The Content Reader

(image from Wikipedia) Our friend Andrew was over for dinner the other night. Finally, I had someone to discuss literature with for a while! He has been kind enough to send me a poem by Philip Larkin, An Arundel Tomb.  Having just read it, I have to share it here with you. It is a beautiful poem, which you could also use as a guide; how to view the tomb, how it is decorated, how to read. It gives you an idea how to look and interpret heritage monuments. After having read the " Poem Guide by Jeremy Axelrod, 2009 " that he also sent me, I am lost in this poem. I have to read and re-read it many times. What a good start to the day, when you find something like this to think of and enjoy for times to come. I definitely have to look into Philip Larkin's work after this introduction. Thank you, Andrew. Side by side, their faces blurred,    The earl and countess lie in stone,    Their proper habits vaguely shown    As jointed armour, stiffened...

This week my book beginning and page come from Candide by Voltaire. I read it for my literature course, and was quite surprised. It is a wonderfully, written and satirical book. The old classics are definitely alive. Book beginnings hosted by Rose City Reader "In the country of Westphalia, in the castle of the most noble Baron of Thunder-ten-tronckh, lived a youth whom Nature had endowed with a most sweet disposition. " The Friday 56 (57) hosted by Freda's Voice "You insolent dog!" cried the Baron. "You have the impudence to marry my sister, who bears seventy-two quarterings! Really, I think you are insufferably arrogant to dare so much as to mention such an idea to me.

I have wanted for some time to read something of Kureishi. I think this might not be his best book. I bought it, probably at the Book fair, and did not realise it was short stories. I do not often read short, but it is always good to venture "out in the blue" sometimes. However, this was not my cup of tea. Although well written, and concentrating on the difficult theme of love and life, I could not really get into the stories Maybe because the characters are very far away from myself. However, I am sure that a lot of people recognise themselves in the stories. The characters have come over the first youth and realising that they cannot continue living from day to day for the rest of their lives. Most of the characters are part of the cultural life. I guess artistic people are always living a less secure life and have goals driving them further and further and income is irregular if any. Even so, when you have a settled income, it seems life does not simply settle down...

Recently, I wrote about the 100 best non-fiction books ever (a list from the Guardian ). There were several books from the list I wanted to read, among them Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own .  My friend Alex at the Sleepless Reader suggested we read it together during February. A good idea, otherwise it will take me a long time before I get around to read it. Are you interested to read along with us? If so, please leave a comment below and I will contact you in the end of January. I like discussion points, which I like to consider during the reading. Voluntarily of course. I found these on  Shmoop .

This week my book beginning and page 56 come from a new author to me, Andrea Camilleri's Hunting Season .  Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader "The steam packet boat that delivered the post from Palermo, the Re d'Italia - which Sicilians stubbornly continued to the the Franceschiello out of a combination of habit, laziness, and homage to the Bourbon king who had instituted the service - moored, dead on time, at two o'clock in the afternoon of 1 January 1880, in the harbour of Vigàta." The Friday 56 (p. 55-56)  hosted by Freda's Voice "'That was me, my friend. I'd bought two rockets to set off on San Calorio's day, but then I couldn't do it because we were in mourning. So I tried them at home.' 'In the middle of the night?' 'Why, is there a specific time of day or night for setting off rockets at home?'" My review of the novel under link above. Quite a different book, bord...

I listened to this book on Audible. The historical fiction novel  The Other Einstein is referring to Einstein's first wife Mileva Maríc, born in Serbia. Early on she showed talent and was nurtured by her father, who also helped her to the right schools and in the end to the university in Zürich.  She was only the second woman who finalised her studies there. Among her fellow students was Albert Einstein. They soon started dating and became lovers. They got a daughter out of wedlock, who died a year after. They married and had two sons. In 1914 they divorced. This is how far the book goes. I was not aware of Mileva Maríc or her involvement with Albert Einstein. It is always interesting to read about early female pioneers in typically male fields. The early life of Mileva is well written and her friendship with four other women studying in Zürich. Although, at least two of them, made a pact not to marry but pursue their studies, the both ended up married and thus, out of...

Maybe your Element is to play the piano? Some years ago I heard a TED-talk with Ken Robinson. It was one of those talks you just love. He is a natural speaker and manages to make his topic so interesting and humorous.  Nowadays, he is a Sir and an internationally recognised leader in the development of creativity. Also an advisor to governments, corporations and others on educational matters. He has written several books on creativity and how to find your place and occupation in life. In connection with hearing the talk I ordered this book, with the sub-title: " How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your life ". It is an interesting book with a lot of examples of people who did find there elements, even meaning they changed their profession some time along the line. He also provides questions, ideas and advice how to try to find your true element. Best is to read a chapter and then linger on his questions and think on what it could mean to you. In a...