Non-fiction-who me?

I'm not much of a non-fiction reader, but did pick one up recently. This is ironic because I've always advised people of the benefit of reading at least one non-fiction book a month. Anyway, I'm reading "Peter, Paul and Mary Magdelene" by Bart D. Ehrman. He is a historian who studies and writes about the early bible times. In this book he investigates all the found documents about or by these three (of course, many of their writings are not "by" them). He gives me a totally different perspective on what we read now. He explains the practices and customs that were prevalent during the period as well as a backround on the traditions that have migrated through the years. I'm anxious to read more of his books.

Here are a couple of links if you're interested in his CV:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bart_D._Ehrman
http://www.bartdehrman.com/

Lost Author!

I read this great book a couple of weeks ago and then I forgot the title and the author so I can't get any more of them from the library! Help, help, help! Ok, her first name was MAYBE Phyllis and the book I read was about 2 look a like girls who switched places. She's a current author, but writes in a more "Austen-like" style. In fact she may have written a sequel to an Austen or Bronte book if I remember right. Anybody know who this is? I would like to read more of her stuff.

Also, I am looking for a clean and comfy reading chair for my classroom. I need something for story time so remember me if you are wanting to get rid of a chair...I will carry it away for you! I've been checking Craig's list, but so far the free or cheap chairs look pretty gross.

Piano Lessons: Music, Love, and True Adventures

So I am very excited because this is the 1st book in my four year marriage that I have read before my lovely wife! One of my former English teachers (who I later worked with while teaching junior high) sent this to me because she thought it would be something that I would enjoy. The book is written by Noah Adams who is the host of NPR's All Things Considered. Adams reflects on one year of learning how to play the piano. He decided as an adult that he wished he knew how to play the piano. He loved the sound of the instrument and had always enjoyed interviewing pianists during his career at NPR. On a whim he decided to buy a $11, 000 dollar Steinway piano without knowing how to play a note.

Because I teach music, it was interesting for me to hear a beginner's reflection on learning an instrument. I also loved the background knowledge he gave about many different pianists, piano makers, and instruments. Several times during the nights that I was reading the book I wanted to get up and play the piano and experience some of the things he was talking about. I particularly liked this book, because of my interest in music, but I would recommend it to anyone, including my wife who is yet to read a page.

Quite a Year for Plums

I just borrowed Quite a Year for Plums by Bailey White from Aunt Nancy. I have been sick so I think I may have missed some large sections. The reason I think I may have slept through part is that the last scene has a character named Lucy in it and I don't remember a Lucy being in this book. Ah well. I really enjoyed the parts I didn't sleep through, especially the 2 crazy old ladies Meade and Hilma. They really appreciated the out doors.

I also read recently 13 Moons. It is FANTASTIC. Go read it immediately. I wish I had not returned it to the library so promptly because nothing short of an excerpt can do it justice. Here is a video of Charles Frazier talking about this book and other things. You can click on "open tools" to skip to the topic you would like to hear.

Madeline L'Engle

Madeline L'Engle died yesterday. I'm including the link to the NY Times article, if you are interested.

"A Wrinkle in Time" affected me in ways that few other books have. I still have nightmares which include scenes from that book. I was never able to read any of her other books. I think I began "A Wind in the Door" and had to stop, because the nightmares were too much to take. I also think she installed in me a deep seeded fear of suburbia.

That said, I loved "A Wrinkle in Time" because it was so vivid for me. I probably won't re-read it, though.

The End of the Affair

Oof, this one took me some time and it never took hold on me the way I thought it would. I haven't read any Graham Greene before this, and I'm not sure I'm interested in picking up any more, if this is the way it's going to be. (I'm open to suggestions if someone would like to convince me otherwise.)

The story is narrated by a guy who has just been left by the woman he has been seeing, who is cheating on her husband. The guy and the husband happen to be friends. The narrator is angry, bitter, and vindictive. (How romantic!) He proceeds to alienate and abuse everyone in site, including taking a few stabs at Catholicism for good measure.

I think the only reason I finished the book is (well, I'm not working for one) I saw it being referenced in ways that confused me. Also, there was a movie made about it with Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore, not that it makes the book any better.

Why is this a classic? I'm confused.

On the plus side, it's very short!