The aspect of reading and its benefits are being encouraged for all … be it for the little ones, or for those older, perhaps even silver ones, who've not explored what's out in the written world …
Oracy is a word I hadn't come across … meaning the oral equivalent of literacy and numeracy … numbers can defeat many too!!
One book to start with (I've more … I'm back!) … I've just read Julia Gray's 'I, Ada' about Ada Lovelace, Byron's daughter.
Julia Gray writes as though she's Ada … bringing her story to life, yet sensibly adding snippets to bring the story more to our attention … as we know relatively little about Ada …
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Ada - portrait by Margaret
Sarah Carpenter (1836)
... at the end in the author's note Gray talks about 'imagine out' from what is known or can be found on a subject … then round out those notes … which Gray describes as some kind of middle plane between fiction and non-fiction where books like I, Ada must sit...
... Gray goes on to say that whatever topic she's been researching there will always be questions that can only be answered by imagining out as to what might have happened … enlightening the reader a little more about the subject to hand …
Illustration from Sydney Padua's
graphic novel
2015 celebrated Ada's bicentenary … when I'm sure I came across Sydney Padua's webcomic and graphic novel 'The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage' abbreviated in a newspaper … bemused and hooked me …
I believe I'm on the way to being back … and am feeling distinctly easier … so here's to the future. Books galore and Women galore on the way to you in the coming months …
Ada - the computer programming language is named for her ... all two hundred years later ...
Ada (programming language) ...
Literacy Trust organisation ... World Book Day ... and skills ...
Not Your Typical Role Model from the 18th century - an overview on Sydney Padua's graphic artist's take on Ada Lovelace ... an overview by Dr Hannah Fry - who is Cambridge University's Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics ... utterly fascinating (only 1.15 clip's viewing) ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
21 comments:
Thanks for these insightful review of two books which are bound to capture the attention of many. We are all delighted to know that your health has improved and we look forward to many more of your one-of-a-kind posts throughout the year. To return to blogging form on World Book Day and International Women's Day seems like an auspicious start! Keep it up! Very best wishes - David
Hari OM
I can but echo David's words - may your days progress more freely and with joy! YAM xx
Thanks for highlighting these interesting books, Hilary. And it's good to see that you are feeling hale and hearty once again. Cheers! ♥
I have one of my grandsons a book about Ada Lovelace when he was six. Her name should be on every child's lips.
I'm glad you're feeling more like yourself.
Oh, so glad your health is better. Let's hear it for women! And books! Take care in lovely Eastbourne. If you ever get to The Langham Hotel, say hello to the owner for me! I have his signed book and I thought he was such a great guy. (He has written another one now!)
Happy International Women’s Day! And Women’s History Month.
Fantastic, thank you! I would love to read Julia Gray's book about Ada Lovelace, since being well educated in maths was critically important, then and now. I hope the critical roles of Lady Byron and Babbage in Ada's life are also well examined and valued in Gray's book
I definitely need help with my oracy. The word makes sense.
@ David – I'm distinctly easier than I have been for a year. These two books are so informative – I'm sort of almost hooked on graphic novels! I seemed to choose the right day … as you say an auspicious start.
@ Yam – thank you … I hope life continues to improve …
@ Debbie – these are definitely worth reading, particularly the Julia Gray … and yes being much more hale and hearty is freeing!
@ Janice – I wonder if the book you gave your grandson was from the Little People, Big Dreams Series – they look fun and informative … I must look in the library when I'm down there …
@ Kay – I haven't been down to the Langham recently … but if I go - I'll definitely meet up with Neil Kirby … I had one of his books – interesting man. There's a new website … that looks interesting …
@ Anabel – thank you to both … things happen too close together! Oh is it also Women's History Month … just 'clocked' that one! Thank you.
@ Hels – she had an eclectic life … not easy at all … but the book is worth reading: especially the 'imagine out' aspects …
@ Liz – I hadn't come across 'oracy' before … so thanks – I'm glad that you appreciate it too …
Cheers to you all – we're in thick mist down here … but if that's the only worry, then all is peaceful – take care - Hilary
So glad things are easier for you! And thanks for sharing these books with us. The one on Ada sounds especially interesting. Take care.
Glad you are on a good path. And had no idea about Ada being the first computer programmer.
I had no idea Lord Byron had children let alone a daughter who was a famous mathematician. Good info, Hils. Glad you are feeling better. That's grand news.
I didn't know that's where the name originated.
I hope life continues to get easier.
@ Elizabeth - yes I'm so pleased to feel easier. The Julia Clary book 'I, Ada' is a great read.
@ Alex - thanks ... taken its time to get me on a better path. Ada Lovelace's story is fascinating. While the programming language was originally designed by a team of French (Honeywell) computer scientists under contract to the US Dept of Defense from 1977 to 1983 to supersede over 450 programming languages ...
@ Sandra - I know ... fascinating isn't it ... Byron only stuck around for a month or so after her birth ... life!!
@ Diane - it's interesting how things come about ... I've elaborated a bit in my answer to Alex. Thanks I think I'm on the mend ... slow, but sure ...
Cheers to you four - we're about to go into a cold snap - then it'll be Spring!! All the best - Hilary
I enjoyed your thoughts on “imagining out" Hilary. It’s a beautiful way to meet history, and Ada shines through your telling. I’m glad you’re feeling more yourself again Here’s to books, women, and the steady return of ease.
Every day is book day in my world. I can't imagine a world without them. Or women either!
Oracy. Let's hear it for new words. Hope your day is filled with energy and good health.
Can't imagine not being able to read! Oracy is a great word. I'm so glad that things are getting better for you. <3
That portrait of Ada is stunning. And I noticed it was by a woman. I haven't heard much about women portrait painters in the 1800s. Another subject for you to tackle if you haven't already, Hils.
It’s great that you feel you are back, Hilary! And wow, I didn’t know about Ada! This kind of imagined memoir is growing. I know an author who has written a very powerful imagined memoir about her grandmother in Seville during the civil war.
@ Marja - thank you ... and 'noting the "imagining out" aspect'. Her story here is fascinating ... and thanks for mentioning that Ada shines through. Oh gosh it is making such a difference ... it's taking its time - but I can 'feel' the improvement ... !
@ Karen - it's great you're reading everyday ... and I agree I can't imagine a world without them ... or women, either - as you say!
@ Sandra - 'Oracy' is a great word isn't it ... and yes the portrait of Ada is quite beautiful ... she wasn't pretty per se, but obviously was a handsome woman. Your wish is my command ... there'll be a post on women painters in the early years ... something is being thought about!!
@ Val - oh gosh I'm so much more comfortable, than I was. It's great you know about 'imagined memoirs' ... while your friend's Seville one - sounds fascinating.
Cheers everyone ... I do believe Spring is just about here - thank goodness and in two weeks - long days are ahead! Thanks for your visits - Hilary
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