The online social community of the docents of the Rosenbach Museum and Library.
September 14, 2010
Books we are reading....
I just started a book titled London, the Novel by Edward Rutherford. It spans over 2000 years in the history of one of my favorite cities. It's not a new book - over 10 years old - but I am really enjoying it. Has anyone else read it?
Barbara, I have not read this one but here is my summer reading which inspired my thinking on the Rosenbach Collections and my practice as a Museum Educator:
Nora, the real life of Molly Bloom By Brenda Maddox A candid (and somewhat controversial in the Joycean world) biography of James Joyce’s partner Nora Barnacle.
Where We Stand: Class Matters By Bell Hooks A discussion of class divisions and community in 20th & 21st-century America.
I think you will enjoy "Nora: The Real Life of Molly Bloom". I have always been fascinated by Nora, and her life with J.J. I read this last year just before Bloomsday '09. Let us know what you think when you finish.
I am reading Dracula, as I have promised myself to do every fall for most of my adult life. (Read it when I was twelve but figured it needed another look.) I just finished the first section -- Jonathan Harker in Transylvania -- probably the part of the book followed most closely in all those movies. I love the way Stoker has structured the novel and at this point am hoping for a Minna who is a stronger character than most of the movie versions.
Susan: As you know, I'm a huge fan of the Dracula novel. And did you know that there is actually a deleted chapter from the novel that Stoker's publisher's made him delete due to the length of the book. The chapter is called "Dracula's Guest" and Florence said it was "originally excised owing to the length of the book ... ." The chapter describes one of Harker's stopovers on his way to Dracula's castle.
On another note, is anyone else as tired of hearing about Franzen's "Freedom" as I am? I know the book sold 35,000 copies on its first day, but no doubt it's because Franzen has given that many interviews about the book. Can it really be that good?
I really loved Dracula....read it way back in 1978 during a fierce snowstorm. This is a really good bio of Stoker...talks a lot about the the Dracula/Henry Irving connection.
Bram Stoker and the Man Who Was Dracula By: Barbara Belford ISBN: 0306810980
Barbara, I have not read this one but here is my summer reading which inspired my thinking on the Rosenbach Collections and my practice as a Museum Educator:
ReplyDeleteNora, the real life of Molly Bloom
By Brenda Maddox
A candid (and somewhat controversial in the Joycean world) biography of James Joyce’s partner Nora Barnacle.
Where We Stand: Class Matters
By Bell Hooks
A discussion of class divisions and community in 20th & 21st-century America.
I think you will enjoy "Nora: The Real Life of Molly Bloom". I have always been fascinated by Nora, and her life with J.J. I read this last year just before Bloomsday '09. Let us know what you think when you finish.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Dracula, as I have promised myself to do every fall for most of my adult life. (Read it when I was twelve but figured it needed another look.) I just finished the first section -- Jonathan Harker in Transylvania -- probably the part of the book followed most closely in all those movies. I love the way Stoker has structured the novel and at this point am hoping for a Minna who is a stronger character than most of the movie versions.
ReplyDeleteSusan: As you know, I'm a huge fan of the Dracula novel. And did you know that there is actually a deleted chapter from the novel that Stoker's publisher's made him delete due to the length of the book. The chapter is called "Dracula's Guest" and Florence said it was "originally excised owing to the length of the book ... ." The chapter describes one of Harker's stopovers on his way to Dracula's castle.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, is anyone else as tired of hearing about Franzen's "Freedom" as I am? I know the book sold 35,000 copies on its first day, but no doubt it's because Franzen has given that many interviews about the book. Can it really be that good?
I really loved Dracula....read it way back in 1978 during a fierce snowstorm.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good bio of Stoker...talks a lot about the the Dracula/Henry Irving connection.
Bram Stoker and the Man Who Was Dracula
By: Barbara Belford
ISBN: 0306810980