Posts by Barbara
Last ←Newer Page 1 2 3 4 5 Older→ First
-
E-books just don't appeal.
Although that may change as my eyes get worse, as it would be easier to change the size of the text I"m guessing.
A book has something though - from the cover through to physically turning the pages, which just doesn't seem to be replicated by an e-form.
-
The books I've been reading are not really worthy, but great easy reads.I think there is a real skill and talent in writing well crafted easily read novels. "When will there be good news?" by Kate Atkinson is a case in point.
I also loved " The vanishing act of Esme Lennox" by Maggie O'Farrell. Really good insight into expat life in India in the 20's, and then the social mores of Scotland subsequently.
Also very much enjoyed "Opportunity" by Charlotte Grimshaw. I think she writes with the same sort of skill as her father, which maybe seems to damn her. But I think it is high praise. C K Stead is a master of prose.
After hearing from an established author (although not a household name) how little she made from each novel I feel a need to support NZ writers, and have been urging others ot do likewise.
-
I may be mistaken, but I thought it would be Damien O'Connor ahead of Judith Tizard, he is a place higher on the list.
-
@ Craig, in my day job I come across quite a few people who have no ID. They do a Statutory Declaration to establish identity, which in the case of most will allow them to get their benefit. Sometimes it is to open a bank account.
I'm pleased we have no real need to ask people for their identity, and the system works. It's great the whole voting process is easy.
-
Heard the Obamas Law Professor from Harvard, say that Illinois has given the US two great Presidents, Lincoln and Obama - both skinny guys. He also said that as students it was Michelle he expected to be running for executive office, with Barack maybe making the best Mayor - interesting.
-
Tom - I find that interesting, but surely Gallipoli was what helped us to break the Colonial shackles.
Anyway that is off topic. It is truly great that the US has elected someone who is thoughtful and will try to forge links, rather than hawkishly impose its will upon the rest of the world.
-
Tom you don't think we are a young nation which has yet ti find their idealism?
-
It is a truly amazing day when it only within my lifetime that African American have had the vote
"Amendment XV did give black people the right to vote in 1870, and some used it right away, electing state and federal senators and representatives. Jim Crow quickly snatched away that right for all practical purposes, however, as poll taxes and literacy tests--and Klansmen--denied blacks that fundamental right. President Johnson's Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the true turning point in our national history of beginning to embrace blacks as full citizens with equal rights."
It feels as though a great day in history has been created
-
Going back to Dickens, I bought A Christmas Carol for my children, and was pleasantly surprised how readable it was. We found it a really good addition to our collection of Christmas stories.
-
@Deborah
I've seen it mentioned and have been intrigued as to what it would involve. I'm sure I'd enjoy being included