My wish came true!! Thanks to the dedication, hard work (not to mention heavy lifting) of Bookcrosser Bruyere,there is a Bookcrossing zone in the Phelan Senior Center (June 7, 2007 article by Ryan Orr at www.VVDailyPress.com says their members work hard to keep center afloat)!!!!

Seems that BX zone may be accessible only when some activity is scheduled there; check "Neighbors" page listings for those in above mentioned newspaper. At the moment, the Phelan public library is in high school--only available to general public when class is out.

Another reason for promoting BXing in Phelan: it is home town of bookloving former VVDP columnist Stuart Kellogg, since June 3 on hiatus while working on writng his own mystery novel.

Can't get to Phelan myself, but hope (eventually) someone can take over more books of possible special interest to senior citizens that I plan to release--whenever I get time to read them first myself! (Lately, haven't even had time to occasionally check out what's been happening in wide world of BX...;-)

My screen name was inspired by how I feel living out in the desert--like being marooned on a deserted island! I miss the large libraries and bookstores, used and new, in Los Angeles, where I used to live. Because of health problems, I can't go back for even a visit.

I love to learn about life in other times & places thru fiction or non-fiction (now researching ancient korea, due to www.kbs-america.com historical drama DAE JO YOUNG, kind of an Arthurian tale (now Robin Hood-esque) with Asian twist.

My TV viewing may give clues on my book interests (does watching something with English sub-titles qualify as reading?? ;)

Heroine of DAEJO YOUNG is woman warrior (who will become Khan of her father's tribe)is in love with truly noble hero (kind, brave, loyal, humble & selfless--better than a Boy Scout!) who "returns her regard" but just happens to be on side that is technically her enemy.

Both have saved each other's life repeatedly--I'm wondering if Korean popular fiction, like TV series I've seen from that country, feature romances that reflect political realities, i.e. one country or loving couple split apart.

Both warring sides have sympathetic characters:
Humorous characters include peasant farmer turned Chinese general Xue Rengui--great fun! (love how he hides fact he can't read)

Clever plot twists & chess-like strategies, lovely landscapes add to charm--I like books with similar blend of ingredients.

Also like old knit & crochet patterns, or new, easy or innovative ones. Many books classified "for children" also appeal to me; among my faves for re-reading are GONEAWAY LAKE & RETURN TO GONEAWAY, TOMAS TAKES CHARGE aka CHILDREN IN HIDING. Have small collection of 1950's "malt shop" teen novels, and almost complete collection of novels by Georgette Heyer & Grace Livingston Hill.,

Wish I could afford to buy more books--or at least get recommendations for recent titles I might like, but haven't heard of because I can't go anywhere "bookish" & don't have much online time to go surfing. As Emily Dickinson's poem goes: "There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away..."

I wanted to use this photo for my profile, but it's too big :( & don't know how to edit out King's niece! http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/4198/daejoyoungmainau8.jpg