January 5 - Collected Stories Isaac Bashevis Singer, 19th century Eastern Europe -- RC 17873 and BRI00480
February 2 - River God, Wilbur Smith, Ancient Egypt RC 37819
March 2 - The Toss of a Lemon , Padma Viswanathan, late 19th century/early 20th century India RC and DB 68367
April 6 - People of the Lakes, Kathleen O'Neal Gear, Native Americans RC 41693
May 4 - Helen of Troy, Margaret George, Ancient Greece RC and DB 64785
June 1 - The Walking Drum, Louis L'Amour, medieval Europe and Near East RC and DB 20919
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Place, Dates and Times
Is This Book In an Accessible Format?
Join Email Discussion Group
Our Next Novel
2009-10 Book Schedule
- November 2009 - Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe - Pre-colonial Africa
- De cember 2009 - World Without End, Ken Follett - 14th century England
- January 5 2010 -- The Collected Stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer - 19th century
- February 2 - River God, Wilbur Smith, Ancient Egypt RC 37819
- March 2 - The Toss of a Lemon , Padma Viswanathan, late 19th century/early 20th century India RC and DB 68367
- April 6 - People of the Lakes, Kathleen O'Neal Gear, Native Americans RC 41693
- May 4 - Helen of Troy, Margaret George, Ancient Greece RC and DB 64785
- June 1 - The Walking Drum, Louis L'Amour, medieval Europe and Near East RC and DB 20919
Useful Links
Friday, October 23, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Book for October 2009
Tuesday, October 6 - Let's Read Historical Novels
THE RELIGION, by Tim Willocks
Publisher: Tor Books 2008
1565, the Island of Malta, and the siege of the Knights Hospitallers by hordes of the Sultan of Turkey's armies and allies. Enter an engaging former soldier of the Sultan, a European kidnapped as a boy, who is in Malta to help a noblewoman find her bastard son, conceived with the man who since then has become most fearful Inquisitor in Europe.
Prepare to read lots and lots of gory battle scenes. Long book... get started early.
Available as audio download and audio CD from Audible.com, NLS RC 66503 , Bookshare.org
THE RELIGION, by Tim Willocks
Publisher: Tor Books 2008
1565, the Island of Malta, and the siege of the Knights Hospitallers by hordes of the Sultan of Turkey's armies and allies. Enter an engaging former soldier of the Sultan, a European kidnapped as a boy, who is in Malta to help a noblewoman find her bastard son, conceived with the man who since then has become most fearful Inquisitor in Europe.
Prepare to read lots and lots of gory battle scenes. Long book... get started early.
Available as audio download and audio CD from Audible.com, NLS RC 66503 , Bookshare.org
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Listen to Archived Programs
Recordings of Let's Read Historical Novels book discussions are available for about a week or so after the discussion is held. If you would like to listen to the recording of our latest discussion, contact Robert Acosta at <818-998-0044 or email boacosta@pacbell.net
Friday, April 10, 2009
Summary of Discussion of THE TEN THOUSAND
Summary of April 7th Discussion
THE TEN THOUSAND is a novel of Ancient Greece based on a true event. Xenophon, an Athenian, and his servant Theo respond to Xenophon's cousin Proxamus's invitation to be a mercenary in Persian Prince Cyrus's attempt to wrest the crown from his older brother. A mixed army of men from every part of Greece along with an immense crowd of families, merchants, beggars, physicians and whores travel with Cyrus's own army almost to Babylon. In the very first battle Cyrus is killed and the Greeks find themselves ;up the proverbial creek without a paddle. The ten thousand men, women and children must find their way home with no guide, no help to speak of, and fending off hostile forces along the way.
The group discussed several aspects of the book, focusing primarily on what Sherri Harnick called "the logistics" of transporting thousands of people and keeping them fed and housed, after a fashion. We found ourselves bringing up other stories and novels this one reminded us of, including Morgan Llywelyn's THE LAST PRINCE OF IRELAND, Leon Uris's EXODUS, a novel recounting Boers traveling north to great a homeland for themselves away from British South Africa.
One fact I discovered on Wikipedia that surprised and intrigued me is that the teen gang movie, THE WARRIORS, is a modern adaptation of the March of the Ten Thousand, first recorded by Xenophon himself. This led us to talk briefly about some of the common themmes in literature throughout history. We also discussed the main characters, Xenophon, Theo, Theo's love interest, Hisiria, Tisafernes, her father and the general of the armies follwing and attacking them. This novel has inspired a few of us to want to read the historical account by Xenophon.
And we agreed that we would never look at honey the same way again!
Our next novel is WATERLOO, a Sharpe novel by Bernard Cornwell, and in my opinioan by far the best of that long series. It is available through NLS as well as BookShare as well as almost certainly on Kindle 2 and Audible.com. Our meeting will be Tuesday, May 5th, 9 PM Eastern and 6 PM Pacific. Hope to see you there!
Nan Hawthorne, Group Facilitator
Email: hawthorne@nanhawthonne.com
Date: Tuesday, May 5th, 2009.
Time: 6:00 p.m. PDT, 7:00 p.m. MDT, 8:00 p.m. CDT, 9:00 p.m. EDT
and elsewhere in the world Wednesday 1:00 GMT
Where: Let’s Read Historical Novels Room at:
Approximately 15 minutes prior to the event start time go to the Let’s Read Historical Novels Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs87449e52193e
Or, alternatively,
Select the Let’s Read Historical Novels Room at: http://www.accessibleworld.org. Enter your first and last names on the sign-in screen.
All online interactive programs require no password, are free of charge, and open to anyone worldwide having an Internet connection, a computer, speakers, and a sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the presenters and others in the virtual audience or text chat with the attendees.
If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to the Accessible World online rooms.
Sign up information for all Accessible World News Wires and discussion lists are also available at our website: http://www.accessibleworld.org.
Accessible World Contacts:
Robert Acosta, Chair Accessible World
818-998-0044
Email: boacosta@pacbell.net
Web: http://www.helpinghands4theblind.org
Joann Becker, Events Coordinator
Accessible World
617-969-1213
Email: joannbecker@pcomcast.net
George Buys, CEO.
Talking Communities
Email: buys@talkingcommunities.com
The Accessible World, a division of Helping Hands For The Blind, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them.
THE TEN THOUSAND is a novel of Ancient Greece based on a true event. Xenophon, an Athenian, and his servant Theo respond to Xenophon's cousin Proxamus's invitation to be a mercenary in Persian Prince Cyrus's attempt to wrest the crown from his older brother. A mixed army of men from every part of Greece along with an immense crowd of families, merchants, beggars, physicians and whores travel with Cyrus's own army almost to Babylon. In the very first battle Cyrus is killed and the Greeks find themselves ;up the proverbial creek without a paddle. The ten thousand men, women and children must find their way home with no guide, no help to speak of, and fending off hostile forces along the way.
The group discussed several aspects of the book, focusing primarily on what Sherri Harnick called "the logistics" of transporting thousands of people and keeping them fed and housed, after a fashion. We found ourselves bringing up other stories and novels this one reminded us of, including Morgan Llywelyn's THE LAST PRINCE OF IRELAND, Leon Uris's EXODUS, a novel recounting Boers traveling north to great a homeland for themselves away from British South Africa.
One fact I discovered on Wikipedia that surprised and intrigued me is that the teen gang movie, THE WARRIORS, is a modern adaptation of the March of the Ten Thousand, first recorded by Xenophon himself. This led us to talk briefly about some of the common themmes in literature throughout history. We also discussed the main characters, Xenophon, Theo, Theo's love interest, Hisiria, Tisafernes, her father and the general of the armies follwing and attacking them. This novel has inspired a few of us to want to read the historical account by Xenophon.
And we agreed that we would never look at honey the same way again!
Our next novel is WATERLOO, a Sharpe novel by Bernard Cornwell, and in my opinioan by far the best of that long series. It is available through NLS as well as BookShare as well as almost certainly on Kindle 2 and Audible.com. Our meeting will be Tuesday, May 5th, 9 PM Eastern and 6 PM Pacific. Hope to see you there!
Nan Hawthorne, Group Facilitator
Email: hawthorne@nanhawthonne.com
Date: Tuesday, May 5th, 2009.
Time: 6:00 p.m. PDT, 7:00 p.m. MDT, 8:00 p.m. CDT, 9:00 p.m. EDT
and elsewhere in the world Wednesday 1:00 GMT
Where: Let’s Read Historical Novels Room at:
Approximately 15 minutes prior to the event start time go to the Let’s Read Historical Novels Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs87449e52193e
Or, alternatively,
Select the Let’s Read Historical Novels Room at: http://www.accessibleworld.org. Enter your first and last names on the sign-in screen.
All online interactive programs require no password, are free of charge, and open to anyone worldwide having an Internet connection, a computer, speakers, and a sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the presenters and others in the virtual audience or text chat with the attendees.
If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to the Accessible World online rooms.
Sign up information for all Accessible World News Wires and discussion lists are also available at our website: http://www.accessibleworld.org.
Accessible World Contacts:
Robert Acosta, Chair Accessible World
818-998-0044
Email: boacosta@pacbell.net
Web: http://www.helpinghands4theblind.org
Joann Becker, Events Coordinator
Accessible World
617-969-1213
Email: joannbecker@pcomcast.net
George Buys, CEO.
Talking Communities
Email: buys@talkingcommunities.com
The Accessible World, a division of Helping Hands For The Blind, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Books and More: April Discussions on AccessibleWorld.org
Accessible World April Calendar 2009
If you have any questions concerning the Accessible World Calendar, please contact Robert Acosta at the following e-mail address: Bob Acosta [boacosta@pacbell.net]
Thursday April 2nd, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Friday April 3rd, 8:00 PM EDT: Sports Talk. Visit The Sports Talk Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs4133c64356dc
Saturday April 4th, 12:00 PM through 12:00 AM EDT: Part One of Old-Time Radio Marathon.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Sunday April 5th, 12:00 PM through 12:00 AM EDT: Part Two of the Old-Time Radio Marathon.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Monday April 6th, 8:00 PM EDT: Tek Talk presents Pete Devasto of Adobe Systems to discuss the accessible Adobe Reader. Visit the Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2.
Tuesday April 7th, 4:00 PM EDT: Joanie's Corner hosted by Joan Leonard. Play and listen to the best music this side of heaven. Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Tuesday April 7th, 9:00 PM EDT: Nan Hawthorne will be discussing the book "Ten Thousand" by Michael Curtis Ford. Visit the Let's Read Historical Novels Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs87449e52193e
Thursday April 9th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio Hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Friday April 10th, 8:00 PM EDT: Sports Talk. Visit the Sports Talk Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs4133c64356dc
Saturday April 11th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Rob Hancik.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Sunday April 12th, 8:00 PM EDT: Canadian Old-time Radio Alliance hosted by Devon Wilkins.
Visit www.cotra.ca
Monday April 13th, 8:00 Pm EDT: Tek Talk presents Jim Denim for an overview of Apple's VoiceOver screen reading software. Visit the Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
Tuesday April 14th, 4:00 PM EDT: Joanie's Corner hosted by Joan Leonard. Play and listen to the best music this side of heaven. Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Tuesday April 14th, 9:00 pm EDT: Special Programs Series: Part I. Writing Business and Advocacy Letters. Hosted by Ann Parsons. Visit the Accessible World Auditorium at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191
Wednesday April 15th, 9:00 pm EDT: Don Queen Facilitates a discussion of the book: "America Afire: Jefferson, Adams, and the Revolutionary Election of 1800," by Bernard A. Weisberger.
Visit a World View of History Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsf0c95f474b43
Thursday April 16th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Thursday April 16th, 9:00 PM EDT: Science Fiction meeting hosted by J.R. Westmoreland.
Visit the Friends of Bookshare Community Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs7867a2369e0e
Thursday April 16th, 8:30 PM EDT: Christian Literature hosted by Miranda Borca. The book for this month is "The Negotiator" by Dee Henderson. Visit the Between the Book Ends Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs83ce590a4853
Friday April 17th, 8:00 PM EDT: Sports Talk. Visit the Sports Talk Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs4133c64356dc
Friday April 17th, 9:00 PM EDT: Romance Novels hosted by Bonnie Blose. The book for discussion is "Sentimental Journey" by Barbara Bretton. Visit the Romance Literature Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsfd8219297b18
Saturday April 18th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Rob Hancik.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Sunday April 19th, 8:00 PM EDT: Canadian Old-time Radio Alliance hosted by Devon Wilkins.
Visit www.cotra.ca
Monday April 20th, 8:00 Pm EDT: Tek Talk presents Brenda McBride, HumanWare product manager for the Classmate. She will give an overview of this impressive device to assist people with learning disabilities. Visit the Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
Tuesday April 21st, 4:00 PM EDT: Joanie's Corner hosted by Joan Leonard. Play and listen to the best music this side of heaven. Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Tuesday April 21st, 9:00 PM EDT Creative Writing hosted by Nan Hawthorne.
Visit the Accessible World Auditorium at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191
Thursday April 23rd, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Friday April 24th, 8:00 PM EDT: Sports Talk. Visit the Sports Talk Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs4133c64356dc
Saturday April 25th, 8:00 PM EDT: Rob Hancik hosts Old-Time Radio.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Sunday April 26th, 5:00 PM EDT: Mystery Book Discussion Group hosted by Ann Parsons. They will be discussing "The Black Echo" by Michael Connelly. Visit the Bookshare Community Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs7867a2369e0e
Sunday April 26th, 7:00 pm EDT: Cooking with Ken and Cindy. Hosted by Ken Metz and Cindy Flerman. Visit the Accessible World Auditorium at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191
Sunday April 26th, 8:00 PM EDT: Devon Wilkins hosts Canadian Old-time Radio Alliance.
Visit: www.cotra.ca
Monday April 27th, 8:00 PM EDT: Kelly Ford discusses Microsoft's latest operating system; Windows 7.
Visit the Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
Tuesday April 28th, 4:00 PM EDT: Joanie's Corner hosted by Joan Leonard. Play and listen to the best music this side of heaven. Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Tuesday April 28th, 9:00 PM EDT: Special Programs Series: Part II, Writing Business and Advocacy Letters hosted by Ann. Parsons. Visit the Accessible World Auditorium at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191
Thursday April 30th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio Hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
If you have any questions concerning the Accessible World Calendar, please contact Robert Acosta at the following e-mail address: Bob Acosta [boacosta@pacbell.net]
Thursday April 2nd, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Friday April 3rd, 8:00 PM EDT: Sports Talk. Visit The Sports Talk Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs4133c64356dc
Saturday April 4th, 12:00 PM through 12:00 AM EDT: Part One of Old-Time Radio Marathon.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Sunday April 5th, 12:00 PM through 12:00 AM EDT: Part Two of the Old-Time Radio Marathon.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Monday April 6th, 8:00 PM EDT: Tek Talk presents Pete Devasto of Adobe Systems to discuss the accessible Adobe Reader. Visit the Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2.
Tuesday April 7th, 4:00 PM EDT: Joanie's Corner hosted by Joan Leonard. Play and listen to the best music this side of heaven. Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Tuesday April 7th, 9:00 PM EDT: Nan Hawthorne will be discussing the book "Ten Thousand" by Michael Curtis Ford. Visit the Let's Read Historical Novels Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs87449e52193e
Thursday April 9th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio Hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Friday April 10th, 8:00 PM EDT: Sports Talk. Visit the Sports Talk Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs4133c64356dc
Saturday April 11th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Rob Hancik.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Sunday April 12th, 8:00 PM EDT: Canadian Old-time Radio Alliance hosted by Devon Wilkins.
Visit www.cotra.ca
Monday April 13th, 8:00 Pm EDT: Tek Talk presents Jim Denim for an overview of Apple's VoiceOver screen reading software. Visit the Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
Tuesday April 14th, 4:00 PM EDT: Joanie's Corner hosted by Joan Leonard. Play and listen to the best music this side of heaven. Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Tuesday April 14th, 9:00 pm EDT: Special Programs Series: Part I. Writing Business and Advocacy Letters. Hosted by Ann Parsons. Visit the Accessible World Auditorium at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191
Wednesday April 15th, 9:00 pm EDT: Don Queen Facilitates a discussion of the book: "America Afire: Jefferson, Adams, and the Revolutionary Election of 1800," by Bernard A. Weisberger.
Visit a World View of History Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsf0c95f474b43
Thursday April 16th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Thursday April 16th, 9:00 PM EDT: Science Fiction meeting hosted by J.R. Westmoreland.
Visit the Friends of Bookshare Community Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs7867a2369e0e
Thursday April 16th, 8:30 PM EDT: Christian Literature hosted by Miranda Borca. The book for this month is "The Negotiator" by Dee Henderson. Visit the Between the Book Ends Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs83ce590a4853
Friday April 17th, 8:00 PM EDT: Sports Talk. Visit the Sports Talk Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs4133c64356dc
Friday April 17th, 9:00 PM EDT: Romance Novels hosted by Bonnie Blose. The book for discussion is "Sentimental Journey" by Barbara Bretton. Visit the Romance Literature Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsfd8219297b18
Saturday April 18th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Rob Hancik.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Sunday April 19th, 8:00 PM EDT: Canadian Old-time Radio Alliance hosted by Devon Wilkins.
Visit www.cotra.ca
Monday April 20th, 8:00 Pm EDT: Tek Talk presents Brenda McBride, HumanWare product manager for the Classmate. She will give an overview of this impressive device to assist people with learning disabilities. Visit the Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
Tuesday April 21st, 4:00 PM EDT: Joanie's Corner hosted by Joan Leonard. Play and listen to the best music this side of heaven. Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Tuesday April 21st, 9:00 PM EDT Creative Writing hosted by Nan Hawthorne.
Visit the Accessible World Auditorium at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191
Thursday April 23rd, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Friday April 24th, 8:00 PM EDT: Sports Talk. Visit the Sports Talk Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs4133c64356dc
Saturday April 25th, 8:00 PM EDT: Rob Hancik hosts Old-Time Radio.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Sunday April 26th, 5:00 PM EDT: Mystery Book Discussion Group hosted by Ann Parsons. They will be discussing "The Black Echo" by Michael Connelly. Visit the Bookshare Community Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs7867a2369e0e
Sunday April 26th, 7:00 pm EDT: Cooking with Ken and Cindy. Hosted by Ken Metz and Cindy Flerman. Visit the Accessible World Auditorium at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191
Sunday April 26th, 8:00 PM EDT: Devon Wilkins hosts Canadian Old-time Radio Alliance.
Visit: www.cotra.ca
Monday April 27th, 8:00 PM EDT: Kelly Ford discusses Microsoft's latest operating system; Windows 7.
Visit the Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
Tuesday April 28th, 4:00 PM EDT: Joanie's Corner hosted by Joan Leonard. Play and listen to the best music this side of heaven. Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Tuesday April 28th, 9:00 PM EDT: Special Programs Series: Part II, Writing Business and Advocacy Letters hosted by Ann. Parsons. Visit the Accessible World Auditorium at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191
Thursday April 30th, 8:00 PM EDT: Old-Time Radio Hosted by Robert Acosta.
Visit the Fred Bertelsen Old-Time Radio Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs8d80999b8145
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Book Discussion Summary: Adelsverein - The Gathering
Adelswverein - The Gathering
Last evening the let's Read Historical Novels group on AccessibleWorld.org had the pleasure of having author Celia Hayes as a guest to answer questions about her novel, "Adelswverein - The Gathering", which was our assignment for this meeting. The novel follows two families, one of German descent but long settled in Texas, and one that has just come as part of a charitable groups project from Germany to settle in inland Texas in the 1840s.
It was obvious that members of the book discussion group thoroughly enjoyed this well written, well researched novel. We asked Hayes questions about some of the historical events she illustrated through her fictional interpretation of the time and place, including the dangerous voyage from Europe, the abandonment of the settlers by their sponsors, the relations with the local Indian tribes, and some of the factual characters encountered. We talked about several of the characters in the novel, in particular the sisters Magda and Liesl and their respective menfolk. Those who read the book affirmed their intentions of reading the other two novels in the trilogy.
One thing this conversation accomplished was to make one more author aware of print impaired people as intelligent, engaged and enthusiastic readers. Ms. Hayes posted on her professional association's Yahoogroup afterwards about how much she felt her work had been understood and appreiciated, and she encouraged more authors to connect with us by making their books accessible.
This month we are reading Michael Curtis Ford's novel of Ancient Greece, The Ten Thousand. It is available through NLS and will soon be available on BookShare. We will discuss the book at our scheduled meeting on TYuesday, April 7.
Last evening the let's Read Historical Novels group on AccessibleWorld.org had the pleasure of having author Celia Hayes as a guest to answer questions about her novel, "Adelswverein - The Gathering", which was our assignment for this meeting. The novel follows two families, one of German descent but long settled in Texas, and one that has just come as part of a charitable groups project from Germany to settle in inland Texas in the 1840s.
It was obvious that members of the book discussion group thoroughly enjoyed this well written, well researched novel. We asked Hayes questions about some of the historical events she illustrated through her fictional interpretation of the time and place, including the dangerous voyage from Europe, the abandonment of the settlers by their sponsors, the relations with the local Indian tribes, and some of the factual characters encountered. We talked about several of the characters in the novel, in particular the sisters Magda and Liesl and their respective menfolk. Those who read the book affirmed their intentions of reading the other two novels in the trilogy.
One thing this conversation accomplished was to make one more author aware of print impaired people as intelligent, engaged and enthusiastic readers. Ms. Hayes posted on her professional association's Yahoogroup afterwards about how much she felt her work had been understood and appreiciated, and she encouraged more authors to connect with us by making their books accessible.
This month we are reading Michael Curtis Ford's novel of Ancient Greece, The Ten Thousand. It is available through NLS and will soon be available on BookShare. We will discuss the book at our scheduled meeting on TYuesday, April 7.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Summary for Fevruary 3, 2009
Novel: An Involuntary King: A Tale of Anglo Saxon England
Author: Nan Hawthorne
The evening's conversation concentrated mostly on three topics: the historical setting, the characters and their motivations, and one story line in particular.
Historical setting: Were elements such as the buildings and the selection of the king accurate for Anglo Saxon England? The answer is yes, they were accurate and we know this through the writings of the era and the archaeological evidence. The term "Dark Ages" is misleading. The Anglo Saxons wrote a lot down, particularly chronicles and records from court proceedings. The kings were chosen from among a select group of the "kin" or "cyning" wehich is the origina of the word "King". They had the basic concept of our current court and jury system. Women had more rights then they would again in England until the 19th century. Archaeological evidence points to timber forts and daub and wattle buildings rather than castles. Stone was used in churches and "round towers" used to escape raiders. The author did a great deal of research, including reading and contacting experts on the topics.
Character motivations: There were two sides to opinions about almost every major character of the novel. Josephine struck some as strong and loyal, while others found her vain and manipulative. One member summed it up with "she is human!" Elerde struck most as strong and resolute, while they saw the king as weak and prone to making mistakes, in particular misjudging Gadfrid, who was himself universally detested. Others however felt the king deserved understanding for his youth and credit for maturing. Shannon was seen as resourceful and funny. Rory was brave but acted like a high school kid in love.
We discussed the capture of Rory by O'Donnell and the uncertain motivation of O'Donnell's lieutenant MacDhui for saving Rory although he was a rival for O'Donnell's affection. Most saw MacDhui as an honorable decent fellow, Some felt he may have no longer felt Rory was a threat, while others felt he saw strength in Rory and respected him for it. The author admitted that she intentionally made MacDhui's motivation uncertain as "life and people don't always have clear reasons for what they do, not even clear to themselves."
In addition the author talked about the origin of the novel in the stories she and her friend Laura wrote decades before. She mentioned a web site where she has collected the old letters and stories and also the many stories that became the novel or were rejected in the final cut. There are also stories that never were meant for the book, such as one where the King is on an episode of COPS.
The useful addresses are as follows:
Let's Read Historical Novels blog
http://histnov.blogspot.com
This page includes information on joining the email book discussion group aw-booktalk.
An Involuntary King: The Tales Continue
http://www.nanhawthorne.com/aik/
Nan Hawthorne's Booking the Middle Ages
http://nanhawthorne.blogspot.com
That's All She Read - book reviews from a reader of accessible books
http://allsheread.blogspot.com
We will meet next on Tuesday, March 3, and the book we will discuss is:
Adelsverein: The Gathering
Author: Celia P. Hayes
Settling of the American West, 1840s
Available through online booksellers, and accessible formats on Bookshare.org
For more info, click here to email Nan.
"Adelsverein: The Gathering is Volume 1 of the Adelsverein Trilogy, a saga of family and community loyalties, and the challenge of building a new life on the hostile frontier.
They have come from Germany to Texas in 1847, under the auspices of the “Mainzer Adelsverein” – the society of noblemen of Mainz, who seek to fill a settlement in Texas with German farmers and craftsmen.
Among them is a family who will survive and endure, making their mark in Texas, their new land. Christian “Vati” Steinmets, the clockmaker of Ulm in Bavaria, has brought his sons and daughters: Magda – passionate and courageous, courted by Carl Becker, a young frontiersman with a dangerous past. Her sister Liesel wants nothing more than to be a good wife to her husband Hansi, a stolid and practical farmer called by circumstances to be something greater. Their brothers Friedrich and Johann, who have always been close – in the Civil War one will wear Union blue, the other Confederate grey homespun . . . but never forget they are brothers.
Adelsverein: The Gathering – It’s about love and loss, joy and grief . . . and the sometimes wrenching process of becoming American."
Celia Hayes Author: "To Truckee's Trail" & "The Adelsverein Trilogy"Independent Authors' Guild Website Drudge
www.celiahayes.com
Celia Hayes at Author's Den
This book is available in print from on-line booksellers and in accessible formatws from BookShare.org .
The author, Celia Hayes, is slated to attend our meeting and answer questions and discuss the book.
Remember that you can find information of dates, times, location, and books at http://histnov.blogspot.com
Thansk to all for such a wonderful, intelligent and energetic conversation.
Nan Hawthorne
hawthorne@nanhawthorne.com
www.nanhawthorne.com
Author: Nan Hawthorne
The evening's conversation concentrated mostly on three topics: the historical setting, the characters and their motivations, and one story line in particular.
Historical setting: Were elements such as the buildings and the selection of the king accurate for Anglo Saxon England? The answer is yes, they were accurate and we know this through the writings of the era and the archaeological evidence. The term "Dark Ages" is misleading. The Anglo Saxons wrote a lot down, particularly chronicles and records from court proceedings. The kings were chosen from among a select group of the "kin" or "cyning" wehich is the origina of the word "King". They had the basic concept of our current court and jury system. Women had more rights then they would again in England until the 19th century. Archaeological evidence points to timber forts and daub and wattle buildings rather than castles. Stone was used in churches and "round towers" used to escape raiders. The author did a great deal of research, including reading and contacting experts on the topics.
Character motivations: There were two sides to opinions about almost every major character of the novel. Josephine struck some as strong and loyal, while others found her vain and manipulative. One member summed it up with "she is human!" Elerde struck most as strong and resolute, while they saw the king as weak and prone to making mistakes, in particular misjudging Gadfrid, who was himself universally detested. Others however felt the king deserved understanding for his youth and credit for maturing. Shannon was seen as resourceful and funny. Rory was brave but acted like a high school kid in love.
We discussed the capture of Rory by O'Donnell and the uncertain motivation of O'Donnell's lieutenant MacDhui for saving Rory although he was a rival for O'Donnell's affection. Most saw MacDhui as an honorable decent fellow, Some felt he may have no longer felt Rory was a threat, while others felt he saw strength in Rory and respected him for it. The author admitted that she intentionally made MacDhui's motivation uncertain as "life and people don't always have clear reasons for what they do, not even clear to themselves."
In addition the author talked about the origin of the novel in the stories she and her friend Laura wrote decades before. She mentioned a web site where she has collected the old letters and stories and also the many stories that became the novel or were rejected in the final cut. There are also stories that never were meant for the book, such as one where the King is on an episode of COPS.
The useful addresses are as follows:
Let's Read Historical Novels blog
http://histnov.blogspot.com
This page includes information on joining the email book discussion group aw-booktalk.
An Involuntary King: The Tales Continue
http://www.nanhawthorne.com/aik/
Nan Hawthorne's Booking the Middle Ages
http://nanhawthorne.blogspot.com
That's All She Read - book reviews from a reader of accessible books
http://allsheread.blogspot.com
We will meet next on Tuesday, March 3, and the book we will discuss is:
Adelsverein: The Gathering
Author: Celia P. Hayes
Settling of the American West, 1840s
Available through online booksellers, and accessible formats on Bookshare.org
For more info, click here to email Nan.
"Adelsverein: The Gathering is Volume 1 of the Adelsverein Trilogy, a saga of family and community loyalties, and the challenge of building a new life on the hostile frontier.
They have come from Germany to Texas in 1847, under the auspices of the “Mainzer Adelsverein” – the society of noblemen of Mainz, who seek to fill a settlement in Texas with German farmers and craftsmen.
Among them is a family who will survive and endure, making their mark in Texas, their new land. Christian “Vati” Steinmets, the clockmaker of Ulm in Bavaria, has brought his sons and daughters: Magda – passionate and courageous, courted by Carl Becker, a young frontiersman with a dangerous past. Her sister Liesel wants nothing more than to be a good wife to her husband Hansi, a stolid and practical farmer called by circumstances to be something greater. Their brothers Friedrich and Johann, who have always been close – in the Civil War one will wear Union blue, the other Confederate grey homespun . . . but never forget they are brothers.
Adelsverein: The Gathering – It’s about love and loss, joy and grief . . . and the sometimes wrenching process of becoming American."
Celia Hayes Author: "To Truckee's Trail" & "The Adelsverein Trilogy"Independent Authors' Guild Website Drudge
www.celiahayes.com
Celia Hayes at Author's Den
This book is available in print from on-line booksellers and in accessible formatws from BookShare.org .
The author, Celia Hayes, is slated to attend our meeting and answer questions and discuss the book.
Remember that you can find information of dates, times, location, and books at http://histnov.blogspot.com
Thansk to all for such a wonderful, intelligent and energetic conversation.
Nan Hawthorne
hawthorne@nanhawthorne.com
www.nanhawthorne.com
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