Energy and imagination, I think.
Wonderful review Jessica. It all made sense to me, intellectually, but you most hit home when you mentioned recognising the loneliness. No matter how kind or empathetic or sympathetic people are, there's nothing like speaking to, being with, people who share a situation, condition, experience you find yourself in for helping to alleviate an intense feeling of loneliness. Even though those people who share it may react to or handle the situation differently, they start from a point of "knowingness" that is, hmm, is "affirming" the word - and that is so crucial to not feeling so alone.
What a lovely positive post ... You are right about life! Anyhow, have a great time OS. You deserve it.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Jessica. I totally agree with you re opaque academic writing - the use of language the excludes rather than includes. There's nothing wrong with using simple words to convey complex concepts or ideas.
I'm impressed that you can put away a book for a while and then come back later. Does it take you a while to get back in the groove or do you find the break invigorating?
Lovely review Jessica ... love the way you've picked up the environment and caring for country issue. I've just referred briefly to this book again in a recent Monday musings and, as I was confirming something about Leane, I came across a description of the book as a "story cycle". I struggled with describing the form ... and think this is a great description. It's why, I think, the plot is "muted" as you say. How great to have met her ... I haven't read A fringe of leaves, but would love to read her paper.
It's a bit late ... how did I miss this ... but I have been in several online book clubs - since 1997 in fact, way before Facebook, Goodreads etc. Most groups discussed a book over a month, but the main one I was involved in, did a book every fortnight. They all vary. Some have a leader (which varies) posting questions, others just have people discussing and responding to each other, and some did a bit of both depending on the book. I really don't have a preference. The success depends more on the book and the readers and their wilingness to keep talking than on formal questions and leaders. I loved it because discussing a book over a couple of weeks rather than an hour as in a fact-to-face bookgroup enable you to really tease out some issues.
I've made long lasting friends from these groups and my daughter, who has travelled overseas, has met and staying with some of them before I met them. In fact there's a couple in Seattle that I still haven't met but she's spent several days with them.
They are all still going and are under the yahoo banner - they are listservs.
Did your question here lead to anything?
Oh he's gorgeous Becky ... how could you not enjoy parenthood with a gorgeous son like that, despite the tiredness and challenges. 4-6 months tends to be a lovely, settled time. But, glad you are finding time to read ... you have to have a bit of a life for yourself too.
Ah, good one Ryan ... sounds like a perfect reason to me.
I'm a convert too Becky ... I would have loved it when breast feeding. I did manage to read during all those times ... but it was a challenge. An ereader would have made it so much easier!
Nice to hear from you Becky ... and to know that you are normal. Motherhood/parenthood is exhausting, particularly in the early years of complete dependence. Enjoy your baby ... there's plenty of time for blogging later but these days are precious and only come once (for this baby anyhow!)
A new little Rafa eh? Lovely name, lovely baby. The adventure of your life begins. Enjoy. There's nothing to better it - even in the hard moments!
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