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Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

Created: 04/15/14

Replies: 15

Posted Apr. 15, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
markav99

Join Date: 05/27/11

Posts: 7

Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

I am intrigued by many of these titles and descriptions, not only because they mean something to AJ, but I imagine these works have been important to Zevin at some point in her life as a reader and writer.


Posted Apr. 16, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
janeh

Join Date: 06/15/11

Posts: 222

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

Many of them! The Friedman book is the only one I could not find evidence of as being a real book.


Posted Apr. 16, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
janb

Join Date: 06/27/11

Posts: 16

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

I haven't, though I know of all the authors and some of the short story titles are familiar. I t would be interesting to read some and see how they connect to AJ at that point in his life. I think they are a kind of added piece to support Aj in his development as a Father, bookseller, friend. They are possibly his way of checking in on himself as he grows/changes.


Posted Apr. 17, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bettyt

Join Date: 05/12/11

Posts: 228

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

Some of them, yes.


Posted Apr. 17, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sandrah

Join Date: 07/18/11

Posts: 68

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

Yes, nearly all of them. I am a retired English high school & community college English instructor, so that isn't surprising. Part of the delight I felt reading this book came from those connections.


Posted Apr. 19, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
carolyna

Join Date: 08/14/11

Posts: 25

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

Not many of them. I quickly took up pen and pencil to add title to my "to read" list. Having other books blending in with the story was part of the charm of this book. The introductions into each chapter is what made this story unique. Hooray for the author!!!!


Posted Apr. 19, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dianes

Join Date: 05/16/11

Posts: 68

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

Yes several and several more I have added to my list.


Posted Apr. 21, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
maggiep

Join Date: 03/28/14

Posts: 17

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

I had only read Poe, but I was familiar with the one that opened the book. I know it from an old episode of Twilight Zone, maybe. I can't really remember which "supernatural" show it was, but I do remember it.


Posted Apr. 22, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sarahb

Join Date: 04/11/11

Posts: 9

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

I've only read the Poe, but plan to work my way through the others. The Dahl Lamb to the slaughter feels familiar. It may have been referenced in a tv show or movie at some point that I've seen.


Posted Apr. 23, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
iread49

Join Date: 04/10/13

Posts: 54

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

I have read several. I will add more to my "to read list". I love Ms. Zevin's use of these works to start each chapter. The wisdom AJ divines from each and his eagerness to share with Maya. I love his connection to books and their significance in his life and how it spreads to the people around him.


Posted Apr. 23, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
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donnac

Join Date: 03/26/14

Posts: 139

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

I thought that using these mini reviews to introduce each chapter was an interesting tool/clue to what follows.


Posted Apr. 24, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bobbie7

Join Date: 09/19/13

Posts: 65

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

Some of the books are rather obscure and I have not read many of them, but I sure intend to. I have, however, read many of the books mentioned in the story and am surprised by some of them and have to shake my head "yes, indeed", at some of them. How so very clever of Zevin. She must be an amazingly prolific reader!


Posted Apr. 28, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rosemaryk

Join Date: 08/29/11

Posts: 61

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

I've read most of the books listed. I really enjoy the comments made by AJ.

In the story about the leg of lamb, for instance (which was presented in a "Dragnet" episode), I love AJ asking about the logic of the whole matter. We've all heard of "suspension of disbelief," but it's still fun to point out things that don't make complete sense.

Being as I've long revered Flannery O'Connor, I appreciate her "A Good Man is Hard to Find" also being included.


Posted Jun. 20, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bzasz

Join Date: 04/16/14

Posts: 2

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

I read very few that introduced each chapter or mentioned throughout the book. But, I've been able to acquire several recently at used book sales.
My favorite, not a chapter introduction, referenced by elderly customer of Island Books, the "book narrated by death" (I'm assuming The Book Thief).


Posted Jun. 22, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
llsmill

Join Date: 02/13/13

Posts: 38

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

No, But I have made note of them and plan to read them to find out why he felt they were so meaningful for her to read and meant something to him.


Posted Jun. 22, 2014 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
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donnac

Join Date: 03/26/14

Posts: 139

RE: Have you read and enjoyed any of the books AJ discusses in the letters to Maya that introduce each new chapter?

There are some good ones there. You should enjoy them.


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