Having just recently finished volume one of her autobiography, I was interested to read today that Doris Lessing won the 2007 Nobel prize for literature. I was disappointed that nobody had anything to say when I mentioned her. I thoroughly enjoyed "Under My Skin" and now have volume two, "Walking In The Shade" on my night table. Have any of you read her stuff? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Having enjoyed the autobiography so much, I hastened off to the library [I know my way there blindfolded], to find some of her fiction. On that particular day, all I could find was her recent novel "Love Again." Clutching it happily, I was looking forward to a great read. BUT. I just couldn't get interested. Finally I tossed it aside in favour of "On Chesil Beach" by Ian McEwan, in which I was not disappointed. Maybe I'm just not intellectual enough.....? It is pretty amazing, though, that a woman of almost eighty eight [she is the oldest person ever to get the Nobel for literature] is still a mover and shaker.
I have some wonderful movies for Birdy and anyone else interested. "An American Rhapsody," with Natassja Kinsky and Scarlet Johannson, filmed in 2001. I totally missed it back then. "Fracture" [and I'm feeling pretty fractured these days] was mesmerising with Anthony Hopkins, and "The Brave One," with Jodie Foster, had me on the edge of my seat throughout. Wow! Three good movies in one month. I'm getting better...
Chani, this is for you....I haven't been able to get onto your blog lately. Even at the library. The computer makes all kinds of straining noises, as though it's in the throes of childbirth. Nothing happens. Then a message pops up to say "this site is not responding..." So,I'll keep trying....I have a track worn to the library these days as our home computer seems to cower in dread at my approach. At least when I go on Blogger. The menfolk say it's because Blogger is a streaming feed...which means diddly squat to me....The OC is not here to lend his expertise, which would probably take the form of "Go to the library!" anyway. I don't want to screw things up so badly that the Bean cannot do his classwork on there, hence the track to the library. I'm still reading folks. The library ladies just won't designate one computer as MINE and let me stay on there all day. They're funny like that. Besides, we must eat occasionally, the elders must be visited and the house prevented from falling down.....Who knew I would become such a computer fan? And fall into such a decline when I'm deprived?
With November and NaBloPoMo looming I'm beginning to wonder if I should give it a miss and just cheer [comment!] from the sidelines. I'm feeling distinctly uninspired........And if you've slogged through this gibberish to here,I admire your stamina and thank you for your loyalty!
21 comments:
I slogged through and now I'm even commenting. What you need is your own computer, tucked back away in your sewing room, one that would never get cranky! Thought of you when I read about Doris and her prize, still haven't read any by her.
I know the page load on my site is just ridiculous.. and have no idea how to fix it. I'm seriously thinking of removing all of Technorati's widgets. I'll definitely try to find out what's going on though. It loads in okay for me but it's slower than I would like.
I hope you decide to do NaBloPoMo. :)
Maybe if someone is reading here who knows about page loads could try to check out my site and let me know?
thailandchani at earthlink
Peace,
~Chani
If those selfish library folk won't come to your aid, then you definitely need your own computer, just as I need a proper upgrade of mine, so that I can watch all the videos and stuff.
Thanks for the book and movie recommendations. Due to teaching, I do not find time to read during the school year, but I watch an occasional movie.
We get given copies of a lot of Movies & some newish TV series.
I have not read any Doris Lessing, so cant comment.
I heard Ms Lessing comment on her award. She said that it surprised her immenssely to receive it beacuse forty years ago officials had told her that she would never be worthy of a Nobel prize.
Good on her for having a LOOONG memory and sticking it to them when she finally got her chance to get even.
Not so much of a slog really - cant remember if I have read any Doris Lessing (you know me and my memory) - will check out her books and see if anything rings a bell. Now, you probably really need your own computer and then guard it from everyone who wants to use it. (speaking from experience).
I haven't read any Doris Lessing , but will look for them on your recommendation. Thanks.
Chani, I'm no expert , but the more you have on your side bars, banners etc the longer it takes to open.
I'm sure I've read something by Doris Lessing, but I can't think what. I'm wrong, having just googled her I haven't. For some reason I thought she wrote One Hundred and One Dalmations!
Molly, check out Schmutzie
http://www.schmutzie.com/
She is participating in a blog a day thing (NaBloPoMo on steroids!) and writes little vignettes of people she knows...okay, today she talked about her meds. Page down.
But I'll bet you get some inspiration.
would the OC come at a new computer for Christmas...that or denial thereapy? Tell him the 2nd choice would cost him thousands :)
Now for once I can sound knowledgeable. Thought of you when the Nobel prize for Lit. was announced. Previously with your list in hand I found Doris Lessing - The Grass is Singing at the library. I am about half way through. I find it curious, sometimes confusing but readable. Will tell you when I finish.
I've always meant to read Doris Lessing, but haven't yet. I've heard wonderful things about her always.
It's good when real talent is rewarded, and not just political acuity.
Hope your computer issues clear up soon! YIKES!
Word to the wise... don't mess with librarians.
Did you see Ghostbusters?
Yah.
I gifted you with an award... when you get the opportunity and the inclination, please drop by to pick it up, it will be waiting for you at my page.
Hopefully, the library's computer will allow it; it's a nice one!!
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
I thought D Lessing was jolly rude, myself. I personally shall accept the Nobel graciously, when it comes my way.
You need your own computer. We all have our own in this house and sometimes (oh, what a high nerd quotient) they're all in use.
Why are you feeling fractured? Sorry to hear that you are.
Doris Lessing is one of my mom's favorites and she loved The Golden Notebook. On her recommendation, I got my book group to do it one year and they all hated it (I had a particularly bad month and didn't finish it). I'd love to try it again -- my mother has much more refined taste than my book group who have lately been fixated with easy, boring books. I'm with you on The Brave One -- we loved it. Oh, and I'll second Isabelle's comment -- we all have our own computers -- often all in use at once!
But of course you won't NOT do it.
I'm doing it.
Hows that for gauntlet throwing?
Its all your fault anyway.
I will add Her to my long to-read list. I bought Naipaul a few years ago when he won the Nobel Prize, but sadly have not even cracked the book open yet.
Thinking of you - I don't know if you go around to the various blogs to read comments - there can be so many of them! - so I wanted to let you know that I responded to the "doldrums" comment you left on mine.
Ahem. Going on 2 weeks now. Where are you?
we are missing you....has the Library banned you from their computers:)
should we take up a gold coin donation to buy you a computer. Seriously hope you are well, its been a looooooooooong time since you last posted.
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