The Reading Post

I mentioned in an earlier blog post that I had just begun re-reading issues of Mad Magazine from the 1950s. Mad has always considered itself cutting-edge comedy, and a trip back some 50 years to see the humor, art, and societal images of that time is such a good read.
I first discovered Mad Magazine as an elementary school student. I often accompanied my mother to the grocery store, and when I could, just parked myself in front of the magazine section. Our home budget didn't permit subscriptions, except for Readers Digest, but occasionally, my mom would let me buy an issue of Mad.
I realize now, that my mother was a real champion of intellectual freedom. She let me read what I thought I was capable of reading and understanding, and I'm still an eclectic reader.
The humor in those magazines is much less violent, sexual, and hurtful than much of what we can read in today's magazines, and since television was still very new, all magazines held a more prominent place in our lives.
The humor is still very funny, the art work still very fresh, and astonishingly, I can  still remember many of the situations that were the object of parody by the Mad cartoonists.
It is truly enjoyable to revisit some of those old magazines made available through DVD technology.

If you are looking for a chance to discuss books in a laid-back, friendly and encouraging atmosphere, the VPL Brown Bag Book Group is a monthly event that you need to visit to see if the experience is what you are seeking.
Readers' Advisory and Information Librarian Janet Kent leads and facilitates the discussions each month. Regular attenders always welcome "newbies" to the group, and all enjoy the refreshments as well as the literary discussions.
Call the Library at 485.3302 or check out our monthly Newsletter for further information.

Hello, Readers:
This is a new discussion/blog geared to Readers.
Here at VPL, we have tons of information about reading, tools to help you identify your reading needs, wants, preferences, such as NoveList. We also have very knowledgeable Librarians at our Children's and Information Desks to help you with your reading queries.

I am currently reading "Cowboy Princess," the autobiography of Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. I am also reading through 50 years of MAD magazine - which I purchased recently on DVD. Both the book and the magazines bring back such nostalgic memories of the 1950s.
So. . .What ARE you reading? Or. . .What are YOU reading.
Ruth Dahlström