Read any good books lately?

I watch YouTube and post on political sites.

Hi vankeurengroup!, YouTube- what do you watch?-if I can ask. I like to watch talking cats and dogs. Seriously. It makes me happy. My Mom loves loves loves the Long Johnson Cat video. If you haven't seem it you gotta check it out. And I like the dog video called" -biggest tease", I think. It is a hoot! Thanks for sharing!!!!

Hi, MishkaM! I usually watch music videos and sometimes I watch elderly women and men dancing. It's a hoot! Check it out. I bet your mom would like that -- mine does.

MishkaM,
I, too, love to read. I have read some great books on caregiving ( not exactly an escape, but lots of helpful info). The best one I have read thus far is called Passages In Caregiving by Gail Sheehy. I literally could not put it down..
As far as an escape, I have began reading Jackie Collins.....a bit trashy, but really entertaining and defintely an escape.
Another sugesstion are DIY and crafts, gardening; don't know if that is your cup of tea, but I LOVE pintrest.com, a virtual bulletin board that covers just about everything; there is even a page for free movies.
Because my father-in-law is so loud with his coughing, hacking and gagging, I usually put on my ipod or go in my room and shut the door and crank up the music. I also watch music videos, love RedHot Chilie Peppers on the lap top......for some reason I always crack up watching them perform.
some yoga helps greatly, but I find myself not doing enough of it lately.
I also journal and paint, when the mood strikes me.
My father-in-law keeps his tv on a western channel 24/7, and since his bed is in the livingroom, all I hear are gun fights and Indians. There are some days I just would love to take the tv and throw it out the door. I think it's pretty sad that ones last days are spent watching really bad b rated movies, instead of really connecting with loved ones, appreciating the world's beauty.
Oh, I love the library ( when I can get away ).....free books. I even checked-ot a nook and read a lot of books. I began reading Hemingway again.....it's been years. Just finished the Paris Wife, a book written about Hemingway and his first wife, who lived in Paris in the 20's. Really good read.
Hope this helps.
Dina

Vankuerengroup, haha- I bet it is great! I remember watching "Polka Varieties"at my Grandma's house. My Grandma would get so mad at this one couple who would always try and get camera time. It was "Solid Gold" for the Polish. It is on You Tube-I should find it for my Mom.

The Kindle has some good free books. When money gets tight I try and read the classics as they're free but , man, I have a hard time. I tried to read Mary Shelley I think it is because I am stressed out and I really need easy reads. That is why I think Jackie Collins is a good choice-sometimes you need to just read easy stuff.

Hi Dina- I will look into that caregiving book. Thanks! Also-trashy is good-I think, when you need an escape from caregiving go for it!!!! Red Hot Chili Peppers!!!!- I used to parody them ( um, in my living room for my husband) -the way the singer sings with his arms going up and down! It is kinda addictive dancing. I get liking to watch them. But , other than them I never got into music videos and I am an 80's child. We started MTV and MTV was just music videos back in the day. My husband says he used to watch MTV for hours and hours and knows all the names of all the bands from then. He says I am unAmerican-;0). I liked the Kinks and Hair.-the musical . I think I was born in the wrong era.
Kindle has free books. Usually the classics. I try to read them when I am broke but it is hard for me. I think it is because I am stressed out and have a hard time concentrating. I tried reading Mary Shelley's -The Last Man but no go. At least it was free! I should check out Hawthorne. I used to love his short stories. A true American Horror writer, IMO. I will look at Paris Wife-:0)
What do you paint, btw? I used to paint but it got to be too expensive. I wish we could upload pictures. I would love to see some of your crafts and paintings.
Sorry your Dad (in law) blasts westerns -egads-I imagine it takes him back too a happier time. I wonder if he would like antique stores? To look at old toys and stuff from his era. Just a thought.

Somehow my post got rearranged. Weird. The free books part I thought got erased so I rewrote it now I see it just jumper around. Again, weird.

I just finished reading "Wish You Well" by David Baldacci. Normally he writes crime or mystery type novels and this one was VERY different from his normal writings. This book is a delight! It is based in the area of Southern Virginia (Appalachia) where my parents were born and raised and that was my initial draw to the book, then I realized what I was learning from it.....taking care of family and loving family through everything and that healing can happen!!
It is an easy read (2 sittings) and interesting on so many levels, I would highly recommend it to everyone, especially caregivers and families of caregivers. Much love to all of you!

Thanks treatmenttime! I will check it out. :0)

A history buff, just finished Chronicle of the Russian Tsars. Right now I'm at the Bronx Fordham Library looking for something else. For me, it's not a matter of reading for reading sake. It's about finding literature I really want to pore through. Also watch Lifetime movies, which are definitely NOT for women only. They help me relieve stress and depression. If I'm angry, I look for something violent but with a moral context to it. Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee, or Marked for Death with Steven Seagal present an outlet for me. Can't get enough of those. Sometimes I watch female boxing or mixed martial arts. Whoever said women can't kick a__ is a royal idiot. I am deeply attracted to women who can balance femininity and strength, know what they want, and who want me but don't need me.

Hi Eddie, that sounds like some heavy reading! The closest I came to pleasure reading in the history department would be James Michener(sp?)-but for true history buffs I doubt he counts. As for strong women -have you ever seen the movie -The Brave One -with Jodi Foster-it is fiction but really a good movie!
When I get depressed I like to watch documentaries that are depressing. I know I should probably try and watch something light hearted to get out of it but ,I fear, I am a dweller. My Netflix account has my favorites under the category-"Dark Documentaries" -their name. I didn't even realize I was watching a certain genre until it notified me that they had new releases in my "Dark Documentaries" enquiries. I looked back at my viewing history and, yup, I am a dark documentary watcher. Maybe I should try Lifetime. :0)

The unlikely pilgrimage of harold fry - beautiful and moving and made me cry and laugh, and it touched me deeply
Mystic River, The Lovely Bones, The Lighted Room - all amazing stories
The Passage - I had to re-read it as soon as I had finished it
Angelology is a fascinating book (fiction) which had me double checking and researching "facts" presented in the story.
For escapism, Jilly Cooper and Donna Leon
I have a pile of books by my bed, waiting to be read ... will let you know if there are any gems among the pile.
I am an avid reader, and constantly leave a trail of books around the house!

Oh if you love spooky stories, I love James Herbert.

Hi Susan, I tried Mystic River- too much for me to take - I am a baby- The Lovely Bones I read and liked it! The Lighted Room- and The Passage - I will check out! I finally got a Kindle because I had so much dust in my bedroom from my books!! It is great to have as I am an insomniac at times and can just upload a book in the middle of the night if I am out of reading material. But I do miss the physicality of paper books. BUT - I do have to admit that when the electricity went out and my daughter was using the Kindle I picked up one of my old paper backs and I actually tired to highlight a word for definition(!) Haha-I was like, this book needs batteries !!-DOH! you get used to technology so fast. Good or bad thing? I don't know. I read a lot of dystopia books as well and they make technology out to be Evil with the capital E.

I will check out Herbert. A classic, right? I do think I tried him but not sure. Thanks for the info!!!!

Oops- James Herbert not a classic - just checked - I was thinking of Henry James. Herbert looks good!

Jodi Foster? The first time I saw her (she was 12) I knew someday she'd win a few Oscars. I'll look that movie up.

Look for movies like The Ugly Truth with Gerard Butler, She-Devil with Roseanne Barr and Merryl Streep. Another good one is Overboard with Goldie Hawn.

Cheerio. The public library is closing at 9pm and I have homework to do. Stay in touch my friend.

Mishka, I just finished "The Second Messiah" which is about archaeology, one of my passions. Coincidently, it involved the prophecy and current subject of the
"last Pope" which was very cool. Now I am reading "Law of Divine Compensation" by Marianne Williamson, and "Refuse to Choose" by Barbara Sher. It is difficult for me to sit and read for extended periods with so many things on my mind, but I am learning to refocus, as we must be the Master of our thoughts! xo

@ eddie,
id suggest two books for you. both can be read online for free. one is called " march of the titans " . its found on a white supremicist website but the book isnt by any means racist. its simply the most well written history book ive ever read.
the other is called " crimes of war " and is a book about the history of the geneva conventions and laws of warfare. many case histories and good pics. it will shock you how many times the usa has crossed the line between warfare and mass murder. research eisenhower death camps for fun too. at the end of ww11 the allied forces herded german soldiers into open fields and starved them and exposed them to the elements killing tens of thousands of them. the highway of death outside kuwait city where air power incinerated hundreds of iraqis who were trying to surrender. island hopping across the pacific in ww11. we had no facilities for japanese pow,s as it was mostly naval battles. hundreds were dispatched with a bullet to the brain stem. im not bashing the usa here. winston churchill once remarked that the ferocity of your opponent will cause degradation of your own morals, or something to that effect..

Eddie-"Overboard" quote-"---"I was fat and short?". Haha-funny movie -
just saw parts of it last week.
ChristinaW-I looked up The Last Messiah"- instead of the Second Messiah (I think I got the Last from the Last Pope ) -anyway-waaaay different book than The Second Messiah! -at first I was like, really archaeology ?-but then realized my mistake -phew.
Capnhardass-ummm, why am I scared to click on the link? And may I suggest Netflix for ya-they have a great genre called "Dark Documentaries" ;0)

Oh, btw-The Loon stunk. It just ended up being a big gory hide and seek story. I like spooky paranormal that has twists and turns and revelations. And Sci if. I like Sci if. Anyone like Phillip K. Dick? Awesome!

I love to read mysteries especially by Sharyn McCrumb. Her books are set in the Appalachia Mountains and she weaves history of the area into her books. I also enjoy Faye Kellerman and Jonathan Kellerman. I like to read books of fiction about serial killers but can't watch the movies because they are too graphic. Have you read "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"? I really love that series and movies were good too but watch the Swedish version. I love books that are mysteries with ESP, "second sight" and ghosts. "Wild: From Lost to Found On The Pacific Crest Trail", by Cheryl Strayed is a true story of a young girl who backpacked the trail one summer after major losses in her life. I love books about the outdoors. A romantic movie I just love and watch over and over is "Straight From the Heart"
with Andrew McCarthy and Teri Polo. It is on this weekend on Hallmark channel.

Lol Overboard!!! "A falsetto child."
Mishka, I watched a documentary on Agatha Christy this morning. I read all of her books when I was pregnant with my son! I am intrigued with her. I love mysteries, love to figure out the motivation of perpetrator. Have not read Dick, but he is another interesting character. I enjoy analyzing authors and what makes them tick after reading at least one on their books. I love Alistair MacLeod from Nova Scotia. Dark, Celtic stuff.

@ mishka,
im mischievious but honestly its just a youtube documentary about law and order in philly. nothing gory, just cops babysitting derilects day in and out. theres a relatively new strategy in this country right now. drug dealers are taken downtown and threatened with some very serious prison time. then theyre told to go home and make sure one bullet doesnt fly in their respective neighborhood. the dealers are actually the ones preventing the violence. its crazy but its working and we are training european law enforcement in this concept. drugs are the only revenue these people have. weve settled for just stopping the gunfire.
americans arent going to give up weapons either. as eastern states are putting the pressure on gun manufacturers indiana is right now creating incentives to bring the manufacturers here. just good paying manufacturing jobs to us. we,ll take it..

Hi sharynmarie, for some reason I find myself not wanting to read books that are popular-like the dragon tattoo series or The Hunger Games -I don't know why!!-I think I am afraid I will get let down by all the hype -that or because they are too expensive on my Kindle-haha. I should go back to my old way of reading-second hand book stores, yard sales and Goodwill for those books.
I love ESP books too!! Anything paranormal.-except paranormal romance books -I read sooooo many romance books in my teens I think I exhausted my interest. Still like the romantic movie , though. I will have to check out the one with Andrew McCarthy-a good eighties boy for ya!! ( ahhhh, St. Elmo 's Fire) .
Christina W-that is cool about researching the authors behod the books. I guess the closest I have come to that is meeting Stephen King!-love him!!!-and getting him to sigh my dog earred book-The Stand. No one make fun of Mr. King!!!-I adore his books!!! I saw him and his wife and son at their Three Kings reading. I met all three. They were all delightful! I never really researched into the author's though, that is a neat idea.

This topic makes me happy!! I am going to look up all the books talked about!!!

Oops-capnhardass-didn't see your post. OK-I trust you on the video. I actually started watching Cops and Jail just this last year and am pretty addicted. I do a lot of reading and TV watching now cuz I gave up cigerettes and booze. So I turned to reality TV instead-hmmmm, I wonder if wine was better for me.

I love to read myself, and right now I'm into the 'Song of Ice and Fire' series, by George R. R. Martin. (Game Of Thrones on HBO) Awesome read, awesome escape!

Hi StandingAlone. I have been off the forum for the Summer and just now saw your post :) is that little dragon in your avatar from Game of Thrones? Cute. I do not have HBO. But books are usually better than TV IMO anyway! Maybe I will check out this series.
Right now I have found some cheap reads on Kindle that I am trying out-new authors that are selling their wares for cheap-it is a hit or miss kinda thing. Funny I am on Twitter and followed a few of the new authors I found and now other authors are following me trying to get me to read them. So weird how Twitter and Kindle and HBO and Netflix has changed the face of entertainment.

I am rambling. It is late and I cannot sleep. I guess I will read my new download-Dead Size. I'll let you know if it is a hit or a miss :0)

Hi MishkaM, no that dragon isn't from Game Of Thrones...I've had that little guy as an avatar on almost every site I'm on for a long time... And yes, please do check out GOT...it's unlike anything you'll ever read.... I don't want to spoil it... but it's rare for a book series to bring out actual, intense emotion in me... I literally could not put that series down, and became totally obsessed with that whole crazy world... You will cry reading this book, and you'll laugh your ass off. You will become so ANGRY at some of the twists and turns, and dips and dives and highs and lows, and it's such a crazy thrill ride that you look up and it's 2 a.m and you started reading at 10 p.m.... and that time flew... There were times I wanted to kiss George R. R Martin, and times I wanted to strangle him with my bare hands for what he did to some of my favorite characters, what he put them through... lol I'm going to be in a black funk when it's all over...and it doesn't look like it will be for a long time... I don't have HBO either, I bought the series on cd at Walmart. I do GOT marathon nights sometimes, complete with popcorn and chocolate... lol

I am so far behind the times it's sad...but at the same time, I'm kind of happy about it, too..

.I don't own a cell, and I've never twittered, watched Netflix, nor do I own a kindle, or any device besides my computer...*blushes* it's kind of weird, but I like my life simplified, and with all the new technology out there...to me, it's confusing as hell, and really complicated...

I can roll with it to a certain degree, adapt to it, learn how to use all this stuff...but to replace the real thing with a machine? No way!

I just want to go to the book store, the one that smells so deliciously like wonderful brand new books, and just...step into all these fantasy worlds in person, up close...where I can grab and see and smell books.... I hope no one denies themselves that delicious pleasure...

....or the caramel brownies they sell at their little shop in the back... And that delicious dark coffee they have that smells so good a mile away... Now I have an urge to hang out at the bookstore awhile. :) Now I'm rambling..


Dead Size....sounds creepy! Is it? I love a good, scary read... Let us know!

If you like Michaelbrent Collings, you will definately enjoy reading the books of John Saul. He wrote Suffer the Children, Punish the Sinners, etc. He hasn't written a novel in a while, but you would definately enjoy all the books he has had published. The older books of Stephen King are great. Dan Brown is also a great author, he wrote The DaVinci Code and other novels in that genre.

Deb, I read John Saul ages ago, but remember totally enjoying those books, even if the details elude me... I might have to dig them out again and revisit old friends.. And yeah, I totally agree about Stephen King...I loved almost everything he wrote...there was one I didn't like...what was the book about that alien weasel, or whatever it was, that grew in people's guts and then chewed their way out through people's.... All I could think of was....really? lol

Dean Koontz is another great author for some awesome creepy, crawly reading... He injects humor in there, and you don't know whether to giggle insanely, or be horrified... Love him... lol

Oh oh, yes, love John Saul, Koontz and , of course King! king is coming out with a sequel to The Shining!!!! -called Dr. Sleep-, maybe around Christmas. That is daring of him, I think!

I am not very tech savvy myself , Standing Alone. I just got a disposable cell phone as I had to drive with my Mom for quite a distance alone and my husband insisted that I get one. I do not know the number! -haha.
But my Kindle-love it! I do miss book stores and , yes, that smell!!!, but I had books all over and did not want to get rid of them- And I now can go to my "bookstore" at 1 AM when I cannot sleep and have nothing to read. And it is cheaper, I think. But I do still enjoy a good paper back. But I do miss being able to click on a word I do not understand and get the definition. Ahhh, they are both good-as long as I can reeeeaaadd!

As for Twitter-I resisted for a long time -I do not like Facebook- but I made a twitter account not using any personal info- used a childhood nickname and use it as entertainment. I like the Real housewives series ( blushing-I KNOW-horrible but ,hey, it is a guilty pleasure) and you can tweet during the show with other fans and it is a HOOT! I do not use it for family just fun stuff. Lots of people tweet during GOT I bet. People will pick up on things and share them via Twitter. If you notice shows now show a hashtag - # - and a word to share your thoughts. It is just fun. OK-just saying' I did not think I would like it but I do! It makes me feel less , well, alone. Isolated. (sigh)

You sold me on GOT!! I will have to check it out after I read these new books I got. This Dead Size seems to be a weird twist on Gulliver's Travels.

Anyone ever read Phillip K. Dick? He is a science fiction writer from the fifties. He has some great short stories! I think short stories are awesome quick reads if you do not have time or energy for a whole novel.

I just read "The Pull of the Moon" by Elizabeth Berg. It's about a woman going through the change who runs away from home to "find herself." It gets a lot of stuff right about women and long marriages. Mostly upbeat.