tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78592727035603126172024-03-05T18:29:13.102-06:00Library Pirates"Plundering the stacks for rare gold"Trishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01536008395628933056noreply@blogger.comBlogger967125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-86887777321954961382019-04-03T09:00:00.000-05:002019-04-03T09:00:01.117-05:00Inspiration: less than 100 pages<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFuqDK5spdEu_dtggOMWuB5S6UXS0awhs47Z7RqI1y6XtXT5g-yGH_yqUWLaEs_XyUv_MXaDcoxGEfuhkoHJNccY-0Uv2K2px76ghfQyF4OZH3Au3nSFhyzfn0czM7dOufIWWpK3E_KY/s1600/RlaP19+flag+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="359" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFuqDK5spdEu_dtggOMWuB5S6UXS0awhs47Z7RqI1y6XtXT5g-yGH_yqUWLaEs_XyUv_MXaDcoxGEfuhkoHJNccY-0Uv2K2px76ghfQyF4OZH3Au3nSFhyzfn0czM7dOufIWWpK3E_KY/s200/RlaP19+flag+sm.jpg" width="140" /></a>Right away when we published the list of prompts, this one started generating questions. For this prompt, I want you to read something short: so short, in fact, that it has fewer than 100 pages. But something that's a stand-alone piece of writing, published on its own. Not part of a collection or anthology. Just a book that's not very long.<br />
<br />
I went to the "new books" section of my library, pulled off books that were super skinny and checked the last page number. Then, if it was 100 or fewer, I read the description to see if I might enjoy it. That's how I found <a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2019/02/fox-8-by-george-saunders.html" target="_blank">Fox 8</a> by George Saunders.<br />
<br />
Something I noticed: lots of self-help or inspirational nonfiction are this short! Have you read any of <a href="https://austinkleon.com/" target="_blank">Austin Kleon</a>'s books? All the heart eyes for his creative and art inspiration, and they fit this length.<br />
<br />
Another approach is to look at juvenile literature. Read a picture book. Read a chapter book. Read a kids novel that's less than 100 pages. The options are ENDLESS in the kid's department!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I think everyone should read the pre-TV series <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Ian-Falconer/20564507" target="_blank">Olivia books by Ian Falconer</a></li>
<li>I sometimes read the <a href="http://www.peterhreynolds.com/" target="_blank">Peter H. Reynolds</a> Creatrilogy books aloud to my adult art students</li>
<li>Dip a toe into juvenile nonfiction to learn the basics about something new without going overboard (philosophy, religion, crafts, an animal of choice)</li>
</ul>
<br />
And a few list links:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://hellogiggles.com/reviews-coverage/books/books-under-100-pages/" target="_blank">9 books under 100 pages for a quick afternoon read</a> on HelloGiggles</li>
<li><a href="https://fupping.com/taegan/2018/09/16/12-interesting-books-under-100-pages-you-can-read-in-one-sitting/" target="_blank">12 interesting books under 100 pages you can read in one sitting</a> on Fupping</li>
<li><a href="https://ebookfriendly.com/best-short-books/" target="_blank">50 short books for busy people</a> on Ebook Friendly</li>
<li>An unnecessarily sexist list of <a href="https://coolmaterial.com/feature/the-best-books-under-100-pages-every-guy-should-read/" target="_blank">The best books under 100 pages every guy should read </a>on Cool Material</li>
<li>GoodReads list of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/29560.Most_influential_books_under_100_pages" target="_blank">Most influential books under 100 pages</a></li>
<li>GoodReads list of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/less-than-100-pages" target="_blank">Popular less than 100 pages books</a></li>
</ul>
Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-44664340033621810512019-03-30T19:03:00.001-05:002019-03-30T19:03:13.990-05:00Today Will Be Different by Maria SempleIt's a simple mantra: Today will be different. But it's much harder to implement in real life, as the day goes on and shit just keeps happening. Life - it's never just easy, is it?<br />
<br />
Eleanor has the best intentions, but once the school calls to say her son is sick, once she realizes she's forgotten a lunch appointment, once she catches her husband in a lie ... today may be different-like-unique, but probably not different-like-better.<br />
<br />
That's not all, though. She's got some extended-family issues that seem to have popped up from nowhere, and it's emotional baggage she's having trouble lugging.<br />
<br />
Overall, Eleanor is delightfully inept in a harried, scattered way (many of us relate). She's bumbling and blustering through adulthood, just trying to measure up to the other moms, to her career potential, and to her expectations for marriage.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-39557481422366841042019-03-29T17:44:00.002-05:002019-03-29T17:44:50.233-05:00The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie BerryWhen the headmistress collapses dead, the students at Saint Etheldreda's School decide to keep the news under wraps so they aren't returned to their families.<br />
<br />
This is a precocious murder-mystery book for preteens, with very little gore and a lot of innocently made bad judgment calls. It's the kind of story where a church basement strawberry social is the very epitome of the town's social scene.<br />
<br />
But it's also a cracking good mystery full of fun characters: these seven Victorian-era British school girls cover the gamut of personality types, from the goth girl to the flirt to the science geek to the actress. You'll find from the 1890's era to modern days there isn't much difference when you gather a group of girls - <span style="background-color: #f6d5d9;">you'll get </span>sisterhood and teasing, both affection and a few tears.<br />
<br />
How long with the crime go unnoticed? And above all, whodunnit? There are quite a few twists and turns to the plot, because it turns out the girls don't know quite as much about things as they'd thought. The gradual drama is fun, and the big reveal is a surprise in many ways.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-19546479081652083272019-03-27T10:00:00.000-05:002019-03-28T19:27:46.717-05:00Inspiration: AsianReading books about other places, cultures, and experiences is a great way to expand your horizons, even when you're stuck at home. For this prompt, we're looking at books about by Asian authors and about the cultures, people, and immigrants of Asian countries.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I went looking for an official <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states_and_dependent_territories_in_Asia" target="_blank">list of countries in Asia</a>, and my world view has been expanded to understand Russia and most of the Middle East are included in Asia. I don't know what I thought they were ...<br />
<br />
Here are a few I've read:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2014/05/born-confused-by-tanuja-desai-hidier.html" target="_blank">Born Confused</a> by Tanuja Desai Hidier</li>
<li><a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2010/09/city-of-thieves-by-david-benioff.html" target="_blank">City of Thieves </a>by David Benioff </li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2015/03/everything-i-never-told-you-by-celeste.html" target="_blank">Everything I Never Told You</a> by Celeste Ng</li>
<li><a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2009/04/eye-of-jade-by-diane-wei-liang.html" target="_blank">The Eye of Jade</a> by Diane Wei Liang</li>
<li>A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry (what I'm reading right now)</li>
<li><a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2011/02/gift-of-rain-by-tan-twan-eng.html" target="_blank">The Gift of Rain</a> by Tan Twan Eng</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2009/06/hotel-on-corner-of-bitter-and-sweet-by.html" target="_blank">Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet </a>and <a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2013/08/songs-of-willow-frost-by-jamie-ford.html" target="_blank">Songs of Willow Frost</a> and many others by Jamie Ford</li>
<li>The Joy Luck Club (and other novels) by Amy Tan</li>
<li>The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini <i>(I'll be honest - I didn't finish it)</i></li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-lowland-by-jhumpa-lahiri.html" target="_blank">The Lowland</a> by Jhumpa Lahiri</li>
<li>Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden</li>
<li>Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson (graphic novel)</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-brothers-husband-volume-1-by.html" target="_blank">My Brother's Husband</a> by Gengoroh Tagame (graphic novel)</li>
<li>Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson</li>
<li>Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (and other novels) by Lisa See</li>
<li>The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures by Anne Fadiman (nonfiction)</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-star-maker-by-laurence-yep.html" target="_blank">The Star Maker</a> by Laurence Yep</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-tale-for-time-being-by-ruth-ozeki.html" target="_blank">A Tale for the Time Being</a> by Ruth Ozeki</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2009/06/three-cups-of-tea-by-greg-mortenson.html" target="_blank">Three Cups of Tea</a> by Greg Mortenson (and the scandal later!)</li>
<li><a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-wise-fool-by-shahrukh-husain-micha.html" target="_blank">The Wise Fool</a> by Shahrukh Husain & Micha Archer</li>
</ul>
A few authors and books I haven't read but would recommend anyway:<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Crazy Rich Asians series by Kevin Kwan</li>
<li>Nicola Yoon (YA)</li>
<li>Mindy Kaling (nonfiction)</li>
<li>Gene Luen Yang (graphic novels)</li>
<li><a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2015/01/arcadys-goal.html" target="_blank">Arcady's Goal</a> by Eugene Yelchin</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
And a list of lists:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2015/11/korean-novelists-han-kang-suki-kim-krys-lee" target="_blank">5 Korean novels you should read now</a> on Vanity Fair</li>
<li><a href="https://theculturetrip.com/asia/articles/10-award-winning-books-by-asian-authors-you-should-read/" target="_blank">10 award-winning books by Asian authors you should read</a> on Culture Trip</li>
<li><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/10630332/10-best-Asian-novels-of-all-time.html" target="_blank">10 best Asian novels of all time</a> on The Telegraph</li>
<li><a href="https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/10-japanese-books-you-need-to-read/" target="_blank">10 Japanese books you need to read</a> on Culture Trip</li>
<li><a href="https://mic.com/articles/93398/12-asian-writers-who-should-be-taught-in-every-high-school#.8RP5Rb75H" target="_blank">12 Asian writers who should be taught in every high school</a> on Mic</li>
<li><a href="https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/list/show/90308291_yournext5g/125000241_fiction_set_in_asia_(that_teens_might_enjoy)" target="_blank">Fiction set in Asia (that teens might enjoy) </a>by the Seattle Public Library</li>
</ul>
My list seems heavy on Japan and China, with some India. Can you help diversify the list with some additional recommendations?</div>
</div>
Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-48283558283729187412019-03-20T09:00:00.000-05:002019-03-20T09:00:00.367-05:00Inspiration: politicsThis could be a really heavy topic, but it doesn't have to be!<br />
<br />
You can choose nonfiction or fiction, local or international, history, current affairs or even speculative dystopian fantasy.<br />
<br />
Pick a smaller topic than POLITICS: Choose economics, or narrow it down to a biography. Drill down to a current social topic.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Love Hamilton? Try <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Hamilton-Ron-Chernow/dp/0143034758/ref=asc_df_0143034758/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312149984830&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7603091728458064183&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018904&hvtargid=pla-432753323419&psc=1" target="_blank">Ron Chernow's biography</a> that inspired it</li>
<li>Robert Penn Warren <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Kings-Robert-Penn-Warren/dp/0156004801/ref=asc_df_0156004801/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=266013286732&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5089014853014955875&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018904&hvtargid=pla-487290215206&psc=1" target="_blank">won a Pulitzer for this </a>novel of an ambitious governor</li>
<li>Lincoln's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Team-Rivals-Political-Abraham-Lincoln/dp/0743270754/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=team+of+rivals&qid=1552072563&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Team of Rivals</a> was a smash hit for Doris Kearns Goodwin</li>
<li>I was fascinated by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-States-Got-Their-Shapes/dp/0061431397" target="_blank">How the States Got their Shapes</a> by Mark Stein</li>
<li><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/1006297/robert-harris.html" target="_blank">Robert Harris</a> wrote the Cicero series about ancient Roman power struggles</li>
<li>I mean, if the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Book-1/dp/0439023521/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=hunger+games&qid=1552072971&s=books&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Hunger Games</a> isn't political I don't know what is</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2018/02/radio-free-vermont-fable-of-resistance.html" target="_blank">Radio Free Vermont </a>made me laugh, and reminded me of some neighbors</li>
<li>YA has lots of politics, because high school is full of evaluating moral values - try <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-War-Robert-Cormier/dp/0394828054/ref=asc_df_0394828054/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312132071225&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12805117669124127631&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018904&hvtargid=pla-593510729274&psc=1" target="_blank">The Chocolate War</a> or <a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2013/08/forgive-me-leonard-peacock-by-matthew.html" target="_blank">Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
Can you recommend something?<br />
<br />Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-22380474446458371082019-03-18T21:14:00.001-05:002019-03-18T21:14:42.400-05:00Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins ReidIt's the typical rock and roll story arc: youngsters form a band, tour and party, find fame, then eventually self-destruct. Always captivating, and somehow I never get tired of reading it!<br /><br />This time it's fictional, but that's sooo easy to forget while reading this one. The book's written in the typical music bio style of quotes drawn from interviews with those involved. The players don't agree about what happened exactly, and we get multiple perspectives on the drama.<br />
<br />
The Six is a 1970s group led by Billy Dunne. He recruits his brother, another pair of brothers, and a couple other musicians (including a female keyboard player), and they eventually get some notice as a straight-forward rock band. They get along, they fight, somebody has a crush on the girl.<br />
<br />
Daisy Jones is a wild child with a killer voice and the face of an angel. She wants to be a star, but she doesn't want to sing somebody else's words. Plus, she's got major rock star "habits," even before the fame. Eventually, somebody decides The Six and Daisy should work together.<br />
<br />
You think you know what will happen, but you can't be sure - no Wikipedia to check the stories, and there's no YouTube clips to watch because THIS IS FICTION! (Continually, I wanted to actually hear these songs!) And there are surprises along the way.<br />
<br />
I loved this one a whole lot. It's like "A Star Is Born" mixed with the juiciest rock bios. Love, ego, drugs, and flashes of genius. Divine.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-26245403931963808362019-03-13T09:00:00.000-05:002019-03-13T09:00:06.034-05:00Inspiration: celebrity endorsedThe easiest way to find a good book is to ask: "Hey, what are you reading?" People love to tell you about the books they're enjoying (or hating) and celebrities are no exception.<br />
<br />
Sometimes they're hawking their own books or promoting a friend (or sponsor), and sometimes it's legitimately because they're inspired or in love with a book and want to share. Understand the difference, and you'll be happier!<br />
<br />Celebrity book clubs:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Reese Witherspoon's <a href="https://hello-sunshine.com/book-club" target="_blank">Hello Sunshine</a> book club</li>
<li>Oprah Winfrey's <a href="http://www.oprah.com/book/oprahs-book-club-becoming?editors_pick_id=26790" target="_blank">famous book club</a> (that launched many careers)</li>
<li>NFL quarterback <a href="http://andrewluckbookclub.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Luck's book club</a></li>
<li>Rocker Florence Welch's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BetweenTwoBooks/" target="_blank">The Florence + The Machine Book Club</a></li>
<li>Emma Watson's feminist book club <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/179584-our-shared-shelf" target="_blank">Our Shared Shelf</a></li>
<li>Emma Roberts on <a href="https://belletrist.com/" target="_blank">Belletrist</a></li>
<li>Sarah Jessica Parker has a <a href="http://www.bookclubcentral.org/sjp-picks/" target="_blank">gig with the American Library Association </a>recommending books</li>
</ul>
<br />
Learn about what inspires your heroes: Locate the online presence for someone you idolize, and see if they discuss what they're reading and what inspires them. Or follow an author you've enjoyed reading to see what they're reading.<br />
<br />
So what are you reading this week that was endorsed by a celebrity?Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-76369016857404982019-03-12T08:00:00.000-05:002019-03-12T08:00:07.233-05:00Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry PratchettThe end is nigh (or maybe not)!<br />
<br />
An unlikely angel and an odd devil work together to stop Armageddon in this genius partnership between two of my favorite writers. I picked it up now because it's about to be released as a TV series with Gaiman at its helm.<br />
<br />
A kid in England is actually the Antichrist, but nobody knows that. Every time he thinks about something hard enough (Atlantis, UFOs, or tunnels to China) it happens - and let's just say Adam is a real thinker.<br />
<br />
It's very funny, and wicked smart, so I can't wait to see how they film it, since Neil's overseeing it so maybe they can't bleed the fun out of it.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-59718428592915831612019-03-11T10:30:00.000-05:002019-03-11T10:30:05.689-05:00The Kind Worth Killing by Peter SwansonStrangers meet in an airport bar and end up planning a murder. Is it just folly, or will they follow through?<br />
<br />
Ted's a rich dude with a cheating wife and a mansion under construction. Lily is a librarian with no connection to Ted, and a plan that might help him. But wow is this twisty, and even right up to the last line there's a surprise.<br />
<br />
I picked up this pop suspense novel because <a href="https://www.hungryhippiesews.com/" target="_blank">a friend</a> said she couldn't put it down. And I have to say - I didn't see it coming, and that's not what I thought would happen. (Which is the highest praise I give - I hate it when books are super predictable!)Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-25636022912828024812019-03-09T11:30:00.000-06:002019-03-09T11:30:03.853-06:00The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph CassaraDancing through the New York drag ball scene of the 1980s, this is a heartbreaking, fantastic story of love and friendship.<br />
<br />
A young queen in love begins the first Latino house on the circuit. But we know gay love stories of the 80s usually end badly, so she must rely on friends to be her real family. There is music and fashion, there are drugs and there are tears. There is money to be made the hard way, because there is always rent to be paid.<br />
<br />
But don't let me depress you out of reading this, because it's wonderful. Angel and Venus and Hector and Daniel and all the rest are friends you'll be glad to have met.<br />
<br />
Also, the 80s weren't so long ago, and we should not forget.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-66027271997625442892019-03-08T13:52:00.000-06:002019-03-08T13:52:09.330-06:00Armada by Ernest ClineIf we stand a chance, it will be the gamers who save us. Because maybe, just maybe, they've been training us as drone warriors through video games.<br />
<br />
Zack lost his dad before he was a year old, and he's spent his youth a little obsessed about the same movies, music, and games his dad loved, just to feel a kinship. So on the day of the alien invasion, Zack finds he's perfectly positioned for a top spot in the real-world fighting force he's been trained on in his favorite game.<br />
<br />
In the face of potential extermination, much about the world changes: the bonds of friendship and family are stronger, and so is the possibility of love at first sight. But is human nature what will save us, or what dooms us? We'll have to play out this game to see.<br />
<br />
I loved <a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2017/09/ready-player-one-by-ernest-cline.html" target="_blank">Ready Player One</a>, and this is just as good.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-31750256461965167882019-03-06T10:00:00.000-06:002019-03-08T12:35:12.223-06:00Inspiration: retellingAre we running out of good ideas? Has it all been done before? In any event, today's movies, television, and books are full of derivative works: reboots, reinventions, retellings and twisted adaptations.<br />
<br />
So this week's prompt is a retelling - and it will be even better if you're already acquainted with the original source works!<br />
<br />
What are the most retold stories of all time? <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-most-retold-stories-of-all-time/news-story/1906d6ec6fd0a1252b8ffa1d449f789e" target="_blank">This film article</a> says it's the logical problem-solving of Sherlock Holmes, Cinderella's rags-to-riches story and the spine-chilling horror of Dracula and Frankenstein. <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3679510/There-just-SIX-plots-film-book-TV-Researchers-reveal-building-blocks-storytelling.html" target="_blank">This article </a>says there are only six core plots to choose, anyway.<br />
<br />
Places to find books based on classics:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/classic-retellings" target="_blank">Popular classic retelling books</a> on Goodreads</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/blog/2016/03/23/retellings-of-classic-books" target="_blank">16 Retellings of your favorite classic novels</a> on BookBub</li>
<li><a href="http://flavorwire.com/169561/famous-retold-stories-in-literature" target="_blank">Famous, retold stories in literature </a>on Flavorwire</li>
<li>Wikipedia's page of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_modernized_adaptations_of_old_works" target="_blank">Modernized adaptations of old works</a> (broken out by movies, tv, literature, etc.)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Some lists of NEW materials that fit the theme:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/8-retellings-of-classic-books-out-in-2018-that-are-just-too-good-to-miss-9746060" target="_blank">8 Retellings of classic books out in 2018 that are just too good to miss </a>on Bustle</li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/genres/retellings" target="_blank">New releases tagged retellings</a> on Goodreads</li>
<li>Teen materials: <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/16-new-upcoming-retellings-classic-plays-novels-tales/" target="_blank">16 New and upcoming retellings of classic plays, novels, and tales</a> on Barnes & Noble</li>
</ul>
<br />
And if you're just looking for something in a general theme (Me Against the World, Quest, Stalker) Vulture has a break down: <a href="https://www.vulture.com/2016/08/encyclopedia-of-every-literary-plot-ever.html" target="_blank">An encyclopedia of every literary plot, ever</a>.<br />
<br />Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-33842710388488901572019-02-27T09:00:00.000-06:002019-02-27T09:00:08.825-06:00Inspiration: hyphenated authorI have to admit that some of these inspirations are easier to blog about than others - and this one is challenging!<br />
<br />
Mostly, I'm just trying to get you to step outside your comfort zone and pick a book for a weird reason, and this one is a stupid, arbitrary piece of punctuation! Have a little fun with this one, and don't take it too seriously.<br />
<br />
<i>PS: It doesn't matter if the hyphen is in the first name or last name!</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Jussi Adler-Olsen (Danish mystery, thriller)</li>
<li>William Baring-Gould (Sherlock Holmes scholar)</li>
<li>Lily Brooks-Dalton (Good Morning, Midnight)</li>
<li>Ivy Compton-Burnett (Victorian novelist, English)</li>
<li>Nicole Y. Dennis-Benn (literary fiction, Jamaican)</li>
<li>Caite Dolan-Leach (suspense, mystery)</li>
<li>Seth Grahame-Smith (classic-contemporary horror mashups)</li>
<li>Patrisse Khan-Cullors (timely activism nonfiction)</li>
<li>Chang-Rae Lee (literary fiction, Korean-American)</li>
<li>Jo-Ann Mapson (fiction about women in the American Southwest)</li>
<li>Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich (The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir)</li>
<li>Gina McMurchy-Barber (teen fiction, Canadian)</li>
<li>Lori Rader-Day (mystery, suspense)</li>
<li>Antoine de Saint-Exupery (The Little Prince)</li>
<li>Jean-Paul Sartre (French philosopher)</li>
<li>Gil Scott-Heron (poet, the "godfather" of rap)</li>
<br />
<li>Hugh Trevor-Roper (European history)</li>
</ul>
Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-40830294074606418482019-02-25T09:00:00.000-06:002019-02-25T09:00:01.379-06:00Let's Go (So We Can Get Back): A Memoir of Recording with Wilco, Etc. by Jeff TweedyIn an honest, funny look at his life, indy musician Jeff Tweedy opens up about his family, his career, and how his brain works. It's fascinating!<br />
<br />
It's no secret I love a good music bio, and what separates the good from bad is honesty and introspection. Tweedy owns it here, with a self-deprecating humor that certainly entertains. He's thoughtful about his creative process without being precious about it, and he reminisces about former friendships, band breakups and makeups, and even how his marriage works.<br />
<br />
Confession: I will read this book again, on audiobook, because Tweedy narrates it himself! (I couldn't wait, so I read it on paper first.)Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-60638356773596059492019-02-23T11:00:00.000-06:002019-02-23T11:00:11.295-06:00Behind You by Jacqueline WoodsonIn a follow-up to <a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2019/01/if-you-come-softly-by-jacqueline-woodson.html" target="_blank">If You Come Softly</a>, Woodson explores what a life without Miah feels like for his family, friends, and girlfriend.<br />
<br />
It's a short book (about a hundred pages) and I'm not sure how strongly it would stand on its own if you haven't read the first book. But as a continuation of the story - as a pondering of "what comes next" I enjoyed this revisiting of the characters. Each character deals with grief in their own way, and for that exploration, it might be valuable for teens - you get to see lots of different ways to react to life's changes.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-25978011967781447432019-02-22T10:00:00.000-06:002019-02-22T10:00:02.852-06:00Fox 8 by George SaundersThe effect of our mass consumerism is reflected through animal allegory in this brief novella, a letter to "yumans" by an inquisitive fox.<br />
<br />
Construction of a shopping mall disrupts life for a skulk of foxes, disrupting their entire ecosystem. In an attempt to understand and overcome, Fox 8 defies his leader and investigates this new complex.<br />
<br />
At just 64 pages, the story is both funny and heartbreaking. It's the kind of tale that requires some afterthought, and I may be pondering it for quite some time to come.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-26561921934021535422019-02-21T14:12:00.001-06:002019-02-21T14:12:05.515-06:00Young Jane Young by Gabrielle ZevinHow do you recover your life after a youthful indiscretion makes you a pop culture punchline? Jane Young reinvents herself but finds that avoiding her past may not be the path to happiness.<br />
<br />
In a stupid scandal with a much-older married congressman, political intern Aviva destroys her intended future. She successfully completes her college degree but finds no one will hire her, no matter how far away from her Florida past. So she changes her name, cuts ties, and moves to Maine to start a business as a wedding and events planner. Eventually, though, the past is bound to catch up with her.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, as I expected - I've loved Zevin <a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-storied-life-of-aj-fikry-by.html" target="_blank">in the past</a>, and she's again at top form here. This could have been a fluffy light chick lit kind of book, but she gives Aviva/Jane more depth with a heart and a brain. The revelation of her past isn't a real tragedy for Jane, and how she chooses to face it down is a real 21st Century triumph.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-37238121616262349622019-02-20T10:00:00.000-06:002019-02-20T10:00:04.593-06:00Inspiration: graphic novelI've enjoyed comics since I used to borrow them from the boys in junior high, but it was only once I started working in libraries that I learned about graphic novels.<br />
<br />
Generally, graphic novels differ from serial comics and manga because they're longer, compiled in a single volume, and meant to stand alone. You know, like a book!<br />
<br />
I have to say the graphic novel has gained serious literary cred in the last two decades. People will scoff that comics "aren't really reading" or that they're simple - and that just means they've never actually read one.<br />
<br />
Many graphic novels are complex, thoughtful, literary, and true, real art. Some are for kids, and some are decidedly adult: you can find nonfiction, reinterpretations of classic literature, superheroes, dark fantasies, light comedy, sex ... really, just about anything you're into can be found in graphic novel form too.<br />
<br />
One graphic novel even won a Pulitzer Prize! The nonfiction graphic novel "Maus: A Survivor's Tale - My Father Bleeds History" by Art Spiegelman is a memoir, where the author interviewed his Polish Jewish father about the Holocaust. It's also widely regarded as one of the greatest graphic novels ever written.<br />
<br />
A few others of note:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Fun Home by Alison Bechdel - Family, funerals, and figuring out you're gay. It even spun off a Broadway musical!</li>
<li>Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi - A memoir of girlhood in Iran.</li>
<li>El Deafo by Cece Bell - Childhood is even more awkward when you wear a giant hearing aid.</li>
<li>March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell - An autobiographical trilogy about the Civil Rights Movement.</li>
<li>This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki - The growing-up summer that things changed.</li>
<li>Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang - A nested pair of novels set in China during the Boxer Uprising.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Since 1997, the Ignatz Award has given awards for graphic novels. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatz_Award" target="_blank">See nominees and winners here.</a><br />
<br />
I found a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_award-winning_graphic_novels" target="_blank">wikipedia list of award-winning graphic novels </a>that may be useful. The comics industry and the book industry have many, many awards, but graphic novels aren't usually segregated from other content.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-33028283694208726422019-02-17T15:41:00.002-06:002019-02-17T15:41:36.291-06:00The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer RobsonMy sewing friends and fans of historical fiction will love this one - a novel based on the real-life women who sewed the gown worn by England's future Queen Elizabeth when she married in 1947.<br />
<br />
Two women, survivors of the recent wars, become friends over their embroidery frame working in the London fashion house of Norman Hartnell. Because of their skill, the friends are chosen to work on a very special, ultra-secret dress. Their stories are contrasted with a modern Canadian woman seeking information about her recently deceased grandmother, who bequeathed her some unexplained samples of exquisite lace embroidery.<br />
<br />
The book is very, very well done. I was captivated by the historical fiction sections, with these brave women who had survived so much. Also, there's so much of the story that's true and it's possible to lose yourself for hours researching the real fashion houses of Europe and royal sartorial history.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-38794148783963846852019-02-13T08:00:00.000-06:002019-02-13T08:00:01.115-06:00Inspiration: magicalI'm defining "magic" as books where charms or spells and supernatural powers are used. The kind of stuff not defined by physics and lab science. Mostly thought to be fiction, but I'll let you make up your own mind.<br />
<br />
You've got to be able to suspend your disbelief and really fall into the book to truly enjoy a magical story. Things happen that can't happen, and that's just the way it goes. Remember when you were a kid and could do that? Try to recapture it.<br />
<br />
Here's a list of magical stories I've personally read and enjoyed, including internal links to this blog's posts where I discussed them (if I did).<br />
<br />
<i>Note: I have an admitted weakness for vampires, but they're not really "magical" so I'll save that list for another day. ;) </i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I, Coriander by Sally Gardner - A fantastic, captivating middle-grade book about a 17th Century London girl who ends up in the land of fairies.</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-eye-of-zoltar-by-jasper-fforde.html" target="_blank">The Eye of Zoltar by Jasper Fforde</a> - A high-rise rest home for magicians, the orphan who tries to keep it all afloat, and a quest to save the world's last dragons.</li>
<li><a href="https://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-house-at-end-of-hope-street-by.html" target="_blank">The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna Van Praag</a> - A magical, living house that protects women in need.</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2011/04/discovery-of-witches-by-deborah.html" target="_blank">A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness</a> - The first in her All Saints Series, where a witch and a vampire fall in forbidden love. </li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-night-circus-by-erin-morgenstern.html" target="_blank">The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern</a> - Highly acclaimed novel, a steampunk magic circus.</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2011/02/grimm-legacy-by-polly-shulman.html" target="_blank">The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman</a> - A library of magical materials, collected by the famous Grimm Brothers.</li>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2010/06/lace-reader-by-brunonia-barry.html" target="_blank">The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry</a> - Salem's modern witches, who tell fortunes by focusing through hand-made lace.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I also could simply recommend nearly anything by Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratchett, but if I have to choose just one from each of them, I'll recommend:</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2018/02/stardust-by-neil-gaiman.html" target="_blank">Stardust by Neil Gaiman</a> - A naive young man who vows to bring back a falling star to win a girl's love, and the profane Earthly embodiment of that star who doesn't want to be captured and held prisoner.</li>
<li>The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett - Crivens! A girl witch (and a clan of drunken, thieving, miniature warriors) tries to save her baby brother from the Queen of Fairies.</li>
</ul>
<div>
What's your favorite book of magic?</div>
Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-16080366312861421982019-02-06T09:00:00.000-06:002019-02-06T09:00:06.726-06:00Inspiration: blue cover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrxetv0hpDwtu24fUhnXpbCDI6P1qaPAJRngo9TK6JCQuXcwc4tWNk4mzFFgl0o4btnK_ICS-rEyKAcYfq50xOHs6-fFIa9a1Hhh747uLqejbaLhWYjohUQH7toXFbvHmNl2Ovm7pLwE/s1600/RlaP19+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrxetv0hpDwtu24fUhnXpbCDI6P1qaPAJRngo9TK6JCQuXcwc4tWNk4mzFFgl0o4btnK_ICS-rEyKAcYfq50xOHs6-fFIa9a1Hhh747uLqejbaLhWYjohUQH7toXFbvHmNl2Ovm7pLwE/s200/RlaP19+flag.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
The real goal of these "color cover" inspirations is to make you pick a book for some stupid, arbitrary reason - because maybe you'll stumble into something good you otherwise would have overlooked!<br />
<br />
In that vein, I've decided to give you a list of books I've read and recommend that have blue covers, without notes. Just take my word!<br />
<ul>
<li>Wonder by R.J. Palacio</li>
<li>Life of Pi by Yann Martel</li>
<li>Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff</li>
<li>The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman</li>
<li>Outlander by Diana Gabaldon</li>
<li>Origin by Dan Brown</li>
<li>A Million Little Pieces by James Frey</li>
<li>The Fault In Our Stars by John Green</li>
<li>All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr</li>
<li>Less by Andrew Sean Greer</li>
<li>A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness</li>
</ul>
<div>
Also, a few with blue covers that are still on my personal to-be-read pile:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver</li>
<li>Catch-22 by Joseph Heller</li>
<li>Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah</li>
<li>A Shot in the Dark by Lynne Truss</li>
</ul>
<div>
What are you reading that's blue? Ever pick up a book blind to its story or characters?</div>
</div>
Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-58883419649315855812019-02-02T22:08:00.002-06:002019-02-02T22:08:38.833-06:00Cherry by Nico WalkerIf you're curious about the throes of drug addiction, this one's right in the middle of it. It's an ugly book - but that's not to say anything about its quality. It's just that the book deals with a terrible situation, a terrible addiction, and a terrible life.<br />
<br />
The book's a sort of run-on rambling journal of a druggie kid who joins the Army, goes to Iraq, lives long enough to come home, then robs banks to support his heroin addiction. It's raw, bloody, and horrific. He doesn't blame anybody else (but neither does he take any blame himself). You really don't want to think that this shit happens, and is happening. But I'm sure it is.<br />
<br />
It's a novel. Fiction. But 30 seconds with Google tells you Walker's a veteran in prison and apparently has written about what he knows. It reminds me a great deal of James Frey's "A Million Little Pieces," which was originally touted as nonfiction then revealed to be a fabrication.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-49140264877801662272019-01-30T12:18:00.002-06:002019-01-30T12:18:48.208-06:00Little Fish by Casey PlettWhen she's told her grandfather may have been "like her," a Canadian woman seeks out more information. Because that's more interesting than figuring out the now ... where Wendy and all her trans friends are living pretty close to the edge: drinking too much, partying too hard, dangerously fraying around the edges, picking up sex work for cash.<br />
<br />
It's a bleak story, but fresh and true in an amazing way. Wendy knows things aren't great, but she can't drum up the fucks nor the cash to do much about it. Even if you don't know someone exactly like this, you know (or have been) close enough for this story to ring true. Additionally, it's an interesting look at a group of true friends in a unique situation - trans women just living their lives, figuring shit out, and supporting one another.Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-42454750901829234142019-01-30T08:30:00.000-06:002019-01-30T08:30:03.693-06:00Inspiration: supposed to have read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrxetv0hpDwtu24fUhnXpbCDI6P1qaPAJRngo9TK6JCQuXcwc4tWNk4mzFFgl0o4btnK_ICS-rEyKAcYfq50xOHs6-fFIa9a1Hhh747uLqejbaLhWYjohUQH7toXFbvHmNl2Ovm7pLwE/s1600/RlaP19+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrxetv0hpDwtu24fUhnXpbCDI6P1qaPAJRngo9TK6JCQuXcwc4tWNk4mzFFgl0o4btnK_ICS-rEyKAcYfq50xOHs6-fFIa9a1Hhh747uLqejbaLhWYjohUQH7toXFbvHmNl2Ovm7pLwE/s200/RlaP19+flag.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
I don't know about you, but even as a bookish teenager there was a certain point where my interest in "social behaviors" took precedence over whatever was being assigned for homework.<br />
<br />
I'm admitting it - I may have missed a few assigned texts. Also, I think it's safe to say I may have missed the boat on some that I did actually read. So with this prompt, let's revisit those lists of books that SOMEBODY says EVERYBODY should have read.<br />
<br />
If you look up a modern list of books high school grads should read, it's going to be very different from whenever it was you graduated. Today's lists are much more diverse, with better representation from countries besides the US, authors who aren't white men, and storytellers who may actually be teens themselves. These books haven't bumped other so-called classics off the list - they've merely made the lists longer and more interesting.<br />
<br />
So go ahead and read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain if you want. But also, consider things like <a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2018/02/all-american-boys-by-jason-reynolds-and.html" target="_blank">All American Boys</a> by Jason Reynolds and Brandon Kiely and <a href="http://librarypirates.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-outsiders-by-se-hinton.html" target="_blank">The Outsiders</a> by S.E. Hinton.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Here's a <a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/the-books-you-never-read-in-high-school-but-should-now" target="_blank">list of 10 that are still valuable</a> from PBS.</li>
<li>A pretty typical <a href="http://www.rd.com/culture/high-school-books/" target="_blank">old-school list of 10 </a>from Reader's Digest.</li>
<li>Everybody loves a <a href="http://www.listchallenges.com/40-classic-books-you-should-have-read-in-school" target="_blank">clickable checklist</a>, right? (I got a pathetic 12 of 40)</li>
<li>And from Arrowhead Library System in Wisconsin, here's a solid <a href="http://als.lib.wi.us/Collegebound.html" target="_blank">list of 100 recommended</a> for those bound for college.</li>
</ul>
<div>
What are you most embarassed to have never read? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll confess - I intentionally skipped all the "girlie" books: Rebecca, Little Women, the Austens, the Brontes.</div>
Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859272703560312617.post-20801317139418944452019-01-26T21:37:00.002-06:002019-01-26T21:37:38.020-06:00If You Come Softly by Jacqueline WoodsonLove may be color blind, but she's in the minority. And twenty years since this book's publication, not much has really changed on that front.<br />
<br />
I listened to the anniversary audiobook of this short teen novel (just three discs), and I enjoyed every minute of it. It's a story of first love - of attraction at first contact - when Ellie drops her books in the school hallway and Jeremiah helps her pick them up. They end up in class together and a friendship begins, then blossoms into a secret-but-not-secret relationship.<br />
<br />
It's an innocent love: all studying and hanging at the park and kisses. There's a strong connection between the two and a desire for a future. But old ladies cluck at them on the New York streets because Miah is a tall black boy and Ellie is a Jewish white girl. I kept trying to figure out what's different since the book's publication, and I couldn't find much; I mean that in a good way (timeless story) and unfortunately (racism).<br />
<br />
There's a sequel, on which I've already placed a library hold ...Trish Franklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691772929854584748noreply@blogger.com0