From an afternoon spent in the bookstore and what an excellent adventure it was! One afternoon last week I took some used books to a local book store; setting my books on the counter, I wandered off while the book lady perused my items. I forgot to pick up a basket and instead carried a stack with me, hence the sore arms. They elected to buy some books and pass on others and, in the end, I earned myself a sweet $28 store credit (sellers get 20% of the book’s value in cash or 30% in a store credit).
Well.
You know what comes next, right?
More books for me! All totaled, I think I was in the store for 2 hours, but I really don’t know because I lost track of time. Bookstores do that to me, but I digress.
I wandered. I read. I perused. I laughed and I relaxed. But … the very best part was finding one older book that I’ve always wanted to read. I’d seen the movie years ago and it has disturbed and intrigued me ever since.
What is it? “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood.
In the world of the near future, who will control women’s bodies?
In the Republic of Gilead, formerly the United States, far-right ideals have been carried to extremes in the mono-theocratic government. The resulting society is a feminist’s nightmare: women are strictly controlled, unable to have jobs or money (or read) and are assigned to various classes: the chaste, childless Wives; the housekeeping Marthas; and the reproductive Handmaids, who turn their offspring over to the “morally fit” Wives. The tale is told by Offred (read: “of Fred”), a Handmaid who recalls the past and tells how the chilling society came to be. This powerful, memorable novel is highly recommended for most libraries. Source: Library Journal.
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So, today, I can choose to watch the news and listen to politicians rant about contraceptive coverage, health insurance mandates, religious freedom, economic liberty, social issues and birth control. Or I can pick up this book and read all about it.
One’s fiction, the other isn’t. Which one’s scarier?
Now that I think about it, my head hurts, too.
That’s the only pain that is acceptable! Have a lovely reading weekend, MJ.
Yes! Saturday in the sunshine, off to read shortly 🙂 Cheers to you, Marion, MJ
Both are scarey. If you don’t like the book, remember you don’t have to finish it. That was a lesson I learned in my 40’s.
Absolutely – I can’t wait to read it. But I’m also a bit nervous about it; I know that sounds weird, but certain authors have the ability to get in my head. Stephen King is one of them and I rarely read his works anymore. Thanks Georgette!! MJ
It sounds like a scary world! And an interesting book, but I won’t be reading it. I find enough to be scared by in the real world! My reading varies these days between works of inspiration and how tos for understanding the tech world. I never get enough inspiration, and I could probably read the rest of my life and still be stumbling about in the tech world! ~ Sheila
Understand, Sheila 🙂 Happy Sunday to you .. I’m making your lemon cream cheese cupcakes this week for my office-mates! MJ
The Handmaid’s Tale is one of my all-time favorite novels, and Margaret Atwood, my favorite novelist–and poet. I have just finished rereading her book called “Cat’s Eye,” which I had devoured years ago, and was thinking just last night of rereading The Handmaid’s Tale, as well. I’ll be curious to know what you think.
There’s just no way to beat an afternoon spent at the book store–sore arms, or not!
Hugs,
Kathy
I’m both enjoying and disturbed by the book so far; always interesting to read a book after you’ve seen the movie as they rarely “line up.” Have a great Sunday, Kathy! MJ
I read “The Handmaid’s Tale” years ago. Lots of food for thought in that book. Especially now as our world changes so rapidly. Anita
I just really couldn’t believe the serendipity of our current events and the plotline of this book; she was way ahead of her time in 1986! Thanks for weighing in 🙂 MJ
Wow, that sounds like some heavy duty reading…hitting too close to home.
I think so … both interesting and disturbing, all in one. MJ
I agree both are scary….have a good weekend reading:)
Thank you, I did and will 🙂 MJ
Hee, hee – you mention Handmaid’s Tale, and I just finished reading Hunger Games. Yes, two very different books. I remember Handmaid’s Tale, though I wonder what it would be like to read it now. More interesting (and or depressing) perhaps.
In any case, I spent today on the couch reading. I devoured over 200 pages in one sitting. Rarely does that happen – either I fall asleep, or I’m interrupted. Today was a wonderful day. 🙂
Enjoy the book. Let us know what you thought of it. (Even if you decide not to finish it.)
Ooh you had a whole day on the couch reading? Lovely! That is indeed one wonderful day.
I’m both fascinated and appalled by this book – but in a good, twisty kind of way 😉 MJ
Time does go by quickly in a bookstore, MJ. Haven’t heard of this book, looking forward to your thoughts on it.
the time I spent there felt like complete and total decadence. I have simple tastes; the only thing better was if I’d stayed and had a coffee and a scone there. Alas, I eventually had to get on to the next task at hand but .. it was a delicious respite while it lasted. Thanks, Patti, for your comments! MJ
It’s easy to lose one’s self (and all track of time) in a bookstore! Enjoy re-reading the book. I’m not familiar with it, but it does sound interesting!
I agree; it was such a departure from my usual scheduled life! MJ
Adding The Handmaid’s Tale to my “to be read” list.
I can get lost in a bookstore too. EASILY!
So far I am both intrigued and disturbed by the book – as I expected. She’s a brilliant author.
Yes .. getting lost isn’t fun unless it’s in a bookstore. Cheers! MJ
I read ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ a few years ago and still have visual images of it in my mind. Margaret Atwood is brilliant. (Don’t you love a book store? I could just stay in one all day and have on many occassions.)
Yes – I just love a book store. I surely hope that the adoption of ereaders doesn’t signal the end of bookstores, and that we don’t look back on them fondly and tell our grandkids about the “days” when we had bookstores to go to!
MJ