Women Reading (weekly)
*Every Wednesday*
Founder: Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Come see what's news!
Edition: Nov. 30, 2011
Art and Quotes
Men sometimes speak as if the study of the classics would at length make way for more modern and practical studies; but the adventurous student will always study classics, in whatever language they may be written and however ancient they may be. For what are the classics but the noblest recorded thoughts of man? They are the only oracles which are not decayed, and there are such answers to the most modern inquiry in them as Delphi and Dodona never gave.
Men sometimes speak as if the study of the classics would at length make way for more modern and practical studies; but the adventurous student will always study classics, in whatever language they may be written and however ancient they may be. For what are the classics but the noblest recorded thoughts of man? They are the only oracles which are not decayed, and there are such answers to the most modern inquiry in them as Delphi and Dodona never gave.
We might as well omit to study Nature because she is old. To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a noble exercise, and one that will task the reader more than any exercise which the customs of the day esteem. It requires a training such as the athletes underwent, the steady intention almost of the whole life to this object. Books must be read as deliberately and reservedly as they were written. - Henry David Thoreau
Discussions and Book Chats
Bookie Brunch question: Are relationship-oriented dilemmas important for the success of a novel? Can you give an example of a book without this particular type of twist, that's still a page turner of a story?
Bookie Brunch question: Are relationship-oriented dilemmas important for the success of a novel? Can you give an example of a book without this particular type of twist, that's still a page turner of a story?
I'm a sucker for love stories, but there's only so much I can handle. It can get tiresome when all stories end up with love getting tangled up. Sometimes a good ol' plot without all that romance is good, like a thriller novel. - Kiwi (host), Assortments (@Chumbwa)
I feel that readers will dislike a book if the romance is just put there for the sake of it. It must be a real, heartfelt romance between the characters which must show through in the writing. - Jodie, Books for Company (@BooksforCompany)
It really depends on the focus of the novel. Most young adult novels deal with relationship dramas of some sort, whether they be romantic, family, or friendships. - Lizzie, Elizziebooks (@elizziebeth)
One thing I do not like, and don't think is important at all, is a love triangle. I hate those with a passion! I know there are some people who love them or don't mind them, but not me. I've given up on books because of love triangles. I get mad and feel bad because I know that at least one guy won't get the girl he wants. - Peep, Attack of the Book (@AttackoftheBook)
Initially, I wanted to say that relationship-centered dilemmas weren't needed for stories at all, but the more that I thought about it, the more I saw how integral they are to most books. - Michelle, Book Briefs (@BookBriefs)
***** Join this discussion *****
Events and Parties
December 1-24, 2011: Visit or Sign up: Hosts Kailana from The Written World and Marg (@MargReads) from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader invite you to be part of the virtual Advent Tour for 2011. This is the sixth year for the event, and it has become part of the book blogging community's holiday tradition.
From the hosts: Each day anyone who wants to participate takes turns sharing a treat with our friends here in blogland. It could be something about your family traditions, recipes, your country's holiday traditions, or a favorite Christmas memory, movie, book, song...anything you like. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, we would like to hear about what your family does during the holiday season, whether it be celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa (or a pagan holiday, etc.) or whatever it is that you do during this time. Visit or Sign up
December 1-24, 2011: Visit or Sign up: Hosts Kailana from The Written World and Marg (@MargReads) from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader invite you to be part of the virtual Advent Tour for 2011. This is the sixth year for the event, and it has become part of the book blogging community's holiday tradition.
From the hosts: Each day anyone who wants to participate takes turns sharing a treat with our friends here in blogland. It could be something about your family traditions, recipes, your country's holiday traditions, or a favorite Christmas memory, movie, book, song...anything you like. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, we would like to hear about what your family does during the holiday season, whether it be celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa (or a pagan holiday, etc.) or whatever it is that you do during this time. Visit or Sign up
Dec. 1-31, 2011: Snowed In: Visit or Participate: What Book is That? (@whatbookemily) will be hosting an indie author event (shown above) in December. Event description provided by blogger: Every day in December, a different indie book will be reviewed. Each review will have a giveaway attached for e-books, print books or gift certificates. Stop by every day for a new chance to win!
Nov. 20-Dec. 20, 2011: Visit: Evie (@SeoEvie) of Bookish invites you to meet some of the authors working in teen fiction (also called young adult fiction or YA). Event includes interviews, reviews, and a chance to win some of the featured titles.
Memes and Features
(Incl. reading challenges)
Weekly: Every weekend (Fri. thru Sun.): Random Magic Tour (@RandomMagicTour) invites you to find and share a beautiful book nook every weekend - posts include a badge collection of all the pretty libraries, coffee shops or various reading rooms. Every weekend through Dec. 31, 2011. Visit or Participate
Take Five series: Nov. 1-30, 2011: Visit: The Take Five series is a month-long feature this November, featuring writing advice to help with NaNoWriMo. The series is curated by author Sasha Soren (Random Magic). Browse all posts
Home for the Holidays reading challenge: Nov. 28 - Dec. 31, 2011: Visit or Sign Up: A Blooming Spirit (@Marie_Chamorro) invites you take part in Home for the Holidays reading challenge. Message from the host: I am hoping you will join me and take on the challenge of reading your favorite winter holiday books, as well as some new ones.
Vintage Mystery reading challenge: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2011: Visit or Sign up: Genre must be mystery and the book must have been written before 1960.
Every Thursday: Visit: Words and Peace (@wordsandpeace) invites you to visit I Love France, a weekly meme posting every Thursday and featuring tidbits about French culture. Visit
(Incl. reading challenges)
Weekly: Every weekend (Fri. thru Sun.): Random Magic Tour (@RandomMagicTour) invites you to find and share a beautiful book nook every weekend - posts include a badge collection of all the pretty libraries, coffee shops or various reading rooms. Every weekend through Dec. 31, 2011. Visit or Participate
Take Five series: Nov. 1-30, 2011: Visit: The Take Five series is a month-long feature this November, featuring writing advice to help with NaNoWriMo. The series is curated by author Sasha Soren (Random Magic). Browse all posts
Home for the Holidays reading challenge: Nov. 28 - Dec. 31, 2011: Visit or Sign Up: A Blooming Spirit (@Marie_Chamorro) invites you take part in Home for the Holidays reading challenge. Message from the host: I am hoping you will join me and take on the challenge of reading your favorite winter holiday books, as well as some new ones.
Vintage Mystery reading challenge: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2011: Visit or Sign up: Genre must be mystery and the book must have been written before 1960.
Every Thursday: Visit: Words and Peace (@wordsandpeace) invites you to visit I Love France, a weekly meme posting every Thursday and featuring tidbits about French culture. Visit
Videos and Vloggers
Shown above: Review of The Age of Innocence, by vlogger SSP. Win a copy of this film at Bookie Brunch this week! Win this book-and-DVD set (Through Dec. 31, 2011)
Shown above: Vlogger Liddy at theebookmonster is going to be doing a new vlog every day, through December, as part of her December Vlogathon.
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel at RachelSuperBook is participating in December Vlogathon, and will be posting a new video every day from Dec. 1 - Dec. 25.
Shown above: New vlogger VviheartbooksvV invites you to drop by to check out her video channel. Primarily teen fiction (also called young adult or YA fiction).
Shown above: Review of The Age of Innocence, by vlogger SSP. Win a copy of this film at Bookie Brunch this week! Win this book-and-DVD set (Through Dec. 31, 2011)
Shown above: Vlogger Liddy at theebookmonster is going to be doing a new vlog every day, through December, as part of her December Vlogathon.
Shown above: Vlogger Rachel at RachelSuperBook is participating in December Vlogathon, and will be posting a new video every day from Dec. 1 - Dec. 25.
Shown above: New vlogger VviheartbooksvV invites you to drop by to check out her video channel. Primarily teen fiction (also called young adult or YA fiction).
Book Adaptations and Media Marvels
(Incl. movies, music, games, tech, publishing news, other.)
Movies featuring writers: Le temps retrouvé
Shown above: Clip, Le temps retrouvé (Time Regained)
About: On his deathbed, a series of photographs prompts writer Marcel Proust to flashes of memory about moments from his life.
Related information: Le temps retrouvé commentary, À la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time or Remembrance of Things Past).
Podcast: Discussion of the life and work of Marcel Proust: Listen
Shown above: Amusing series based on time-swap Jane Austen theme.
This episode: 'Technology'
Shown above: Author interview with Erica Bauermeister. You can win a copy of the book she's discussing here, at a November Bookie Brunch hosted at The Fluidity of Time. Browse details
Movies featuring writers: Le temps retrouvé
Shown above: Clip, Le temps retrouvé (Time Regained)
About: On his deathbed, a series of photographs prompts writer Marcel Proust to flashes of memory about moments from his life.
Related information: Le temps retrouvé commentary, À la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time or Remembrance of Things Past).
Podcast: Discussion of the life and work of Marcel Proust: Listen
Shown above: Amusing series based on time-swap Jane Austen theme.
This episode: 'Technology'
Shown above: Author interview with Erica Bauermeister. You can win a copy of the book she's discussing here, at a November Bookie Brunch hosted at The Fluidity of Time. Browse details
Shown above: Visit some of the most beautiful places in the world via World Site Guides.
This week's tour: The gardens of Versaille
About: In 1661, Louis 14th hired the best architects, painters, and landscape designers to work on what would become his life project; the Château de Versailles and its magnificent gardens. (Via: World Site Guides)
Goodies and Giveaways
WIN: Enter: Through December 31, 2011: Now you won't have to wonder if the movie is as good as the book or not - win this classic novel and matching movie version. This set features a paperback edition of The Age of Innocence with a new, beautifully designed cover and a DVD of the feature film, nestled together in a sturdy case. This could be a nice treat to keep for a rainy weekend. Win this book-and-DVD set
About the book: Edith Wharton's novel is a masterful portrait of desire and betrayal set during the sumptuous Gilded Age of Old New York, a time when society dreaded scandal more than death. This is Newland Archer's milieu as he prepares to marry conventional socialite May Welland. But when the mysterious Countess Ellen Olenska returns to New York, Archer falls deeply in love with her. Torn between duty and passion, Archer struggles to make a decision that will either courageously define his life - or mercilessly destroy it. (Publisher desc.)
WIN: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: Win a great time - just add nibbles and a few buddies, to host your own 1930s mob movie marathon! Part of Guys and Molls party - win a cute prize pack of a multi-title DVD (shown above) and mobster-speak flashcard set (shown below).
Preview: Check out the deck
Win this: Details
Through Dec. 15, 2011
WIN: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: There are several charming Jane Austen-related titles introduced as prizes during Pemberley Ball, and most offers open through Dec. 15, feel free to browse some of them: Browse titles
WIN this book at Bookie Brunch, offer open through December 15, 2011.
WIN: Enter: Through December 31, 2011: Now you won't have to wonder if the movie is as good as the book or not - win this classic novel and matching movie version. This set features a paperback edition of The Age of Innocence with a new, beautifully designed cover and a DVD of the feature film, nestled together in a sturdy case. This could be a nice treat to keep for a rainy weekend. Win this book-and-DVD set
About the book: Edith Wharton's novel is a masterful portrait of desire and betrayal set during the sumptuous Gilded Age of Old New York, a time when society dreaded scandal more than death. This is Newland Archer's milieu as he prepares to marry conventional socialite May Welland. But when the mysterious Countess Ellen Olenska returns to New York, Archer falls deeply in love with her. Torn between duty and passion, Archer struggles to make a decision that will either courageously define his life - or mercilessly destroy it. (Publisher desc.)
Preview: Check out the deck
Win this: Details
Through Dec. 15, 2011
WIN: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: There are several charming Jane Austen-related titles introduced as prizes during Pemberley Ball, and most offers open through Dec. 15, feel free to browse some of them: Browse titles
WIN: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: Win a delicious book and DVD set of a creepy classic, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, as part of Bookie Brunch - Halloween edition. Interior artwork shown below. Browse details
Win: Enter: Through December 15, 2011: Win a charming book for a favorite foodie, or just a cozy read for chilly weather. Part of Bookie Brunch, host is The Fluidity of Time.
Preview book | Browse offer details
Preview book | Browse offer details
WIN this book at Bookie Brunch, offer open through December 15, 2011.
About: When publisher Thomas Cadell declined an unsolicited manuscript offered to him by a Hampshire clergyman in 1797, he made one of the biggest mistakes in publishing history, for the manuscript was an early version of Pride and Prejudice, and the clergyman's daughter was destined to become one of the most recognizable names in literature... (More)
WIN: Enter: Through December 2, 2011: Win up to USD 500 of quirky Chronicle Books titles - plus a matching big box of the same titles you've selected, for one other person. There are a few rules, but they're all simple. (Details)
WIN: Enter: Through Nov. 30, 2011: Win a trip to London via retailer The Foundary (@The_Foundary) and interior design site Apartment Therapy (@AptTherapy), with their co-sponsored London Calling sweepstakes. Offer includes hotel stay and flight allowance. Open through Nov. 30, 2011. Details
Grapevine, Last-Minute News and Misc.
Alternate takes on Keep Calm and Carry On:
Keep Calm and Shake the Glitter
Source
Alternate takes on Keep Calm and Carry On:
Keep Calm and Shake the Glitter
Source
Book Nooks
Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: The Greek Classics reading challenge arrives in 2012. From the host: Take a look at the roots of Western civilization and ponder the great questions of existence by reading some ancient Greek literature. Participants will be reading from one to 12 classics of Greek literature. Host is Jean of Howling Frog Books and Musings of a Bookworm, no contact info available. Visit or Sign up
Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: Explore a debut author, in the Debut Authors reading challenge, hosted by Book Addict (@jennifer_q85). Visit or Sign up
Jan.1-Dec.31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: Rosey's Review (@roseysreview) invites you to join her for a year of reading dystopian fiction.
Participate in Women Reading
(Weekly, every Wednesday - or every Sunday, for weekend edition)
Notes
Header image: Portrait, by Lillian Mathilde Genth (1876-1953)
Image source: American Gallery
More: Essay on reading, by Henry David Thoreau
Image source: American Gallery
More: Essay on reading, by Henry David Thoreau
Talk to Us
Are you planning something cool for your blog, or have you heard about something great that we might have missed this week? Tell us about it!: @RandomMagicTour
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