Emily, Alone (2011)

Emily, Alone: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was my introduction to Stewart O'Nan. I probably read a review that mentioned it was set in Pittsburgh and found that attractive. Emily was also a character in an earlier book, Wish You Were Here, but at the moment I am not inclined to read it.

Although Emily is a widow and some years older than me, I marveled at how O'Nan got everything right. It amused me when Emily wondered how she would find time in her busy day to visit the cemetery. After three years of retirement, I often wonder where the time goes and how much more I did when I was working.

All the things that bother, annoy and perplex Emily, have become part of my life. All the little things that bring her peace and happiness are so familiar. And I suspect she speaks to many of us through the minutiae of everyday life that O'Nan has so carefully observed and recorded.

When I return this much overdue book to the library, the contribution will be worth every penny. In my defense, I tried to renew the book but others are apparently waiting. I couldn't part with Emily, Alone until I was done reading it. And maybe I will never be finished with the story. Instead I will become more and more like Emily and that's not all bad. It's just the way it is as we age.

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The State of America's Libraries: The 2011 Report

The Sisters in Crime website has an overview of American Libraries' State of America's Libraries: The 2011 Report, which is issued during National Library Week (April 10-16, 2011) each year. .

Alternative Uses for Books

A Light Fixture

A friend posted a link to an article featuring creative uses for less-than-useful books on Facebook and I knew immediately I had to share it here. Clever artists have found ways to transform discarded books into everything from buildings to furniture to light fixtures to jewelry. I am partial to the Christmas Tree. Check out Neatorama for a plethora of ideas.

Keeping Book Clutter Off the Bookshelf

Erin Rooney Doland not only has written a book Unclutter Your Life in One Week but also blogs about 'getting and staying organized'. Today's post (April 12, 2011) deals with books for all of us who have trouble letting go. Click HERE!

An Uncivil Society

The bullying and terrible comments that seem to grow on news articles and other postings are spreading into the world of book reviews. It started with a less than favorable review (but not cruel to my mind) of a self-published book, continued with ill-advised rantings and profanity from the author, and spiraled into mob mentality.

Read about it HERE. And we wonder why bullying is an issue in our schools.

The Weird Sisters: A Novel (2011)

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"It mattered only that she took the step from safety and trusted she would soar."

That's a wonderful quote near the end of THE WEIRD SISTERS, a first novel from Eleanor Brown. It's a gentle book that lures you in and involves you emotionally in the lives of the quirky Andreas family. With a father who is a college professor who communicates obliquely through Shakespearean quotes and a mother suffering with breast cancer, three sisters struggle with how to move forward in their own lives.

This is a unique narrative written in the 'first-person-plural.'

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Borders to Move Headquarters Out of Ann Arbor

In the lastest news from Borders, since they declared Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection and announced plans to  close 226 stores, is that they will close their Headquarters in Ann Arbor. Read more HERE.

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