August 1-3: No Online Catalog, but Happy Lugnasadh Anyway....
Also on August 1, Lugnasadh Day! Sounds like a mad party (not to mention the handfasting!)
a library newsletter, a compendium of interesting tidbits, a communication tool....from Bailey Library @ Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
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This is a brilliant work of science fiction, one that catches even the fantasy-lover’s eye. There was not one point throughout this story where I became bored. Granted, there are a few places where the author could have researched a bit more, but they’re easy to put aside for the sake of the whole story. There is action, ethical dilemmas, and scientific theory in every chapter, right down to the special bond between family. A must read for all science fiction fans.
Ivan is a Russian boy who had to convert to Judaism with his family just to emigrate to
When I first picked up this book, I was a bit skeptical. Orson Scott Card is famous for his science fiction, not fantasy. However, he weaves such a masterful tale full of old Russian fairy tales, folklore, and modern day problems that I was instantly convinced of his skill. There are so many literary references to make any avid reader pick them up and smile. You’ll find yourself coming across a reference and saying, “I read that!” or “I’ve heard of that!” Subtly incorporated into the tale, these references are only noticeable if the referred book had been read, so it makes re-reading this story a new adventure each time.
*Nicole Bartley is a student worker in the IMC and an avid reader. Thank you, Nicole, for contributing to the Recently Read thread! Any other volunteers?TRUE LOVE
True love. Is it normal,
is it serious, is it practical?
What does the world get from two people
who exist in a world of their own?
Placed on the same pedestal for no good reason,
drawn randomly from millions, but convinced
it had to happen this way--in reward for what? For nothing.
The light descends from nowhere.
Why on these two and not others?
Doesn't this outrage justice? Yes it does.
Doesn't it disrupt our painstakingly erected principles,
and cast the moral from the peak? Yes on both accounts.
Look at the happy couple.
Couldn't they at least try to hide it,
fake a little depression for their friends' sake!
Listen to them laughing--it's an insult.
The language they use--deceptively clear.
And their little celebrations, rituals,
the elaborate mutual routines--
it's obviously a plot behind the human race's back!
It's hard even to guess how far things might go
if people start to follow their example.
What could religion and poetry count on?
What would be remembered? what renounced?
Who'd want to stay within bounds?
True love. Is it really necessary?
Tact and common sense tell us to pass over it in silence,
like a scandal in Life's highest circles.
Perfectly good children are born without its help.
It couldn't populate the planet in a million years,
it comes along so rarely.
Let the people who never find true love
keep saying that there's no such thing.
Their faith will make it easier for them to live and die.
Translated by Stanislaw Baranczak and Clare Cavanagh