about please send us an e-mail. And we'll do our best to post your story. It's important to know that each of our voices means something. And just as I remind Ned in those moments he feels that he's all alone in his fight. There is always someone who can find inspiration from you. Always someone who can benefit from the experience and perspective you have to offer. So please when you can stop by and let us know what you think.

In The Stacks

At the famous Library Book sale I found many treasures that I plan to share but there was one in particular that almost makes me feel as though it was meant to find me. Desiderata byMax Ehrmann. It's a sweet little book with spectacularly simple illustrations. I Love so very much the cover. It's a great little peom written in 1927. I discovered after picking up this book there was a lot of mystery surrounding this great work as to it's orgins. I think everyone can agree that Mr. Ehrmann delivered a very profound gift to the world when he created Desiderata.

I read this poem to Stella now constantly, She doesn't show too much interest but I'm hoping that the message does sink in for both her and I.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others; even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy

MAX EHRMANN 1927

In The Stacks

Another one of my great loves is Books. Before domestication got the best of me. I never went a day without reading. Barely a week went by without the purchase of a new book or checking one out at the library. It's been far too long since I've nurtured this part of me. That all ends now.

Once a week (what day who knows) I'll share with you a book review, perhaps share a little nostalgia, but one of my favorite hobbies has to be finding obscure and/or quirky books. I've been known to buy books for their elaborate illustrations or artful fonts or absolutely absurd subjects. These little morsels of fun I'll be sure to share with you. All in an effort to write a never ending love letter to the art of prose.

This week I was very excited about our local library's book sale. As Library books sales are famous for providing a plethora of obscure books. And at this particular book sale I hit the mother load. Behold: "Polly's Homemaking Pointers" by Polly Cramer

First I must tell you that the kitschy illustrations were the first thing to catch my eye. There are some spectacular cutie illustrations by Joe Phelan (I believe). Published in 1965, I knew I was in for some delightfully pre-women's lib verbiage.

I soon discovered that one post most definitely won't be enough. As Chapter One begins with.

"A good homemaker is tops in the most respected and highly honored occupation in this wide, wide world of ours" *cough- bullshit* "An excellent housekeeper is not necessarily an excellent homemaker. Many women, you know some and so do I , are slaves to housework. They empty the ash tray almost before hubby's cigarette ashes hit it, and the newspaper is in the trash can before he has had a chance to take a second look at the sports pages." *first, that's OCD hun and second, BWAHHAHAHA* "For the comfort and happiness of their families, let's hope these almost fanatical housekeepers are few and far between. Most of us follow the middle road..." *or some like me are domestically disabled* "...and have some time left over for our families, for worthwhile outside activities, and if we are fortunate, for some things we just like to do for our own selfish pleasure" *like be forced to work a full-time job to help keep a roof over our heads*

Rrrright. See what I'm talking about and trust me it just gets better and better.

But I do have to say there are some very interesting old skool tips shared, that are quite innovative. For example in the children's corner chapter: "A blackboard bank account for a child teaches mathematics, saving and industry. Even preschool children learn to add and subtract nickels and dimes when it involves their own money. Some of the odd jobs around the house that they are not paid for are credited to their account on the blackboard. Children feel like they have money in reserve, that they can decide when and for what it can be spent, or saved for a larger want. "

I'll definitely re-visit Polly's Homemaking Pointers in the future for a good laugh and a surprisingly good tip.

I hope you enjoyed the inaugural run of In The Stacks, If you have any suggestions or if you would like to post your own review, or guest blog about your own book nostalgia your submissions are oh so welcome.