Three books by or about Freya Stark. Why three books? Because of the 'consider these other two, then buy three and save' Amazon feature. That's why.
Why Freya Stark? Because...
I was having lunch last April with my pals Carey (awesome and just turned 40, but you'd never know that because she's awesome--or you WOULD know that if you're over 40 and appreciate what real awesomeness is, and I only mention this anyway because it's a milestone we're all processing together/a big reason for this long overdue lunch that finally got put on our busy schedules), Amos (equally awesome, just starting her second trimester of her first pregnancy--known her for almost 25 years), and Mrs. G (age 85--adorable, wonderful, incredible at math, word puzzles, and making me laugh when everyone else might not be sure it's okay to laugh/also Amos's mother).
We met at Petit Chou.
I had (I always have) the Crêpe with Potato and Goat Cheese, the Caesar Salad, and a (couple of) champagne cocktails. Nice of me to drink in front of my pregnant friend, no? She told me to have one for her. Plus, her mother was there to make sure I didn't get too stupid.
[I have a champagne theme running (see post about Wall Street mockers). I promise I didn't walk outside, find a less fortunate person (some shlub buying bulk food at Whole Foods for example) and stand over him with my drink, giggling about how futile his efforts are. I just drank.]
At such lunches, one ends up discussing books. Carey was tempting Amos into joining her book club. Mrs. G. was laughing at me for dribbling on myself, then said to her daughter, "She's cut off." And also, "I only drink Maker's Mark." I love her.
The book Carey had just finished was Like Water for Elephants. This was a title I had debated, mostly waiting on a good review from a trusted source. My interest wasn't because of the movie. Carey, Amos, Mrs. G and I are all people who've lived near Peru, Indiana. The Circus Capital of the World.
(If I was Amazon right now, I'd pop up--'Might I also suggest: The Circus in Winter by Cathy Day. "Enjoyed it very much. Especially because the bull elephant incident happened 1/4 mile down river from where I used to catfish fish.")
I am partial to Depression Era circus stories, and I'm protective of the culture, as I am a former circus performer myself.
Good lord, I can't finish a thought any more.
Carey gave the book a thumbs up, as well as The Help. Also, Mrs. G had nearly finished Jack's copy of Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson, which he needed the following day to do his book report, so -- pregnant Amos drove tipsy me and Mrs. G over to the nearby Barnes & Noble.
And IF you walk into a Barnes & Noble, you will almost certainly end up needing to buy a bunch of other books .
George R. R. Martin posters were everywhere! Excited announcements about his upcoming book signing in coordination with his book release.
"YOU HAVE TO COME SEE HIM!" a B&N employee gasped at me.
The thing was, I've been pecking away at a fantasy genre story for ......how long has it been since the first Lord of the Rings movie came out? I'm sort of a "reluctant fantasy" writer (more magical realism), in that I don't want dragons or orcs or magical creatures, but I do like historical fiction, ...but I don't know history well enough to pull it off, or maybe I enjoy just making things up, 'The HUNS never did that!!'
'That's because they're the HONS!'
Anyway, I have been reading mythology, non-fiction, biographies, gardening books, etc., for years, but no fantasy since Tolkien. I picked up the first book of the Song of Ice and Fire series, and as soon as I did that, the same excited B&N woman who'd jumped out at me from some happy realm hidden behind the 'Upcoming Books' display said, "OH! We've got all four books on sale today!"
"There are four?"
"Soon to be FIVE!"
"Oh. (yipes) Five?"
"Yes, yes! He's coming. George R. R. Martin is coming!! You can't miss seeing him. It's going to be so wonderful!"
How could I not buy all four books after that? She was so happy.
And when I rang up my new library (which also included The Help and Like Water for Chocolate Elephants--I know that's easy, but it's also asking for it), she made me PROMISE to come and get my books signed in July.
[Amos did not get a book. She perused the What to Expect section, but maintained self discipline, said she wasn't quite finished with her Keith Richards biography, and besides, she enjoys the local library, which we also have one of where I live, but ...it's all Amazon's fault for what I've become!!]
Mrs. G picked up her own copy of Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson, then had a lovely chemistry going with her assistant, and opted to pick up Bloody Crimes as well, "But I'm giving it to you after I'm done with it," she said. I have not yet read Bloody Crimes OR Like Water for Elephants OR THE HELP...BECAUSE...
The Song of Ice and Fire series is thousands upon thousands of pages long.
I originally intended to finish all five books before meeting Mr. Martin, but I think at the time of his book signing in July, I was only halfway through the third novel. With three hours of waiting for my turn, I cut that down to 3/4ths of the way through. They are BIG books.
This is me meeting George R. R. Martin. By meeting, I mean he was exhausted by the time he signed my books, looked up at me between each signing and since I couldn't come up with anything to say that didn't seem desperate (in my head), he said, "Thanks for coming out."
That was it.
No, 'You remind me of a character I'm writing. Why don't you stay a bit so I can study you after this thing. Maybe grab a coffee?'
'I know a nice French place nearby.'
Oh, I'm kidding.
Hee.
He was nice. I mean, for the 30 seconds I had with him.
Me being the smart ass that I am, when asked by my graduate school alumni newsletter coordinator to mention any recent achievements, I responded: 'Angeline recently met George R. R. Martin, best selling author and the fantasy industry's next billionaire at a book signing in Carmel, at which he told her, "Thanks for coming out," and her mind was blown.' No doubt the alumni newsletter editor is going to print that. Right next to the classmate's blurb who was nominated for a Tony this year. I'm cool with it.
*Been reading since April, and I am currently halfway through book five of, Dances With Dragons. I'm so burnt out, I just want my life back. It was fun at first, but no one should read more than three books of the same fantasy series in a year. This is my opinion. Maybe I just need ONE couple to be in love, and therefore, should go back to reading non-fictions. Which I intend to do. Just as soon as I read...*sob* 500 more pages of this Song of Ice and Fire series.
What the hell does any of that have to do with Freya Stark?
If you've read The Song of Ice and Fire series, you know that the names Frey, Freya and Stark are all over those books. Amos asked how the series was coming along a few weeks ago, and I rambled on my complaints about the Freys betraying the Starks.
"You know there's a famous woman explorer named Freya Stark, right?"
No. I did not.
THAT is why I've ordered books by or about Freya Stark. Because I'm following George R. R. Martin through the fantasy inspiration card catalog.
And after selecting the Freya Stark books, got three more recommendations for Gertrude Bell (Who? I didn't know, either, and I can't have that!)...so I got hooked on her, as well.
What I was really supposed to be ordering was a pink boa for Pick's book report next month. She has to dress up in-character and she chose Judy Moody.
A pink boa, three Judy Moody books, and all the rest (see above).
I am willing to join a support group.
(If Peter Dinklage gets greyscale, I am going to be VERY upset.)
© Copyright 2011 Angeline Larimer
