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| Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy |
Chris and Don
Recently John and I watched a wonderful documentary on Christopher Isherwood and his 30+ year relationship with Don Bachardy–who was 30 years his junior. A seemingly implausible May-December relationship that is not only fascinating but often touching. Imagine being 18 and tooling around with a famous author who knows the likes Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, W.H. Auden, Somerset Maugham, E.M. Forster. If you have any interest in Isherwood or are interested in a love story about a fascinating, artistic couple, this is one to rent.
Seen on the Subway
I haven’t done a Seen on the Subway post recently. I just haven’t been paying much attention. I did, however, see a woman on the bus reading a Tove Janssen book in what appeared to be its original language. That was not quite as rare and surprising as the giant dreadlocked man (about 6’5″) in surgical scrubs unabashedly reading a bodice-ripping romance novel.
Persephone
After finishing Miss Buncle’s Book I had decided I needed to place another Persephone order. But before I got a chance to do so, Persephone sent out an email offering a free copy of A Fortnight in September if you buy three or more books. Plus their prices are going up soon. So I ordered twelve more titles–including the next Buncle book. I already have a copy of Fortnight so I will have to come up with some kind of give away for my free copy.
The Man Booger Prize
I wish I had a dime for ever shortlist post I will see in the coming weeks.
Legos are expensive
I recently broke down and bought a couple of Lego sets. I hadn’t played with them for decades and decided it would fun to do so again. Stupid me didn’t look at the prices until I bought them. Sheesh. It was fun putting them together, but holy moly they cost a lot.
Novella hangover
I thoroughly enjoyed The Art of the Novella challenge in August, but I am on an extended hangover from all that sturm und drang. I am on my third Persephone title in a row. I think when I finish this one I might be ready for something else. I should probably go to the opposite extreme and finish the second 600 pages of The Count of Monte Cristo which have been languishing since we got back from Maine.
hogglestock 
I had to chuckle at you not looking at the Lego prices first. My 10yos got a new catalog today – and thus a new wishlist was begun. He makes a list and figures out how many times he needs to mow the yard. :) They have a new set of F.L. Wright's Robie house that looked really cool to mommy. :) Collecting those dimes for the Man Booker posts would certainly help your Lego budget! Thanks for sharing your bits and bobs with us.
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Oh sure, leave me guessing about your twelve titles why don't you!
Thanks for the reminder to pack my catalogue when I leave for work. We're off to London next week!
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Love your version of the Man Booker prize! And I had no idea Legos has such great stuff – the Farnsworth house and Robie house – wow – my opinion of Legos just went up!
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I love your Bits and Bobs posts, always fun. Which Persephones did you buy? Which are you reading? You can't tease us like this, it's just not right.
And you won't catch mention of Booker on my blog…
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No Booker mentions on my blog either. I'm currently obsessed with dead authors so I hardly read any contemporary fiction any more. Probably bad to admit this, as I work in a library, but there it is!
And yes please, don't tease us, tell us which Persephones you bought and which ones you're reading!
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Did you see the Lego architecture exhibit at the National Building Museum last year? It was pretty neat and made me want to start playing with Legos again too, but like you, I was astounded at the cost. I have some pics from the exhibit in one of my Flickr sets – here's the link if you're interested:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicki79/sets/72157625354377072/
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I saw the recent isherwood drama on bbc ,he is a writer whos books I ve enjoyed I ll keep a eye out for this hope it gets shown here ,I love the lego one of my favourite tv shows is artland usa where they tour usa and the visited farnsworth house ,falling water amongst others ,all the best stu
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I got that Persephone e-mail on my birthday and decided to treat it as a present, so I got a few myself. (Only three, plus the freebie, but you know me and my futile efforts to keep my bookcases from overflowing!)
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Chris and Don has been on my list of things to see forever…I really need to go get it now, lest I forget it!
And I think I'm in a Novel hangover. All the books I've read lately have been old chunky novels and I'm desperate for something light and airy…
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Susan: In addition to the Farnsworth House, I also got Fallingwater. It isn't as visually pleasing as Farnsworth but it was more fun to put together. I would love to get the Robie House, that one looks like the most fun, but it is about $199.
Darlene: I will have to do a separate pot on the Persephone 12. Most are titles that don't get as much attention so I don't remember all the names.
Rhapsody: I really want the Robie house.
Simon: I might wait until I get them before I post on my selections. I can't imagine what you would say about the Booker.
Karen K: Most of my authors are dead too. Or at least haven't published anything recently.
Every book: I actually bought my Legos at the NBM, but was there for a meeting so didn't have time for the exhibit.
Stu: What was the drama on BBC?
Teresa: That is a nice b-day treat.
Daniel: I think you will like the documentary. Lots of great home footage.
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I really want to see Chris & Don! After seeing the film A Single Man, I started doing some research on Isherwood. Fascinating.
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I want to see Chris and Don too. I like love stories. Mostly because it's happy. Not like what is usually on the news.
–zane
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