tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post90057086215962580..comments2023-07-22T15:44:42.859+01:00Comments on More about the song - rambling with Rachel Fox: A few on the goRachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-70366412859006836142009-11-29T23:13:29.275+00:002009-11-29T23:13:29.275+00:00Well, your lines aren't that unusual.Well, your lines aren't that unusual.deemikayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01421704728979191339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-83056457321463350472009-11-22T12:08:16.558+00:002009-11-22T12:08:16.558+00:00Now I could hardly be criticising for 'do what...Now I could hardly be criticising for 'do what I want ways'! Could I! Me with the funny line habits and everything. <br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-88255099576760352882009-11-22T11:48:00.267+00:002009-11-22T11:48:00.267+00:00Yes, "back" or thereabouts... it's b...Yes, "back" or thereabouts... it's been odd in my head recently.<br /><br />And I'll make no apologies for liking loopy ol' Ted and his stubborn, I'll-do-what-I-want ways. Maybe I relate somewhat. ;)<br /><br />I get curious about lots of things... but less so with novels. (I really am a broken record, no?)<br /><br />(Word verification: "funwa" - is that like a fatwa but with party hats and Timmy Mallet on DJ duties?)deemikayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01421704728979191339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-9608372169568534262009-11-22T10:59:32.485+00:002009-11-22T10:59:32.485+00:00You're back!
Ted Hughes...he's your best ...You're back!<br /><br />Ted Hughes...he's your best friend, he is. Stil I can think of much worse people to be friends with.<br /><br />As for Kerouac...it's more I just get curious in the end...what is it like this book that so many have read and written about? It's sitting half read by the bed just now though because the Rimbaud bio is brilliant and pushing Jack right to the back of the queue.<br /><br />I read 'Catcher' at school. Enjoyed it then. Can't remember much about it now. Can remember lots of other less literary matters though...<br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-86547803733288847622009-11-22T10:45:47.398+00:002009-11-22T10:45:47.398+00:00Oh, and On The Road. I've never wanted to read...Oh, and On The Road. I've never wanted to read it. And never will... I've got a hard time with people telling my I *MUST* read certain books. Ditto Catcher in the Rye.deemikayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01421704728979191339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-21494268578287917102009-11-22T10:43:55.610+00:002009-11-22T10:43:55.610+00:00I'm reading:
Ted Hughes' letters;
David C...I'm reading: <br />Ted Hughes' letters;<br />David Crystal's The Stories of English;<br />some of the Poetic Edda every now and then;<br />lots of poems that I pick at random off the shelf.<br /><br />(As for mythology... I've still got my Ladybird Greek Myths 1 and Greek Myths 2 somewhere. Got them when I was about 6 or 7. But for reference I go to Robert Graves' Greek Myths - loopy as hell in the commentaries, but he gives the stories.)deemikayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01421704728979191339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-64706436387443181622009-11-19T21:25:57.823+00:002009-11-19T21:25:57.823+00:00I haven't heard of any of those (bar the secon...I haven't heard of any of those (bar the second). Bloody hell, there are lot of books in the world. And time is running out...<br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-5090429285397679982009-11-19T21:11:39.488+00:002009-11-19T21:11:39.488+00:00I've been struggling to get into a book these ...I've been struggling to get into a book these last couple of weeks. Prior to that I was on such a roll. I read 12 books in a 2 month period! Unheard of for me these last few years.<br />I am currently reading, "Opium Dreams" by Margaret Gibson. It explores Alzheimer's from the mind of the patient, but is the story of the patient's daughter and her learning about her father.<br /><br />Also, started, Ishiguro's, "When We Were Orphans", but haven't been bitten by the absolute desire to continue.<br /><br />Reading Barbara Ueland's book, "If You Want To Write" which is really magical. It gives me hope.<br /><br />Then there's Jean Vanier's small volume called, "Finding Peace" which is inspirational.<br /><br />I'm also grappling (at a snail's pace) with Thomas a Kempis.<br /><br />On the poetry front, I'm really enjoying Canadian poet, Sally Ito's first book, "Frogs in the Rain Barrel". It's helping my haiku immensely.Kat Mortensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16877694888419628533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-40947211716235843042009-11-17T23:24:03.659+00:002009-11-17T23:24:03.659+00:00No. Don't know 'the Notebook' at all (...No. Don't know 'the Notebook' at all (unless it was called something else here). The pirate radio film was called 'The Boat that Rocked' here and I haven't seen that either. I know I should want to (pirate radio and all) but it's from a school of British cinema that doesn't do much for me unfortunately. I might catch it when it's on TV, I suppose (and funnily enough they were showing it on the ferry when we came back from Belgium in the summer...didn't watch it then though).<br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-73872417104751511152009-11-17T23:20:24.787+00:002009-11-17T23:20:24.787+00:00Remember the movie, "The Notebook"?
Evi...Remember the movie, "The Notebook"?<br /><br />Evidently Sparks is a Romance writer of sorts but since I don't usually read that sort of stuff, my seniors [and the Librarian, who qualifies as a senior] decided I needed to at least try him. ;)<br /><br />Speaking of movies, "Pirate Radio" opened this week. It's about those English lads who took their music to sea and broadcast it, much to the dismay of the establishment. :) Stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman.hopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03306622656461205674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-76630777948059452242009-11-17T14:55:03.524+00:002009-11-17T14:55:03.524+00:00Hope - Nicholas Sparks? Never heard of him.
Inter...Hope - Nicholas Sparks? Never heard of him.<br /><br />Interesting list, Apprentice. I enjoy and Adcock now and again too.<br /><br />SW - I am only halfway through the Kerouac so I can't dismiss it yet. I have generally preferred living the wild life to reading about it though. What did Shug call one of his 'one of the great tales of alcoholism'? Drinking is one thing...reading about drinking? Not for me really.<br /><br />Titus...I may live to regret the old goat perhaps...<br /><br />McGuire - Self may have said that about lit bios but he is the great man quoted on the front of the Rimbaud (saying how good it is!). Interesting stuff you're reading too.<br /><br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-15807948733883841842009-11-17T11:56:50.571+00:002009-11-17T11:56:50.571+00:00Will Self said: 'Literary Biography is writers...Will Self said: 'Literary Biography is writers porn' and perhaps there is some truth in that, but hopefully that pages don't end up sticking together. <br /><br />The only poet I have an urge to read about in terms of private lifes (most poets reveal their private life in the poems anyway) is e.e. cummings. He was such a maverick and a technician of poetry, and he had such a strange world view, I really want to pry open his private life a bit more.<br /><br />At zee moment, I'm re-reading, Italo Calvino, Numbers in the dark, it's aboslutely amazing book of short stories. Really. You muts read it. Also reasing, Iain Banks, 'The Bridge' I like it, lots of chopping between dream like states and surreal society that lives on a HUGE bridge...the thing is, this is all because the narrator is actually in a coma after a car accident...so far. Reading collection of Pablo Neruda: he's a good poet, surreal and stark raving lumpss in the throat, when I read him.<br /><br />Life is good as I am not yet dead.McGuirehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03095242258892600138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-35010343844116474432009-11-16T23:09:01.481+00:002009-11-16T23:09:01.481+00:00Looking forward to Liz Gallagher.
Just finished &...Looking forward to Liz Gallagher.<br /><br />Just finished "Lord Lucan My Story" by William Coles, because I met the author and heard him talk about the case (not the book, it should be said!) and I have very mixed emotions about it. You don't feel you ought to engage with the central character, for this is no ficitonal murderer, yet at some points you do. Is it exploitative? - yes. Is it badly done - no, not really, but it's not earth-shatteringly good either. Still haven't decided, but I suspect the taste in my mouth is not a good one.<br /><br />Stephen Mitchell's translation of The Epic of Gilgamesh, again. A big 5 stars.<br /><br />Imtiaz Dharker "Postcards from god", because she read with shug a while back and I did not know her work. Good.<br /><br />"Occasions of Sin - Sex and Society in Modern Ireland" by Diarmid Ferriter. Really enjoying this - carefully researched and detailed history with a narrative thrust.<br /><br />And of course, assorted Roald Dahl's, C.S. Lewis's, Dick King-Smith's (I like him - not about when I was a lass) with a Morpurgo between friends.<br /><br />Books. You gotta love 'em.<br />P.S. I like "...,the old goat".Titushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16380213493011623153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-33320757516629664712009-11-16T21:06:41.365+00:002009-11-16T21:06:41.365+00:00I read 'On The Road' - and lots of other K...I read 'On The Road' - and lots of other Kerouac - in the early 70s when I was in my late teens/early 20s. The book, though encapsulating the jazz-bop/zen/druggy 1950s, was equally as representative of the folk-rock/zen/druggy 1960s and early 70s. I suppose you could say, portentously, that this stream-of-consciousness novel (much more crafted and 'better written' than many think) was an iconic book for me and many others at that time. When I hitchhiked across Europe, that was the book I carried in my rucksack (along with 'The Hitchhiker's Guide To Europe' by Ken Welsh, and perhaps some Ken Kesey, or Gary Snyder's poetry...)<br /><br />I haven't picked up Kerouac since. Mainly, I suppose, because there are so many other writers to read I haven't read. But I suspect I would still love him.The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-88786774885677839472009-11-16T13:55:40.647+00:002009-11-16T13:55:40.647+00:00A great list there Rachel -like you I have a big p...A great list there Rachel -like you I have a big pile by the bed just now, Niedecker, who I mentioned on my blog, on loan from the amazing SPL, and Miroslav Holub, James Tate and Fleur Adcock collections thanks to Colin Will's clear out.<br /><br />My wants list includes the new book on Raymond Carver, by tessa Gallagher and the new set of alice Munro stories.apprenticehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13784785172285984036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-21045590821994047822009-11-16T12:34:19.853+00:002009-11-16T12:34:19.853+00:00I missed this yesterday...sorry!
I almost feel an...I missed this yesterday...sorry!<br /><br />I almost feel anti-American to admit I've never read "On the Road". And yet, I think it's because of the very point you made: it would seem dated to the point of "Huh? What's all the fuss about?" But you never know. I may decide to tackle it when all the other reading material is gone. <br /><br />I'm reading an autobiography of John Kennedy Jr. written by supposedly his best friend. It's been interesting. And in the car I'm listening to "The Lucky One", as I am the only female on the planet who has never read Nicholas Sparks.<br /><br />If your President of the Hugh McMillan Appreciation Society, may I be President of his fan club? I am breathlessly awaiting the very volume you spoke of.hopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03306622656461205674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-76883425166584212942009-11-16T11:18:24.091+00:002009-11-16T11:18:24.091+00:00Well, then we're very different, Jim! I reread...Well, then we're very different, Jim! I reread what I've written to the point of crazed obsession...constantly asking myself 'what did I mean by that?' 'is that the right word?' 'could I make that better?' <br /><br />I went and watched the S Hughes youtube Liz but that background music is really offputting (and an odd choice...it doesn't seem right for her at all). I like her relaxed intros but I couldn't really concentrate on the poems for the music. Will look into later.<br /><br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-6286569393356887582009-11-16T11:11:42.429+00:002009-11-16T11:11:42.429+00:00No, no I don't. The only time I reread anythin...No, no I don't. The only time I reread anything I've written is when I'm either selecting poems to send away or recently when I've been editing my novels. I haven't read the last two novels since I wrote them. I've never kept a diary - my poems are the closest thing to a diary. I don't reread my blogs either. I sometimes have to scan them when I post them because it's been so long since they were written I've forgotten what I've said. I think I wrote the review of Liz's collection about two months ago.<br /><br>Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-77988454284283883382009-11-16T11:11:13.189+00:002009-11-16T11:11:13.189+00:00Liz is referring to the 3 questions that she will ...Liz is referring to the 3 questions that she will be answering on here early in December. Sounds like they're going to be fascinating...<br /><br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-59923891875355826842009-11-16T11:06:03.499+00:002009-11-16T11:06:03.499+00:00Hi Rachel,
Thanks for the mention...it's true...Hi Rachel,<br /><br />Thanks for the mention...it's true about us both having different poetry styles...and tastes, most likely...enjoyed your list and observations, you are a busy beaver...I thoroughly recommend Sian Huges' as well, have a listen to her on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeNkOiR8c0k<br /><br />And Rachel, will try to do some audio over Christmas...Vladi video-recorded me when reading during the Summer at Flatlake Festival and I still have not watched it! ; )<br />x<br />(P.S. I am answering your questions just now and ending up liking Ms. Alien a lot, she is bringing out the cheeky-side of me though, hope I can rein her/me in...oh and being a reader of my own book has also brought out a side of me that I wasn't on first name terms with before...; ) ...ahem!)Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05990807765195683301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-82786876468299634792009-11-16T10:38:26.719+00:002009-11-16T10:38:26.719+00:00Yes, I don't really know where the goat came f...Yes, I don't really know where the goat came from. I even thought about taking it out last night. But I didn't.<br /><br />The Joyce Johnson book sounds interesting. I wouldn't mind hearing what one of the 'chicks' has to say.<br /><br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-72629284609410400212009-11-16T08:42:28.185+00:002009-11-16T08:42:28.185+00:00I'm always reading something by Hugh McMillan,...I'm always reading something by Hugh McMillan, THE OLD GOAT?<br /><br />I will use this as a blurb at the back of every book from now on. Like your list. Have always been completely obsesessed with the beat poets and their lives. I think On the Road is a novel of pure poetry, though I like his other works for other reasons- Big Sur is one of the great tales of alcoholism, Dharma Bums is fun. Am currently reading a beat mamoir by Joyce Johnson one of kerouac's girlfriends. It's a sad and tender memoir of the whole period and it's a brilliantly written book. 'Minor Characters' it's called.Hugh McMillanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05353561780315527799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-28101380400805445712009-11-16T08:21:36.475+00:002009-11-16T08:21:36.475+00:00By heck - so much to think about!
Dominic and Iai...By heck - so much to think about!<br /><br />Dominic and Iain Banks (with or without M). I have read a couple of his books but can never get excited about any of them. Still he seems to be doing alright without me. And I've enjoyed reading interviews with him so it's not personal. <br /><br />Plus Dominic you are the Arthur Ransome Appreciation Society President I think!<br /><br />Sorlil - there was an interesting bit about Hillary Clinton in the Guardian interview with Maya Angelou this Saturday. Worth a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/nov/14/maya-angelou-interview" rel="nofollow">look</a>.<br /><br />Sunny Colin...not sure I'll get further into Kerouac than this. He sure is handsome on the book cover though...can't help wondering how much that helped him...<br /><br />'The Missing' eh, TFE? Might have to look into that then.<br /><br />Thanks CGP, I'll go back and look for nature poems. See if they help me get into his book.<br /><br />Rachel - I loved 'the curious incident' when I read it a couple of years ago. He's a poet too you know. Worth a look. There are a couple of classic books that I've had to push on with for me and the Girl (e.g. Tom Sawyer) but on the whole we were glad we had read them in the end. The Little White Horse I could have easily left in the stable.<br /><br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-54243424559410506902009-11-16T07:45:57.057+00:002009-11-16T07:45:57.057+00:00I'm almost through "Short Circuit", ...I'm almost through "Short Circuit", and I'm reading lots of top secret stuff for the book I'm writing...My daughter's reading another (groan) "saddle club" book - surely there can't be many more to go - and "the curious incident of the dog in the night time" but I doubt she'll pick this up again for a few weeks seeing as she's just come back from a book sale with a carrier full of "sweet valley high" books! Urgh. When she wants me to read to her I am two thirds through "Gt Expectations"...goodness knows when we'll finish that.Rachel Fentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10046917627054462214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-59391823773587224712009-11-16T07:36:37.212+00:002009-11-16T07:36:37.212+00:00I've enjoyed John Burnside's poetry (thoug...I've enjoyed John Burnside's poetry (though not his prose, the Dumb House was way too disturbing). At his best he is one of the best 'nature poets' around. <br /><br />I loved Kerouac's 'On the Road', though I think you've got to be in the right mood to totally get into it. It slightly annoyed me that it wasn't going anywhere but I loved the writing....Crafty Green Poethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02486633917197181851noreply@blogger.com