When: Friday 11/19/09, 10:30 AM
Where: MBTA Green Line, inbound, between Fenway and Park St.
Who: Male, 60s
What: The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman
I have to say, I usually find these kinds of books pretty boring. But this guy seemed very into it.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The atheist and the church
When: Wednesday 11/18/09, about 10:30 PM
Where: Church St. & Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Who: Male, late 20s
What: The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution by Richard Dawkins
Amusing to see someone standing outside a church (though, granted, a Unitarian church) reading a book by one of the most diehard and famous atheists out there. For maximum effect, it should have been The God Delusion.
Where: Church St. & Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Who: Male, late 20s
What: The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution by Richard Dawkins
Amusing to see someone standing outside a church (though, granted, a Unitarian church) reading a book by one of the most diehard and famous atheists out there. For maximum effect, it should have been The God Delusion.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Filed under "memoir" and "novel"
When: Tuesday 11/3/09, around 11:00 PM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Female, early 20s
What: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The cover was torn off this copy, but I could tell by the font on the spine what book this was. A closer look confirmed my suspicions.
Swedish mystery
When: Monday 11/2/09, time not recorded
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Harvard and Alewife
Who: Female, 40s
What: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
I have been hearing about and seeing this book everywhere lately.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Harvard and Alewife
Who: Female, 40s
What: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
I have been hearing about and seeing this book everywhere lately.
Consumer behavior
When: Monday 11/2/09, time not recorded
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Harvard and Alewife
Who: Male, early 70s
What: Think Like Your Customer: A Winning Strategy to Maximize Sales by Understanding How and Why Your Customers Buy by Bill Stinnett
Surprisingly not in the library catalog of the business-focused university where I work.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Harvard and Alewife
Who: Male, early 70s
What: Think Like Your Customer: A Winning Strategy to Maximize Sales by Understanding How and Why Your Customers Buy by Bill Stinnett
Surprisingly not in the library catalog of the business-focused university where I work.
Team-writing
When: Monday 11/2/09, time not recorded
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Harvard and Alewife
Who: Female, 20s
What: Lifeguard by James Patterson and Andrew Gross
After a long hiatus, I am finally seeing people reading again.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Harvard and Alewife
Who: Female, 20s
What: Lifeguard by James Patterson and Andrew Gross
After a long hiatus, I am finally seeing people reading again.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Oh, those teen vampires
When: Wednesday 9/30/09, around 5:00
Where: MBTA Green Line (C Line), outbound, between Park St. and Coolidge Corner
Who: Female, 30s
What: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
I'm shocked it's taken this long for a Twilight book to make the blog.
Where: MBTA Green Line (C Line), outbound, between Park St. and Coolidge Corner
Who: Female, 30s
What: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
I'm shocked it's taken this long for a Twilight book to make the blog.
Brand new Dan Brown
When: Wednesday 9/30/09, around 5:00
Where: MBTA Green Line (C Line), outbound, between Park St. and Coolidge Corner
Who: Male, 30s
What: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling are now neck-and-neck in terms of author mentions, now both with 3.
Where: MBTA Green Line (C Line), outbound, between Park St. and Coolidge Corner
Who: Male, 30s
What: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling are now neck-and-neck in terms of author mentions, now both with 3.
I now want to see a male reading this
When: Monday 9/21/09, time not recorded
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Female, late 20s
What: You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation by Deborah Tannen
I should probably read this, even if it will probably only make me irritated.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Female, late 20s
What: You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation by Deborah Tannen
I should probably read this, even if it will probably only make me irritated.
Catching up on more old sightings
When: Sunday 8/30/09, time not recorded
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, late 20s
What: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
This may be one of the last people to read this book. Even I've read it!
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, late 20s
What: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
This may be one of the last people to read this book. Even I've read it!
Capote makes his ISYR debut
When: Friday 8/28/09, time not recorded
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, 20s
What: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
One of the most well-written books I've ever read. I remember reading it while waiting to get my sister's car fixed and shivering.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, 20s
What: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
One of the most well-written books I've ever read. I remember reading it while waiting to get my sister's car fixed and shivering.
Nice timing
When: Sunday 8/23/09, time not recorded
Where: MBTA Silver Line, between Logan Airport and South Station
Who: Female, 30s, reading to female, 9 or 10
What: When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
After dropping my mom off at the airport, saw someone reading (to her daughter, I assumed) a book my mom has used with her fifth grade students.
Where: MBTA Silver Line, between Logan Airport and South Station
Who: Female, 30s, reading to female, 9 or 10
What: When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
After dropping my mom off at the airport, saw someone reading (to her daughter, I assumed) a book my mom has used with her fifth grade students.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
This qualifies as postmodern, right?
When: Thursday 8/20/09, around 6:15 PM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, 20s
What: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
I'm surprised this book hasn't made it on the blog before. If you haven't heard of it, you've probably been living under a rock somewhere.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, 20s
What: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
I'm surprised this book hasn't made it on the blog before. If you haven't heard of it, you've probably been living under a rock somewhere.
My least favorite Sedaris book
When: Thursday 8/20/09, around 6:00 PM
Where: Garden St. & Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Who: Male, early 30s
What: Barrel Fever by David Sedaris
Walking and reading at the same time along the sidewalk beside the Old Burying Ground. Very dangerous thing to do on a sidewalk made of bricks.
Where: Garden St. & Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Who: Male, early 30s
What: Barrel Fever by David Sedaris
Walking and reading at the same time along the sidewalk beside the Old Burying Ground. Very dangerous thing to do on a sidewalk made of bricks.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Almost missed my stop recording this one
When: Sunday 8/16/09, around 6:00 PM
Where: MBTA 73 bus, outbound
Who: Female, 20s
What: The Stories of Vladimir Nabokov by Vladimir Nabokov
With this rather trippy cover (the 1997 Vintage edition). Image from WorldCat.
First sighting of a prolific writer
When: Sunday 8/16/09, around 3:45 PM
Where:MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Male, 50s
What: Longitudes and Attitudes: Exploring the World After September 11 by Thomas Friedman
Published in 2002...I wonder what the sequel will be like.
Where:MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Male, 50s
What: Longitudes and Attitudes: Exploring the World After September 11 by Thomas Friedman
Published in 2002...I wonder what the sequel will be like.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Does anyone else find the phrase "finger lickin'" really gross?
When: Friday 8/14/09, 1:00 PM
Where: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA
Who:Female, 40s
What: Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
I was hoping to get some more "beach reading" sightings than these two, but I was too busy having my own fun, I guess.
Where: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA
Who:Female, 40s
What: Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
I was hoping to get some more "beach reading" sightings than these two, but I was too busy having my own fun, I guess.
Long subtitle much?
When: Friday 8/14/09, 1:00 PM
Where: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA
Who: Female, 60s
What: Fleeced: how Barack Obama, media mockery of terrorist threats, liberals who want to kill talk radio, the do-nothing Congress, companies that help Iran, and Washington lobbyists for foreign governments are scamming us-- and what to do about it by Dick Morris & Eileen McGann
Oy vey.
Where: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA
Who: Female, 60s
What: Fleeced: how Barack Obama, media mockery of terrorist threats, liberals who want to kill talk radio, the do-nothing Congress, companies that help Iran, and Washington lobbyists for foreign governments are scamming us-- and what to do about it by Dick Morris & Eileen McGann
Oy vey.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Enchiladas & crime
When: Monday 8/3/09, 8:00 PM
Where: Border Cafe in Cambridge, downstairs
Who: Male, late 60s
What: Murder in Vegas: New Crime Tales of Gambling and Desperation, ed. Michael Connelly
I may have noticed this particularly because I just got back from said city. My favorite story titles in this collection: "Rolling the Bones" and "Death of a Whale in the Church of Elvis."
Where: Border Cafe in Cambridge, downstairs
Who: Male, late 60s
What: Murder in Vegas: New Crime Tales of Gambling and Desperation, ed. Michael Connelly
I may have noticed this particularly because I just got back from said city. My favorite story titles in this collection: "Rolling the Bones" and "Death of a Whale in the Church of Elvis."
Monday, August 10, 2009
The reader was furiously underlining
When: Friday 7/31/09, sometime in the early afternoon
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, 30s
What: How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist by Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman
I wish I could better separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to this type of book. Book reviews, I guess.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, 30s
What: How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist by Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman
I wish I could better separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to this type of book. Book reviews, I guess.
Shakespeare - whoever he was
When: Friday 7/31/09, sometime in the early afternoon
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, 40s
What: Shakespeare: The World As Stage by Bill Bryson
From what I can tell, this is a biography of Shakespeare, about how difficult writing a biography of Shakespeare is. I've never read anything by Bill Bryson, though I see his books everywhere.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, 40s
What: Shakespeare: The World As Stage by Bill Bryson
From what I can tell, this is a biography of Shakespeare, about how difficult writing a biography of Shakespeare is. I've never read anything by Bill Bryson, though I see his books everywhere.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Otras lenguas!
When: Friday 7/31/09, sometime in the early afternoon
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, 20s
What: Las cinco personas que encontrarás en el cielo por Mitch Albom, translated by Mariano Antolín Rato
The first Spanish-language book to appear on this blog (I think), even if it's just a translation.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, 20s
What: Las cinco personas que encontrarás en el cielo por Mitch Albom, translated by Mariano Antolín Rato
The first Spanish-language book to appear on this blog (I think), even if it's just a translation.
Got way too excited about this one
When: Friday 7/31/09, sometime in the early afternoon
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, 20s
What: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This is one of my favorite books ever in life, and I am hoping that the movie adaptation coming out next week won't be too disappointing. This book profoundly affected me; cf. me crying at the trailer, just because I know what's going to happen.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, 20s
What: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This is one of my favorite books ever in life, and I am hoping that the movie adaptation coming out next week won't be too disappointing. This book profoundly affected me; cf. me crying at the trailer, just because I know what's going to happen.
Last of the West Coast sightings
When: Thursday 7/30/09, 10:00 AM
Where: Long Beach (CA) airport
Who: Male, 40s
What: Darwin's Radio by Greg Bear
I was intrigued by the title, but not so much by the WorldCat summary:
"A retrovirus is discovered which provokes miscarriages in women, followed by a second pregnancy without sexual intercourse. As scientists race to unlock its mysteries, fears grow it may herald the end of the human race as we know it."
Where: Long Beach (CA) airport
Who: Male, 40s
What: Darwin's Radio by Greg Bear
I was intrigued by the title, but not so much by the WorldCat summary:
"A retrovirus is discovered which provokes miscarriages in women, followed by a second pregnancy without sexual intercourse. As scientists race to unlock its mysteries, fears grow it may herald the end of the human race as we know it."
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Title = what I was on the plane ride back to Boston (along with hysterical)
When: Thursday 7/30/09, 10:00 AM
Where: Long Beach (CA) airport
Who: Female, 20s
What: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
I have this irrational feeling I wouldn't like this book. Not sure why.
Where: Long Beach (CA) airport
Who: Female, 20s
What: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
I have this irrational feeling I wouldn't like this book. Not sure why.
Poolside
When: Monday 7/27/09, around 4:30
Where: Monte Carlo Hotel, Las Vegas
Who: Female, 30s
What: Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
Apparently the sequel to Good in Bed. The woman was in the pool, leaning on the edge with a drink and a book. It was 110 degrees outside.
Where: Monte Carlo Hotel, Las Vegas
Who: Female, 30s
What: Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
Apparently the sequel to Good in Bed. The woman was in the pool, leaning on the edge with a drink and a book. It was 110 degrees outside.
A book set in Boston, after a flight from Boston
When: Friday 7/24/09, around noon
Where: Long Beach (CA) airport, baggage claim
Who: Female, early 60s
What: The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner
Not even I read while waiting for my bags. It must be a good one.
Where: Long Beach (CA) airport, baggage claim
Who: Female, early 60s
What: The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner
Not even I read while waiting for my bags. It must be a good one.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Literal escapism
When: Thursday 7/16/09, around 8:15 AM
Where: MBTA 554 bus, inbound
Who: Male, 50s
What: Odd Hours by Dean Koontz
I would like to have been reading, too, but I had to put in my headphones so as not to hear the loud rantings of the man in front of me on the decline of civilization vis-a-vis Michelle Obama's sleeves, and Sonia Sotomayor's membership in "La Rosa" (aka "La Raza").
Where: MBTA 554 bus, inbound
Who: Male, 50s
What: Odd Hours by Dean Koontz
I would like to have been reading, too, but I had to put in my headphones so as not to hear the loud rantings of the man in front of me on the decline of civilization vis-a-vis Michelle Obama's sleeves, and Sonia Sotomayor's membership in "La Rosa" (aka "La Raza").
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Movie adaptation time!
When: Thursday 7/16/09, around 7:45 AM
Where: MBTA 73 bus, outbound
Who: Male, 20s
What: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
The first book, I believe, to get a second mention.
Where: MBTA 73 bus, outbound
Who: Male, 20s
What: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
The first book, I believe, to get a second mention.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Telegraphic title
When: Tuesday 7/7/09, around 10:30 AM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Male, early 50s
What: Retreat, Hell! by W.E.B. Griffin
I had written down the words "retreat" and "hell," which was all I could see, thinking I would look up the rest of the title later - but there it is.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Male, early 50s
What: Retreat, Hell! by W.E.B. Griffin
I had written down the words "retreat" and "hell," which was all I could see, thinking I would look up the rest of the title later - but there it is.
Sci-fi classic, waiting for the train
When: Tuesday 7/7/09, around 8:30 AM
Where: MBTA Park Street station, Green Line platform
Who: Male, 30s
What: Foundation by Isaac Asimov
I really had to crane my neck to see this title. Very nosy.
Where: MBTA Park Street station, Green Line platform
Who: Male, 30s
What: Foundation by Isaac Asimov
I really had to crane my neck to see this title. Very nosy.
Awesome author last name alert
When: Friday 7/3/09, around 9:00 PM
Where: MBTA Silver Line, between Logan Airport and South Station
Who: Male, 70s
What: The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader
That anyone is able to read on the Silver Line without puking, I am amazed.
Where: MBTA Silver Line, between Logan Airport and South Station
Who: Male, 70s
What: The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader
That anyone is able to read on the Silver Line without puking, I am amazed.
Back to the eighties
When: Friday 7/3/09, around 6:00 PM
Where: United Airlines flight from Chicago to Boston
Who: Male, 40s
What: Den of Thieves by James B. Stewart
Yet another patient person unfortunately seated next to me on an airplane.
Where: United Airlines flight from Chicago to Boston
Who: Male, 40s
What: Den of Thieves by James B. Stewart
Yet another patient person unfortunately seated next to me on an airplane.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Their sons had video games instead
When: Friday 7/3/09, 4:00 PM
Where: O'Hare Airport, Chicago, Terminal C
Who: Female, 30s
What: Theory of Relativity by Jacquelyn Mitchard
This was one half of a couple, both reading library books, but I didn't write down the husband's at the time. It was some kind of spy novel - a stereotypical sort of "his and hers" kind of pairing.
Where: O'Hare Airport, Chicago, Terminal C
Who: Female, 30s
What: Theory of Relativity by Jacquelyn Mitchard
This was one half of a couple, both reading library books, but I didn't write down the husband's at the time. It was some kind of spy novel - a stereotypical sort of "his and hers" kind of pairing.
Beach reading circa 2007
When: Thursday 7/2/09, 2:00 PM
Where: Crystal Lake Main Beach; Crystal Lake, IL
Who: Female, 30s
What: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Is it sad that I recognized this with a quick glance at the back cover?
Where: Crystal Lake Main Beach; Crystal Lake, IL
Who: Female, 30s
What: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Is it sad that I recognized this with a quick glance at the back cover?
Beginning of Chicago edition
When: Tuesday 6/30/09, 5:15 PM
Where: Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line, going from Park Ridge to Chicago
Who: Female, 20s
What: The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Another one I could die without reading.
Where: Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line, going from Park Ridge to Chicago
Who: Female, 20s
What: The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Another one I could die without reading.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Objectivism!
When: Saturday 6/20/09, around 5:00 PM
Where: MBTA Green Line (E Line), outbound, between Park St. and Arlington
Who: Male, early 30s
What: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
I have a feeling I have not seen the last of Ms. Rand on this blog.
Where: MBTA Green Line (E Line), outbound, between Park St. and Arlington
Who: Male, early 30s
What: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
I have a feeling I have not seen the last of Ms. Rand on this blog.
Discworld, again
When: Friday 6/12/09, around 11:00 PM
Where: MBTA Orange Line, going towards Oak Grove, between Forest Hills and Downtown Crossing
Who: Female, 60s
What: Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett gets the distinction of being the second author with two entries in this blog.
Where: MBTA Orange Line, going towards Oak Grove, between Forest Hills and Downtown Crossing
Who: Female, 60s
What: Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett gets the distinction of being the second author with two entries in this blog.
Lower halves
When: Friday 6/12/09, 7:15 PM
Where: MBTA Orange Line, going towards Forest Hills, between Downtown Crossing and Forest Hills
Who: Female, 40s
What: Two's Company by Jill Mansell
Why do chick-lit book covers always feature photos of people below the waist?
Early morning Greene
When: Thursday 6/11/09, 7:45 AM
Where: MBTA 73 bus, outbound
Who: Female, early 20s
What: The Quiet American by Graham Greene
I know absolutely nothing about Graham Greene except his name; he is on my reading list in a canonical capacity.
Where: MBTA 73 bus, outbound
Who: Female, early 20s
What: The Quiet American by Graham Greene
I know absolutely nothing about Graham Greene except his name; he is on my reading list in a canonical capacity.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Middle of a series
When: Wednesday 6/10/09, around 6:00 PM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, 20s
What: Rabbit is Rich by John Updike
On a train packed with Red Sox fans going to the second game of a series with the Yankees. This book was massive; I can't imagine trying to read all the Rabbit novels.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, 20s
What: Rabbit is Rich by John Updike
On a train packed with Red Sox fans going to the second game of a series with the Yankees. This book was massive; I can't imagine trying to read all the Rabbit novels.
Late-night magical realism
When: Wednesday 6/10/09, 11:45 PM
Where: MBTA Green Line, inbound, between Kenmore and Park St.
Who: Male, 20s
What: Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins
Another one of my favorite books! Maybe I'm predisposed to notice these, especially if the cover is the same as the edition I own.
Where: MBTA Green Line, inbound, between Kenmore and Park St.
Who: Male, 20s
What: Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins
Another one of my favorite books! Maybe I'm predisposed to notice these, especially if the cover is the same as the edition I own.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Not "an" autobiography, but "the" autobiography
When: Thursday 5/28/09, 8:30 AM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, early 20s
What: Clapton: the Autobiography by Eric Clapton
This particular T ride was frustrating, because half the car was reading books, but the only book whose title I could see was this one.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, early 20s
What: Clapton: the Autobiography by Eric Clapton
This particular T ride was frustrating, because half the car was reading books, but the only book whose title I could see was this one.
Starting at the beginning
When: Wednesday 5/27/09, 7:45 AM
Where: MBTA 73 bus, outbound
Who: Female, 30s
What: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
I wish I could read these for the first time again. Of course, my memory is so bad that it probably would be like the first time.
Where: MBTA 73 bus, outbound
Who: Female, 30s
What: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
I wish I could read these for the first time again. Of course, my memory is so bad that it probably would be like the first time.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Back-dated post
When: Saturday 5/23/09, early afternoon
Where: corner of Garden St. and Berkeley St., Cambridge (outside the Sheraton Commander hotel)
Who: Male, early 20s
What: The Dying Animal by Philip Roth
I forgot to record this one, and remembered it the other day. I've never had much of an interest in reading Roth - from what I've heard, his novels seem like everything I dislike - but I suppose I should at least read one.
Where: corner of Garden St. and Berkeley St., Cambridge (outside the Sheraton Commander hotel)
Who: Male, early 20s
What: The Dying Animal by Philip Roth
I forgot to record this one, and remembered it the other day. I've never had much of an interest in reading Roth - from what I've heard, his novels seem like everything I dislike - but I suppose I should at least read one.
Genre fiction issues
When: Monday 5/25/09, around 2:00 PM
Where: Davis Square, on the benches in front of JP Licks
Who: Female, early 30s
What: The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
I've known plenty of people who liked this author, but have never actually read a book by him myself.
I wanted to start labeling books with genres where appropriate, but I don't know enough about this one to label it sci-fi or fantasy. Maybe at some point int he future.
Where: Davis Square, on the benches in front of JP Licks
Who: Female, early 30s
What: The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
I've known plenty of people who liked this author, but have never actually read a book by him myself.
I wanted to start labeling books with genres where appropriate, but I don't know enough about this one to label it sci-fi or fantasy. Maybe at some point int he future.
Maybe a more modest financial goal is appropriate these days....
When: Monday 5/25/09, early afternoon
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Harvard and Davis
Who: Male, early 20s
What: I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
The WorldCat summary: "Presents the author's six-week personal finance program for adults ages 20-35. Integrated with his website, where readers can use interactive charts, follow up on the latest information, and join the community, it is a hip blueprint to building wealth and financial security."
This is perhaps the only instance of "hip" modifying "blueprint" in the English language.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Harvard and Davis
Who: Male, early 20s
What: I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
The WorldCat summary: "Presents the author's six-week personal finance program for adults ages 20-35. Integrated with his website, where readers can use interactive charts, follow up on the latest information, and join the community, it is a hip blueprint to building wealth and financial security."
This is perhaps the only instance of "hip" modifying "blueprint" in the English language.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
London in Cambridge
When: Saturday 5/16/09, around 4:30 PM
Where: Brattle Square, Cambridge, near the florist shop
Who: Male, 20s
What: White Teeth by Zadie Smith
One of my favorite books! I got very excited.
Where: Brattle Square, Cambridge, near the florist shop
Who: Male, 20s
What: White Teeth by Zadie Smith
One of my favorite books! I got very excited.
Political novel
When: Saturday 5/16/09, around 4:00 PM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Downtown Crossing and Harvard
Who: Female, 40s
What: Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley
The novel about a TV judge who ends up on the Supreme Court, by the erstwhile National Review writer (see this October New York Times article). I recognized the title from when I saw him on The Daily Show (or maybe it was The Colbert Report).
Image from WorldCat.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Ubiquitous Salinger
When: Saturday 5/16/09, around noon
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and Broadway
Who: Female, 20s
What: Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger
Salinger keeps popping up lately (he was an answer on Jeopardy! the other day). I've never read this one...this blog is quickly becoming a list of books to read. I'll add it to the several others I keep.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and Broadway
Who: Female, 20s
What: Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger
Salinger keeps popping up lately (he was an answer on Jeopardy! the other day). I've never read this one...this blog is quickly becoming a list of books to read. I'll add it to the several others I keep.
First children's book of the blog
When: Saturday 5/16/09, around noon
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and Broadway
Who: Male, around 8 or 9
What: Dragon of the Red Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne
An installment of the Magic Tree House series.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and Broadway
Who: Male, around 8 or 9
What: Dragon of the Red Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne
An installment of the Magic Tree House series.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dan Brown strikes again
When: Tuesday 5/12/09, 7:35 AM
Where: MBTA Harvard Station, lower busway
Who: Female, early 40s
What: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Catching up before the movie comes out....
Where: MBTA Harvard Station, lower busway
Who: Female, early 40s
What: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Catching up before the movie comes out....
Classic in the air, part two
When: Sunday 5/10/09, 7:00 PM or so
Where: American Airlines flight 154 from Chicago to Boston
Who: Male, 30s
What: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Where: American Airlines flight 154 from Chicago to Boston
Who: Male, 30s
What: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Classic in the air, part one
When: Sunday 5/10/09, 7:00 PM or so
Where: American Airlines flight 154 from Chicago to Boston
Who: Male, early 20s
What: Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
Where: American Airlines flight 154 from Chicago to Boston
Who: Male, early 20s
What: Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Don't think of a plane crash
When: Sunday 5/10/09, 7:00 PM or so
Where: American Airlines flight 154 from Chicago to Boston
Who: Male, late 20s
What: Don't Think of an Elephant! Know Your Values and Frame the Debate by George Lakoff
My impression of this book is that it's basically Moral Politics abridged. I could be wrong, though. I was in the aisle seat; the man reading this was by the window. He very politely ignored the not-so-under-my-breath swearing and erratic behavior that characterizes me during turbulence.
Where: American Airlines flight 154 from Chicago to Boston
Who: Male, late 20s
What: Don't Think of an Elephant! Know Your Values and Frame the Debate by George Lakoff
My impression of this book is that it's basically Moral Politics abridged. I could be wrong, though. I was in the aisle seat; the man reading this was by the window. He very politely ignored the not-so-under-my-breath swearing and erratic behavior that characterizes me during turbulence.
Not what I thought
When: Friday 5/8/09, 9:30 AM
Where: Logan Airport, Terminal B
Who: Female, late teens
What: A Piece of Cake: A Memoir by Cupcake Brown
Here's a link to a review from Bookreporter, which explains what the book is about. I had never heard of it and thought from my brief glimpse at the cover that it might be a culinary memoir, a la Ruth Reichl.
Where: Logan Airport, Terminal B
Who: Female, late teens
What: A Piece of Cake: A Memoir by Cupcake Brown
Here's a link to a review from Bookreporter, which explains what the book is about. I had never heard of it and thought from my brief glimpse at the cover that it might be a culinary memoir, a la Ruth Reichl.
Your book is passing by
When: Friday 5/8/09, 8:30 AM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and South Station
Who: Female, 20s
What: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
I've heard an awful lot about this book; I might try to read it soon. The author used to (and might still) teach at MIT, which the train passed as we were going along. This kind of physical proximity of reader to author probably happens a lot in university towns.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and South Station
Who: Female, 20s
What: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
I've heard an awful lot about this book; I might try to read it soon. The author used to (and might still) teach at MIT, which the train passed as we were going along. This kind of physical proximity of reader to author probably happens a lot in university towns.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Life change events -- Fiction.
When: Friday 5/8/09, 8:30 AM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and South Station
Who: Female, early 40s
What: The Shack by William Paul Young
Another great subject heading.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and South Station
Who: Female, early 40s
What: The Shack by William Paul Young
Another great subject heading.
Pre- Da Vinci Code
When: Friday 5/8/09, 8:30 AM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and South Station
Who: Female, 20s
What: Deception Point by Dan Brown
Someone catching up on her Dan Brown canon?
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Braintree, between Harvard and South Station
Who: Female, 20s
What: Deception Point by Dan Brown
Someone catching up on her Dan Brown canon?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Literary nonfiction!
When: Wednesday 5/6/09, 6:45 PM
Where: MBTA Green Line (B Line), outbound, between Park St. and Kenmore
Who: Male, 20s
What: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
I paused over what category to put this book in. It's literary nonfiction, a genre I increasingly love. Nonfiction seems good to me; "memoir" is a little specific, I think.
Where: MBTA Green Line (B Line), outbound, between Park St. and Kenmore
Who: Male, 20s
What: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
I paused over what category to put this book in. It's literary nonfiction, a genre I increasingly love. Nonfiction seems good to me; "memoir" is a little specific, I think.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wayfaring life - Alaska.
When: Tuesday 5/5/09, 6:45 PM
Where: MBTA Green Line (B Line), outbound, between Park St. and Pleasant. St.
Who: Female, 20s
What: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Surely this title needs no explanation. I have absolutely no desire, however, to read it. Once again I've titled the post with a subject heading from WorldCat, because I really like that this is a subject heading.
Where: MBTA Green Line (B Line), outbound, between Park St. and Pleasant. St.
Who: Female, 20s
What: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Surely this title needs no explanation. I have absolutely no desire, however, to read it. Once again I've titled the post with a subject heading from WorldCat, because I really like that this is a subject heading.
Wine and wine making - Fiction.
When: Tuesday 5/5/09, 6:45 PM
Where: MBTA Green Line (B Line), outbound, between Park St. and Pleasant. St.
Who: Female, late 20s
What: A Long Finish by Michael Dibdin
I had never heard of this author; apparently he writes mysteries about a detective named Aurelio Zen. The WorldCat summary of this one is: "Detective Aurelio Zen is dispatched to Piedmont to investigate the mutilation and murder of a wealthy wine grower. He discovers a closed society with lots of secrets." The title of this post is one of the subject headings assigned to the book.
Where: MBTA Green Line (B Line), outbound, between Park St. and Pleasant. St.
Who: Female, late 20s
What: A Long Finish by Michael Dibdin
I had never heard of this author; apparently he writes mysteries about a detective named Aurelio Zen. The WorldCat summary of this one is: "Detective Aurelio Zen is dispatched to Piedmont to investigate the mutilation and murder of a wealthy wine grower. He discovers a closed society with lots of secrets." The title of this post is one of the subject headings assigned to the book.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Paging Nurse Ratched
When: Saturday, 5/2/09, 1:15 PM
Where: MBTA Green Line (C Line), outbound, between Park St. and Coolidge Corner
Who: Female, 30s
What: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
I remember this copy had a cool cover, but I can't remember what it looked like. I've never tried to read this book, and I don't feel like I ever will.
Where: MBTA Green Line (C Line), outbound, between Park St. and Coolidge Corner
Who: Female, 30s
What: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
I remember this copy had a cool cover, but I can't remember what it looked like. I've never tried to read this book, and I don't feel like I ever will.
The debut of fantasy novels on this blog
When: Saturday, 5/2/09, 12:30 PM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, late 20s
What: Oathbreaker by Mercedes Lackey
A well-worn paperback copy. She was laughing at something in the book.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going toward Ashmont, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Female, late 20s
What: Oathbreaker by Mercedes Lackey
A well-worn paperback copy. She was laughing at something in the book.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Beach reading, Cambridge-style
When: Saturday 4/25/09, around 4:30
Where: near the John W. Weeks footbridge, Cambridge side of the river (see above)
Who: Male, early 20s
What: A History of the English-Speaking Peoples by Winston Churchill
The weather was so nice this weekend, and everyone was on the damp, patchy banks of the Charles, some of them doing semester-end reading (I'm guessing).
So postmodern!!
When: Saturday 4/25/09, 12:45 PM
Where: MBTA Red Line, Harvard station, Alewife-bound platform
Who: Female, early 20s
What: Murphy by Samuel Beckett
I haven't had the courage/time to tackle a Beckett novel yet, although a Cal State - Long Beach professor calls it his most accessible in an article here.
Where: MBTA Red Line, Harvard station, Alewife-bound platform
Who: Female, early 20s
What: Murphy by Samuel Beckett
I haven't had the courage/time to tackle a Beckett novel yet, although a Cal State - Long Beach professor calls it his most accessible in an article here.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I'm sure this book will show up again.
When: Tuesday 4/21/09, around 11:45 AM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, while leaving Park St.
Who: Female, early 30s
What: A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford
Apparently this book is really popular. It's the first in a trilogy and was made into a movie. My knowledge of Barbara Taylor Bradford's books is limited to one I checked out of the library when I was about fourteen (I don't know which one) and was repelled by the ridiculous descriptions of, and dialogue during, sex scenes.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, while leaving Park St.
Who: Female, early 30s
What: A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford
Apparently this book is really popular. It's the first in a trilogy and was made into a movie. My knowledge of Barbara Taylor Bradford's books is limited to one I checked out of the library when I was about fourteen (I don't know which one) and was repelled by the ridiculous descriptions of, and dialogue during, sex scenes.
Self-help
When: Tuesday 4/21/09, 8:00 AM
Where: MBTA Green Line (D Line), between Park St. and Hynes Convention Center
Who: female, late 30s
What: Naturally Thin: Unleash your SkinnyGirl and Free Yourself From a Lifetime of Dieting by Bethenny Frankel
Ugh. I dislike everything about this observation, from the excessively long subtitle to the non-overweight state of the woman reading it.
Where: MBTA Green Line (D Line), between Park St. and Hynes Convention Center
Who: female, late 30s
What: Naturally Thin: Unleash your SkinnyGirl and Free Yourself From a Lifetime of Dieting by Bethenny Frankel
Ugh. I dislike everything about this observation, from the excessively long subtitle to the non-overweight state of the woman reading it.
In translation
When: Tuesday 4/21/09, 8:00 AM
Where: MBTA Green Line (D Line), between Park St. and Hynes Convention Center
Who: Male, 60s
What: The Lady in Blue by Javier Sierra
A little research reveals that Sierra is a mostly nonfiction writer, though this book is a novel. It also appears to be one of only a couple of his books that have been translated from Spanish to English.
Where: MBTA Green Line (D Line), between Park St. and Hynes Convention Center
Who: Male, 60s
What: The Lady in Blue by Javier Sierra
A little research reveals that Sierra is a mostly nonfiction writer, though this book is a novel. It also appears to be one of only a couple of his books that have been translated from Spanish to English.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Double feature Friday, part two
When: Friday 4/17/09, about 5:30 PM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, early 40s
What: A History of God by Karen Armstrong.
Another book I want to read. This guy had two more books in his hand, and I'm willing to bet more were in his bag as well.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Braintree, between Harvard and Park St.
Who: Male, early 40s
What: A History of God by Karen Armstrong.
Another book I want to read. This guy had two more books in his hand, and I'm willing to bet more were in his bag as well.
Double feature Friday, part one
When: Friday 4/17/09, 4:45 PM
Where: Appian Way, outside the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge
Who: male, early 20s
What: Not June Cleaver: Women and Gender in Postwar America, 1945-1960 by Joanne Meyerowitz
All I saw of the title was "Not June Cleaver," which was enough to remember it. This was another person reading while walking - though I assume this one was for class and not for pleasure.
Where: Appian Way, outside the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge
Who: male, early 20s
What: Not June Cleaver: Women and Gender in Postwar America, 1945-1960 by Joanne Meyerowitz
All I saw of the title was "Not June Cleaver," which was enough to remember it. This was another person reading while walking - though I assume this one was for class and not for pleasure.
Friday, April 17, 2009
2.0, 2.0
When: Thursday, 4/16/09, around 10:30 PM
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Female, 30s
What: Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff
All I could see of this one was "Groundswell" - when I looked it up in WorldCat I discovered its subjects and subtitle. It seems to be one of those buzzwordy-type books. Then I realized I'm using a social technology to write about it, which is sort of funny. (To me.)
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard
Who: Female, 30s
What: Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff
All I could see of this one was "Groundswell" - when I looked it up in WorldCat I discovered its subjects and subtitle. It seems to be one of those buzzwordy-type books. Then I realized I'm using a social technology to write about it, which is sort of funny. (To me.)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Lone hipster
When: Wednesday, 4/15/09, between 5:00 and 5:30
Where: On the shuttle I ride to and from work
Who: Male, late teens to early 20s
What: Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuk
Most of the students at the institution where I work are clean-cut and preppy; this one was a bit more of a hipster. I've never read anything by Palahniuk; I think he's one of those love-him-or-hate-him authors.
Where: On the shuttle I ride to and from work
Who: Male, late teens to early 20s
What: Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuk
Most of the students at the institution where I work are clean-cut and preppy; this one was a bit more of a hipster. I've never read anything by Palahniuk; I think he's one of those love-him-or-hate-him authors.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Red cover on the Red Line
When: 4/12/09, mid-afternoon.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard.
Who: Female, early 20s.
What: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.
It took me a while to figure out what book this was, since it had a new red cover that said "Limited Edition" on the back. She was halfway through, and smiling a lot. This is one of my favorite books; this one made me happy.
Where: MBTA Red Line, going towards Alewife, between Park St. and Harvard.
Who: Female, early 20s.
What: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.
It took me a while to figure out what book this was, since it had a new red cover that said "Limited Edition" on the back. She was halfway through, and smiling a lot. This is one of my favorite books; this one made me happy.
DFW at the Charles Hotel
When: 4/6/09, about 8:30 a.m.
Where: Corner of Mt. Auburn St. and Brattle St. in Cambridge.
Who: Male in late 20s.
What: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace.
This guy was reading as he walked, which I used to do in middle school, but is pretty impressive during pedestrian-rush-hour on uneven brick sidewalks. He was very into the book.
Where: Corner of Mt. Auburn St. and Brattle St. in Cambridge.
Who: Male in late 20s.
What: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace.
This guy was reading as he walked, which I used to do in middle school, but is pretty impressive during pedestrian-rush-hour on uneven brick sidewalks. He was very into the book.
Inaugural post.
Hi all, welcome to my little log of what I see people reading. It is totally dependent on my own observance, and probably on how often I ride public transportation. I'm hoping it will yield some interesting patterns over time.
I realize that I live in Cambridge, and that's probably going to skew the kinds of books I see people reading.
I hope there's at least one other person out there who finds this interesting. I've always liked watching other people read - watching the wheels turn, seeing them react, etc. Maybe that's weird. Maybe that's why I'm a librarian. Anyway, I'm going to make some posts now.
I realize that I live in Cambridge, and that's probably going to skew the kinds of books I see people reading.
I hope there's at least one other person out there who finds this interesting. I've always liked watching other people read - watching the wheels turn, seeing them react, etc. Maybe that's weird. Maybe that's why I'm a librarian. Anyway, I'm going to make some posts now.
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