tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post2695374899716598481..comments2023-10-12T05:37:20.816-07:00Comments on Suko's Notebook: West From HomeSukohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-16690761650375253642008-06-01T13:47:00.000-07:002008-06-01T13:47:00.000-07:00The True Story of Ramona sounds intriguing!The True Story of Ramona sounds intriguing!Sukohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-49220706773517156702008-05-25T22:15:00.000-07:002008-05-25T22:15:00.000-07:00Sandie, thanks for posting all these in-depth comm...Sandie, thanks for posting all these in-depth comments, because I really appreciate hearing your ideas. Thanks for lending me The Hidden Target! I was obviously surprised when you brought it to me, as I had not yet read your additional comments. You have a lot of interesting thoughts to share and I hope you will continue to do so.Sukohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-74882914947546560712008-05-24T00:48:00.000-07:002008-05-24T00:48:00.000-07:00The format you've returned to is more modern and h...The format you've returned to is more modern and hip. The other was monochromatic with matched colors. This is your 'magazine' so to speak, to be presented in a way that suits you. What good is a blog if you're uncomfortable with it? Enjoy the evolution. It's so fun to be able to learn and be excited about books and ideas. Thanks for setting this up and sharing it!Sandiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09260300229659938444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-13394249984846378752008-05-24T00:42:00.000-07:002008-05-24T00:42:00.000-07:00Another book I've read recently: THE TRUE STORY O...Another book I've read recently: THE TRUE STORY OF RAMONA: ITS FACTS & FICTIONS, INSPIRATION & PURPOSE, Davis, 1914, 813.4JAC (Carlsbad library number). An unexpectedly charming and intriguing account, with photos, of HHJ's travels in California, the people she met, her experiences investigating and supporting property rights for native Indians, the personalities and their life stories who contributed to the characters and events in the book RAMONA, etc. Each page has a block printed edge design. It is a nostalgic view of old California with many insights about the commitment and strength of HHJ to fight bureaucracy and small-minded power-seekers in the government and military for the benefit of individual dignity and individual rights in a flawed and hypocritical democracy. It describes a connection of people of good will and good spirit. The descriptions of California in the late 1800s -- both geographically and culturally -- capture a bittersweet portrait of a land in transition, but much loved and appreciated by its inhabitants and visitors.Sandiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09260300229659938444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-83255840925012717112008-05-24T00:06:00.000-07:002008-05-24T00:06:00.000-07:00I'll send over my copy of HIDDEN TARGET via EDO fo...I'll send over my copy of HIDDEN TARGET via EDO for you. I found it for $1.00 at the library used book store. Other Helen MacInnes books (I've read almost all of them) contributed to my description. One is set in Spain (hence the dancing); another in Austria, another in Italy, and some cross over several borders, and are post-WWII commentaries. Staying aware and not becoming complacent are quiet underlying messages. Some books I like better than others. Hidden Target is a bit naive in the character development, but the travelogue and suspense are fun.Sandiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09260300229659938444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-73212919795105710892008-05-22T16:02:00.000-07:002008-05-22T16:02:00.000-07:00(P.S. Don't mean to always "get the last word"; do...(P.S. Don't mean to always "get the last word"; do want to let you know I read and think about your comments!)Sukohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-29128477367159604472008-05-21T08:38:00.000-07:002008-05-21T08:38:00.000-07:00I will look into getting a copy of The Hidden Targ...I will look into getting a copy of The Hidden Target, Sandie. It sounds like an exciting book (and a real departure from my usual choices). <BR/>As you can see, I've gone back to my original template, wild colors and all! I may tone it down a bit. . . .Sukohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-79324894756698599142008-05-20T23:31:00.000-07:002008-05-20T23:31:00.000-07:00I agree with Eriko: your description of LETTERS F...I agree with Eriko: your description of LETTERS FROM HOME intrigues me. My reading hasn't been as esoteric lately: Helen MacInnes' THE HIDDEN TARGET is a cultural spy story set, in part, in the Pauma Valley north of Escondido. Ms. MacInnes visited the John Cole Bookstore in La Jolla many times in her later years before she died (that building was one of Ellen Browning Scripps' homes at one time, I believe). All tangents aside, THE HIDDEN TARGET is a cultural spy story with great descriptions of geography and culture in primarily European settings. The language used by her characters is often in the same syntax of the host countries. It combines an interest in architecture, dance and languages (among other things) with an overriding optimism for the survival of free will and didgnity in the face of historical struggles against seemingly insurmountable tyrannies and conflicts. The romances are fun, too, if not a bit naive in some places. I like the cheap (but environmentally 'green' "travelogue" requiring no plane tickets or use of fossil fuels. However, I don't recall her describing Sweden at all ... too bad! It's beautiful, historic, full of culture and the arts, gentle people, and a quiet atmosphere.Sandiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09260300229659938444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-85431946579558514822008-05-20T20:49:00.000-07:002008-05-20T20:49:00.000-07:00Thanks for your encouragement! I kind of miss the...Thanks for your encouragement! I kind of miss the old format (template) though.<BR/> Are either of you reading any books worthy of mention?Sukohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-82150545209602943792008-05-20T18:22:00.000-07:002008-05-20T18:22:00.000-07:00Nice format! Your description of Letters to Home i...Nice format! Your description of Letters to Home is so inviting...I want to read it now!erikohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12400895428354309480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011304218892238385.post-3364339150939257702008-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:002008-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:00The blog is much easier to navigate now, and is mo...The blog is much easier to navigate now, and is more fun with the quotes and photographs. I can just imagine myself reading a spell in a light breeze under a blossoming tree. Your quotes are very positive and I appreciate the succinct words you use in your book descriptions. Having Angela's book list is a treat. Great idea, as long as adults can read them too! Glad you put that as "8 and over" so I qualify!Sandiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09260300229659938444noreply@blogger.com