I don't usually read a lot of fiction when I'm working on a book. I start reading something, but it makes me think of something I'm working on and I put the book down. So when I bought the new Dan Brown book SECRETS OF SECRETS, I thought I probably wouldn't get past the first few pages I read while sitting on a very comfortable couch for sale at Costco. Was I wrong! I know the short chapters and the way he leaves constant cliff hangars is manipulative, but it is also super entertaining and makes the book hard to put down. I'm half way through the over 600 pages and had to force myself to set it aside while I take care of things.
At the same time I came across an autobiography of a young woman who has Down syndrome and is a model an actress. Writing about Toby has made me interested in learning about people with Down Syndrome both for the books and for my own curiosity. The book is on my phone unlike the Dan Brown tomb which is a heavy hard-cover paper book. So, when I was waiting for my husband to come out of another medical appointment, I started reading the autobiography. The key thing that popped out right away is that people with Down syndrome are all different. The one thing they seem to have in common is a happy expression.
I'm still waiting on the edits for SCONED TO DEATH. Until I see the comments, I always have a lot of bad what ifs going through my mind. Meanwhile Casey and Dane have already surprised me in the next Yarn Retreat book. I was working in long hand and it was like they grabbed hold of my pen. I got side-tracked when I looked online for samples of the Chanel suits so I could describe what Cora Delacorte was wearing. All the suits shown were for sale and used and cost thousands of dollars. Cora's would have been bought new and I decided on a pink tweedy one that would go nicely with her usual green eye shadow.
And now to take a little break and read some more of those short chapters.
8 comments:
Good morning -- I'll have to look at "Secrets of Secrets" -- I've read his other books and enjoyed them.
I had a Chanel-style suit years ago -- absolutely loved it. It was back in the late 1950s -- probably paid about $15 for it. Dan was glad when I finally had to get rid of it -- it was threadbare -- I wore it all the time!!
I used to babysit with a boy who had Down Syndrome -- he wanted to hug and kiss me repeatedly. The nurse practitioner we went to in Texas had a son with Down -- he enjoyed working on intricate jigsaw puzzles -- she had them mounted and hanging as artwork in her office.
I've been in a baking mood lately -- especially quick breads. Made zucchini pineapple bread and a cinnamon loaf -- yum.
As always, I'm doing a lot of crocheting -- just finished a granny rectangle and now starting a ripple -- great fun.
Enjoy your day -- hope it won't be long before I'm reading "Sconed to Death."
I love that you do some work in long hand. I'm afraid we're going to forget how to read cursive. I'll have to look up the Dan Brown book it sounds interesting. Happy weekend!
Patty, suits were big in the 1950s. It sounds like you really enjoyed it.
What I have learned is that people with Down syndrome are all different.
Your baking sounds delicious. I love quick breads. I actually prefer them to cake. You do keep turning out those blankets and spreading the love.
Sally, its a totally different experience writing in long hand than typing. I read some place that you use a different part of your brain writing by hand as opposed to typing.
It's fun when our characters tell us what to do, Betty. And I think I'd better take a look at SECRETS OF SECRETS.
Linda Johnston, I finished SECRETS OF SECRETS. It's interesting how Dan Brown structures the story. It really works to keep you reading.
You have got me excited to read Dan Brown's book. I will add it to my list. I once met a Down syndrome actress at a restaurant. I recognized her from a tv show. I can't remember the name but it was about a family and she was a daughter and I think there was a brother too. I spoke to her and she was thrilled to be recognized. She gave me her autograph and I still have it. I will never forget that moment.
Miriam, It was the first paper book I've read in a while. It really is nicer than reading on a screen. I bet she was thrilled to be recognized. She probably didn't forget that moment either.
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