Much like when he helped me out with my paper route, gave me my first real job, and told me at 15 to “Shave, already, you look like a goof” my dad has decided to become a guest poster on Upper Fort Stewart. Please let him know what you think in the comments.
Hello! I am Ian’s Father, Graham. The reason I am writing here? Sunday after supper I made a comment that he was neglecting his Blog. His wife agreed but suggested I should write in it since he is so busy. I am a man who loves books and love to read. He grew up with books everywhere and me reading all the time so I guess I have to take some responsibility for his love of books and thus this Blog.
I differ from Ian in why I read and what I think makes a great book. I have no patience for books or authors who write in the style that promotes debate over the exact meaning of what they are saying. ie: you can say “winged migratory feathered waterfowl” and leave the debate open as to which one, or you can say Duck and make it clear. I prefer authors who say Duck.
Previously Ian talked about books I had given him to read and which were likely my favorite books. He got it wrong. I think he only remember me reading Science Fiction. Which I do read for pure escapism. My favorite book? Well, that would have to be “Day to Day with Stevenson”, a little known work by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is comprised of short motivational quotes for each day of the year. I think it is the father of all motivational books that have followed. Favorite Novel would have to be “Kidnapped”. Guess I really like Stevenson. Science Fiction book, “Skylark”, By Smith. Series of 4 that went down hill after the first one. Now this will be giant surprise for Ian. A book I keep in my den and read parts of often. Modern English Prose, a compilation printed in 1922 by Macmillan Company in London.
Like most children I am sure Ian sees things about his parents in one dimension. I know I did. So my writing here should be a learning experience for him. Guess I should say Duck. Until he has more time I will bore you with my thoughts on books I read. If he lets me.
If any of you get a chance, look at the books I mentioned and let me know what you think.
Ian here. I think I’ll be borrowing Skylark from my dad. If I haven’t stolen it from him already. Thanks, dad.
9 Comments
Skylark was a fun read. But the one I really recall of E.E. “Doc” Smith? Subspace Explorers. I love the “We Go”.
Welcome, Graham!
Hello Graham, I’m glad to see your post. If you want to beat Ian to the punch you can read and comment on the book he’s reading now, “Collapse” by Jared Diamond. He may be too busy to blog, but he’s never too busy to read.
Oh, it’s so very nice and cool of you to take over posting for Ian. I’ve never read Stevenson before, probably because he seemed like a “boys only” writer to me, for some reason, but now you’ve made me interested in “Kidnapped”.
I can’t say I’d be able to get to it soon because my plate is rather full at the moment, but I do have a science fiction book I have to read pretty soon: “Carhullan Army” by Sarah Hall.
Hello Graham! You’re like the Penthouse in the Upper Fort Stewart I suppose. Thank you for this post and your book suggestions. I look forward to hearing more about ‘ducks’.
Ian, Even if you’ve little time to post, make sure you make plenty of time for reading!
Thanks, Heather. Glad you like ducks. Hopefully you can put up with my opinions
Imani, I am sure you are very familiar with Stevenson. If you go to the movies you will know his stories. You’re right Carhullan Army is a very good book.
Wow! So reading and writing runs in the family I see. Great post Mr. Graham.
Reading and writing IS contagious, thank goodness- a benign bug which lodges in your psyche and won’t go away.
I’m the son of a bookman. When I was eight he took me to a second hand bookshop in York. It was like something out of Dickens- blazing log fire, leather bindings gleaming on the shelves.The owner even made us a cup of tea. I was hooked after that. A few years later I bought an anonymous , thin little book in a tatty binding there. When I got it home I found out that it was a Book of Common Prayer…printed in 1634.
My dad wrote stuff…so it follows that I write…and that my son Alasdair has taken it to the logical conclusion- he earns his living from freelance writing.
Ian:
Nice name. Yes i can see how my joy from books has been passed on. My other joy cooking , well, i created monsters. After dinner at Ian’s New Years day my son and daughter sat looking at cook books and dicussing recipes.Guess i was a bad influence.
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