LitMinds Blog and Interviews

A month ago, my husband (Paul) and I attended a conversation with Bill Bryson in San Francisco as part of the City Arts and Lectures series.  I was delighted to find that my mental model of the author was fulfilled by Bryson in person.  He cheerfully chatted with the host, Roy Eisenhardt, revealing a slight British accent, which he has adopted after living in England for the better part of his life (did you know he dropped out of college and moved to the UK in his youth?).  His presence can sincerely be described as charming.

Bill Bryson, Author

At the end of the evening, the last question from the audience was provided by a teenage boy.  This high school junior had recently taken the PSAT and asked how Bryson felt about having an excerpt from his book, A Walk in the Woods, exploited by the Educational Testing Service and engrained into the psyche of 100,000’s of teenagers along with this infamous standardized test.  “Please call me, Bill” (don’t you think he would say that if you ever met him?), responded that he had no idea his writing was included on the PSAT and seemed notably un-miffed (so true to his character).

The first book I read by Bryson was A Walk in the Woods, which remains one of my favorites as you can see on myLitMind profile page.  Now Paul is reading the book and given his reaction, I recommend that all of you read it too – that is, if you like to laugh.

I was excited to read another Bryson, realizing my time away from his writing had been too long, so I bought an autographed copy at CA&L as we left the event and eagerly anticipated finishing my current book (Brick Lane by Monica Ali) to start on The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid.  While the first handful of chapters caused me to chuckle a bit, I was really sucked in by the time I reached chapters 7 and up.  With titles like, “Boom!,” “Down on the Farm,” and “What, Me Worry?,” I found myself entrenched by Bryson’s depiction of the 1950’s in middle America.  His intertwining of personal memoir and snapshots of American culture made me nostalgic for the good ol’ days of grand movie theatres like the Paramount…and I wasn’t even born until 1976.  The story ends all too quickly with his enrollment at Drake University and quick departure for England. One only hopes the ending suggests a sequel to arrive soon.

A Few Tidbits about The Thunderbolt Kid

A quirky animated excerpt from the book on VidLit:
www.vidlit.com/bryson/

Proclamation that October 21, 2006 in Des Moines, Iowa is Bill Bryon – “The Thunderbolt Kid” Day: www.randomhouse.com/features/billbryson/news/CityofDesMoinesProclamation.pdf

His chapters begin with timely photos and unbelievable excerpts from real publications of the time that Bryson thoughtfully researched while writing the book.

Posted by Carrie at 07:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shame on me!  All this talk of books and I haven’t mentioned what I have been reading lately.  In addition to my ongoing commitment to weekly issues of Sunday’s New York Times and The New Yorker, I have been digging through a mishmash of good reads lately.  Other folks want to share their recent reads?  Please join in on the rousing revelries.

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir by Bill Bryson (currently reading)
A great jump back into 1950’s America (Des Moines, Iowa-style) with Bryson’s endearingly humorous take on life.  More thoughts to follow soon…

Brick Lane by Monica Ali
This first novel hones in on Nazneen, a young Bangladeshi woman who immigrates to London through an arranged marriage.  Nazneen’s description of her immigrant life on the east side of London is raw and green yet intelligent, and the portrayal of her rambling, rumbling, rolly polly of a husband is downright cheeky.  While I found the book to be slow in sections, I was immersed at the end by the unexpected depth of Nazneen and her husband’s relationship.

Everybody Into the Pool by Beth Lisick
Guffaws while devouring this quick book are guaranteed.  As I read of Lisick’s adventures in the San Francisco Bay Area and her talent at both embracing and breaking out of the suburban Jell-O mold, I wondered, “Gee, could I ever be that satisfyingly spunky?”  I was itching for a scrappy book like this after working my way through the last decidedly dense read (listed next).

American Pastoral by Philip Roth
Impressive writing that made me marvel at Roth’s exceptional talent.  In a post 9/11 world, this book strikes with particular resonance, addressing the ongoing pursuit of living the American dream and the sacrificial lambs that are made along the way.  This is one I wish I had read alongside others, as there was so much to be discussed.

Posted by Carrie at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LitMinds Editor Note:  Gretchen Evans (a.k.a. "mom" to two of our founding members) chronicled her recent adventure through the streets of Paris with her friend, Sara Montillier.  Over a series of three days, Gretchen, visited no less than 7 english-language bookstores (who knew there were so many!) We greatly appreciate the detailed notes and numerous photos she took -- thanks mom!

A great place to begin a walking tour of small independent bookstores in Paris is in the Marais (4th) at The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore, 22, rue Saint Paul on a narrow charming street of boutiques & galleries.  Young and energetic Penelope Fletcher Le Masson, a Canadian from B.C., founded the shop 5 years ago and was joined shortly thereafter by American Abigail Altman from the East Coast.  This clean, happy shop is stocked with all new books, classics and contemporary lit, many French-interest selections, Paris history, guidebooks, gastronomy, and children’s books (including "Paris for Kids" and bi-lingual books to help the kiddies learn French). This store also hosts scheduled readings and book signings listed on the store's website.  (Metro St. Paul, hours M-Sat 10-7, Sun 2-6)

Co-owners of the Red Wheelbarrow

From here, it is an easy stroll toward the Seine to Ile St. Louis for sightseeing or to pick up an ice cream or sorbet at Berthillon, 31 rue St-Louis-en-I’lle.  From Ile St. Louis cross Pont St. Louis (where a Dixieland jazz band might be playing) to Ile de la Cite past Notre Dame Cathedral and across to the Left Bank and historic Shakespeare & Co., 37, rue de la Bucherie (5th) Metro Maubert-Mutualite. This famous writers’ refuge was founded in 1951 by George Whitman who still at 91 hangs out at his table in the second floor meeting room. New and used books are inside and outside the rustic premises with a great view of Notre Dame across the river. A bit of trivia: this is the sister store of City Lights books, a lightning rod for Beat poets in the 1950s. (hours are daily noon to midnight) 

 

Shoppers browse the book bins out in front of Shakespeare & Co. 

 

Gretchen a.k.a. "Mom" with Shakespeare & Co. owner George Whitman (age 91)

A few short blocks away and deeper into the Latin Quarter, you will find the Abbey Bookshop, 29, rue de la Parcheminerie (5th).  A Canadian flag hangs outside this small shop located in a Medieval vault.  A friendly and helpful owner, Canadian Brian Spence from Toronto started this shop in 1989; he by the way has his Masters of Philosophy from Columbia University.  This is a great find if your looking for a Canadian newspaper.  And also a bonus, Brian offers free coffee while you browse a good collection of new and used books from U.K. and North America.  (Metro St. Michel or Cluny La Sorbonne, hours M-Sat 10-7) 

 

The Canadian flag and books stacks mark the entrance to the Abbey Bookshop

Moving on to two used bookstores within a block of each other in the university district and with interrelated history, San Francisco Book Company, 17, rue Monsieur le Prince (6th).  SF Book Co. is owned by Jim Carroll, formerly owner of Carroll’s Books in North Beach (SF). (Metro Odeon, hours M-Sat 11am-9pm, Sunday 2pm-7:30pm).  Just down the street, recently opened Berkeley Books of Paris, 8, rue Casimir Delavigne owned by Phil Wood, co-founder of the San Francisco Book Company, is co-managed by two former SFBC employees, Phyllis Cohen and Richard Toney. Unless you are homesick for Northern California and used American paperbacks, I wouldn’t spend too many precious Paris minutes at these small used bookstores.  (hours M-Sat 11am-9pm, most Sundays 2-8pm)

 

 

Inside the San Franciso Book Co. which carries mostly used books 

On to one of my favorite independent bookstores in Paris, the Village Voice Bookshop, 6, rue Princesse (6th), is owned and was founded by Odile Hellier in 1981, a well traveled and inspiring woman (see store history and Odile on website).  Here you can pick up freebies, issues of FUSAC (English-speaking resources & contacts) and The Paris Times (with insights into the life of Paris) and Paris Walks brochures.  This shop offers weekly readings and book signings by well known Anglo writers and contains two floors of the latest English language fiction and nonfiction books.  (Metro Mabillon, hours Mon 2-7:30pm, Tu-Sat 10-7:30pm, Sun 1-6pm). There is a welcoming Coffee Parisien next door and Bar a Soupes & Quenelles across the street, good for refueling.

 

The Village Voice, a clean, bright bookshop 

Tea and Tattered Pages, an English Second-Hand Bookstore & Tea Room, 24 rue Mayet (6th), is a bit more off the beaten path depending upon your homebase in Paris.  Owned by an elderly lady originally from South America who lived for a time in the U.S., she bought the store from the original owner who was from central California.  The highlight is the store cat, Ming Luong, the “courageous dragon.” The tearoom is tiny and  decorated in “early thrift shop”.  Not necessarily worth the extra effort to visit unless you happen to be staying around the block!   (Metro Duroc/Falguiere, hours M-Sat 11-7, Sun 12-6)

 
Ming Luong, the “courageous dragon” at Tea & Tattered Pages

 

Other good bookstores to visit if you haven't yet found what you we're hunting for:

• Brentano’s, 74, ave. de L’Opera (2nd), Metro OperaGalignani, 224, rue de Rivoli (1st), Metro Tuileries

• W. H. Smith, 248, rue de Rivoli (1st), Metro Concorde

• Librairie des Jardins, at the Louvre, a small garden bookshop with unique gifts to the left of the Tuileries Gardens entrance, off the Place de la Concorde (1st), Metro Concorde

Bonne chance!  And, good reading!

Posted by litminds_blog at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

A few days ago I had two meetings in the South Bay with several hours to kill in between. I needed to get work done, so I investigated all locations within a 10-mile driving distance with free wireless internet. At first I spent a couple hours of caffeine-laden work at the progressive Red Rock Coffee Company, a not-for-profit café housed in the oldest building in Mountain View. Any money that comes in above and beyond covering the cost of running the business is given back to local community organizations. So you can sip on a frothy latte and munch every crumb of your blueberry scone knowing that your coins are going to the local little league, art show, or some other huggable cause. But I digress…

I was feeling wired after a hefty teapot of Earl Grey tea and wanted a new venue to get work done. For a change in atmosphere, I headed to the Palo Alto Public Library. Now, I must confess that I have been neglecting my local libraries as of late. Since graduating from college, I have not thought of a library as a logical meeting or work place. But boy have I been wrong, and I am willing to admit it! Walking into the main library in Palo Alto brought me back to my childhood when I made regular trips to my hometown library with mom and sister. Libraries are cozy, soothing places; hushed but not silent; well-lit and clean but not sterile. With, of course, the warmth and comfort of hundreds of books surrounding you.

I sat down with my laptop in a cushioned armchair, eventually moving to a table with an outlet when my battery ran low. The library was equipped with wireless internet that worked seamlessly. But even better were the people around me. I saw dozens of individuals there, of all ages and backgrounds. A 12-year old student arrived after school to work on a research paper. A gentleman in a business suit also at a computer. A young woman with a newspaper and an old woman browsing the fiction shelves. Small clusters of teenagers giggling together while they studied around a table. Here was an amazing community space where people came for all reasons to read, work, and study.

There were many personal touches at the Palo Alto library. A basket of stuffed animals by the circulation desk with a sign encouraging people to play while they wait. Notices on bulletin boards announcing quaint items like a local theatre production and storytime for children. Everything I saw, heard, smelt, and felt in my few hours at the library reminded me of the environment that fostered my love of books and reading. In a world where we all rush to keep up with our sprouting “To Do” lists, the library was a haven for me to get my work done, while also subtly reminding me of the pleasures of slowing down, just a bit, to enjoy the books and those reading books who are around you.

Posted by Carrie at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Like chowing down on fresh goodies at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market or celebrating in the Mission’s Day of the Dead procession, attending Litquake reminds me of all there is to love about the Bay Area. This San Francisco literary festival has been going strong for five years now, bringing together over 300 authors and thousands of rebel-rousing readers in dozens of jubilant community gathering events. Litquake thrills me because of its funloving and eccentric approach to traditional author readings. Events occur in bars, cafés, and other social venues throughout the city. Hosts and authors are often irreverent, conjuring up images of the serious librarian throwing her hair down and tearing her glasses off in a fit of literary passion.

 
This year, I was able to attend a few Litquake events. Anyone else want to share their experiences on our blog? Please let me know – comments and photos are welcome!

Here are my Litquake “moments of Zen”:

Barely Published Writers at The Hemlock Tavern

At first I had a “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore” moment, as I lost my way to this event, which was hidden in HT’s back room. Once I discovered the yellow brick road and a seat in the crowded room, I listened to the readings of many authors who could knock those ruby shoes off of Dorothy’s feet.

- Bethany Browning bedeviled us with her magical realism tale of an orphan girl in the rural Southwest.

- Brent Foster Jones’ clean and unfussy prose struck the audience as he read a powerful piece about a man’s forbidden love in the backdrop of New Orleans.

- Ed Waingortin spun a ferocious story of a young man’s brave attempt to swoon his high school crush through a 10-step plan to reaching Harvard Business School – the cowardly lion could learn from this guy!

Secrets: Told and Untold at Varnish Fine Art

I met up with my pal, Russ (aka, The Yoda of Rubik’s Cube Puzzles), at this art gallery/ bar/ special event space. The slashes don’t do Varnish Fine Art the justice it deserves – I am eager to return soon to this spacious, creative, and festive SOMA hangout. Drinks were poured and glasses clinked, as we listened to six authors serve up newly minted stories around the theme of a secret. From illicit affairs to ungodly rumors, the skeletons were flying out of the closet on this night!

Generations: Writing Women’s Lives at The Bubble Lounge

My friend, Jeana, and I had to wait in line and fight for seats at this packed event. Once the punch throwing and hair pulling were out of the way, we reclined on our comfy cushions and eagerly awaited the nights’ reading. And the wait was worth it! I was guffawing uncontrollably during more than one author’s readings. Beth Lisick’s rantings about her recent exploration of the self-help fitness world, a lá spandex-wearing curly haired Richard Simmons, convinced me I had to buy her book, “Everybody Into the Pool” before the end of the night. No slouch either, Kim Wong Keltner’s punchy ravings about breastfeeding her first child made me thrilled to be a part of this “softer” gender. The eight women in total who read that night shared a striking portrait of what issues almost all women seem to relate to, no matter what generation they happen to presently belong to.

Posted by Carrie at 07:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)