on the literary front

I read every single word of this book AND I looked at every single picture in this book at least twice. 

It made me want to sit down and record random vivid memories.  Like the time my sister and I had lunch at the counter in some European city in a little restaurant we wandered into.  She can't remember it.  I remember some of it.  In my mind I can see the man behind the counter in his white shirt and white apron.  I sure wish I would have drawn him.   

But enough of that.  This is a literary post.

I finished "Story of Beautiful Girl" last week.  It made me want to do more factual reading about institutions where people with developmental disabilities used to be "housed".   A hard subject but handled well by this author. 

I also raced through "The Husband's Secret" because you just HAVE to find out what happens.   Liane Moriarty knows how to move you between several characters, carefully intertwining the plot lines until it all is laid out before you in a way you did NOT expect. 

I read these last 2 on the Kindle app on my iPad.  I am actually getting to like reading that way... except never with a book illustrated by Maira Kalman.  Those books need to be held so you can read the illustrations through your fingertips. 

Comments

[jeanette, mistress of longears]

Paper is my life. Lots of paper. Therefore I believed I would NEVER like an e-reader. I inherited one when my husband got a newer one...not sure why I tried reading a book on it, but when I discovered that I could find the dictionary meaning of a work just by putting my finger on it, I began to be seduced. When I discovered I could search the text for the name of a character I couldn't remember (on an iPad) I was totally and irrevocably hooked.
But it still has to be paper for everything art related.

[Chris Oliveira]

I haven't heard of the book you just read. But I have been and still am involved in the closure of institutions in MA. Many states still have them, although they are much different and better than years ago. If you are interested in some MA history, google " Ricci v. Okin, Fernald Developmental Center, "Front Wards, Back Wards," and/or "State Boys Rebellion." And a very old, famous book about institutional reform is "Christmas in Pugatory." That one is very graphic about what happened years ago in state institutions, I warn you.

[Chris Oliveira]

By the way, I am currently listening to Pillars of the Earth at your excellent recommendation.

[karla]

I was reading the Husband's Secret on my phone last week too. It was good company during every line I stood in, from Dillons to Michaels.