That sounds like an unpleasant and embarrassing reason for poor Skeelo to visit the vets. I can only imagine the unpleasantness of taking Scottie for something like that. She has never recovered from having her temperature taken once before.

It is very difficult to keep a dog on a strict diet and I am sure that he will think the extra walks are a good thing rather than a bad one. Scottie has also been a little spoilt in her eating habits just lately and has decided to stop eating her own food in order to beg for treats and other peoples dinner. I have taken the tough love approach of "eat your dinner or starve" and stopped all treats, biscuits and nibbles from anyone else. Unless she empties her bowl she gets nothing else. I feel very horrible about this but it's for her own good. But it is so easy to spot those big, sad eyes gazing at you and think oh, just one biscuit then.

I swear she is like Gaspode in the Terry Pratchett books. He can talk but nobody believes it because he is a dog so he takes advantage of it by following them saying "give the poor little doggy a biscuit" and they think it was their own idea.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 9:53 am (EST) on May 16, 2008

I love your library--I'm sure I'll be mining for new reads in the future!

You know, for a Booksloth, you look rather like a Booktapir... ;)

posted by Medellia12 at 4:55 pm (EST) on May 14, 2008

I am a little of a quarter way through The Crimson Petal and the White. And I read because you recommended it. Now I know you always get nervous about doing that, because of that slight chance that the other person won't like it. So I've come here to visit you today to let you rest assured that I do like it so far. It's very different than anything else I've really ever read. The whole "come with me, allow me to introduce you to Sugar. Follow her" type thing really through me for a loop. But I've gotten used to it and really warmed up to it. I do have one problem with the book though... it's distracting me from my schoolwork. I have a twelve page paper about the moral messages Disney sends to children (lamest thing ever), and all I want to do is read about Faber's prostitutes and other sinners. **sigh** But thank you for recommending it, because it is a piece of literature I am glad to be reading.

What are you working on right now?

posted by Hollister5320 at 11:27 am (EST) on May 14, 2008

Poor Skeelo. It is very difficult for a black dog to keep cool in the summer. I'm not surprised that the other dogs have been suffering but it is very early in the year to expect this sort of weather.

Scottie's not too keen on the hot weather, lots of panting and flopping about. We've just come back from her walk now and it was a lot better than yesterday when we were out earlier in the day. She's still very hot and bothered now though. I try to get her out early in the morning or later in the evening too.

We are lucky in that our house has some nice shady spots for her to lie down in to keep cool but the garden is south facing and there's no shade. So Scottie has her own gazebo to keep her cool and shady if she wants to go out.

I make sure she has lots of water inside and out and I change it often and I keep the doors and windows open to give her a breeze and a way to get in and out.

And because she is a dog that doesn't shed her fur I brush her a lot to keep her cooler that way. If she's not groomed then her fur builds up and just stays there. She gets a brush every day (and hates it) but in the summer months she gets brushed twice.

And sometimes, if she's very good and as a very rare treat, she gets an ice-cream from a passing ice-cream van.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 2:47 pm (EST) on May 12, 2008

Thanks for the message - I have not long found LT but had already realised that members are predominantly from the US - so its nice to find a local and thanks for making contact! I'm from Exmoor - so a bit further north than you - and I work for Devon Libraries. Lucky me! I hope to find more time to add the rest of my books onto my list and I was really interested in looking at you library - especially the books we have in common. Quite an eclectic mix!

posted by blue164 at 5:14 pm (EST) on May 11, 2008

Have you been over to What Are You Reading Now: First Line Game Chapter 7 lately.

There's a line about a dog and I've just bet that you know it.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 9:05 am (EST) on May 10, 2008

I see that you really liked The Pillars of the Earth. Did you read World Without End yet? I LOVED these 2 books! I wish he would lay off the thrillers and write more historical fiction.

posted by abruno at 2:31 pm (EST) on May 9, 2008

Glad you like my pooch; his name is Taco. I also have an old gal named Fanny; dachshunds both. I just found the LTs + dogs and will be visiting often.

The horse was a young filly. She came in second in the Derby and immediately broke her ankles and had to be put down on the track. It roused some primitive anger in me which I need to find an outlet for. Do you have PETA in England?

posted by hinsdaledog at 4:44 pm (EST) on May 5, 2008

Her tummy is in better shape today and has stopped gurgling. She is definately back to being her old self and I have bought her a rubber pig from Tesco that grunts when she shakes it, partly to make her feel better and partly to remind her that she is a bit of a pig herself when it comes to food and that's what her stomach will do if she steals again.

I have had a quick look at From Baghdad and am hopeful that I will still enjoy it. I think they have mis-sold it slightly if it is ghostwritten and mostly about military stuff rather than doggy stuff but am still fairly pleased to have bought it. I am hoping it might be one of those rare books my husband will read, him being in the military and very fond of dogs. If so, it won't be completely wasted if it turns out I don't enjoy it so much.

Is Skeelo forgiven by Senor Sloth yet? I've been to LTers with dogs and put Scottie in the doghouse there and mentioned that Skeelo has been in trouble too. They have been joined by Pippin (for nearly eating a book) and a wonderful picture of Greta Garbo being put in her place by a bigger dog. Have you seen it yet?

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 10:24 am (EST) on May 4, 2008

Scottie has spend all night paying for the stolen chocolate. We had to get up three times and it was so bad I could hear all the creaks and groans her poor little tummy was making all night. She feels so poorly this morning that she wasn't even interested in chasing a cat that was sitting on the hillside by our garden. She hasn't learned her lesson though, she'd do it all again.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 6:32 am (EST) on May 3, 2008

The book was the new Darren Shan book for my neice, who is going to be very unhappy about the teethmarks in it. I think I might cut my losses and buy it again for her. I also might invest in a big outdoor postbox. At the last house we had a cage on the door but there isn't room for one here, the door wouldn't open if we had one. She doesn't always eat the post, just occasionally decides to attack it.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 3:15 pm (EST) on May 2, 2008

I've just been out and bought From Baghdad, With Love and fell in love with the puppy on the cover. I've peeked at the photo's inside too. I think I will read the book with tissues handy but am hoping they will be relieved tears that someone saved one little dog from a terrible place.

After telling you about Scottie's disgraced face she is wearing it now. I went out shopping and came home to find that she has attacked a parcel that came by late post (and put a set of teeth holes in a brand new book!) and then stolen some chocolate from a bag I had left on the kitchen floor. I think I was being punished for going out without her but she has been sent to her basket to think about her behaviour. So you can tell Skeelo that he is not alone in his shame, today has been a day for dogs to act out.

Thanks for the invite to the group too, I have signed up and will be contributing. I just have to stop spending time on here and go read first.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 1:11 pm (EST) on May 2, 2008

Poor Skeelo. Does he know he is in disgrace? Scottie has a special look that she wears when she knows she has been bad. She also knows that seeing her slink about the house doing the look makes me laugh and then the battle is won.

She doesn't run off with other dogs so much now but she does like her adventures. She once managed to escape to a neighbours bbq and they brought her back after half an hour, very fat and pleased with herself. The guests thought she lived there, the neighbours thought the guests had brought her, Scottie took full advantage and we hadn't even noticed her sneak out with our friend. She was very ashamed later but so were we for not realising she had gone. Our friend was visiting and went to fetch something from his car and she sneaked out as he opened the door. She's run away a couple of times and various neighbours have seen me running the streets in pyjamas and no shoes and once in a ball gown and high heels because the gate had not latched and she had made a break for freedom. We have invested in a very good lock now but the postman has suffered through a strongly worded telling off for leaving it open when he knows she lives here and might get out.

Andrew has the same reaction when Scottie runs off though, very bad tempered and grumpy to hide the fact that he's had a fright. And the time when I was out in my pyjama's he did come home from work to help search for her.

I hope that Skeelo and Senor Sloth make up soon.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 8:48 am (EST) on May 2, 2008

That's it then, I'll buy it. And now we've done this something awful will happen to a different dog three pages in or something.

I've got to admit, I do the same thing to my husband as yours does to you while we are watching tv. "You can look now, the operation/gory bit/scary bit has finished...Oh no! my mistake, sorry."

Has Skeelo been enjoying the good weather today? Scottie has spent the whole day in the garden and has been very busy. She has saved us from birds, cats, a squirrel, some voters, the postman, various children who were off school and playing out and the lady next door putting out her washing. She has rolled on everything that smells, fetched something horrible into the house and helpfully dug a nice hole but lost interest while halfway through burying a dog biscuit in it. She loves springtime and is now fast asleep on the sofa.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 5:35 pm (EST) on May 1, 2008

York is gorgeous; it's why I'm still here. Better known for its ducks than its squirrels, though! Still got plenty of moorhens, of course. And moorchicks, I suspect, though I've not encountered them yet.

The degree didn't destroy my love of reading, but it altered my reading patterns. While I was concentrating on the literature I found myself wanting to read something brainless, rather than what I'd read before. I definitely prefer reading for pleasure, rather than analysis. While it's probably improved my rading in some respects, and certainly introduced me to a much broader range of literature, it didn't improve my enjoyment. I'm glad I did it, but I won't be doing an MA in the subject.

I'm trying to get back into the habit of library reading; we have a great library in York. Of course, I have plenty to be getting on with that I've purchased, but it's nice to have ability to just wander in and grab something utterly random from time to time. And see if there are any decent kids books out!

posted by MsSolo at 3:56 pm (EST) on May 1, 2008

If the dogs okay I will buy the book, if not then I won't. And dog books are the only books where I give in and look at the ending too.

My sister-in-law recommended a film once (won't say which one in case I spoil it) but said "There was one awful bit but the rest was really good." and I said "As long as a dog doesn't die it's okay." There was this silence, followed by a "well, actually..." We still saw the film but all the way through I was just waiting for the dog and didn't enjoy a bit of it.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 2:26 pm (EST) on May 1, 2008

I will have to look out for that book, I hope it has a happy ending with a happy healthy dog. I've been a bit teary-eyed at the WSPA advert today because of a white dog shaking and trembling on it after being mistreated, let alone because of all the other poor animals (and that donkey!) that are on it too. So I have to feel brave to take on an animal book if I don't want to be weeping into it by the end of the first few pages. Let me know how you get on with it. I should be passing sainsburys at the weekend so I might pop in and have a look for it anyway.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 9:56 am (EST) on May 1, 2008

Hi
I must confess to being a literary ignoramus and cannot grasp your connection between Anne Boleyn and her sister-in-law. Are you suggesting that Jane acted maliciously to the intended detriment of Anne and her brother? I am trying to get my head around literary criticism and have surrounded myself with Aristotle's Poetics, Northrop Frye not to mention Terry Eagleton but I think the old brain cells are withering. Perhaps you would give me the benefit of your superior knowledge?
Colin

posted by Ductor at 8:16 pm (EST) on Apr 29, 2008

Hi!

I've been fairly country-blind on LT so far; despite the odds, I tend to assume British until proven otherwise (which doesn't tend to take long). The timezone thing is such a pain; whole chunks of conversations go by when I can't input, and when I can, I end up looking like I've spammed the whole community because there's no one to reply!

Yeah, my degree was English Lit (York uni), though I think if I do any post-grad stuff it'll probably be in a slightly different subject. I enjoyed it, but I like reading better as a hobby! I think it was the degree that prompted me to buy a bunch of my favourite childhoos books; there's only so much analysis you can take before you start craving something without subtext. I adore Milly-Molly-Mandy. I didn't read Naughtiest Girl, but I remember Mrs Pepperpot; I was a library kid as a child, so I don't own many of the books I loved as a kid now, and a lot are hard to get hold of. Still, I expect they'll all get rereleased soon enough.

Oh, and thanks for the welcome!

posted by MsSolo at 5:47 pm (EST) on Apr 29, 2008

Sorry it took me so long to get back, there was some major class work I had to attend to. My wife is Director of the Office of Life Long Learning at Miami University. When the auto dealership I worked at closed and I ended up with a commute that took me past the campus it seemed silly not to go back and get some kind of degree. I am not sure what I will do with it but if I manage to sell some writing and get a degree it would tick two things off of my ‘things to do before I die’ list.

posted by TLCrawford at 1:07 pm (EST) on Apr 28, 2008

See you for coffee later ;-)

posted by SmithSJ01 at 9:00 am (EST) on Apr 28, 2008

I initially expected somwething along the lines of chick-lit as well but was quite suprised by it. I've invited a bunch from my reading group onto it as well as we always talk about different themes so including me there'll be a sudden burst of people looking at it.

posted by SmithSJ01 at 8:59 am (EST) on Apr 28, 2008

Yes I think I did learn something about Jane Boleyn. No Eureka moments certainly but Fox described her as a sophisticated woman who was able to wheel and deal in her own interest. She was a victim of human frailties when questioned in the Tower and it seems she answered truthfully. Sometimes the truth can be damning. I don’t think she had anything to gain by undoing her husband intentionally. In fact she was seriously disadvantaged by his disgrace. What I did find interesting was her appeal to Cromwell for help – which she got. Why would he help her? I think there is a little more in that than meets the eye.

With Katharine Howard she had a ‘wolf by the ears’- she couldn’t hang on or let it go. She was as a moth attracted to the flame of the Tudor court – and it consumed her.

As you have a good grounding on Elizabeth and Mary I doubt you will learn much from Ms Dunn save for the general view that there was genuine affection from Elizabeth to Mary which was not reciprocated.

Colin

posted by Ductor at 7:41 pm (EST) on Apr 27, 2008

They aren't just for Early Reviewers (BE was my first book), I review 95% of the books I read for Amazon and so just cut and paste on to here. I quite enjoy reviewing books as it really makes me thing about whether I've enjoyed it or not rather than just getting to the end and picking the next one up. Although I often end up with one or two to review as, like you, I just enjoy starting the next one lol.

The speech marks irritate the living daylights out of me! I am a member of an online book group and it's one of my regular comments about books! Why oh why can't writers just follow the conventions!!!

posted by SmithSJ01 at 1:27 pm (EST) on Apr 27, 2008

I really enjoyed your review of 'Being Emily'. I struggled with the book initially and had I not been reviewing it for here I might have left it unfinished.

posted by SmithSJ01 at 5:47 am (EST) on Apr 27, 2008

I just kinda thought that you were dismissive of her. Particularly as: it seemed to me, that she had tried hard not to make wild assumptions. In that regard women historians are so much better than men. Men are victims of preconceived notions and manipulate the facts to legitimate them. I do agree that ‘cloth of gold’ kept coming up.

You are quite right: Henry and his spouses have been done to death – however Jane Dunn’s Elizabeth and Mary is worth a look.

Don’t waste a second looking for more of her work – there isn’t any, this is her first book.

Colin

posted by Ductor at 10:03 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2008

The Norwegian title of Chinua Achebe,s "Things Fall Apart" is 'Mønsteret rakner' (Mønster = pattern, rakner = fall apart. The letter 'ø' is pronounced like the 'u' in the English word 'run').

posted by kjellika at 4:35 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2008

Hi,
Yes, I've been reading both "War and peace" and "Middlemarch" for a while, but now I will postpone "W&P" and concentrate on "Middlemarch". I've got two editions of this novel, one in English and one in Norwegian (2 volumes). I'll try to read "Middlemarch" in its original language, and use the Norwegian edition when there is words, sentences and quotes I don't understand. Perhaps I'm able to improve my English a little too. My vocabulary will surely grow.

It looks like we share 40 books. Which are your favorites among them? I liked "Great Expectations" very much (finished it a couple of months ago) and I love "If on a Winter's Night a Traveler" and 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Huckleberry Finn'.

My favorite Norwegian author is Knut Hamsun (Nobel prize 1920) and as you may see from my author cloud (and tag cloud) I've got huge piles of his works and books about them and the author.

Best wishes from Norway (Bodø, town in Nordland, Northern Norway)

posted by kjellika at 1:12 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2008

You are absolutely right - I calculate that I will need seventeen life-times to complete the task.

BTW, you were a little hard on Julia Fox weren't you? To be sure she did speculate a little in Jane Boleyn, but then between her and her husband (John Guy), there can't be anything they don't know about the Tudor period.

I was at Hampton Court a couple of years ago and was dragged from the crowd to dance an Elizabethan waltz thing with a costumed tour-guide. I think it gave me PTSD.

posted by Ductor at 11:23 am (EST) on Apr 26, 2008

Hi

I am flattered to be added to your 'interesting library' list. I shall bask in the exalted company of your other bibliophiles. I suspect they enjoy significantly more literary credence than I. Whilst I read books every day to a lessor or greater extent, my true passion is buying them. I love to own them. To carry them home in anticipation of reading them. Certainly I read every introduction on the day of purchase - but the complete work might take a little longer.I suffer from what I term 'Book Content Delusion Syndrome'. Where I confuse the purchase of a book with the acquisition of its contents. Might I be impertinent and suggest that you change your i.d.? There is nothing slothful about reading; or the way you energetically communicate with LT members. How about 'Booksleuth'? Now that surely captures your literary persona more precisely don't you think?

Colin

posted by Ductor at 6:11 pm (EST) on Apr 25, 2008

I'm glad you had a good trip away and that Skeelo got his holiday too. I bet he had the time of his life but it sounds like he needs another holiday to get over this one. Scottie loves the beach and usually comes home filthy, smelly, covered in sand and with this look on her face that says "That was great, don't ruin it now by giving me a bath."
You should ask for commission on the puppy sale. Or were you tempted to ask about another puppy for yourself? I have been having a weak moment this week and wondering if another puppy might be a good idea. I am at home so I have the time to train one. It's very tempting.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 10:21 am (EST) on Apr 21, 2008

That would be so good wouldn't it, us all getting them! A few from my fabulous online book group are on here and we got different things. However, one unfortunately wasn't as lucky.

posted by SmithSJ01 at 5:54 am (EST) on Apr 19, 2008

Hi, I will check in with the 20 Questions thread and keep an eye on them for you. Hope you have a good weekend away. Is Skeelo going too? I bet he's one of those dogs who makes a nice house-guest, all big and friendly and taking over entertaining kids and encouraging people to go on walks. See you back here on Monday.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 11:13 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2008

Hi,

The name is [Urania], not urinal. I chose Urania from an early 17th-cetury text [The Countess of Pembroke's Urania]. Urania was a name often used to refer to Queen Elizabeth I. The name itself stood for truth or wisdom. In Greek mythology, Urania was the muse of astronomy and science (at that time science simply meant knowledge). People did not use the term science in quite the same way that we use it today. I hope that answers your question and resolves any doubts you might have about names.

Ciao

posted by urania1 at 10:17 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2008

Hi, Lyn,

Don't worry--it'll be a bit before I get organized enough to send you the excerpts!

Cheers, Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 10:02 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2008

It is good to know I am not the only person here with a half century of experience. If you don’t mind my asking when did you get your BA? I have gone back to get mine and hope to finish in 2010 then jump into an MA. It would be good to know I am not the only person here who was what my wife calls a non-traditional student. Sometimes I get the feeling I am the only one here who is not a PhD.

posted by TLCrawford at 10:49 am (EST) on Apr 17, 2008

No worries, we (redheads) get it all the time. When I was a kid, I was at Disneyland with my 4 redheaded cousins, and we had some Japanese tourists request to take a picture of us...haha!

posted by kticesk8s at 1:38 pm (EST) on Apr 16, 2008

Hi there! Thanks for your kind comment. Water For Elephants....I really loved it, though I have to say that my co-worker, who tends to have similar tastes as myself, didn't love it so much...I'd be interested to hear your thoughts when you get through it. Reviews...I started doing these late last year, and I've really enjoyed it. Not only does it help me remember what I've read (I tend to forget books the minute I hit the last page), it helps me *think* about each text a bit more as I'm reading. I'm glad that they have been helpful to you - that is icing on the cake. Red hair....it took me many years to like it, but now I'm finally happy about it. How old is your daughter? I'm 30, and I didn't start liking it until I was in my 20s....in high school, I wanted to be blonde, blonde, blonde, and at one point, I even had a Sun-In fiasco. :)

posted by kticesk8s at 10:25 am (EST) on Apr 16, 2008

Thanks for the invite! The group looks interesting but I don´t think I´ll have time to get involved just now. I suppose we all are interested in social history in some way or another. Certainly I enjoy historical fiction and love talking to family members about 'olden days.' the reminder to talk to your grandparents while you still have them hit home. My grandfather is dying and I just got back from seeing him at the nursing home today. He used to tell me a lot about his experiences during ww2. I have a 94 year old grandmother whom I try to visit at least once a year and her stories are just amazing. I read this quote once:" when an old person dies, a library burns." It's so important that the stories are passed on and remembered.

posted by odysseya at 5:07 pm (EST) on Apr 15, 2008

I joined up! Thanks for the invite. I do enjoy that sort of thing. It sounds like Steinbeck-ish type of reading, and I know you love him. I'm interested to see what people recommend and have to say about things.

Thanks for helping me branch out!

posted by Hollister5320 at 10:47 am (EST) on Apr 14, 2008

Hi, thanks for the compliment of adding me. I see we share a liking for Historical and Horror fiction -seems eclectic, although they do somehow seem to compliment each other.

Yes I asked the question about other books to review but never did get a reply - I think it's a UK thing. My feeling is that we have limited choice about where to go for books. I appreciate Waterstones for what they are but as far as I know they don't offer such a scheme and lets face it, for the most part it's Waterstones or nothing. As we are quite close geographically (I'm in Somerset) I guess you have the same problem. To be honest, that's why I'm such a fan of charity shops - I find they often offer things less mainstream that I'd have to order elsewhere. I'm always stumbling across new and unusual titles there.

I've never heard of publishers over here sending books to members of the public to review - if you find anything different, please let me know. Thank goodness for ER! This is my third month - nothing this time, but I got picked the first two months so feel quite honoured...although I'm still waiting for [Gents]: but you're right, it doesn't get much better than a free book through the door :o)

posted by bibliobeck at 5:14 pm (EST) on Apr 12, 2008

Thank you for being concerned and sorry to hear that you have also suffered in a similar way. I agree, I think that we are surely due some good luck soon. The good wishes count for a lot and thank you for those. Without wishing to offend anyone we have learned just recently that prayers are frequently unanswered but the kind thoughts and good wishes of friends will never let us down.

The Green Dragon is a nice group and filled with lovely people. For some reason I thought that we were all playing the first line game in there and so thought that you had joined it, but we are not are we? I also mistook it for the name of the pub in the Harry Potter books and then was embarrassed to have it pointed out that it is actually a virtual pub tribute to Lord of the Rings instead. The conversation can take a slightly more adult tone than the Hogwards Express group which tones down for the younger members.

Good luck with the books on ebay and for catching the advert. I have been telling my mum about it and she is looking out for it too but so far it's just been me lucky enough to catch it (and Scottie having a good bark at it. Give Skeelo a big ear scratch from us.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 10:14 am (EST) on Apr 12, 2008

Scottie was guarding the house from the postman who persistantly tries to get in through the letterbox every day and she jumped and landed badly. If I can keep her calm and still for a few days it should settle on its own, if not she has to go to the vet. It didn't help that a bigger dog was so pleased to see her that she jumped on Scottie and knocked her over the day after. She is very sorry for herself but milking it for treats.

It will be a shame if you miss the ad for the programme and I bet Skeelo would like to see all those lovely dogs too.

I am off work at the moment so have plenty of time to nurse my cold and am getting so lazy I won't want to go back in September.

It's a sad and sorry tale as to why I am off work. At the end of November I was involved in a road accident which didn't seem too serious at the time but got very bad very quickly. I was five months pregnant and the injuries caused me to give birth prematurely to our daugher Elisabeth, who died very soon after she was born. I had an infection that came close to killing me too and am now in need of physiotherapy to get me back to fitness. It has been a difficult time because we had a stillborn son in the January and so 2007 was a very hard year for us. But, we have just been told yesterday that the man responsible for the accident will have to take some if not all of the responsibility for my losing Elisabeth and that has brought us a small comfort. We just have to fight it out legally now but with an independent medical opinion backing up what we knew all along it should make that fight a bit easier and yesterday because of that I was able to explain on here (in the Green Dragon group) how greatful I was for everyones help on here.

So, this is all getting a bit sad but I am okay talking about it and hope I haven't upset you by explaining, although I know it is upsetting to hear. A few people on here know but it's a hard story to tell or to read. Library Thing and the people on it have been a comfort and a help, even though not many people knew that they were helping. We all have our sad stories I guess and I'm afraid this one is mine.

Anyway, back to happier things, the advert has just been on again so you are bound to see it soon. Also I see you have 108/0 books shared with GeorgeHawkey. There's a whole thread in the Green Dragon group compeating to see who shares the most invisible books with him, have you seen it? I only have 90/0 shared with him. We don't know who he is or how it happened but it has kept us in conversation.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 3:19 pm (EST) on Apr 11, 2008

Hi, hope you and Skeelo and Mr Sloth are all okay.

Just wondering if you have seen the advert for the Dispatches programme on next Monday? It's about the impact of immigration on the UK as a country but the advert is full of dogs.

A Bulldog is sitting in the park under a tree looking very concerned about all the exotic breeds trotting in one by one and sniffing, growling, mating and pooping all over his bit of grass. The expressions on the dogs faces are wonderful and the whole time they are playing the 'English Country Garden' song.

I am tucked up on the sofa at the moment nursing my cold and Scottie is tucked up in her bed nursing her sprained leg so we have plenty of time for bad daytime TV and the adverts. We are making quite a pair at the moment, very sad and sorry for ourselves. Scottie did manage to work up the energy to growl at the dogs on the screen though.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 11:18 am (EST) on Apr 11, 2008

I couldn't help but cruise your library. I'm always searching for new and interesting stories, and it looks as though we have somewhat similar tastes. Oh, and where is the "Where did you get you LT name" thread?

posted by tiddleyboom at 11:32 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2008

Hi there! I thought you'd be interested to know that although currently reading Cold Mountain and following it with a Jean Plaidy book about Henrietta Maria... I took out a book from the library that will excite you. After hearing your rave reviews (and reading more on amazon.com), I decided to pick up Faber's The Crimson Petal and the White. Needless to say, I'm excited to get through my other two books to get to it.

posted by Hollister5320 at 8:55 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2008

Hi

I was having a browse and came across your library. I hope you don't mind but I've added you to my interesting libraries. Lots of new stuff in there for me to try!

posted by SmithSJ01 at 2:04 am (EST) on Apr 10, 2008

I'm not sure either, but it is great to have friends!

posted by alphaorder at 8:09 am (EST) on Apr 2, 2008

Hi, Booksloth

Yes, the greyhound we have is a rescue. My wife was involved for a time with a local resuce operation and that is where we got her from. And as black labs go, I've had three over the years and the latest, Kira, is two years old. You mentioned that you had photos of your lab posted, but I can't seem to find where. Finally, hope you don't mind that I added your library to my list. Feel free to stop by mine anytime!

Slainte

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 7:47 am (EST) on Apr 1, 2008

The pretty mature men thread is in the Green Dragon--and I'm pretty sure there's something in there for every taste, unless one is addicted to youth. I've reached the age at which it's faintly embarrassing to be drooling over boys in their 20s, so it's nice to find some age-appropriate hotties!

posted by ejj1955 at 2:12 pm (EST) on Mar 29, 2008

Hi,

Yes--I do find your library interesting, partly because we have some interests in common--history, historical fiction, Britain--but also because I've found your comments on the boards interesting, too.

This LT is addictive . . . I've only been doing it a month and already I need to be here daily for my "fix" of book talk. (Well, and those tasty photos in the mature men thread!)

posted by ejj1955 at 12:32 pm (EST) on Mar 29, 2008

I lived abroad a lot growing up. attended british and international schools (though I never lived in Britain.) Only spent 3 years in norwegian school and should really be reading more norwegian classics. but there are so many wonderful books in the world..

posted by odysseya at 9:25 am (EST) on Mar 29, 2008

I do live in Norway but even though the population is only about 4 million the odds are probably against me knowing him. but you never know.. Ever been to norway?

posted by odysseya at 8:57 am (EST) on Mar 29, 2008

I'll certainly be adding you to my interesting libraries! you were pretty warm on where I live - but what you took to be dutch books are in fact norwegian. but I'm sort om multi-lingual which is why there are a lot of english books in my library as well as some german and french. and yes - it's extremely addictive.. thinking about going out to get a barcode thingy to make adding books easier. as you can see I'm still working on authors beginning with C and also added some books I had lying around unshelved. and these are only the books I have at home. plenty more at school..

posted by odysseya at 8:07 am (EST) on Mar 29, 2008

Yes, that is one fear I always have in reading a lot about specific people in history. There's only so much that we know about them and can write factually about. But it's still nice to read something new if it's been a while since the subject was visited.

On another note, I finished P&P. I agree, Mr. Darcy is by far the greatest male romance interest I've ever read about, which is odd considering you're not designed to like him until Elizabeth does. So wonderful. I've now moved onto Ian McEwan's Amsterdam... so far it's a bit strange. I know you said you didn't care for Atonement, which I loved. But this isn't as good for me. Debating what my next book will be after I finish this. Let me know how The Golden Notebook is... I've heard good things, but you never know.

posted by Hollister5320 at 10:35 pm (EST) on Mar 18, 2008

Thanks for adding my library to your interesting libaries. It is still very much a work in progress. I'm trying to add all the books i've ever read, obviously I'm not even nearly ready. And now my library is full, I must get myself a membership, but when I do, I'll be adding books again.
I'm very impressed by your library. Will be looking frequently for reading suggestions. Next for me is Crime and punishment which i'll be staring asap before I lose my nerve.

posted by marvas at 3:18 pm (EST) on Mar 15, 2008

I'm a journalism major with minors in both West European studies and English Literature. Most of the courses for my English minor that I took were Shakespeare analysis, which I agree made me appreciate the beauty of the work that much more. But yeah I never was into Jane Austen or the Bronte's either when I was younger. But I adore them now and have every novel ever written by those four women on my TBR list, which since joining this site has grown to include well over 500 books. I love having so many to read, but it makes it really difficult to choose which one to read next.

posted by Hollister5320 at 5:21 pm (EST) on Mar 13, 2008

Faber's The Crimson Petal and the White is on my TBR list. So I am glad to hear that it has such a huge fan. I really look forward to reading it. And I would have to agree with you about Anne. She is one of the most interesting women I have ever heard about and can't get enough of her, fiction or not. I do like the fluffiness of Philippa Gregory, but I recognize that it's not accurate. I haven't read too much about Jane Boleyn, George's wife, so you'll have to let me know how you like the book that I will take full responsibility for if you don't enjoy it.

I haven't gotten too into Victorian novels, but definitely will look more into them at your suggestion. I'm really excited to read more and more. I'm in my final year at university and will graduate in June, thus giving me even more time to devote to expanding my library. But your earlier warning was right, this LT business is really very addicting. But I adore it. Right now I am rereading Pride & Prejudice, the only Jane Austen I've read. What are you currently reading?

posted by Hollister5320 at 2:08 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2008

Thank you for the welcome! Yes I cant see how this will become VERY addicting. I am definitely, without a doubt, a historical fiction junkie. What were your Top Favorites? I'm always looking for new things to read. Generally, I tend to gravitate toward the Tudors and other English histories. Let me know! Thank you very much.

posted by Hollister5320 at 5:59 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2008

I've just seen an advert for holidays in Greece and it had a table full of the most delicious looking food and all these people about to sit outside and eat it. I'm so jealous. I loved being able to sit in the sun and eat the salads and fish and bread. If I could only ever eat one meal over and over again for the rest of my life it would be greek salad with feta and olives, fish and bread, all with thier olive oil. Andrew likes mousaka best but it's the salads every time for me. I want to go back.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 2:31 pm (EST) on Mar 7, 2008

I did watch Crufts last night and really enjoyed it. All those friend for life dogs were great but I really liked those two poor dogs rescued from Iraq by the man in the armed forces. I know how frightened Scottie would be if she were somewhere with a lot of gunfire noise and explosions and the poor dog with it's ears cut off was heartbreaking. I know the other dogs have done a lot to help people but for me, those two had really suffered at the hands of people and could still be to loving, friendly, family dogs. It says a lot about dogs, that they can go through that and still be good whereas some people who suffer less turn really awful.

I thought the utility dogs were great and loved the Chow-Chow. He had such an important face. I'm really hoping to see some Scotties doing well though. My Scottie liked the dog that could count the best. Every time he barked so did she and there are a lot of nose prints on the TV screen this morning.

I have read some of A Dance to the Music of Time, borrowed from the library, but I don't know if I can recommend it or not. I enjoyed some of it but found other bits to be hard work. I think if you want to read it but aren't sure about investing in it then the library is the best idea. I was really expecting to love it and I think I will give it another try at some time. Sometimes I have to re-read a couple of times before things click for me.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 7:09 am (EST) on Mar 7, 2008

Death of a murderer only arrived on Monday and I am determined to finish my current book before I get started on another one. I've developed a habit of half reading one and then starting another and forgetting the first one just lately. I'm looking forward to it though and it's at the top of the TBR pile by my bed. Bit of a mistake that because when I roll over to turn off the alarm in a morning I find myself gazing at Myra Hindley - not the best start to a day.
I also get a bit snobby about the Richard and Judy books and get a bit annoyed if they endorse a book I have already bought and enjoyed or if I want one they are promoting. It's because I read an interview with the woman who really selects their books for them and in it the paper said she chooses them partly based on how thick they are because some people will only read shorter books. As a book-lover I don't like to think a books worth is based on how easy it is to take on holiday or fit in a handbag.
Scottie is also flaked out on the sofa but not because of a long walk. Next door are having double-glazing fitted and there have been workmen everywhere just begging to be chased and barked at. She loves it when people come to entertain her and especially looks forward to window cleaners and the man who comes to cut next doors grass. He walks up and down with the mower and she walks up and down in step with him barking all the while. It's been a very busy barking day because as well as the workmen outside our postwoman came twice, then the Jehovah's Witnesses, then someone delivering a takeaway menu. It's been a Doggie Bliss day. She sends a sniff back to Skeelo though. And no matter how much mud you brush off a dog it is always keeping just that little bit back in reserve for the best rug or the white item of clothing.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 9:18 am (EST) on Mar 6, 2008

I don't think I would like a dog fur jumper very much. I hadn't thought about it being hot, just smelly if it got wet. Scottie is not the most fragrant dog when wet. Having said that, my SiL has a golden retreiver, Ruby, and she makes all clothes look like they are made from dog hair in her determination to sit on your knee. I'm quite lucky with Scottie, they don't really shed, they have to be groomed. I brush her almost every day and we have her fur cut four times a year by a girl who comes to the house. I refer to her as 'Scottie's Personal Sylist.'
You might be right about washing the cushion. When I wash her blanket she goes right out to roll on the grass and then comes in to roll on the blanket to put the smell back in.
It's not snowed here yet but we are in a valley so we miss a lot of the worst weather. I would love a photo of Scottie in the snow though. Not that she would be very happy in it. She enjoys falling snow and leaps about trying to catch it but settled snow is another thing. She picks her way through it looking at me like I put it there on purpose to upset her. The first time she saw it she stood on the doorstep growling at it and wouldn't go out.
I didn't see the Stephen Hawking programme but I think I would have liked it. He's certainly overcome a lot to just be here today but I wouldn't know if he was making it all up or not either. It was his book, A Brief History of Time, that gave me the creeps about the universe expanding in the first place. I did see a programme this week that had a little lego Stephen Hawking on it that I thought was really clever.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 4:58 pm (EST) on Mar 5, 2008

Is Skeelo's fur long enough to plait? Someone on a thread was talking about knitting with dog hair, this could be another use for it. After all, what's friendlier than dogs?

I've just made Scottie's day, yesterday I bought some new pillows so I have put one of the old ones in her dog bed. She hasn't used that bed for months but now she's laid in there looking like the Queen of the World. I've always spent a fortune on expensive doggie cushions that she's never wanted to use so I can't believe she's so happy with an old pillow. It does have a nice new tartan cover on it though so maybe that's why.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 1:44 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2008

I don't really know what happens now either. We could plait friendship bracelets and sing a song but I think mostly our names appear in each others friends bit and we get to conspire over difficult lines in guess the book ;-)

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 12:24 pm (EST) on Mar 3, 2008

PS - Have only just watched today's news and seen how bad the tremors were in the night. I assumed this morning that it was just a bit of a wobble (nothing at all down here, as usual). I do hope you didn't suffer any damage - you probably wouldn't appreciate my comments about being jealous if you did. We've always hoped for a bit of a shake on holiday - not much, just enough to be fun. There was one in Kalamata once while we were in Zakynthos and quite a few people near us claimed to have felt it, but we didn't. I'm really sorry if I was making stupid remarks while you were up to your ears in rubble - I hope that wasn't the case!
(Still have the news on in the background and I'm now listening to an item about how the n.umber of dog attacks are rising - as usual a few idiots spoiling things for everyone else. I suppose now we'll have more people than ever veering away in horror when we take our oh-so-gentle, wouldn't-hurt-a-fly babies for walks! Grrr.)
Take care - hope you have a peaceful night tonight.
Lyn

Our posts crossed over and it's okay, our house survived in one piece. Even the worst of the damage around me was not that bad and on the local news there was nothing too serious either. So yes, it was exciting.
I hate it when you see dog attacks on the news and then people react like every dog they see is Cujo. I think that, although some breeds might be more likely to turn than others, most of the responsibility is with the owner of the dog. They don't seem to know or care that big dogs need a lot of exercise and care and they just leave them in the house or garden with no walks or proper training or (most important) love. Scottie is classed as a small dog by our vet and she needs two periods of exercise per day at twenty minutes a time. That's the minimum amount to keep her happy and healthy. So a big Rottie must need at least double that.
I'm used to that look though when I walk Scottie. She's a vocal dog and she does this growl-howl to attract attention as well as a very deep Scottish bark. People react like a pack of wolves has been set loose on them and all she wants is a bit of attention.
Anyway, it's time to feed her, so I best go or she will be attacking me for starving her. There is no 'in a minute' when a Scottie wants her food.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 1:51 pm (EST) on Feb 27, 2008

The earthquake was quite exciting but only because no damage was done and nobody here was hurt. I wouldn't want to have a really big one like they have in America and places. That one was enough for me and for Scottie, who came running upstairs and got into bed with me, barking all the time.

Sorry to hear about your back and computer problems, it seems like things are conspiring against you to keep you off LT at the moment. I'm also recovering from health problems so I can appreciate the need for daytime naps. I hope your back eases soon though, back trouble can really get you down. And I hope putting your family tree back together is not too difficult.

As far as my travels to Greece go, I've mainly stuck to Corfu and Kefalonia but am hoping to get to Cyprus, there being a navy base there and my husband being in the navy. I can only keep my fingers crossed that we get posted there one day. If you cross yours for me too then you can come to visit when we get there. Corfu is my favourite place because I've always wanted to go, ever since I first read My Family and Other Animals. We stayed at a place called Costas in San Georgios Bay, near Rhoda and Sidari. We managed to travel around the whole island, once in one day on a very creaky hired motorbike. The only place on the island I didn't like was Kavos but Corfu and it's people are so lovely that if I could live there I would never want to go anywhere else. We made friends with a man who came to England once on holiday and chose Manchester of all places. He said he's never leaving Corfu again, after seeing a foreign city he knew how lucky he was to live in Corfu. Kefalonia was also lovely but Captain Correlli wasn't quite as attractive as the Durrells and he hasn't been around as long, so I never longed to visit there in the way I did for Corfu. On the plus side, it was being in Kefalonia that got me to Ithica, a place I did always want to visit and loved when I got there. Also, they have a 900 year old saint on Kefalonia that they keep in a church and bring out once a year to grant a miracle. How can you not love a place that does that? We saw the church but we weren't allowed to see the saint (who they insist is still alive!)

I can understand why your husband feels superstitious about going back to the place where you were due to visit when your dog got sick. It would probably bring back sad memories too.

Scottie sends sniffs back to Skeelo and I send get better thoughts to you and your back (and your computer). Take care, Jody

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 1:39 pm (EST) on Feb 27, 2008

Hi, haven't seen you around for a few days and hoped you are okay.

I'm awake at some horrible hour of the morning (2:09am) because of the earthquake and am taking full advantage to check into LT. Did you feel it in Devon?

Anyway, hope you are well, see you soon. Jody

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 9:11 pm (EST) on Feb 26, 2008

Hi there, fellow lab-lover! Having now at long last perused your library, might I recommend a couple of groups that would provide stimulating conversation & add to your TBR pile?

Girlybooks: not the greatest name, but the group's description is better: "For people who make an effort to read books by and/or about women. Whether it's sci-fi, social sciences or literature, we support female writers and positive representations of women."

Reading Globally - Fiction: reading great fiction from all over the world.

Hope to see you there!
Laura

posted by lindsacl at 2:36 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2008

Yes, you've figured it out. I engage in a bit of navel-gazing. A bit too much. I have a background in the classics and always thought it was a beautiful word. Puts a name to my self-indulgence.

posted by omphaloskepsis at 9:07 pm (EST) on Feb 19, 2008

Ok, now after reading Dreamlikecheese's comment, I must ask you where does your LT name come from? And where does hers?
As for Ann Boleyn, I have mixed feelings about her. I imagine she did the best she could under the circumstances, for an intelligent and ambitious woman of her time, as a member of her high reaching family. I think what I like least about her was her treatment of Catherine of Aragon, and Mary as a child and young person, and I think she lived (barely long enough) to regret it. Martha Huntley

posted by MarthaHuntley at 4:36 pm (EST) on Feb 14, 2008

Hi Booksloth. Thanks for the heads up about the "where does your LT name come from?" thread. I posted my story up there, but I think the name itself is probably more interesting than the story behind it. I love your explanation for your name. I never knew that about sloths and back pain. Lucky little buggers. I also suffer from recurrent back pain so I can completely relate to your sloth envy.

posted by dreamlikecheese at 7:16 pm (EST) on Feb 13, 2008

Hi, Lynn. You're in luck. Dissolution is the first of three (so far) Sansom books with Matthew Shardlake as the hero and they are all excellent! Blessings, Martha Huntley

posted by MarthaHuntley at 7:47 pm (EST) on Feb 1, 2008

Hi - thanks for your nice comment - you have a nice library too. Frankly I'm embarrassed about my tbr pile ... I'm getting ruthless about which books I keep, but can't walk past a bookshop or charity shop without popping in and it's still growing. I've upped my reading rate too but the pile doesn't get smaller!
Cheers
Annabel

posted by gaskella at 6:36 am (EST) on Feb 1, 2008

Hi, I just joined LTers with dogs group and also found one for people who love Scottie dogs, so I'm really happy now and looking forward to lots of posts about dogs and doggie books. Jody

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 10:02 pm (EST) on Jan 29, 2008

I think I finished in 95, if I didn't mix it up. I did Arts Foundation, a bunch of literature courses (including A319, which I think would be the predecessor of the modern literature course you took) and an odd music course to make up the numbers. Then I got withdrawal symptoms and started again with law, but it wasn't as much fun, so I stopped after a couple of courses.

posted by thorold at 4:59 pm (EST) on Jan 29, 2008

That, Madam, would be spectacular!

~BB (a.k.a. The Dog-Snogger)

posted by bookishbunny at 4:55 pm (EST) on Jan 29, 2008

But I don't have a dog. :( I have a cat, but he doesn't fetch (my friend's cat does). I have, however, been called a puppy-slut because I will bend over and snog just about any dog (especially large ones) that come my way.

posted by bookishbunny at 1:46 pm (EST) on Jan 29, 2008

Hi, thanks for adding me to your interesting libraries. Nice to see that you're a fellow OU graduate (I did a literature and music degree about ten years ago). I see we share the Dennis Walder book, amongst other things...

posted by thorold at 8:28 am (EST) on Jan 29, 2008

Hi, thanks for your comment and also for adding my library to your interesting libraries. I think it's one of the best things about Library Thing, because seeing books I share with other people has led me to authors they have liked and I haven't tried yet but have actually really enjoyed when I gave them a go. My wishlist has just gone up and up since I've been seeing and hearing about books on Library Thing.

I think the Monkey Sanctuary sounds like a really interesting place and when we come back down to that end of the country I will certainly try to visit it.

Take care, Jody

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 9:38 am (EST) on Jan 28, 2008

Hello there and welcome to the addictive Librarything. Believe me it really is addictive too.If it is not making you buy more and more books so that you can up your totals (no I can see that you're much too sensible to do that) you will be spending your time writing up reviews, joining some of the many groups or just spending time perusing the Libraries of any members that happen to catch ypur eye. Oh yes very addictive indeed,as I have found out. Also extremely enjoyable I hasten to add.
I like your Profile,but would disagree with your description of 51 as "Very Elderly", surely 85 to 100 is very elderly. A small point,but mine own.
Anyway,glad to have you among this happy band of booklover.
Bast wishes from the Midlands.

posted by devenish at 1:05 pm (EST) on Jan 26, 2008

Hello, thank you for your comment. I'm looking forward to using this tool as a motivation to read more. I've only actually recently delved into the realm of book nerdom, as I got a late start in life. Early on, I had terrible reading comprehension because I had a extremely short attention span and would thus get lost if character number exceeded three or there were too many plot twists. I've calmed down a bit since then so am able to focus and have really enjoyed the books I've recently been reading.

Incidentally, my book list would be threefold if I listed all of the books I've started but put down because it couldn't capture my attention.

Anyway, feel free to ask me any questions you may have about books from my list that you're considering; I'd be happy to discuss them with you.

posted by nmbrsbypnt at 5:05 pm (EST) on Jan 24, 2008

Hi there and thanks for the welcome! Yes, I'm still very new and trying not to get too addicted - it's way too easy to spend all day on this thing, isn't it? Loving seeing what other people are reading and comparing libraries. It's interesting how often I find someone whose tastes seem almost identical to mine and then they announce that my favourite book of all time is the one they hated most in the world; it's a good reminder of how different we all are. Hope you find something you like among that lot. As somebody who would rather lose a limb than be without a book I really hate those times where nothing you start reading feels quite right. I suppose the answer would be to read nothing at all for a few days but I don't think I'm capable of that. Good luck anyhow.
B/w B

posted by Booksloth at 1:54 pm (EST) on Jan 24, 2008

Hi booksloth, just noticed you're pretty new to LT. Welcome! From you description above, it sounds like you will like it here. Still pondering all your recommendations from that "What are you reading now" thread. Cheers,d

posted by dchaikin at 1:35 pm (EST) on Jan 24, 2008