If books are your passion, I would definitely check out The Book Thing in Baltimore. Their motto is "we put books into the hands of those who want them." And this organization does that, for FREE. Seriously. Just bring a tote bag and take as many as you want. Heck, bring a box! They're happy to help you relieve them of books. Did I mention it's free?
I went there for the first time this morning, and was pleasantly surprised with the quality and amount of books they had. The ambience is something between a crazy old relative's basement and an evil genius' underground lair, but that's not the point. Free books! Who cares if there's no easy chair and coffee bar? The patrons are friendly and voracious readers, and the volunteers are helpful and polite. What's not to like?
I was also impressed with the scope of titles. The Book Thing has organized sections of everything from European travel to educational textbooks. I saw a few city teachers there, scrounging for textbooks they could use for their classrooms. I immediately decided that from now on, all my book donations are coming to The Book Thing. Those teachers and children need books!
Speaking of donations, The Book Thing survives on the generousity of others. If you want to donate books, supplies, money, or volunteer time, they will welcome all with open arms. Check out the website for hours and directions. www.bookthing.org
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
The Harry Potter Series
by JK Rowling
What can one say about this series? Apparently quite a bit, because JK Rowling and her Harry are still in the news weekly, even now that months have passed since the last book was published.
I could geek out about the genius story structure, or the wildly imaginative characters (and indeed, I have), but I'd rather this stream be more like a discussion. Have you read them? Have you not, but can't understand what the fuss is about? Have thoughts about books vs. movies? Let's talk Harry!
What can one say about this series? Apparently quite a bit, because JK Rowling and her Harry are still in the news weekly, even now that months have passed since the last book was published.
I could geek out about the genius story structure, or the wildly imaginative characters (and indeed, I have), but I'd rather this stream be more like a discussion. Have you read them? Have you not, but can't understand what the fuss is about? Have thoughts about books vs. movies? Let's talk Harry!
How to Be Good
by Nick Hornby
This book's plot is hard to summarize, so I'm borrowing from the New York Times book review: "It's a story about how to wreck your marriage, how to help the homeless, how not to raise your kids, how to find religion ... and how to be good."
I read this a few years ago and thought, "Wow! A male author has really captured what goes on in the mind of a woman." I reread it this month, and my opinion has changed somewhat. While I still think his characterization is plausible, I didn't get that feeling of identification with the main character that I did before. I found the narrator more immature and selfish this go 'round. Could it be that I have matured? Hmmmm....I don't think that shift in my point of view changed my enjoyment of the book, but it did change my impression of the author's insight of the book.
Still, Nick Hornby is a great author whose other works (About a Boy, High Fidelity, among others) are not only compelling, quirky movies, but also compelling, quirky novels. And a good sense of humor is always welcome on my bookshelf.
This book's plot is hard to summarize, so I'm borrowing from the New York Times book review: "It's a story about how to wreck your marriage, how to help the homeless, how not to raise your kids, how to find religion ... and how to be good."
I read this a few years ago and thought, "Wow! A male author has really captured what goes on in the mind of a woman." I reread it this month, and my opinion has changed somewhat. While I still think his characterization is plausible, I didn't get that feeling of identification with the main character that I did before. I found the narrator more immature and selfish this go 'round. Could it be that I have matured? Hmmmm....I don't think that shift in my point of view changed my enjoyment of the book, but it did change my impression of the author's insight of the book.
Still, Nick Hornby is a great author whose other works (About a Boy, High Fidelity, among others) are not only compelling, quirky movies, but also compelling, quirky novels. And a good sense of humor is always welcome on my bookshelf.
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