Shopping Extravaganza

[bethlakshmi]

As sometimes happens after a busy spell, I look up and realize that I have long finished the last new book, and have no other books around that suit my particular mood. The last really great book I remember being enthralled by was Geisha by Liza Darby. I'm a huge Geisha goob - I don't really do much with it, or try very hard to dig really far down into cultural anthropology or developing much artistic depth on the topic, but I really fall hard for books about Geisha. It all started with Memoirs of a Geisha and I've read another 3 or so books since on the topic. Liza Darby's is pretty awesome. She actually worked in Gion as a geisha doing her research, and so offers an insider perspective but with a great sense of Western-translation. She's amusing, has interesting narratives, and colorful, evocative descriptions.

But... I couldn't find another Geisha book that suited me, so I moved on. Now that Burlesque has become the latest obession, I have leaned heavily into the dance zone of the enormous NE mobile book fair (book addicts anonymous):
- Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage by Jane Briggeman - goes over a nice collection of the Burlesque stars of the Golden Age of Burlesque. Seems to have a strong leaning towards The Golden Days of Burlesque Historical Society - a group focused on reuniting and researching the performers of the early-mid 20th century. Has a interesting picture of Mimi Reed in pretty much exactly a Bharata Natyam costume - although it doesn't have the upper "drape" part that is more typical today. And she's in a mettu aramundi pose with an alteration of miyurako hand mudra, looking for all the world like she's gonna do a Bharata Natyam number. I am intruigued...
- got a silly little pocket guide to Swing dancing, to refresh my swing skills.
- got two books as little presents for fellow dance & India geeks I know. It makes me smile that I have friends just as geeky as me, who will like books that I think are neat, but have no practical use for myself. :)
- got Shadow Puppets by Orson Scott Card - because a girl can't just fill her head with nekkid women, there needs to be some good sci fi in there too.
- got a book on tape about the Kama Sutra (for modern loving) by Wendy Donniger. It doesn't sound in anyway historically useful. But it's a book on tape... it simply gives me something to think about besides road rage when I am on the way to O.S. class. Besides, it was $10.

Whee!! Must remember - OS book, first, fun books after!

Comments

[new-man.livejournal.com]

"Peggy Lee"? Careful, child. You tread dangerous ground.

And if you go to www.BostonBabydolls.net you can get on our very low traffic mailing list.

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

No...Not Peggy Lee...what's her face the filmmaker actually sang the song in "pretty things".

I was raised on musicals, show tunes and 50's music...Loved "stagedoor canteen". Would not say anything against PL.

[new-man.livejournal.com]

Oh. The film maker is Liz "Psycho" Goldwyn.