I just finished The Street by Ann Petry. It’s set in the 1940s in Harlem. With themes of struggle and despair undergirded by courage and perseverance, it stayed with me. I read a lot books that are so-so, but The Street made a dent in me.
Thank you for that recommendation. I just quickly looked it up. It was written in 1946, the year before I was born. It's definitely being added to my list. Again, thanks for the heads up on this book.
Thank you for this recommendation. I've a feeling I saw the film and enjoyed it, but a recommendation for the book is tempting. I'm putting it on my list of books to read.
Well, as I explain in this post, I couldn’t get into books for a few years, after a lifetime of loving fiction. I tried and failed. But now I’m enjoying reading novels again. Having said that, I just watched a film adapted from a book, Small Things Like These, with Cillian Murphy. I’m tempted to read the book now. But, yes, I’ll no doubt see the main character as Cillian Murphy, so it’s probably best to do it the other way round.
I guess Class is an emotive word and I can also hear people using it as a compliment : “She’s a classy woman”. But …perhaps STYLISH might have more resonance??? Less loaded…?
I know what you mean, classy can mean elegant and stylish. But that's not what I was thinking when I included the word. For me, it means exactly how I described to Jo in another comment response. Emotionally intelligent, so treating everyone, regardless of status, with respect, knowing how to 'be' in various situations, having humility and integrity. So internal characteristics rather than outward appearance, perhaps.
I love your list of the seven things but am rather puzzled by your list of assets. At number 2 you have put ‘class’. I wonder if you could explain what you mean by the term. Thanks Patricia xx
There’s many ways to look at class, Jo, and I’m a working-class person, so that’s one way of looking at it. But what attributes would a classy person have? I would say they have good emotional intelligence and empathy so treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they are. They are polite, usually composed, and always know how to do the right thing. If you have class in this way, it’s definitely an asset. What’s your take on it, Jo?
I don’t think a lot about the word class, it is one that has very little meaning for me particularly as it is a concept that people often use and twist to suit themselves.There is a lot to debate there. It is a word that can be loaded with many different meanings for different people.
I agree with your list and would replace class with empathy. This is something that will enable you to care for others without judgement and treat them the best way you can.
Try ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’.
Thank you, Dee! You started the list. I'll check the book out.
I just finished The Street by Ann Petry. It’s set in the 1940s in Harlem. With themes of struggle and despair undergirded by courage and perseverance, it stayed with me. I read a lot books that are so-so, but The Street made a dent in me.
Thank you for that recommendation. I just quickly looked it up. It was written in 1946, the year before I was born. It's definitely being added to my list. Again, thanks for the heads up on this book.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer.
Pulled me right in and I wished I could know these people.
Thank you for this recommendation. I've a feeling I saw the film and enjoyed it, but a recommendation for the book is tempting. I'm putting it on my list of books to read.
I really like reading the book first because my imagination is independent of the images the director and actors provide.
Well, as I explain in this post, I couldn’t get into books for a few years, after a lifetime of loving fiction. I tried and failed. But now I’m enjoying reading novels again. Having said that, I just watched a film adapted from a book, Small Things Like These, with Cillian Murphy. I’m tempted to read the book now. But, yes, I’ll no doubt see the main character as Cillian Murphy, so it’s probably best to do it the other way round.
I guess Class is an emotive word and I can also hear people using it as a compliment : “She’s a classy woman”. But …perhaps STYLISH might have more resonance??? Less loaded…?
I know what you mean, classy can mean elegant and stylish. But that's not what I was thinking when I included the word. For me, it means exactly how I described to Jo in another comment response. Emotionally intelligent, so treating everyone, regardless of status, with respect, knowing how to 'be' in various situations, having humility and integrity. So internal characteristics rather than outward appearance, perhaps.
I love your list of the seven things but am rather puzzled by your list of assets. At number 2 you have put ‘class’. I wonder if you could explain what you mean by the term. Thanks Patricia xx
There’s many ways to look at class, Jo, and I’m a working-class person, so that’s one way of looking at it. But what attributes would a classy person have? I would say they have good emotional intelligence and empathy so treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they are. They are polite, usually composed, and always know how to do the right thing. If you have class in this way, it’s definitely an asset. What’s your take on it, Jo?
Oops pressed the button by mistake 😁
I don’t think a lot about the word class, it is one that has very little meaning for me particularly as it is a concept that people often use and twist to suit themselves.There is a lot to debate there. It is a word that can be loaded with many different meanings for different people.
I agree with your list and would replace class with empathy. This is something that will enable you to care for others without judgement and treat them the best way you can.
Thanks Jo xxx