Aug 12, 2009

Helping others, or, Coalescence

Eunice Kennedy Shriver has died, leaving an admirable legacy. She founded the Special Olympics, and accomplished so much for people with intellectual disabilities.

As often happens, this event coincides with several things in my life.

My sister-in-law Jen works for the Special Olympics, and we spent some time talking about her job during my recent visit to Long Beach.

Yesterday I began reading volume I of Kristin Lavransdatter*, a book by Sigrid Undset. Undset, a Norwegian who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1928, donated all of the proceeds of her prize to help others. A large portion of it was designated to help families of mentally retarded children--Undset had personally experienced the challenges of raising a mentally retarded child with limited financial resources. During World War II Undset had to flee Norway, and she sold her gold Nobel Prize medal to give the money to the relief effort for Finnish children.

Sigrid Undset

*discovered due to the Mount TBR posts/conversations. Thanks, all!

14 comments:

Professor Batty said...

I know what you'll be doing in your spare time for the next few weeks- it really sucks you in. The Weaver read it again this spring.

P.S. The Quire has landed. How about the ninth of October (Leifr Eiríksson day, and the day before I leave for Iceland!)

Darien Fisher-Duke said...

Sounds like a Great Date! My should arrive soon.

Anonymous said...

I think I"m going to begin a new adventure...I ordered the book from Amazon...let's see if I catch Icelandic Fever.

Darien Fisher-Duke said...

Wow, Janet! I hope so! Kristin actually never makes it to Iceland, but I think it will be an interesting look at medieval society in a country really close to Iceland, thus an oblique look at Iceland as well. But it really doesn't matter because essentially IT'S A GREAT STORY! :-) Now the way this works, you know, is you have to be willing to share your thoughts about the book on my blog ... or on yours, and let me link to it. Either way!

Darien Fisher-Duke said...

Batty: my copy of the Quire arrived!

Anonymous said...

I kind of wanted to work my way to Iceland..I have it from a knowledgeable source that it can create a bit of an obsession...

Anonymous said...

My book arrived today 1144 pages of reading enjoyment!

Darien Fisher-Duke said...

Oh, did you get the book that includes all 3 volumes in the series? I am reading vol. 1, but have 2 and 3 waiting. Loving it!

Anonymous said...

Yes all three in one book, so I will be reading and weigh training at the same time!

Anonymous said...

Help me...I have had to put myself on a schedule. I could sit and read Kristin L. until the end...Sunday I allowed myself 2 hours in the morning and then did "stuff" and in the afternoon 1 hour. I actually set a timer!

Darien Fisher-Duke said...

Uh oh, Janet. This is a sign. This means YOU could get Icelandic Fever! If you are so mesmerized by Kristen, wait until you read Laxness, and the Sagas! You just might get out of control ...

Anonymous said...

Oh No! Read Block, for some reason I am having a difficult time with book three. Maybe time for a rest and to read something else. I am the only person that reads multiple books at a time?

Darien Fisher-Duke said...

Well, maybe you need a bit of a break, Janet. Why not try The Fish Can Sing, by Laxness? I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Anonymous said...

I just bought Homer and Langley by E.L. Doctorow (for a quick read) Some people buy a case of toilet paper at Costco, I buy books!