19 Schuyler Place

Short version: the best book we've read so far!

First-rate characterization.

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[edited to add longer version]

You know, I fell in love with Margaret Rose. I think I'm inclined to admire-adore down-to-earth intellectuals, the sort of people with odd bits of trivia in their heads. These are the sort of people I like best in real life. This is the kind of person I want to be.

***NOTE: I would have thrown a BIG fit over the bedwetting issue, getting all excited (enraged) and yelling and (maybe) even (okay, probably) throwing things. I would have shown the inept counselor my dry pajamas and screamed the cabin down.

*****ANOTHER NOTE: Yes, I know this book wasn't all about me. I'm just reflecting, pensively.

The uncles are lovingly crafted.

Pg. 112: I spit on digital clocks/watches, too, Morris.

Love the wordplay: areasonable, anobedient, etc.

Verdict: Well-told, moving, concise, intriguing on many levels. I really enjoyed it! Didn't realize until end that the cover is the painting on Margaret's ceiling, with one corner left undone. Are those the shadows of the towers criss-crossing the rose?

Voting Booth Closed

You may vote for more than one. We'll take the top two or so and make those our June and July books - unless someone says NAY!

+ + + + Looks like Fortune's Bones for June and Bound for July. Alrighty?

Feedback

Well, here's my 2 cents:

Bound: looks v. interesting; fairy tale w/o the fairy, seems to remind me of Jane Yolen's Briar Rose with the combo of fairy tale and real life.

The Mount: futuristic sci-fi suggestion for the month of June.

The Race to Save the Lord God Bird: biological non-fiction, for some reason this doesn't really pique my interest (perhaps b/c I've been using the Rumpus as an escape from science, thesis, etc.)

The Voice that Challenged a Nation: tidbit of trivia--James DePreist (Director of the Oregon Symphony among others) is Marian Anderson's nephew.

Our choices have somewhat centered around activism...wellm Hoot and Outcasts anyway. Perhaps the non-fictionophiles would like a break from all these imaginary stories.

By the by

Some CSCL news (not that we EVOR call the Center for the Study of Children's Literature CSCL):

This Wednesday there's a retirement party for The Illustrious Susan P. Bloom at Simmons. Meera and I plan to go, and I promise to do my part to report back on the type of cheese served as well as whether the napkins are store-bought or hand-printed. As this is a party in honor of Susan, those unfamiliar with the small world of Simmons will perhaps assume that Bloomers will relax, revel in the glory of a career well-managed.

I'm counting on the excited-dog action, myself.

Your friendly guide to the Sinstitute/Imposium

I don't know how to put a link into a comment, so I'm making a new post.

So lookee lookee lookee.

There are a few nonfiction things to look at, as well as Marilyn Nelson's poetry masterpiece. We don't necessarily have to choose a recent book of any of these authors, either. Just thought we could draw on the guest speakers as inspiration.

Any thoughts?