Snow Falling on Cedars is one of my all time favorites. It’s so beautifully written and so impactful. I’ve been considering giving it a read again. I’m so excited to have found someone who loved it too! 😊
Great information and I have never read Grapes of Wrath, although I had it on one of my shelves for years. Thank you for sharing your life via era of books. So much!
I’m so glad you mentioned Snow Falling on Cedars because I read that many years ago and loved the book so much. Recently I thought about reading it again but found that I no longer have a copy 😔 so I guess I’ll have to get one from the library. Glad we have similar tastes in books though!
I must confess that I had forgotten where the book was set until I actually went back and looked at the reviews, but I do remember loving it. Perhaps we should both re-read it?
I'm late to your series but I am entranced by the idea of viewing your past through the lens of what you were reading. I realize I'm no longer sure what decade of my life brought which books but with a little thought I could reconstruct a few periods. It might reveal to me where my head abd heart were.
I remember falling into The Grapes of Wrath in the 90s also. I was reading a lot of Steinbeck with the man who became my brother in law. The books and our discussions of them connected us for years, up until his too-early death. I still reread The Stone Diaries often. I love every word Carol Shields ever wrote.
Hi Betsy and welcome to Book Chat. I have really enjoyed the process of delving into my reading history and thinking about how it links to what was happening in my life, so I encourage you to pursue this on your own behalf.
Thanks also for sharing your memories of your late brother-in-law. I think conversations about books are an excellent way to forge meaningful relationships with people. I once heard a writer say that she had a difficult relationship with one of her siblings and whenever they hit rocky ground, they would just talk about what they were reading. She said it kept them connected and I have often thought about how true that is.
I am also a big fan of Carol Shields and was very sad when she passed away. She was a very perceptive writer.
Marg, this series about your life is a knockout! Your achievements—returning to school to get multiple degrees and certificates are so impressive, as are the books you mention.
I read and loved “Grapes of Wrath” many years ago—perhaps around the time when you read it—but I’d forgotten, or perhaps never knew, how controversial it was and that it’s still banned in some libraries. It is particularly relevant now in the increasingly reactionary environment—and might be a candidate for your book club, assuming you’re open to old classics.
I have never read “Snow on Cedars,” but now that’s on my list, along with several others you mention.
Please sign me up for the life writing class. I’ve been writing about mine in bits and pieces, but am cowed by the task of sharing it as you have done so seamlessly. Plus travel, food, games and cool illustrations! You’re so accomplished, Marg! Forgive me for gushing, but I am glad to know you! ❤️
What a wonderful message to wake up to. You really made my day and your kind comments are most welcome and humbling.
I am very open to reading classics in our book club! I think that would be rather fun. Like you, I read The Grapes of Wrath quite a long time ago would be interested in seeing if it resonates today. I have a sneaking suspicion that it will!
Thanks for your interest in my writing class. You are exactly the kind of person I'd like to work with and I'm incredibly excited about delivering a course that's encouraging but not overwhelming.
All 5 of those books you mention would be in my top reads of all time. I read Grapes of Wrath as a set text when I went back to studying and found it eye opening. I read a quote from it recently in regard to the current US situation so still relevant.
Do you think there was something special about the 90s that produced so many great books? I guess that could be said of any decade, but it does seem like there were a lot of books in that era that were very impressive and dare I say, important. I agree that The Grapes of Wrath is still very relevant. I was listening to a quiz the other night and there was a question about who wrote it, so I guess it is on everyone's radar now. Maybe we should read it for book club as Ruth suggested.
Dear Marg, I am so loving reading about your life and books you love throughout years past. I would love to participate in the writing course you have coming up, please let me know when you have dates. I also love your retirement painting from Sally, how beautiful. Much love Abi xx
Hello lovely Abi - thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate your support and interest. I will definitely let you know the dates for the upcoming course. And yes, I am very attached to my painting and would save it in a fire. xx
Snow Falling on Cedars is one of my all time favorites. It’s so beautifully written and so impactful. I’ve been considering giving it a read again. I’m so excited to have found someone who loved it too! 😊
I’m excited too. I might just have to re-read it myself. It would make a good book club choice, don’t you think?
Great information and I have never read Grapes of Wrath, although I had it on one of my shelves for years. Thank you for sharing your life via era of books. So much!
Thanks for reading, it’s always appreciated.
I’m so glad you mentioned Snow Falling on Cedars because I read that many years ago and loved the book so much. Recently I thought about reading it again but found that I no longer have a copy 😔 so I guess I’ll have to get one from the library. Glad we have similar tastes in books though!
I must confess that I had forgotten where the book was set until I actually went back and looked at the reviews, but I do remember loving it. Perhaps we should both re-read it?
I certainly will!
I'm late to your series but I am entranced by the idea of viewing your past through the lens of what you were reading. I realize I'm no longer sure what decade of my life brought which books but with a little thought I could reconstruct a few periods. It might reveal to me where my head abd heart were.
I remember falling into The Grapes of Wrath in the 90s also. I was reading a lot of Steinbeck with the man who became my brother in law. The books and our discussions of them connected us for years, up until his too-early death. I still reread The Stone Diaries often. I love every word Carol Shields ever wrote.
Thank you this post and this way of thinking.
Hi Betsy and welcome to Book Chat. I have really enjoyed the process of delving into my reading history and thinking about how it links to what was happening in my life, so I encourage you to pursue this on your own behalf.
Thanks also for sharing your memories of your late brother-in-law. I think conversations about books are an excellent way to forge meaningful relationships with people. I once heard a writer say that she had a difficult relationship with one of her siblings and whenever they hit rocky ground, they would just talk about what they were reading. She said it kept them connected and I have often thought about how true that is.
I am also a big fan of Carol Shields and was very sad when she passed away. She was a very perceptive writer.
Marg, this series about your life is a knockout! Your achievements—returning to school to get multiple degrees and certificates are so impressive, as are the books you mention.
I read and loved “Grapes of Wrath” many years ago—perhaps around the time when you read it—but I’d forgotten, or perhaps never knew, how controversial it was and that it’s still banned in some libraries. It is particularly relevant now in the increasingly reactionary environment—and might be a candidate for your book club, assuming you’re open to old classics.
I have never read “Snow on Cedars,” but now that’s on my list, along with several others you mention.
Please sign me up for the life writing class. I’ve been writing about mine in bits and pieces, but am cowed by the task of sharing it as you have done so seamlessly. Plus travel, food, games and cool illustrations! You’re so accomplished, Marg! Forgive me for gushing, but I am glad to know you! ❤️
What a wonderful message to wake up to. You really made my day and your kind comments are most welcome and humbling.
I am very open to reading classics in our book club! I think that would be rather fun. Like you, I read The Grapes of Wrath quite a long time ago would be interested in seeing if it resonates today. I have a sneaking suspicion that it will!
Thanks for your interest in my writing class. You are exactly the kind of person I'd like to work with and I'm incredibly excited about delivering a course that's encouraging but not overwhelming.
All 5 of those books you mention would be in my top reads of all time. I read Grapes of Wrath as a set text when I went back to studying and found it eye opening. I read a quote from it recently in regard to the current US situation so still relevant.
Do you think there was something special about the 90s that produced so many great books? I guess that could be said of any decade, but it does seem like there were a lot of books in that era that were very impressive and dare I say, important. I agree that The Grapes of Wrath is still very relevant. I was listening to a quiz the other night and there was a question about who wrote it, so I guess it is on everyone's radar now. Maybe we should read it for book club as Ruth suggested.
Dear Marg, I am so loving reading about your life and books you love throughout years past. I would love to participate in the writing course you have coming up, please let me know when you have dates. I also love your retirement painting from Sally, how beautiful. Much love Abi xx
Hello lovely Abi - thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate your support and interest. I will definitely let you know the dates for the upcoming course. And yes, I am very attached to my painting and would save it in a fire. xx