2018 Virago Salon

KeskusteluVirago Modern Classics

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2018 Virago Salon

Tämä viestiketju on "uinuva" —viimeisin viesti on vanhempi kuin 90 päivää. Ryhmä "virkoaa", kun lähetät vastauksen.

1lauralkeet
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 2, 2018, 1:13 pm



Welcome, Virago readers! Settle into a chair and make yourself at home.

This thread is the group message board, for general discussion and announcements. If you're new to the group, you might want to start with the "Which Virago are you Reading" and "What Else are you Reading" threads. In 2018 we will also continue our monthly author reads, as well as the Virago Chronological Read project.

If you're looking for information about Virago Modern Classics, works by a specific author, or any of our group reads from past years, please visit our group wiki, here.

Welcome to 2018 and happy reading!

2rainpebble
tammikuu 2, 2018, 11:34 am

Ah Laura, I do so love the reading rooms you seem to find so easily. What Virago reader would not love to settle in here....
Thank you for starting this thread.

3bleuroses
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 2, 2018, 1:01 pm

Happy New Year to all! I thought I'd add the link to Alison's (Heaven-Ali) Muriel Spark Centenary Reading project. If you're on twitter, it's #ReadingMuriel2018. Do join in!

https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/muriel-spark-centenary-read-a-long-re...

If you're lucky to be in Edinburgh this year, here are the upcoming Muriel Spark Centenary events throughout the year. https://murielspark100.com/events/

4kaggsy
tammikuu 3, 2018, 1:27 am

That looks wonderfully welcoming- thank you Laura!

I shall try to drop in to Ali’s Readalong - such fun! 😁

5Soupdragon
tammikuu 3, 2018, 6:00 am

For anyone interested in monthly Virago reads, I have started a voting thread here.

6juliette07
tammikuu 3, 2018, 1:12 pm

Thank you Laura - I realize that I have been far too absent over the time of my studies and training (I am a priest in the Church of England). I hope to participate a little more than over the last couple of years. I feel so comfy and that is such a feature of this group that friends are so dear and valued x

7Sakerfalcon
tammikuu 4, 2018, 7:29 am

Thank you for finding such a lovely spot for us, Laura! I wish everyone of you a very Happy New Year; may it be a good one for us all, in books and in life.

8lauralkeet
tammikuu 5, 2018, 9:25 am

I've reorganized the Virago Modern Classics Group Wiki page for a cleaner look. The Wiki is essentially a reference for information on Viragos and the various events we "do" here (group reads, Secret Santa, etc.)

Feedback is welcome -- please let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see in the wiki or any other ideas to make it useful.

9kaggsy
tammikuu 5, 2018, 10:41 am

I think that looks really great Laura - thank you so much for doing this! :)))

10Soupdragon
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 10, 2018, 6:19 am

>8 lauralkeet: That looks perfect Laura, thank you!

I've set up a final votes thread for anyone interested in the monthly Virago reads here.

11janeajones
tammikuu 10, 2018, 3:45 pm

Beautiful, welcoming library!

12rainpebble
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 25, 2018, 1:30 pm



Google honors Virginia Wolf on what would have been her 136th birthday.
She fascinates every generation.

13SassyLassy
tammikuu 25, 2018, 4:22 pm

>12 rainpebble: Not that Virginia doesn't deserve the attention, but they forgot Robert Burns!

14Soupdragon
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 26, 2018, 11:34 am

For those of you who haven't already seen this on Facebook. Green spines are back!!

"To celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Virago Modern Classics, this May Virago Press are publishing a baker’s dozen of stunning, deluxe paperbacks, designed by Hannah Wood and featuring artwork by the incredible illustrator, Yehrin Tong....

We are also issuing a beautiful hardback, Writers as Readers: an anthology of forty introductions from the last four decades. The Virago Modern Classics list has always been a uniquely collaborative enterprise, with writers and readers suggesting favourite books for us to breathe new life into. This anthology celebrates the women and men who, from the list’s inception, have shared their knowledge and enthusiasm by writing wonderful introductions, championing the Virago Modern Classics as books that deserve once again to be read and loved.

Last, but by no means least, and I’m sure to the joy of many, this year we are reintroducing the iconic green spines across the whole list. I expect our readers, who we value deeply, will be pleased. This is a list that many hold dear to their hearts. As we do at Virago."

15kaggsy
tammikuu 26, 2018, 2:35 pm

I saw it on Twitter! So exciting!!!!

16lauralkeet
tammikuu 26, 2018, 4:23 pm

>14 Soupdragon: I saw that too, and I did a little happy dance!!

17bleuroses
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 26, 2018, 4:48 pm

Happy dancing here too! https://www.virago.co.uk/bakers-dozen-beauty-celebrating-40-years-virago-modern-...

(Trying to post the pic of the forthcoming Green Spines but it seems photobucket has changed their sharing platform? Laura, is there a different/better way to post images?)

18Heaven-Ali
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 28, 2018, 3:20 am

So glad the green spines are back it's about time. Virago sent me (unasked) a copy of Marriage by Susan Ferrier with its new green spine. I'm not sure if I want to read it, can anyone persuade me into some enthusiasm for it.
What I really want are a couple of the Rose Macaulay novels they are re-issuing, so I don't suppose they'll send me those. 😀

19Soupdragon
tammikuu 28, 2018, 5:23 am

>18 Heaven-Ali: Oh, those Virago Macaulays do look very nice, don't they? I just had a look on Amazon.

20lauralkeet
tammikuu 28, 2018, 7:02 am

>17 bleuroses: don't get me started on Photobucket, Cate. They are evil. But anyway ... in other LT groups most people seem to have gone to using their LT member gallery or junk drawer.

>18 Heaven-Ali: Sorry, I won't be persuading you lol. We read it as part of the chronological read project and I was not a fan.

21SassyLassy
tammikuu 28, 2018, 11:32 am

>18 Heaven-Ali: I quite liked Marriage, which I would never have heard of without this group. My (positive) review is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/210798 at post 75.

22Sakerfalcon
tammikuu 29, 2018, 6:16 am

>18 Heaven-Ali: I was slightly dreading Marriage when we started the group read but ended up enjoying it a lot once I got into it (which didn't take long).

23lauralkeet
Muokkaaja: tammikuu 29, 2018, 7:18 am

I think Heather (souloftherose) and I were the primary nay-sayers in the Marriage group read, so don't let us sway you. Ali, you will undoubtedly get something out of reading it.

24CDVicarage
tammikuu 29, 2018, 7:20 am

I didn't finish it either; I didn't especially dislike it but somehow my reading just fizzled out as other books caught my attention.

25Heaven-Ali
tammikuu 29, 2018, 4:31 pm

I will probably set Marriage aside till next year - as I m doing A Century of books and it falls outside my century (1919- 2018).

26laytonwoman3rd
huhtikuu 18, 2018, 11:46 am

Just dropping a little note here to try to keep myself up with this group. I've been mostly absent from it lately, but my Viragos have been calling to me. I'm going to try to follow the monthly group reads for the rest of 2018.

27lauralkeet
huhtikuu 18, 2018, 12:39 pm

>26 laytonwoman3rd: woot! Welcome back, Linda!

28laytonwoman3rd
huhtikuu 18, 2018, 1:35 pm

>27 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! I never meant to slip away...RL, y'know.

29rainpebble
Muokkaaja: huhtikuu 21, 2018, 2:38 pm

attn: CurrerBell



A happy birthday to Charlotte Brontë, born today in 1816

30Heaven-Ali
huhtikuu 26, 2018, 3:57 pm

Hello everyone
I have neglected this group just lately.

Just in case you're interested I blogged recently about the new 40th anniversary VMC editions and the surprise package I got sent. Although I love the old greens best these are very editions.

https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2018/04/21/happy-birthday-vmc/

on my blog tomorrow morning, I am posting a review of Aunt Clara that Dee sent me as part of my VSS. Such a lovely book.

I will try to post a bit more often. :)

31bleuroses
huhtikuu 27, 2018, 12:29 pm

Thought I'd say Hi here too. *waiving hello* I'm always lurking, you know! 😉 I'm been busy with the VMCReaders page on FB posting news about the Virago 40th celebration, their awesome new editions - and Ali's wonderful reviews too! 📚💚

Today, I'm off to Berkeley for the Bay Area Book Festival and Independent Booksellers Day. So excited! Happy Weekend everyone!

32LizzieD
toukokuu 17, 2018, 10:35 pm

I pop into LT for about 15 minutes once a day, and that leaves me time to speak to sybix, visit another friend or two, and check my own thread among the 75ers. I think of you all often and am happy to see that you're still reading and posting.

33romain
toukokuu 18, 2018, 8:40 am

Hey Peg! I also pop in once a day. I feel bad I am not commenting more but I am retired and busier than I've been in years :)

34NanaCC
toukokuu 18, 2018, 10:45 am

I also try to pop in once in a while. I share the “retired, but busier than ever excuse”. :)

I do plan on reading at least one Molly Keane and Angela Thirkell, and looking forward to Olivia Manning in October. I had planned on reading the Balkan Trilogy this year, so I’m holding off until then.

35CurrerBell
toukokuu 18, 2018, 12:55 pm

I've been trying to get through at least one of the monthly reads each month – currently on The Magic Toyshop and liking it. I haven't particularly liked what little I've previously read of Carter. My big priority this year, though, has been HeavenAli's Muriel Spark centenary read-a-long and posting about it here on LT as The Prime of CurrerBell.

I just got some bad news from my urologist, though, that a biopsy shows what seems to be an aggressive form of prostate cancer, so there may be some RL interruptions here and there. I just had a CAT scan and a bone scan finished and I'm seeing him on Tuesday to get the latest results.

36romain
toukokuu 19, 2018, 10:40 am

Mike - wishing you well with your treatment. Fingers crossed for you!

37janeajones
toukokuu 20, 2018, 7:13 pm

Mike -- good luck and healing thoughts sent your way.

38LizzieD
toukokuu 22, 2018, 10:47 pm

Here's another wish for regaining your good health, Mike! Take care of yourself and give yourself plenty of time to read.

39Sakerfalcon
toukokuu 24, 2018, 4:58 am

Sorry to hear your news, Mike. Sending all good wishes to you at this time.

40Sakerfalcon
Muokkaaja: toukokuu 24, 2018, 5:03 am

In happier news, lyzzybee, @heavenali and I had a mini meetup in Birmingham on Tuesday. I was there for a conference and Ali, Liz and Liz's husband Matthew kindly came into the city centre to eat dinner with me (there may have been some book shopping involved too!)

Here's the photo of us:


L-R Me, Liz, Ali

41LyzzyBee
toukokuu 25, 2018, 1:24 am

It was so lovely to see you again and glad all went well at the conf.

42kaggsy
toukokuu 25, 2018, 9:43 am

Awww how lovely for you all - jealous! :)))))

43kaggsy
toukokuu 25, 2018, 10:15 am

And best wishes to Mike too - keeping everything crossed here.

44Sakerfalcon
toukokuu 25, 2018, 10:57 am

>41 LyzzyBee: It was great to see you too! Next time I'll try and come for longer, and we should definitely arrange another London meetup!

Incidentally, I am very much looking forward to seeing Laura on my upcoming trip to Philadelphia!

45lauralkeet
toukokuu 25, 2018, 2:25 pm

>44 Sakerfalcon: yesss! Me too!!

46laytonwoman3rd
toukokuu 26, 2018, 11:20 am

Just wanted to point out, in case anyone missed it, that Virago is giving away two copies of Marilynne Robinson's What Are We Doing Here? to readers in the UK only.

47Heaven-Ali
toukokuu 28, 2018, 7:16 am

Hi everyone, - >40 Sakerfalcon: yes it was lovely to see you Claire the other day.

Unfortunately I have been a bit ill with a chest infection - so sort of confined to barracks at the moment - plenty of reading time though.

48kaggsy
toukokuu 28, 2018, 11:47 am

>47 Heaven-Ali: Awww - as long as you feel well enough to read, that's the main thing! ;) Hope you feel better soon!

49rainpebble
toukokuu 28, 2018, 5:51 pm

I thought this might be of interest to some of you.

The Great American Read
About:
THE GREAT AMERICAN READ is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.

The television series features entertaining and informative documentary segments, with compelling testimonials from celebrities, authors, notable Americans and book lovers across the country. It is comprised of a two-hour launch episode in which the list of 100 books is revealed, five one-hour theme episodes that examine concepts common to groups of books on the list, and a finale, in which the results are announced of a nationwide vote to choose America’s best-loved book.

The series is the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books.

Frequently Asked Questions:
How were the top 100 books chosen?
PBS and the producers worked with the public opinion polling service “YouGov” to conduct a demographically and statistically representative survey asking Americans to name their most-loved novel. Approximately 7,200 people participated.

How did you narrow that list to the top 100?
The results were tallied and organized based on our selection criteria and overseen by an advisory panel of 13 literary industry professionals. The criteria for inclusion on the top 100 list were as follows:

Each author was limited to one title on the list (to keep the list varied).
Books published in series or featuring ongoing characters counted as one eligible entry on the list (e.g. the Harry Potter series or Lord of the Rings)to increase variety.
Books could be from anywhere in the world as long as they were published in English.
Only fiction could be included in the poll.
Each advisory panel member was permitted to select one book for discussion and possible inclusion on the top 100 list from the longer list of survey results.
What books are included on the list?
The list contains a broad range of fictional titles, authors, time periods, countries, genres and subject matter. The list includes books from as far back as the 1600s and as recent as 2016. From beloved world literature to contemporary best sellers, many categories are represented: 20th century American classics, thrillers, young adult novels, sci-fi/fantasy, adventure, historical fiction, romantic stories, and books that represent the human experience told from a diverse range of perspectives.

Why are there only fiction books included? Why aren't religious works included?
THE GREAT AMERICAN READ is searching for the country’s best-loved novel. While we recognize the broad categories of books available, we chose to narrow our focus to works of fiction because it would be impossible to cover them all over the course of an eight-part series. .

How does the voting work?
Voting will open online and on social media with the launch of the two-hour premiere episode and continue throughout the summer, leading up to the finale in October 2018. Over the summer, viewers can vote online and through hashtag voting via Facebook and Twitter. In the fall, viewers will also be able to cast their votes by using SMS and toll-free voting.

http://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/vote/#telescope-widget

50romain
toukokuu 29, 2018, 8:19 am

Looks great Belva! How are you by the way? Migraines still?

51rainpebble
toukokuu 30, 2018, 2:15 pm

>50 romain:
I am well. Migraines are gone for the most part. And it is nice to be back home where it is green and lush with the family all round. I hope that you & yours are well. :-)

52romain
toukokuu 31, 2018, 8:42 am

Had a sickening migraine last week actually Belva :) I was sitting down to eat in a restaurant when it began and by the time they brought our meal I was ready to vomit with the pain. I get them only now and then and still haven't figured out the trigger. But that apart - okay. Retired and busy as hell. How does that work? I think it's because retirees 'fill' their days but also - in my case - because my husband isn't retired and now expects me to do all the stuff he usually does.

53Sakerfalcon
toukokuu 31, 2018, 9:43 am

>41 LyzzyBee: I am taking The readers of Broken Wheel recommend with me to read on my trip! You inspired me to move it to the top of my TBR pile!

54Liz1564
toukokuu 31, 2018, 11:47 pm

Hello all,

I have not fallen off the planet. Just real life issues have gotten in the way of even my limited social media presence. But I do check the VMC board everyday to keep up with the wonderful people here. And if I am not writing as many reviews, I am still reading and rereading up a storm. For the past four days I been bothered with a bad case of bronchitis so I retreated to comfort reads. Four books in four days (thanks to not sleeping too well). Listened to unabridged audios of Heyer's Fredericka and Venetia and then went to the source and listened to Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice. P and P is my vote for Great American Read, Belva. (Have you gotten into audio books?)

And I have discovered a panacea for the news. Mendelssohn and Dvorak!

Maybe the UK in September. I have not been to England since Jan 2017. But the hassle of getting to the iairprort, clearing security, sitting on a plane for nine hours in increasingly uncomfortable seats etc.... is daunting. Now if a transporter and beam me up in Chicago and set me down in Russell Square...



55lauralkeet
kesäkuu 1, 2018, 1:54 am

>54 Liz1564: nice to hear from you, Elaine, and I'm glad you're still reading VMCs.

Classical music is an excellent panacea. I am a big fan of baroque and chamber music, but since I played in an orchestra growing up, I enjoy almost anything.

I hope your bronchitis clears up soon. I've had it twice and it's no fun at all.

56lauralkeet
kesäkuu 4, 2018, 1:07 pm



The lovely Claire (sakerfalcon) is in Philadelphia this week, and reached out to me about getting together. We met for coffee this morning. After talking books and classical music for a while, we took a walk to Rittenhouse Square to enjoy the sun and hopefully convince someone to take our photo. We actually had two women vying for the honors, which was a bit awkward until Claire came up with the brilliant suggestion to have photos taken with both of our phones.

This photo was taken by the more assertive and confident woman. I'm on the left, Claire is on the right. The other woman was less confident of her abilities, but took equally nice photos. 😀 Claire, feel free to post if you wish!

57LyzzyBee
kesäkuu 4, 2018, 1:33 pm

Ah, lovely!

58laytonwoman3rd
kesäkuu 4, 2018, 2:13 pm

Very nice!

59kaggsy
kesäkuu 4, 2018, 4:53 pm

Lovely to see you both ladies! I have happy memories of our London meet up! Hope your trip is marvellous Claire!

60souloftherose
kesäkuu 5, 2018, 4:28 am

>56 lauralkeet: Lovely photo!

61LizzieD
kesäkuu 11, 2018, 11:40 pm

>56 lauralkeet: Lovely! Also warms my heart! Glad you both had such a fine time. I'm trying not to envy you.

62lauralkeet
Muokkaaja: kesäkuu 14, 2018, 3:28 pm

The Paris Review has introduced a new monthly feature, Feminize your Canon, to explore "the lives of underrated and underread female authors." This is great news, since The Paris Review has been cited by the annual VIDA Count for lack of gender parity.

The first installment features Olivia Manning:
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2018/06/13/feminize-your-canon-olivia-mannin...

63laytonwoman3rd
kesäkuu 15, 2018, 11:26 am

Excellent article, Laura. Thanks for sharing. I've signed up for the Paris Review's newsletter, so I'll get these monthly features. I'm looking forward to them.

64lauralkeet
kesäkuu 15, 2018, 12:27 pm

>63 laytonwoman3rd: I did the same, Linda!

65Heaven-Ali
kesäkuu 17, 2018, 4:53 am

>62 lauralkeet: such a good article - I saw a few days ago. I love Olivia Manning and have read a few of her books now. |

66kaggsy
kesäkuu 23, 2018, 4:16 am

Just noticed that BBC Radio 3 had a programme on Sarah Scott’s utopian vision recently - here if you can get the iPlayer:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06btwsz

67CurrerBell
kesäkuu 28, 2018, 8:18 am

68romain
kesäkuu 28, 2018, 8:55 am

How you feeling Mike?

69CurrerBell
kesäkuu 28, 2018, 3:09 pm

>68 romain: I just had a fairly successful cardiac catheterization last week. The surgeon was prepared to install a stent but decided I didn't need one and that the arterial blockages could be handled with medication. I've got an appointment with my cardiologist next week to see how this affects my other health issues.

I don't know if I mentioned, but I've got prostate cancer. I'd really like to have a radical prostatectomy but my urologist says "NO" due to my age (66) and cardiac history. That's what I want to talk to my cardiologist about. I'd rather have more aggressive treatment, but if my cardiologist (whom I've been with for seven years now) agrees that a surgical option is out of the question, then I'll settle for radiation. Otherwise, I'm going to get a second opinion on surgery from another regional cancer center.

Also, I'll be seeing my pulmonologist next week about a CAT scan I just had. He saw a nodule on my lung back in March and he wants a baseline follow-up. I'll just have to wait and see, and also ask him how this impacts the prostate issue.

70romain
kesäkuu 28, 2018, 6:19 pm

I am sorry Mike. You have a lot on your plate and it must be very trying. Get a second and even a third opinion. Good luck!

71Soupdragon
heinäkuu 4, 2018, 4:37 pm

Just catching up!

Sorry to hear what you're going through, Mike. It does sound tough, and additionally wearing to have to argue for what you want.

Lovely to see the photo of Claire and Laura together in Philadelphia.

72CurrerBell
heinäkuu 5, 2018, 6:35 pm

>71 Soupdragon: Thanks for your concern, Dee. When I told my cardiologist that the Crozer-Keystone urologist wouldn't do surgery because of my age and cardiac history, my cardiologist (whom I positively adore, and who's a couple years older than I) said, "But you're not that old!" He also said that the success of the catherization lets him not have any objection to any surgery. So I'm going to Jefferson in center-city Philadelphia for a second opinion, because that the health system where my cardiologist's practice contracts for its Philadelphia coverage – hence my cardiologist will know the cardiologists down there, rather than my going to the University of Pennsylvania.

My pulmonologist was satisfied with the lung for the time being. A nodule that doesn't seem problematic and is most likely benign, but he's going to keep an eye on its with another CAT scan in December.

I'm seeing my Crozer-Keystone urologist tomorrow for a hormone shot and I'm going to tell him about my plans for a second opinion, based on my discussion with Dr. Raff (my cardiologist). If Dr. Raff had said no, then I would have settled for his judgment because I've been with him seven years and have the most complete confidence in him.

73LizzieD
heinäkuu 14, 2018, 11:16 pm

>72 CurrerBell: But you're not that old! Magic, marvelous words - and true! Wishing you a solid core of peace as you take this complicated journey through
the heath care system. Keep us informed, Mike.

74Heaven-Ali
heinäkuu 27, 2018, 1:00 pm

>72 CurrerBell: sorry to hear you're going through all this Mike.
Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

75CurrerBell
heinäkuu 27, 2018, 10:03 pm

>74 Heaven-Ali: Great news! Well, "great" ... all things considering.

I saw a cardiologist at Jefferson University Hospital (Philadelphia) yesterday morning, Thursday the 26th, and he gave cardiac clearance for the prostate surgery that I've so desperately wanted. Everything is set for Friday, August 17, for a radical prostatectomy by robotic laparoscopy. The "laparoscopy" is done with small abdominal incisions using fiber optics, and the robotic assistance allows the surgeon to manipulate the instruments by viewing them on a video screen. It's a lot less invasive than the old-fashioned "slash and cut."

The surgeon I have has done 1300 of these in his career, and he's been doing them for about thirteen years. It's the younger surgeons who are adept at this technique since it was invented just about the time they were doing their surgical training. (And it may be that all those video games as kids made them adept at the "robotic" end of it!) And Jefferson's a top-tier teaching hospital in Philadelphia, with its Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.

There's a definite risk, given my cardiac history, but it's a risk I want to take and not have to rely on radiation alone (and although you can have radiation after surgery, it doesn't work the other way around because the radiation causes tissue damage that usually makes surgery impossibly risky).

Now that everything's set to go, a lot of the anxiety I've been feeling over the past few weeks has disappeared! Now it's just wait ... and see what happens.

76lauralkeet
heinäkuu 28, 2018, 7:11 am

That sounds very positive, Mike. I hope all goes smoothly.

77romain
heinäkuu 28, 2018, 10:29 am

Yeah Mike - good luck!

78laytonwoman3rd
heinäkuu 28, 2018, 12:36 pm

>75 CurrerBell: All the best wishes for a good outcome, Mike. Robotic surgery is amazing.

79lauralkeet
Muokkaaja: heinäkuu 29, 2018, 7:28 am

We will have two reading events in August. As usual we have a monthly author: Angela Thirkell. Her books make for delightful summer reading. Visit the thread here.

And speaking of summer, it's also time for an annual tradition: using the month of August to read, celebrate and share our thoughts on Virago books. Persephones are also welcome! Thanks to Karen (kaggsy) for creating the thread, here.

80Heaven-Ali
Muokkaaja: heinäkuu 29, 2018, 10:50 am

>75 CurrerBell: Glad you're getting the treatment you wanted. Really hope all goes well.

81rainpebble
heinäkuu 29, 2018, 11:41 am

>75 CurrerBell:
Thinking of & praying for you as you wend your way through Mike. I am happy that all of your doctors now seem on board & in agreement with your medical needs & wishes.
blessings,

82Sakerfalcon
heinäkuu 30, 2018, 6:37 am

>75 CurrerBell: Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well for you.

83LyzzyBee
elokuu 2, 2018, 2:46 am

>75 CurrerBell: sounds like very good news. I had abdominal surgery complete with one incision for the camera to go through (though no robotic arms as far as I know) and was astounded at how quickly the tiny wounds healed (a note that dissolving stitched don't always and you might have to have them out - they NEVER tell you that). Best of luck with it.

84kaggsy
elokuu 4, 2018, 10:06 am

A quick bit of info for those in the UK - there is a documentary on Angela Carter tonight at 9 pm on BBC2!

85CurrerBell
elokuu 18, 2018, 6:17 am

Thanks all. Surgery good. Will post more later.

86romain
elokuu 18, 2018, 8:43 am

Well done Mike!

87laytonwoman3rd
elokuu 18, 2018, 11:51 am

>85 CurrerBell: Excellent news.

88lauralkeet
elokuu 18, 2018, 12:07 pm

That's great, Mike, thank you so much for letting us all know.

89Sakerfalcon
elokuu 19, 2018, 7:18 am

Glad to hear that Mike! Thanks for the update.

90romain
elokuu 19, 2018, 5:16 pm

Just found out that Philip Kerr died. Damn. Only one more Bernie Guenther book to read!

91CurrerBell
elokuu 20, 2018, 11:17 am

Complication hope minor. Back in hodpital.

92romain
elokuu 21, 2018, 8:45 am

Keep us posted Mike.

93lauralkeet
elokuu 28, 2018, 11:07 am

Author Patrick Dewitt has discovered authors most of us have considered favorites for years. But hey, it's still good publicity for some fabulous Virago authors:
5 MID-CENTURY COMMONWEALTH WRITERS YOU SHOULD READ

94europhile
Muokkaaja: syyskuu 6, 2018, 2:17 am

I was going to say "he looks quite young, so that might explain it". But then I saw that he named four books I haven't read yet! Although I own three of them and two of those are on my TBR shelf, it's quite a well-stocked shelf. So reminders to re-arrange their reading order are always useful! I'm not familiar with The Pumpkin Eater so I'm now going to look that one up.

95romain
syyskuu 6, 2018, 8:43 am

Loved The Pumpkin Eater but then I am old enough to remember when it was a best seller!

96laytonwoman3rd
Muokkaaja: syyskuu 6, 2018, 9:19 am

I've never read Ivy Compton-Burnett, and don't believe I have any of her books either. I remember seeing the movie made of The Pumpkin Eater waaaaaay back before I'd ever heard of Virago publishing. And later, I read several of John Mortimer's Rumpole books; I certainly never realized he was married to the woman who wrote that book. Obviously, it's good to have some "new blood" stirring up interest in Virago authors, and even teaching us a thing or two! I have a copy of DeWitt's novel The Sisters Brothers on my TBR stacks--that's what I'll move closer to the top now.

97rainpebble
Muokkaaja: syyskuu 7, 2018, 7:22 pm

>93 lauralkeet:
I am totally in agreement with Mr. Dewitt, Laura. I love them all.

98romain
syyskuu 14, 2018, 12:42 pm

Came in from my dog walk and CNN was in Lumberton NC with people frantically trying to shore up sandbags because of Hurricane Florence. Lumberton is where our darling Peggy lives (LizzieD) and I am sure she is one of many trying to keep safe. So prayers and fingers crossed Peg, although I am sure you have no time to read this.

99romain
syyskuu 14, 2018, 12:52 pm

Wrote the above and then went to my e-mail and there was one from Peggy. I am sure she has contacted others but this is what she wrote to me


Barbara,
It's been a LONG time since we communicated. I'm making use of power while we have it to say that we are as prepared as we can be and prepared to ride this one out.
They are calling for 20-26" of rain here, which will pretty much finish off the damage done in Matthew.
Take care!
Let me hear from you sometime next week!!!
Love,
Peggy

100lauralkeet
syyskuu 14, 2018, 3:38 pm

>98 romain:, >99 romain: thank you for sharing this, Barbara. Peggy also has a thread in the 75 Books Challenge group where she posted a similar update. I'm sure she will post more there if she is able, the issue is how long they will have electricity. Here's a link to Peggy's thread: https://www.librarything.com/topic/294494

101kaggsy
syyskuu 14, 2018, 5:17 pm

>98 romain: >99 romain: >100 lauralkeet: that’s good to hear - thanks for keeping us updated!

102lauralkeet
syyskuu 17, 2018, 11:08 am

Peggy update: she's fine. More details on her 75 books thread, here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/294494#6581018

103CDVicarage
syyskuu 18, 2018, 2:23 pm

I went to one of the local National Trust properties - Lyme Park - and picked up three new (to me) Viragos, including an original green:

Barren Ground
The Way of an Eagle
A Death in the Life

I also saw the very lake that Mr Darcy swam across. According to the Radio Times it's the twenty third anniversary of that version of Pride and Prejudice - it was first shown in September 1995.

104LizzieD
syyskuu 19, 2018, 10:56 am

Many thanks for friendship here, Barbara and Laura. We are the privileged ones whose forebears could afford to build on high ground. The winds were not awful, and we're too high to be affected by flooding. My town, on the other hand, is a disaster again. Many of those who could afford to rebuild from Matthew had just moved back in (M. was supposed to be a 500 year storm). Those who had nothing in the first place have lost everything they had scrabbled for again. If you pray, please pray for Lumberton and Robeson County. Bless you!

Good finds, Kerry! I didn't know about any of them.

105lauralkeet
syyskuu 29, 2018, 7:49 am

Of interest to Viragoites: yesterday I attended a "hands on tour" focused on women novelists at the Rosenbach Library. While the Rosenbach is affiliated with the Free Philadelphia of Philadelphia, it is more of a museum, founded by two brothers who collected books, music, and fine art. The Rosenbach's building is the house the brothers lived in and the adjacent house which was purchased later. The house is decorated with furniture, rugs, and art the brothers collected and various rooms are lined with shelves of rare books.

Our tour group of 8 people were able to see and touch a galley manuscript of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and first editions of Evelina,Frankenstein, Jane Eyre, Silas Marner, and Pride and Prejudice. The guide asked one visitor to read the opening of P&P; her voice broke as she did so. We were all in awe. I took some pix:



Note the title page. In most cases the book did not identify the author by name.

106Soupdragon
Muokkaaja: syyskuu 30, 2018, 4:27 am

>105 lauralkeet: I'm not surprised you were all in awe. That is a special book!

107CDVicarage
syyskuu 30, 2018, 4:29 am

>105 lauralkeet: One of our local National Trust properties has a first edition of Persuasion on display but you're not allowed to touch it!

108lauralkeet
syyskuu 30, 2018, 7:29 am

>107 CDVicarage: before the tour began we were all required to wash our hands, and the guide gave us very specific instructions for how to hold the book (like a V, not all the way open), and how to turn the pages (from the middle, not the corners). It was quite an experience being able to handle something so old and so special, and almost as remarkable to do so for other well-known women novelists. I confess I would rather have handled Middlemarch than Silas Marner, but beggars can't be choosers now can they?

109kaggsy
syyskuu 30, 2018, 11:32 am

Wow, that’s amazing Laura. Such a privilege! 😁

110Sakerfalcon
lokakuu 1, 2018, 5:22 am

I love the Rosenbach Library! What a wonderful tour!

111LizzieD
lokakuu 20, 2018, 11:35 pm

>105 lauralkeet: WOW! I'm having vicarious thrills. Thank you for the story and the pics, Laura!

112Kristelh
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 10, 2018, 6:34 pm

Hello, I am Kristel, LizzieD invited me to check out this group. I recently bought the 4 volumes of Pilgrimage which I plan to read as an annual read in 2019. Has the group read that one? Anyone interested in that one next year. I can't say that I have a lot of Virago books. I don't. The only ones I have our the ones I just purchased.

113lauralkeet
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 10, 2018, 7:15 am

Hi Kristel! Welcome to the group. We did a group read of Pilgrimage in 2016, but there may be others who missed that and would like to read along with you?

For our 2017 and 2018 "group reads," we've featured a monthly author (authors voted on/selected by the group). So be on the lookout for that, and you'll find your collection increases quickly. 😀

114kaggsy
marraskuu 10, 2018, 3:41 pm

Hello Kristel! You've stumbled upon the nicest, friendliest online group! And good luck with your planned read.

As Laura says, you will find lots of bookish temptation coming your way - there are some marvellous Virago titles out there. Happy hunting! :)

115Kristelh
marraskuu 10, 2018, 4:22 pm

>113 lauralkeet:, >114 kaggsy:, thank you for the kind welcome.

116laytonwoman3rd
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 10, 2018, 6:27 pm

Hi, Kristel! This group corrupted me introduced me to the Virago editions, and it was such fun beginning my collection, hunting for those green spines. I hope you enjoy them too.

117Kristelh
marraskuu 10, 2018, 6:31 pm

>116 laytonwoman3rd:, I am afraid that it will be another addiction. I love collecting things so this seems like another one of those opportunities. Guess I better buy a couple more bookcases.

118Sakerfalcon
marraskuu 12, 2018, 7:27 am

Welcome, Kristel! It's always good to meet another book lover to chat with!

119LizzieD
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 23, 2018, 11:49 pm

Kristel, I checked your library. You have Virago authors in other formats, so you're sure to find a good home here. I'm delighted that you came!!!!! (Meanwhile, you inspired me to go with a 2nd edition of Pilgrimage 2 rather than hold out for the first. Maybe I can read with you in 2019.....)

120Kristelh
marraskuu 24, 2018, 10:24 pm

>119 LizzieD:, that would be great!

121lauralkeet
joulukuu 8, 2018, 1:19 pm

We're starting to plan our 2019 monthly reads. Discussion has led to two options, which are up for a vote between now and Friday, December 14.

Come on over here and cast your vote!
https://www.librarything.com/topic/299242#6650606

122lauralkeet
joulukuu 15, 2018, 9:29 am

Our 2019 monthly reading theme will be Read the 1940s. Learn more about it and help us choose monthly topics here:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/299242#6657231

123lauralkeet
joulukuu 18, 2018, 10:37 am

We're now taking book recommendations for our Read the 1940s theme read:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/300573

124kaggsy
joulukuu 28, 2018, 1:51 pm

If anyone is having problems with the threads loading properly and posting comments, there appears to be a glitch on LT. However, if you add https:// before the www. of the webpage address that seems to fix it for the time being... :s

125lauralkeet
joulukuu 28, 2018, 2:00 pm

Our 2019 Read the 1940s theme read is kicking off in January with the topic "Family." January's thread is here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/300830. Come join us!