Book people are the best people! I think readers are inherently curious, so it makes sense that we would also love Cafe Anne. You help us explore a different part of the world than we would normally encounter. I find myself going through NYC now with an Anne-filter. I'll see something and think that's SO quirky. That's SO Cafe Anne.
I loved your article a lot, Anne. I can say i'm a book person because i love reading books and learn from them (my lullabies were the extracts of Persian literary masterpieces my mom used to read to me. And they absolutely helped me go to sleep. They also helped me at school). Because of this, i usually spoke bookishly, not colloquially, with my classmates and that was what drove them away from me (only people of the same kind understand each other, and in my case, there was no one else like me😭). My childish mind viewed this as sth bad, sth that prevented me from fitting in the school environment. But my adult mind views it as sth to be proud of.
P. S: if you ever want to give me a gift, i love books and ornaments more than other things😉
I also read ALL THE TIME as a kid, Negar, and as a result had zero friendship skills. Maybe that's another thing us book readers have in common. So we have to stick together, haha!
Entering an author's mind through reading books can make you a good listener. In fact the same skills of concentration and patience and observation needed to be a careful reader are those needed to be a careful listener. To use a Star trek reference, it's like the Vulcan mind meld Spock used to do.
Oh that's an interesting idea, David. If there is a correlation between being a book reader and being a good listener. That would totally seem to follow. But right off the bat I can think of a few people I know who read a LOT of books but are also chronic monologuers. I guess the emphasis is that it CAN make you a good listener. But not necessarily!
Great column Anne. I’m definitely a book person and I’m grateful to have grown up in a home where they were, and are, valued. It helps keep the ego in check and broadens our perspective .
I’ve always believed you can never be lonely if you have a book. Maybe that’s something we could use to combat loneliness and sadness amongst our youth…a library pass and book clubs for them all.
Thanks Amy! To be honest I figured that line would offend people but the folks commenting on it or emailing me all seem to agree. Maybe because we are book people.
Glad you enjoyed the banana bed ad. It made me happy too!
I mean, it seems obvious for me (as I write a book newsletter), but I am definitely a Book Person. I also realize I am a bit overboard . . . but it truly brings me joy! I have an extensive spreadsheet I keep that tracks every book I own (2873 total), what format they are (mostly print, about 85%), whether I have read them, and slowly I am adding the years I acquired. Believe it or not, I do sort through them frequently to purge and refresh! I am realizing we evolve as readers, and it's okay for my library to evolve with me. I love seeing what I'm interested in now and how that has changed over the years.
Goodreads DOES let you export! That's how I got the bulk of mine over! You can select shelves you want, different categories, etc.! You can make it any way you want!!
Jeff! It looks like I can have this sent directly to my Kindle for free. Are you recommending a read?
And I am sure you are right about the indistinguishable thing. Although I do feel that real life is also just as weird as a dream, and we justify the outrageous and inexplicable in waking life the same way we do in dreams.
I loved this issue for too many reasons to state here - thank you!
I enjoyed the segue into lucid dreaming. All true and good information for those of us who can benefit from that practice!
I share the optimism behind these words “because soon, AI will NOT be this weird.” I hope we are not disappointed as the future of AI unfolds.
Finally, I am curious how the banana bed advertiser is going to make money or break even when she sells her bed - after paying for the ad. If it is not sold yet, I recommend she raise her price so at least she can cover the advertising expense.
"My running theory is this: book people are folks who enjoy an intense, deep, one-on-one encounter with another mind."
can't really top this
ohh and for the record NEVER apologise for Woody but i get you know that already his contributions to understanding the neurosis of a certain New York jewish state of mind were minor compared to just the millions of laughs he has generated for decades not to mention his many love letters to that same city jesus don't get me going on his nutty punishing ex and all that crap...as for Larry David i've seen his imitations of Bernie (whom i actually once knew) and a few shows and what a delightful human being.....is "Aharon" like him? lol
my favorite of the color subway AI's was the first....i mean what guy doesn't want to live in a world where every female face resembles in passing Sandra Bullock right? i think i spotted a mini Rachel Maddow too but no baby with squirrel tail was too distracted by the legs
an odd choice and while overlooking Annie Hall and Hannah and her Sisters and of course stashing Bananas and Play it Again Sam into the trunkful of mirth may i recommend "A Mid Summer Night's Sex Comedy" for the total package of a certain era of Woody ie he is somewhat enobled at the start but becomes increasingly the center of all the angst and blame which riotously builds up like his own neuroses and i believe Mia quite lovely is featured before all the real life drama began ugh
also: there is no better sight gag for me in all of film than of Woody emerging from the time capsule coffin in Sleeper and having to unwrap the aluminum foil from his glasses!!!! only better thing would have been him wearing sox like Aharon has!
Enjoyed the piece about book lovers. I keep books of authors I love. I'm more likely to re read them. I'll keep beautiful books with gorgeous bindings and designs and books that possess beautiful language.
Thanks Linda! I love the idea of your library as a collection of things you find beautiful—be it the bindings, the language or the authors who wrote them.
I'm surprised at myself: I forgot to count my books, and I didn't weigh in on my book culling habits. Clearly I need to get my priorities straight and never, ever forget about Café Anne again!
I've just counted and I presently have 671 books. Jesus H. Nine years ago I had to clear out my mother's house when she went into care and it took me 7 long months, so I've developed better habits around regularly making sure to get things out of the house. I don't want my daughter to have to go through what I went through. I can't imagine how many books I'd have if I weren't constantly heaving them out of here as fast as I bring them in. I don't amass other objects in the same way, so I guess it could be worse.
As for deciding which to keep and which to cull, it's willy-nilly. If I read it but wasn't particularly impressed, it's outta here. If I loved it or it has sentimental value, it stays. Sometimes I'll get rid of certain books I haven't even read yet because I suddenly understand that I never will.
I like your theories on book lovers! It's true I do prefer "an intense, deep, one-on-one encounter with another mind" than say, small talk at a boisterous party (parties can be great, but not for TALKING). But I always chalked that up to being "highly sensitive" and an introvert (most of the time). I'm going to think on this theory of yours.
Lastly, I was very interested to read in your interview with Jane Ratcliffe that you have a great uncle who's an antelope, as I, too, have an antelope for an uncle. Uncanny.
I think of all the accounts I've received, BA, your book culling strategy most closely matches mine.
I try to get rid of books on a very regular basis, donating them to the Little Free Library as soon as I finish something and decide its not a keeper. But I'm still running out of space!
When we moved into this house in 2009, we had large inset bookshelves built in our basement. This is why I can safely harbour so many books without it ever looking like a hoarding issue, though my bedside table looks rather hoard-ish. Or... hoard-y.
I, too, take books to little free librairies... I pass a few of them every day on my way to exercise class. We've also had yard sales the last couple of summers where I've put out scores of REALLY GOOD BOOKS and barely moved a unit. My neighbours are obviously not bookish types. BOO.
David Roberts had a point about reading and listening. Then, Carol, there is was what you wrote: ‘I arrived at this conclusion after considering what movies and TV shows I like. While I prefer books in general, when I do enjoy something on the screen it’s invariably the vision of a single, uncompromising creator with an idiosyncratic point of view.’
No mention of radio (distinct from the modern podcast and audio books ). The comedy, the play, the 14 short story. They make me laugh, they draw me into other realities, they make me cry, but , as much as I love and enjoy all these things, a book in the hand trumps them all and now, at 79, I write my own. Imagine receiving Cafe Anne as a PDF and printing it off to hold... hang I can! I will send a PDF file before the end of the week. Forgive the length of this comment. aka Kevin 🐰
I am also a HUGE podcast fan and in particular I love the very long ones where the host and his or her guest get involved in—wait for it—intense one-on-one conversations.
But I agree there is nothing better than a book, and I can't say why. I just feel at home in a book more than anywhere else.
And I agree, I'd much rather read stuff printed out. Someday when I am making enough to have a personal assistant, I will have them print out all my favorite Substacks every week so I can read them properly.
Exciting to hear you are planning a book! What's the topic?
Anne, I write them already, most of the time on paper bags (sometimes two or three) - hence my substack name. All have been turned into booklets, copies of which I place in The DoughMother Bakery and Cafe, where most of them are written. My book? Auto fiction when it happens.
This week I bought a copy of a recently published book, ‘All of us: Stories and Poems Along Route 17’ written by New Yorker* Esther Cohen’, published by Saddle Road Press, which was mentioned on Spark (another substack post I follow). She writes about people who live in and around a town she calls ‘Middlefield’. I am enjoying what I have read so far. It’s not a long book. 147 pages but it does contain close on 50 stories plus a few poems.
Made me think of you. Maybe you could collect your favourite posts about New Yorkers together in the form of an annual ‘Cafe Anne Companion’. I could see such a volume being a great success. Remember the Ukrainian Window Box Man. My favourite to date. I said then the man had the makings of a book, but a reprint in your ‘Companion’ could suffice.
A NOTE:* I am guessing Esther Cohen is a New Yorker because she writes ‘Our New York apartment is rent controlled’ and I am guessing you have to about a long time to have that?
aka Kevin, I bet I would enjoy that book. Is the route 17 she refers to the road runs along the southern tier of New York State? If so it's a great drive I've made many times between NYC and Buffalo.
I would LOVE to have some sort of hard-copy CAFÉ ANNE thing available someday. Thanks for the encouragement.
Anne, I have looked the (county) Route 17 in the book title and thought you might know as I have the impression upstate NY was once your home territory. I am treating the book as auto fiction, but still enjoyable. The local historian in me knows that we all telescope events and morph people, several into one. The more I see of AI on Cafe Anne the more I see these characteristics. AI does what we all do already. 🐰
Agree with your insightful observations, particularly about book lovers wanting deep, one-on-one conversations. It's fascinating that your newsletter is not about books but attracts book lovers. I love that! I tried to prune my (over-500) collection once and couldn't do it. Because I have fantasies of guests stumbling upon just the right life-changing book, from our shelves, when they visit, and I can't predict which of our books it'll be. I once read Lee Iacocca's autobiography because it was the only book in the car. I visited a beautiful friend's house when we were in our late 20s and she and her husband had no books. It was chilling. Super specific questions for your readers: Does anyone else not care for Jonathan Franzen's novels but LOVE his nonfiction (personal essays)? Also curious how many people here own copies of Fran Leibowitz's "Metropolitan Life" and "Social Studies"?
It's so sweet that you can't prune your book collection due to concern about future guests. But who knows when a little Lee Iaccoca might save someone's life? (I remember when that book was a BIG deal).
Boy, I'd love to talk some Franzen. He seems like a sweeter person in his essays. In one Goodreads Review (I think maybe it was "Purity") I referred to him as "the Stephen King of relationships." Good one, right?
I think maybe my favorite thing about Fran Leibowitz is how great she is in comparison to her two books.
The Stephen King of relationships! Dying. Wait! You don't like Fran's books?! If you ever want to talk Franzen, call me! Random aside: I just realized something. In each of my movies, I've shown my characters reading books! I think it's such an important thing to know about a person/character.
I LOVE Franzen's novels. Also whenever I read one, I feel just terrible! So I need to watch it. But his last, actually, was rather lovely and on the hopeful side. He seems be getting less cynical and despairing as he ages.
He endured a lot of internet shaming. And he has long accepted climate change and a bleak future. Maybe the suffering that comes from these two things has given him more compassion and wisdom. Or maybe he’s just happier than ever and it has softened him. I love his writing about bird watching and taking the upscale cruise (to see disappearing ice, penguins, etc.).
Great question about book peeps. My sister is a big reader and we are close. She has great insight and self awareness.
Recently @juliasweeney mentioned that when she visits someone’s home she likes to see if they have a reading chair with a designated light. This can tell her much about the person. While I love this secret habit I felt a little embarrassed. I don’t have THE chair. Hubby and I have had to move so many times, downsizing and ridding our homes of furniture that I have no designated reading chair. I use the family room couch, my office chair or my bed. Alas, I am inspired to find the chair.
Oh, a reading chair! A reading chair! I fantasize about this, but I have room for maybe four pieces of furniture and reading chair is not one them. But there is a lot to be said for Reading on the Couch or as I refer to it with my book friends, ROTC.
Book people are the best people! I think readers are inherently curious, so it makes sense that we would also love Cafe Anne. You help us explore a different part of the world than we would normally encounter. I find myself going through NYC now with an Anne-filter. I'll see something and think that's SO quirky. That's SO Cafe Anne.
Wow that makes me very happy to hear Jillian. Cuz I do the same thing, haha!
And yes thank you for pointing that out—curiosity is definitely something readers share in common.
I loved your article a lot, Anne. I can say i'm a book person because i love reading books and learn from them (my lullabies were the extracts of Persian literary masterpieces my mom used to read to me. And they absolutely helped me go to sleep. They also helped me at school). Because of this, i usually spoke bookishly, not colloquially, with my classmates and that was what drove them away from me (only people of the same kind understand each other, and in my case, there was no one else like me😭). My childish mind viewed this as sth bad, sth that prevented me from fitting in the school environment. But my adult mind views it as sth to be proud of.
P. S: if you ever want to give me a gift, i love books and ornaments more than other things😉
I also read ALL THE TIME as a kid, Negar, and as a result had zero friendship skills. Maybe that's another thing us book readers have in common. So we have to stick together, haha!
Yes, you're right😉
Ah, I loved this celebration of book people *and* one-on-one conversations — somehow I'd never quite made the connection between the two.
Thanks Mason. Just a theory—but the result of a LOT of mulling, for sure.
Book readers unite!
It rang true for me!
(Also this: "it’s generally the case that the more people involved, the dumber the conversation gets." Too true!)
Entering an author's mind through reading books can make you a good listener. In fact the same skills of concentration and patience and observation needed to be a careful reader are those needed to be a careful listener. To use a Star trek reference, it's like the Vulcan mind meld Spock used to do.
Oh that's an interesting idea, David. If there is a correlation between being a book reader and being a good listener. That would totally seem to follow. But right off the bat I can think of a few people I know who read a LOT of books but are also chronic monologuers. I guess the emphasis is that it CAN make you a good listener. But not necessarily!
Maybe the key is the quality, or care, one takes as a reader vs. the volume of books read.
Oh I love that! I can for sure say that I am better listener AND a better reader these days. The two go hand-in-hand.
Great column Anne. I’m definitely a book person and I’m grateful to have grown up in a home where they were, and are, valued. It helps keep the ego in check and broadens our perspective .
I’ve always believed you can never be lonely if you have a book. Maybe that’s something we could use to combat loneliness and sadness amongst our youth…a library pass and book clubs for them all.
Thank you Tara.! And what a great idea—book clubs for little book worms! I'm sure that would have been a big help to me growing up!
“While there are exceptions for sure, it’s generally the case that the more people involved, the dumber the conversation gets.”
Best and truest line from this whole post.
Also, the classified for the banana cat bed is so classic NY 😆
Thanks Amy! To be honest I figured that line would offend people but the folks commenting on it or emailing me all seem to agree. Maybe because we are book people.
Glad you enjoyed the banana bed ad. It made me happy too!
I’m a certified extrovert and I love a good group gathering, but even I had to stop and reflect on the truth of that sentence.
I mean, it seems obvious for me (as I write a book newsletter), but I am definitely a Book Person. I also realize I am a bit overboard . . . but it truly brings me joy! I have an extensive spreadsheet I keep that tracks every book I own (2873 total), what format they are (mostly print, about 85%), whether I have read them, and slowly I am adding the years I acquired. Believe it or not, I do sort through them frequently to purge and refresh! I am realizing we evolve as readers, and it's okay for my library to evolve with me. I love seeing what I'm interested in now and how that has changed over the years.
Casssie, I am a big fan of books and spreadsheets but it has never occurred to me to create a SPREADSHEET FOR MY BOOKS.
Honestly, the concept is so great it might do me in entirely.
I DO track my books on Goodreads and there is no reason they couldn't create widget that lets you export your list into a spreadsheet.
Does your spreadsheet include the books you've discarded? I think it'd be easier for me to discard books if I knew they'd live on forever in a chart.
[herein is where I learn I have more than the aforementioned number and I need to do some downsizing lol]
Goodreads DOES let you export! That's how I got the bulk of mine over! You can select shelves you want, different categories, etc.! You can make it any way you want!!
AI will soon stop being weird because once it's powerful enough, real life will be indistinguishable from a dream 😳
Something like "Alpha Ralpha Boulevard":
https://www.fadedpage.com/showbook.php?pid=20191008
Jeff! It looks like I can have this sent directly to my Kindle for free. Are you recommending a read?
And I am sure you are right about the indistinguishable thing. Although I do feel that real life is also just as weird as a dream, and we justify the outrageous and inexplicable in waking life the same way we do in dreams.
I don't like science fiction and I recommend this story, so I guess that means it's good?
I will check it out!
More science fiction for people who don't read science fiction:
Ted Chiang, "Story of Your Life"
https://raley.english.ucsb.edu/wp-content/uploads/Reading/Chiang-story.pdf
I tried Ted Chiang as I heard so many good things about him and did not like. But haven't tried this one! Will add to my library holds.
But this is the only story he's famous for! I didn't realize anyone read him without reading that one first...
I loved this issue for too many reasons to state here - thank you!
I enjoyed the segue into lucid dreaming. All true and good information for those of us who can benefit from that practice!
I share the optimism behind these words “because soon, AI will NOT be this weird.” I hope we are not disappointed as the future of AI unfolds.
Finally, I am curious how the banana bed advertiser is going to make money or break even when she sells her bed - after paying for the ad. If it is not sold yet, I recommend she raise her price so at least she can cover the advertising expense.
Thank you for the wonderful writing.
Awww thanks Mordy! I'm very glad you enjoyed this week's issue.
And do not fear for the banana bed seller—she was the winner of my classified ad contest (launched in issue #95) so her ad ran for free!
"My running theory is this: book people are folks who enjoy an intense, deep, one-on-one encounter with another mind."
can't really top this
ohh and for the record NEVER apologise for Woody but i get you know that already his contributions to understanding the neurosis of a certain New York jewish state of mind were minor compared to just the millions of laughs he has generated for decades not to mention his many love letters to that same city jesus don't get me going on his nutty punishing ex and all that crap...as for Larry David i've seen his imitations of Bernie (whom i actually once knew) and a few shows and what a delightful human being.....is "Aharon" like him? lol
my favorite of the color subway AI's was the first....i mean what guy doesn't want to live in a world where every female face resembles in passing Sandra Bullock right? i think i spotted a mini Rachel Maddow too but no baby with squirrel tail was too distracted by the legs
AK, I am LOL at the notion that male readers were admiring the AI ladies in the original Z train illustration.
And great to know you share my enthusiasm for Woody and Larry. Now I want to watch everything they ever made all over again.
Is "Aharon" like Larry David? Maybe he will see this and let us know.
an odd choice and while overlooking Annie Hall and Hannah and her Sisters and of course stashing Bananas and Play it Again Sam into the trunkful of mirth may i recommend "A Mid Summer Night's Sex Comedy" for the total package of a certain era of Woody ie he is somewhat enobled at the start but becomes increasingly the center of all the angst and blame which riotously builds up like his own neuroses and i believe Mia quite lovely is featured before all the real life drama began ugh
also: there is no better sight gag for me in all of film than of Woody emerging from the time capsule coffin in Sleeper and having to unwrap the aluminum foil from his glasses!!!! only better thing would have been him wearing sox like Aharon has!
L
Enjoyed the piece about book lovers. I keep books of authors I love. I'm more likely to re read them. I'll keep beautiful books with gorgeous bindings and designs and books that possess beautiful language.
Thanks Linda! I love the idea of your library as a collection of things you find beautiful—be it the bindings, the language or the authors who wrote them.
I'm surprised at myself: I forgot to count my books, and I didn't weigh in on my book culling habits. Clearly I need to get my priorities straight and never, ever forget about Café Anne again!
I've just counted and I presently have 671 books. Jesus H. Nine years ago I had to clear out my mother's house when she went into care and it took me 7 long months, so I've developed better habits around regularly making sure to get things out of the house. I don't want my daughter to have to go through what I went through. I can't imagine how many books I'd have if I weren't constantly heaving them out of here as fast as I bring them in. I don't amass other objects in the same way, so I guess it could be worse.
As for deciding which to keep and which to cull, it's willy-nilly. If I read it but wasn't particularly impressed, it's outta here. If I loved it or it has sentimental value, it stays. Sometimes I'll get rid of certain books I haven't even read yet because I suddenly understand that I never will.
I like your theories on book lovers! It's true I do prefer "an intense, deep, one-on-one encounter with another mind" than say, small talk at a boisterous party (parties can be great, but not for TALKING). But I always chalked that up to being "highly sensitive" and an introvert (most of the time). I'm going to think on this theory of yours.
Lastly, I was very interested to read in your interview with Jane Ratcliffe that you have a great uncle who's an antelope, as I, too, have an antelope for an uncle. Uncanny.
LOL antelope great nieces unite!
I think of all the accounts I've received, BA, your book culling strategy most closely matches mine.
I try to get rid of books on a very regular basis, donating them to the Little Free Library as soon as I finish something and decide its not a keeper. But I'm still running out of space!
When we moved into this house in 2009, we had large inset bookshelves built in our basement. This is why I can safely harbour so many books without it ever looking like a hoarding issue, though my bedside table looks rather hoard-ish. Or... hoard-y.
I, too, take books to little free librairies... I pass a few of them every day on my way to exercise class. We've also had yard sales the last couple of summers where I've put out scores of REALLY GOOD BOOKS and barely moved a unit. My neighbours are obviously not bookish types. BOO.
BOO
“Readers who memorize newsletter content will recall” gave me a chuckle, and the AI art was delightful!
Oh thank you LR! Very happy you enjoyed the AI art as well. I could go on and on with this stuff but I do think it is time to control myself. :)
“Readers” subscribe for less of such control, I can assure you 😆
David Roberts had a point about reading and listening. Then, Carol, there is was what you wrote: ‘I arrived at this conclusion after considering what movies and TV shows I like. While I prefer books in general, when I do enjoy something on the screen it’s invariably the vision of a single, uncompromising creator with an idiosyncratic point of view.’
No mention of radio (distinct from the modern podcast and audio books ). The comedy, the play, the 14 short story. They make me laugh, they draw me into other realities, they make me cry, but , as much as I love and enjoy all these things, a book in the hand trumps them all and now, at 79, I write my own. Imagine receiving Cafe Anne as a PDF and printing it off to hold... hang I can! I will send a PDF file before the end of the week. Forgive the length of this comment. aka Kevin 🐰
akaKevin!
I am also a HUGE podcast fan and in particular I love the very long ones where the host and his or her guest get involved in—wait for it—intense one-on-one conversations.
But I agree there is nothing better than a book, and I can't say why. I just feel at home in a book more than anywhere else.
And I agree, I'd much rather read stuff printed out. Someday when I am making enough to have a personal assistant, I will have them print out all my favorite Substacks every week so I can read them properly.
Exciting to hear you are planning a book! What's the topic?
Anne, I write them already, most of the time on paper bags (sometimes two or three) - hence my substack name. All have been turned into booklets, copies of which I place in The DoughMother Bakery and Cafe, where most of them are written. My book? Auto fiction when it happens.
This week I bought a copy of a recently published book, ‘All of us: Stories and Poems Along Route 17’ written by New Yorker* Esther Cohen’, published by Saddle Road Press, which was mentioned on Spark (another substack post I follow). She writes about people who live in and around a town she calls ‘Middlefield’. I am enjoying what I have read so far. It’s not a long book. 147 pages but it does contain close on 50 stories plus a few poems.
Made me think of you. Maybe you could collect your favourite posts about New Yorkers together in the form of an annual ‘Cafe Anne Companion’. I could see such a volume being a great success. Remember the Ukrainian Window Box Man. My favourite to date. I said then the man had the makings of a book, but a reprint in your ‘Companion’ could suffice.
A NOTE:* I am guessing Esther Cohen is a New Yorker because she writes ‘Our New York apartment is rent controlled’ and I am guessing you have to about a long time to have that?
🐰
aka Kevin, I bet I would enjoy that book. Is the route 17 she refers to the road runs along the southern tier of New York State? If so it's a great drive I've made many times between NYC and Buffalo.
I would LOVE to have some sort of hard-copy CAFÉ ANNE thing available someday. Thanks for the encouragement.
What sort of paper bags?
Anne, I have looked the (county) Route 17 in the book title and thought you might know as I have the impression upstate NY was once your home territory. I am treating the book as auto fiction, but still enjoyable. The local historian in me knows that we all telescope events and morph people, several into one. The more I see of AI on Cafe Anne the more I see these characteristics. AI does what we all do already. 🐰
Agree with your insightful observations, particularly about book lovers wanting deep, one-on-one conversations. It's fascinating that your newsletter is not about books but attracts book lovers. I love that! I tried to prune my (over-500) collection once and couldn't do it. Because I have fantasies of guests stumbling upon just the right life-changing book, from our shelves, when they visit, and I can't predict which of our books it'll be. I once read Lee Iacocca's autobiography because it was the only book in the car. I visited a beautiful friend's house when we were in our late 20s and she and her husband had no books. It was chilling. Super specific questions for your readers: Does anyone else not care for Jonathan Franzen's novels but LOVE his nonfiction (personal essays)? Also curious how many people here own copies of Fran Leibowitz's "Metropolitan Life" and "Social Studies"?
Thanks Courtney!
It's so sweet that you can't prune your book collection due to concern about future guests. But who knows when a little Lee Iaccoca might save someone's life? (I remember when that book was a BIG deal).
Boy, I'd love to talk some Franzen. He seems like a sweeter person in his essays. In one Goodreads Review (I think maybe it was "Purity") I referred to him as "the Stephen King of relationships." Good one, right?
I think maybe my favorite thing about Fran Leibowitz is how great she is in comparison to her two books.
The Stephen King of relationships! Dying. Wait! You don't like Fran's books?! If you ever want to talk Franzen, call me! Random aside: I just realized something. In each of my movies, I've shown my characters reading books! I think it's such an important thing to know about a person/character.
I LOVE Franzen's novels. Also whenever I read one, I feel just terrible! So I need to watch it. But his last, actually, was rather lovely and on the hopeful side. He seems be getting less cynical and despairing as he ages.
He endured a lot of internet shaming. And he has long accepted climate change and a bleak future. Maybe the suffering that comes from these two things has given him more compassion and wisdom. Or maybe he’s just happier than ever and it has softened him. I love his writing about bird watching and taking the upscale cruise (to see disappearing ice, penguins, etc.).
Great question about book peeps. My sister is a big reader and we are close. She has great insight and self awareness.
Recently @juliasweeney mentioned that when she visits someone’s home she likes to see if they have a reading chair with a designated light. This can tell her much about the person. While I love this secret habit I felt a little embarrassed. I don’t have THE chair. Hubby and I have had to move so many times, downsizing and ridding our homes of furniture that I have no designated reading chair. I use the family room couch, my office chair or my bed. Alas, I am inspired to find the chair.
Oh, a reading chair! A reading chair! I fantasize about this, but I have room for maybe four pieces of furniture and reading chair is not one them. But there is a lot to be said for Reading on the Couch or as I refer to it with my book friends, ROTC.
Happy reading CK!
ROTC! Haha.