Claire’s Corner

Posted on | June 29, 2010 | 25 Comments

Have you seen Google’s homepage today? They have the beautiful literary-inspired dedication above to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, today is the 110th anniversary of his birth. If you haven’t read his novella, Le Petit Prince, then please do; it is a curious and wonderfully philisophical book. I have a beautiful illustrated edition and also a cherish bookmark of the prince, bought in Paris.

I do love the Google homages and find myself ridiculously excited at new ones, especially when they have a literary theme. The first I remember seeing was one commemorating the birthday of Dr. Seuss, which was as colourful, quirky and as fun as any of his books.

Speaking of anniversaries, this year sees the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee on July 11th. To celebrate I am thinking of re-watching the 1962 Gregory-Peck-as-Atticus-Finch film adaptation as opposed to rereading the book; To Kill a Mockingbird holds such a special place in my heart that I am reluctant to reread it less I simply break the spell it cast over me. I am, however, tempted by the anniversary editions that have been released last week by Random House; personally I prefer the paperback version to the commemoration hardback, although it is very reminiscent of the cover art on my copy of The Little Friend by Donna Tartt (scroll down to other covers). Isn’t it curious how cover art can be used and recycled for disparate titles?

Not literary-related in the slightest but this year also sees the fiftieth birthday of Paperback Reader’s mother. Yes, my mummy is turning half-a-century old later this year and I am already in the throes of planning something befitting the occasion. Trouble is, I am lacking inspiration. Does anyone have suggestions of wonderful gifts for a wonderful woman? Usually I surpass myself with gift-choosing but I find myself under pressure for such a monumental milestone. She is celebrating later this year by taking a cruise and is not a party person; she is a podiatrist running her own business and is incredibly busy so deserves some pampering anyway. Any help would be much appreciated.

A stylistic point in regards to this post and my blog in general: I have altered my formatting from block justify to left justify, based on some feedback from a regular reader. Please feel free to contact me in regards to any features on my site that may be hindering your enjoyment of it; I will endeavour to change my style -as I have in this case- where I can although in some cases I may be restricted by my blog theme and WordPress. Personally I am a little obsessive-compulsive when it comes to symmetry and block justify everything but I can’t be having it hurt anyone’s eyes!

Comments

25 Responses to “Claire’s Corner”

Verity
June 29th, 2010 @ 4:12 pm

Even though I wasn’t the suggester, I definitely think that I prefer the left justify!

I hadn’t seen the google homepage as I use i-google mainly (so I can keep track on where my OH is – seriously! He has a gadget in his phone which he uses to track long bike rides and when he doesn’t remember to turn it off I can see exactly where he is!).

Hmm…50th things are difficult. I don’t think mine wanted anything for hers, but I went with her and two friends to a health spa. Sometimes the gift of time is the most precious gift.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)
June 29th, 2010 @ 4:31 pm

I loved To Kill a Mockingbird too. I have considered re-reading, but like you am scared that it wont be as good second time round. The film is no where near as good as the book, but it has been a long time since I watched it. I’m sure it will be shown on TV later this year and I might be tempted to watch it if I spot it.

I’m afraid that I’m no good at suggesting bithday presents for people I know, let alone those I don’t, but wish your mum a happy birthday from me!
Laura
June 29th, 2010 @ 4:35 pm

Sorry, but I’m just trying to come to terms with the fact that your mum is only two years older than me …
Steph
June 29th, 2010 @ 5:22 pm

Love love love Le Petit Prince. I have 3 copies of them – two are extremely pretty, and one is rather humble, but I was given it as a gift from my the father of my host family when I stayed in France studying for three months, so it has a lot of sentimental value. It’s one of the few books that I actually feel comfortable reading in French!
Simon (Savidge Reads)
June 29th, 2010 @ 5:32 pm

It pains me to say it but I dont know if I will ever re-read To Kill A Mockingbird, mind you I only read it fairly recently, because I wouldn’t want to break the spell it created s you and others have pointed out!

Hmmm presents for your Mum. For my mums big four – zero three years ago I took her away for a weekend and we did theatre and spa and shopping was lovely and was precious me and mum time too!
Frances
June 29th, 2010 @ 7:59 pm

Love the always changing Google headers and this one is especially appealing as I also love the book.

As for the special birthday, spa treatments are always the preferred path in our family for big days. And think big! Invite other friends and family members and surprise her. Nothing like all of you padding around in lovely robes together!
Paperback Reader
June 29th, 2010 @ 9:01 pm

Vetity, glad you’re a fan of the left justify! It doesn’t irk me, as I thought it would.

Spa day is a popular suggestion and one I definitely considered (it’s been a Christmas gift in past and was a beautiful way to spend time).

Jackie, I’m a fan of Gregory Peck so love the film although, like you, haven’t seen it for years.

Thanks for the birthday wishes- I’ll pass them on in a few months!

Laura, you and she are both young mums

Steph, I wish my French was strong enough to read anything untranslated! I’d love to read Colette especially. I have several editions of Alice in Wonderland and A Room of One’s Own.

Simon, it is definitely something I am conflicted about doing although I may leave it another ten years or so and finally reread it.

Your mum’s fortieth sounds lovely and along the lines of what I’ve been thinking myself… we’ll see.

Frances, I love the colours and of course le petit prince himself.

As someone who loves spa treatments and spa days spent with family and friends (something I am considering for my hen’s/bachelorette day), I think it is the perfect choice.
Bellezza
June 29th, 2010 @ 10:20 pm

I miss the Google homepages which are any good (like this one!) Usually, I see the turkeys for Thanksgiving, kids jumping in a pool for summer, but not the literary ones. Thanks for bringing them to my attention; I’ll look now. Le Petit Prince has a special place in my heart. You can never read him too many times.
Jenny
June 29th, 2010 @ 11:03 pm

My favorite kind of gift to get my mother is a book from her past – the trick is getting her to tell me what books she owned and loved as a kid. But I don’t know how much your mother reads. Happy early birthday to her!

I love the Google pages too. They are the whole reason my homepage is set to Google, so that I don’t ever miss one. Sadly, the Little Prince one, which is so pretty!, must be a Google.co.uk thing, because my Google is completely plain and ordinary.
Darlene
June 29th, 2010 @ 11:40 pm

Is there an artist your Mum really loves? A painting or print would make a wonderful gift that she could admire every day.

I never fail to smile at Google’s specialized display!
mee
June 30th, 2010 @ 12:10 am

Aww I missed that google homage. I’m ridiculously excited too everytime I see a new one lol. I just read To Kill A Mockingbird recently and watched the movie, not knowing beforehand that this year is the 50th anniversary and only after reading did I found celebrations all over. Talking about timely!
Stujallen
June 30th, 2010 @ 12:27 am

I like little prince ,loved his mail books too gripping boys own tails ,I m always playing with my layout think we re never 100% happy but that is best way to be ,all the best stu
Rebecca Reid
June 30th, 2010 @ 2:01 am

I was less than enthralled with The Petite Prince. Maybe because I was not a kid when I read it the first time?

I LOVE To Kill a Mockingbird the book and hated the movie. I felt it lost most of the depth the book had — it was about the little boy instead of the little girl; it was about the father in the court scene rather than about a child learning about the world. So anyway, you should reread the book, I think, but I’m a bit biased.
claire (kiss a cloud)
June 30th, 2010 @ 4:48 am

Love those Google tributes. One of my favourites was the Norman Rockwell one, on his birthday. The Little Prince is one of my most fave books ever. I used to have 3 copies (now only one). I even had one in Filipino, which is a rarity, as books are almost never translated into Filipino..

Happy birthday to your mum!!
Novel Insights
June 30th, 2010 @ 9:45 am

I’ve never seen the movie of TKAM, but would love to.

Happy Bday Paperback-reader Mum! I took my Dad to Claridges for his 50th and he LOVED that, but it all depends on the person. They do good lunchtime deals if you want to treat but not spend a fortune. Or you could do high tea somewhere?

I also spotted the Little Prince / Google homage and did a little smile yesterday. Lovely.
Mae
June 30th, 2010 @ 2:32 pm

I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed TKMB. I thought I would hate it but when I read it at the end of high school – loved it. Atticus – what a hero and father! I haven’t seen the movie though.

Happy birthday to your mum! I’m generally very uninspired when it comes to gifts and parties. Perhaps make her one of those photo books if she hasn’t got one already? That’s still slightly bookish.

I want to see your Little Prince bookmark!
sakura
June 30th, 2010 @ 4:49 pm

I’ve got a Little Prince keychain that I found in Paris – so cute! We’ve got three different versions of the book at home (Japanese, French and English).

High tea or a massage may be a nice present for your mum!
Jodie
June 30th, 2010 @ 4:57 pm

How about a hot air balloon flight? You can get them in many parts of the country and I’m sure she’d love it (if she’s ok with heights).
Dark Puss
June 30th, 2010 @ 7:54 pm

Dear Paperback Reader, re your comment on Stuck in a Book you are most certainly NOT the only person who has not read “Guernsey …” as I am also in that category. RSome reviews have not left me particularly wishing to chase it down.

For me the book to read by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is “Vol de Nuit” which you don’t mention.

I note that if I click on the hyperlink that is your name on the comment you left for Simon then I’m sent your profile which still links your old weblog rather than this one.
Shelley
June 30th, 2010 @ 11:45 pm

I am so excited by this post! I love Mockingbird too, and you may be interested in knowing that the man who wrote the screenplay, the late Horton Foote, was the most saintly man I have ever known. His support of my work is responsible for the website that now hosts my own writing.

I adore this man.
Serena
July 1st, 2010 @ 2:03 pm

I just love when Google changes the homepage. Its fun to figure out what it commemorates sometimes.
jennifer Ravey
July 2nd, 2010 @ 12:37 am

I absolutely love the Google doodles.

For my mom and dad’s 50th, my brother and sister started them a travel fund. They have never taken a big vacation, so we decided it was time.
Rhian
July 2nd, 2010 @ 1:30 pm

Do reread TKAM – I’ve read it several times now, starting at school, and if anything it gets better each time.

Happy birthday to your mum. A spa day is a great idea, for my friend’s 50th a group of us went to The Sanctuary which was great.

Or how about afternoon tea? I can recommend Claridges, the Dorchester and the Savoy.

Whatever you do hope you both have a great time.
Jo
July 3rd, 2010 @ 9:15 pm

Claire, I can’t encourage you enough to reread To Kill a Mockingbird. I have taught it for the past five years (which means I’ve read it at least twice in each of those years), and each time I read it, I loved it more. It truly is a masterpiece that only gains with each visit! Let me know if you give it another read!
anothercookiecrumbles
July 7th, 2010 @ 8:06 am

I remember seeing the Google homepage – really love some of the things Google does to its logos, specially when the logos have literary links. Remember seeing the Dr. Seuss one as well…

As a fiftieth birthday suggestion, maybe make your mom one of those Apple books (think you use a MacBook?). It’s quick and easy to make, you can make fill it with pictures. Made a calendar for mum a couple of years ago, using iPhoto, and made a book for a friend who was leaving the country a couple of months back as well. Both, mum & my friend, loved it.