BOOKS

BOOKS, such a history!  I decided to write about books this afternoon simply because I have a habit, as much as I have habits, I do jump around from thing to thing. I never go to  bed at the same time.  I forget to take medicine.  I do not eat at the same time.  But, I watch Book TV on the weekends.  This is a great way to hear about new books, see the authors discuss their books, and to hear questions.  Certainly, at this time in the history of the world, we are so very fortunate.  People say that there are a lot of books, but not of the quality of the old masters.   I certainly disagree.  If books are to inform and inspire there are many who do just that.  Of course, there are many written just for greed.  But, if you read much, you know the difference.  http://www.booktv.org/

I always tried to read and read and read to my little ones.  We still have books that Leah had as favorites as she grew up.  The Giving Tree was one of her favorites and she has a very giving and loving nature.  I believe that book had something to do with that.  It was an every night book for a while.   I cannot leave out the series of the time...Leah's father really loved The Cat in the Hat.. One book that is under our tree every Christmas is worn and old...but it is always there.....

I was wonderfully surprised when Sterling first read alone.  He came running into my room and was so upset.  He said, "Meme, why are they killing children?"  I was very upset and asked him where he heard that..  He said , "It is on the front of the newspaper today!  He was four.  I didn't know he could read.  I knew then, that he would succeed.  He was a reader.  I still have to have a newspaper delivered.  So cheap and so important.  I choose this newspaper... John Hope Franklin was a personal friend of my husband, a Duke professor and  a scholar .

      I will take this outlet to rant a little about books.  Sterling, my grandson, is starting college this next week.  He has a list of books a mile long for three courses.  The cost is out of sight.  I called my friend Harry  who is an academic and worked for a publishing company.  I asked him how English 101 could warrant a new edition every year?  Greed.  They print them in colors.  I do not believe this country has the values of GREED and screw the ones that have the littlest amount of money....our students.... our future.  I would expect the publishers to support not gouge.  I am wrong.  I am so angry as I am looking and looking for the books at a reasonable price.  I am comparing table of contents and find no difference.  I have resorted to looking at the syllabus and buying the first book(s) and continuing to look for reasonable ones.  One book for English costs $120.00.  I can understand why the kids are going so deeply in debt for their education.

     One book that we have many copies of in my house.  The Bible.  I have my grandmothers, my Aunt Frances', mine, and who know who else.  Last time I counted there are 11. I only use two.. a study Bible and a King James Version.  In this case the version matters.  My favorite book from a religious perspective is my Book of Common Prayer.
     Books come in so many formats.  We can read from a book, from a iPhone, from a Kindle...... We have Audiobooks (my favorite) to read in cars, or as you fall off to sleep.  I am reading, again, Narrative in the Life of Stephen Douglas.  I am reading it by audiobooks, free, on my iPhone.  Of, course, Sterling has been asked to buy it, and a specific edition.  I am really enjoying his books.  One especially,:  Rock and Roll:Its History and Stylistic Development 6th Edition with CD.  When he gets done, the money he will get for it does not even warrant selling it.

Keeping all!

On the subject of books, It is so hard for me to give them up.  I do not know what psychology that is.  I know that the best and most prolific reader in my family is Alyce, my sister.  She does have habits.  Most of them good, she reads every night before bed.  She goes through tons of books.  Then she can give them up.  I guess I consider them a friend and getting rid of them would be like getting rid of a friend.  I wish I had her discipline.... I would be much more productive.  My nephew-in-law, Sean, beats us all in reading.  He keeps his books.  I love going to their home.
 If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison


You may have tangible wealth untold;  Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.   Richer than I you can never be - I had a mother who read to me.   ~Strickland Gillilan (Thanks, Laurel)

WATCH Book TV over the weekend.  It is such a window to the world for me.  I love the way it works.  Watching Megan McCain discussing her new book.. Dirty Sexy Politics.  WOW...  There are so many lessons there. You get a different perspective of a younger generation of Republican women.  Not near so unthinking and reactionary as their older members (Palin).  I agree with Megan.... there are so many terrific female Republicans, how could anyone choose her.  Her advice... Stop the Media.  Enough on Politics.